Humble, should be Jon Smedberg's middle name, considering the reaction he gave when presented with the Employee of the Month honor for February, from Biggs-Gridley Memorial Hospital.
"There are so many others who deserve this. This place is so special. In this hospital you will find people with more experience than many other hospitals," he stated.
He went on to explain that Tim Johnston in ER has 20 years experience and was the head of the ER department at Rideout Hospital before coming to Gridley.
"OR Supervisor and Infectious Disease Control Supervisor, Jay Croy, RN, has been here from Southern California for 25 years. He wouldn't dream of going back to a big hospital," he said.
"There are people in CCU who have over 20 years experience. The new individuals that come here to work might go on to work elsewhere, but those with ten years experience or more, seem to stay here," Smedberg said.
He has worked as a Respiratory Care Practitioner for 30 years, working at such well known hospitals as Mercy General, Mercy Redding, San Bernadino Medical Center, along with Loma Linda University. He even owned his own business, selling it in 2004, because of the stress associated with owning his own business.
He and his wife Gwen live in Penn Valley.
Smedberg had open heart surgery in 2001, a three way bypass and during that time had worked at Rideout for one year. He came to Biggs-Gridley from there.
"You couldn't ask for better care and experience than Biggs-Gridley. The experience comes with the individual," he stated.
What seems to impress Smedberg the most about his colleagues, is the willingness to help one another.
"When we ask for help, we get it instantaneously. Whether it is the ER or Med-Surg, it doesn't matter. Whatever their expertise is, everyone is willing to help. I really enjoy the staff and the people here," Smedberg said.
If a department is shorthanded, Smedberg, like his colleagues, is willing to help.
"We had an individual we work with who was in an automobile accident and without being asked to fill in, everyone asked to be put on an extra shift to cover for this person," he explained.
According to Smedberg, it is like that throughout the hospital. "You won't find many hospitals like that. They think nothing of stepping in," he said.
He works 12 hour shifts, three to four days a week and has been at Biggs-Gridley for six years.
"Even though the hospital is small, you won't get better or more personalized care. I'm surprised I got this honor. I think there are many others better qualified," Stemberg concluded.
