Central Florida Health News May 2023

Meet Your Providers…

K.S. Chandrasekhar, MD, FCC

…established his clinic over 20 years ago. He is well known in the community and trusted for his accurate diagnosis and compassionate care.

• Board certified in Cardiovascular Disease and Internal Medicine

• Executive Director the Heart Function Clinic, Low Risk Chest Pain Center and the Cardiac Rehabilitation Program for BayCare Winter Haven Hospital

• President of Medical Staff for BayCare Winter Haven Hospital

• Chairman of Cardiology for Lake Wales Medical Center

• Clinical Associate Professor, FSU College of Medicine

Ritu Aparajita, MD, RPVI

A Vascular and Endovascular Surgeon who earned her MBBS at University of Delhi, India. She then completed a research fellowship at Columbia University Medical Center and a residency in general surgery at Staten Island University Hospital in New York, she completed her fellowship training in Vascular Surgery at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and St. Barnabas Medical Center in New Jersey. She’s co-authored more than two dozen journal articles. She was recently nominated for the American Medical Association Inspiration Award that recognizes physicians who have contributed to the achievements of women in the medical profession.

Roan Cadavona, ARNP, FNP-C

…brings a high level of education and experience in Cardiac Catheterization, Electrophysiology and working in the Cardiovascular Progressive Care unit. He serves a vital role in providing patients with optimal cardiovascular care through counselling and screening, as well as disease prevention and management strategies.

• Board certified Family Nurse Practitioner

• Member of Staff for BayCare Winter Haven Hospital

On the Cover

Steakhouses beef up menus with

twists on American classics

Nurses are the unsung heroes of health care, yet often they are the ones who interact the most with the patients. Central Florida Health News asked our local health partners to share their amazing nurses with us so we could learn what it takes to thrive in the profession. Read more, page 10.

Pop Quiz!

There is a dire need for blood donations in the U.S. as an average of 4.5 million Americans need a blood transfusion every year. The medical community relies on donations as 29,000 pints of donated blood are used every day across the nation. Take our quiz on blood and plasma donation to find out why donating is so important.

Compassion and Dedication Prevail Among Nurses

National Nurses Week is officially celebrated May 6-12, but if you talk to Tim Ward at Central Florida Health Care, you’d think it is celebrated every day. In his role as Nurse Manager at the Lakeland Primary Care clinic, Ward works directly with many of these soldiers on the front lines of disease prevention and treatment. He’s familiar with their nursing skills as well as their professional experiences prior to joining the Central Florida Health Care team, and he speaks highly of each and the level of care they provide to patients.

Excellence Begins With Education

The nurses who graduate from AdventHealth University are well prepared for a medical career, thanks to the immersive education experience they receive under the leadership of Britney Benitez, Chief Nursing Officer at AdventHealth Orlando. The training program uses a novel approach to expose students to the realities of clinical employment.

Departments & Columns

For more photos from this edition, follow us on Facebook. Scan the QR code here with your smart device. Access the 2023 Central Florida Physicians Directory online!

Kollagunta Chandrasekhar, MD, FACC Cardiologist

Ritu Aparajita, Vascular Surgeon MD RPVI

Roan Cadavona, ARNP FNP-C Nurse Practitioner

Health Is a Responsibility for Everyone

NELSON KIRKLAND, PUBLISHER nelson@centralfloridamediagroup.com

We often talk about the importance of advocating for yourself as a patient, but that means checking in on your health and educating yourself enough to know when something could be wrong. That’s an important responsibility for men and women alike.

Multiple studies have shown that men visit the doctor far less often than women. In fact, the Cleveland Clinic conducted a survey that showed 65% of men avoid seeking medical attention. Regardless of whether you chalk that up to machismo, avoidance, or different attitudes about health, it makes it harder to spot and treat problems identified in their early stages.

As great as our healthcare providers are, they can’t be with us 24-7.

Some of the most common health conditions doctors see in men include:

• Heart disease

• Diabetes

• Stroke

• Liver disease

• COPD

• Cancer

• Depression

• Influenza

Knowing the signs and symptoms of these illnesses and staying in tune with your health can make all the difference in treatment. Remember, whether it’s for you or a loved one, there’s never any shame in talking to a doctor.

Our next edition of Central Florida Health News will take a closer look at men’s health issues, so be sure to check it out in June. Thanks for reading, and God bless. HN

CORRECTION

The article “Stress Can Wreak Havoc on Physical Health” in the April edition included an incorrect spelling and title for Julie Decanio. She is a Licensed Clinic Social Worker and Behavioral Health Provider for Central Florida Health Care. We apologize for the error.

PUBLISHER

Nelson Kirkland

MANAGING EDITOR

Jessica McDonald

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Cinda Shelby

DIGITAL DIRECTOR

Tyler DiGiovine

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Erika Aldrich, Teresa Schiffer, Carol Corley, Dr. Joy Jackson, Jennifer Goodson, LMHC

CONTRIBUTING COLUMNISTS

Ritu Aparajita, MD; Chelsea Hollier, OD

CONTRIBUTING ARTIST

Dawn Lewandowski

DELIVERY

DLS Distribution

POLK COUNTY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION

4315 Highland Park Blvd, Suite B

Lakeland, Florida 33813

863-644-4051

2023 OFFICERS

JAMES J. BOOKER, MD President

GEORGE LYLE, MD Secretary

STUART PATTERSON, MD Treasurer

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

RALPH NOBO, JR., MD, Chair

GEORGE LYLE, MD

STUART PATTERSON, MD

GARY SCHEMMER, MD

SERGIO SEOANE, MD

ARVIND SONI, MD

A Time for Appreciation

The nursing shortage in Florida is reaching a fevered pitch. Some professional associations warn that the state could be lacking upwards of 50,000 nurses by 2035. Yet show me any hospital, clinic, or care center, and I promise you there are nurses working tirelessly behind the scenes to make sure the patients get the best care possible. That’s why the Polk County Medical Association and Central Florida Health News take the celebration of National Nurses Week in May so seriously.

This edition offers a glimpse into the daily lives of nurses, including everything from long hours to endless empathy.

We caught up with nurses from Bond Clinic, BayCare, and Watson Clinic to

JACKIE COURTNEY

Executive Director

4315 Highland Park Blvd Suite B

Lakeland, Florida 33813

Sincerely,

James J. Booker, MD

James J. Booker, MD Obstetrician and Gynecologist, Winter Haven President, Polk County Medical Association

learn firsthand the trials and triumphs of the profession. Their responses to our Q&A serve to educate and remind us what it takes to provide unconditional patient care.

In an interview, Tammy Durden, Florida Department of Health-Polk County Director of Nursing and Community Health Services, explains her own passion for the profession, along with the importance of public health and outreach.

