Nurses Week 2023

Presenting Partner:

Supporting Partners:

A message from Nurses Week presenting sponsor Northern Arizona Healthcare

Nurses are known as the backbone of health care. Not only do they care for their patients, but they are also advocates for their patients and patient’s families

Although health care has been a challenging profession these last few years, Northern Arizona Healthcare (NAH) has persevered to ensure that each patient who steps foot in FMC will receive exceptional care,and this couldn’t have been possible without our extraordinary nurses.

Alongside our physicians and other patient caregivers, nurses at Flagstaff Medical Center (FMC) have put their lives on the line to care for those that need it most in our community. They come to work knowing the risks, with a sense of commitment and duty, putting other’s health ahead of their own. Each nurse has their own story of why they went into the nursing profession, but it’s clear that they share one common denominator – passion.

“I am honored to say that the entirety of my nursing career has all been at FMC on the same unit, and I don’t plan on changing that anytime soon,” said Candy Dockter, an RN in a Med-Surg Tele (MST) unit at FMC.

“Being an MST nurse is highly underrated in the nursing world, but providing top-notch care to the patient and their families is a joy that the MST RN gets to embrace,”

Dockter continued.“I also serve as a preceptor and mentor to new nurses and prepare them to deliver excellent care. I lovelookingaroundNAHandseeingstudentsandnewgrad RN’s that I have trained in various positions all around the organization.”

“The culture on my unit and serving as an advocate for the patient is what makes me love where I work. The providers at NAH and all the other staff work together to obtain optimal quality care for our town. With the support of NAH and my MST team, I am able to help patients reach their goals and progress from a higher level of care to home. To me, MST nursing is the backbone of nursing and encompasses many aspects of practicing medicine. Every day, every patient is different and proposes a new challenge.Getting hugs and seeing people discharge out of the hospital is very rewarding and is the end goal of care.”

At FMC you will see nurses working each day to give the members of our community the same compassionate care in their time of need. As integral members of our hospital,

NAH is proud to celebrate the dedication and commitment of our nurses during this year’s National Nurses Week,May 6-12.

Although there were efforts to designate a recognition day for nurses in the 1950s, it wasn’t until 1974 that the first National Nurses Week was celebrated. In 1982, a joint congressional resolution designated May 6 as “National Recognition Day for Nurses,” and in 1991, the celebration was expanded to National Nurses Week to accommodate the varied schedules of America’s nurses.

During National Nurses Week,NAH is celebrating nurses of today, as well as those of yesterday. Flagstaff Hospital opened its doors on Jan. 4, 1936 (it became FMC in 1983). The original facility housed four patients and employed two nurses and two physicians Today, FMC employs over 820 nurses,a number that has grown throughout the years as the Flagstaff community continues to grow.

For more than 50 years our nurses have provided outstanding care to the residents of northern Arizona, and we look forward to celebrating these hardworking nurses for the next 50 years.

Please join NAH as we thank nurses this week and throughout the year, for everything they do to care for the health of our community.

JORDAN ALVAREZ

“Jordan, not only are you an amazing young lady, but you are an amazing nurse! Your kindness to our patients on the Kendrick unit does not go unnoticed. I see you always taking on the extra time to do basic things that not everyone slows down to take care of. I have heard many patients tell me that they can always trust you and that of all the nurses, you are the one that stands out. You’re determination, attention to detail, and kind heart make for all the best traits of a nurse. Not only are you great with patients but you are also a great coworker. You are someone that I know will become a great resource to the unit. Thank you for choosing to be a nurse. Your patients are lucky to have you.

What makes you passionate about your work?

As nurses, we take care of people when they are in the most vulnerable of positions. It is my honor and my passion to create an environment in which each patient feels safe. Establishing a genuine bond with my patients is an important part of my nursing philosophy. I strive to take care of patients and their families with compassion to ad-

dress the needs that are most important to them.

What’s an accomplishment you are proud of?

