Gritman Laboratory Phlebotomist Oscar Hoffmann Receives 2025 Gritman Way Award
Oscar Hoffmann strives to help patients feel more comfortable and empowered in his role as a Phlebotomist at Gritman Medical Center’s Main Laboratory.
Oscar Hoffmann, 2025 Gritman Way Award Winner
Despite earning positive feedback from patients and colleagues alike, he was surprised to be recognized as the 2025 Gritman Way Award winner. The Gritman Way Award is presented annually to an employee who exemplifies Gritman’s mission, vision, and commitment to extraordinary care.
Oscar started at Gritman in August 2023 as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) working in multiple departments including the Emergency Department. In 2024, he attended a phlebotomy course at Lewis-Clark State College and discovered a passion for continuously improving his skills, both in drawing blood and providing compassionate care.
He has been recognized by the people he works with every day since joining the Laboratory as a Phlebotomist, but Oscar notes that his co-workers are also worthy of recognition. Everyone in the Lab is willing to jump in and help when needed, he said, creating a positive and encouraging work environment where he and others feel valued.
“I feel like everyone I work with is just as deserving,” he said about winning the Gritman Way Award. “I’ll probably have to cut the award up into multiple pieces and hand it out to everyone in the Lab.”
Members of the Gritman Family have shared their appreciation for Oscar’s willingness to help outside of the Lab as well. A staff member who nominated Oscar thanked him for staying late to help in the Emergency Department on a busy shift when there was a need.
Many patients who have had their blood drawn by Oscar specifically request him later, citing his empathetic communication, efficiency, and friendly demeanor as reasons for their request.
Oscar Hoffmann with Gritman President and CEO Kara Besst
“Oscar was super friendly and welcoming, with a great sense of humor,” one patient said in nominating Oscar for his care. “He also communicated clearly and professionally about my lab work, and I barely felt the needle. I left the appointment laughing with a smile on my face. Oscar’s a gem!”
Several other nominations from patients describe positive blood draw experiences thanks to Oscar, with one patient calling it “the best experience” they have had yet.
Oscar finds it rewarding when patients tell him they hardly felt the blood draw or did not feel it at all. His goal is to help patients take their minds off of the draw itself and focus more on a conversation with him instead, often utilizing the witty sense of humor he is known for across the organization.
“I come to work because I like the engagement I can get with patients,” Oscar said. “If I can make them laugh or feel more comfortable, it’s a great feeling.”
He wants patients to know they can talk to him. He believes patients’ voices should be heard, and appreciates it when they advocate for themselves by telling him what works well for them, based on their prior experience.
Oscar serves as an exemplary member of the Gritman Laboratory team, living the Gritman Way each day with his commitment to providing patients with a smooth, empathetic blood draw experience.
The Gritman Way Award is given out each year to a team member who exemplifies Gritman Medical Center’s values: Compassion, Integrity, Collaboration, Accountability, Respect and Excellence.
Do you know an employee who personifies Gritman’s values in providing exceptional care? Nominate an employee for their service at gritman.org/nominate.
Meet Previous Gritman Way Award Winners
