2009 Nursing Excellence Awards Honors Eddy County Nurse

   April Stevens, a Carlsbad resident who has been a nurse at Artesia General Hospital for the past 15 years, received the Excellence in Rural Practice award presented by Gerald Champion Regional Medical Center at the 2009 Nursing Excellence Awards.  With over 800 people in attendance, the awards were hosted by the New Mexico Center for Nursing Excellence and presented by Lovelace Health System Oct. 24, 2009 at the Hyatt Tamaya Resort.  
Stevens, who is a staff nurse in the Emergency Department, was nominated for the award by David Marsh, Emergency Department Director of Artesia General Hospital.  The Rural Practice Award recognizes outstanding practice in small communities and rural health systems where access to care and resources provide unique challenges. Marsh cited Steven’s proactive problem-solving skills, explaining that when she noticed a pattern of severe cases of muscle injuries relating to rigorous desert training of students at the community’s Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, she worked with the Center’s staff to develop education on how to prevent these types of injuries.  That education is now incorporated in the Center’s orientation for new trainees. Stevens has worked at Artesia General Hospital since completing her Associate’s Degree in nursing in 1995 at New Mexico State University (NMSU)-Carlsbad.  She earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from NMSU in 2002.  She has completed independent and self-directed practice on the medical/surgical floor, Intensive Care Unit, operating room, and in the emergency department.  She is a member of the Emergency Nurses Association and holds numerous certifications, including TNCC (Trauma Nursing Course Certified), ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support), PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support), NRP (National Resuscitation Program), and BLS (Basic Life Support).

Marsh described Stevens as “fervent about teaching patients at discharge. .  .If the patient needs further understanding, April will research age and patient-specific teaching methods to ensure the patient is safe at discharge.” He also complimented Steven’s clinical expertise and compassionate spirit, citing a woman who 2009 Nursing Excellence Awards Honors Eddy County Nurse—First add arrived in full cardiac arrest, but was stabilized after exhaustive resuscitation efforts in the hospital’s emergency room.  “Every year since, on her ‘new birthday,’ this woman comes to the Emergency Department to see April and to say thank you,” he said. Kenneth W. Randall, Artesia General Hospital Chief Executive Officer, stated that the hospital “was honored to have two of our outstanding nurses chosen for this prestigious award.”  Irma Guillen, the Medical/Surgical Director was also nominated for excellence in Rural Practice.  “These two nurses demonstrate on a daily basis the quality care available in our small, rural communities,” he said.  Artesia General Hospital was the only acute care hospital outside of the Albuquerque/Santa Fe corridor to have an award honoree.  Artesia General Hospital also was the sponsor for the Excellence in Community Service award.  

 

 

Visiting Hours Changed
Because caring may mean NOT visiting

  • Children ages 12 and under will not be permitted beyond the hospital lobby and must be attended by an adult at all times.
  • If you have signs of possible flu: For the safety of your loved ones, please visit on another day. (runny nose, cough, fever,etc.)
  • All other visitors: Please wash your hands before and after your visit.

Our goal is to protect the health and safety of our patients, many of whom are already vulnerable and susceptible to more serious illness.

-->  Interventional Radiologist joins Artesia General Hospital team

Interventional Radiogologist Dr. James Lash has been hired in order to expanding the services and reach of Artesia General Hospital.

As an interventional radiologist, Lash will be able to do more for his patients than a radiologist, including performing biopsies and angiograms, draining fluid abscess and inserting chest tubes.

Lash brings with him more than 30 years experience in medicine, having received his medical degree in 1970 from Kansas City University in Missouri. Prior to Artesia General, Lash practiced in Arizona until he retired in 2008.

"Artesia is a great community with very friendly people," Lash said. "As far as I know, none of the surrounding areas have an interventional radiologist. There are very few of us arround." 

 Artesia General Staff Commended

 Dear Nurses in OR and Recovery,

My son, Preston Garcia had surgery on Wednesday, January 28.  I wanted to say Thank You again for the wonderful way you treated our son.  The care you gave him was by far the best we have ever gotten. 

May God Bless you all!

Donna Garcia

 

To the Editor:

While I was visiting with my aunt, Cleo Adams, and her family this summer, I became ill. The fast action of my cousins got me to the emergency room in less than 10 minutes.  Within five minutes of arriving at the hospital I was being seen by the emergency room doctor.

I would like to thank the staff of Artesia General Hospital for the care they gave a West Virginia visitor.  I do not remember the name of the emergency room doctor (she was on duty August 5, 2008) but her fast thinking and action was much appreciated.

I was admitted to the hospital where I spent two days.  The doctor in charge of my care was Dr. Muneer Khan.  I could not have had better care whether it had been in West Virginia or New Mexico.  Dr. Khan was thorough, thoughtful and kind.  Artesia is lucky to have a doctor like Dr. Khan.

Thank you
Wanda Cox

Letter published in the September 7, 2008 Artesia Daily Press