When Julie Robben was offered the best of two worlds at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital, she jumped at the chance to fill the dual role.
Robben, a Russell native, is the new director of the PVCH Imaging Department where she is part of the leadership team, while also providing direct care to patients.
“Being able to care for patients alongside this amazing team is a real bonus,” Robben said. “They always have the patients’ best interests at heart.
“The hospital’s state-of-the-art equipment allows us to provide most of the services that are available at larger facilities,” she continued. “In addition, it is great having HaysMed as a resource when needed.”
Services offered at the Pat Young Imaging Center include: general x-ray; computed tomography (CT); magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); nuclear medicine; ultrasound; mammography; bone densitometry; and pain clinic.
The center is staffed by registered radiology technologists who are licensed by the state of Kansas. The staff is cross-trained in different modalities and they are all willing to further their education by working toward advanced credentials, Robben noted.
Nuclear medicine and ultrasound services are staffed by HaysMed professionals.
Robben graduated in May 2006 with a bachelor of science in Medical Diagnostic Imaging. She also earned an associate of science in Radiologic Technology.
She is working on her Master of Professional Studies in Medical Imaging, emphasizing administration.
Robben started working at HaysMed in 2005 as a secretary in the Radiology Department, while attending the Diagnostic Imaging Program at Fort Hays State University. She worked part-time in x-ray and CT for several years at HaysMed while working full-time in imaging at Russell Regional Hospital.
“In 2008, I accepted a full-time job at HaysMed where I provided imaging services for the past 15 years,” she said. “I also cross-trained in the Cardiac Cath Lab for two years, performing interventional procedures with the cardiologists.”
Imaging is staffed from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. weekdays; an on-call technologist is available from 5:30 p.m. to 7 a.m. for emergencies.
“Our technologists work diligently to meet patients’ needs in a timely manner,” she said. “They offer the highest quality service possible.”
Robben also noted that even though October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, is almost over, it is never too late to schedule a mammogram.
Pawnee Valley Community Hospital, 923 Carroll in Larned, is a 25-bed facility, offering many services not typically available in a smaller facility. Included are 24/7 emergency care; acute, skilled and specialized nursing; surgery; high-tech imaging and laboratory tests; wound care; rehabilitation; and sleep and diagnostic center. PVCH Family Medicine, 713 W. 11th, provides the full range of family-medicine services; physician-assisted weight loss; and women’s health services. The hospital’s number is 620-285-3161; the clinic’s number is 620-804-6007.
