HOSPITAL UPDATE

Garfield County Hospital District is proud to announce November Employee of the Month, Mary Herres, R.N. She was nominated by her co-workers who state, "She is loved and respected by residents and employees." She was born and raised in the rural town of Sibely, Iowa. At age 13, she relocated to Kamiah, Id., and graduated from Kamiah High School in 1983. Her first job experience was working with the Forest Service through the Idaho Youth Conservation Corps, restoring trails for two summers during her junior and senior years.

Mary's introduction to the medical field was infiltrated early in life. Her mother served in the Women's Army Corp as an RN and her father was a pharmacist. At her mother's suggestion, she decided to pursue a career in nursing and earned her degree as a registered nurse at LCSC in 1986.

After graduation, she was hired at Orchard Villa Nursing home, now known as Prestige Care & Rehabilitation–The Orchards, in Lewiston, Idaho where she was employed for six months starting out as a Charge Nurse. Later she applied for the position at Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center and became the Charge Nurse in the Medical Oncology Unit and found her passion.

In this role, Mary developed a rapport with her patients and the staff. Her compassion and caring spirit for those she took care of was the driving force through the years and recalled, "I loved the families, people and staff." Her loyalty, devotion and hard work ethic earned her an opportunity to be promoted as the Clinic Care Coordinator, but she turned down the offer. "I loved the people," which was evident as her career in the oncology field spanned over two decades before she retired in 2004.

Mary joined GCHD in July of 2012 and has been an intricate part of the nursing staff. "She is a great nurse; I love working with her!" When asked what she like best about her job she replied, "I love my residents and the staff I work with." The feeling is mutual. Mary is the epitome of a "team player," helping with activity events, works shoulder to shoulder with all aides and always offers to assist CNAs. "Her work ethic is amazing! Always willing to help and has the residents at heart at all times." "Mary is always busy, constantly keeping an eye on everything and doesn't miss anything!"

"She loves her patients and cares for each and every one of them like they are all family. Her patients love that she is their nurse." "She loves and takes care of them with the utmost respect. Makes time for each and every resident and most importantly cares about every single one of them." "Mary takes her job and patients seriously and still has a sense of humor." "Totally has resident's cares and comforts as her main concerns. Love her enthusiasm!"

Her goals for the future are to "Maintain what I'm doing. I love being a floor nurse." Please join us in honoring Mary for this well-deserved award and congratulate her for being an outstanding, highly respected and loved member of the nursing staff team!