Being nominated for the AZ Daily Sun’s Nurses Week celebration is an accomplishment that I am grateful for and proud of. However, with any achievement in my nursing career, I feel that my team is the

“foundation for any successes. My coworkers and mentors on the unit have supported me and given me the confidence to become the best nurse I can be.

What is the most important thing you’ve learned so far?

The most important lesson I’ve learned so far is to be kind to myself even when I feel like I’m not meeting my own expectations.

CAROL BESSPIATA

My coworkers often remind me that nursing is a 24-hour job and that there will be days that I can’t complete every task. Instead of going home feeling discouraged that I couldn’t complete every objective I set out for the day, I remind myself that I prioritized tasks and that another amazing nurse will come on shift and pick up where I left o .

Wound and Ostomy Nurse

Carol is complete sunshine when she enters a patient’s room. She is attentive, knowledgeable, and is one of the few nurses who goes above and beyond for patient (and family) care and comfort. She is so compassionate, kind, cheerful, and it’s really unfortunate we can’t clone her. She took care of my dad’s wounds in his last month of life and she is truly an earth angel who I would BEG to have come around and check on him because no one holds a candle to her care.

What makes you passionate about your work?

Serving others and being able to make positive di erences in patients and their families lives during di cult, stressful and vulnerable times. Being able to take care of their physical health, as well as their emotional and spiritual well being. Sometimes acute or chronic wounds can become life threatening, and it takes a holistic approach, including a multidisciplinary team to managing their underlying symptoms and conditions. I am also passionate about giving my ostomy patients hope for their future, vital education, independence, self worth and quality of life again. By including their family or support group members, they understand and they are not alone in a very di cult journey. Their new “stoma angel” is not something

to be ashamed of, hidden or anxious about. These ostomates learn to accept, embrace and go on to live full productive lives. Sometimes unfortunately, patients do not survive. I am passionate about being part of their end of life journey, giving comfort and care to them and their families. I feel privileged to be a part of this whole process.

What’s an accomplishment you are proud of?

The accomplishment that I am most proud of is my life changing experience that grew me into what I am today....I immigrated from Africa 21 years ago, when I was 33 years old, and my eldest son was 3. We had to flee Zimbabwe due to political unrest and violence, and got political asylum here in the USA. I

honestly felt like I had landed on another planet. I used to be a high school and middle school art teacher. Then after working in retail, teaching preschool and having my second son, I decided I needed too go back to school as I had way more to give people. I was truly blessed with the opportunities I have been given, and through determination, hard work and friends and family support, I obtained my Bachelors of science of nursing from GCU in 2013. I am the first member of my family with a college degree. For this I am forever extremely appreciative.

What is the most important thing you’ve learned so far?

The most important thing I have learned through my life’s experiences is that change

is stressful and even intimidating. However, with faith, determination, diligence, forgiveness and humility you can achieve your goals and accomplish great things. This has improved my life, and has enabled me to share by caring, and passion for life with others. I strive not to judge my patients, no matter where they come from or how they live their lives. I have never walked in their shoes, or know what pain or circumstances they have had to endure. I have learned to love each and every person the same and treat them with respect, dignity, compassion, caring and love.

Flagsta Medical Center and Verde Valley Medical Center

SAMANTHA GADDY

Rehabilitation Hospital of Northern Arizona

I would like to nominate Sammie, who is an amazing nurse at Rehabilitation Hospital of Northern Arizona. Sammie is an extraordinary nurse. She is very hard-working nurse. Sammie is extremely knowledgeable and a compassionate team player who always helps her team whenever she can, even if she is busy. Sammie always puts her patient’s needs above her own. Sammie always wants what is best for her patients and to help her patients. Sammie is one of the preceptors for new nurses at RHNA. She is always willing to help teach the new RNs. Sammie is very empathetic, caring, kind, and has amazing communication skills with her staff and the patients. Everyone always knows when Sammie is at work, it will be a good day. She brightens everyone’s day when she walks in the room.

