Jefferson County Health Center
Curtis Smith has a diverse work experience spanning over three decades. Curtis began their career as a CNA/LPN at Jefferson County Health Center in 1990 and worked in various roles, including Staff RN and Assistant ER Manager. From 2001 to 2008, they served as the ER Manager, where they provided direct care to ER patients and managed a team of nurses. In 2008, they transitioned to the role of Out Patient Director, overseeing the care delivered in different departments and providing guidance for policy and regulatory issues. Curtis then took on the position of VP of Ancillary Services in 2015 before being promoted to Chief Operating Officer in 2018, where they currently serve. Additionally, Curtis also served as a Medic in the Iowa Army National Guard from 1989 to 2000.
Curtis Smith has a comprehensive education history that reflects a progression in the healthcare field. Starting in 1993, they attended Indian Hills Community College, where they obtained an Associate's degree in Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse by 1995. This foundational education provided him with the necessary skills and knowledge to start their career in healthcare.
Seeking further advancement, Curtis Smith pursued a Bachelor's degree in Nursing from the University of Phoenix between 2011 and 2012. This program would have provided him with a deeper understanding of nursing principles and expanded their professional opportunities within the field.
Continuing their quest for higher education, Curtis Smith enrolled in the University of Iowa College of Public Health in 2019 to pursue a Master's degree in Health/Health Care Administration/Management. This program allowed him to specialize in the administrative aspects of healthcare, equipping him with the necessary expertise to lead and manage healthcare organizations efficiently.
Overall, Curtis Smith's educational journey demonstrates a commitment to gaining knowledge and professional development within the healthcare industry.
Jefferson County Health Center
Jefferson County Health Center, Iowa's oldest county hospital, was dedicated September 17, 1912, and opened October 2, 1912. A bond issue of twenty-five thousand dollars was voted to build the 3-story, 25-bed hospital. This was only the second time in the history of the world that rural people voted a tax on themselves to build a hospital. Private donations furnished and equipped it. Our hospital established a nurse's education program in 1912, graduating a total of 63 nurses, and remained active until 1932. In 1917, the physicians and nurses formed Unit R, a Red Cross volunteer group, which was attached to the U.S. Army and served in France during World War I under the leadership of Dr. Clark. Various building projects were completed in 1949, 1963, 1970 and 1993. The only portion that remains of the original 1912 structure is the basement. JCHC became a critical access hospital in November 2004. JCHC moved into a new state-of-the-art 25 bed hospital in April of 2009. The medical campus includes the physician practices of the Doug Johnson Dialysis Center. Due to continued growth and community need a new addition opened in 2013 which is home to an expanded JCHC Clinics, American Eyecare, NuCara Pharmacy and Southeast Iowa Neurological Associates. Our hospital continues its tradition of superior commitment and exceptional care and is among the top-rated hospitals nationwide for patient satisfaction.