Connecting with the Community
Chief Human Resources Officer:
Angela C. Giese
At Humboldt General Hospit
Compassion, Accountability, Excellence are the values em employees are committed to family member with compass to, provide opportunities for had the chance in other organizations. From leadership roles to shadowing in various departments while being a senior in high school, we pride ourselves developing relationships and careers that last a lifetime. With low turnover a high engagement, the Human Resources Department assists employees with aspects of their employment lifecycle, from their robust onboarding to their retirement and everything in between. We are servant leaders who place th patient first by making Humboldt General Hospital the hospital where patients prefer to receive care, where physicians choose to practice, and where employees choose to further their careers.
CHIEFEXECUTIVEOFFICER
RobynDunckhorst
CHIEFFINANCIALOFFICER
KimPlummer
CHIEFNURSINGOFFICER
BerthaHigbee
CHIEFHUMANRESOURCES
OFFICER
AngelaC.Giese
CHIEFINFORMATION
OFFICER
JackieWilson
CHIEF,EMSANDRESCUE
AndrewLoveless
MARKETING&OUTREACH
DIRECTOR
JoAnnCasalez
Humboldt General Hospital
(HGH) is a County Hospital District, meaning it is a community-focused healthcare facility established and governed under Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS 450).
HGH is overseen by an elected board of trustees, who are responsible for ensuring that the hospital operates in the best interests of the community.
As a County Hospital District funded in part by tax dollars, HGH is committed to being fiscally responsible with public funds, ensuring that every dollar is spent wisely to benefit the health and well-being of our community.
HGH Annual Community Health Fair
This March we celebrated our annual Community Health Fair. It was organized by our Wellness Coordinator Billie Lucero and had many different vendors provide services. The health of our community is a big factor in what keeps us going, and the health fair gives us the opportunity to do so. During the community health fair, we offered these labs at a discounted rate of $25, which included a CMP, Lipid Panel, CBC, Hemoglobin A1c, TSH, and PSA (for an additional $5). In total 187 labs were done, each giving insightful results into participants health and wellness.
At the same time as our community health fair we also had our second blood drive of the year with Vitalant and the Bureau of Land Management. The combination of these two events helped to encourage more families to come. While some members got a check up on their health the others were able to donate blood to help save lives. In total there were 62 blood donors, 82 units were collected, and 246 lives will be saved. We are thankful for everyone who came together to help donate for our community.
Because the health fair is such a large event, we relied on support from our staff and community to make it possible. MAPE students assisted with blood draws for labs, while members of our High School EMT class took blood pressures and helped teach Hands-Only CPR. Other staff distributed pamphlets, discussed various programs and preventive measures, and guided attendees to what they needed. It’s always incredible to see everyone come together to support our community's health. With the help of our vendors, we made the event even more impactful, serving over 500 attendees!
HGH Annual Community Health Fair
Wearegratefulforalloftheorganizationsthatcametogethertobevendors atthehealthfair.Allwhoparticipatedarelistedbelow: ADF-Winnemucca/Alzheimer’sAwareness,CommunityHealthServices,The CenterforRehabilitationandPerformanceRehabServicesofNevada, AdvancedMovementandWellness,HumboldtCountySheriff’sOffice, FontierCommunityCollation,PleasantSeniorCenter,NevadaCancer Colation,JeremyM.KeenerDDSFamilyDentalCare,ADSD-RuralRegional Center,BoysandGirlsClubofWinnemucca,HumboldtCountyLibrary,Donor NetworkWest,TheAmericanRedCross,NevadaDepartmentofVerans Services,VASierraNevadaHealthCareSystem,HumboldtConnection SuicidePreventionTaskForce,JustServe,CommunitiesInSchools NortheasternNevada,NevadaRadonEducationProgram,NevadaEarly InterventionServices,GreatBasinCommunityCollege,WinnemuccaRural FireDepartment,WinnemuccaPoliceDepartment,CrossroadsBehavior Consultation,HumboldtHospitalAuziliary,WDVS,Children’sCabinet,MedX AirOne,WinnemuccaHostLionsClub,andDr.Sullivan.
