COLUMBUS, Neb. – Columbus Community Hospital has named Christine Bartholomew the new director of clinical services in its senior behavioral health unit.  She will start in her new role on Feb. 22, 2022.

The unit opened in September 2021 and helps older adults whose behavioral and emotional issues need extra attention.

“Senior behavioral health is important because, at some point in our lives, all of us need self-care and mental health support,” Bartholomew said.

Bartholomew started her nursing career as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) in a long-term care setting. During her time working in long-term care, she helped open an Alzheimer’s unit.

She started working at the hospital in 1991 as a registered nurse on the acute care unit (ACU), and has cared for patients in many different departments since then. Bartholomew was a house supervisor for 11 years.

“The hospital has always been a community of family and friends,” she said. “One of the reasons I enjoy working here is because I know patients are going to receive great care.”

Bartholomew was also a supervisor disaster response Federal Emergency Management Agency nurse for eight years, helping people who were affected by Hurricane Katrina.

She received her Bachelor of Science in nursing from Midland University in Fremont, Nebraska, and her Master of Science in nursing as a nurse educator from Bryan College of Health Sciences in Lincoln, Nebraska.

“Chris has behavioral health experience, as well as leadership,” said Dorothy Bybee, vice president of nursing and patient care at CCH. “She recently completed her Doctorate of Nursing Practice, which will also support her in this role. Chris has a calling for behavioral health and will be a good fit to grow the service line.”

Bartholomew and her husband, Tim, live south of Columbus. Tim is a retired firefighter and paramedic. They have three children and five grandchildren.