Thanks for working here Thursday: Karen Polson, RD, LDN, CCH Nutrition Services

Campbell County Health is proud of its employees, and we want the CCH family and the Campbell County community to know about the good work that they do for this organization.

Introducing Karen Polson, RD, LDN, the Dietitian and Clinical Nutrition Supervisor for CCH’s Nutrition Services Department in Gillette, Wyoming. Karen has worked for CCH for 24 years (in December)—but has been in healthcare for a total of 36 years—and was also named a Legend in 2015. A graduate from Montana State University, this Bobcat has a Bachelor’s degree in Institutional Food Management, Pre-Dietetics, along with an internship at St. Mary’s Hospital at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.

Karen decided to pursue a career in health care because she had a love of math, science and food preparation. “This led me to pursue a career as a dietitian. I started out in a smaller combination hospital / nursing home in Montana, and really loved what I was doing,” she says.

When asked about her health care hero, Karen called our three who particularly come to mind: Lisa Miller, Deb McMurtrey and Chelsey Peterson. “I try very hard to be more like Lisa—her patience, compassion and willingness to take on most anything push me to be more like her. Debbie is such a wealth of experience and I feel, too humble about her contributions, skills and knowledge. I am always appreciative of her kindness and input. And, Chelsey is such a strong pillar and wealth of information as well, I admire her leadership and ability to get things accomplished,” Karen says.

When Karen isn’t at work, she loves to jog, hike and get outdoors! “I really enjoy cooking and baking and it is extra special when I can take a ‘nutritiously sound meal to someone who really needs an extra boost. Any opportunity to spend time with my family is also very special,” she says.

We asked Karen what she likes most about working for CCH, and what excellence every day means to her. Check out her response:

“To have patients/clients/residents thrive and have an improved quality of life, because of nutrition intervention is incredibly rewarding.

I most appreciate the compassionate and dedicated group of employees I have the privilege to work with on a daily basis—whether it is within the Nutrition department or interdepartmental. I never cease to be amazed at the hardworking and dedicated people within this organization who put out tremendous time and effort to make certain our patients, clients and residents have received the best possible care, and are now a safe discharge. Not only that; but they are awesome to work with!

Excellence every day means that every day I’m providing a level of care and compassion I would be satisfied having my own loved ones receive. It means putting forth that extra effort to provide, without question, the best level of care and/or treatment for that situation.”

We couldn’t agree more, Karen. We are proud to have you on our team.

Is there a CCH employee who went the extra mile or shows you extraordinary service? Give them a pat on the back by completing an Excellence Everyday card.

The Nutrition Services team provides progressive nutritional care to Campbell County Memorial Hospital patients as well as residents at The Legacy Living and Rehabilitation Center. Learn more at www.cchwyo.org/nutrition.