New Director of Patient Care Services
Joan Manzella, RN joins our staff as our new Director of Patient Care Services. She recently relocated to Plains from Ooltewah, Tennessee where she taught Associate level Nursing Clinical Studies for Southern Adventist University while completing her Family Nurse Practitioner Masters Degree.
Manzella's initial interest in healthcare came from her mother who became an LPN when Manzella was in the 6th grade. As she watched her mother go through school, had the opportunity to observe her on the job at times and talked with her mother's co-workers about the healthcare profession, she was inspired to pursue her own career in healthcare.
"I really wanted to show people TRUE compassion in their time of need," says Manzella.
Looking for a position in Montana came from her desire to live closer to her daughter and her family who live in the Thompson Falls area.
"I was drawn to this facility from the day I came to interview. As I toured the facility, I was introduced to many people and everyone that I met and talked to were very kind. Right away, I could see the dedication of the Administrative team and the staff to provide quality healthcare to the people in the Sanders County community. That was VERY important to me!" Manzella explained.
Manzella has experience in many areas of nursing and became an RN in 1983. She has held several managerial positions in healthcare facilities across the country since 2001. In 2014, she obtained her Masters Degree in Nursing Education and then went on to complete a Post-Masters Degree to become a Family Nurse Practitioner from Southern Adventist University.
She has two grown children and three young grandchildren and enjoys card making, scrapbooking, quilting, walking, and bicycling in her spare time.
When asked what goals she has set for herself in her new position, Manzella answered, "I want to get to know the managers and staff so I know and understand what their areas of expertise are. I plan to evaluate current workflows across departments and conduct performance improvement activities as needed. I additionally want to advise on best practices in nursing and patient care as well as mentor managers so I can help staff have a voice at all levels of the organization. My role as a director and as part of the Senior Leadership Team puts me in a unique position to make a true difference in healthcare in this community and I am excited for that opportunity."