McKinlay’s career is being highlighted as an example of “upskilling,” a workforce development approach encouraged by the American Hospital Association that helps rural hospitals strengthen and retain healthcare workers by supporting career advancement from within.

McKinlay began working at Gunnison Valley Hospital at age 18 as a certified nursing assistant and has remained with the hospital for more than 25 years. Over the course of her career, she steadily advanced through a variety of healthcare roles, including licensed practical nurse, registered nurse discharge planner and ultimately chief nursing officer, or CNO.

Today, as CNO, McKinlay oversees nursing operations while continuing to mentor and support the hospital’s staff.

“She has had very low turnover during her tenure and considers her team like a family to her,” hospital officials said in the award announcement. “She is very proud of how well they work together.”

McKinlay said rural healthcare workers often take on a wide range of responsibilities in order to serve their communities close to home.

“Our staff takes on many varied job duties,” McKinlay said. “They might deliver a baby on Monday, be an ER nurse on Tuesday, and then prepare patients for surgery on Wednesday. Our staff needs to be able to provide a variety of care, so our community can avoid long journeys to get the care they need.”

Hospital CEO Brenda Bartholomew praised McKinlay’s tireless work ethic and commitment to patient care.

“Anything that needs to get done, Jodi does at a rapid pace,” Bartholomew said. “Where there is a need, she is there, even on weekends or when she’s been working for many days in a row. She is a major reason we have such a strong culture of service at Gunnison Valley.”

McKinlay, who is originally from Aurora just south of Gunnison, said her healthcare journey began after speaking with a nurse at a job fair. She attended nursing programs in Richfield and Ephraim, earning her LPN certification through Snow College and later becoming an RN through an outreach program with Weber State University.

The Impact Awards are presented annually by PCRH in conjunction with National Rural Health Day to recognize healthcare professionals making a difference in Utah’s rural communities.

Gunnison Valley Hospital is an independent critical access hospital serving central Utah. The hospital’s mission is to provide high-quality healthcare services in a caring, current and efficient manner.