The Community Health Feature further delves into the importance of dedication and compassion in the field. As alway, don’t forget to take our Pop Quiz and check out the calendar to catch up on the latest events! HN

Some of the benefits of a PCMA membership include the following:

✱ Physician referrals

✱ Medical malpractice discounts with The Doctors Company

✱ Ongoing relevant communication

✱ Access to CME Programs

✱ Workers compensation insurance benefits

✱ Complimentary Socials/ dinners

✱ Strong PCMA physician representation in Central Florida Health News and Central Florida Doctor publications

✱ Listing advantages in the annual Central Florida Physicians Directory & Medical Providers Guide

✱ Physician and medicine advocacy at all legislative levels.

If you’d like more information about becoming a PCMA member or need to check your membership status for renewal, contact our Executive Director Jackie Courtney at (863) 644-4051 or email director@ polkcountydoctors.com.

Compassion Fatigue: The Covert Enemy

by JENNIFER GOODSON, MA, LMHC

In the past several years, we have seen increased medical care demand for obvious reasons over which we have no control. These were in addition to the present everyday ins and outs of the continuity of care for patients in inpatient and outpatient settings delivered by our healthcare providers. Furthermore, the demand placed on providers has increased in complexity due to unpredictable changes in the daily routine from work, home life responsibilities, unrealistic expectations from patients and their families, everyday encounters with end-of-life issues, and increased levels of stressors related to cases of loss, trauma, illness, etc.

Regardless, those on the frontlines (nurses, doctors, first responders, licensed therapists, and other healthcare providers) continue their dedicated journey of care and empathy for others. It is our purpose to walk the healing journey with those in our care. Therefore, as healthcare providers, we must be mindful of burnout and, most notably, the next level … compassion fatigue.

As a licensed therapist who has treated and continues to treat those in the healthcare field, I have seen firsthand many who have reached compassion fatigue but were unaware of its impact on their body, mind, mind, and spirit, let alone their relationships within the workplace or home life.

Compassion fatigue sneaks up in a stealth-like manner, blindsiding those it encounters. It is not kind and does not have a preference for whom it drains.

What Is Compassion Fatigue?

Compassion fatigue occurs when healthcare

providers take on the suffering of patients who have experienced extreme stress or trauma, explains Charles R. Figley, Ph.D., founder of the Traumatology Institute at Tulane University. It is an occupational hazard of “any professionals who use their emotions, their heart,” he says, and it represents the psychological cost of healing others (Figley, 1995). It can coexist with burnout and can be caused by caring for one case or cumulative stress and trauma over time.

While burnout is identified with levels of frustration, apathy, lack of motivation, and passion, compassion fatigue can take weeks to years to be recognizable. It can affect many areas of our well-being, such as but not limited to sleep, emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion, judgment and behavior, isolation, mood regulation, self-esteem, identity, intimacy, and spirituality. While taking off months or years to recenter and refresh is not ideal, we must look at how we can prevent or manage compassion fatigue to continue providing quality care and living a fulfilled work-life balance.

How to Prevent or Manage Compassion Fatigue

• Keep balance by integrating a routine of selfcare.

• Find a work-life balance amid ongoing responsibilities.

• Schedule moments of joy by doing things that please you.

• Plan day trips with family and friends.

• Identify items that spark passion and excitement and do them!

• Balance the soul by acknowledging loss and

grief and focusing on what is in your circle of control.

• Schedule time alone to reflect inward and recenter.

• Challenge negative thoughts with positive truths and gratitude.

• Connect with community; inspiration grows with like-minded souls!

• Seek professional help if needed.

Life is a series of thoughts, actions, and lessons that lead us on a journey of despair and hope, challenges of change and growth, eventually landing us in a field we’ve planted along the way. Either our field will be a blooming, colorful palette of creation, or it will be a desolate, cracked ground of wilderness. Whichever it is, we’ve sowed and reaped what we’ve poured into our life’s journey. Let our days not be of that which is in vain but of that which is full of color and the breath of life.

To pour out healing and compassion to others, we must first tend to our vessel by nurturing and replenishing it with kindness. HN

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Jennifer Goodson, MA, LMHC, is a licensed mental health counselor with offices in Winter Haven. She holds a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Regent University in Virginia Beach, Virginia. For more information, visit www.pathwaycounselingservice.com.

Live life when you have it. Life is a splendid gift — there is nothing small about it.

— Florence Nightingale

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A more human way to healthcare™

POP QUIZ!

How Much Do You Know About Giving the Gift of Life?

There is a dire need for blood donations in the U.S. as an average of 4.5 million Americans need a blood transfusion every year. The medical community relies on donations as 29,000 pints of donated blood are used every day across the nation. These pints, or units, of blood are used for women during childbirth, cancer treatments, surgery, treatment of traumatic injuries, chronic illnesses, and more. Take our quiz on blood and plasma donation to find out why donating is so important.

compiled by ERIKA ALDRICH / Resources: The American Red Cross & Givingblood.org

1. In the U.S., how often does someone need blood?

A. Every two seconds C. Every two hours

B. Every two minutes D. Every two days

2. Which of the following are criteria you must meet to donate blood?

A. Be healthy C. Weight at least 110 pounds

B. Be at least D. All ot the above 17 years old

3. True or false? You cannot get AIDS or any other infectious disease by donating blood.

4. The average adult human body contains approximately 10 pints of blood. How much blood is donated in a typical blood donation?

A. About 1 pint of blood

B. About 2 pints of blood

C. About 3 pints of blood

D. None of the above

5. The entire process of donating blood takes approximately one hour total while the actual blood donation takes 10 minutes. How often can you make a blood donation?

A. Every two weeks C. Every 56 days

B. Once a month D. Every four months

6. True or false? After donating blood, your fluids are replaced within hours, your red blood cells are replaced within four weeks, and your iron is restored eight weeks after donating.

12. True. Only donated blood and plasma can be used for human blood transfusions.

11. True. One blood donation has the potential to save up to three lives.

10. E. All of the above. Donated blood can be separated into red blood cells, plasma, platelets and cryoprecipitate, which all have their distinct medical uses.

9. B. 42 days. Blood can only be stored for 42 days; after that it cannot be used.

8. True. Only about 6.8 million, or 3 percent, of the US population donates blood every year.

7. D. 1 percent. If 1% more of the American population would donate blood, then blood shortages would no longer occur.

6 True. It takes varying amounts of time for the components of a blood donation to replenish in the body, but everything is replenished within eight weeks.

5. C. Every 56 days. The minimum amount of time between blood donations is 56 days.

7. Fill in the blank: If only ______ percent more of all Americans would give blood, blood shortages would disappear for the foreseeable future.

A. 15 percent C. 5 percent

B. 10 percent D. 1 percent

8. True or false? Only about 3% of age-eligible people donate blood annually, for an approximate total of 6.8 million people donating blood every year.

9. How long can most donated red blood cells be stored before they expire and can no longer be used?

A. 31 days C. 53 days

B. 42 days D. 64 days

10. One unit of blood can be separated into which of the following components, which can also be given to people for a number of medical reasons.

A. Red blood cells D. Cryoprecipitate, a liquid

B. Plasma part of blood

C. Platelets E. All of the above

11. True or false? One pint of blood can save up to three lives.

12. True or false? Blood or plasma that comes from people who have been paid for it cannot be used for human transfusions.

