New directors at HSCMH

On Tuesday, July 25, the Hot Springs County Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees was introduced to three new directors joining the staff.

Director of Nursing Services Phillip Reintz attended Northwest College for a time, later transferring to the University of Michigan and earning a bachelor's in nursing. From there, he worked a few years in intensive care units in the Detroit area before furthering his education through the Masters in Anesthesia program at Wayne State.

Reintz said the Hot Springs County hospital has always been "on my radar." He worked in Sublette County for a number of years, followed by some time working in Sweetwater County and in Arizona. He periodically checked Hot Springs County Memorial, and when positions were available he applied as quickly as he could.

"I like this area," Reintz said. "This is real Wyoming. I think once you get away from the Jackson area, this part of the state is more like where real people in Wyoming live. I like being able to help the people in Wyoming and really like working in rural areas."

Reintz looks forward to connecting with emergency services, the fire department and other healthcare agencies that work with the hospital, as well as meeting people in town.

Reintz is excited about the recent trauma survey at the hospital, and was really impressed with how the trauma program was put together. Following the survey, the hospital received a full three-year accreditation as a Level 3 hospital, meaning there is a general surgeon available at all times. Reintz praised Dr. Vernon Miller, the trauma director, and trauma coordinators Joann Moore and Bree Christiansen for the program they put together.

OR/Ambulatory Director Trina Slover earned her nursing degree at CWC and her bachelor of science in nursing from UW. She also earned her registered nurse first assist degree through the National Institute of First Assists (NIFA) program, meaning she can be the first assistant in surgeries and can "clean and close."

Slover, who was born in Hot Springs County Memorial and graduated high school in Thermopolis, said she returned for family and kids. She looks forward to promoting the surgery department to get it "growing and going."

Chief Nursing Officer Sarah Aliff is a retired Army nurse with a bachelor of science in nursing, a master's in business administration and a Ph.D. in healthcare administration. "For six or seven years, I've travelled," Aliff said. "This is my permanent home now, my permanent position." She added her nursing background is in emergency medicine, trauma and critical care.

Aliff was here about four years ago and fell in love with Thermopolis. "It's a wonderful community," she said. "The hospital's fantastic. I've got outstanding staff, it's an outstanding support team . . . we all work together as a team."

She looks forward to exploring the area, becoming involved in community events and letting people know the hospital is here to meet their needs. She added she's been in healthcare for 38 years, and Hot Springs County Memorial is "one of the best hospitals to come to for care."

Hospital CEO Margie Molitor said the three new directors came at an opportune time, as they get to help design the renovation and addition to the hospital. "I'm just really excited," she said. "We haven't had a full complement of nursing leaders for a couple years. There's always been at least one position open, so I'm excited to have three highly skilled leaders who want to be in Thermopolis."