Stetler Shumway is a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthesiologist (CRNA) working at San Juan Hospital and is a recipient of the Health Care Workforce Financial Assistance Program. He has been actively working to enhance his team’s skills so that patients can receive more services locally in San Juan. One notable example is his training to place Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) lines in patients. These lines are crucial for patients who require long-term antibiotics or nutrition.
“In large hospitals, it’s common to have specialized PICC teams dedicated to placing these lines. We don’t have that luxury here,” said Stetler. “I had the fundamental skills necessary, but I had never placed a PICC line until I started this job.” Stetler recently successfully placed a PICC line to help an elderly man in receiving nutrition.
The nearest Intensive Care Unit, where specialists for this procedure are available, is over 2 hours away. By developing this skill along with others, Stetler makes sure that patients don’t have to travel far for necessary procedures. His team is also set to undergo training in airway management.
“You have to have a broader skill set in rural hospitals. I’m constantly looking for opportunities to enhance my skills to fill any gaps,” Stetler said.
Stetler grew up in Blanding and committed to working at San Juan Hospital even before he started medical school. He enjoys living and working in Blanding and Monticello because of the independence it provides. He sees the positive impact he has on his local community and appreciates the chance to engage in outdoor activities like hiking, riding ATVs, and fishing with his wife and 3 children.
“It’s nice not to worry about paying off my student loans; I can focus on helping people and supporting my family,” Stetler said.
Recently, Stetler was awarded an additional year of loan repayment through the Healthcare Workforce Financial Assistance Program. This program helps bridge the compensation gap for health care providers to fulfill the needs of patients, while addressing student loan debt. Read more information about the Health Care Workforce Financial Assistance Program.
San Juan Health operates clinics in Blanding, Monticello, and Spanish Valley, while San Juan Hospital offers a variety of services including surgery, OB, radiology, and lab testing within San Juan County.
https://sanjuanhealth.org/care
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