Stewart Memorial Hospital & Clinics Names Jim Lewis as June Path to Excellence Awardee

Image of Jim Lewis in an operating room.

Stewart Memorial Hospital & Clinics is proud to recognize Jim Lewis, CRNA, as the June Path to Excellence Award recipient, honoring his dedication to patient care, teamwork, and commitment to providing safe, high-quality anesthesia services.
Lewis joined Stewart Memorial in 2021, bringing more than a decade of anesthesia experience from North Dakota. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he began seeking an opportunity closer to family and was drawn to Stewart Memorial Hospital & Clinics for its strong sense of community and the opportunity for close, collaborative, one-on-one patient care.
“I was really drawn to the community atmosphere here and the opportunity to work closely with everyone involved in patient care,” Lewis shared. “It’s a place where teamwork really matters, and that stood out to me right away.”
Since joining the organization, Lewis has seen the anesthesia department continue to grow and evolve, with expanded services and ongoing development of clinical operations. Through these changes, he has remained focused on adaptability while maintaining a strong commitment to high-quality, patient-centered care.
Lewis emphasizes a team-oriented approach in his daily work, highlighting the importance of collaboration across departments, including anesthesia and Pain Solutions. He also stresses the value of clear, open communication among care teams to ensure patients receive coordinated, safe, and effective care.
“Good communication across all areas of care is essential,” Lewis said. “When everyone is working together and staying aligned, it directly improves the patient experience and helps ensure safe outcomes.”
One of the key experiences during his time at Stewart Memorial has been working closely with leadership and colleagues to support consistent, high-quality anesthesia coverage while integrating new team members into the department. He notes that this collaborative environment has helped maintain continuity of care and foster a strong, positive workplace culture.
He credits his colleagues and leadership team for their support and collaboration, including Jordan Blackwill, CRNA; Ragina Rowen, RN; Linn Block, CEO; Ann Lengeling; Jim Henkenius, CFO; and Melissa Wallace, CCO, for their shared commitment to maintaining strong teamwork and organizational goals.
When asked what keeps him motivated, Lewis pointed to the impact of his work on patients.
“At the end of the day, it’s about helping people through surgery safely and making a stressful experience a little easier,” Lewis said. “Being part of that process and knowing you can make a difference is what keeps me motivated.”
Stewart Memorial Hospital & Clinics congratulates Jim Lewis, CRNA, on this well-deserved recognition and thanks him for his continued commitment to excellence, teamwork, and compassionate patient care.

Stewart Memorial Recognizes Ragina Rowen, RN, as October Path to Excellence Honoree

Stewart Memorial Hospital and Clinics is proud to announce Ragina Rowen, RN, as the recipient of the October Path to Excellence Employee Recognition. Rowen serves as a Pain Solutions Nurse and has been a valued member of the Stewart Memorial team since November 2021.

Ragina’s connection to Stewart Memorial began during her nursing education when she completed part of her clinical training at the hospital. “Everyone was so nice and helpful during that time,” she shared. “The reputation of the organization is what encouraged me to come back and pursue a career here.”

Since joining Stewart Memorial, Rowen has played a key role in expanding and advancing the pain clinic program. Initially, the clinic served patients only on Tuesday afternoons and Fridays. Today, it operates most days of the week and has extended services to the Rockwell City Clinic, allowing more patients to access specialized care closer to home. In addition to her clinical duties, Rowen also contributes to quality initiatives that support continuous improvement in patient care.

Of Stewart Memorial’s core values, compassion stands out most to Rowen. “I enjoy getting to know our patients and take pride in ensuring they are heard,” she said. That dedication has helped her navigate challenges, including the transition of providers last year. she explained. “We’re excited to have Jordan join our team and look forward to his contributions.”

Rowen also credits Stewart Memorial with fostering her professional growth. She recently began pursuing her master’s degree in nursing with strong support from the organization. “Stewart Memorial offers many opportunities to grow and further our education,” she said.

Looking at the broader mission of Stewart Memorial, Rowen takes pride in the organization’s ongoing commitment to community health. “From Physical Therapy offering new classes to the addition of specialties in the clinic, it’s amazing to see all the opportunities available to better the health of our community,” she shared.

Her passion for patient care and community health is matched by personal motivation from her family. “Professionally, I want to do more and improve the health of our community,” she said. “Personally, my husband and our two little boys inspire me to be the best version of myself.”

Stewart Memorial congratulates Ragina Rowen, RN, on being named the October Path to Excellence honoree. Her compassion, dedication, and leadership continue to make a positive impact on our patients, colleagues, and the communities we serve.