Powder River Examiner -

By Kerry Gardner

We thank Jaci Phillips, DNP for her 25 years of medical service to the patients of this community. Jaci started working as a CNA at the Powder River Manor and realized she loved working with people and in the medical field. Jaci graduated from nursing school, and returned to the Manor to work as a nurse. For 9 years she was the Powder River Public Heath nurse and obtained her Bachelors of Nursing degree. Her thirst for knowledge and care about the health of the community prompted her to continue her education with a Master's Degree in Nursing and her certification as a Nurse Practitioner. She worked in Miles City until the opportunity opened up to return home to be the provider for Powder River Medical Clinic. While working there she decided she wanted to further her education and obtain her doctorate. Jaci has come full circle as she also is a provider for residents at the Powder River Manor.

When someone is from a community such as ours, the people become our people and when their health is at risk, concern or interest is noted by others but medical professionals work to help figure out what needs to be done if their patient is in pain or ill. Jaci has put her patient's health at the top of her priority list and treated them with respect and attention to what individual needs they had. Sometime it was pills, sometimes it was not, it might be contacting her medical director, Jeffrey Hostetter, MD or another expert to discuss additional testing or what the next step concerning their situation should be considered. It could be a referral to a specialist or other medical professional. It might have been a listening ear and then discussion about the real issue. Maybe she had to tell the patient and family the news no one wants to hear, but then helped them figure out how to deal with what they were facing. There have been times she had the difficult discussion with a dying patient or their family on what to expect next.

Jaci cared deeply about her patients, so much so, there were often reminders to her staff, "we need to keep track of him/her or don't let this person fall through the cracks; or we need to follow up on this situation." Whatever the case was needed during these past 5 years as a provider here, Jaci Phillips, DNP did her best, with confidence, care and upmost concern for HER people, and HER community. For all of that and more, we thank you, Jaci.

Change is never easy, no matter how young or how old one is, it is a challenge that has to be met head on. We will do our best to help our patients with their medical concerns during this time of change.

Ed: According to Powder River County Medical Director Sean Hill, the County is currently looking to find a locum (someone to fill in) to provide medical services to the community.