Jordan Passey arrived at HGH just in time to help implement a new $2.5 million software system.
The 2010 "Employee of the Year" wasn't the least bit stymied by what has become a nearly two-year-long challenge. "It's just part of the job," said the desktop support analyst matter-of-factly. "It's what I like to do."
That work ethic combined with determination and a hearty dose of optimism is what makes Passey stand out at HGH, says his supervisor Larry Hutcheson.
"He's a dedicated employee whose main focus is helping people; Jordan is a problem solver."
Passey, who has worked at HGH for nearly two years, said he most enjoys the "fun" environment at HGH as well as the many challenges that arise.
In the future, he hopes to continue his education and training through additional schooling and certifications. "I'm always on the lookout for how to do something better and quicker," he said.
Passey was presented with the "Employee of the Year" award during the hospital's Christmas party in December. "I was shocked when I learned of the nomination," he said. "It was a total surprise."
Tori Stephen said she was reduced to tears when she received her award for "EMT of the Year."
"I felt that I had just been doing my job and had done nothing special to warrant an award," she said.
Her supervisor Pat Songer disagrees. "Tori has carried us through an incredible preparation process these past two years as we have prepared to try for our CAAS certification," said Songer.
"It's an intensive, detailed process and we just can't thank her enough for dedicating untold hours to enable us to shoot for this milestone."
Stephen, an NREMT-Intermediate with HGH EMS Rescue, started in 2003 as a volunteer. During that time, she took classes to move from basic to intermediate while serving both as the secretary and the president of the Humboldt County Volunteer Ambulance Corps.
In July 2006, she moved from the community, but returned in 2008 to full-time status with the hospital. As Songer mentioned, the majority of her time since then has been dedicated to getting the ambulance service CAAS accredited; she also oversees the station's supplies and purchasing.
Stephen said she loves her job and the diversity of people with whom she gets to work. She's not done yet, though. She currently is taking classes to become a paramedic-a goal she hopes to realize in the next few years.
Humboldt General Hospital Purchasing Manager Theresa Bell said she felt honored at being named this year's "Supervisor of the Year" award. "We have some really great managers at HGH," she said. "Plus, I was very excited about getting my own parking spot for one year."
Bell served as the administrative assistant to the CEO/administrator for five years before taking her current position 1.5 years ago.
She has a laundry list of favorite things at the hospital. The facility itself is tops on her list, followed closely by the chance to work and interact with co-workers, the camaraderie and helpfulness of her peers, how other staff members challenge themselves to excel in their specialties, the dedication of off-site package deliverers as well as the hospital's in-house employees committee. "I could go on, the list is really long," said Bell.
During her short tenure as the purchasing manager, Bell has kicked off a battery and printer cartridge recycling effort. "The next step in going green is to examine the products we use and substitute ones that are environmentally friendly," she said.
Bell is a member of the Association for Healthcare Resource & Materials Management and plans to seek further training through that association. She also plans to become a Certified Materials & Resource Professional through the American Hospital Association.
Passey, Stephen and Bell each received a plaque and a check for $500. Passey and Bell also got to choose their favorite parking space, which they will occupy during the coming year.
"I just thought it was nice of someone to nominate me," said Passey. "That takes some thoughtfulness on someone's part."
He added, "You just try to do your job, but it's nice when somebody else sees that you're trying."