Spencer Hospital

12/22/2025

On Sniffles' next Elf on Health adventure, he met with Clay County Public Health nurses Angel and Darcie to learn how to stay healthy during the holidays!

Angel and Darcie shared some important reminders with Sniffles for keeping ourselves and others well while spending time together:

• Get your flu shot if you haven't done so already. 💉
• Stay home if you're feeling sick. 🏠
• Practice good hand hygiene. 🧼
• Cover your coughs and sneezes. 🤧
• Avoid kissing infants and loved ones to help prevent the spread of germs. 💕

Sniffles emphasizes that a little prevention goes a long way in keeping our community healthy this season!

12/21/2025

Sniffles is at it again! Our mischievous elf had another job shadowing adventure at Spencer Hospital, this time in Supply Chain.

He got to see firsthand how this team keeps the hospital running smoothly by making sure all the supplies our patients and staff need are ready and available. Sniffles was a great little helper…until he discovered the band-aids! 🩹

Haley and Jamie caught him in the act and reminded him why it’s so important to use supplies wisely - every item helps our patients get the care they need!

12/20/2025

Cold and flu season is nearly here, and with it comes an increase in respiratory illnesses like influenza, RSV, COVID-19, and the common cold. At Clay County Public Health, we want to share practical guidance to help protect yourself, your loved ones, and our community this season.

Learn how to stay healthy and reduce your risk by reading our latest blog from Darcie Follon, Population Health Educator at Clay County Public Health: https://www.spencerhospital.org/blog/health-wellness/your-friendly-guide-to-cold--flu-season/

12/20/2025

Sniffles the Elf has been busy spreading holiday cheer and taking care of his health along the way!

During his latest visit, Sniffles stopped in for an infusion where Angie hooked him up with a very special IV filled with sweets (elf-approved, of course!). He also had a telemedicine appointment, with Steph and Crystal helping him connect virtually with a specialist from afar. From in-person care to innovative virtual visits, Sniffles got the full experience. He left feeling merry, bright, and ready for his next adventure around the hospital! 🎅

12/20/2025

Thank you to the students who made these thoughtful gifts for our pediatric patients!

Key Club members put their time and energy into a thoughtful project—making 20 tie blankets for pediatric patients at the Spencer Hospital ICU. 💜

12/19/2025

Yesterday, we had the pleasure of celebrating Teresa Snyder’s retirement at Spencer Hospital! Teresa has been an essential member of our Diagnostic Imaging team for the past 21 years, providing compassionate care and support to patients during their imaging and women’s health appointments. Thank you, Teresa, for your years of dedication. We wish you all the best in your well-earned retirement!

12/19/2025

Here’s a little update on what Sniffles the Elf has been up to lately! ✨

Sniffles made a special visit to the Abben Cancer Center, spreading extra cheer by delivering beautiful flowers for patients to enjoy. With warm smiles and a festive spirit, he helped brighten their day and reminded them that they are supported, cared for, and thought of during this holiday season. Sometimes, it’s the small gestures that make the biggest difference, and Sniffles was happy to share a little hope and joy with others. 💐❤️

12/18/2025

The holidays are here, bringing family gatherings, office potlucks, and plenty of delicious food. While it’s a time for celebration, it’s also a season when foodborne illness and overeating can sneak in. With a few simple strategies, we can enjoy the season without compromising our health.

Learn more by reading our latest blog from Darlene DeWitt, Spencer Hospital Registered Dietitian by following the link - https://www.spencerhospital.org/blog/nutrition/enjoying-a-safe-and-healthy-holiday-season/

12/18/2025

Sniffles the Elf has been busy spreading cheer and taking care of his health as he continues his merry adventures throughout the hospital!

After his recent stay in the ICU, Sniffles knew it was time to follow up and take charge of his health. He visited our Diabetes Education team, where Nurse Educator Taylor helped him get set up with a Continuous Glucose Monitor and shared helpful tips to keep his blood sugars on track through the holiday season.

Next, Sniffles met with Dietitian Darlene, who showed him how to fuel his body with nutritious foods and satisfy those sweet holiday cravings with healthier alternatives.

To wrap up another busy day of appointments, Sniffles stopped by Wound Care’s Toenail Clinic, where Angie took excellent care of him and had his toes looking merry and bright in no time! ✨

12/17/2025

Spencer Hospital staff enjoyed an afternoon of Christmas caroling through the hallways, sharing holiday cheer with patients and coworkers alike. We were joined by two special guests, Sniffles the Elf and a sweet young visitor who knew all the words to every carol! The experience was filled with joy, smiles, and festive spirit from start to finish. 🎶🎄

12/17/2025

Congratulations to Brian Trojahn, Critical Care Paramedic, on reaching an incredible 30 years of service at Spencer Hospital this December! 🎉

For three decades, Brian has been a trusted presence for our patients and a vital part of emergency care in our community. His dedication, compassion, and commitment have made a lasting impact on the lives of countless individuals and families. Thank you, Brian, for the difference you make every day for our patients, our coworkers, and the Northwest Iowa community. We are truly grateful for all you do!

12/17/2025

Sniffles the Elf has been busy spreading cheer across our rural clinics! ✨

He had the opportunity to job shadow with the Spirit Lake and Spencer Dialysis teams, where he learned all about how they care for our dialysis patients. Sniffles also made time to check in on his own health, scheduling appointments with our providers at Avera Medical Group Spencer, Sioux Rapids Family Care, Hartley Family Care, and Milford Family Care.

Of course, no Sniffles adventure would be complete without a little mischief - he had to make an unexpected stop at Northwest Iowa ENT when maple syrup started running out of his nose and just wouldn’t stop! The ENT nurses took excellent care of him and had him feeling better in no time. 💚