CHS Employee Spotlight: Katie Smith, DON.

Coplin Health Systems (CHS) is delighted to announce the hire of their new Director of Nursing, Katie Smith, RN. Katie will work closely with Coplin’s CMO, Murrita Bolinger, to further cultivate the continuity of care for our patients. We sat down with Katie to get some more information about her past and why she’s so excited to begin her role with CHS:

Q: What qualifies you for this position?
A: I received my degree in Nursing from WVU Parkersburg and have been a registered nurse for 6 years.

Q: Where are you originally from?
A: I grew up in Elizabeth, West Virginia. I’ve actually been utilizing CHS services my entire life. So, it is a good feeling being able to bring my experience home.

Q: What drove your career decisions?
A: Before deciding to become a nurse, I was blessed with the opportunity to provide in-home health care to my grandmother. This allowed her to live at home until illness took her life and it made me realize how important it was for people to have the chance to stay in the comfort of their own home at the end of their lives. My grandmother had always wanted to be a nurse and I believe that God opened that door for me through her.

Q: What do you hope to achieve through your role at CHS?
A: As we grow and change, I’m excited to be a part of staffing and working with caring, compassionate nurses who provide quality care to our patients.

Q: What are some tasks you do as part of your job beyond what most people see?
A: I am a problem solver. A nurse or provider will bring a workflow issue to my attention and I do my best to investigate it and find a solution in a timely manner. I’m really working to make sure nurses can competently and effectively do their jobs to ensure safe and effective patient care.

Q: What is the most enjoyable part of your job?
A: I get to travel between all sites and work with employees at all levels. I literally get to work alongside every employee of CHS and we really have some awesome ones.

Q: What are some of your specialties/professional interests?
A: I was a labor and delivery nurse for the last six years. I actually have had a hand in delivering babies for fellow nurses and providers here at CHS.

Q: What are your hobbies?
A: Well, my three children keep me active with their sports and extracurriculars, but we also enjoy raising hogs for 4-H.