PCHS highlights National Hospital & Nurses Week
In recognition of the annual National Hospital & Nurses Weeks, observed May 6–16 this year, Perkins County Health Services is pleased to issue sincere thanks and appreciation to the entirety of its local staff in continuously fulfilling the healthcare needs of Perkins County and the surrounding area. In particular , to highlight the role nurses play across its entire organization – both inside the hospital and throughout its extended services.
“The commitment of care and diligent effort of our entire PCHS staff is just fantastic” notes CEO Neil Hilton, also to add “It is so wonderful to reference, as is generally pretty typical for any full-service hospital-based organization, is that of our PCHS total employment, exactly half of the employment roster is some form of nursing staff.”
According to Hilton, PCHS employs around 180 people in total, with approximately 90 serving in various nursing roles.
“Core hospital floor staff are approximately half of the 90 total—with nearly 45 tending to direct hospital and emergency room care and 45 others serving in other areas, including both primary care clinics in Grant and Ogallala, the surgical department, specialty clinic, Parkridge assisted living, cardiac rehab, and more” he said.
That reach reflects the broad role nurses play across the organization—not just in direct bedside care, but in support of Medical Staff and virtually all aspects of PCHS.
Nursing staff is often referred to as the “heart of healthcare,” a sentiment echoed by hospital leadership during this timely occasion of recognition.
“Nursing staff is often referred to as the ‘heart of healthcare,’ and we are blessed to have the great nurses that we have working here,” said Director of Nursing Dana McArtor. “PCHS is very proud of our entire staff and appreciates the opportunity to recognize them.”
While this occasion offers a chance to show appreciation, McArtor, and Assistant DON Kristi Griffiths, say it also highlights the challenges nurses continue to face, including increasing regulations, staffing shortages and burnout.
“Every year there are more and more regulations put into place in healthcare,” said Griffiths. “It is frustrating that it is necessary to spend so much time on regulatory compliance while being focused upon taking care of patients. There are a lot of stressors and demands within healthcare, and it is important that we take care of each other to assure we don’t get burned out.”
Despite those challenges, nursing leadership pointed to the qualities that define PCHS staff: dedication, dependability, knowledge, teamwork, integrity and empathy.
Beyond patient care, nurses also take on additional roles within the organization and community.
“They provide such valuable education and mentoring to new employees and students, volunteer in the community and participate in committees focused on antibiotic stewardship, quality assurance, safety and disaster preparedness,” McArtor said.
PCHS’ commitment to recruit and retain great nurses remains ongoing – including yearly evaluations and raises, job fair participation and offering scholarships and loans for continuing education. Supporting staff well-being is also a priority.
“We work to offer flexible scheduling, honor requests when possible, maintain an open-door policy and recognize moments of excellence,” Griffiths said.
The role of nurses has also evolved, with more autonomy and a greater emphasis on patient education and engagement.
“There is a bigger focus on helping patients and families understand their own healthcare needs and encouraging them to be involved in their care,” McArtor said.
Opportunities for advancement are available within PCHS, including scholarships, loans, job shadowing, internships and the ability to move into different roles within the organization.
McArtor and Griffiths also emphasized that nursing is more than just a job.
“It is not just a career commitment, it is a lifestyle,” Griffiths said. “As a nurse, you are always working, even when not at work. It takes a lot of dedication and sacrifice. We often take time away from our own families to take care of yours. It is one of the few professions that works weekends and holidays, 24/7 throughout. But it is also one of the most rewarding professions, knowing that you have made a difference in someone’s life.”
During National Nurses Week, the message to staff is one of very genuine appreciation.
“We are so blessed to have the staff we do,” McArtor said. “We love the way they care for their patients and each other, and the positive working environment they have created. It is so impressive to see how staff is always looking to improve the way we care for our patients.”
McArtor and Griffiths also expressed gratitude for the support they receive from families, coworkers and the broader community.
“As a team, we are so thankful to have the support of our personal families, our healthcare family and the community,” Griffiths said. “That support allows us to provide the best care possible in a facility that is strongly supported by everyone.”