Garfield County Hospital District (GCHD) October's Employee of the Month, Carolyn Taylor, Health Unit Coordinator (HUC) and Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). She was nominated by her co-workers for being an excellent employee. Her peers were quoted saying, "Carolyn is a great asset to the Garfield County Hospital District team. She is a team player in every way."

Originally from Vancouver, Wash., she graduated from Evergreen High in 1991 and started working in the Fast Food Industry. In 1997 Carolyn migrated from Vancouver to Pomeroy where she was hired as a cook at Donna's Drive Inn and was employed there for eleven years. She joined GCHD in 2009 as a dietary cook, preparing and serving meals for the residents. During this time, she felt drawn into the medical field and wanted a position that allowed more interaction with the patients. "I like helping people," so when the chance to take nursing assistant classes opened, Taylor signed up.

In February of 2014, she completed her classes and received her certification as a CNA and gained valuable experience in the Emergency Department, Acute and Observation units as well as caring for Swing Bed patients.

Carolyn transitioned into the Health Unit Coordinator position, after it became available in 2017, and took additional classes for Medical Office Assistant to advance her skills in this new role. When asked what she like best about her job, she replied, "The co-workers, the residents, and meeting the people that come in."

Her co-workers feel the same way about Carolyn. "She is our Health Unit Coordinator but she also helps where ever needed, when asked or not, always with a smile on her face and a can-do attitude."

In addition to receiving the Employee of the Month, Carolyn was recently nominated as the Secretary of the Employee Advisory Council (EAC). This group organizes fundraisers such as chili cook-offs, potlucks, and ice cream socials with the purpose of giving back to the GCHD employees.

The EAC enjoys celebrating individual accomplishments and offer encouragement in difficult times by donating food, flowers, and cards. Carolyn's ability to organize and her caring attitude was an easy choice for the staff to designate her as an officer on the EAC committee.

Garfield County Hospital District recognizes Carolyn's dedication to upholding our values through her impeccable work ethic and devoted patient care. Please join our staff recognizing her for being a model employee who brings out the best in everyone.

If you would like to acknowledge an employee for their hard work and dedication to our establishment, please stop by the admitting office and pick up a form to fill out and leave with the receptionist or the Health Unit Coordinator at the nurses station on the swing bed side of the hospital.