4. A. About 1 pint of blood. The average blood donation is about 1 pint of blood.

3. True. It is not possible to get AIDS or any other infectious disease by donating blood.

2. D. All of the above. In the U.S., you only need to be healthy, at least 17 years old, and weigh at least 110 pounds to donate blood.

1. A. Every two seconds. In the U.S., someone needs blood every two seconds.

ANSWERS:

Compassion and Dedication Prevail Among Nurses

by TERESA SCHIFFER sponsored by Central Florida Health Care

National Nurses Week is officially celebrated May 6-12, but if you talk to Tim Ward at Central Florida Health Care, you’d think it is celebrated every day.

“I can brag about our nurses all day long!” he says. “We have some of the most creative and personable nursing staff that I’ve had the pleasure to work with every day.”

In his role as Nurse Manager at the Lakeland Primary Care clinic, Ward works directly with many of these soldiers on the front lines of disease prevention and treatment. He’s familiar with their nursing skills as well as their professional experiences prior to joining the Central Florida Health Care team, and he speaks highly of each and the level of care they provide to patients.

The OB/GYN department is blessed with an experienced team of nurses who are notably empathetic and caring toward the needs of each patient. In addition, two of the six nurses are Spanish-English bilingual, which dramatically increases the staff’s ability to break down barriers. That’s especially important because roughly half of the patients who visit Central Florida Health Care’s Lakeland Primary Care clinic are primarily Spanish speakers. Ward is pleased to see greater numbers of not

just female but also male graduates coming out of the local nursing programs and entering the workforce. While many patients these days express no preference as to the gender of their healthcare practitioners, there are still some who do.

“Some of the more mature male patients would rather talk to a male nurse,” explains Ward, “and some of the more mature female patients are more comfortable with our female nurses.”

Another interesting aspect of the nurses Ward works with is the varied backgrounds they come from. Some have made major career shifts in order to work in healthcare.

“One of my nurses just five years ago was an over-the-road truck driver,” Ward describes. “One of the reasons he stepped out of trucking to enter nursing school was due to being a very supportive single parent. He is a very family-oriented person.”

You’ll find that many of the nurses who work with Central Florida Health Care are hardworking, devoted single parents. They have a lot of responsibility on their shoulders, yet they give their patients the personalized, compassionate care they need to ensure the best possible outcomes for every person

they treat.

Ward goes on to explain that one of the nurses was a doctor in Cuba and now works in the OB/GYN clinic as a certified medical assistant. She overcame numerous challenges to leave Cuba and resettle in the U.S., and her evaluation of patients and the input she provides to the clinic physicians are highly valued.

“One of my favorite nurses came from New York where she worked in soup kitchens,” he says. “She’s worked in free clinics and she’s done a little bit of everything before finding her way down here to Florida and now working at Central Florida Health Care.”

It’s impossible to really summarize the diversity represented by the nurses at Central Florida Health Care, as each and every one of them brings their own special set of skills and experiences to contribute to the overall character of the staff.

“It’s truly all about the individual nurse, and their personality, that really makes the patient contact special,” Ward says. “My nurses really love what they do here for Central Florida Health Care. They love what they do and they’re very dedicated to their jobs.”

Notable Nurses Speak From the Heart

National Nurses Week has been celebrated for more than 40 years. They’re the unsung heroes of health care, yet often they are the ones who interact the most with the patients. Central Florida Health News asked our local health partners to share their amazing nurses with us so we could learn what it takes to thrive in the profession.

Answers have been abridged for space considerations.

MORE THAN AN OCCUPATION

Shannon Hernandez, Emergency Department Nurse, Bartow Regional Medical Center

A woman recently came to the Emergency Department with her husband. He was told he needed surgery and would have to be transferred to another facility, but no hospitals were able to take him. As the man’s condition became more dire, Hernandez gathered some nurses, encircled the patient and began praying for him. Moments later, a hospital sent word that it could do the surgery. Hernandez offered to drive the patient’s wife to the hospital, but the wife declined so she could have her own vehicle with her. Still, Hernandez showed up to the hospital later and waited with her until the surgeon gave a positive report about the patient. She stayed with the wife until at least 1:30 a.m.

Q. What does being a nurse mean to you?

Being a nurse is holding a 3-year-old’s hand when he is scared because he has to get blood drawn. It is being present and there for a woman whose husband has just passed away. It is a listening ear when a patient tells you he is homeless because of his substance use. It is teaching a newly diabetic patient about their disease process. Being a nurse to me is more than a job or a title; it is who I am.

Q. What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?

I think being able to mentor and teach a new graduate nurse is extremely rewarding. When you watch someone that you helped precept learn and grow, it can be an amazing thing!

Q. Did you always want to be a nurse?

When I was a teenager, I worked as a candy striper in a hospital nearby. I would see all the doctors and nurses caring for all these vulnerable people. I knew right then and there that I wanted to help people.

Q. What advice would you give to someone considering a career in nursing?

I would not change my career for anything in the world. I would tell someone that nurses are needed now more than ever. If they enjoy educating, helping people, flexibility, and making a difference, then nursing is a great field to go into.

Q. What motivates you when your job gets challenging?

I have seen the most “highs and lows” that one could encounter in my particular job. I work with some amazing nurses that anyone would love to be working with. Their support is what motivates me. My daughter has also become an RN and has told me that I have motivated her. So the circle of life, caring, and love for nursing continues.

From Shannon’s manager, ED Nurse Manager Zoe Munoz:

In her current role as a charge nurse, [Hernandez]

Hernandez

goes above and beyond for the care of our patients and has done so since the day I met her. She is a huge patient advocate and treats all her patients with dignity and respect. Hernandez is a shining example of what a nurse should be.

Joyce Brown, Nurse on the Mother/Baby Unit, Winter Haven Women’s Hospital

Q. What does being a nurse mean to you?

Being a nurse is working hard and caring a lot! It is about being a part of a team and trying to be a good leader in my unit. Above all else, it is always focusing on the patient and keeping them safe and well cared for. It is so much more than just a job or a way to make money.

Q. What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?

The most rewarding aspect of my job is creating a personal connection with the patient. I have a very special connection with parents who have a child born with a disability of any kind because I live that life myself. I have some written materials I share with them and I try to visit and encourage them at this difficult time in their lives as they adjust to their new normal. Being able to see and talk to someone who has been there and understands can be so comforting. I have had several families contact me after years have passed and shared that my interaction with them helped them in a big way and they have never forgotten me. That is better than winning any award.

Q. Did you always want to be a nurse? I can’t remember when I did not want to be a nurse. When I graduated from high school, I didn’t even think about other options, just how fast I could get into nursing school.

Q. What advice would you give to someone considering a career in nursing?

I do recommend a career in nursing but my advice would be to really search your heart and know why you want to be one. If it is for the money then it is not for you. It is challenging and can break your heart some days. You must be in it for caring and for the patients.

Brown’s nurse manager calls her a standout nurse for her work with parents whose babies have difficult diagnoses, and she draws on her own experience to provide comfort to them.

