Nurses Week 2015 by ErieTimesNews

A supplement to the

Friday, May 8, 2015

Welcome to Nurses Week

hen most of us have to see health-care professionals, it’s not because we want to do it. We don’t feel well, and it’s scary. At the Erie Times-News, we often receive letters to the editor from folks who are grateful for the care they received from nurses. The letters are from the heart, and folks admit they were scared until a caring healthcare professional offered a kind word, a gentle touch, and an explanation of tests and healing help that didn’t sound like medical-eze. Often those compassionate words come from nurses, and it’s time to honor them. National Nurses Week 2015 started on Wednesday and ends on Tuesday — the birthday of Florence Nightingale. Take time to thank a nurse. You can do it on the web at www.allnurses. com, www.thankanurse.com or do it on Facebook at Thank A Nurse or on Twitter @ thank_a_nurse, #nursesrock, or skip all the social media, and just a hug a nurse today. — Pam Parker

Student highlights helping By ANNA MCGOVERN Villa Maria Academy senior “There are many in the world who are dying for a piece of bread, but there are many more dying for a little love.” — Mother Teresa

agree wholeheartedly with her. Diseases of the body can be fixed by medicines offered by the wonderful people at hospitals and nursing homes. Sometimes the body can be fixed, but the soul and heart are still struggling. This is where love comes in. Smiling at someone can make one’s day. I believe there are many individuals who are very lonely. They are looking for someone to talk to them, to keep their minds off what is happening uncontrollably to them. I began a project as a volunteer at Saint Vincent Hospital the summer after my freshman year. During my second summer in the junior volunteer program, I was able to work with the nurses in Four-North West a couple times each week, filling patients’ water cups, ordering their meals, preparing their rooms and other duties. I also started conversations with patients. It was so nice to hear about their lives, and it gave me great joy if I could make

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO/Saint Vincent Hospital

Anna McGovern volunteered at Saint Vincent Hospital and visited with patient Mike Baumgrotz and many others as part of her volunteer efforts in 2014. them smile or laugh. I realized how lonely some of the patients were. They watched television or stared at the wall until visitors or nurses stopped in. Some enjoyed the peace and quiet, but others wanted a conversation. I tried to think of ways to keep patients company while they were working hard to get better. My Nana, who is my father’s mom, had been hospitalized for a long time

From left, Margaret “Peggy” Boyd, D.N.P.; Levi Black, D.N.P.; and Cynthia “Cindi” Dahlkemper, D.N.P, are the first graduating class of Gannon University’s new Doctor of Nursing Practice program.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO/Gannon University

Nurses excel at Gannon By JOHN CHACONA Gannon University

or decades, Gannon University’s Villa Maria School of Nursing has supplied nursing professionals for health-care providers worldwide, but in December, the School of Nursing graduated its first doctors. They are Levi Black, Peggy Boyd and Cindy Dahlkemper, initial graduates of Gannon’s new Doctor of Nursing Practice program. Black is a nurse anesthetist who is assistant director of the UPMC Hamot School of Anesthesia. Boyd is a nurse midwife whose most recent practice was on the immense Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in Nebraska and Oklahoma. Dahlkemper is a family nurse practitioner in the emergency medicine department at Saint Vincent Hospital. In response to the changing role of nurses in the dynamic health-care sector of the economy, the program is open to advanced practice registered nurses who hold a Master of Science degree in nursing and are certified in their specialty. The three DNP graduates are just one of the milestones being celebrated during National Nurses Week by Gannon’s VMSON. The Commission on Collegiate

Nursing Education of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing issued three certificates, each of which was for the full 10-year accreditation, the maximum time period for which accreditation is granted. The certificates were for the baccalaureate degree programs in nursing, the master’s degree programs in nursing and the postgraduate advanced practice registered nurse certificates. Community service is a hallmark of nursing at Gannon University, and 18 student nurses in their senior year conducted a health fair at the John F. Kennedy Center as part of the national Million Hearts initiative to prevent 1 million heart attacks and strokes by 2017. Another group of 20 Gannon student nurses organized and staffed a family health fair called “A Magical Day with Disney” at the John E. Horan Community Center to promote a healthy lifestyle. The events were outreach efforts that provide community-based clinical experience for the student nurses. The university also marked an inaugural student-faculty global immersion in India. Gannon faculty and nursing students taught and performed screenings in a remote

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and told me how lonely it can be. Older people are fearful that they might never leave the hospital. Although my Nana never says so, I can see the fear and worry in her eyes whenever she has a doctor’s appointment. She is afraid of the very real possibility of admission to the hospital for a long time. I plan to become a nurse one day and to care for patients who may be alone in the hospital. Even if I

might be with them for only a short time, my goal was that they feel special. I kept notes and some approved photos of my visits and created a journal. I prompted the Interact Club of Villa Maria Academy to make cards for the patients. My mentor, Judy Stear, introduced me to Maureen Chadwick, R.N., M.S.N.,

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Compassionate care By NICK PRONKO UPMC Hamot

or the more than 1,100 nurses at UPMC Hamot, the people they care for on a daily basis — young and old, and men and women of all races and ethnicities — aren’t just patients. They are family, at least as long as they are in the nurses’ care. “Our philosophy is to treat each patient like we would treat one of our loved ones,” said Janet Rice, an R.N. with UPMC Hamot’s Physical Rehabilitation Services, Orthopedic Clinic. “That’s the level of care patients have a right to expect, and that we would expect if we were patients.” Said Susan Kaminski, an R.N. with UPMC Hamot’s Admissions Team, “Above all else, patients want to be treated competently and compassionately and with the highest degree of respect and dignity. Anything less, and we have not met our obligations to that patient.” Like Rice and Kaminski, Linda Caputo, who also serves as a registered nurse with the Admissions Team, knows compassion goes hand in hand with principles like ethical practice and quality care. “Nursing is about doing the right thing for every patient, every time,” Caputo said. Health care has evolved to the point that many of the little things nurses often do for patients, like getting them a warm blanket, weren’t necessarily the focus of courses in nursing school. Seemingly simple gestures — when taken in sum, and especially when patients are suffering — can have a profound impact on their well-being and the healing process, including the emotional aspect of returning to health. “The ability to make a positive difference for a patient is one of the

Linda Caputo

Janet Rice

Susan Kaminski

best parts of nursing,” Caputo said. “It might be sitting with them and holding their hand for a few minutes until a family member arrives. To the patient, it makes a world of difference.” Kaminski, too, relishes opportunities to make patients more comfortable, perhaps by making sure they have something to read, or helping them order breakfast. In addition, she focuses on serving as an advocate for patients. “Patients aren’t always aware of all of their options,” she said. “As nurses, it’s important that we educate them about all of the risks and benefits related to their care. What they may want or feel is best — like pain management or palliative care — isn’t always what the doctor feels is best. In those situations, it’s especially important that we advocate for the patient.” In addition to serving as an advocate, Rice strives to go above and beyond for her patients. “Ideally, the health-care system shouldn’t have walls,” she said. “Sometimes you have to work beyond the normal parameters of nursing, even if it isn’t technically our responsibility, like making sure the patient has a way to get to an occupational therapy appointment, for example. “The best part of nursing is knowing that I always get more back from my patients than they get from me. For the nurses here, it’s more than a profession we love — it’s something we’re very passionate about.”

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Dignity comes first By HERON WARREN, C.R.N.P., A.C.H.P.N., H.B.P.C. Nurse Practitioner

I’

You Make a

Difference

PILEWSKI FAMILY REGISTERED NURSES

You Make a

Difference

You make a difference caring for others. We are very proud of our accomplishments. Love, Mom and Dad

To my favorite nurse who is just the best at what she loves to do. Happy Nurse’s Day!

SUE RUSCITTO Pediatric/Newborn Home Health Nurse To a wonderful nurse. Thanks for your loving care, and all you give to your parents and to your littlest patients.

You Make a

Difference

JEANIE ELWELL LPN VA Hospital

You Make a

Difference

UMPC HAMOT SUPERSTARS

We Salute Our Two Caring and Dedicated Daughters Love Your Parents, Paul and Dianne Matters

Happy Nurses’ Week to My AODs, Float Pool, CDU, and Admission Nurses Thanks for all you do 365 days, evenings, and nights a year. So proud of YOU! Love, Momma Mufﬁ

SHANEL ZIEGLER RN Shanel is competent, caring, and cheerful. We are proud of you! Papa & Gram

You Make a

Difference

KRIS RAUN, LPN To a caring and compassionate nurse who goes out of her way to help me and others. Robert Benim

CARIN SHOLLENBERGER Carin, we are all proud of you, being a nurse and sticking to your job as Nurse Anesthetist. From, Your Whole Family

You Make a

Difference

CARA SCHAAF, RN and COURTNEY YATES, RN

To the girl we love who loves her work. Blessings, Mom & Your Family

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GWEN BUTLER LPN

You Make a

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Difference

RHONDA RIHEL Nurse Practitioner

AMBER BREINDEL RN UPMC Magee Love You, Mom, Dad, David, Grandma, and Grandpa

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Difference

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PATTY LAGNER RN - UPMC HAMOT To our favorite nurse: You’ve always cared for your patients as you’ve cared for us. Love, Steve, Stephanie and Jill

CHLOE PIZOR RN-BSN Congratulations, Edinboro Grad! You’ll soon be holding the hand and touching the heart of each patient you meet. Love, Mom, Dad, and Nick

You Make a

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Difference

She is very friendly and likes to talk.