What makes you passionate about your work?

I have a high regard for taking care of others. As a Diné woman, in our culture, we are taught, “We are all children in the beginning of our lives. We grow into adults, and then return to a vulnerable state”. Our parents and grandparents cared for us and nurtured us while we were young. It is our honor to care for our parents, our elders, and those in need. We are always advised to pursue an education and return home to help our peo-

ple. Unfortunately, most people forget that our Masanís and Cheiis are flown to nearby cities where they are scared and do not understand where they are going and what is going to happen to them. Then they see us, a familiar face with a familiar voice, a familiar language and put their anxiety at ease.

What’s an accomplishment you are proud of?

My children are who inspired me to become an RN. Without them I never would

have found my calling. For that I am thankful. They are my strength. Therefore, my greatest accomplishment are my children and pursuing my dream of becoming a registered nurse.

What is the most important thing you’ve learned so far?

The most important thing I’ve learned so far is my late grandmother was right. She said, “To care for others you have to take care of yourself. Emotionally, physically,

LARRY GONSHAK

“I am nominating Larry Gonshak because he is the epitome of someone who goes above and beyond in the Perioperative services department at Flagstaff Medical Center. Larry is recognized by surgeons and peers for being a consistently reliable and knowledgeable resource as the Laser Safety Officer, the Urology Team Leader, and the person who can educate and fix things when we are in a pinch. Larry anticipates equipment needs for surgical cases that will ultimately lead to positive patient outcomes and financial stewardship and provides extensive laser safety training to staff. His jokes and friendly personality provide a shining light in the operating room for all who follow.

What makes you passionate about your work?

I am passionate about my work as a registered nurse in the operating room because I have the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of my patients. This is especially true of the ones I see that come to the OR needing immediate care. I am able to provide emotional support and comfort when they need it the most, helping to promote a positive outcome.

What’s an accomplishment you are proud of?

My proudest accomplishment is being able to pass down the information I have learned over the years and impart the skills to new nurses. I precept many of the incoming nurses to the OR and do my best to make it a place where they feel welcome and comfortable. A nurse I precepted turned out to be the nurse that took care of me when I had surgery.

What is the most important thing you’ve learned so far?

The most important lesson I have learned over the years is that by listening to your patients, they can share important information about their situation that I would never otherwise know. Patients are always teaching me new things that I can use to help other patients’ outcomes.

and spiritually.” Sometimes, as caregivers, we forget about taking care of ourselves. After my sudden unexpected illness, I am finally starting to realize she was right. I love being a nurse, I don’t see myself doing anything else.

Surgical Services RN Flagstaff Medical Center

A message from Nurses Week supporting sponsor Rehabilitation Hospital of Northern Arizona

The Rehabilitation Hospital of Northern Arizona offers a unique setting for nurses. We specialize in providing a short term, intensive rehabilitation program in order to return maximum function to patients in a relatively short amount of time. The average stay for a rehabilitation patient is about two weeks. In that two weeks, the patient receives 3 hours of intensive therapy (a combination of physical, occupational and speech) 5 days each week.

Nurses at our hospital are part of a multidisciplinary team consisting of a physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) physician, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, nursing sta , dietary sta and case managers. This team collaborates on a daily basis to

ensure each patient’s care is tailored to their specific needs during their stay.

In addition to the collaborative nature of this setting, nurses have the opportunity to care for a wide variety of patients. Stroke, brain injury, major multiple trauma, amputations, along with various neurological disorders like Parkinson’s, MS, Guillain-Barre are some of the many diagnosis treated in this setting.

The most rewarding part of Rehabilitation Nursing is getting to take an active part in helping patients make significant gains in a short amount of time.

“The thing I like most about being a rehab nurse is seeing our patients arrive on a stretcher or in a wheelchair, put in the hard work of therapy every day and then often walk out a couple of weeks later. It brings a smile to my face every single day”, says RN Sara.

