Welcome Decker to SMC

SMELTERVILLE — Hippocrates said, “Wherever the art of medicine is loved, there is also a love of humanity.”

Earlier this month, Shoshone Medical Center in Smelterville announced it had added a new family nurse practitioner, Suzanne Decker to their Family Medicine clinic.

Beginning April 11, Decker has had an easy transition, getting to know the new staff she will tirelessly work alongside.

“The staff have been wonderful. Very welcoming and helpful as I learn the new computer systems,” she said. “I am impressed by how caring and efficient both the clinic and hospital staff are. Having access to quality medical care near where you live is so important. I am pleasantly surprised with the breadth of services offered here locally.”

Growing up in a tiny town in northern Illinois, Decker understands the charm and importance of community with small-town living.

“Some of my favorite childhood memories are playing outside with my siblings and neighbors. Baby-sitting cousins, and spending time with my loving grandparents.”

As a nurse for more than 28 years and as a nurse practitioner for more than 12, she is no stranger to hard work. However, her nursing education was more gradual, always working full time while going to school.

She received her Masters of Science in Nursing from the University of Pheonix and a Post Master’s Certificate for Family Nurse Practitioner at the University of Illinois in Chicago.

Decker primarily worked for hospitals and clinics for rural populations in the Midwest.

“I worked the longest at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics and for OSF Healthcare in central Illinois. I have been working as a hospitalist for almost four years, on the night shift. My body is definitely ready to transition to day shift.”

Decker and her husband have felt supported and welcomed as they make the Silver Valley their home.

“My husband and I have been visiting family and friends out west for years. Now that our kids are grown, we decided to move. Whenever we came out here to visit, it felt like home,” she said. “I love the friendly people, and small-town feel. I enjoy the history of the area, as well as being outside. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking. I keep telling my folks and my kids about how beautiful it is and can’t wait for them to come visit and see it for themselves.”

Decker will be working as a family nurse practitioner and caring for patients at the clinic and in the hospital. Her primary job will be at the Shoshone Medical Center Family Medicine Clinic in Smelterville. She will also be working at the hospital, helping the hospitalist team care for patients.

“I have already witnessed how well team members collaborate to get care to people when they need it. What I especially like about clinic work is helping people with chronic health problems to take better care of themselves so that they can feel well and stay out of the hospital. I am looking forward to meeting new patients and helping them to stay well.”