News : Virginia Gay Hospital Announces First Executive Academy Graduate

Robin receiving her award with CEO Mike Riege

Robin at work

Robin Martin, Administrative Assistant at Virginia Gay Hospital, received recognition for being in the inaugural class to complete the Iowa Hospital Association Executive Academy. “I really enjoy my role at Virginia Gay and appreciate the educational opportunity,” says Robin. “Everything here is about caring for patients, VGH staff and the community. By learning more about decision models, planning for the future, and having the opportunity to network with others working in hospital environments, I think my understanding of what we can and should do grew very quickly.”

Robin has been working through the program for the past 12 months. A nomination was required to be selected for the program and the program also required participation of a mentor willing to work with the nominee over the entire year. An important part of the program was completion of a hospital project, and mentors were to advise and guide participants toward completion of a successful project while strengthening their leadership talents and industry knowledge. Robin’s chosen project is implementation of a Peer Mentorship program in Nursing & Rehab. Virginia Gay Nursing & Rehab has been recognized for excellence of care and high quality initiatives. In an effort to recruit, retain and maintain quality staff, the implementation of a peer mentorship program will assist new hires learn their surroundings, make them feel welcome, and more quickly develop skills to deliver the best quality care.

Robin has a passion for volunteerism in the community and is excited to create a hand-washing demonstration for children she can take out into the community. Robin explained what her project was about when she said, “Over and over again we are confronted by how the simple, yet critical practice of good handwashing is for disease prevention. I’m looking forward to using an indicator on the children’s hands so they can easily see how well or poorly they’ve washed. I hope they learn that as mundane as it is, washing well will help keep themselves and their families healthier.”

IHA Board Chair Ted Townsend presided over the academy graduation. According to Mr. Townsend the academy’s primary goal is to help hospital leaders take the next step in preparing their most promising employees – and their hospitals – for continued achievement and excellence. The IHA Hospital Executive Academy provides six in-person learning sessions combined with distance education (webinars) over a 12-month period.

Mike Riege, Virginia Gay Hospital CEO shared his thoughts on Robin’s accomplishment by saying, “Since joining VGH Robin has shown the combination of professionalism, attention to detail, and almost limitless energy and enthusiasm which makes her such a great asset and valued employee of the hospital. Along with the work she does at VGH, Robin is also on the Vinton Unlimited Board of Directors and the Kirkwood Health Sector Board. At the Health Sector Board, Robin made a presentation on the value of mentorship and the program she established at Nursing and Rehab. I sent Robin to the Executive Academy because she’s so involved and committed to our mission, and to prepare her for increased responsibilities in the future”.

Melissa Macku, Vinton Family Medical Clinic Director, and Melissa Smith, Director of Virginia Gay Home Health and the Benton County Department of Public Health, have begun their course of study and look forward to completing the program next year.