By Jared Chanski —
Employees with a combined total of more than 75 years of service to Culberson Hospital, Culberson Hospital Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and Van Horn Rural Health Clinic were honored at the annual employee Christmas party last Friday evening at the El Capitan Hotel.
Mary Lou Corrales, LVN, and Angie Wyatt, EMS director were both recognized for over 12 years of service, while Lou Conley, director of nursing, and Belinda Mora, ECA, were congratulated for their 10 years of service. They all received 10-year pins and a Visa cash gift card.
“It is hard to believe that I've been a part of the hospital team for so many years,” said Conley. “I am proud to be of service to our community, and look forward to continuing to work at Culberson Hospital.”
Corrales, who first went to work for the Van Horn Rural Health Clinic in 2002, graduated from nursing school this year and now works as a licensed vocational nurse. “I've said this before, but I really love the people of Van Horn and being able to care for them is very important to me,” said Corrales.
Corrales, Wyatt, Conley and Mora also expressed their appreciation for the gift cards that will come in handy during the holidays.
“We are grateful to have long term employees with the training and experience to provide our patients with high quality, compassionate healthcare,” said hospital administrator Jared Chanski, who handed out the employee awards.
Other employees recognized during the ceremony included Ernesto Hernandez, who has been on the EMS staff for six years, and 5-year employees Lorena Corrales, housekeeping, Nora Friel, housekeeping, Cheryl Owen, RN, nursing, Toni Subia, radiology director and Diana Tarango, clinic nursing.
All hospital, EMS and clinic employees as well as members from the local hospital district board were invited to attend the holiday party in the banquet room of the Hotel El Capitan. The event was also catered by El
Capitan staff and The Lovelies, featuring lead guitarist and Van Horn resident Richard Montes, entertained the crowd throughout the evening. Christmas gifts were raffled to all employees present.
“Retaining high quality staff in small communities is one of the most challenging jobs we have,” noted Mike Easley, chief operating officer of Preferred Management. “The annual recognition of long term employees is one way we thank our employees for their service. We hope the community will join us in expressing our appreciation.”
