March Newsletter: Issue 3

Connecting with the Community Chief Human Resources Officer: Angela C. Giese

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At Humboldt General Hospital, Integrity, Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence are the values employees live by every day. With over 450 strong, our employees are committed to delivering the best quality care to every patient and family member with compassion and a smile on their face. We have, and continue to, provide opportunities for growth for our employees where they may not have had the chance in other organizations. From leadership roles to shadowing in various departments while being a senior in high school, we pride ourselves on developing relationships and careers that last a lifetime. With low turnover and high engagement, the Human Resources Department assists employees with all aspects of their employment lifecycle, from their robust onboarding to their retirement and everything in between. We are servant leaders who place the 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.

Issue: 3

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In This Issue

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Robyn Dunckhorst CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Kim Plummer CHIEF NURSING OFFICER Bertha Higbee CHIEF HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICER Angela C. Giese CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER Jackie Wilson CHIEF, EMS AND RESCUE Andrew Loveless MARKETING & OUTREACH DIRECTOR JoAnn Casalez

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.

Community Health Fair

Page 2-3

New Radiology Equipment

Page 4

Spotlight on our Services

Page 5

Employee Milestones

Page 6

Careers at HGH

Page 7

Great Basin Partnership

Page 8

The Board of HGH

Page 9

Upcoming Events

Page 10

HGHEC and Auxiliary

Page 11

HGH Shadowing Program

Page 12

Changes in How We Connect Page 13

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

We are grateful for all of the organizations that came together to be vendors at the health fair. All who participated are listed below: ADF-Winnemucca/Alzheimer’s Awareness, Community Health Services, The Center for Rehabilitation and Performance Rehab Services of Nevada, Advanced Movement and Wellness, Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office, Fontier Community Collation, Pleasant Senior Center, Nevada Cancer Colation, Jeremy M. Keener DDS Family Dental Care, ADSD-Rural Regional Center, Boys and Girls Club of Winnemucca, Humboldt County Library, Donor Network West, The American Red Cross, Nevada Department of Verans Services, VA Sierra Nevada Health Care System, Humboldt Connection Suicide Prevention Task Force, JustServe, Communities In Schools Northeastern Nevada, Nevada Radon Education Program, Nevada Early Intervention Services, Great Basin Community College, Winnemucca Rural Fire Department, Winnemucca Police Department, Crossroads Behavior Consultation, Humboldt Hospital Auziliary, WDVS, Children’s Cabinet, MedX Air One, Winnemucca Host Lions Club, and Dr. Sullivan.

The Community Health Fair is always something that we are proud and excited to host. Being a part of our community is always a priority at Humboldt General Hospital, and the health fair gives us a chance to help keep track of their health. This years success was not just in the people we helped but also the amount of people from our community who participated and gained insight, we had over 500 people join us in total whether in support of family or for themself. We would like to thank everyone who came, and to all of our vendors and volunteers for making it a success again this year.

New Equipment Coming to Radiology Improvements to Help Us Take Care of You

The Carestream DRX-Lux 35 is a portable It brings advanced security and convenience digital radiography (DR) system used in to rural healthcare with Microsoft Windows medical imaging, offering high-resolution 10 and "Secure by Design" features that images for faster, more efficient diagnostics. protect patient data from cyber threats, ensuring safety even in areas with limited IT It replaces traditional film-based X-ray support. systems with digital detectors, providing superior image quality, quicker processing, This new technology will help us enhance and wireless capabilities for seamless patient care and streamline operations, integration into hospital information and empowering our dedicated healthcare team radiology systems. This compact and versatile to provide secure, efficient, and system is designed to enhance workflows in compassionate service to our wonderful various clinical settings, from hospitals to community. Its portability, security, and mobile imaging units, improving diagnostic effectiveness will have a positive impact on accuracy and patient throughput. our patients.

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.

Spotlight on Our Services: 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.

Scan Me!

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

Become a Community Healthcare Partner

Registered Nurse 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

Scan me to learn more!