From Nicci Lambert, Director of Patient Services at Winter Haven Women’s Hospital:

“Joyce is a nurse’s nurse. She is confident, calm in a crisis, knowledgeable, and compassionate. I am grateful that I have been able to work with Joyce for many of her 42 years at WHH/WHWH. This year she will retire, and it will be a loss not only to the hospital but also to her team and our patients.”

Coordinator, Watson Clinic

Q. What does being a nurse mean to you?

A nurse is compassionate and always willing to help those who need it.

Q. What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?

I have been a Nurse Educator for almost 20 years now, and the most rewarding aspect is helping new nurses. They are so eager to learn and help those who are sometimes experiencing the most difficult times of their lives.

Q. Did you always want to be a nurse? I always wanted to help people. I wasn’t sure that nursing was going to be my career, but I am so

glad it has provided me with so many different opportunities over the past 30 years. Some of my most difficult and rewarding experiences have been working as a nurse.

Q. What advice would you give to someone considering a career in nursing?

I would encourage anyone who is thinking about nursing as a career to take every opportunity available. There are so many different avenues to find what makes you happy and fulfilled.

Q. What motivates you when your job gets challenging?

I love a challenge, and motivation comes in many forms. Personally, I have been a patient and know what it is like to have great nurses. I find motivation in knowing that what I do matters every day and can have an effect on how nurses react and treat each other and our patients. From Kelly Lonsberry, Senior Associate Administrator for Human Resources at Watson Clinic:

Amy Whann goes above and beyond every day. She supports every department at the Clinic and often functions outside of her job description just because something needs to get done. Every Director at Watson Clinic would tell you Amy has helped them in some way. I once had a Director tell me she wished we could clone Amy and I couldn’t agree more.

Sandra Haislip, LPN, Bond Clinic

Q. What does being a nurse mean to you? It means I will never be bored. I will never know what the next day holds, which is one of the many reasons I love my job as a nurse. Being a nurse to me means I was given love, compassion, and kindness.

Amy Whann, Education

Whann

Simple Steps for Healthier Vision

CHELSEA HOLLIER, O.D.

May is Healthy Vision Month! Routine eye exams can help your eye doctor prevent, diagnose, and treat vision problems and eye disease in children and adults. In addition, the National Eye Institute recommends several ways to maintain healthy vision

1. Get an annual dilated eye exam. Having your annual eye exam done allows you to stay current on your glasses and contact lens prescriptions. Your eye doctor can detect eye disease and vision problems by dilating your eyes. Many eye diseases don’t have symptoms in their early stages but can be seen during dilated eye exams. The eye is the only place in the body blood vessels and nerves can be viewed directly, so having your eyes dilated, in some circumstances, can also reveal certain systemic diseases.

2. Know your family’s vision history. Many eye conditions (including macular degeneration, glaucoma, corneal dystrophies, keratoconus, etc.) can be hereditary. Genetics also plays a role in some eye diseases that are the leading causes of blindness, so knowing your family’s ocular history allows for an even more thorough eye exam.

3. Maintain contact lens hygiene. Maintaining contact lens hygiene can prevent eye infections. There are a few Do’s and Don’ts when it comes to contact lens hygiene:

Do:

· Wash your hands before putting contact lenses in or taking them out.

· Replace your contact lens case every 1-3 months and replace your lenses based on your doctor’s recommended wearing schedule.

· Use fresh solution to clean and store contacts

Don’t:

· “Top off” the solution in your contact lens case.

· Wear contacts while swimming or showering.

· Share contacts with friends or family

4. Wear sunglasses outside. Ultraviolet (UV) rays exposure has been proven to be a cause of cataracts and macular degeneration. Specific lenses and sunglasses can protect your eyes

EXCELLENCE BEGINS WITH EDUCATION

AdventHealth Orlando Works to Smooth Transition From Student to Nurse

by TERESA SCHIFFER

Britney Benitez is committed to patient care. She’s also committed to caring for the nurses who provide that care.

Benitez is the new Chief Nursing Officer for AdventHealth Orlando, and she has a vision for the hospital that could take holistic care to a whole new level.

“I started as a graduate nurse, which is a resident nurse or new nurse, here at AdventHealth, and I’ve been in leadership for 10 years,” Benitez says of her history with the healthcare organization. She has been with AdventHealth for a total of 17 years, and this summer will mark her first anniversary as Chief Nursing Officer (CNO).

Benitez’s revolutionary plan involves creating stronger support systems and services for new nurses. To achieve that goal, she has been busy establishing herself as a compassionate leader and a resourceful mentor for nurses at AdventHealth Orlando and AdventHealth University (AHU). She listens to the concerns expressed by recently graduated nurses in a judgment-free zone to gather ideas for how best to provide them with meaningful support.

“Taking care of patients can be very scary, and if you’ve only done it in an environment of learning, when you’re doing it in real life, the nurses didn’t feel as prepared as they wanted to be,” Benitez learned. “They expressed that they didn’t feel comfortable taking care of really sick patients.” The pandemic had many unexpected repercussions, and one thing it really brought to the forefront of many people’s attention was the necessity of rapid innovation and adaptability in the CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

NANCY ULM

Benitez

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West and Central Florida. CarePlus is an HMO SNP plan with a Medicare contract and a contract with the Florida Medicaid Program. Enrollment in CarePlus depends on contract renewal. This plan is available to anyone receiving both Medicare and Medicaid: Qualified Medicare Beneficiaries (QMB/QMB+), Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiaries (SLMB/SLMB+), Qualifying Individuals (QI), Qualified Disabled and Working Individuals (QDWI) and other Full Benefit Dual Eligibles (FBDE). No amounts on the CareEssentials Card can be used to purchase Medicare-covered prescriptions or services, nor can it be converted to cash.Important: At CarePlus, it is important you are treated fairly. CarePlus Health Plans, Inc. complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, disability, age, marital status, religion, or language in their programs and activities, including in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, their programs and activities. The following department has been designated to handle inquiries regarding CarePlus’ non-discrimination policies: Member Services, PO Box 277810, Miramar, FL 33027, 1-800-794-5907 (TTY: 711). Auxiliary aids and services, free of charge, are available to you. 1-800-794-5907 (TTY: 711). CarePlus provides free auxiliary aids and services, such as qualified sign language interpreters, video remote interpretation, and written information in other formats to people with disabilities when such auxiliary aids and services are necessary to ensure an equal opportunity to participate. This information is available for free in other languages. Please call our Member Services number at 1-800-794-5907. Hours of operation: October 1 - March 31, 7 days a week, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. April 1 - September 30, Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. You may leave a voicemail after hours, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays and we will return your call within one business day. Español (Spanish): Esta información está disponible de forma gratuita en otros idiomas. Favor de llamar a Servicios para Afiliados al número que aparece anteriormente. Kreyòl Ayisyen (French Creole): Enfòmasyon sa a disponib gratis nan lòt lang. Tanpri rele nimewo Sèvis pou Manm nou yo ki nan lis anwo an. H1019_MKBNDMFNPRcareneedsplus2023_M

May 2023 | CALENDAR

Recurring Online Events

AdventHealth Brain Health Music Therapy Program

Join board certified music therapists every Tuesday at 11 a.m. The Maturing Minds Music Therapy group uses neurologic music therapy techniques to boost brain and behavior functions, such as memory, communication, attention, and movement. The meetings are taking place online using Zoom. The link for the recurring meeting is https://us02web. zoom.us/j/5044155114. Please email ORL.MDC@ AdventHealth.com if you have any questions.

