Snowstorm Brings Out the Best
This past weekend, the saying “We’re all in this together” truly came to life as a snow and ice storm blanketed our rural county with over 15 inches of snow. Starting on Friday, the storm tested our resilience—but our team rose to the occasion with extraordinary dedication.
Despite the weather, the hospital remained open, because as we all know, a hospital never shuts down. Staff from every department worked in unison to ensure that patients continued to receive the care they needed.
In preparation, air mattresses were brought in, and available units at Noble Place Independent Living were opened so staff could stay nearby. Many employees chose to sleep at the hospital to ensure they could make their shifts, sacrificing the comfort of their homes and time with their families. Nurses packed extra clothes, administrators set emergency plans into motion, and teams across departments made sacrifices to support one another and the community. Physicians came in on their days off to cover the Emergency Department, ensuring patients received the care they needed without delay. With our 25-bed hospital at full capacity, the dedication and teamwork of the staff were more critical than ever.
One CNA, who lives just a few miles away, hesitated to call in when her driveway became impassable. But determined to find a way to work, she reached out for help. When her coworkers heard of her situation, one team member volunteered to pick her up—demonstrating our team’s unwavering support for each other.
“It was incredible to see how everyone stepped up,” said Dr. Dashiell, a family physician who worked in the Emergency Department during the storm. “Staff from every department came together with the shared purpose of ensuring our patients were taken care of. It wasn’t just about showing up for work; it was about showing up for one another, for our patients, and for the community that depends on us.”
Our facilities team went above and beyond to keep things running smoothly during the snowstorms. They worked tirelessly—even late into the night—making sure the Emergency Department parking lot was clear and sidewalks were shoveled so staff and patients could come and go safely. Their hard work didn’t stop there; they also made sure Lyons Family Care, Sterling Family Care, and Noble Place Independent Living stayed safe and accessible.
Small acts of kindness stood out during the storm. The dietary team made sure staff working long hours and those stuck at the hospital over the weekend had hot meals to keep them going. Coworkers looked out for each other and pitched in wherever they could.
Transportation was another obstacle, but our CEO, along with employee spouses, stepped up. Braving icy roads in their trucks, they made sure staff could reach the hospital safely, leaving as early as 4 a.m. to ensure employees made it in time for their shifts. “It was a full team effort,” one staff member remarked.
This weekend was a powerful reminder of the incredible dedication of our team. Nurses, administrators, facilities, environmental services, dietary staff—each department played a vital role. Together, we embodied our vision of “Healthy Employees, Healthy Community,” supporting not just the patients we serve, but also one another.
Dr. Dashiell summed it up best: “Staff didn’t sleep on air mattresses near the hospital because they had to. They stayed nearby to be there for our patients and their colleagues. To everyone who contributed during this storm—thank you.”