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.

Education, Licensure and Certification Requirements: Minimum Education: High School Diploma Minimum Experience: One year in a physician or other clinical location Required Certifications: Basic Life Support (BLS) Preferred Certifications/Licenses: Medical Assistant Certification

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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.

Connections Challenge

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.

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

Medical Bills Savings Event

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.

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.

Nurses Week

EMS Week

A hospital can’t function without nurses, and Most EMS departments are part of a private our nursing staff is truly exceptional. They work organization or a local fire department. Here, throughout the hospital, and their relentless however, we have the ability to work under the dedication to providing top-notch patient care same leadership. HGH EMS is capable of many is something we deeply value. Every year things that help our community, from special during Nurses Week, we award the Nurse extrication knowledge to paramedicine – they Nightingale Quality Staff Member recognition really do it all. They train new generations of to honor their hard work. Celebrating our EMTs, AEMTs, and paramedics, working largest department is just one way we show towards lifelong learning and earning endless appreciation, though we know no words can certifications. EMS Week is all about fully thank them for their tireless efforts. celebrating the amazing staff that ensures patients reach definitive care.

Graduation

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.

Officers for 2025 Shelly Smith—President Cher Alvarez—Vice President Tori Stephen—Treasurer Jessica Villarreal—Secretary JoAnn Casalez—Event Promoter

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 generous donation from the Pink Ladies of the Humboldt Hospital Auxiliary, who have helped fund the purchase of an advanced In2itive Handheld Spirometer for the Respiratory department.

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.

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 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!

Volunteer opportunities available for Humboldt Hospital Auxiliary, Poke N’ Peek Thrift Shop, Pink Ladies and more!

Any amount of service is appreciated!

Great way to make long-lasting friendships!

Amazing way to give back to the community!

Both men and women welcome!

For more information or to join please call, (775) 623-2076

Job Shadowing Opportunities at HGH We are excited to announce that our job shadowing program is now available. It provides the experience of walking through a career in the departments of Med-Surg (Acute), Radiology, Longterm Care, and Respiratory Therapy. If you are a senior in high school and know that you want to work in the medical field, but you are not sure which area of work you would like to go into, this is your chance to see what interests you most.

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.

Radiology – Observe how imaging professionals use advanced technology to assist in diagnosing and treating patients. Learn about X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and the vital role radiology plays in patient care.

Long-term Care – Gain insight into the compassionate care provided for long-term and rehabilitative patients. See how healthcare teams assist residents with daily activities, therapy, and overall well-being.

Respiratory Therapy – Observe how respiratory therapists care for patients with breathing difficulties. Learn about treatments like oxygen therapy, ventilator management, and pulmonary rehabilitation, and see how these specialists work alongside doctors and nurses to support patient care.

Acute Care (Med-Surg) – Experience the fast-paced environment of the acute care unit, where healthcare professionals treat a variety of medical conditions. Learn about patient monitoring, treatment plans, and teamwork in a hospital setting.

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

Instructions: Ingredients: In a bowl, mix together the ground beef, salt, 1 lb. ground beef pepper, garlic powder, onion, celery, carrots, and 1 tsp. salt egg yolk.

1 tsp. pepper Carefully separate the egg roll wrappers and lay 1 tsp. garlic powder one on a flat surface. Place 1 to 2 teaspoons of ½ cup finely chopped onion the beef mixture in the center of the wrapper. ½ cup finely chopped celery Fold and roll the wrapper, sealing the edges with ½ cup finely chopped carrots the reserved egg white.

1 egg yolk (reserve egg white for sealing Heat cooking oil in a deep fryer and carefully fry egg roll wrappers) the spring rolls until golden brown. Once fried, Cooking oil for deep frying serve with sweet and sour sauce for dipping.

Egg roll wrappers Enjoy!

Sweet & sour sauce for dipping

Connections Challenge Answer

The answer to this edition's Connections Challenge is: Nurse!