“Seeing patients get well and get back to their lives after going through rehab has always been a satisfying and rewarding feeling. You know that your e orts and experience have had a direct impact on that person’s life and their wellbeing”, says Tim, RN manager.

COURTESY RHNA

This handout image shows the exterior of Rehabilitation Hospital of Northern Arizona.

ASHLEY MARYN

Ashley sets the standard for what an amazing behavioral health nurse looks like. Ashley always comes to work with a positive attitude and approaches her patients without judgement. Ashley is the most patient person I have ever met and I have been honored to watch her sit and deescalate an upset patient. Her skills are truly remarkable. She is a role model for our new staff and someone that I am grateful to work alongside. Thank you, Ashely, for working on Behavioral Health at FMC.

What makes you passionate about your work?

I am endlessly fascinated with the nature of mind and the interpersonal connections that can be facilitated through kindness and compassion. I love working with our adolescent patients; teenagers teach me every day! I work with such an amazing team of

people, all of whom I admire and learn from constantly.

What’s an accomplishment you are proud of?

I got my 200 hour Yoga Teacher Certification (I graduated in March 2023) so that I could teach yoga on the unit. It is awesome

TARA RAMSEY

to have opportunities to continue to develop and learn additional tools/skills to then offer to our patients.

What is the most important thing you’ve learned so far?

Listen more than you talk, be kind, and don’t take things personally. :)

Tara Ramsey was an absolute angel when my husband ended up in the ED. She listened to him and honored the fact that he knows his body and his health history. She was attentive in getting the care he needed as well as an advocate. She was teaching an RN student, and it was wonderful to see that her attitude and fabulous nurse skills passed onto the next generation of nurses. I think ALL Emergency Department workers are angels, but Tara really stood out as someone who should be recognized as the Nurse of the Year!

What makes you passionate about your work?

Every day brings something different for me. I get to see patients when they have concerns about their diagnosis and talk to their family members who are concerned for their loved ones. I have the ability to empower them with knowledge and understanding. When the patient and family understand, it brings them peace. I listen to patients’ fears and help them through the hard times. I get inspired by my patient’s strength and courage. I also love nursing for the sake of having to use critical thinking skills for 13

hours straight. Nurses are at the patient’s bedside the most, and our knowledge and critical thinking skills are important when working hand-in-hand with the physicians in the continuation of the patient’s health.

What is an accomplishment you are proud of?

I can’t define one moment in my career that I’m most proud of, there are many small and big moments that make me proud. It can span from catching an issue with one of my patients before it gets detrimental to a patient recognizing me outside of work and

having a conversation with me and introducing me to their family.

What is the most important thing you have learned so far?

When it comes to nursing, there are so many things to learn. I have learned to always trust your gut, which may sound so cliché, but your gut is never wrong. I have also learned to never be scared to ask questions and to never assume anything. It’s okay to not know something, it’s okay to have to do some of your own research to figure it out. Always make sure your patient

knows they are your priority and that you always have time for them. When it comes to kids, always listen to the parents, they know their child. Always use your eyes and be observant; as a nurse, you can figure out a lot about a patient by being observant.

Emergency Department RN Northern Arizona Healthcare

SARA RIMMELZWAAN

Sara is an excellent nurse who is both compassionate and knowledgeable. She is very attentive, caring, and supportive of her patients. Sara also has proved herself to be a strong nurse leader. She works each day to help her colleagues and to be a calming force for those around her.

What makes you passionate about your work?

When a patient comes in to our hospital broken and battered, often on a stretcher, and they walk, not roll, out of the door on the day of their discharge, that just makes my heart happy. It is a custom at our hospital for all staff to line up on either side of the hallway leading toward the exit, and cheer the patient on as they pass by. It’s the best feeling in the world. To have played a role

in their recovery and know that I’ve made a positive difference in their lives, it is incredibly rewarding.

What’s an accomplishment you are proud of?

