HONORING HARDWORKING HEROES

By Hunter Harrell

It’s no secret that the services provided by the health industry are essential. Health care remains one of the fastest-growing job sectors, and the industry employs 22 million people, or 14% of all workers in the United States.

Whether covering administrative tasks or tending to patients, these statistics account for those that provide medical care in hospitals, clinics and private practice offices, nursing and residential care as well as family and childcare services. Above all, these workers continue to show up for our communities to provide critical care, comfort and compassion during some of the most difficult circumstances.

Who are these masked heroes, and how do they do it? And most importantly, how can we honor their sacrifices and show appreciation for their services? Several regional professionals provided their perspective on the challenges of the job, and the positive experiences that motivate them to choose a career in health care.

WHY WORK IN HEALTH CARE?

The path to a career in the industry is paved through education and experience. However, many can recall a memory that ignited an interest in the field at a young age, or describe the belief that caring for people is part of a call to serve.

“When I was a little kid, my mom and dad would drop me off at the nursing home in Grand Junction,” said San Juan Regional Medical Center (SJRMC) CNA, Christopher Lucero. “I would spend the day with my great aunt. I knew then that I wanted to work in the health care field.”

Similarly, rehabilitation coordinator and physical therapist assistant, Janelle Corley, said her grandparents received home health physical therapy, which led her to help others.

“The physical therapist assistance (PTA) that worked with them was so kind and made such an impression that it encouraged me to go to school to become a PTA,” she said.

Registered Nurse at Southwest Health System, Caroline Bogott, said she really enjoys the handson approach to helping others. For most, the job provides meaningful connections and a sense of accomplishment.

“I enjoy working with people,” said Kevin Rose, a physical therapist at SJRMC. “I also enjoy being able to make a change in peoples’ lives, not just from a systemic standpoint, but in one-on-one interactions with others.”

Southwest Health System pharmacist Neal Hurst echoed the same sentiments.

“It is rewarding to take care of a patient in the hospital one day, and then see them in the grocery store, at a community function, or at church the next day," he said. "Knowing I was able to be a part of their healing process brings me great professional satisfaction.”

Champions Of Change And Challenge

All health professionals must work closely with other providers and support staff to provide quality care. One effect of the pandemic is a shortage of qualified workers nationwide, and the Four Corners is no exception to the rule. Many clinics and hospitals

Rose said that staffing shortages placed hardships on many facilities. Some hired traveling caregivers to cover a shortage of staff. Others depended on caregivers from departments that were temporarily closed or those able

System, Jennifer Cropp said it affected not only her team, but the whole staff.

“Pharmacy, in particular, being an easily accessible health resource, has had to adjust considerably, especially regarding vaccines,” Cropp said. “It has been difficult to add the new responsibilities that came with the pandemic response while keeping up with our regular pharmacy commitments. We are so fortunate to have a wonderful supportive community here at the hospital. Many departments came together to hold mass vaccine clinics which lightened our load during that time.”

Southwest Health System paramedic, Dennis Delaney said his team is still dealing with many patients delaying preventative care, too.

"In EMS, we see both more critically ill patients who have delayed seeking care and more patients with minor illness that have not been addressed by their primary care physicians,” Delaney said.

However, health care professionals helped implement positive changes, and learned valuable lessons throughout the pandemic, too.

“The telehealth industry boomed, providing patients with more immediate and accessible healthcare,” Rose said. “We also have increased our ability to discharge our patients to skilled nursing facilities. We also made the change in elective surgeries where most patients can go home the same day as the surgery, unless there are outstanding circumstances.”

While most of the changes implemented during the pandemic were made to benefit the patients, there are some aspects that help the employees be more efficient as well.

“Many of the meetings that would require time away from the work station are now being done via digital platforms allowing, in some ways, for better use of time,” Hurst said.

Miranda Luddington, a paramedic at Southwest Health System, said she believes the challenges helped her team bond as well.

“I think this situation has allowed our department to realize how strong and creative we are and helped us to grow closer as a team of health care providers,” Luddington said.

How To Show Appreciation

What can the community do to show their gratitude for a job well done? According to these providers, a little patience and a simple thank you is more than enough.

“I really enjoy it when (patients) thank us personally or they write notes to show us how much they appreciated our caring for them,” Lucero said.

Corley had similar feelings. “The most genuine thank you’s are typically received in person, however, written reviews are always wonderful to share with the team.”

“We absolutely love it when we get a heartfelt thank you, a yummy treat from the bakery, or some goodies from the garden,” Cropp said.

"Patience and understanding," Bogott said. Luddington added: “We know that it is probably one of your worst possible days when you have to call us, and we are glad to be there for you.”