TheCommunityHealthFairisalwayssomethingthatweareproudand excitedtohost.Beingapartofourcommunityisalwaysapriorityat HumboldtGeneralHospital,andthehealthfairgivesusachancetohelpkeep trackoftheirhealth.Thisyearssuccesswasnotjustinthepeoplewehelped butalsotheamountofpeoplefromourcommunitywhoparticipatedand gainedinsight,wehadover500peoplejoinusintotalwhetherinsupportof familyorforthemself.Wewouldliketothankeveryonewhocame,andtoall ofourvendorsandvolunteersformakingitasuccessagainthisyear.
New Equipment Coming to Radiology Improvements
to Help Us Take Care of You
The Carestream DRX-Lux 35 is a portable digital radiography (DR) system used in medical imaging, offering high-resolution images for faster, more efficient diagnostics. It replaces traditional film-based X-ray systems with digital detectors, providing superior image quality, quicker processing, and wireless capabilities for seamless integration into hospital information and radiology systems. This compact and versatile system is designed to enhance workflows in various clinical settings, from hospitals to mobile imaging units, improving diagnostic accuracy and patient throughput.
Itbringsadvancedsecurityandconvenience toruralhealthcarewithMicrosoftWindows 10and"SecurebyDesign"featuresthat protectpatientdatafromcyberthreats, ensuringsafetyeveninareaswithlimitedIT support.
Thisnewtechnologywillhelpusenhance patientcareandstreamlineoperations, empoweringourdedicatedhealthcareteam toprovidesecure,efficient,and compassionateservicetoourwonderful community.Itsportability,security,and effectivenesswillhaveapositiveimpacton ourpatients.
CEO Robyn Dunckhorst Represents Rural Hospitals in Washington, D.C.
CEO, Robyn Dunckhorst, attended the Rural Health Policy Institute in Washington, D.C. in February, where she met with federal legislators to discuss crucial issues facing rural healthcare. Dunckhorst focused on physician shortages, opioid response, and the preservation of rural hospitals.
Currently, there are 5,467 Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) in the United States, with over 60% of them situated in rural regions. Despite rural areas representing nearly 20% of the U.S. population, only a mere 10% of physicians practice in these areas. At HGH, we’ve implemented flexible physician contracts to maintain vital services like the Women’s and Rural Health Clinics in Winnemucca. Dunckhorst’s advocacy highlights our ongoing commitment to ensuring rural communities have access to essential healthcare close to home.
Childbirth Education
Humboldt General Hospital is one of three critical access hospitals in rural Nevada that offer OB services. What you may not know is that we also offer a variety of educational classes that cover lactation, childbirth, and newborn care. These classes are taught by Becky Egbert, Childbirth Education Instructor. There can be a lot of uncertainty when becoming a parent, whether it’s the first time or not. These classes aim to reduce that worry and enhance your knowledge for when your beautiful baby arrives.
Our childbirth education class will provide you with essential information to make informed decisions about your birth experience, covering everything from prenatal care to postpartum. You'll learn about the stages of labor, comfort measures, interventions, medications, breathing techniques, and how to receive coaching support throughout the process.
Lactation classes will guide you through the natural process of breastfeeding, covering topics such as lactation, breast anatomy, optimal positioning, recognizing feeding cues, maintaining proper nutrition, and safely storing breast milk.
The newborn care classes will cover essential newborn care topics such as feeding, sleeping, diapering, circumcision, umbilical cord care, bathing, and dressing. Expecting parents will also learn about newborn temperament, crying and soothing methods, behavior states, and how to interpret their baby’s communication cues.
For Questions, contact: Becky Egbert at 775.455.5138 or email egbertr@hghospital.org
To pre-register for any of the classes, please call: HGH Mother & Baby Unit 775.623.7930
Employee Milestones
HGH employs over 400 members of our community. While some staff are fairly new, there are many who have been here for several years and counting. On February 13th, we celebrated these milestones of our employees. Looking back on their time here reminds us of all the ways they have contributed over the years.
