Bounce houses for the kids and food and entertainment for all were on the agenda at Selma Community Hospital last week, as the hospital celebrated National Hospital Week.

It was a week-long celebration from the strawberry pancake breakfast Monday morning to the employee appreciation barbecue on Thursday. The hospital hosted the public for an open house on Tuesday, and each department had displays and information available.

Tuesday was also designated as nurse appreciation day, and on May 5 there was a Cinco de Mayo cook-off. At the barbecue on Thursday, service awards were given out, as well as announcements of the employee of the year and nurse of the year.

Honored as employee of the year was Estella Flores, a registered nurse who works in the Family Birthing Center in the obstetrics department.

"I'm very surprised, I'm speechless," said Flores. "I want to thank everyone who nominated me, there are many others who are very deserving of this honor."

Flores said the hospital is a great place to work, that it was very family-oriented and everyone she works with is like family to her.

Sonny Flores, Flores' husband, joked, "I'm the one who suffers when she's down here working all the time."

Deborah Quinn, director of the Family Birthing Center and Flores' supervisor, said Flores is very dedicated.

"She comes in whenever she's needed," said Quinn. "She takes excellent care of the patients."

Chosen as nurse of the year was Elbia Garcia. That honor was announced on Tuesday, while Garcia was working at the employee appreciation picnic.

"It's not possible for doctors to do what they do without top-notch nurses like Elbia," said Dr. Linda Halderman, board certified general surgeon. "When Elbia is in charge of my patients, I know there is another set of eyes and ears watching out for them."

Halderman went on to say that Garcia treats her patients like they were her family.

"She is incredibly committed," said Halderman. "She takes her job personally. She's a great example of the type of nurse you can get working at a smaller hospital (like Selma Community Hospital)."

Other awards given out on Thursday included team player to Lorraine Elizondo, customer service to Brenda Hooker, best smile to Carylann Hernandez, and extra-mile to Lorraine Salinas. David Baca, director of the clinical laboratory, was given an award for 35 years of service to the hospital.

This reporter can be reached at cwright@pulitzer.net

(May 12, 2004 Newspaper Publication)