Forbes, Becker’s Recognize Phelps Health

Employees Share What Honors Mean to Them

2023 was a year marked by many accomplishments at Phelps Health, but two of those achievements particularly stand out.

Phelps Health was not only included in Becker’s Hospital Review 2023 list of Great Community Hospitals but also recognized as one of Forbes America’s Best Employers By State for 2023.

“We have made a large push to change the culture in our organization over the last couple of years, and these awards are a great validation that change is really happening,” said Senior Vice President, Chief Nursing Officer and Chief Operating Officer Keri Brookshire-Heavin.

Several Phelps Health leaders and employees say they’re proud to work for an organization that achieved these honors. So, what do these recognitions really mean? We asked our staff.

Phelps Health Makes Forbes Listing

America’s Best Employers By State 2023, presented by Forbes and Statista Inc., were identified based on 2.1 million employer recommendations from staff working for companies with more than 500 employees in the United States. Organizations cannot pay for inclusion on this list.

Evaluation was made on a state-by-state basis and based on three distinct criteria: in-state indirect recommendations, national in-industry indirect recommendations and direct recommendations.

Employees also were asked to give their opinions on a series of statements surrounding work-related topics, such as working conditions, diversity, salary, potential for development and company image regarding their current employer.

Preston Hodapp, director of Patient Access, named three reasons why he feels the organization is among the best employers in Missouri.

“We have competitive wages, we care about our employees and we grow people within our organization,” he said. “Working at Phelps Health, I don’t feel like I’m just a number.”

Preston said when he was previously a customer service liaison at Phelps Health, the CEO knew him by name.

“At other organizations, I didn’t even know the senior leadership, nor did I feel they knew me,” he said.

Another way Phelps Health is among America’s Best Employers is the investment leaders make in the well-being of employees, said Brenda Bradshaw, a lead patient experience liaison.

“In the industry I previously came from, work-life balance would not be in a conversation,” she said.

Brenda is a member of the Phelps Health Wellness Committee that looks at ways to prevent burnout and reduce stress levels in the workplace.

“Being involved in a process that will have an impact on the entire organization is a reflection of the dedication from the top down,” she said.

For Brendan Williams, Epic training manager, his coworkers are what make Phelps Health a top employer.

“I enjoy coming to work every day because I know I’m with a group who, when times get tough, will have your back,” he said.

Phelps Health Makes Becker's Listing

Phelps Health also was included on Becker’s 2023 list of Great Community Hospitals. A total of 153 hospitals across the United States were named to the list, and Phelps Health was one of three hospitals recognized from Missouri.

“A Great Community Hospital to me means that we’re doing things that are not common at all community hospitals,” said President and CEO Jason Shenefield.

At monthly Phelps Health Board of Trustees meetings, Jason shares what he calls “mission moments” with the board.

“These are letters or recognitions from patients, family of patients or other employees about some of the amazing things we do at Phelps Health,” Jason said. “I get so many of these and only have enough time to read a couple each month.”

Hospitals on Becker’s list are known for clinical excellence, compassionate care, economic impact on their communities and more. These hospitals are leaders who show above-and-beyond commitment to their communities. Their expertise helps expand care access to patients who would otherwise face barriers such as cost or distance.

For Emily Buckley, director of Surgical Services and Anesthesia, a Great Community Hospital is “one that is looking towards the future, is rooted in evidence-based practice and matches or exceeds care given at top organizations.”

Whether it be staff committees who look at bringing needed technology or novel products to Phelps Health, or utilizing Epic and MyChart to improve the patient experience, Emily said employees are always looking for innovative ways to improve patient care.

The Becker’s Hospital Review editorial team selected hospitals for inclusion based on analysis of ranking and award agencies, including U.S. News & World Report’s 2022-23 rankings, Healthgrades, CMS star ratings, The Leapfrog Group safety grades and The Chartis Center for Rural Health. Becker’s also accepted nominations for this list. Organizations cannot pay for inclusion on this list.

Overall, earning these awards means a lot to employees. As Hannah Maedgen, director of Emergency Services in the Emergency Department, said, “Receiving these recognitions reinforces a sense of accomplishment for us as an organization and encourages continued dedication to the tasks at hand.”