AdventHealth Maturing Minds Fit Minds Program

Every second and fourth Thursday at 1 p.m. seniors can participate in a program designed to improve their quality of life through stimulation-therapy combined with meaningful social interaction and a sophisticated cognitive improvement program. This is a virtual meeting accessible through Zoom at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3876883694#success. For more information, please email orl.mdc@ adventhealth.com.

AdventHealth Maturing Minds Functionally Fit Program

Virtual Exercise

During this online class, participants are guided through a series of functional strength training exercises to improve cardiovascular fitness, mobility, motor control, and balance. Caregivers are encouraged to join in on the exercises. This workshop is delivered through Zoom teleconferencing platform and takes place every 3rd Thursday of the month at 11 a.m. The link to join is https:// us02web.zoom.us/j/3876883694. For more information, please email ORL.MDC@AdventHealth. com.

AdventHealth Maturing Minds Program Virtual Caregiver Support Group – Weekly

This group meets every Monday at 11 a.m. to discuss caregiver concerns and provide fellowship and support for one another. Meetings are currently taking place online using the Zoom platform. You can join the recurring meeting using this link: https:// us02web.zoom.us/j/3876883694, or email ORL. MDC@AdventHealth.com for more information.

Alzheimer’s Association Caregiver Support Group

The Alzheimer’s Association offers support groups led by peers or professionals at a variety of times and locations in the area. All meetings are facilitated by trained individuals. There are virtual and in-person options available. You can find the right support group for you by visiting www.alz.org/ help-support/community/support-groups.

Bariatrics Pre-Op Class

On the second Saturday of each month from 11 a.m. –12 p.m. bariatric patients can prepare for their upcoming surgery online with Zoom or in person at Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center (Mulaney Auditorium), located at 1324 Lakeland Hills Blvd in Lakeland. Sign up for the free class online at www.eventbrite.com, search for “Bariatrics Pre-Op Class.”

Diabetes Support Group Virtual

On the second Monday of each month, BayCare Health System hosts a virtual support group for diabetics from 12 – 1 p.m., led by a certified diabetes care and education specialist. Educational information is provided, followed by an open discussion. Access to a microphone and camera is required to attend this free online meeting. For more information, please call 855-269-4777 or go to www.baycare.org/events.

Get Active Walking Group

A weekly walking group sponsored by Lakeland Regional Health that meets every Thursday at 8 a.m. at Lake Hollingsworth in Lakeland. Walkers meet up next to the bleachers that are adjacent to the parking lot. Get active and improve your health by committing to a weekly walk!

Restorative Yoga Cancer Program Virtual

This is a stress reduction yoga program designed to help cancer patients cope with their treatments and improve their quality of life. Learn techniques such as regulated breathing, visual imagery, meditation, and various stretching poses to improve balance, flexibility, and strength. The class is taught by a registered yoga teacher and exercise specialist. Microphone and camera access is encouraged but not required. The free lessons will take place from 7:30 – 8:15 a.m. every Wednesday. Register online at www.baycare.org/ events or call 855-269-4777 for more information.

Events and Fundraisers

May 1 – Supporting Motherhood & More Virtual

St. Joseph’s Women’s Hospital is sponsoring this free virtual gathering of women who experience unexpected and difficult emotions during their pregnancies and the first year of motherhood. The group meets from 7 – 8 p.m. For more information, please call 855-269-4777 or go to www.baycare. org/events to register.

compiled by TERESA SCHIFFER

May 2 – Breastfeeding Support Group Virtual

From 10 – 11 a.m. breastfeeding mothers can get together online to support each other and talk with certified breastfeeding consultants for free. Sponsored by BayCare Health System. For more information, please call 855-269-4777 or visit www. baycare.org/events.

May 2 – 8th Annual Seasons of Service

Hospice Women of Giving is hosting this special brunch presented by WellSky and featuring Chef Michael Lomonaco at 11:30 a.m. at Bonnet Springs Park, 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd in Lakeland. Individual tickets are $75. To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, please visit www.ChaptersHealth.org/ foundation/seasons-of-service/.

May 2 – Maternity Center Orientation Virtual

Prepare for delivery at BayCare by attending a virtual tour of the Maternity Center. This is a free class for expectant mothers. One support person may also attend. The class will take place from 5:30 – 7 p.m. and is sponsored by St. Joseph’s Women’s Hospital. For more information, please visit www.baycare.org/events or call 855-269-4777.

May 4 – Total Joint Replacement

This free class is for patients who have a total joint replacement surgery scheduled, plus one guest per patient. All attendees must wear a face mask over their nose and mouth at all times while inside the building. The class will be held from 10:30 –11:30 a.m. at Winter Haven Hospital – Wellness Conference Room, 200 Ave F NE in Winter Haven. For more information, please call 855-269-4777, or go online to register at www.baycare.org/events.

May 7 – Let’s Talk Puberty for Girls

St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital is sponsoring this informative session for girls ages 9 to 13 to help them understand the physical and emotional changes they will experience during puberty, with a presentation on the reproductive system, the menstrual cycle, and staying healthy. There is an optional overview of the male reproductive system followed by a discussion about conception and abstinence at the end. This course is $35 and will be held from 1 – 5 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Women’s Hospital – Medical Office Building – 4th Floor – Classroom 3, 4321 N MacDill Ave, Tampa. For more information, please call 855-269-4777 or visit www.baycare.org/events.

May 9 – Boot Camp for New Dads Virtual BayCare Health Systems is offering a virtual class just for expectant fathers, taught by a certified facilitator. Access to a camera and microphone is encouraged but not required. The $25 course will cover fatherhood, life changes, relationship changes, and hands-on experience. Previous participants will be involved with their own infants to offer their personal wisdom. You will receive course materials by mail before the class. This class will be held from 6:30 – 8 p.m. You can get more information by calling 855269-4777, or go to www.baycare.org/events to register online.

May 11 – Ribbon Cutting for Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Lakeland

From 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. celebrate the one-year anniversary of this trusted inpatient rehabilitation facility with an official grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony at 1201 Oakbridge Pkwy in Lakeland. They offer a comprehensive approach to therapy and treatment for patients recovering from strokes, neurological disorders, brain and spinal cord injuries, amputations, pulmonary conditions, and more.

May 13 – Mayfaire 5K Run & Walk

Enjoy the beautiful scenery of Lake Mirror, Hollis Garden, and the Francis C Langford Promenade while taking part in this beloved annual tradition, hosted by the Lakeland Runners Club, Inc., from 5 – 7 p.m. in historic downtown Lakeland. Early registration is $32.50. You can sign up online by going to www.runsignup.com and searching for “44th Mayfaire 5k” under Find a Race.