You Make a

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You Make a

We are proud of the Pilewski Family Registered Nurses! Mary Alice, Marie, Michael, Carolyn, Mimi LPN, Janet, Sarah, Jill, Gina and Paige OT

RHONDA WILKINSON RN

With Love, Your Family

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TIM LORINGER, RN BSN CCRN

We love you, Bailey, Sara, Jack and Mark

I look around and what do I see, My mind is not as it used to be. I remember bits and pieces here and there, But nothing is completely clear. I know the love of my life is coming to visit today. I know at one time my life was happy and gay. I’m not the same woman he married, Sometimes I’m scattered and harried. But his love for me survives. Without that I would not be alive. I cannot share and express myself as I used to. Sometimes I’m sad, Sometimes I don’t know, Sometimes I see them looking at me Feeling pity, Do not pity me. I used to be so creative, They came from near and far to see what my mind would conjure up And what my hands would fashion into a beautiful display. I was a graceful dancer, a lively singer, A wonderful mother and wife. Why has this disease taken the person I used to be? Why, why, why? Next time you look at me look at me Look at me through Hannah’s eyes.

You Make a

Difference

Here’s to our next chapters in life... CAN’T WAIT!

Through Hannah’s eyes

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fell in love with the nursing philosophy and the caring aspect of working with patients.” After graduating, she enrolled at North East, earning her nursing degree in 2010. While pursuing a master’s, an education practicum got her hooked on teaching. “Teaching gave me more of a purpose. I felt like I was giving back to my students and helping them fall in love with some of the aspects of nursing that I fell in love with,” she said. One of those aspects Moore loves is psychiatric nursing (she also works at Safe Harbor Behavioral Health), which is something she tries to share with her students. “I really try to push patient advocacy, especially in the mental health field. That’s an important part of nursing you can’t learn from a textbook,” she said. Though she considers herself first and foremost a nurse, she said, “now that I’m in the education field, it’s really rewarding to be able to share my skills and my passion for psychiatric nursing with my students.” Mercyhurst University and Mercyhurst North East are thankful to Dawn Kaliszewski, Nicole Moore and nurses everywhere for their hard work, patience and skill, and to all nursing educators for their dedication in training the next generation of caregivers.

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ercyhurst North East nursing grads returned to the classroom to share their passion with the next generation of students. Nurses Dawn Kaliszewski, M.S.N., and Nicole Moore, M.S.N., know a little something about the students they teach at Mercyhurst North East. After all, it wasn’t too long ago they were in the exact same position. Kaliszewski and Moore, both graduates of Mercyhurst North East’s Associate of Science degree in nursing program, are now instructors in the program, returning to their alma mater to train the next wave of nurses. Moore began teaching in 2013 and Kaliszewski just this past January. After getting her nursing degree in 2001, Kaliszewski, 56, held positions in the surgical trauma intensive care unit at Hamot Medical Center, Saint Mary’s at Asbury Ridge and a physician practice. But teaching was always in the back of her mind. When the opportunity arose to teach at North East, she jumped on it. “It’s like coming home, partly because I have roots in North East, partly because I love the community here,” she said. Seeing the growth of the nursing program since she

graduated in 2001 — especially the new facilities and medical technology — has been surprising, though that sense of community is still there. “These nursing labs, we had nothing like this when I was a student,” she said. “It’s awesome that we have these simulators, high-tech mannequins and equipment similar to what you see in hospitals.” She’s glad to share with her students her passion for the fast-paced atmosphere of the ICU and for end-of-life care. “I find it rewarding, helping people and their families transition through the process of dying, helping them through difficult times and being their support person,” she said. “And I love teaching, too, working with the students and seeing that light bulb go off when they get it.” Like Kaliszewski, many of her students are nontraditional students, returning to school later in life, and her advice to them is simple: “Don’t give up. It’s never too late to go back to school and follow your dream.” For Moore, 28, the road to teaching began with an undergraduate biology degree from Mercyhurst University. “During my time as an undergrad, I worked as a nurse’s aid at the Sisters of Mercy infirmary,” she said. “As a biology major, I had planned to be premed and go to medical school, but I

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By SEAN CUNEO Mercyhurst University

JESSICA SZUBA School Nurse, Fairview Middle School Thanks for caring so much for your students!! They all love you, Mrs. Szuba... We do too! Mom & Jim

MEGAN CRISCIONE, LPN LP

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Nurses return to teach

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Nicole Moore, M.S.N., left, and Dawn Kaliszewski, M.S.N., graduates of the Mercyhurst North East’s Associate of Science degree in nursing program, are now instructors in the program.

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CONTRIBUTED PHOTO/Sean Cuneo

ve had the opportunity to take care of many people with varied disorders and diagnosis in numerous instances over the years. As a nurse practitioner primarily caring for geriatric patients, I have seen many people from the healthy elder to those at the end of their lives. I have worked in hospice and palliative care for many years as well. My goal throughout my nursing career has been to provide the best care, taking into account the person’s own goals and wishes. One group of individuals whom I have taken care of — and whom I have seen from early onset to the end of the disease — include those with dementia, primarily Alzheimer’s disease. This can be a very difficult disease to see develop and progress, especially for family members, but also for health-care staff. The life expectancy of someone with Alzheimer’s is shorter than those without the diagnosis, but actual time will depend on the age at diagnosis. So this is a difficult time to watch someone’s

disease progress, where the person they were may no longer be. However providing a caring, safe environment and Heron Warren respecting people’s individuality are essential to maintaining their dignity. Honoring their previous wishes and directives preserves their autonomy. Being there to hold their hand, touch their brow, tell them the stories of the past, which is where in most instances they may thrive, provides a sense of comfort and peace. Although the brain of someone with dementia may not function the same, we still need to remember that they are a person who had hopes, joys and aspirations. When providing them with care, please remember this. I’ve had a personal experience myself with my father developing this disease. Now as I see this in a personal light, as I see my father enter this journey, I think of a poem I penned after caring for a remarkable women with dementia.

Happy Nurses’ Week to one of my favorite Nurses. You do make a difference! Love, Mom & Mike

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Ethical care begins with self-care By SUSAN C. MALONEY, PH.D., F.N.P.-B.C. Edinboro University

he healing practice of caring for patients is affected by myriad factors, including our backgrounds, morals and values, self-care practices, spirituality and religion, and can be challenged by a patient’s vulnerabilities, such as compromised capacity, lack of education, language barriers, being unrepresented, or feeling threatened and disempowered. Our values and where we stand on ethical issues in health care may not be

something that we, as nurses, routinely consider. Practices related to the ethics of care are often overshadowed by policies and administrative and economic practices that certainly have value and often respond to safety, patient satisfaction, financial considerations and other issues that do not have nurse caring at the forefront. Nevertheless, where we stand ethically has an impact on our ability to provide quality care. Where we stand ethically with respect to quality care and caregiving is a question each nurse must ask and answer for him/herself. For me, as both a clinician

and professor of nursing at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, it involves adhering to Susan C. an ethic of Maloney integrity in my own clinical practice and upholding the ethics of academic policies to which our students are held. As we examine and define our own ethic of caring, we care providers also must not exclude the caregiver from our own self-care. In theory and intellectually, it makes sound sense. We admonish others to “take

good care of yourself,” but in practice, we nurses often need to revisit the importance of maintaining our own ethic of self-care in order to effectively care for others. What is often seen as selfish or “last on my priority list” is essential if we are honest and truly committed to caring for others. Having the wellspring of energy, attention and commitment to offer selfless care to another amid myriad challenges requires us to do the same for ourselves. I teach this. This is of pivotal concern to me as an educator interested in promoting and delivering care, in impacting and supporting ethical and quality

nurses, and in encouraging compassionate caregivers. But equally important, ethical care also involves caring for those for whom caring may not appear to come easy. I am grateful for my students who teach me about ethics and quality care, and for my patients who shape me as a nurse and help me redefine each day my commitment to ethical practice and quality patient care. To all nurses during Nurses Week, and each day of your caring career, I task us to be excellent caregivers by first tending to our own self-care needs, so that you have a cup overflowing to continue to give from.

