Technology is important to Verde Valley Guidance Clinic, and its employees showed their appreciation for the woman who helps them use it with their Employee of the Year pick.
Kim Thursby, computer support technician at the center, won the award based on peer review.
“I’m pleased that our staff sees the value of what she does,” Director of Information Technology Pam Clarke said.
By Trista Steers
Technology is important to Verde Valley Guidance Clinic, and its employees showed their appreciation for the woman who helps them use it with their Employee of the Year pick.
Kim Thursby, computer support technician at the center, won the award based on peer review.
“I’m pleased that our staff sees the value of what she does,” Director of Information Technology Pam Clarke said.
Thursby is responsible for smoothing out kinks in the center’s computer system and teaching the employees how to use it, which is an important aspect of the center’s day-to-day function, according to Richard Dehnert, clinic community relations coordinator.
Making the lives of clinic employees and their work easier is her job, Thursby said.
“Verde Valley Guidance Clinic has long been a leader in the use of technology in the delivery of behavioral health services,” Dehnert said.
Medical records are stored electronically, making information available instantly and protecting against loss, Thursby said. When paper copies of records were stored in files, a fire has the potential to wipe out all of the clinic’s records.
Now, records are backed up in case something happens.
“Records can’t disappear,” Thursby said. Electronic files are also faster, more accurate and efficient.
“It results in better patient care,” Dehnert said. “That’s the bottom line.”
Staff uses technology to communicate among themselves as well. Thursby trains employees to use e-mail and instant messaging to reach each other.
“It’s validating for our organization’s emphasis on technology that our entire staff would acknowledge the person who is our technology trainer,” CEO Robert Chartia said.
Thursby has been with the clinic for three years. Prior to joining the clinic’s staff, she worked in information technology in the grocery industry. Thursby received a plaque, bonus and recognition at a clinic party for her achievement.
Other peer awards were awarded to Joan Sexton, child and family case manager; Lisa Sims, psychiatric nurse practitioner; and Gina Vega-Mendez, adult therapist.
Trista Steers can be reached at 282-7795, ext. 124, or e-mail tsteers@larsonnewspapers.com
