HOSPITAL UPDATE

Garfield County Hospital District (GHCD) is proud to announce April's Employee of the Month, Phoenix Kinsall, who was nominated by her co-workers for being a valued employee and a dedicated worker. Phoenix was born in Denver, Colo. She lived in several different states growing up, including Alaska, Colorado, and Oregon, but most of her school years were spent living in Aumsville, Ore.

During the summer, she worked at a food cannery that processed peas and green beans located in Stayton, Ore. While still in high school, at age 16, she was hired at Burger King to manage the bank deposits and perform accounting duties and soon after was offered the night shift position as the Assistant Supervisor. At the time, the shift hours were between 7 p.m. to 3 a.m. and still she managed to get to school each morning. Clearly Phoenix's dedication and devotion to work and school, developed into a strong work ethic, which is quite an admirable trait at that young age.

After graduating from Cascade High School in Turner, Ore., in 2008, Phoenix and her family moved to Pomeroy. "I always knew I wanted to have a career in the medical field," so one of the first things she did after arriving in town was apply for the Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) course that was being offered through the hospital. Upon achieving her CNA Certificate, she started working full time on the long-term care side of the hospital for one year. "I built up my skills and learned how to be an aide and what to expect. Then I wanted to try bigger facilities and broaden my horizons." At 19, she was hired at the Veteran's Home in Lewiston where she was employed for the next 4 years. "I really liked it there."

Phoenix decided to fulfill a lifelong dream of becoming a registered nurse and enrolled at Walla Walla Community College (WWCC) and was accepted into the Nursing Program. Within two years, she had finished her prerequisite classes and completed her 1st year of Nursing School. In her spare time, worked as a Med Tech for Evergreen Assisted Living in Clarkston. "I loved this job because I had just learned how to pass meds in Nursing School, and I got to use those skills in my job."

When she was offered a position at SJRMC in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), she jumped at the opportunity to use her skill set and gain new experiences. In addition, she performed a dual role utilizing her secretarial duties within the ICU. Learning how to process orders for doctors and sending out for various tests, along with caring for patients on ventilation, allowed her to gain valuable knowledge.

Phoenix began working for GCHD as a CNA in the Perm Swing side and the Emergency Department. She was immediately recognized by staff for being a valuable employee. "Hardworking and loyal to her patient needs! Excellent team member." One co-worker said, "She never lets me down, willing to help when she can, positive and helpful with residents." When asked what she like most about her job she replied, "it is absolutely the patients! Doing patient care and making them feel good makes me feel good." She is known for taking on extra tasks such as styling patient's hair and volunteering for transports when patients have medical appointments. "Phoenix has gone above and beyond to help on night shift when we've been short." She goes the extra mile for her co-workers and the residents. She always has a smile and genuinely cares about the people she takes care of."

Phoenix and husband Sean, have a five–year goal to complete the education they have both started. Sean just completed his electrical technician certificate from WWCC and currently works for Dye Seed Ranch as a millwright. Phoenix plans to attend WWCC in the Fall and continue in the nursing program. Once she has attained her RN degree, she will remain working at GCHD, and Sean will return to school to complete his Energy Systems Management Degree. Ultimately, Phoenix's goal is to earn her BSN degree and then become a traveling nurse where she can explore different areas and see more of the United States. Eventually, would like to tour Europe and travel abroad.