Nurse offered support Nurse praises her mentor

met the late Rita Clacher in the spring of 2010 when I was facilitating the Breast Cancer Support Group at the Cancer Center. It was her first meeting, Regional and she immediately knew that this group was not what she was looking for. She told me that she had been living with cancer as a chronic illness, and she wanted to talk to people who were drained, frustrated and felt alone — people who were tired of saying “everything’s fine.” She knew there were others like herself who had been coping with cancer and were “thriving” in spite of cancer. Rita had a sparkle in her eye that made me know she was passionate about her pursuit. I offered to help her form this group but made her promise that she would be the leader. I dragged in the only other nurse I knew who would jump in with both feet, Sherri Siegel. She willingly went to work for the cause, and the three of us began to work on this project together. I came to learn that Rita, too, was a registered nurse. She entered the nursing profession later in life and

was extremely proud of this accomplishment. Although she had to leave her job because of her illness, she never left her nursing. As the group met, Rita Rita Clacher always came prepared with articles, information, activities and her overwhelming positive commitment to help others with the struggles of chronic cancer. She fully lived the Nightingale Pledge to practice her profession faithfully and devote herself to the welfare of those committed to her care. These gatherings made me reflect on my own nursing practice, my ability to listen empathetically and appreciate each day for what it was. Many of the appropriately named Thrivers eventually passed on, but it was amazing to see the connections made through the spirit of one nurse and her passion to reach others through this journey. I have been extremely fortunate in my nursing career to meet and work with some of the finest our profession has to offer. I will remember this one nurse for her commitment to sharing her incredible gifts with others and living our calling right until the end.

By KIMBERLY THOMAS B.S.N., R.N., C.R.R.N.

y nursing journey began in a shopping mall. I met a woman in the mall who was in labor, and alone. I stayed with her, helping her breathe through her contractions until the ambulance arrived. After she was safely on her way, I reflected on the experience. The births of my children were the best days of my life. Helping another woman during one of the best days of her life could now be added as a true high point in mine. The following day I went to the local college and applied for admission to its R.N. program. I planned to be a labor and delivery nurse. Years before I started in nursing, I had graduated from college with a degree in communication disorders. My work experience was in the field of education. My first nursing position was at HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital. I grew up in that setting and honed my assessment skills with the help of my mentor, Greg Sherwin, C.R.R.N. I doubt he realizes that I consider him that. I left the physical rehabilitation setting after one year, and went on to realize my goal of working as a labor

and delivery nurse. I thought of Greg often and kept molding myself through his example, occasionally asking myself, “What would Greg do?” He is intelligent, intuitive, intensely dedicated to patient advocacy and professional. He taught me how to dig in to every task and be the nurse with whom others want to work. He is the best nurse I know. I returned to physical rehabilitation nursing two years ago because my children said I was happiest when I worked at HealthSouth. Today, I am blessed to be working with my mentor and friend. I hope he will read this and realize what an impact he has made on my career, and my life. Thank you, Greg Sherwin. I am a nurse because I want to dedicate my life to the service of others. I am a nurse because I believe nursing is the single most valuable profession. I am a nurse because I can ease suffering, provide companionship, provide education, save lives, and cheer on those around me to complete their goals. I am a nurse because I believe that nurses can change the world. I am a nurse because I want to change the world ... with Greg Sherwin, of course.

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By SARAH COHEN KAVENEY M.S.N., R.N., O.C.N., N.E.A.-B.C.

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Actors surprise nurses By STEVE ORBAnEK Penn State Behrend

By JOHn OnORATO Millcreek Community Hospital

COnTRIBUTED PHOTO

Brenna Lanager, left, plays the role of a challenging patient, testing the skills of nursing students Hunter Olsen, center, and nerissa Rich, right. response from a lowly cough or groan to giving birth. They even can be programmed to speak in languages other than English to add the challenge of a communication barrier to students’ clinical exercises. For the very surprised nursing students, treating simulated patient Brenna Brake was an invaluable lesson. “You get real emotions,” said nursing major Hunter Olsen. “Yes, this person was acting, but they’re still a real person, and it’s still person-to-person contact.” “Simulation experiences like this test students’ critical-thinking and decision-making skills in a low-risk setting,” Bishop-Kurylo said. “Live actors add a whole new dimension to the experience, so we definitely plan to increase their use in our bachelor’s degree program.”

Sharing her gift of time By LAURA FIGURSKI Surgical Scheduler, Bariatric Center, Saint Vincent Hospital

hen you think of a nurse, most people think of someone who is kind, caring and compassionate. I want to tell you that Kathy Scutella, C.R.N.P., a certified nurse practitioner at Saint Vincent Hospital, is all that and more. She has always put the patient first and would do anything for her patients. Even before becoming a nurse practitioner, she always made sure that patients were cared for beyond the patients’ expectations. As a nurse leader at Saint Vincent for many years, Scutella has worked with heart patients, neurology patients, and now she works with our bariatric patients. Currently, as a nurse practitioner, Scutella works closely with patients, even going to the point of adjusting her schedule to accommodate a time when patients are able to come to the office. Recently, one of our patients was transported

Kathy Scutella to our office by the L.I.F.T and dropped off more than two hours before the scheduled appointment. Scutella was in a meeting in the hospital at the time the patient arrived. She left her meeting, walked to our office and provided care immediately so this patient did not have to wait. In another matter, one of our patients was confused about the time of her appointment. She missed her original appointment and showed up a couple of days later. Scutella worked to fit her into the schedule so she didn’t have to return at another time. Scutella gives patients her direct office phone number, her pager number and her e-mail

address so they have multiple communication options to reach her when they have any questions or concerns at any time of day or night. She has also come in on her vacation days to see patients who needed to be seen by a medical professional so they would not be left untreated. If a patient indicates he or she can only leave work and come to the office over a lunch hour, she will skip her lunch so the patient can be seen. There are plenty of nurses who provide great patient care, but there are few who will inconvenience themselves for the betterment of their patients. Her first concern is that her patients are well-caredfor. She believes that her patients need advocates, and she provides that service in addition to providing a high quality of care. Kathy Scutella, you are an inspiration to everyone. Thank you for everything you do.

Gannon: Community Outreach

Thank You To our team of dedicated nurses for your continued commitment to providing QualityCare.

Continued from 1n village and visited hospitals. This is the Villa Maria School of Nursing’s first international outreach initiative tied to Gannon University’s strategic goal of increasing global collaboration. The VMSON offers undergraduate programs leading to a generic B.S.N., a fully online R.N. to B.S.N., and a R.N.-M.S.N. Graduate programs include an on-site Family Nurse Practitioner program, a full-time collaborative Nurse Anesthesia program with UPMCHamot, and a Nurse Administration M.S.N. There are also three programs leading to certificates, a School Nurse program, a PostMaster’s F.N.P. certificate and post-Master’s Nurse Anesthesia certificate. The D.N.P. is an M.S.N. bridge program that can be completed in 26 credits full or part time.

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I kept asking the nursing students to repeat what they were saying. I was also very religious and refused to give up my rosary.” Lanager said. “I could tell everyone was nervous, but they did a great job of putting on that nurse face and getting the job done.” “Patient simulation is vital to the student experience in Penn State Behrend’s four-year bachelor’s degree program,” said Dr. Dorothy Bishop-Kurylo, campus coordinator for Nursing Programs. “We have simulation in all clinical courses because it’s a safe learning environment for our students.” Bishop-Kurylo noted that Behrend uses three types of simulation: static low-fidelity mannequins, responsive highfidelity mannequins and volunteer actors. High-fidelity mannequins can perform almost any physical

here are more than 200 nursing certifications, but the choice was fairly easy for Jillian Abata, R.N., W.C.C., program director of the LECOM Institute for Advanced Wound Care & Hyperbaric Medicine at Millcreek Community Hospital. Her grandmother had a leg amputated due to a chronic wound that followed surgery. While earning her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from Gannon University, Abata also performed a clinical practicum in a local wound care unit. She knew immediately that this was the type of nursing care she wanted to do, based upon a grandmother’s wound that did not heal and because of the very tangible progress you can see when wounds are treated with advance care techniques and do heal.

She earned her wound care certification from the National Alliance Jillian of Wound Abata Care in Boston and has worked at the LECOM Institute since it opened in January 2014. She is also pursuing a Master of Science degree in nursing with concentration in leadership and Management from Walden University of Minneapolis, Minn. “Our center has already earned national recognition for patient satisfaction and outstanding clinical outcomes, and I continue to enjoy working in an environment that provides excellent, advanced care that truly makes a difference for so many people, said Abata. “With the high incidence of diabetes in this region as well as a higherthan-average senior population, wound care is a needed specialty.”