May 19 – Ribbon Cutting for Ultra Cryo & Recovery

Celebrate the grand opening of this family-owned and operated wellness and recovery center from 9 – 10 a.m. at 615 Midflorida Dr Ste 2 in Lakeland. CryoSkin body contouring is the main service offered, in an atmosphere focused on a natural, holistic approach to health and wellness.

Beat the Heat With a Cool Homemade Treat

by CAROL CORLEY

As spring moves toward summer, and the temperatures remain in the mid- to high 90s, we tend to look for ways to stay cool. Drinking a lot of water is always important. But what about treats? Frozen sweet treats sound like a wonderful way to cool off, except for all that sugar and fat. Is there a way to make sweet frozen treats that are actually healthy?

If you control the ingredients, maybe there can be. For example, ice cream can be wonderful, but it also might be loaded with saturated fat and sugar, especially if found in the grocery store freezer. Those Iced treats can be high in calories and sugar even if marketed as “healthy” or “light.”

So what’s can you do? Start with fresh fruit and maybe yogurt.

Coconut, Cherry and Vanilla Bean Ice Pops

(Adapted from foodnetwork.com)

Ingredients:

Cherries, 2 cups sweet, pitted and halved

Coconut milk, 2 cans full-fat Maple syrup, 2 tablespoons pure Vanilla bean, 1 with seeds scraped and pod reserved

Vanilla extract, 1 tablespoon pure Almond extract, 4-5 drops

Raspberry-Lemon Greek Frozen Yogurt Bark

(Adapted from eatingwell.com)

Ingredients:

Raspberries, 6 oz halved lengthwise

Greek yogurt, 3 cups plain, whole milk or 2%

Honey, 1/3 cup, local raw honey preferred

Lemon zest from 1 lemon

Lemon juice, 2 tablespoons

Vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon pure

Directions:

Stir together yogurt, honey, lemon juice and vanilla and spread on large rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper, going for a 10” x 15” rectangle.

Scatter raspberries on top and finish with a sprinkling of lemon zest over all. Freeze at least 3-4 hours or until very firm. Break into 32 pieces then serve. If making ahead, bark can be frozen for up to a month between airtight sheets of parchment paper.

Honey, 3 tablespoons raw, local Cinnamon, pinch

Popsicle mold

Directions:

Simmer coconut milk and vanilla bean seeds and pod stirring occasionally over high heat. After reaching simmer, reduce heat to low and allow to simmer for 5 minutes covered. Remove from heat and allow to cool for 5 minutes, then whisk in honey and vanilla extract. Pour mixture into measuring jug and set aside.

Meanwhile, simmer the cherries, maple syrup, cinnamon and almond extract over high heat, then cover and reduce heat to low, simmering until cherries are juicy and soft, about 10-15 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

Once cooled a bit, strain cherry mixture over a blender jar, pressing out the juice. Add about 1/3 of the cherry pulp and 1/3 of the coconut milk mixture to the blender jar and blend until smooth, and you should have about 2 cups of liquid. Refrigerate. Divide the remaining coconut milk mixture among ice pop molds and freeze about 1 hour or until nearly frozen. Remove from freezer and divide the remaining cherry pulp among the molds. Top with the remaining cherry-coconut mixture, place lid on molds and add sticks. Freeze at least 8 hours or until solid. To remove pops from molds, dip briefly in warm water and carefully pull out.

Banana Ice Cream with Peanut Butter, Chocolate, or Berries

(Adapted from Better Homes & Gardens)

Ingredients:

Bananas, 4 medium, peeled, sliced and frozen

Peanut butter, 1/4 cup

Coconut milk, 2 tablespoons of unsweetened, chilled

Vanilla, 2 teaspoons of pure

Directions: Place all ingredients in a food processor and process until smooth. Freeze at least 4 hours and up to 1 week. Instead of peanut butter, you could add 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder. Or you could instead choose to add 1/2 half cup each strawberries and raspberries.

Meet Our Doctor

Smoking Can Lead to Amputations

Dr. Aparajita is a fellowship-trained vascular surgeon and has been serving the Polk County community for the past 1 year. She earned her Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree at University of Delhi, India. She then completed a research fellowship in vascular surgery at Columbia University Medical Center in New York and a residency in General Surgery at Staten Island University Hospital in New York, she completed her fellowship training in Vascular Surgery at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and St. Barnabas Medical Center in New Jersey.

Dr. Aparajita is also a Member of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, UK (MRCS Ed) and completed her Basic Surgical Training in England soon after her medical school.

Protein Ice Cream

(Adapted from thebigmansworld.com)

Ingredients:

Coconut milk, 28 oz chilled

Vanilla protein powder, 1 cup or more per choice

Medjool dates, 2/3 cup per choice (can use 1-2 tablespoons of sugar as alternative or other sweetener if desired, even maple syrup)

Vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon pure

Directions:

Process coconut milk, protein powder and dates (or sweetener of choice) and blend until thick and creamy. Transfer into pre-frozen loaf pan and place in freezer. Every 20 minutes or so, lightly mix cream mixture for first hour or so. Cover tightly while in freezer to avoid cream mixture from becoming too icy. To serve, let thaw for about 10 minutes to soften and use an ice cream scoop that has been dampened.

Dr. Aparajita is the co-author of more than two dozen journal articles, publications and oral presentations, including topics such as endovascular treatment for thrombosis, aortic aneurysm repair, stroke, peripheral artery disease and other vascular conditions.

While most people are familiar with the devastating consequences smok ing has on their lungs (COPD, cancer), heart (coronary artery disease), or brain (stroke), its direct relation to limb loss escapes public attention!

Additional posts and volunteer work include a teaching position at Hofstra Northwell School of Medicine and as a Member of the Public and Professional Outreach Committee as well as the International Relations Committee at the Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS).

Dr. Aparajita was recently nominated for the American Medical Association (AMA) Inspiration Award that recognizes physicians who have contributed to the achievements of women in the medical profession.

For far too many smokers, the first time they learn of the connection with limb loss is when a vascular surgeon diagnoses them with Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD). The disease is either diagnosed with no symptoms at all, or with leg pains when walking (claudication) and much more commonly with gangrene of the toes or nonhealing wounds of the feet. If the patient continues poor lifestyle habits, like smoking, PAD slowly starves the toes, feet, and legs of oxygen, which can lead to gangrene and/ or amputation, if not treated.

RITU APARAJITA, MD, MRCS (Ed), MBBS

How Does Smoking Lead to Amputations?

Specialty: Vascular & Endovascular Surgery

Joining KSC Cardiology November 9, 2020

• Nicotine from cigarettes is a stimulant that thickens the blood, increases heart rate, and narrows the blood vessels.

• It increases LDL (bad cholesterol) in the blood and lowers HDL (good cholesterol).

• It hastens the progression of narrowing or hardening of blood vessels by atherosclerosis.

