Pictured: Jessie Ryan

Meet Jessie!  

Jessie Ryan came to MRH straight out of her clinicals training 11 years ago and has been a Medical Laboratory Technician who loves her job ever since.

“I work in the outpatient lab, collecting blood and other specimens,” Jessie said, “and I facilitate the training of new hires in laboratory testing. I also make sure all the MRH sites that perform testing (the Medical Office Building, Specialty Care offices, Rapid Care, and my clinic lab) have all the proper documentation and protocols in place to verify that we are always turning out accurate patient results.”

A typical workday in Jessie’s life is hands-on and people-focused. “I draw a lot of blood throughout the day—everything from routine labs to more complex collections,” she said. “In addition to phlebotomy, I also handle drug-screen collections and breath alcohol testing, often following strict protocols to ensure accuracy and compliance.”

When Jessie was younger, she always thought she’d work with animals. “Then I took a microbiology class in college and got hooked. Growing bacteria cultures? The coolest thing I’d ever done. When I first had to learn phlebotomy before MLT school, I was like, ‘Ugh, needles? No thanks.’ But surprise! I’m actually pretty good at it, and now it’s something I’m really passionate about. If you ever want to geek out, ask me about my favorite white blood cell or your blood type—I’m here for it!”

“Jessica takes great care of all patients visiting the lab, even going so far as to assist them to the bathroom, with their mobility devices and more,” said the colleague who nominated her as Unsung Hero. “She provides a great patient experience.”

A Colorado native and a Craig resident since she was 4,  Jessie and her husband have five kids ranging in age from 16 down to 2. “We’ve known each other for over 18 years, and my husband immigrated from Canada in 2020, shortly after we got married,” Jessie said. “Since then, we’ve spent the last five years exploring different parts of the U.S., making memories and adventures along the way. Our family is full of energy and passion. We have quite the collection of pets: frogs (5!), bearded dragons, snakes, cats, dogs (including my beloved dachshund, naturally), ducks, and even a rat. Life at home is never dull!”

To Jessie, her work is more than a profession—it’s a calling. “When you step into my lab, I want you to feel completely at ease—like you’re at home,” she said. “This is a judgment-free space where everyone is welcome. You’ll be treated with kindness, respect, and empathy. My goal is to make sure you feel safe, heard, and cared for—because you deserve that. Most of all, I want your lab experience to be as comfortable and smooth as possible. Whether you’re nervous, curious, or just having a rough day, you’re not alone here. We’re in this together.”

Jessie, thanks in large part to your dedication and commitment to patient-centered experiences, the MRH lab provides truly exceptional care to the people of this community. We could not appreciate you more.