Dana Kuhn

INFECTION PREVENTION — 40 YEARS AT IVINSON

Dana in the quality management department has a type A personality, with drive and determination. She started her employment at Ivinson in late 1985. Dana moved to Laramie at a very young age making this city her forever home and eventually settling here with her husband and kids. At the age of 22 her position at Ivinson in the laboratory was her home and pride for 37 years before moving to infection prevention. Transferring to the quality department opened up doors for more learning opportunities and she enjoys being able to continue healthcare in a different capacity. 

“I like my entire job, I get to see the bigger picture in healthcare and the quality side.” Dana explained. 

When offered the infection preventionist position she was also given the opportunity to gain a certification in infection prevention and control. This paired with her prior experience gives her a unique perspective on quality issues and how to solve them. One thing she finds pride in with her position is significantly decreasing the rate of a highly contagious bacteria called C. diff within the hospital. She is also happiest when she can have a positive and direct effect on patient care through her attention to detail. One fun fact about Dana is that she loves the educational aspects of her career but if she could do another job for just one day it would involve volunteering with kids. Dana believes that this position is fulfilling and it’s just as surprising to her as anyone that she’s been here serving the community for the last 40 years. 

Arienna Reher, BSN, RN

QUALITY — 30 YEARS AT IVINSON

Arienna joined the Ivinson team March 13^th 1995 and is reached her 30-year milestone this year. Her educational journey started at the University of Wyoming then after 2 years she transferred to a different school in Illinois to pursue her bachelors in nursing. Though living in Illinois had many opportunities, the beautiful scenery of the mountains brought her back to Laramie, Wyoming. She loves working in the city she was born in. Throughout her career at Ivinson she has had a few prior roles, first starting out as an RN on the medical surgical unit then becoming the house supervisor for 20 years and working in dialysis. One thing that brings her a sense of pride and happiness in her position is when she suggests implementing a change and making that change happen. 

Her personal philosophy in patient care is ​“put yourself in their shoes and don’t shoot the messenger” Arienna expressed. 

One of the most rewarding parts of her position is the interactions with different departments, staff, and the community as a whole. Outside of her position at Ivinson, Arienna is known for her athleticism and during the summer you will likely see her playing volleyball. What you might not know about Arienna is that while in high school she held the title of state cross-country skiing champion and is also an avid lover of animals, even wanting to be a vet tech when she was younger. This love of animals now goes to her two dogs and cat while her passion for medical goes to the patients. Having the recognition from those in the Ivinson community drives her to do her best work here along with having the ability to bring outstanding care to others. 

Daniel Van Etten

ENGINEERING — 10 YEARS AT IVINSON

Daniel Van Etten is a unique, detailed, caring, and goal-oriented figure that prides himself in making others in the Ivinson community happy. In late October of 2015, he started out as a Psych Tech on Ivinson’s Behavioral Health Unit in 2015, then two years later he transferred to the Engineering Department, and then last year pivoted to becoming the hospital’s Carpenter and Painter. Previously living in Utah as a CNA, and after his career in civilian policing in the military ended, he was offered an education benefit program. Soon he found himself wanting to pursue higher education and the search for a college program back in 2014 landed him and his family in Laramie. Attending the University of Wyoming and gaining an associate’s degree was a point of perseverance even when presented with hardships during his educational career.

At Ivinson he finds pride in projects coming out the way he intended and completing goals he sets for himself. People commending his efforts in his work gives him a sense of purpose that follows his philosophy of loving the job you are in. With his skill set and experiences in life he could be described as a full deck of cards, ​“Treat others the way you hope to be treated, but be aware that not everyone sees things the way you do”, Daniel added. 

He finds happiness in being involved in his community, especially seeing the joy on kids’ faces when he dresses up as Santa. He also dresses up as a leprechaun for Saint Patrick’s Day for employees, and always has a piece of candy or a joke for almost everyone who crosses his path. Outside of work he likes to play Dungeons and Dragons with his son, hang out with his 2 dogs Bucky and Whiskey, and go mountain biking on occasion. Laramie and the community at Ivinson is the place he likes to call home because to him the small city is perfect. 

Judy Zhu

PATIENT FINANCIAL SERVICES — 5 YEARS AT IVINSON

Judy Zhu is a dedicated and detailed patient financial services cashier who joined the Ivinson team in early December of 2020. Judy has a personal philosophy she is passionate about with her job: 

“If something deserves to be done, it deserves to be done well without supervision,” Judy explained. 

Moving from China to the United States 20 years ago with her husband she eventually settled in Laramie in 2014. Judy’s sense of pride in her job comes from creating balance sheets and having a good work environment. She is also happiest when she completes her work efficiently without mistakes and if she could work a different job for one day she would choose to be a nurse. She’s also glad about the frequent opportunities to learn stating ​“I enjoy people helping me grow professionally and if I have a question all of my team or my supervisor professionally answer my questions.” 

Working originally as a cashier at Walmart, Judy set her sights on gaining a degree in accounting from Laramie County Community College, and after graduating she pursued a degree in business administration from the University of Wyoming. With English being her second language Judy found comfort in the role of an accountant as working with numbers succeeded any potential language barriers. Choosing Laramie as a place to make home was an easy choice as she felt it was a great town to raise her kids in. She is very proud of her daughter who recently graduated college and her son who will soon be graduating high school. Outside of work, Judy finds happiness in her dedication to Jogging and exercising, having a healthy family, and being involved in her community at church.

Employees Hitting Major Milestones