Good Shepherd Health Care System stands as a remarkable example of community-focused healthcare: a progressive, nonprofit critical access hospital that blends sophisticated medical capabilities with a personal, mission-driven approach. When you walk through the doors at 610 NW 11th Street in Hermiston, you're entering a 49-licensed-bed facility that defies rural stereotypes. This system brought the region's first da Vinci robotic surgery in 2011, operates a Mako robotic system for advanced orthopedics, maintains Epic electronic medical records, and earned national recognition from the Chartis Center for Rural Health for Excellence in Patient Outcomes—accolades that reflect genuine clinical excellence.
Founded in 1954 by community leaders determined to provide quality care close to home, Good Shepherd opened on March 5, 1954, with 30 beds on West Orchard Avenue—made possible by community fundraising, Hill-Burton Act support, and sponsorship from the Portland-based Lutheran Welfare Association. That origin still defines the hospital today: a nonprofit serving community needs with local accountability through a twelve-member volunteer Board of Trustees.
The current campus reflects decades of strategic growth and capital investment, purpose-built to support modern technology and efficient workflows across 194,197 square feet of clinical, support, and administrative space. From 24/7 Level III Trauma emergency care to a full-service Family Birth Center, the infrastructure enables comprehensive services delivered safely and efficiently.
You'll practice in ten modern operating rooms equipped with current anesthesia machines, comprehensive monitoring, and robust tech support. Recent expansions created two 800-square-foot ORs for robotics, a new central sterile processing area, and twelve recovery beds—purpose-built suites that facilitate excellent care.
Good Shepherd invests in cutting-edge technology that advances patient care and attracts top clinicians. The system pioneered the region's da Vinci program in 2011, enabling minimally invasive general, urologic, and gynecologic procedures that reduce recovery time and improve outcomes. Surgeons have completed 100+ Aquablation therapies using the advanced HYDROS robotic system for urology—capabilities rivaling large academic centers.
Orthopedics benefits from the Mako robotic system for knee and hip replacements, delivering precise implant positioning and accelerated recovery. Beyond robotics, advanced imaging includes the Canon Orion MRI, comprehensive CT, digital radiography, and leading breast imaging, all integrated with Epic for seamless diagnostics.
Recognition comes from respected quality organizations for measurable outcomes and innovation—not marketing badges. Good Shepherd earned the Chartis Performance Leadership Award for Excellence in Patient Outcomes. The ConneXions care coordination program achieved an 8% reduction in ED utilization among high-risk members via community health workers and nurse coordinators.
The hospital is a U.S. Best-in-Class Employer and a Top Workplaces winner (2018, 2019) based on employee surveys. It maintains DNV Healthcare USA accreditation using ISO 9001 quality standards, with three-star HCAHPS and 69% patient recommendation—solid performance for a diverse, growing community.
Good Shepherd operates as a fully integrated health system: Good Shepherd Medical Group (primary & specialty care), TLC Home Health, Vange John Memorial Hospice, Clinic Pharmacy locations, and Home Medical Equipment. Integration means coordinated care and smoother workflows through Epic, not siloed operations.
The medical staff includes 138 primary providers across 33 specialties, enabling collaboration with board-certified surgeons and specialists across general, orthopedic, urologic, obstetric-gynecologic, ENT, pediatrics, internal medicine, and more. System partnerships support value-based care, purchasing efficiency, and rapid transport for critical cases.
As a voluntary nonprofit governed by a community Board of Trustees, Good Shepherd emphasizes transparency and accountability. The system reports $185.9M in net patient revenue, $340.3M in total assets, and provided nearly $8M in charity care last year—mission over margin.
A balanced payor mix and strong regional draw reinforce stability. With 691 employees, Good Shepherd is a major employer. Leadership continuity—73 combined years among six executives (excluding the CEO who joined in 2023)—supports consistent strategy and execution.
Good Shepherd serves 22 communities across northeast Oregon, ensuring access without three-hour trips to distant metros. With 24,909 ED visits annually and nearly $8M in free or reduced-cost services, the hospital delivers authentic charitable care and never turns away emergencies.
Beyond the walls, the Good Shepherd Community Health Foundation funds health projects and scholarships. ConneXions deploys community health workers for real-world impact, while Wellness & Education programs offer free assessments, fitness classes, and resources. Strategic growth continues—such as acquiring 61 acres in Boardman and expanding urgent care—reinvesting in community health.
As a CRNA, you'll practice in a mission-driven nonprofit that prioritizes patients and clinician wellbeing, backed by modern technology, stable leadership, and collaborative teams. The culture values quality over sheer throughput, with evidence-based protocols and the equipment you need to deliver outstanding care.
This is community healthcare done right: sophisticated capabilities delivered with genuine compassion, financial stability serving mission, and an organizational culture that values the professionals who make excellent care possible. For CRNAs seeking meaningful practice in an organization worthy of their commitment, Good Shepherd represents genuine excellence in service of an authentic mission.