Rose Jones joins EARH staff as physician

A new face has joined the medical staff at East Adams Rural Healthcare (EARH). Dr. Rose Jones has accepted the position as the new Physician Assistant Certified (PA-C), and began working at the facility a month ago.

After being an Emergency Room nurse for over 13 years, Jones said she wanted to remove herself from the high stress of the ER and focus on building relationships with her patients in a rural setting.

Currently residing in Medical Lake, Jones said she acquired a passion for the medical field at a young age. In her youth, she described herself as “prone to injury” due to multiple trips to the hospital.

With each broken bone, Jones said she admired the work of the medical staff and grew a desire to help others. After being born and raised in a small town in Canada, she moved to the United States and attended Brigham Young University in Idaho where she received an associate degree in science and art.

In 1999, she earned an associate degree of applied science in nursing at St. Catherine University in St. Paul, Minnesota.

After graduating from St. Catherine University, Jones accepted a position as a registered nurse at North Memorial Medical Center. She said her duties included providing nursing care on units such as cardiac, respiratory, rehabilitation, orthopedics, neurology and many others.

Jones remained a nurse at the facility for six years before moving into the fast-paced lifestyle as a nurse in the emergency department of Centracare Health-Monticello. The high stress of the ER made it difficult for her to connect with patients on a personal level, she explained.

In 2007, she decided to expand her education in the nursing field through an online course offered by South University in Georgia. After earning a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing in 2009, she continued working at Centra-Care Health-Monticello until 2013. Jones said she served as an instructor for new staff and student nurses at the health center.

The unpredictable hours of the ER began to take a toll on Jones’ personal life as she found herself desiring more time with her six children. She decided to move to Spokane in order to be closer to family and to attend the MEDEX Northwest Physician Assistant Program through the University of Washington.

While at UW, Jones received a Master of Clinical Health Services in 2015 and began working in the Emergency Department of Valley Hospital and Medical Center located in Spokane Valley.

Growing up in a small town, she began to long for a sense of a small town community, Jones explained. While participating in a family medicine rotation at Providence Health Center in Chewelah, Jones said she knew she wanted to provide primary care to residents in rural areas.

Jones said she found the EARH job listing online and immediately became interested in the location and community of Ritzville. On her way back from Yakima, she decided to stop by EARH for more information on the position from CEO/CFO Gary Bostrom.

She said the main difference between an ER nurse and a primary care physician is the amount of interaction she is allowed with patients. Jones appreciates how she is able to build personal relationships with the community while educating them on improving their overall health.

Informing patients on how to take care of their bodies is very important, said Jones.

“Patient education empowers them to be really more involved in their health,” she explained.

Jones said she believes people take the body’s complex abilities for granted. Being able to take the time to inform people on ways to benefit their health is her main focus, she stated.

She said her duties as a primary care physician are very rewarding to her because she is able to provide services to those in need in a timely matter.

Jones believes educating patients on the details of their treatment gives them the tools to keep up with improving their health.

“If you understand the benefits of the treatment I’m explaining to you, you’re more compliant,” she stated.

The small town aspect is also very comforting to Jones, she explained. She enjoys the positive atmosphere the area provides, as well as being an active member of the community.

Building relationships with patients also builds trust, she explained. Trust is important in the medical field because it allows patients to better follow the instructions given to them to complete treatment, Jones added.

Jones also enjoys the accessibility the location of the hospital provides residents, she explained. After working in larger cities, she expressed her appreciation for the convenient layout of the hospital and said she enjoys how the ER and appointment rooms are only a brief walk down the hallway.

Currently, Jones is available Monday through Thursday at EARH with walk-ins beginning at 8 a.m. and appointments starting at 9:15 a.m. Jones continues to work in the ER at the hospital one weekend a month as well.

As a primary care physician, Jones can offer patients a variety of services including physical exams, treatment for illness, injuries and chronic diseases, immunizations, mental health exams and LNI claims. She said the hospital is also in coordination with specialists for those in need of their services.

To schedule an appointment with Jones and for information on the types of insurances accepted by EARH, contact the hospital at 659-1200.