Robert Tinkham of St. Joseph Hospital was recently selected as April's Mission Champion. Courtesy photo/St. Joseph Hospital

NASHUA – St. Joseph Hospital recently announced that employee Robert Tinkham was selected as the hospital’s Mission Champion for the month of April.

Tinkham joined the hospital 15 years ago, starting in Diagnostic Imaging as the film librarian and patient service representative. He has since explored various roles within the hospital, transitioning to Medical Records as a release technician in 2013, then becoming a patient service representative for the Cancer Center in 2016. After a brief return to Medical Records in 2019, Tinkham found his way to Employee Experience in 2021, where he currently serves as the employee experience coordinator. In this role, Tinkham coordinates the new hire orientation twice a month and is one of the first faces new employees meet on their first day.

Tinkman recalled his experience working at the hospital at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. He vividly remembers code after code announced over the intercom system and looking at his coworkers wearing homemade masks, sensing the fear as everyone tried to stay calm and process the rapid changes. Despite the uncertainty, Tinkman remained confident that with professionalism, support and willingness to care for others, everything would be okay. The collective effort of everyone working together to navigate the pandemic made him feel like he was in the right place at the right time.

Tinkman’s favorite part of his job is supporting each and every employee at St. Joseph Hospital. He goes above and beyond in ensuring each hire is prepared to start their new role. Having been a hospital employee himself since 2009, Tinkman takes pride in watching his new colleagues thrive. He enjoys welcoming new hires, introducing them to the hospital family as well as sharing its mission and heritage.

“At the front desk of Employee Experience, Robbie consistently shows empathy and understanding, particularly towards employees encountering challenges,” said Robert Bateman, director of Employee Experience. “For instance, if a visibly distressed staff member approaches Robbie’s desk due to personal issues affecting work, he goes beyond administrative tasks. Robbie listens attentively, expresses genuine concern, and proactively connects the employee with the appropriate resources. This compassionate approach not only addresses immediate concerns, but also strengthens a culture of respect and care within St. Joseph Hospital.”

When Tinkman is not at work, he enjoys working on cars and household projects as “Mr. Fix-It.” Proud of fixing items he once thought were impossible to fix, he credits his father for teaching him so many handyman skills. Tinkman is a homebody and cherishes spending time with family. He is the youngest of four siblings and is very close with his mother, Faye; his sisters, Lisa and Lori; and his brother, Charles. He also enjoys spending time with his nephews, Joshua, Matthew and Kevin.

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