Growing up in Tillamook, Oregon, Daryl Hamilton would often roam through the halls of Tillamook County General Hospital (TCGH) where his father, a nurse, worked. However, he never dreamed that someday he’d be a part of Adventist Health’s healing ministry.
“When you are a kid, you don’t always think of where you’re going to work when you grow up,” says Daryl. “I never really imagined that I’d work at this hospital.”
Now 23, Daryl serves as a network engineer for TCGH. As one of only two information systems support staff members, his days are busy. He spends his time helping employees at their workstations, providing software support and ensuring that the hospital’s computer systems and network are up and running.
“We’re always busy in our department—there is never a dull moment,” says Daryl. “In the two short years that I’ve been with the hospital, I’ve learned so many valuable skills. It really has been a continuous learning experience.”
One of the things that he likes about working at TCGH is the fact that he is constantly learning new aspects of his job. He’s had the opportunity to develop Web applications—something he wasn’t exposed to before accepting his current position.
“I really feel like I have a place to grow in my career here,” he says. “I feel like I am valued and supported, and I always have the opportunity to learn something more.”
Daryl attended the Tillamook Adventist School through 10th grade and finished his high school education at Upper Columbia Academy in Washington. He then moved to Walla Walla, Washington, where he obtained associate degrees in computer networks and computer hardware repair. He was excited to discover a job opening at TCGH just two weeks before graduation.
“It was wonderful to hear that the hospital was hiring for a position that I qualified for, and I was lucky enough to get the job,” recalled Daryl.
He isn’t the only one who feels lucky. His fellow employees at the hospital are thrilled with the service and expertise he brings to his position.
“Daryl is the type of young person that our hospital strives to attract,” states Donna Bechthold, vice president of patient care services at TCGH. “He is always willing to tackle any task, and his technical know-how and commitment to our mission are wonderful assets to our patients and employees alike.”
In addition to his contributions at the hospital, Daryl volunteers as a firefighter with the Tillamook Fire Department. He also uses his technical expertise to help the local Adventist school and church with computer issues.
One of the things that Daryl values the most about TCGH is the hospital’s Christian environment, which he says has enabled him to work in a job without ethical dilemmas. Because he is an Adventist, he appreciates the emphasis that Adventist Health places on high principles and standards.
“It really is just a wonderful place to work and grow as a young professional,” says Daryl, who can’t help but compare the hospital to other places where he has worked. “The work environment is a lot different here. People get along, they appreciate what you do and there is a feeling that we are all working together for a higher purpose.”
Daryl Hamilton spends much of his day assisting fellow employees with computer issues.
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