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hen faculty member Margaret Kertis pulled back the curtain, students in her NURS 112 class at Penn State Behrend College, gasped. The mannequin they had grown accustomed to caring for was no longer lying in its hospital bed. In its place was a young woman dressed like a character out of a Laura Ingalls Wilder novel. Her hair was dabbled with talcum powder and her fists clenched a rosary. “Their faces were priceless when they saw I was a real person,” said Brenna Lanager, the Penn State Behrend student who replaced the mannequin. The sophomore psychology major had volunteered to serve as that day’s simulated patient, an actor who plays the role of someone in need of medical care. “The first-year nursing students had gotten so accustomed to performing skills on the lowfidelity mannequins that do not communicate. I wanted them to focus on interacting and communicating with a real person,” said Kertis. “This particular scenario involved preparing an elderly patient for surgery.” As the nursing students soon learned, that’s sometimes easier said than done. Lanager, who was earning extra credit for a Behrend theater course, delighted in acting as a less-than-model patient. “I was playing the role of Brenna Brake, an old woman who had fallen down the stairs while doing laundry. I was supposed to have a hearing aid, but I left it at home, so

Wound care from the heart

respect

UPMC Hamot Surgery Center

respect

We are now accepting applications for:

PERIOPERATIVE RN PER DIEM or PART-TIME RN LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSE

814-836-5255

Serving Erie, Crawford, Venango, Mercer and Warren Counties

SURGICAL TECHNOLOGIST ENDOSCOPY TECHNICIAN

Happy National Nurses Week fromWeek Twinbrook Happy National Nurses fromMedical ManorCare Health - Erie, where our Center, where our nursesServices respectfully uphold the highest nurses respectfully uphold the highest standards standards of patient care and caring. We couldn’t have of patient care and caring. without We couldn’t earned our reputation you. have earned our reputation without you.

Please send resume to:

UPMC Hamot Surgery Center 200 State Street Erie, PA 16507 Fax: (814) 459-2867.

An equal opportunity employer.

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Our Nurses Help Families Cherish Life

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7N | Erie Times-News | GoErie.com | Friday, May 8, 2015

‘Mother would be proud’ By RAMONA MYSNYK, L.P.N. Veterans Affairs Medical Center

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We know that when you’re not busy being a nurse, you’re busy being you! At Interim HealthCare®, we’re grateful to have you as part of our family. Because what makes you unique makes us a stronger team. So, thanks for being you! And thanks for all you do to make the lives of your patients better every day.

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Christina Kuiperi, LPN Carrie Lydic, LPN Nils Magnusson, RN Kim Marsh, RN Cheryl Martin, RN David Oram, RN Kari Papinchak, LPN Stacey Petruso, RN Joan Rowland, CRNP Barbara Sala, RN Kimberly Strieff, CRNP Edna Stickell, RN Laura Tighe, RN Joyce Tresler, LPN Bernadette Valentinetti, RN Stephen Worner, RN Tammy Younger, LPN

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s I apply a lotion to a patient’s back or administer a medication placed in apple sauce for easy swallowing, I often find myself wondering what he or she did before they became ill? Did they always have it so hard? What kind of work did they do? Or what was fun in their lives? How many people did they know? Or how many tragedies did they have to endure before coming to this place in life? And then I think of my mother, such a wonderful woman. A mother, a friend and loving grandmother. Oh, how I lost her way too soon in life. I know the patients I take care of every day may not be my mother, my father or even a sibling, but every day I’m reminded through the eyes of my mother that he or she belongs to someone. My mother would be proud.

Allegheny Health Network

Saint Vincent Hospital Salutes Nurses!

We salute you — our nurses — for the contributions you make to the success of our organization, not just during this special week, but every day.

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During National Nurses Week, we recognize our nurses for their daily dedication to excellence. While we appreciate their work every day, we set this week aside to focus on their vital role in fulfilling our mission of providing compassionate, high quality patient care.

8N | Erie Times-News | GoErie.com | Friday, May 8, 2015 Mary Chimenti Michele Chiprean Lisa Chludzinski Sandra Chludzinski Therese Christiansen Veronica Christie Dianne Church Shawna Chylinski Teresa Chylinski Amanda Clabbatz Mindy Clark Michelle Close Nefretiri Coleman Kathleen Combs Marilyn Comstock Christopher E. Conn Marie Connelly Theresa Connelly Carley Conti Julie Conti Cynthia Conway Cheryl Cook Katherine Cook Mary Cook Roxanne Cook Evonne Cooner Diann Cooper Jessica Cooper Abbie Corey Julie Corey Freda Cornﬁeld Alena Costello Tracy Couse Dameon Covert Sue Cowan Terri Craft Jessica Craker Emily Crane Karen Crane Victoria Crays Kimberly Crossman Megan Crotty Jennifer Cuzzola Stephenie Dalton Alanna Damcott Melissa Damico Angela Danko Tiffani Danks Leslie Dardaris Rebecca Daub Gibbons David Emma Davis Julie Davis Kaleigh Davis Ruhiyyih Davis Deborah Deangelo Mary Degenhart Terri Deloe Alexandra Demarall Michelle DeMay Samantha DeNardo Oksana Denisyuk Raquel Denning Kimberly Dennington Sean Dent Michele Desantis Mary Desin Bonnie Desko Jennifer Devon Liz Dilla Amanda Dillen Sharon Diloreto Gina Dinello Allison DiPlacido Bethany Divell Karen Dodson Nicole Donaldson Kristen Donnelly Michelle Dornhoefer Nadia Dorochko Paula Dorris Ruth Dougan Nikole Dougherty Terri Downing Susan Drabic Erica Drake Kathy Dubowski Ann Duda Pamela Duda Ann Dudenhoefer Christina Dunbar Tara Durfee Lynn Durst Lisa Duska Ann Dwyer Sherry Dyne Wade Valerie Earls Michelle Easly Tonya Eastman Jennifer Eberlein William Edgar Kristine Edwards Shannon Eggleston Destiny Egnot Amie Eller Bobbie Jo Elliott Shelley Elmer Kevan Emhoff Alyssa Englert Marlina Engman Melissa Engstrom Mary Ensign Deborah Enzbrenner Lisa Erickson Lisa Eury Deborah Fabin Susan Fagley Nichole Falandys Ryan Fancher Carrie Farkasovsky Cara Farnham Wendy Farrell Karly Fatica Ruth Faulhaber Alisia Faulkner-Lunger Lisa Feely Richard Feely Betty Feidler Shawneen Fenstermacher Heather Fernandez Kathleen Fesenmyer Mary Ficcardi Ellen Fichera Bonnie Filippo Christine Firster Shaun Firster Christine Fisher Jason Fisher Mindi Fisher Patrick Fisher Stephanie Flinchbaugh Trishia Ford Annathea Fox Kayla Frawley Kathleen Freeman Vicki Frick Mary Friedl Janet Friedman Tarah Friedrich John Frischolz Melissa Fuhrman Kelsey Fuller Emily Fusco Jeanne Gaber Lyndsey Gadsby Michele Gaerttner Victoria Gaines Lisa Gallo Akwete Gambill Lisa Ganz Tina Garber Jacquelyn Garcia Lee Garde Constance Garrison Nadene Garrity Vickie Garvin Lynn Gates Gina Gazdak Marilee Genest Richard Geniesse Teresa Gerard Kimberle Gervase Julie Giewont Pamela Giewont

Patricia Gifford Jessica Giordano Laurie Glass Caroline Glowacki Kathleen Gonser Stacy Gonzalez Karen Good Mae Goodman Christina Gorski Laurie Gottschling Jennifer Gourley Yelena Grace Laurie Graham Reid Grapes Jessica Graves Cristina Green Michele Green Stacy Green Gretchen Greiner Paula Griesacker Emilee Griffey Emily Griffin Dana Groemminger Kellie Gromacki Maria Grosselin Nancy Guckes Laura Guntrum

Sheri Jarmolowicz Rebecca Jeannette Beverly Jenks Donnelly Jim Kathleen Johnson Lora Johnson Sandra Johnson Vania Johnson Jaime Johnston Judith Johnston Meghan Joint Kelley Jones Lisa Jones Marian Jones Saundra Jones Tracy Jones Pamela Jordache Erin Jovanovich Adrienne Joyce Destiny Juratovic Emily Jurges Kaitlyn Kaiser Kelly Kalkhof Carrie Kamholz Susan Kaminski Yelena Kanarskaya Kaitlyn Karl

Phillip Lawton Kristin Lazzara Kathleen Le Ber Sandra Leamer-Newhouse Cynthia Lee Shirley Lee Louisa Leeper Julia Lemock Julie Lemock Michelle Lenda Diane Leone Gina Lesoski Kimberly Letizio Anca Levianu Sharon Levick Amanda Lewis Mary Lynne Lewis Kari Licata Dianna Lindsey Janice Lindsey Nicole Lingo Alissa Lino Kimberly Linse Ruth Ann Lloyd Jerri Lobdell Danielle Lombardo Jennifer Lomonte

Brad Metzenbacher Mary Lou Metzger Todd Meyer Therese Michael Rebecca Michalak Laura Michalski Jennifer Mifsud Carri Milano Crystal Milhollen Kalie Miller Laurie Miller Lisa Miller Noelle Miller Pamela Miller Kayla Millet Laure Mills Amanda Milton Tracie Minner Brianna Minor Brandy Mitcham Danielle Mitchell Elizabeth Mitchell Gloria Mitchell Michael Modzelewski Bambe Monahan Rosa Montalvo Stephany Montgomery

HUNDREDS OF INDIVIDUALS.

