Local hospital kickstarts new awards

Adair County Health System (ACHS) has launched a new Employee and Leadership Excellence Awards Program, designed to recognize staff members who exemplify ACHS’s mission, values, and commitment to exceptional care. The awards will be presented quarterly to two outstanding team members, one in a staff role and one in leadership.

The Employee Excellence Award honors a teammate who consistently goes above and beyond in care, service, and teamwork. The Leadership Excellence Award recognizes a leader who inspires, supports, and makes ACHS a great place to work.

The inaugural awards were presented this week to Tara Erickson, recipient of the Employee Excellence Award, and Kelly Nelson, recipient of the Leadership Excellence Award.

Employee Excellence Award

During the presentation, Erickson was described as someone who “truly goes above and beyond in support of our mission, our values and our commitment to exceptional care.”

A dedicated member of the ACHS family of 15 years, she was nominated three times by her colleagues, a true testament to her impact across the organization. Those who nominated her shared that she helps patients feel comfortable and informed, ensuring they know what to expect and when they’ll hear results. She has “hardwired” the process of notifying providers within 48 hours or less of critical results, ensuring quality and safety every time.

Her advocacy for patients is unwavering, even taking calls on her days off to answer questions to support her co-workers. Known for her kindness, patience and leadership, Erickson is also an exceptional teacher and mentor, instrumental in training new staff and always willing to share her knowledge.

“She truly embodies the spirit of teamwork, compassion, and excellence that defines ACHS,” ACHS CCO Philicia Hancock shared. “Her dedication strengthens not only her department but our entire hospital.”

Leadership Excellence Award

Strong, compassionate leadership is vital to the success of ACHS, and this quarter’s Leadership Excellence Award recipient exemplifies those traits daily.

Nelson was nominated three times by colleagues who describe her as an “outstanding manager whose positivity, sense of humor and kindness truly embody the mission and values of ACHS.”

She goes above and beyond every day to ensure that both patients and staff feel cared for and supported. Kelly is a hands-on leader who leads by example, checking in with patients and staff, lending a hand whenever needed and consistently fostering teamwork and compassion in action.

Her leadership style blends heart and excellence. She is known for creating a family-like environment where everyone feels valued and supported, bringing laughter and encouragement even on the hardest days. She also drives progress toward quality and safety goals, embraces new challenges and continually seeks ways to improve processes and patient care.

“Her compassion, commitment and positivity have a ripple effect that strengthens our entire organization,” ACHS CHRO Julie Douglas said. “Kelly’s leadership truly makes ACHS a place where both patients and staff feel genuinely cared for.”

ACHS CEO Catherine Hillestad said she is excited to begin this new program.

“We’re thrilled to celebrate the exceptional people who make ACHS a place our patients and employees can be proud of,” Hillestad said. “This new program allows us to highlight the individuals who truly make a difference each day, both on the front lines and in leadership.”

The Excellence Awards will be presented quarterly, recognizing those who continually demonstrate ACHS’s mission of providing exceptional care and fostering a culture of respect, teamwork and service excellence.’