| Salina Journal
SMITH CENTER – Tammy Windscheffel will be stepping down from her position as a nurse with Smith County Family Practice this spring. She will work full time until the end of March and work part time until June 1.
“Tammy is an excellent provider,” said Allen Van Driel, CEO of Smith County Memorial Hospital. “Her patients love her, and the clinic and hospital staff love her. She will be missed very much. “
Windscheffel spent 44 years in the Smith County health service. During her career she held almost all foster positions in the district.
“It has been an honor to work as a hospital nurse, director of nursing, home / public health nurse, school nurse, and health care nurse in Smith County,” said Windscheffel. “I am humble at the acceptance and support of the amazing caregivers I have been able to work with.”
After graduating from Fort Hays State University as a nurse, Windscheffel found a home in the Smith County Family Practice, where she has worked for the past 25 years of her career.
“I was fortunate to be hired by the Smith County Family Practice and to work with Dr. Barnes, Dr. Conant, and Dr. Hein who were my real educators and trainers,” said Windscheffel.
One of these supervisors, Conant, has been working with Windscheffel in various functions for 30 years.
“It’s been an honor to work with Tammy,” said Conant. “I respect their skills and have enjoyed being part of caring for our patients. Empathy and compassion embody their approach. “
Vendors have changed since Windscheffel first started working in the county, but one thing that hasn’t changed is their incredible mutual support. Conant and Van Driel speak regularly about the excellent working relationships and friendships the medical staff has made.
“I count Tammy as a friend and colleague and I will miss seeing her at the Smith County Family Practice where she has been an invaluable member of our team,” said Conant.
Van Driel agrees that Windscheffel has played an important role in providing quality patient care in clinics and hospitals.
“Over the years, Tammy has answered emergency calls, worked endless hours helping patients find solutions, and worked with her colleagues to solve community-wide problems,” said Van Driel. “She has never stopped learning or growing in her career to better care for patients.”
In order to honor their service to the district and their patients, the hospital asks the well-wishers to comment on a Facebook post announcing Windscheffel’s resignation. Cards and notes can be sent to Windscheffel in the clinic. After she retires, she hopes to spend more time with the family, especially her grandchildren, traveling and on the golf course.
“It was a difficult process, but after much thought, I was lured into a change that would leave more time for family, friends and enjoying the outdoors,” said Windscheffel. “I am grateful to the patients who taught me so much and allowed me to work with them. Thanks for the blessing. Special thanks to my family for motivation, support and love. “