ONE MISSION

During National Nurses Week, we are proud to recognize the dedicated caregivers who deliver amazing skill and show unwavering compassion every single day. These individuals embody the true spirit of UPMC Hamot’s mission — to serve.

If you would like to thank a UPMC Hamot caregiver who has touched your life, please visit HamotHealthFoundation.org/thankyou.

Emily Gustafson Heather Gustafson Christine Haas Leah Haddix Carol Hager Aimee Hagerty Julie Haibach Nanci Haibach Jamie Haines Amanda Hall Melissa Hall Megan Halliday Kimberly Halloran Brittany Hamels Denise Hammann Andrea Hammerlee Kim Hampy Cheryl Happy Katrina Harayda Michelle Harger Thomas Harmison Steven Harper Kimberly Harris Sharon Harris Ashly Harrison Julie Harrison Andrew Hartle Pamela Hartleb M Kathleen Hartmann Dusty Hasselman Dolores Hatch Vickey Hauptman Ashley Hawkinson Nancy Hayes Renae Hayes Penny Hays Sarah Heberlein Pamela Heckler Heather Hedderick Amanda Hedlund Melissa Heidt Judith Heintz Margaret Henderson Shannon Henley Gloria Hennessy Bryce Henning Jeanne Henning Kimberly Henry Patricia Henry Sandra Henry Cheryl Hermann Deborah Hess Sherri Hess Heather Hetrick Julie Hewitt Cathy Hill Michael Hill Melanie Hilliard Lora Hills Julie Hilyer Emily Hirsch Joshua Hoffman Lori Hoffman Karen Hoﬁus Laurie Hofmann Marilyn Hogg Sharon Hoke Shannon Holihan Bridget Holland Tabitha Hollarn Matthew Holmes Molly Holmes Diane Hoover Danielle Hopkins Michael Hopwood Kyle Hovis Stephanie Hovis Ann Marie Howell Mary Elizabeth Hubbard Lorinda Hull Amber Humennyj Judith Humes Patricia Hunsaker Rebecca Hunt Lisa Hurst Leanne Huston Carol Hutzel Suzanne Iacobucci Shaha Ibrahim Thomas Iorio Donna Irish Karah Jackson

Stephanie Kartesz Debra Katarski Deanna Katsadas Chris Kaufman Katelyn Kaveney Lisa Keblish Susan Kelemen Mary Kelly Timothy Kelly Heather KennedyGonzalez Amy Kennelley Kathleen Kensill William Keppel Michael Kerchansky Rebecca Kern Miranda Kerr Deborah Keyes Jean Kibler Erin Kier Karrah Kightlinger Nicole Kiley Colleen King Leah King Susan Kinter Michael Kinzig Katie Kirclich Kristie Kisiel Theresa Kisiel Nicole Kitts Ashley Klees Kristen Kleinhanz Kelly Kline Erin Klinge Larry Kniess Nicole Knight Colleen Komar Kristin Komisarski Gregg Komora Kimberly Konieczki Joel Konkel Rose Konsel Scott Kooken Sherrie Kort Jennifer Kosin Cheryl Kosobucki Lesya Kovalevich Vadim Kovalevich Gretchen Kownacki Tim Kozek Christine Kozen Angela Krafty Nichole Krahe Angela Kraus Gail Kraus Sherri Krautter Krystal Krawczyk Christine Krolczyk Kelly Kruize Kathleen Krysiak Kara Kubeja Phillip Kuchman Susan Kuhar Rebecca Kuhn Stephen Kuligowski Camille Kuntz Ashley Kuzmicki Kimberly Laboski Trisha Labruzzo Anastasia Lachica Jennifer Lachica Patricia Lagner Jonna Laird Julie Laird Lindsay Laird Rhonda Lamancuso Erica Lambert Jody Lambert William Lamont Katherine Landfried Britney Landree Heather Lane Elaine Laniewicz Donald Larmon Rachael Larner Eva Larson Katie Larson Lisa Larson Deana Lasher Paula Lasky Julie Last Selena Laufenberg

Heather Long Machelle Long Shari Longo Denise Loop Aubrey Loranger Timothy Loringer Victoria Lowery Kara Lozier Linda Lubelski Gwen Lubowicki Gregory Lucas Dinah Lundgren Julia Lupo Suzanne Luteran Amanda Luvison Mac Macaluso Rebecca MacGregor LuAnne MacIsaac Emma Mack Donald Madden Rachel Madrid Sarah Magnuson Lisa Mahoney Michael Majersky Deborah Majewski Victoria Majewski Mike Maldonado Nicole Malec Julie Maloney Denise Manchester Brenda Mandic Annette Maras Danielle Maring Jessica Marino Shannon Markham Mindy Markiewicz Brianna Markle Laura Marsden Patricia Marshall Betty Martin Catherine Martin Lauren Martin Megan Martin Jennifer Martine Mary Mascaro Kaara Matkovich Ashley Matson Sarah Mattocks Kristen Matusiak Sarah Mauk Heather Maus Sarah Maxi Danielle May Jennette May Sara May Luann McBride Jaimie McCall Joyce McCandless Laurie McCann Kaleigh McCarthy Lisa McChesney Darlene McCleary Reed McClune Patricia McCommons Leanne McCullough Miriam McCullum Lori McDonald Donald McDowell Stephanie Mcelhaney Michelle Mcelhenny Jennifer McGarry Teresa McGaughey Mary Alice McGinnis Margaret McGraw Holly McGregor Jennifer McHenry Steven Mcintyre Janice McMahon Christopher Meals Crissa Medina Erika Medina Elizabeth Medvis Sara Mehler Susan Meisel Karina Mejia Molly Mello Robin Melvin Jill Menc Michelle Menditto Linda Mentz Susan Merry Jennifer Merski

Barbara Moore Cheryl Moore Keith Moore Michelle Morey Lisa Morgan Margaret Morris Lucille Morrison Deborah Morton Janice Moryc Maggie Mowery Rebecca Moyer Kimberly Mrofchak Holly Mukina Patty Mukina Brenda Munella April Murphy Sarah Murphy Lisa Murray Shanna Murzynski Jessica Mushalansky Christina Musolff Debra Muye Patrick Mwesige Candice Myers Tim Myers Linda Mynes Chelsey Nagle Emily Nagurney Deanna Nagy Andrea Nason Bruce Naylor Denise Nechleba Sally Neer Michelle Nelsen David Netkowicz Debra Neubauer Heather Newcomer Jeanne Newman Jennifer Newsom Nancy Nickerson Patricia Niedomys Nellann Nipper Christa Nishnick Nomathemba Nkomo Janet Noonan Penny Norvell Mercedes Nowakowski Sean Nutter Bonnie Nye Marianne Oblinski Renee Oldach Michael Olszewski Laura Omark Jeremy Oosterkamp Christine Orzehowski Kathy Ott Lori Otto-Smith Sarah Packosky Sara Pakulski Margaret Palas Erin Palmer Shelly Palmer Shawn Panhwar Samantha Pardee Dawn Park Janet Parks Kira Parson Angela Pastuha Anne Patterson Brittany Pearson Anne Pedersen Danielle Peelman Pamela Pence Amy Pennington Bettylou Perkins Jeremy Perrine Carol Perry Kent Persinger Michelle Peters Megan Peterson Valerie Peterson Shannon Pfaff Rachel Phillips Chris Pietkiewicz Lynette Pietkiewicz Lauren Pietrasiewicz Amanda Pilewski Kimberly Pilker Gregory Pineo Kimberly Pius Amber Pleger Tanya Plyler

