Mary Hallman may be new to SunPorch of Dodge City but she is not new to serving elders in long-term care.
Hallman, a long-time Dodge City resident, recently filled the position of nurse manager, which also is new to SunPorch, 501 W. Beeson. She brings 27 years of nursing experience to the job, including a background in long-term care.
“It is great to be back serving elders,” Hallman said. “I am completely in love with the vision and mission here at SunPorch. Growing older is a fulfillment of our life’s dreams and our great staff serves elders in an honorable way.
“Our older population needs our assistance now more than ever,” she continued. “It is our responsibility to advocate for elders and their families.”
Hallman’s responsibilities include assisting with restorative nursing, infection control and quality assurance.
“It is sometimes difficult to put a job description into words,” Hallman acknowledged. “The bottom line is I am here to support our wonderful nursing staff by providing help with training, and personal and professional growth.
“When our nurses are given the support they deserve, our elders directly benefit. I collaborate with nurses and our progressive administration to provide high-quality care with the personal touch.”
In addition to long-term care, Hallman has worked in schools, occupational health, surgery, wound care and correctional nursing. She also has experience serving individuals with mental and physical disabilities.
Hallman is originally from Atwood but has lived in Dodge City for 25 years. She and her husband raised two children here.
Tosha Fields, SunPorch director of nursing services, said she is “very excited that Mary accepted this new position. I have worked with her in the past and know she is detailed-oriented and inquisitive. Mary zeroes in on the ‘why’ aspect pretty quickly.”
The nurse-manager position was created to allow floor nurses to be more hands-on, Fields noted.
“Mary is my right hand as we introduce staff to even more education and new processes,” Fields commented. “Our goal is to be the best of the best. Everyone benefits and our elders’ needs are met more expediently.”
Fields also noted “the staff is welcoming and open to new ideas. We have a lot of exciting changes coming – one step at a time.”