I am proud of attaining a leadership position at our hospital. Being a leader on the nursing floor allows me to share knowledge and skills with others, build a strong team, support nurses and our patient care

technicians and to establish good relationships with our patients and their families.

What is the most important thing you’ve learned so far?

Kindness matters. One of my favorite quotes is, “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” (Aesop) It is so important to be kind. Even bad news is received better when it is delivered with kindness.

The Rehabilitation Hospital of Northern Arizona would like to thank all nurses for all you do each day to care for patients. Congratulations to the year’s nominees!

visit

Nursing House Supervisor Rehabilitation Hospital of Northern Arizona

Aspire Transitional Care and The Peaks Health & Rehabilitation are award-winning communities. We are proud to offer patients private rooms, personalized care services, chef-inspired meals, and hospitality services and amenities in a beautiful, well-appointed setting. Come build your future with us.

Ben efits centered on you incl udin g:

• Paycheck Advances Through Rain Instant Pay

• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with Generous Company Matching Benefit

• LifeMart Employee Discounts

• OnShift Engage Bonus and Incentives

• Comprehensive Health Plan Options

• Health Savings Account (HSA)

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

• Amazing Team and Caring Managers

• Generous Paid Time Off Scan

VIRTUALNURSING

HUNTER BOYCE

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Telehealth has reached new heights in popularity following a workforce-crippling pandemic That being said, not all health care heroes are behind the concept of virtual nursing.

According to a survey by NSI Nursing Solutions, registered nurse turnover stood at roughly 27% in 2022. Meanwhile, RN vacancy rates were at 17 1% According to Medpage Today, all of those nursing vacancies have hit the health care industry with a growing knowledge gap Virtual nursing is partially designed to close that gap.

New nurses are “scared to death” of making a mistake when they first come onto the floor, Wendy Deibert, MBA, BSN, senior vice president of clinical solutions for Caregility, told Medpage Today.

“They’re thrown into a world with not a lot of experience behind them,” she said. “So having a button on the wall where you can push... at a moment’s notice and get a nurse in that room to assist (is a huge help).

“I can zoom in to [see] exactly what they’re doing and give direction and support, so that they don’t feel like they’re out there on a limb by themselves. Not only does that boost their confidence, but it also really stops that turnover, because if they get too scared and do not feel supported, they’re not going to stay there.”

Steve Polega, BSN, RN, chief nursing officer of University of Michigan HealthWest, however, believes utilizing virtual nursing is a lost cause.

“As a nurse of 25 years, I believe that nursing is a calling and a gift,” he told Becker’s Hospital Review. “It is a huge responsibility to be trusted by our patients and families to be the eyes, ears and caring hands at the bedside. Nursing is all about connecting with people. To earn that trust, I believe that you need to be at the bedside Nursing is about that kind touch, that smile, those reassuring things that we can do for patients and families.

“It is very challenging to have that real

human connection through virtual care. I think we all lose if this trend continues. We have to optimize our technologies to make our nurses more efficient and effective, but at the end of the day, nurses put the humanity into care and need to be present and at the bedside.”

It’s a point that perhaps needs to be put to the test.

Saint Luke’s Health System of Kansas City took advantage of an opportunity to significantly implement virtual nursing in 2019, before the pandemic. The hospital constructed a 33 bed nursing unit at one of its four facilities, utilizing a new care model and workflow.

“It was important that the model had an impact for both the nursing staff and

the patient experience,” Jennifer Ball, RN, BSN, MBA, director of virtual care at Saint Luke’s Health System, told the American Nurses Association. “We looked at what could be taken off the plate of the bedside RN and completed by a nurse on camera in the patient room. We included tasks such as admission database, discharge teaching, medication reconciliation, completing procedure checklists, second nurse sign off for meds/skin checks, general education/ teaching for the patients, contacting families, answering questions, and the list goes on.

“When these items are completed by the virtual RN, that frees up the time of the bedside RN to have more time to

manage physical needs of the patents, answer call lights sooner, and generally have more time with the patients”

The unit opened in Feb. 2021 and has since experienced several workflow changes According to Ball, the unit’s operation since its opening has allowed for a few lessons.

