CGH honors two employees

GRANTS, N.M. — Cibola General Hospital, Grants recently announced awards that acknowledge the professional excellence of two staff members.

Cardiopulmonary Director Brooke Power received the 2020 Department Director of the Year award. The department works closely with physicians to provide outpatient and inpatient services, which include non-invasive diagnostic testing. Director Power recalled what motivated her interest in this field of medicine.

“I decided to become a respiratory care practitioner because I had a grandpa who used to mine uranium here [in Cibola County]. He died before I was born but I saw a huge need; people needed help not only with navigating their disease, but also the healthcare system. I decided that an in-depth knowledge of the respiratory system was the best way to do that,” said Power who began her career in 2014. She accepted the CGH cardiopulmonary director position in 2019.

“Brooke exhibits excellent leadership skills,” said CEO Thomas Whelan.

“She continually goes above and beyond by always being available and has been a key player during the pandemic.”

He noted that Power is more than willing to take on activities that are not part of her job description.

“And no one is the wiser if she is juggling more than one task at a time,” added the CEO.

Alyssha Brown, emergency room nurse, was recognized as 2020 Employee of the Year. The dedicated nurse recalled some of her experiences that led to a career in healthcare.

“I wanted to make a difference in people’s lives. Even while in nursing school I knew that I wanted to work at CGH. It has always been my goal to give back to the community that I grew up in,” said Brown who graduated from NMSU-Grants with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree in August 2014.

“My first job after school was Cibola General Hospital and I have worked here ever since. I started out working on the Medical Surgical floor and then moved to the Emergency Department, which I completely love,” recalled Brown as she described the start of her nursing career.

“Alyssha has her own personal method of interacting with patients, going above and beyond for their needs,” said CEO Whelan.

“She shines as a mentor to new nurses about what they should expect, helping them grow as team members.”

He pointed out that Brown is always willing to assist coworkers within her department and those in other departments when needed. Her skillset has expanded beyond the ER; she also takes on the duties of trauma registrar.

Whelan complimented Brown’s dedication and explained that she is attentive to meeting every patient’s needs but also makes sure that the family receives her undivided attention.

“She is the type of nurse that I would want taking care of my family if they were in the hospital,” commented one of Brown’s peers.

Employee of the Year acknowledges a staff member who demonstrates their commitment to providing exceptional healthcare services.

Hospital officials explained that the Director of the Year recognition highlights a director who has made a significant contribution to the betterment of the hospital. The individual has been nominated for this award because they routinely go above and beyond the call of duty.

Call 505-287-5301 or visit cibolahospital.com for additional information.