Honoring Service: HaysMed Veteran Cammie Townley

For Cammie Townley, RN, military service and nursing have always had a lot in common: commitment, responsibility and taking care of the people beside you.

Townley first began her career at HaysMed in 1982 and has held numerous roles across the organization over the years. Originally from Cedar, Kansas, in Smith County, she has worked throughout the organization in roles including the Emergency Department, ICU, obstetrics, pediatrics and NICU, and previously served as Emergency Department Director. Today, she serves as HaysMed’s Trauma Program Manager and Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Program Manager.

Her nursing career has been varied, but critical care has remained a constant passion. “I appreciate everything about nursing, but I’ve always had a strong passion for critical care, trauma and caring for people dealing with drug and alcohol issues,” Townley said. “Mental health is underserved, and it’s an area where people deserve compassion. I think your story is important.”

Finding Her Place in the Army

Townley’s military career began while she was attending Fort Hays State University, continuing her education from LPN to BSN while also working full time at HaysMed. She joined the ROTC program at FHSU and quickly realized military service was a good fit.

Townley went on to serve 15 years in the U.S. Army Nurse Corp, attaining the rank of Major. Her military experience took her to locations including Tacoma, Washington; Oklahoma; Germany; Alaska; and several other locations. She also spent time at Fort Sam Houston, gaining experience in a Level I trauma center emergency department.

As an Army nurse, Townley especially valued the opportunity to care for service members and their families. “I loved taking care of soldiers and their families. It was an honor,” she said. Her service also gave her something else she continues to value: the relationships formed between people who serve together.

A Different Perspective on Nursing

Working as a nurse in both military and civilian settings changed the way Townley approached patient care. “It gives you a different perspective and a different appreciation,” she said. That perspective has stayed with her throughout her work at HaysMed, particularly in trauma, emergency care, mental health and caring for people during some of the most difficult moments in their lives.

Reflecting on her career, Townley is quick to recognize the people around her, noting that exceptional patient care is truly a team effort. She has great respect for the nurses she has worked alongside over the years, as well as the many Associates across HaysMed who each play a role in caring for patients. That appreciation extends to the organization as a whole. “HaysMed does a really nice job and puts effort into its staff,” she said.

Remember the Families, Too

Military service remains personal for Townley in another important way. She is the mother of three sons, including a son who serves in the military. For all her own experience wearing the uniform, she is direct about one of the toughest roles she has experienced. “The hardest thing to be is an Army mom,” she said.

While assisting with a Family Readiness Group at Fort Riley, Townley worked with families whose soldiers were deployed. The experience reinforced something she believes deserves greater recognition on Veteran’s Day and throughout the year. “Please remember military families,” Townley said. “They are committed right along with their soldier.”

Her message is equally simple when it comes to supporting veterans and those currently serving. “It’s important to listen to veterans, soldiers and their families,” Townley said.

For Townley, Veteran’s Day is an opportunity to recognize the people who served, but also to pay attention to what they have experienced and what they may still carry with them. Sometimes, honoring someone starts with listening.