HOSPITAL CORNER

Garfield County Hospital District is proud to announce February's Employee of the Month, Daniel Bickerdyke. He was nominated by his co-workers who state, "He is great with the patients, goes the extra mile and always willing to help."

Daniel was born in Panama on the Canal Zone. His father served in the Army and moved the family back to the United States when Daniel was very young. Reminiscing on the various places he lived, he named seven different states to include, Alabama, New Jersey, New Hampshire, California, Oregon, Idaho, and Washington. The longest he was in one place was San Andreas, California for eight years. The population at that time was around 6,000 and situated in a rural setting. It originally was a gold-mining town from the 1849 goldrush era, but later became a rural farming community that raised sheep and various livestock. His family later moved to Idaho for five years where Daniel graduated in 1996 from Lewiston High School.

Daniel's work experience began in the restaurant business. He worked for Subway receiving recognition for being an excellent employee. He later worked for other fast-food chains while attending college at LCSC from 2003-04 majoring in journalism. After college, he felt God lead him into the healthcare field.

In 2005, he completed his CNA training and obtained his Nurses Assistant certification. His first employment in this role was at Milestones Decisions in Moscow, Idaho and worked off and on for eight years alternating between Visiting Angels and Comfort Keepers. He loved the Palouse area and kept returning, but also during this time, took care of a Pomeroy resident, which was his introduction to Pomeroy. He was aware of the Garfield County's age population and applied for a CNA position at Garfield County Hospital District in January of 2023. Daniel's decision to live in Pomeroy was an easy transition as it reminded him of the small towns, he grew up in.

Daniel sincerely loves working at the hospital and says, "Everyone here genuinely cares. I feel like this must be an oasis for agency staff," who travel and see other facilities and witness the shortage and need for good caregivers. "When I come around the corner, everybody is doing something with someone or for someone. The nurses are doing aide duties and there is nothing beneath anyone. I just haven't encountered a bad attitude. Daniel went on to say, "The ratio of four aides and four nurses per 14 people-you won't get that anywhere else."

Daniel's co-workers equally have wonderful things to say in return. After the announcement of him being the recipient of the Employee of the Month, one staff member replied, "Definitely well-deserved! You're a fantastic aide, and patients adore you." You are appreciated for all you do! "Dan not only does a great job, he does it with a great attitude! His positive outlook helps everyone have a better day." "Dan is amazing with the patients, always willing to listen and converse."

His long-term goals for his career include "Working here until I'm dead or get the call light at the end of the tunnel." When asked what he would like to accomplish on his bucket list, he wittingly replied, "I've always wanted to eat my way around the world and have swiss chocolate in Switzerland, pizza in Italy or cheesecake in New York."

On behalf of GCHD we are grateful Daniel joined our team, all you do, and for being an excellent employee-we appreciate you!