NURSES Friday, May 3, 2013
Quality extends beyond traditional care
Nurses save us all W hen I was in high school, I wanted a medical career. After a rather nasty interaction with chemistry class, I discovered science was over my head. My lab partner, a woman who went into nursing and way beyond, saved me from failing that class. In exchange, she made me promise to stay out of science. I did. I didn’t stay out of hospitals or doctors’ offices, though. My family and extended family have had plenty of contact with nurses, and nurses often have the best medicine. It doesn’t come in a pill form. It’s advice, compassion and that “you can do it” attitude. Starting Monday, also known as National Nurses Day, through May 12, the birthday of Florence Nightingale, we celebrate Nurses Week. The theme is Delivering Quality and Innovation in Patient Care. It’s a great blend of human caring amid all of the incredible science that has advanced medical care. More than 25 nurses — and one doctor — shared heartwarming stories with you in today’s Erie Times-News and online at GoErie.com. Some of the articles will make you cry, and others will make you stand up and cheer. Check out GoErie.com/nurses for all of the content. And thank a nurse today.
By SUE BIRKMIRE, R.N. Erie Shriners Ambulatory Surgery Center and Outpatient Specialty Care Center
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— Pam Parker
CONTACT US Erie Times-News, 205 W. 12th St., Erie, PA 16534 General manager, Marnie Mead, marnie.mead@timesnews.com, 870-1697 Editor, Pam Parker, pam.parker@timesnews.com, 870-1821 Page designer, Holly Waychoff, holly.waychoff@timesnews.com Advertising, MaryBeth Ford, marybeth.ford@timesnews.com, 878-2201 All content, including the design, art, photos and editorial content © 2013, Erie Times-News. No portion of this magazine may be copied or reprinted without the express written permission of the publisher.
WEEK
A publication of the
n the 29 years that I have worked at Shriners Hospitals for Children — Erie facility, I’ve learned many things. One very important factor is that “quality” patient care extends far beyond the walls of the health care facility. Back in 1990 when I was taking a Canadian patient’s health history, I asked the 6-year-old what hobbies interested him, and he looked up at me from his wheelchair and he said, “I play hockey.” I looked at his mom and repeated “hockey?” His mom said, “Yes, don’t you have sled-hockey here?” His mom sent me information on the Canadian sled hockey program, and I started a long road to get USA Hockey to recognize this as a sport and agree to insure these kids so they could rent ice and play the game. Sled hockey has players sitting in sleds with two short hockey sticks that have picks on one end to propel the players and a hockey blade on the other side to hit the puck. In 1996, the Shriners Hospitals sled hockey team (the Mighty Otters) hit the ice for the first time during intermission at an Erie Otters game. Since then, I have been part of putting together other sled hockey teams in Grand Rapids, Mich., Columbus, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Jamestown, N.Y., and Bradford. We have traveled to tournaments from Michigan to Atlantic City and all the states in between, as well as to Canada. I have watched these kids gain physical fitness, prevent unwanted weight gain, improve cardiac/respiratory status, learn how to work together as a team, make friends and reach dreams. Two of my players (and Shriners patients) have received scholarships to the University of New Hampshire for sled hockey. Some of the kids have graduated from college with degrees in adaptive sports and are pursuing careers. One of my most memorable sled hockey
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Sue Birkmire
Birkmire received this autographed photo of sled hockey player Josh Wirt, a former patient who won a gold medal in paralympics games.
moments was when a new member of our sled hockey team in Pittsburgh was at his second practice and his mom looked at me and said, “He’s back.” I asked her what she meant and she said, “Before the car accident that left him paralyzed from the waist down at the age of 9, he was the MVP of any sport he tried. Since the accident, he sat depressed in his wheelchair. That’s him.” She pointed out on the ice and repeated, “He’s back.” That hockey player would later make the U.S. Paralympic team and go on to help them win the gold medal. His photo sits in my office with the gold medal worn proudly around his neck. On the photo he wrote my name and said, “Four years ago you
saw something in me that I never thought possible. Thank you for always being there and always believing in me.” Some days after working in the Shriners Outpatient Clinic, I’m tired as I pack up our van of hockey equipment to head out to the ice rink, but once I’m there, something always occurs to make me glad I came. Perhaps it’s a child’s smile, someone accomplishing a new hockey move, or a “thank you” for helping a child reach his or her dream. Whatever it is, it reminds me that the quality care we, as nurses, provide to our patients can extend far beyond the walls of the health care facility where we work.