All these changes lead to less blood getting to the feet and ultimately lead to the development of PAD. In the early stages, there is a variety of treatments available for PAD. If aggressive lifestyle changes (smoking cessation, exercise, low-fat diet, weight loss) are not instituted, then gangrene, ulcers, or wounds set in, leaving few treatment options and limited success rates.

Unfortunately, studies show that 90% of patients with PAD are smokers, and despite counseling and control measures, only 20-25% are able to quit successfully. This is very sad because quitting smoking is probably the most important thing that you can do to save your legs.

The good news is that a variety of support measures and extremely effective medications are available free of cost to help you quit. Smoking pipe and vaping also involves release of nicotine in blood so the effects are similar to cigarettes. Ask your doctor for help or visit tobaccofreeflorida.com to learn about ways to quit smoking.

This column is sponsored by KSC Cardiology, and the opinions expressed herein may not reflect those of CFHN or of its advertisers.

BIO: Dr. Aparajita is a fellowship-trained vascular and endovascular surgeon. She is a co-author of 20+ journal articles and publications and was recently nominated for an Inspiration Award by the American Medical Association (AMA).

Director of Nursing

Discusses the Nature of Public Health, Outreach

by DR. JOY JACKSON

For National Nurses Week 2023, the Department of Health in Polk County (DOH-Polk) interviewed our Director of Nursing and Community Health Services, Tammy Durden. She has been a nurse for 29 years, and she’s been in the role of director for eight years. Durden shares her experiences as a nurse and her passion for nursing, along with some memorable stories.

How did you get into the nursing field?

Durden: I was new to the area and had young children. I was always very passionate about helping people and never really thought about being a nurse until I was looking at the nursing program. I made the decision to go to nursing school and never regretted it. Nursing school was different back then – we had a lot of clinical hours and I believe I got a good education and a strong foundation on which to build my nursing career.

My first job was at Lakeland Regional Hospital. I worked in the Cardiovascular Thoracic Trauma Unit (cardiovascular surgery). During that time, LRH became a Level 2 Trauma Unit – and those trauma patients were also admitted to that floor – now they have their own trauma floor. I enjoyed my time there; it was hard but fulfilling work. I worked there for 16 years and wanted to do something different and meaningful. I decided to go to the health department and see what public health was about. I have been here for 17 years and Director of Nursing for eight years.

addition, I have the Rape Crisis Center and Preparedness. In Preparedness, we make sure we are prepared for whatever is needed. We work with the county to open and staff the special needs shelters. These would open primarily for hurricanes but could open if we had a catastrophic tornado, wildfire, explosion, etc. If we needed to house people, we would activate and open these shelters. If we had a medical emergency – we would work with the county and get what was needed out to the community – be it medicine (vaccine or some type of medication), supplies, etc. During the pandemic, my team was responsible for going out into the community and working those vast Covid testing and vaccination outreaches.

What are some things you’re proud of during your time in leadership?

in meeting immigration/refugee guidelines. We assist with that process. Lastly, I would like to mention that I am proud of the excellent relationships the DOH has with all our many and vast community partners. If we need something, we can count on community support. It works both ways; we do everything we can to support our partners, as well.

What do you love about working for DOH?

As Director of Nursing and Community

Health Services, what are some things you do?

Durden: I oversee the School Health Program, Healthy Start, TB and Refugee Health, Hepatitis, and Immunizations. In

Durden: People don’t know that we have a robust School Health program. We partner with the school board. Our DOH registered nurses help oversee school clinics and write the care plans that enable a child to attend school and keep that child safe at school while meeting their medical needs. We help manage the diabetic students, as well as students with seizures, severe allergies, cystic fibrosis, sickle cell, and anything else you can imagine. Also, most people do not know we treat tuberculosis patients. We deliver medications to these individuals at their home to make sure they get proper treatment. In addition, we manage a very busy refugee clinic. Refugees from other countries coming into the U.S. have a certain amount of time to get labs drawn and get a physical and vaccines as part of the process

Durden: The Health Department is a different type of nursing. To me, public health means helping everyone. I enjoy going out on outreach, giving vaccines, and educating on where people can find resources and stay healthy. When we are lucky enough to get items to distribute like food vouchers, hygiene kits, mosquito repellant, and rain gear, we get it out to the community as quickly as we can. We go into homeless communities where these items are needed and very much appreciated. It’s also going the extra step to help people. The other day, I had this elderly man call me and he was so upset because his Covid vaccine card got damaged. I pulled him up in the FL Shots computer bank and printed out a new card for him while we were on the phone. I put it in the mail for him, along with a note, so he didn’t have to make the trip to come get it. He was so thrilled. It was just a small thing to do — taking that extra moment to do something for someone — that’s what this job is all about.

Do you have any nursing stories you would like to share?

Durden: While I was at LRH, there was a teenager who had been in a car accident

and had a serious head injury. He was with us for two to three months and he would just lay there with his eyes open, not moving or responding in any way. Every nurse had taken care of this patient, and we were all very familiar with him. One day he moved his eyes just a little. It was the first time he did this. All the staff came running to see him move his eyes. Soon, he began tracking with his eyes (following our finger from side to side). A few days later, he was starting to move. To make a long story short, we made a lot of headway, and he was transferred to a rehab facility. It was about three to four months later, when this tall, handsome young man walked in with his mom. He made a complete recovery. Interestingly, he didn’t remember his stay at the hospital or any of us, but he hugged us and was just so grateful for the care we’ve given him. You see people who are injured very badly, and some will make it, some don’t. He was the lucky one. It’s very rewarding. I don’t think anyone had a dry eye that day.

What advice do you have for anyone interested in becoming a nurse?

Durden: Nursing is a wonderful profession and has been voted time and again as the number one most trusted profession. It is so varied and full of options. However, it is hard work, and you can have very emotional days. But still, it is very rewarding and fulfilling. Sometimes the biggest thing you can do is just hold somebody’s hand. An act of compassion is just as important as giving that life-saving medication or doing an emergency procedure. Beyond the skills, the best nurse is the one that takes that moment to make a human connection. HN

More Than An Occupation

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11

Q. What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?

The opportunity to empower our patients and their families with knowledge and confidence during a stressful or challenging time. We have the ability to bring understanding, peace, and confidence when it’s needed the most.

Q. Did you always want to be a nurse?

From a very young age I knew a nursing career was what I wanted to do. As I watched my grandfather struggle with an illness — watching him get worse and then better with treatments — it was then that I realized my love for nursing.

Q. What advice would you give to someone considering a career in nursing?

My best advice would be to always think of it in this perspective: If that were your family member, how would you want it handled? Always have an open mind and always expect the unexpected.

Q. What motivates you when your job gets challenging?

Being able to make a difference in what could be somebody’s worst or best time of their lives is the best motivation you can have. Nursing has its good and bad days. There will be days your heart hurts for the patients you saw that day or days you get to laugh so hard your side will hurt.

