Each year thousands of people from Clay, Riley, Cloud, Ottawa, Marshall, Republic and Washington counties use Clay County Medical Center's many services. Last year the hospital's Radiology Department performed over 8,500 procedures, the Outpatient Clinic logged nearly 3,400 patient visits, the Emergency Department served over 3,000 patients and inpatients spent a total of 4,200 days in the Medical Center.

Education Resource
One of the many resources necessary to deliver these services to the community is continuing education. In order to ensure that patients receive quality care, each state and/or profession sets forth continuing education requirements for health professionals. For example, in Kansas, nurses must complete 30 hours of continuing education every two years in order to stay licensed to practice.

CCMC Sets a Higher Standard
Clay County Medical Center has set a higher standard that goes beyond providing quality care and focuses on delivering the best care. Registered nurses at CCMC receive certifications in specific disciplines such as Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Trauma Nurse Core Course (TNCC) and Neonatal Resuscitation (NRP). For example, registered nurses that work in the Emergency Department receive hands on training and certifications in TNCC, ACLS, PALS and NRP. Nurses that work in the Mother and Baby area, receive training that includes NRP, advanced fetal monitoring and a S.T.A.B.L.E. program.

Delivering the Best Care
According to the Director of Nurses, Leana Hamilton, the staff at CCMC knows that the more knowledgeable they are in their discipline, the better care they can provide to their patients. "The hospitals commitment to provide staff with clinical knowledge and skills that exceed state education requirements ensures that patients receive the best care from the best caregivers," Hamilton said.