Garfield County Hospital District is pleased to announce March's Employee of the Month, Samantha McGatha, CNA. She was nominated by her co-workers who proudly state, "She goes the extra mile for all her patients." Samantha was born and raised in Seattle, Wash., and in 2004 received her high school diploma by graduating early at the age of 16. She spent the next several years learning the popular trade of a barista employed by Caffé Appassionato in the University District of the Seattle area. It was in this busy coffee shop that Samantha fine-tuned her customer service skills and developed a love for serving people.

Years later, she migrated to Pomeroy to be near family and became interested in the medical field. She decided to apply for the CNA classes that were offered through the hospital in 2012, earning her Certified Nursing Assistant Certification in a few short months. Sometime after, she made the important life decision to take a sabbatical from her job to raise her three small children during their formative years.

In August of 2018, she returned to Garfield County Hospital District and continued her career working night shifts for several months but most recently started day shifts, which she enjoys very much as it keeps her busy. "She works hard and you never really see her sitting down."

Samantha enjoys doing special things for the residents whenever possible. Last year around Thanksgiving, for instance, she bought gingerbread house kits for the residents and volunteered her own kids and their friends to help assist the patients.

When asked what Samantha's favorite part of her job is she replied, "The residents, they're family, and the close community," referring to the closeness of the hospital staff, the patients and their family members. The nursing staff confirms this statement too, "She loves on her patients as if they were her own family." Among her daily tasks and duties, she truly enjoys spending one-on-one activities with the residents such as painting their nails. It brings a smile to their faces and they appreciate the special attention.

"Sam," as her co-workers lovingly call her, personifies a warm and caring attitude for the patients she serves and her commitment to them is evident through her hard work ethic that she portrays on a daily basis. "She always has a positive outlook and is willing to help." Her colleagues have been overheard saying, "You do not have to ask her to step up to the plate because she does it every day that she is here."

Sam is loved by both the residents and her coworkers alike. She is a shining example of an employee who truly gives one hundred percent to make each day of the patient's stay an enjoyable one and strives to make extraordinary memories along the way.

Please help us in congratulating Sam for being an outstanding employee and for her dedication and devotion to our patients and staff.

On another note, please do not forget to vote! Election Day is April 28. If you have any questions about the hospital levy please submit them to [email protected] or call (509) 843-1591.