Linda Podskalny Sarah Pollick Terri Pomorski Susan Pontillo Patrick Pontzer Robin Post Jaime Potratz Alecia Potter Angie Pound Erika Pound Amy Powers Karen Powers Colleen Prazer Laurie Preston Monica Preston Jeannine F. Prindle Stephanie Prischak Sarah Prylinski Jill Pulliam Katie Pyrdek Janet Quinn Melissa Radomile Kim Raines Sarah Rajecki Brooke Ramey Jennifer Ramm Tamura Ramsey Melissa Randazzo Cortney Ratajczak Lucy Ratkowski Melissa Ray Tina Recker Darren Redding Heather Redlecki Thomas Regan Katherine Reichert Susan Reilly Sharon Reimer Laurel Reinwald Nancy Reinwald Amanda Rekitt Kamie Repine Michael Reslink Chelsea Reynolds Janet Rice Heidi Rich Donna Richter Crystal Rieger Darlene Rihel Rhonda Rihel Jenna Ring Michele Rion Jenna Rippert Christine Ritchie Laura Ritter Lavery Gregory Roberts Cheryl Robinson Andrea Robisin Diana Robison Sue Roche Kelly Rodgers Susan Rodgers Diane Rodland Michelle Rodney Alicia Rodriguez Zoey Rogan Jessica Rohler Deanna Romanski Wendyann Rosenberg Laura Ross Maura Rossi Kaitlyn Rossman Kelly Roth Michael Roth Amanda Rourke Cindy Rouse Roxanne Rousseau Kristen Rowles Jerome Rupp Margaret Ryan-States Arletha Rzepecki Janelle Rzodkiewicz Colleen Rzomp Kelly Sakoian Jennifer Salisbury Nicola Sallot Brandi Salvatore Randall Sam David Sammarco Jo Anne Samsel Penny Sanford Colleen Sansoucie Susan Santabarbara Christina Sargent Breana Sauers Natalie Sauers Stephanie Saul Sarah Saxton Ellen Schauerman Sarah Scherf Denise Schlabach Molly Schlabach Laura Schmalzried James Schmidt Theresa Schneider Joanne Schnell Robert Schoenig Jodi Schreckengost Erin Schroder Kathleen Schroeck Lisa Schultz Mary Schupp-Candela Julie Schwab Laura Schwab Chelsea Schwindt Kimberly Sciallo Kara Scott Beth Seidler Dennis Seth David Seyboldt Gordon Seymour Bailey Shafer Cassandra Shaffer Cynthia Shepard John Sherman Betelehem Shermeka Linda Sherwood Ashley Shick Roberta Shuttle Greg Sieber Wendy Sieber Kathryn Siefer Sandra Siegel Barbara Sienerth Ashley Siggia John Silvis Aundrea Simko Lisa Simonian Crystal Sindlinger Rebekah Sirak Karen Siverd Sarah Skelly Thomas Skelly Kimberly Skelton Alicia Skinner Tammy Skinner Aslan Slawson Kimberly Smeraldo Deborah Smetana Ashleigh Smith Courtney Smith Heather Smith Irene Smith Jennifer Smith Julie Smith Maribel Smith Rhonda Smith Erin Smochek Diane Snyder Valerie Snyder Jenna Soder Debra Soderberg Ann Sokoloff Lindsay Sokolowski Joanne Sorensen Jacqueline Southworth Cheryl Spacht John Spacht Morgan Sparks Patricia Sperrazzo Melissa Sprickman Lisa Staaf Kristin Stablein Alison Stacy

Affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, UPMC is ranked among the nation’s best hospitals by U.S. News & World Report.

Teri Stanopiewicz Ashley Stazer Douglas Stazer Ashlee Steger Tammy Steger Robert Steinbrink Tara Steiner Bridgette Sterling Erin Stevens Kelly Stewart Sonia Stewart Anita Stippich Patrick Stocker Sarah Stocker Kelly Stoddart Maggi Stoica-Abraham Nicole Strand Theresa Stratton Laure Stravinsky Brittany Straw Kimberly Streiff William Strike Shawn Stroup Brandi Struchen Jay Stubenhofer Susan Stubenhofer Patricia Stucke Renee Sulz Angel Sunafrank Linda Sundberg Darlene Sutton Karly Sweeney Megan Sweeney Shirley Swenson Rebecca Swope Cassidy Sykola John Szczotka Jane Tagliaferi Eileen Talbot Barbara Tarbell Kailey Tarbell Michele Tenon Naomi Teperow Lora Thaler Heidi Thayer Kyle Thiel Becky Thiele Dawn Thomas Jennifer Thompson Joseph Thompson Melinda Thompson Michelle Thompson Samantha Thompson Mark Thoreson Lisa Tiblandi Cynthia Tickle Eileen Tighe Emily Till Rachel Tirak Cheryl Tomczak Steven Tompsett Laura Tonn Scott Torrance Shirley Torrance Allison Tost Rebecca Totzke Josh Trayer Jillian Treier Erica Trick Lisa Trimble Louis Trizna Joan Trohoske Kayla Troup Kristi Troxell Elizabeth Truran Betsy Trusel Debra Turk Marie Turner Orean Turner Randi Turri Dylan Uhl Lyndsey Uhl Rebecca Vandyke PrincessShiella VanOrd Erica Venesky Karen Virgilio Michelle Vitale Elisha Vivier Margaret Vommaro Susan Wahlgren Leslie Waid Alicia Waite Karen Walker Colleen Wallace Kimberly Walter Barbara Waples Ryan Ward Shawna Ward April Warner Lisa Wasielewski Kelsie Watkins Catherine Watson Deborah Weaver Amy Weber Laura Weber Tracy Weber Darla Weisenﬂuh Debra Weismiller Lynn Weissert Allisa Wellman Analise Welsch Kathleen Wernicki Wanda Westgate Nicole Whaling Hannah Wheaton Susan Wheeler Tammy Wheeler Bradley White Kayla White Meagan White Patricia White Emily Wick Karyn Wieber Shannon Wienczkowski Melinda Wierzchowski Victoria Wiesner Timothy Will Victoria Will Jennifer Williams Jolee Williams Allie Willis Carmen Wilson Nancy Wilson Melissa Wisniewski Megan Wlodarczyk Sara Wojciechowski Kortney Wolff Jennifer Wolfram Sen Woll Ann-Marie Wood Deborah Wood Leslie Woodell Julia Woodrow Emmi Woomer Diane Worley Jennifer Woytek Debra Yaple Ann Yaworsky Sarah Yearwood Brenda Yerkey Gregory Yetter Mary Yochim Corinne Yost Patricia Yost Jennifer Young Jennifer Young Paula Young Erin Yount Joselynn Zaffuto Mary Zahn Susan Zajac Tawnda Zameroski Michelle Zdunski Yujin Zhao Beth Ziegler Janice Zillman Anne Zinna Nora Zinz Jean Zipp Jessica Zoltowski Saeunn Zukowski Cynthia Zurawski Andrew Zych

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Stacy Abate Courtney Abramczyk Allison Abramoski Brittany Adamik Amanda Adams Joyce Adams Sheila Adamus Pamela Agostini Amy Ahl Diana Akopyan Rimma Akopyan Patricia Albaugh Amanda Alberico Linda Albert Narcisa Alicusic Lori Allen Mary Allgeier Nancy Allgeier Margaret Allin Lita Alsaedi Molly Amann Brian Ambrose Rebecca Andersen Bethany Anderson Carol Anderson Judith Anderson Tyler Anthony Susan Antonucci Jocelyn Arnold Elaine Arrigo Melissa Artise Abigail Averitt Marlene Babb Tyler Babcock Melissa Bachoura Meghan Baer Krista Baginski Hannah Baglia Bernadine Bagniszewski Alina Baiuklin Sylwia Bajek Cathleen Baker Marla Baker Zella Baldwin Andrea Ball Keisha Ball Deborah Balogh Shelley Baney John Barnett Ruth Barnett Cynthia Barney Brittany Barns Laura Barnum Elizabeth Barry Michelle Barto Phyllis Barto Pamela Barton Renee Barwell Melissa Bayer Anne Bayhurst Makenzie Beach Megan Beaton Elaine Beatty Kathleen Becker Leslie Becker Nora Becker Philip Becker Jill Beckerink Lisa Beckes Amy Beckman Bob Beckman Kelli Beckman Kristen Beckman Eileen Beers Meaghan Beerson Ann Beighley Lisa Bellotti Nicole Belz Joe Bender Kara Bennett Susan Bennett Holly Berkowitz Joanne Bernard Annmarie Bernardini Lindsay Bernardini Gary Berringer Kimberly Beyer Siobhan Bhagwandien Joshua Bickford Kathleen Biebel Kimberly Bielata Kathy Bindeman Laura Bindeman Sierra Birx Sharon Bittner Levi Black Christine Blake Karin Bleil Kimberlee Blose Kerry Bobin Brenda Boetger Kimberly Bogart Carolyn Bonnell Dennis Bonnell Sharon Borawski Kathryn Borkowski Melissa Borkowski Dawn Borst Jodi Bostjancic Kristen Botelho Lina Botero-Griffiths Janet Bourne Amanda Bowers Kristin Bowes Cheryl Boyce Charlotte Boyd Margaret Boyd Cecilia Boyer Rachel Boyer Valerie Boyle Tanya Bradford Marci Bradley Kiersten Brandt Mark Brandt Janette Brasile Elizabeth Bray Elizabeth Brewer Wendy Brigham Christine Britt Loreta Britton Ann Brown Karin Brown Michelle Brown Renee Brown Tara Brown Stacy Bruce Marc Bryant Donald Bucher Sherri Buczynski Tiffany Budzynski Elizabeth Bugbee Elisabeth Buhl Ashley Burick Andrea Burns Chad Burns Emily Burns Jeanne Burns Roberta Burns-Brown Christine Burroughs Colleen Bush Shannon Butts Adrian Byler Joseph Calabrese Catherine Calahan Cara Calderone Margaret Camino Karry Camp Jennifer Campbell Elizabeth Cancilla Linda Caputo Brittany Carlson Michelle Carnegie Susan Carnes Deborah Carson Stephanie Carter Keri Cassidy James Catrabone Paul Caviglia Tammy Chamberlin Kristie Chapman Brianna Check Carey Cherry Nancy Cherry Brigette Chilcott