5 Years
Jessica Villarreal, Chelsie Hammond, Susan Allen, Bryan Wilcox, Scott Huseboe, Joseph McGinnis, Theresa Willis, Frances Peterson, Tiffany Newman, Lucia Martinez, Jasmin Brunson, Jasmine Ibarra, Desiree Solimine, Tina Gomez, Amanda Stephen, Beau-Jeremy Hampton, Karrie Villarreal, Shelly Smith, Bailey Schommer, Kaylee Hoffman, Ali Ames, Lindsey Stockton, Oxana Sylvester, Clarissa Vincent, Landon Mouritsen, Gudelia Mendoza, Dr. Veronica Janhunen, and Dr. Rommel Adajar.
10 Years
Jessica Grannis, Lourdes Garcia, Rachel Roysdon, Crisanti Rabanes, Kathryn Ourada, Kathy Patterson, Freddie Ziemer, and Jose Barajas
15 years
Stephanie Huseboe, Nelida Martinez, and Echo Mathews.
20 Years
Sonia Blanco and Michael Bell.
We would like to thank and congratulate all of our staff who have reached an employment milestone this year. Each and every person has made a significant impact through their hard work and in helping to make our hospital feel more like a community.
Careers at HGH
Provides and coordinates professional patient care in medical, surgical, obstetrics, intensive care, emergency room, or skilled nursing facility settings, according to established standards and practices. Educates patients and family members on treatment and care plans, while also addressing their questions and concerns.
Education, Licensure and Certification Requirements (depending on department requirements):
Must possess a high school diploma or equivalent
Completion from an accredited school of nursing
Active Nevada Registered Nurse license
Current CPR/AED
PALS certification within one year of employment
ACLS certification within one year of employment
Become a Community Healthcare Partner Registered Nurse Medical Assistant
Performs administrative and certain clinical duties under the direction of a physician. The duties of a Medical Assistant vary depending on the clinic, size of the practice, physician specialty, and physician preference. The Medical Assistant is responsible for assisting with patient care and reports to the Clinic Supervisor and Physician.
Step Into Healthcare
HGH Partnership with Great Basin Community College
Humboldt General Hospital (HGH) is dedicated to providing our community with the best care possible and offering the most opportunities to receive care close to home. To achieve this, our staff is essential in keeping each department running smoothly. Great Basin Community College (GBC) has done an outstanding job educating students who eventually become valuable members of our team. Thanks to their commitment to education and our dedication to compassionate care, our partnership benefits both sides. Several of their programs, including nursing, medical assisting, phlebotomy, respiratory therapy, and more, offer students the opportunity to gain experience through clinical rotations at HGH.
At HGH, we collaborate with Great Basin College to provide students with the chance to pursue healthcare careers right here in Winnemucca. Through state-ofthe-art labs and high-fidelity technology, students gain valuable hands-on experience.
The Associate of Applied Science Nursing Program at Great Basin College, ranked #1 in Nevada, offers a pathway to becoming a Registered Nurse, with a 100% NCLEX pass rate for the past three years. The program features personalized clinical and lab experiences, supported by a low faculty-tostudent ratio, including a state-of-the-art nursing lab in Winnemucca with high-fidelity simulators. The MAPE program prepares students for certification in medical assisting, phlebotomy, and EKG technology, with clinical rotations at Humboldt General Hospital’s clinics. Additionally, Great Basin College is launching Northern Nevada’s first respiratory therapy program in 2025, providing hands-on training with advanced respiratory equipment.
Applications for all programs are open until May 1st for fall enrollment.
Katlyn Gomez, one of the current M.A.P.E program students.
HGH Board Updates
We are pleased to announce important updates to the HGH Board of Trustees. Jill Stepper was elected by the trustees as Board Chair, bringing her extensive experience and dedication to guiding the Board toward continued success in delivering high-quality healthcare. Alicia Cramer has been re-elected for another term, continuing her impactful service since 2019. Her unwavering commitment to the hospital and the community is truly appreciated. Jim French has been elected by the trustees to serve as Vice Chair, bringing valuable leadership to the Board. Joining as a new Trustee in January 2025 is Rachel Bourbon, who brings fresh insights and energy to the team. Her leadership will be a valuable asset throughout her fouryear term.
We are excited about the leadership and contributions of these dedicated individuals and look forward to their work in helping Humboldt General Hospital meet the healthcare needs of our community in 2025 and beyond.
