Osage County Health Department (OCHD) Nurse Kim Sallin has accepted an appointment to succeed Susan Long as OCHD administrator effective at Long's resignation date of Jan. 31. Her starting annual salary will be $48,000.
Sallin said she is looking forward to the next phase of her career. “I love this community,” she said. “My husband's family roots are deeply implanted in this county and I am blessed I have come to know so many of these folks. The OCHD provides many various services to this community which is a huge asset in our county. I love the thought of being an even greater part of the OCHD's attributes and look forward to immersing ourselves even further into the needs of the residents in our county.”
Sallin began as an environmental aide at a long-term care (LTC) facility.
“It was there I found a passion for caring for those who weren't able to care for themselves,” said Sallin. “I went straight into Rolla Technical Center's L.P.N. program after high school and continued working in LTC until 2006.”
At that time, Sallin started working at a doctor's office of many different specialties but spent the majority of her time working for Dr. Randall Haight in primary care.
She and Ben Sallin were married 10 years ago, and in 2011, they moved to Fort Bliss, Texas, as he pursued his military career.
“I was fortunate to acquire a position at William Beaumont Army Medical Center, working with soldiers and their families,” said Sallin. “This time was difficult, being away from family and friends, but was a highlight in my career. Serving those who serve for you is a true honor.”
Ben was medically retired from the Army in 2015, at which time they returned to Linn, and Kim began working towards a Registered Nurse (RN) degree.
Three years later, in December of 2018, Sallin completed her degree and took a part-time position in the Progressive Care Unit at SSM St. Mary's in March of 2019. She was hired as the Woman, Infants & Children (WIC) nurse for the Osage County Health Department in April of 2019 and her positions and responsibilities continued to grow as Sallin dove headfirst into public health and developed a passion for it and Osage County.
Sallin will continue to work at least one day a month at St. Mary’s. “There is a certain satisfaction that comes from a shift at the hospital,” she added. “It is really, really hard work but it provides opportunity, education, maintenance of skills, and a chance to make an immediate difference in a person's day, or sometimes their life. I am grateful for these experiences.”
OCHD currently has six additional part-time employees to help serve with COVID. Long applied for a grant some time ago that will provide funding for the additional employees for several months.
Ben and Kim have three children, Mason, 7, LaylaMay, 4, and Trevor, 2.