9N | Erie Times-News | GoErie.com | Friday, May 8, 2015

Learning to heal the world, patient at a time.

one

At Mercyhurst North East, we’re dedicated to teaching the science and art of delivering quality nursing care. Our experienced instructors guide our students through mastery of all aspects of nursing care. Through hands-on clinical rotations, our students put their knowledge into practice to ensure they’re ready to handle the challenges that nurses face every day.

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10N | Erie Times-News | GoErie.com | Friday, May 8, 2015

Patient’s family raves about nurse By KATHY MANNION, R.N., Regional Home Health &Hospice

concerns, and she helped to enable my husband to achieve his final wish by living to see his granddaughter and holding her two days later. The next day, my wonderful husband lost his courageous battle with cancer. In the depths of our worst moments, Carren offered us not only her excellent nursing skills, but she opened her heart and showed us that she cared about more than the illness. She cared about us.

any years ago, Saint Vincent Hospital started a program called R.A.V.E. or Recognize and Acknowledge Valued Events. The program was designed to recognize a member of the Saint Vincent family who may have gone above and beyond his or her regular duties. A R.A.V.E. can be written by a patient, patient’s family, a Saint Vincent associate, or a visitor who may be compelled to offer words of thanks or encouragement. Since its inception, there have been many R.A.V.E.’s written about acts of kindness, directed most often at our nurses, but they also have included other associates within Saint Vincent. Each year, Saint Vincent associates gather to learn about the R.A.V.E. finalists and then the R.A.V.E. winners, who are selected by a committee for further recognition. It’s not unusual for a nurse to be recognized for providing his/her own money to assist a patient in buying clothes, to pay for a taxi or to help a patient in some other way return safely home to heal. It’s also not unusual for Saint Vincent nurses to offer their services — outside the hospital setting — to a patient or patient’s family when they see a real need. This is one of those R.A.V.E.s. It is written by Donna Cummings of Erie who wanted to recognize the extraordinary care

Carren Cerami has been an R.N. at Saint Vincent Hospital for 18 years, working with patients on the orthopedic and neurological surgical floor. She spent 14 of those years as a charge nurse. Last summer, in search of a new nursing endeavor, she became a nurse case manager for Regional Home Health and Hospice. According to her fellow nurses and staff members, she made

the right choice. They say that the care and compassion portrayed in Donna Cummings’ R.A.V.E. letter is the same selfless care she provides daily to all of her patients. As a Hospice R.N. case manager, she leads her team in bringing the best possible care and support to those facing their end-of-life journey. She has become a valued asset to the Regional Home Health and Hospice team.

Honoring Our

Nurses

Carren Cerami provided by Saint Vincent nurse, Carren Cerami. Here is the letter: Dear Saint Vincent R.A.V.E. Committee, I want to commend R.N. Carren Cerami for the excellent care she gave to my beloved husband, Michael Cummings. My husband was very ill with end-stage cancer, and Carren went above and beyond her required duties to ensure that not only my husband, Michael, was well taken care of, but she extended her loving and caring heart to me. My husband’s final goal and wish was to see and hold his grandchild. Our daughter was ready to deliver our

granddaughter on Dec. 9, and my husband’s health did not allow him or me to be at the hospital. Carren volunteered to come to our home for three hours in the evening to care for my husband so I could be at the hospital the night our precious granddaughter was born. Not only did she enable me to do that, but she also helped my husband, Michael, be a part of the birth of our grandchild by helping him use Skype to talk to our daughter and see our grandbaby in the delivery room moments after she was born. Carren treated Michael as a man, and not as the horrible disease that attacked him. Carren heard our

E A RN A PENN STATE NURSING DEGREE IN ERIE

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A Tribute To Our Professional Nurses & Supportive Staff In honor of the dedication, commitment and tireless effort of our entire HealthSouth rehabilitation Nursing Team, we salute you! We are proud of our Nursing care and its role in our patient outcomes that are ranked in the top 10% nationally among rehabilitation providers for the ﬁfth consecutive year.

The four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing is the degree employers want most, and the foundation for advanced-practice or graduate study. Earn yours at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College. For admissions information, call 814-898-6100 or visit behrend.psu.edu/admissions. Make a campus visit and you’ll have Penn State’s $50 application fee waived.

We commend your unwavering commitment to promoting and preserving the quality of life. It is you that prepares our patients and their families for community living.

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*Scored by Uniform Data System for Medical Rehabilitation (UDSMR) database in 2014

11N | Erie Times-News | GoErie.com | Friday, May 8, 2015

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Choose an exceptional and aﬀordable education with Edinboro University’s nationally accredited nursing program. Whether learning on campus at our state-of-the-art human patient simulation lab, or taking convenient online courses, you’ll thrive with personal attention from EU’s dedicated faculty. Program oﬀerings include:

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DNP – DOCTOR OF NURSING PRACTICE*: Edinboro’s

DNP degree provides nurses with the advanced training endorsed by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, filling a critical need in the healthcare industry. Designed as a completion program to the MSN degree, this program offers: • Specialty electives in advanced clinical practice and clinical nursing education • Online, part-time programming for nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives and clinical nurse specialists • 34 credits post-masters to completion • The Erie region’s most affordable DNP degree

Choose Excellence. Choose Edinboro. Apply today | edinboro.edu | 732-2000

Thank you to members of the community at the many clinical agencies who support EU’s nursing program in so many ways

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*Program in consortium with Clarion University

12N | Erie Times-News | GoErie.com | Friday, May 8, 2015

B r i e f ly Regional Cancer Center nurses win national award A nursing occupational hazard of providing empathic, relationship-based care to patients and families is the development of compassion fatigue. The impact of Chelle Sherri Julie Cole compassion Wescott Siegel fatigue on nurses can be profound. Chelle Wescott, M.S.N., R.N., O.C.N.; Sherri Siegel, M.S.N., R.N.-C., C.H.P.N.; and Julie Cole, B.S.N., R.N., O.C.N., of the Regional Cancer Center, submitted a proposal to the Oncology Nursing Society for the Lilly Oncology Advancing Patient Care Project Grant to create and implement an allday retreat to provide professional development and tips for reducing compassion fatigue to a staff that deal with terminally ill patients and their caregivers on a daily basis. The team was notified in March that they were the recipients of the national award of $5,000 to fund the project. More information is available at www.ons.org/membercenter/awards/lilly.

UPMC Hamot nurses receive awards UPMC Hamot is proud to announce that two of its nurses, Michele Green and Miriam McCullum, are among the recipients of the Above & Beyond award. The award recognizes employees for their exceptional commitment to the mission of UPMC Hamot Michele Miriam and to its patients. Green McCullum Green and McCullum are both nurses at UPMC Hamot Women’s Hospital: Green in the Mother/Baby unit and McCullum in Labor and Delivery. Both were nominated and chosen for the award in recognition of their dedication to patient care and serving as a comforting, reassuring presence.

Our heartfelt thanks to all of our Pleasant Ridge Manor Nurses who make a difference each day with their kindness, skill and dedication. We are proud of our nursing team. To learn more, please call or visit us: 8300 West Ridge Road (814) 474-5521

Erie … something

BIG

is finally here!

