Thompson takes reins of SJLH Chemotherapy Infusion Center

A changing of the guard is taking place at the St. John’s Lutheran Hospital Chemotherapy and Infusion Center.  

After years of dedicated service to her patients, Linda Matthews, RN, OCN has decided that it is time to step down as the department coordinator. Riki Thompson, RN, has accepted the job, and the two of them will be working together in the department until Linda’s retirement in 2013.

Thompson has a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Montana State University, and is currently working on her Infusion Nurse Certification with plans to become a Certified Oncology Nurse in the near future.  

She has been a nurse for seven years, and is no stranger to St. John’s Lutheran Hosptial, or the patients there, having previously worked in the Obstetrics, Acute Care, and Emergency departments.

Thompson is thrilled about her new position and what the future may bring.  

“I am most excited about the new hospital and the increase in the size of the department. Our patients will have a little more privacy and even a bed to lie down if they need it. I hope that this department continues to grow and that we will be able to provide chemotherapy to more people who live in the area so they don’t have to drive to Kalispell, or even further, for their treatments,” said Thompson.  

“I feel honored that I’ve been chosen to take over this department. I am in awe of the hard work that Linda has done so far and I hope that I can continue to build this department and shape it into something even more fabulous.  

“I love being a nurse and know that I’m coming into chemotherapy with very large shoes to fill.  I’m looking forward to it.”