HOSPITAL UPDATE

The July Employee of the Month Certified Nursing Aide Margo Morgan was nominated by her co-workers who say, "She has great work ethic and respect for patients and fellow employees."

Margo is a native of Garfield County, born and raised here. Her family roots go back five generations starting with Claude and Ethal Mae Morgan. Several other family members and relatives currently live in Garfield County. Margo is a proud graduate of P.H.S. Class of 2003.

She began working while still in school after receiving her driver's license, and babysat during her high school years. Margo also mowed lawns at Deadman Creek Outfitters, plus doubled as a waitress in the store and café.

Her interest in the medical field grew during her senior year and her sisters-in-law encouraged her to seek a career in healthcare. At 19, she obtained a certificate as a Certified Nursing Aide (CNA) in 2004.

Garfield County Hospital District hired Margo, who worked full-time for 1½ years, cutting back after she and her husband started a family. They moved to his hometown in Hamilton, Mont., and she worked at a nursing home for Valleyview Estates Health and Rehabilitation. During the eight months there, she transitioned to a hospice center attached to the hospital for another year, which she really enjoyed.

What does she like best about being a CNA? "I know that I can give the best care possible to my patients and residents, that's what I like about my job. I know that I will do it right and I will do it with compassion."

Margo relocated to Cheney and traveled daily to Spokane, working for home healthcare facility within the owner's home as a nurse delegate. Duties included taking blood sugar readings, giving insulin shots, handing out medications and essentially operating in a nurse's capacity. In December of 2007, she relocated to Clarkston, and was employed for about a year at Clarkston Care Center, now known as Prestige Care.

As fate would have it, Margo and her husband came home in 2008 to raise her growing family, just after her second child was born, and she joined GCHD part time. After her third child in 2014, she was a stay-at-home mom for two years before returning full time in July, 2020. Her bubbly personality and joyful smile were a welcome sight to the staff and residents.

The Nurse Manager proudly admits, "Margo is a great team player. She provides great care for all our patients. She is always laughing and joking with patients and staff. She is a joy to be around."

Many of her co-workers agree and she is recognized for her work ethic. "Margo never hesitates to do patient care when needed. She has an eye for detail. The patients love having her take care of them. She is always ready to work. She comes in with a positive attitude and her co-workers love working with her."

Another staff member stated, "Margo is genuine. She honestly cares about each patient she meets. She notices the little things and her caring spirit shines through in all she does."

A long-term goal is to pursue a nursing career and attend Walla Walla Community College to become a registered nurse and possibly obtain a Bachelor of Science degree. Outside interests include raising chickens of which she has eight different breeds and looking forward to receiving a variety of colored eggs this year. Another pastime favorite includes camping and motorbiking in the mountains with her family and friends.

Please help us celebrate Margo for her commitment in striving to do her best for our patients and staff, and for being an extraordinarily dedicated and outstanding employee.