Vincent: VMA senior Continued from 1N senior vice president of Saint Vincent Hospital, and Leslie Brown, who is the manager of the nurses. During the actual patient visit, I would bring a bag filled with different activities. I included puzzles, and I read short stories or poems. I also brought in music. On Feb. 21, there was a service day held by the Villa Maria Academy Interact Club during which everyone created greeting cards for my project. These cards gave patients a reminder of just how important they are. It also let patients know that a group of Villa students were praying for them to get better. Most of the visits consisted of conversations — something so simple that most people take them for granted. In the future, I hope to become a nurse and use many of the skills learned through this project. I am working with Judy Stear to expand it to other volunteers who will keep patients company as I did. “Do small things with great love.” — Mother Teresa

You have a NEW opportunity in Erie for medical career training! · Medical Assis�ng · Phlebotomy · Medical Billing and Coding ! ! ! !

Financial aid available to those who qualify Morning, afternoon, evening schedules Lifetime career placement assistance Small, individualized classes

Acce��ng transfer students…

814.315.6860

Institute of Medical and Business Careers 5617 West 26th Street Erie, PA 16506

814.315.6860

imc.edu

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tudents now have a new opportunity in Erie to train for many high-demand medical careers. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the health-care industry will add nearly 3.2 million new jobs by 2018, an increase of 22.5 percent. The Institute of Medical and Business Careers located at 5617 W. 26 St., Erie, is a branch campus of the Institute of Medical Careers located in Pittsburgh. The Institute of Medical Careers was established in 1995 and for more than 20 years has been a market leader in the Career Training industry in the Pittsburgh region. As a response to area employers who have been challenged to find qualified, well-trained medical employees in the Northwest Pennsylvania region, IMBC has established a school campus in Erie. IMBC is under the leadership of the same experienced executive management team that successfully operated the former Tri-State Business Institute in Erie since 1984. The Institute of Medical and Business Careers offers a state-of-the art facility designed to provide the highest quality career training in the allied health and business fields. Currently IMBC

offers training in phlebotomy, medical assisting, and medical billing and coding. In the very near future, IMBC will offer additional career training programs and is projecting nine new career training fields of study by the end of the year. The Institute of Medical and Business Careers has a partnership and community affiliation with UPMC’s Partnership on Workforce Readiness and Retention and the Allegheny Health Network to enhance employment opportunities for our graduates. With an emphasis on pre-employment skills and improving employee success in the workplace, the Workforce Readiness and Retention Program targets job seekers with entry-level skills, workers who are new to the workplace or those transitioning to the health-care industry. IMBC also offers comprehensive financial aid assistance, flexible scheduling — morning, afternoon, and evening classes; small class size; hands-on training; Microsoft and other industry certifications; lifetime graduate job placement assistance; student internships; and free tutoring. Transfer students are always encouraged to apply. Classes start this month. Class size is limited. For additional information, call 315-6860, or visit www.imc.edu.

172 reasons

Th are There why you’ll get sp special care at Millcreek Community Hospital,

our nurses!

We honor and thank the nurses who give uncompromising care to our patients and unwavering support to our staff. We couldn’t do it without you! — The Administration, Medical Staff and Board of Trustees of Millcreek Community Hospital

HEALTH MILLCREEK COMMUNITY HOSPITAL

Care. Compassion. Community. adno=132210

By KAREN LAPAGLIA Institute of Medical and Business Careers

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New Erie school opens

13N | Erie Times-News | GoErie.com | Friday, May 8, 2015

VNA provides wound care to patients By DANIEL DESROCHERS Visiting Nurse Association

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO/VNA

VNA nurse Renee Maker stocks up on medical supplies to prepare for a busy day visiting patients in Erie County. of Nursing and received a B.S.N. degree from Gannon University. To achieve her current certification in wound care, she completed an intensive course of study at the R.B. Turnbull School of Enterostomal Therapy at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. Specializing in wound care appealed to Maker. “It takes more than just a dressing to heal a wound. It takes a whole team to facilitate healing,” she said.

Digital photography of wounds’ progress is one of the new improvements for home health care. The ability to e-mail pictures to doctors so they can see exactly what they are dealing with, without having the patient make an often-difficult extra trip to the doctor’s office, is a significant improvement in the way health care is delivered. She says that the patient’s nutritional status is a factor, as is medication, the problem of pressure and

HEALTHCARE OPPORTUNITIES

its relief and, of course, the dressing. “As nurses we tend to want to be in control of what’s happening with our patients, which is easy in the hospital, not so much in the patient’s home however. There is a strong focus today on patientcentered care, which should put patients in the driver’s seat of their health care. Sometimes this does not have the positive outcome that it is meant to have. Our role as

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Massage Therapist Instructor Great Lakes is currently seeking Licensed Massage Therapists to assist in training future CMTs. Are you interested in mentoring current students in the ﬁeld you love? Then apply now! Applicants must be licensed in PA, have excellent customer service skills, and a knowledge of state licensure requirements. Only applicants of the highest ethical and moral character should apply. Hours are ﬂexible. If you would like to learn more about this exciting opportunity, email us at Jobs@glit.edu, or submit resume and salary requirements to Great Lakes Institute of Technology, 5100 Peach Street, Erie, PA, 16509

You Can Make A Difference

Caregivers

$2,000 SIGN-ON BONUS Our Practice Is Growing! Come Grow With Us!

All Shifts

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In our Jamestown & Dunkirk Clinics Full-Time Opportunities Available!!! Outstanding Beneﬁts Package Available!

Full & Part Time CNAs • Both Day and Night Shift

Seeking Per Diem LPNs who are available to ﬁll in on an as needed basis. Please identify your shift availability.

email mtitzel@mch1.org

Equal Opportunity Employer

Available openings for PA licensed Certiﬁed Nurse Aides.

EEO/Drug-Free Employer

Current openings on second shift Monday-Friday (3:00-11:30p.m.) and second shift on the weekend program (work two 8-hour shifts & be paid for 25 hours). All candidates must have unencumbered licenses and be able to successfully pass PA Criminal Background check and physical, including drug screen. adno=132349

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At Manor Care Health Services Erie, we salute our Certiﬁed Nursing Assistants. We couldn’t imagine life without the skill, compassion and commitment of people like you. www.hcr-manorcare.com/careers

Please email your resume to:

CERTIFIED NURSE AIDES

we are building something special

Every day’s a testament to your teamwork!

LPNs

• Full Time Night Shift • Part Time Day and Night Shift

Seeking Per Diem RNs who are available to ﬁll in on an as needed basis. Identify your availability for ﬁrst shift (7:00a.m.-3:30p.m.), second shift (3:00p.m.-11:30p.m.), or third shift (11:00p.m.-7:30a.m.); weekdays and/ or weekends. Long term care & supervisory experience essential.

LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSE

LECOM SENIOR LIVING CENTER IS NOW HIRING

RNs

REGISTERED NURSES

All candidates must apply at www.jobs.thementornetwork.com

Equal Opportunity Employer of Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities

• Full Time Night Shift • Part Time Day and Night Shift

New opportunities with The Village at Luther Square. adno=131283

• HS Diploma or GED • Valid driver’s license • Successful clearance of background checks • Pre-employment physical, PPD & drug screen

Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW)

Apply online today: www.trcny.org

nurses is to educate and help our patients to make the best decisions for their health as well as enable them to better care for themselves. Home care allows you to see the whole picture. When you’re in the patient’s home, you get to see how patients do things, like take their medications, in their own surroundings,” she said. She added that home health nursing allows her to “be the eyes and ears of the physician to help make decisions.”

Walk-ins welcome, mail, or e-mail resume.

The Village at Luther Square 149 W. 22nd Street Erie, PA 16502 gputnam@vals.org

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ealth care today is a constantly changing environment. The Visiting Nurse Association of Erie County has been seeing patients since its founding in 1906, and many things have changed since that time. Situations that used to put someone in the hospital for weeks are now handled within a matter of days. What comes after that is frequently home health care. It costs about 90 percent less to keep a patient at home than in the hospital. With so much focus on cost, home health care is an increasingly important tool to keep costs down and provide a better patient care experience. More and more the patients in home health care have complicated medical issues including difficult or non-healing wounds. One of the biggest areas of patient treatment at home is wound care. Many patients of the Visiting Nurse Association of Erie County have wounds that need expert care to heal. There are many types, from post-surgical to diabetic, that require frequent nurse visits for care to heal. Renee Maker is the dedicated wound care specialist at VNA of Erie County. She is a native and current resident of Corry, completed her nursing studies at Saint Vincent School

14N | Erie Times-News | GoErie.com | Friday, May 8, 2015

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They’re selﬂess and noble. They give more than they take. And they do it not for fame but for the fulﬁllment only nurses can feel, having delivered care and comfort when it is most needed. So to Kim, here, and all the exceptional nurses of Allegheny Health Network, we wish for you what you work so tirelessly to bring to all of us—health for all. For an appointment, call 814.452.7864 or visit AHN.ORG