There’s ‘Joy’ in the halls of Yampa Valley Medical Center

For more than 35 years, there’s been joy in the halls of what is now UCHealth Yampa Valley Medical Center.

That’s thanks to Joy Selch, who recently celebrated her 35th anniversary with the hospital.

“I really think acts of service is my love language. It’s just who I am,” said Selch, administrative assistant at Yampa Valley Medical Center. “I want make it easier for everyone else to be successful in their roles and in caring for our patients.”

While Selch’s Birkman Personality Test results indicate her area of expertise may fall in line with operating large machinery or flying an airplane, those are two things in the “other duties as assigned” category she’s never been asked to do.

“I have done, and continue to do, whatever the team needs – answering phones, taking minutes, extra hands on a project, updating policies, arranging meetings, even the occasional pizza order for a busy department,” she said. “I think most administrative assistants are the same way. We try to do what is asked of us with grace, and if we don’t have an answer, we’ll find it. When chaos is breaking loose, we’re the stable conduit of support.”

If the patient care teams are the ducks swimming smoothly across the pond, it’s Selch and so many others who work behind the scenes that help propel them forward.

After having children, she turned to selling Apple computers before becoming an office coordinator at the Extended Care Center that was connected to Routt Memorial Hospital.

“I’ve always loved technology and learning new things, both of which have been helpful traits over the years,” said Selch. “When the patient care teams transitioned from paper charting to online documentation, there were many who hadn’t used computers regularly. Over time and as more technology was implemented, it made all of our jobs easier. The day I could use a database program for data entry was fabulous. Working now for UCHealth, a company that is always embracing change and working to extend technology and innovation – wow.”

Selch has continually supported nursing departments, but has never considered pursing a clinical role. In fact, she’s never even applied for a different role. She’s an integral cog in the wheel at YVMC.

“The title may have shifted here and there, and I’ve had different bosses, supported different nursing departments and have changed offices many times,” she said. “I truly love what I do.”

Outside of work, Selch spends her time reading, camping, caring for her grandchildren, and creating cozy spaces in her backyard – “exterior decorating where you can create a mood for good conversations.”

It’s similar to how she keeps her work space.

“A lot of times people just need someone to listen to them, someone who is impartial and will let them vent in a safe space,” said Selch. “I try to create an environment that is supportive of those needs, where there is color and flowers and a comfortable chair.”

Kelly Gallegos, chief nursing office at YVMC, is grateful not only for Selch’s support, but for her presence in the hospital.

“Joy brings her ‘joy’ every day, and it reminds me that we are all responsible for the energy we bring to work,” said Gallegos. “She is calm, consistent and kind. Joy always knows how to put a smile on my face. She is one of the humblest and most generous people I know.”

For Selch, it’s all in a day’s work.

“This is an all-encompassing job, which many people don’t realize,” said Selch. “Every day is different, and that’s what keeps it exciting.”