Educating the Educators – A Career-Focused Tour at BCMH
We were honored to host a group of local teachers this week as part of the Summer Institute Pathways for Teachers Tour, a 3-day experience exploring career opportunities in Bates County.
With a focus on healthcare careers, teachers toured every level of our hospital, making more than 20 stops to hear from managers and staff about the many paths available in both patient care and support roles. From entry-level positions to jobs that require advanced education or certification, our goal was to help local educators understand what’s possible for their students, right here at home.
The tour began with a brief introduction to HIPAA, led by Doncella Liggins, Director of Health Information Management. Then, teachers split into two groups for a walking tour of the hospital. Kristina Anderson, HR Director, and Gayle Warden, Nursing Administrative Assistant and Education Coordinator, each led a group, offering firsthand insights into the wide range of roles available in a rural healthcare setting.
We love the idea of educating the educators, and helping them carry this knowledge back to the classroom to spark conversations about future career choices.
A big thank you to Janine Castillo for organizing the Summer Institute and including us in this meaningful effort to connect schools and local industries. We’re proud to be part of this community-wide investment in our future workforce.
While only a few stops are pictured below, these photos offer a glimpse into the tour and the many roles our educators explored throughout the hospital.
Shannon Bjerke, CPS, Administrative Assistant, representing Administration and Finance
Daniel Cook, Director of Information Systems
Troy Trumbore, RN, ED Supervisor in the Emergency Department’s trauma room
Russ Whisenand, Paramedic and Ambulance Supervisor, in the ambulance bay
Joe Heathman, Joe Heathman, Radiologic Technologist, in the Fluoroscopy room
Ann Donnohue, RN, Outpatient Specialty Clinic Manager in the Long-Nissen Infusion Center.
Stacy Cantrell, Patient Access Manager and Aerial Myrtle, Patient Accounts Team Lead
BCMH Laboratory
Mike Keiser, with Plant Operations
In the cafeteria with Susan Baptista, CDM,CFPP, Supervisor of Nutrition Services
In the purchasing store room with Arnold Bentley, Director of Materials Management, Housekeeping and Laundry
Lauren Casey, PharmD, Director of Pharmacy
Scott Ridings, PT, Director of Rehabilitation Services
Chief Nursing Officer Jennifer Klinksick, RN on the inpatient floor (Med/Surg/CCU)
Kristie McKee, RN, Manager for our Surgery Department
Doncella Liggins, RHIT, Director Health Information Management
Gayle Warden, Nursing Administrative Assistant and Education Coordinator (pictured left) and Kristina Anderson, HR Director
