East Washingtonian - Your Hometown News Source

POMEROY–Garfield County Hospital District is proud to announce Employee of the Year for 2023, Nic Bartlow. He was nominated by his co-workers and chosen from all the previous employee of the month winners. The hospital and clinic staff agree, "Nic has a great positive attitude and an optimistic outlook."

Nic is a native of Pomeroy and has a rich family heritage spanning over 4 generations in Garfield County. He graduated from Pomeroy High School in 2006. His first work experience began in the summer months of high school where he drove harvest truck for two local farmers. After graduation, Nic went to work for the Forest Service on trail crew. He thoroughly enjoyed this job. "I loved it! We did a lot of packing with mules and camped out. It was four-tens, so I had three-day weekends and it was a ton of fun! It was kind of like an adventure every week. It was a lot of work, but it was fun work." Nic remained with the Forest Service for nine summers. During the winter months, he worked for Pomeroy Grain Growers loading barges and grain bins.

In 2007, he enrolled in college at LCSC in Lewiston, Idaho initially to pursue a career in education with aspirations of becoming a math teacher. After the first year, he realized this was not his passion and because of his love for forestry, Nic switched his major to earth information systems, majoring in computer mapping and geology.

In 2014, Nic met the love of his life, Rachel, at church when visiting Nampa, Idaho. He moved to southern Idaho to be near Rachel and the couple were married the following year. Nic was hired at the Nampa Idaho Fish Hatchery and as a perk, he received room and board, staying on the grounds. One of his duties was to travel up in the mountains and drop fish after raising them from eggs. "I really liked working there and was with the fish hatchery for three years."

Nic and Rachel began toying with the idea of moving back to Pomeroy, if by chance, they could both find employment. The timing couldn't have been more perfect, as Rachel was just completing nursing school and was hired as an RN at Garfield Count Hospital District. As it happened, Nic was given an impromptu interview with Columbia Pulp. He was called within the hour and offered a fulltime position as a maintenance mechanic. He later became their reliability engineer, setting up the company's computer maintenance management program and inventory. He acknowledges this was God's favor on him as most of the new hires were parttime, but Nic became their first hourly employee. He continued with them for the next five years.

In March of 2023, Nic was hired at Garfield County Hospital District to assist in Central Supply as a CS Clerk, stocking items for all the departments of the hospital and clinic and has since taken over as the primary Central Supply Clerk. When asked what he likes best about his job he replied, "I like being busy, feeling productive and doing something that really helps the business. I really like the schedule. They have been good about accommodating both my schedule and Rachel's so when one is working, the other is home with the kids. People here have been very kind, and nice, and helpful, which is always great in the workplace."

Within one month of working in Central Supply, the staff immediately saw a significant change in that department and Nic was nominated Employee of the Month. "His commitment to organization and positive changes really shows!"

The nursing staff commented on his "amazing organizational skills and ability to create a more cohesive flow between CS and the floor."

One leader within the management team stated, "Nic has made such an improvement to CS. It is well organized and maintained. He has been a joy to work with and assisting him with updated checklists and outdates. He always has a smile on his face and puts up with my lame jokes and poking fun. He is a great asset to our team." "Nic's attention to detail and hard work ethic is impeccable and he even helps other staff outside of his CS duties."

Another manager congratulated him by stating, "You rock! We appreciate all you do and for doing it with a smile!" His goals for his career are to continue to organize Central Supply in such a manner that he can be very fluid in ordering items and that the restocking process runs smoothly.

In his spare time, Nic and his family enjoy water sports such as skiing, wake boarding, fishing, as well as camping in the Blue Mountains.

Please join us in congratulating Nic on being an outstanding employee and a dedicated team member!