Employees like working for Pershing Health System for many reasons—but most of all each one is a valued member of the PHS family. The Employee Spotlight demonstrates how each employee’s contribution is so important to Pershing. We have fantastic employees that make a difference in the lives of our patients and colleagues every day. With their compassion, empathy, and passion for what they do, they make our days brighter and our lives fuller.
MEET DEBBIE HOYT
Nearly Five Decades of Caring for Pershing Health System
Some employees come to work each day. Others become part of an organization’s story.
For 48 years, Debbie Hoyt has been just that for Pershing Health System.
This summer, Debbie was recognized at the annual employee picnic as the longest-tenured employee at PHS, a well-deserved honor for someone whose career has touched generations of patients, families, and coworkers.
When Debbie first walked through the doors of Pershing, the hospital looked very different than it does today.
“I started on the west wing, which is no longer here,” Debbie recalls.
Over the years, she has served in many roles throughout the Med-Surg department before moving to Laundry four years ago. During her career, she worked as a ward secretary, cared for mothers and newborns in the nursery, and adapted alongside countless changes in healthcare.
Of all the positions she’s held, one remains closest to her heart.
“I loved taking care of the babies.”
Service to Pershing Health System runs deep in Debbie’s family. Her mother, Pat Bloss, devoted 47 years to the hospital as an LPN. When asked who her hero is, Debbie doesn’t hesitate.
“My mom was my hero. She taught me most everything I know. She was the most loving and caring person. She would do anything for anyone and was loved by all. I hope I have just a little piece of her in me.”
Together, Pat and Debbie represent an extraordinary legacy of 95 years of combined service to Pershing Health System. Their commitment to caring for others has left a lasting impact on countless patients, families, and coworkers over the decades.
Nearly five decades have brought new technology, expanded services, renovated facilities, and changing healthcare practices, but one thing has remained constant—Debbie’s dedication to Pershing Health System and the people it serves.
Today, she enjoys working in the Laundry Department because it’s a quiet environment, and she appreciates being able to support patient care in a different way.
Outside of work, Debbie enjoys traveling and spending time with her family. She also hopes to one day learn a foreign language and become an even better gardener.
Coworkers describe Debbie as kind, helpful, and courteous. Qualities that reflect the example her mother set for her and the way Debbie has treated patients and fellow employees throughout her career.
After nearly half a century at Pershing Health System, Debbie has witnessed remarkable change, but her message to others is simple:
“It really is a great place to work.”
Thank you, Debbie, for 48 years of dedication, compassion, and service. Your commitment has helped shape Pershing Health System, and your legacy will continue to inspire those who follow in your footsteps.
MEET NATHAN HOWERTON
NATHAN HOWERTON
Maintenance Department
Nathan Howerton works in the Maintenance department and has been with Pershing Health System for 4 years. When asked what he likes best out his position at Pershing, Nathan stated, “Working around friendly people.”
Other questions we asked:
What is something that you would like to learn how to do?
HVAC.
What do you like to do in your free time?
Hunt, Fish, Spend time with my Family.
MEET LORA HOWERTON
LORA HOWERTON
Admissions Department
Lora Howerton works in the Admissions department and has been with Pershing Health System for 17 years. When asked what she wants people to know about PHS, Lora stated, “It’s a great place to work. We are like one big family.”
Other questions we asked:
3 words that people would use to describe you:
Hardworking, Multi-tasker, Helps people
What do you like to do in your free time?
Camping, hiking, and spending time with my family and friends.
MEET WHITNEY HART
WHITNEY HART
Med-Surg Department
Whitney Hart is a Registered Nurse in the Med-Surg department and has been with Pershing Health System for 10 months. When asked what she likes best about her position at Pershing, Whitney stated, “I like the atmosphere and teamwork. We have a great team here on Med/Surg- we work together to get out patients well and on their way back home.”
Other questions we asked:
What is something that you would like to learn how to do?
Make sourdough bread!
What do you like to do in your free time?
Spend time with my family, gardening, and being outdoors (Come on Spring!)
MEET CASSY JEFFRIES
CASSY JEFFRIES 
Physical Therapy Department
Cassy Jeffries is a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) in the Physical Therapy Department and has been with Pershing Health System for almost 17 years. When asked what she likes best about her position at Pershing, Cassy stated, “I’m passionate about helping others and my position allows me to do just that. I love that I get to interact with our amazing patients and be part of their recovery.”
Other questions we asked:
What is something that most people don’t know about you?
My family and I own Crosswinds Boer Goats- we raise goats for showing and meat production.
What do you want people to know about PHS?
We have many treatment opportunities at PHS. We also have some really great people that work here who are here for you and ready to help you!
MEET CHRIS HOWERTON
CHRIS HOWERTON
Rural Health Clinic
Chris Howerton, CRHCP, is the Administrative Coordinator for the Rural Health Clinics and has been with Pershing Health System for almost 26 years. When asked what she wants people to know about PHS, Chris stated, “PHS is about the community , making sure we have great health care right here in our hometown. PHS is always looking to better the facility for the patients’ needs.”
Other questions we asked:
What do you like best about your position at Pershing?
I like best about my position is the friendly smiles and support of our patients and collecting the data. Seeing where we have been, where we are, and where we are going!
3 words that people would use to describe you:
Friendly, Caring and dedicated.
What do you like to do in your free time?
Spend time with family, especially my 3 beautiful Granddaughters and Crafting.
