After an extraordinary 46-year career at HaysMed, Helen Windholz has retired, marking the end of an era of dedicated service in nursing, particularly in Hospice/Palliative Care. Helen’s last day was celebrated on January 24th, surrounded by colleagues, friends, and the many lives she has impacted.

Born and raised on a farm near St. Peter, Kansas, Helen’s journey in nursing began after graduating summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Fort Hays State University in December 1978. Her career at HaysMed, initially St. Anthony’s Hospital, commenced immediately after, fulfilling a commitment tied to a scholarship she received during her senior year.

Helen’s extensive career covered multiple critical and specialized care roles. She began on the medical floor, swiftly moving to roles in the ICU, where she was part of the Transport Team, and later to the PACU, where she eventually became Supervisor. In February 2006, Helen transitioned to Hospice/Palliative Care, first as a PRN staff nurse and then in a full-time capacity, profoundly shaping the program with her empathy, skill, and leadership.

Helen Windholz’s professional achievements are extensive, spanning certifications in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), active contributions to numerous committees including the National Hospice/Palliative Care Organization, and the development of educational programs for HaysMed nurses. Her dedication to community and service is also highlighted by her receipt of several prestigious awards. In 2020, Helen was honored with the DAISY Award, a national recognition given to nurses who exhibit exceptional clinical skills and compassionate care. Additionally, Helen’s exceptional contributions to HaysMed were recognized in 2005 when she received the Sr. Mary J. Mollison Nurse of the Year Award, the highest accolade awarded to a nurse within the organization.

Helen’s personal life is as rich and varied as her professional one. She found love and faced heartbreak with the untimely death of her first husband, John Cline, and later married Neal Windholz, with whom she shares a life farming north of Victoria. Her deep community ties are evident through her ongoing roles, including her service as a Eucharistic Minister at HaysMed for Catholic patients and her active participation in St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Walker, KS.

Helen’s retirement celebration was a tribute to her profound impact on HaysMed and the broader healthcare community, reflecting nearly five decades of professional dedication and personal kindness. Colleagues shared stories of her wisdom, the comfort she provided to many patients and their families, and her mentorship of younger nurses. As Helen steps into retirement, HaysMed is confident that the legacy she leaves behind will continue to thrive in the lives of those she has touched.

HaysMed recently honored seven registered nurses who completed the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Registered Nurse (RN) Residency Program. Starting in January 2024, the year-long program offered comprehensive clinical exposure in key areas like the Intensive Care Unit, Progressive Care Unit, Obstetrics, Ambulatory services, and Surgical services. Alongside tailored mentorship and practical training, this initiative was crucial in enhancing their professional skills and preparing them for various nursing challenges.

Residency Coordinator Jana Zeller, EdD, proudly recognized the new graduates’ achievements. The graduation ceremony also featured active involvement from HaysMed directors and supervisors of the departments where the students trained. This ceremony not only celebrated the accomplishments of the new graduates but also reinforced HaysMed’s dedication to developing highly skilled nurses within our Hays community, ensuring exceptional healthcare for our residents.

The graduating class included:
Alexis Bainter, RN
Brielle Bange, RN
Audrey Bartz, RN
Abby Gergick, RN
Keree Holguin, RN
Iran Mesta, RN
Christian Murray, RN