Patsy B. Mincey, RN, CPHRM, Bond Clinic

Q. What does being a nurse mean to you?

It’s an honor and a privilege first, but most of all it is a blessing, and I would not change my career choice for anything. To me it is my passion and a love for taking care of others in a time of need.

Q. What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?

Knowing that every day you are faced with different challenges and obstacles in caring for people, and at the same time being able to change the situation or have an impact on people through your ability to be the best nurse you can be.

Q. Did you always want to be a nurse?

No, I wanted to be a pediatrician and care for children, but life sometimes has a way of changing that. It was when my husband’s grandfather became ill and I helped care for him with the Hospice nurses. That situation changed my life, I realized at that moment that I wanted to make a difference in other people’s lives.

Q. What advice would you give to someone considering a career in nursing?

I would tell them to be sure they were making the right career choice; nursing school requires extreme dedication and perseverance. Being a nurse requires compassion, integrity, empathy, determination, and a passion for helping others. If someone possesses these qualities, then nursing is where they should be.

Q. What motivates you when your job gets challenging?

Knowing that I can apply my training, skills, and knowledge that I have obtained over the last 14 years to solve any challenge that I am faced with motivates me.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Dr. Joy Jackson, an internal medicine physician, serves the community as director of the Florida department of Health in Polk County (DOH-Polk). For more information about DOH-Polk, visit mypolkhealth.org. Follow DOH-Polk on Twitter at twitter.com/ FLHealthPolk.

Mincey

Healthy Aging

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14

from the sun’s UV rays; look for glasses that show the UVA/UVB protection levels. Your sunglasses should protect your eyes from 99% of UVA and UVB rays.

5. Live a healthy lifestyle. Some vision problems can be caused by systemic conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. Eat right to protect your sight! Green leafy vegetables and foods high in omega 3s such as tuna and salmon can benefit your eyes. Abstain from smoking, as tobacco products create a higher risk of developing cataracts, optic nerve damage, and macular degeneration.

6. Give your eyes a break. Today, most people use computers and digital devices for work, school, and everyday life. Long periods of time on phones, computers, and tablets can cause eye fatigue, dry eye, and headaches. We tend to blink less often when using electronic devices, causing dry eye syndrome. Making it a habit of blinking more often and using over-the-counter lubricating drops while using the computer can prevent and relieve dry eye symptoms. Don’t forget to follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds to give your eyes a rest while on the computer.

In addition to getting routine exams, visit your eye care professional if you have:

• Sudden decreased vision

• Eye pain

• Drainage or redness of the eye

• Double vision

• Floaters (tiny specks that appear to float in your vision)

At Eye Specialists of Mid-Florida, we can help protect your vision! Call us at 800-282-3937 to schedule your next exam or visit us online at EYESFL.COM.

Excellence Begins with Education

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14

medical world.

“What our students have continued to tell us, especially after the pandemic, is the ability to be hands-on and as immersed in clinical education as possible while they’re learning, and developing their background and their knowledge of how to become a nurse was really important,” Benitez explains. “So getting into the real-world environment and having that dedicated hands-on education with them, and a partner preceptor was something they thought was very important to their learning.”

Lynn Rowe is a member of the faculty at AdventHealth University who helps with the Dedication Education Unit at the Orlando hospital. This special unit provides nursing students with hands-on clinical experience, helping to create a smoother transition from school into their chosen careers.

With 31 years of nursing experience as an RN for AdventHealth under her belt, and the last 10 working in the CSN (Clinical Support Nurse) program, Rowe has a thorough understanding of the challenges faced by nurses as they move from a training environment into a genuine clinical setting. She recognized the struggles of new nurses as they entered the workforce, and knew what needed to be done.

“Their senior semesters, their last two semesters, we focus on really increasing their amount of contact time with patients as well as with the staff that they’re actually going to work with,” says Rowe.

The student nurses in the AHU program begin interacting with patients and medical staff in the hospital environment during their first semester of training. They continue to shadow the faculty and staff in the clinical setting each semester from that point on, ultimately culminating in their last two semesters of full immersion training. They receive plenty of classroom instruction time to learn the necessary clinical skills and are given opportunities to practice

their motor activities to ensure they become adept at handling the various duties routinely performed by nurses.

“Then in their last clinical course they actually pair with another student and with a nurse who is by their side the entire time they’re at the bedside,” Rowe describes. “The nice thing about it is that it really allows them to see and feel exactly what a nurse does every day.”

Student nurses work a full 12-hour shift with an experienced nurse by their side during this phase of their training. They take care of patients as they would be expected to do on their own, administering medications and preparing reports for the physicians. It’s a challenging experience but one the nurses are grateful for soon enough, as they learn quickly how to make decisions confidently and competently, and what it’s like to monitor a patient’s condition and watch for changes throughout the day.

Many of the nurses in this program will go on to work in the specific units that they have been training in, meaning they’ve had the opportunity to work with a mentor at their side for an entire year doing exactly the tasks that they’ll be expected to handle on their own once they’ve graduated.

Like much of the U.S., Florida has been experiencing a shortage of nurses in recent years. The nurses graduating from the AHU training program are ready to hit the ground running, thanks to the support and wisdom shown by such leaders in our local medical community as Britney Benitez and Lynn Rowe. They are producing confident, enthusiastic, and highly trained medical professionals who are motivated to make a positive impact in the world of healthcare. HN

This column is sponsored by Eye Specialists of MidFlorida, and the opinions expressed herein may not reflect those of CFHN or of its advertisers.

Bio: Dr. Chelsea Hollier is a board-certified optometrist who sees patients at the Winter Haven location for Eye Specialists of Mid-Florida. She specializes in primary care optometry and is currently accepting new patients.

Rowe

It Takes a Special Kind of Nurse

When it comes time to celebrate nurses, I’m willing to bet most people are thinking of the nurses who help you recover or help rehabilitate a loved one. You picture the efforts, smiles, and comfort. Yet there is so much more that they offer. In fact, there is a whole category of nurses who fly under the radar. When I think of nurse appreciation, I remember sitting by my grandmother’s bed when she was in hospice. So much of what she was going through was confusing for me. Death and the process of dying isn’t something people talk about very often. As a result, it’s terrifying to watch

because we don’t understand what the process looks like and why certain physical peculiarities appear. To make matters worse, we don’t fully comprehend the effect witnessing a loved one’s end-of-life journey will have on us.

The hospice nurses cared for not only my grandmother, but also my family. They helped us understand what was happening and why it was happening, and they answered each and every question we had. Before that time, I never realized that a hospice nurse is perhaps just as vital for the family as for the patient.

JESSICA McDONALD, EDITOR jessica@centralfloridamediagroup.com

Since then, I’ve come to realize there are social media personalities who educate people in the same way. One I’ve found especially informative is Julie McFadden, who goes by the name Hospice Nurse Julie. I’m sure there are more out there, McFadden is just one whose teachings particularly speak to me.

To these nurses who help families cope every day, who teach us how to accept the inevitable, I offer my most sincere appreciation. My grandma — a nurse herself — would have said you’re “the bee’s knees,” and she was right. HN

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