“You can never have too much education, training and information shared,” she said. “Staff have to be flexible, like change, and be willing to try new things. Start your planning early, be wiling to adjust things, and figure out your technology early on. Get everyone involved from the beginning: other disciplines and staff that will be interacting with the new care model ”

Registered nurse vacancy rates were at 17.1% in 2022.

Experts weigh in on the joys and woes of telehealth

Thank a nurse this week...

Justin Anderson Verde Valley Medical Center

“Justin is a Charge nurse in our Operating Room. He helps to lead the teams to ensure our patients have a safe and excellent experience. He is compassionate about his community and the services that are available. He supports the team with recognitions and encourages this teamwork. Thank you for all you do!!”

Emilie Bowers Northern

Arizona Healthcare

“Deciding who to nominate for Nurse of Year is a super easy decision for me. Emily Bowers, NP is not only passionate, knowledgeable and caring, she truly makes a difference in the lives of her patients every day! Emily is a pillar in her department and her superb follow-up with her patients cannot be matched by many!”

Shandean Brown Native Americans for Community Action

“Shandean came from caring for acutely ill Covid 19 patients to the opposite end of the spectrum to preventative measures. She works daily to keep staff and the public up to date on the most current prevention and care guidelines. Recently she helped safely implement a making desecration protocol. She transitioned from the Covid 19 RN to Clinical RN where she now serves all patient populations in primary care.”

Collen Larrabe Copeland NAH

Cancer Center

“Outstanding oncology nurse who takes excellent care of patients, and coordinates our clinic nursing education programs, in a quiet unassuming way.”

Misty Harrison Rehabilitation Hospital of Northern Arizona

“She is a very hard working. Helps all the patients with their needs from eating to dressing. She’s a team player and never refuses to help, even though patients are not ok on her list, she’ll help without hesitation. She has a heart of gold, she’s caring, respectful and definitely loves her job.”

Sarah Hiltz Rehabilitation Hospital of Northern Arizona

“I am pleased to nominate Sarah Hiltz, an exceptional nurse from Rehabilitation Hospital of Northern Arizona. She is compassionate about her patients, and is devoted to do her best every day. She is an outstanding example of our Guiding Principle- We are first and foremost passionate patient caregivers and team members, connected at the core by the treatment needs of our patients.”

Kristie Riebe NAH Cancer Center

“Kristie has been an amazing asset to the Flagstaff and surrounding communities as she assists in navigating breast cancer patients throughout the continuum of their care. She delivers personalized, high-quality care to each and every patient she encounters. She goes above and beyond by making patients feel special. She and her son have started making beaded jewelry to gift cancer patients that are undergoing treatment to feel a little more beautiful. Demonstrating her thoughtfulness to the community.”

Sondi Serna Northern

Arizona Healthcare

“I would like to nominate Sondi she is an amazing NICU nurse & House Supervisor for our local hospital. She has outstanding hands-on care when working with the tiniest patient. But Sondi does not just stop there, she always going out her way to make sure her patient’s family have everything they need, well their little ones here for days, weeks and months! She is amazing co-worker and always making sure her peer have had their lunch break, staying hydrated and most importantly their feeling support and she’s an advocate for mental health awareness, she always the nurse, coworker, house supervisor and friend that so many of us staff members have grown to love and trust to handle any situation thrown at her. If you know Sondi, she literally leaves a little glitter and sunshine were every she goes.”

Lily Tiers

Flagstaff Medical Center

“Lily is exactly the type of nurse that our healthcare community needs. She is empathetic, forward thinking and compassionate about the care she provides. Lily is a constant ray of sunshine and lifts up those around her each and every shift she works. She always advocates for what’s best for her patients and stands her ground until she feels her patients get exactly what they’re needing. It is an honor to work beside you Lily, your patients and co-workers are so grateful you’ve chosen this career path!”