After leading as the Interim Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) the last several weeks during the historic COVID-19 pandemic, Jackie Pounds, RN, is joining in the new beginnings at Lincoln County Hospital as its permanent Chief Nursing Officer.

“Jackie has lead with confidence and a positive sense of collaboration during these especially difficult times,” said Jeanne Goche, LCH Chief Executive Officer (CEO).  “Her partnership with fellow leaders, along with her excellent nursing and people skills, certainly have contributed to the stabilized and strengthening situation at LCH.”

Jackie’s accomplishments in such a short time have included implementation of ever-changing protocols related to COVID-19, collaboration on infection control policy development, maintaining nurse staffing as inpatient numbers have increased, and manning the Emergency Room for the early COVID-19 patient screening and testing. 

“She has been a leader in creating a safe health environment during the pandemic,” noted Jessica Winckler, LCH Lab Manager and Infection Control Specialist.  “As of today, there still have been no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Lincoln County.” 

Jackie earned her LPN from NCK Technical College and her RN from Cloud County Community College.  She has worked as a hospital RN at LCH since 2008. 

Starting her nursing career as a CNA at Lincoln Park Manor, Jackie then worked at LCH for a brief time.  She worked at Mitchell County Hospital Health Systems as an LPN briefly until she earned her RN, staying at Mitchell County for another nineteen years.

She gained a breadth of experience at Mitchell County on the Med/Surg Unit, as well as Labor and Delivery.  Returning to her start in Lincoln, Jackie has served LCH as a Floor Nurse and Emergency Room Nurse, as well as Interim CNO.  She has administrative experience as an Emergency Preparedness Coordinator and Education Director. 

Jackie’s love for patient care and ability to teach other nurses will be a critical asset as nursing leaders in smaller hospital settings must step in and provide direct patient care from time to time.

“It is wonderful that Jackie has accepted the CNO job when we are becoming busier and busier,” said Dr. Arshad Cheema, LCH Chief of Staff.  “We need Jackie’s leadership as patients are becoming more comfortable coming in for regular care.  She will also be a great help if we should yet need to manage another wave of the pandemic.” 

During this pandemic phase of reopening Kansas, calling the clinic before arriving is still the best thing to do.  Also, LCH physicians continue to accept direct telephone calls about medical concerns. 

Clinic appointments can be made by calling 785-524-4474.

Community members with non-emergent medical concerns may reach LCH Medical Staff by calling as follows:

Health questions for Adults – 785-531-1904

Health questions for Children (Birth to Age 19) – 785-531-0838

LCH Medical Staff are also available by Skype (clinic@lchospital.net) or Face Time.

As always, emergency cases should continue to present at the LCH Emergency Room.