Re-elected Alicia Cramer, Jim French (Vice Chair, elect), Jill Stepper (Board Chair, elect), and new-elect Rachel Bourbon.
The Humboldt County Hospital District Board of Trustees meets at 5:30 p.m. the fourth Tuesday of each month in the Sarah Winnemucca Conference Room at HGH, 118 E. Haskell St., Winnemucca, Nevada.
Connections Challenge
I work around the clock, tending to your needs, With a caring touch, I plant healing seeds.
I’m not a doctor, but I’m always near, Who am I, offering comfort and cheer?
HGH Board of Trustees
Alicia Cramer, Seat A
Jill Stepper, Seat B
Rachel Bourbon, Seat C
Jim French, Seat D
Michelle Miller, Seat E
Ken Tipton, County Commissioner
Upcoming Events
Hospital Week and Monarch
One of the biggest events of the year at HGH is Hospital Week and Monarch. We are able to celebrate all of our staff, how they work together to provide for our community, and each of their unique accomplishments. Our staff work hard year-round to constantly innovate and improve our services, so this celebration is how we give back. It is filled with different games, awards, and community-building events. We are excited to bring it back this year, better than ever.
Nurses Week
A hospital can’t function without nurses, and our nursing staff is truly exceptional. They work throughout the hospital, and their relentless dedication to providing top-notch patient care is something we deeply value. Every year during Nurses Week, we award the Nurse Nightingale Quality Staff Member recognition to honor their hard work. Celebrating our largest department is just one way we show appreciation, though we know no words can fully thank them for their tireless efforts.
Graduation
Medical Bills Savings Event
From March 1 to June 15, 2025, patients can receive a 50% discount on their balance after insurance has paid. To apply, simply visit the Financial Counselor at the main hospital or the Self-Pay counter at West Campus. The discount is available for individual accounts in good standing and can be applied to family members’ accounts. It does not apply to uninsured/self-pay accounts, co-payments, Harmony Manor and Quail Corner accounts, industrial/commercial accounts, or past payments, including those made in February. The offer also cannot be combined with other discounts.
EMS Week
Most EMS departments are part of a private organization or a local fire department. Here, however, we have the ability to work under the same leadership. HGH EMS is capable of many things that help our community, from special extrication knowledge to paramedicine – they really do it all. They train new generations of EMTs, AEMTs, and paramedics, working towards lifelong learning and earning endless certifications. EMS Week is all about celebrating the amazing staff that ensures patients reach definitive care.
Graduation is approaching fast once again this year. We will have EMS students, GBC students from various programs, High School Emergency Medical Technician students, and even some of our providers in the Rural Residency Clinic graduating. Each individual has worked hard to reach their goals, and we are very excited to be able to celebrate their achievements. For now, they are on the last stretch, but we wish them well every step of the way.
The Employees Committee (HGHEC) is a vital part of Humboldt General Hospital, bringing employees together and giving back to the community. This year, they were able to sell 656 Valentine’s Day candy grams. These fundraisers not only help fund future events but also help give back to the community. As of right now, they are reaching out to staff to see if there are any new fundraisers they would be interested in. Recently in March, from the 24th-27th, they had a very successful food auction that staff were able to participate in.
We are thrilled to announce the gene donation from the Pink Ladies of the Hospital Auxiliary, who have helped f purchase of an advanced In2itive Han Spirometer for the Respiratory depart
Officers for 2025
Shelly Smith President
Cher Alvarez Vice President
Tori Stephen Treasurer
Jessica Villarreal Secretary
JoAnn Casalez Event Promoter
Here are a few key points to keep in mind before applying for HGHEC donations:
There's no deadline to apply! Applications are welcome anytime throughout the year
Applications will remain on file for the calendar year. We may request additional information from applicant organizations.
Preference will be given to organizations contributing to the health, wellness, and safety of Humboldt County
We don't fund administrative costs such as rent, utilities, or salaries.
Complete applications are essential for consideration.
Meetings are the First Tuesday of the Month from 2pm to 3pm in Sonoma Conference room
This cutting-edge device will enable the hospital to offer lung health screenings at health fairs, career fairs, and community wellness events, providing invaluable assistance in diagnosing and monitoring various breathing conditions. The In2itive Handheld Spirometer is equipped with viral and bacterial filters, ensuring safe, accurate, and reliable testing for our community members.
