Joseph Manuel, Respiratory Therapist, has been named Healthcare Worker of the Year at Hocking Valley Community Hospital.
“During National Rural Health Week, we celebrate the heart and soul of our hospital—our healthcare workers. It is my honor to award Joe as our Healthcare Worker of the Year. In our rural community, where every effort impacts lives so deeply, this year’s nominees have gone above and beyond, demonstrating compassion, dedication, and a tireless commitment to excellence. Thank you for embodying the values that make our hospital a beacon of care and hope for those we serve,” HVCH President and CEO Stacey Gabriel said.
HVCH employees cast ballots to select Healthcare Worker of the Year and Manuel won by popular vote. There were a total of four nominees including Manuel; Kristen Butler, Revenue Cycle Analyst; Erin Tinkham, Speech Therapist; and Jenni Enderle, Clerical Team Lead, Outpatient Services.
Joe joined the HVCH Respiratory Department in 2008. As a respiratory therapist, he sees patients in all areas of the hospital, from responding to a code blue in the ER, to helping inpatients with breathing treatments, completing stress tests in cardiopulmonary or with patient intubation in the Special Care Unit.
“For 17 years, Joe has gone above and beyond in all aspects of his position. He rarely calls off, is never late, frequently fills holes in the schedule, and often covers call-offs on all shifts. He is highly experienced with all areas of the department, while taking care of patients all throughout the hospital and always delivers the highest quality care in all situations,” Gabriel said.
“As part of his duties, Joe performs multiple outpatient tests. His ability to explain the process of a stress test to patients always puts them at ease. His treatment of patients frequently supplements the hospital’s high patient satisfaction scores. Joe is a great team player, has great customer service skills, and we are blessed to have him as an employee of HVCH!”