| Church
is employee of the month
Hearing the stories behind the SMHC Employee of the Month nominees is heartwarming and always moving, said one customer service team member. The member went on to describe a story told about April’s Employee of the Month, Julie Church, RN. 
“Julie cares so much about her patients and is always doing special things for them beyond seeing them in the clinic. Recently she asked other staff members if they wanted to bring in food to prepare a special basket for a gentleman whose wife had just died. It was his birthday and she knew he’d be missing his lifetime partner so she gathered treats for a special basket for a birthday gift and I know it’s not the first time she’s done something like that,” said the team member. Julie graduated from Lewis Clark State College School of Nursing in May, 1978. She worked at St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center from 1978 to 1987 on their orthopedic and neurology floor. She began working at St. Mary’s as a floor nurse in 1987 until 1992 when she went to work as the school nurse for School District #241 from 1993 to1996. In 1997 she rejoined the SMH staff as a clinic nurse. Currently she assists Dr. Ronald Sigler on Mondays and Wednesdays in the Cottonwood Clinic. Two additional days she fills in for nurses who are off or acts as a float nurse, filling in wherever needed. “I went into nursing because I wanted to help others. I have worked all but two years since graduation. I feel blessed that I choose a profession that I have loved all these years,” said Julie. “The thing I like best about my job is the relationships I have made with my patients and co-workers. I consider them members of my extended family. My favorite responsibility is giving the best care I can to our patients.” Her nomination form said that Julie “always has a nice word for everyone,” “she listens patiently” and “she is a sweetheart to work with.” Julie and her husband, Jim, reside in Grangeville. They have three grown sons, David, Kevin and Joe. When not working, Julie enjoys walking, reading, gardening, crocheting, drawing and painting. “I feel very fortunate and proud to be a member of such an outstanding organization,” said Julie. “I’ve enjoyed working with Dr. Sigler all these years. He is an excellent doctor who gives so much of himself to his practice and his patients.” |
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