When Gayla Clark, RN, visited her grandmother at SunPorch of Dodge City, she was “impressed with the wonderful staff.”
Now, Clark is part of the staff she admires, serving as the new director of nursing services at SunPorch.
“When I visited my grandmother, I always loved all the activities that allowed her to enjoy life as she aged,” Clark said. “SunPorch staff members valued what was important to her, which was her faith and family.
“When a loved one needs short-term rehab or long-term care, families should definitely consider SunPorch,” she added. “These friendly and professional staff members take the time to interact with our elders every day.”
Clark was born in Great Bend but spent her childhood in McPherson, Dodge City and Hays.
“Both of my parents are from Dodge and all my grandparents lived here their entire lives,” Clark noted. “Family means everything to me. My children are grown and this was the perfect time to move back home.
“Equally important, I have worked with elders most of my life and was fortunate to grow up so close to my grandparents. This played an important role in my life.”
Clark’s responsibilities at SunPorch include: providing leadership in regards to goals, policies, quality management and the budget; assuring compliance with federal and state regulations; monitoring quality assurance; evaluating ongoing training and education; recruiting staff; coaching nurses on leadership; providing good customer service with teamwork in mind; and offering a hands-on approach to management.
Clark received her bachelor’s degree in home economics with an emphasis on nutrition at Fort Hays State University in 1990. She went on to earn her bachelor’s in nursing in 1995, also at FHSU.
Her employment background includes serving as RN case manager at Treasure Valley Hospice, as well as assistant director of nursing and director of nursing at Trinity Mission Health and Rehab. Both facilities are in Nampa, Id.
During her career, Clark has been recognized as Director of Nursing of the Year three times and March of Dimes Nurse of the Year. She also received the Destiny Award.
“I am so pleased to be using my experience to care for SunPorch elders,” Clark commented. “On a more personal note, I was able to return home and build a house close to my parents in South Dodge. It is a blessing to be so close to them.
“It has been wonderful to wake up every morning and spend time with them before work and then again in the evenings. I am making memories to last a lifetime.”
Ryan Salinas, SunPorch administrator, said he and his colleagues are excited to have Clark on staff.
“Gayla has a wealth of knowledge, and just as important, she has the right heart for the job,” Salinas said. “I look forward to working with her as we care for our elders.”
