By KALEY LYON

klyon@dailynews.net

Hays Medical Center recently was named one of the top 100 best places to work in the health care profession.

HMC was the only Kansas hospital to make the national list, as determined by Modern Healthcare magazine.

"We're just excited to be in the top 100 and to be recognized nationally," said Nikki Adams, director of associate development. "Because I think here, in our own little environment, we all think it's a great place to work. But then to be actually recognized for it on a national level I think is really exciting and good for the organization, good for the community."

About 240 hospitals applied for the program, and the top 100 hospitals were determined in part by Best Companies Group, a Pennsylvania-based firm that conducts similar programs throughout the nation.

This is the first time this particular survey has been conducted.

The hospitals were ranked from 1 to 100 -- these rankings will be revealed in the magazine's Oct. 27 supplemental issue.

Regardless of what number assigned to HMC, it's an honor simply to have made the list, Adams said.

"We don't care if it's one or 100, we made the list," she said with a laugh.

The application process, which was completed over the summer, included a questionnaire for administrative staff, and employee surveys distributed to 300 associates.

Jodi Schmidt, HMC's chief development officer, said the rating reflects more than a decade of hard work. Employee satisfaction initiatives long have been part of the hospital's routine, she said.

"We know that if our people are happy here, then our physicians will be happy practicing here, our patients will be happy when we care for them here," Schmidt said. "It really is the foundation for what we do."

The hospital conducts regular surveys of associates to gauge employee satisfaction, and associates have a quarterly meeting with administrative staff, she said.

Employees also unite in working towards the fulfillment of annual goals, and the hospital has implemented programs to reward and recognize associates for their hard work, Schmidt said.

And while practical matters like salary and benefits do matter, it's a positive work environment that ultimately keeps employees satisfied, she said.

"The supervisors that they work with and the people they work with are the number one thing that leads to satisfaction," she said. "Of course, there are always the basics of pay and benefits, but that only goes so far. To really be above and beyond, you have to pay attention to the people part."

A team of HMC associates will travel to Chicago on Oct. 29 to accept the award on behalf of the hospital.

In the long run, Schmidt said administration is hoping the national recognition will boost HMC's recruitment efforts.

"Now it's not just us telling them we're a great place to work, because we've known that for years," she said. "Now someone who's considering joining us will know that someone from the outside has said we are a great place to work."