HGH’s Respiratory Director, Clarissa Vincent, RRT, and Annita Jury, RT, completed 26 free spirometry tests during the HGH Health Fair, resulting in one important referral. A big thank you to the Auxiliary and our dedicated Respiratory Team for their hard work and commitment to community health!
Volunteers Needed!
Volunteeropportunitiesavailablefor HumboldtHospitalAuxiliary,PokeN’PeekThriftShop,Pink Ladiesandmore!
Anyamountofserviceisappreciated! Greatwaytomakelong-lastingfriendships! Amazingwaytogivebacktothecommunity! Bothmenandwomenwelcome!
Job Shadowing Opportunities at HGH
We hope this program makes a meaningful impact on our community and provides valuable opportunities for all participants. High school students are the future of healthcare, and we are excited to support them on their journey hopefully leading to a rewarding career right here at Humboldt General Hospital.
Weareexcitedtoannouncethatourjobshadowingprogramis nowavailable.Itprovidestheexperienceofwalkingthrougha careerinthedepartmentsofMed-Surg(Acute),Radiology,LongtermCare,andRespiratoryTherapy.Ifyouareaseniorinhigh schoolandknowthatyouwanttoworkinthemedicalfield,but youarenotsurewhichareaofworkyouwouldliketogointo,this isyourchancetoseewhatinterestsyoumost.
Radiology–Observehowimagingprofessionalsuseadvanced technologytoassistindiagnosingandtreatingpatients.Learn aboutX-rays,CTscans,MRIs,andthevitalroleradiologyplaysin patientcare.
Long-termCare–Gaininsightintothecompassionatecare providedforlong-termandrehabilitativepatients.Seehow healthcareteamsassistresidentswithdailyactivities,therapy,and overallwell-being.
RespiratoryTherapy–Observehowrespiratorytherapistscarefor patientswithbreathingdifficulties.Learnabouttreatmentslike oxygentherapy,ventilatormanagement,andpulmonary rehabilitation,andseehowthesespecialistsworkalongsidedoctors andnursestosupportpatientcare.
AcuteCare(Med-Surg)–Experiencethefast-pacedenvironmentof theacutecareunit,wherehealthcareprofessionalstreatavariety ofmedicalconditions.Learnaboutpatientmonitoring,treatment plans,andteamworkinahospitalsetting.
To sign up paperwork will be available in the Career Center at Albert M. Lowry High School. Then you can schedule a time slot with HGH HR Specialist, Isabel Castaneda at (775) 623-5222 ext. 1131 or castanedai@hghospital.org. Please reach out to Isabel with any questions you may have about the HGH Shadowing Program.
Viva Engage Changes in How We Connect
Connection is an integral part of a hospital. We need to be able to connect with our patients and their families, connect with the community to help spread awareness and safety, and also connect with other staff. Proper communication is always used when it comes to providing healthcare, but we also prioritize personal connections, which were once achieved through the use of Workplace. On Workplace, staff were able to share achievements, organize events, and, in general, it kept people excited. However, Workplace was no longer an option, and we didn’t want to lose the connections we’ve worked so hard to form. Now, we have successfully transitioned to Viva Engage to continue one of the many ways we connect.
Fried Spring Rolls
Ingredients:
1 lb. ground beef
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. pepper
1 tsp. garlic powder
½ cup finely chopped onion
½ cup finely chopped celery
½ cup finely chopped carrots
1 egg yolk (reserve egg white for sealing egg roll wrappers)
Cooking oil for deep frying
Egg roll wrappers
Sweet & sour sauce for dipping
Instructions:
In a bowl, mix together the ground beef, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion, celery, carrots, and egg yolk.
Carefully separate the egg roll wrappers and lay one on a flat surface. Place 1 to 2 teaspoons of the beef mixture in the center of the wrapper. Fold and roll the wrapper, sealing the edges with the reserved egg white.
Heat cooking oil in a deep fryer and carefully fry the spring rolls until golden brown. Once fried, serve with sweet and sour sauce for dipping.
Enjoy!
Connections Challenge Answer
The answer to this edition's Connections Challenge is: Nurse!