Most influential people in health care Delivering quality and innovation in patient care By ROSE L. HORTON, M.S.M., R.N.C. Saint Vincent Health Center
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onsider these women: Marilyn Tavenner, administrator of Center Medicare and Medicaid Services (C.M.S.), Mary Wakefield, administrator of Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA), Karen Daley, president of American Nurses Association (ANA), and Sister Carol Keehan, president and cheif executive officer of Catholic Health Associations. What do they have in common? They are nurses. Take a moment to Google these amazing women. This is just a small number of nurses who are transforming health care today. You will discover what I know for sure: nurses are incredibly influential and innovative. All of these nurses have been listed at least once on the yearly list, The 100 Most Influential People in Healthcare. This is the legacy we are creating. How exciting to be a part of this extraordinary profession. When I consider the theme of this year’s Nurses Week, Delivering Quality and Innovation in Patient Care, I cannot help but think of the contribution that nurses make every day, throughout the nation and the world. In the United States we are 3.1 million strong and our influence is significant. For more than 10 consecutive years, nursing has been selected as the most trusted profession. If you speak to the average person, they can’t quite articulate what it is that nurses do, but they instinctively know that they feel safe when cared for by a nurse. There is a popular quote that says, “People don’t care what you know until they know that you care.” Nurses care and that is an important acumen in health care. I want you to know that nurses are innovative as well. Our health care processes are incredibly complex. Nurses consistently navigate these complex processes with their patients assuring that patients are well cared for. As a staff nurse, I remember many times going into a patient’s room with a physician to speak to the patient about their care. The provider would explain the plan of care, options of care or a procedure. The provider would routinely ask the patient if they had any
questions. For the most part, the patients would say no; sometimes they would ask a question or two. But, when I returned to the patient’s room often times that patient would say to me, “What did he/she say?” I would take time, often using the same words as the provider and Rose L. Horton explain even further until my patient voiced their understanding. Nurses are interpreters. The focus in health care continues to be quality outcomes. Unfortunately, some processes are so complex and our population is so ill with many complications such as obesity, diabetes, and hypertension, that sometimes outcomes are not as desired. The nurse is at the patient’s bedside 24 hours a day, seven days a week and the nurse is an integral part in ensuring that the patient is progressing as planned and will intervene when there is an unanticipated change in the patient’s status. Nurses matter. In conclusion, I believe that Florence Nightingale said it best: “Let whoever is in charge keep this simple question in her head (not, how can I always do this right thing myself, but) how can I provide for this right thing to be always done?” Nurses provide patient-centered care. Happy Nurses Week to my innovative and quality focused colleagues. You are transforming health care and you are amazing!
Rose L. Horton, M.S.M., R.N.C., has recently transitioned from director of Women & Children’s Services at Saint Vincent Health Center to a new role as director of special projects. She obtained her B.S.N. and M.S.M. at Regis University in Denver, Colo. She is certified in inpatient obstetrics and is the 2012 president of the Association for Women’s Health Obstetrics Neonatal Nursing.
By SUSAN KAMINSKI R.N.-B.C. UPMC Hamot
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e at UPMC Hamot face the same everyday challenges in improving patient care that all organizations face across the United
States. We focus on providing outstanding patient care. Every day we focus on bedside care and patient needs. It requires experience, mentoring and effective change to motivate staff. We receive the support from our leadership, they are our strongest assets.
Every Nurse, Every Patient, Every Day In order to implement quality care, we have to deliver care to patients, family and visitors so they can feel the change and love it. We have to engage people in order to create sustainable, measurable outcomes. We need to change this around and have the patient believe in the benefits. They need to believe in the results that come about not because we told them we are very good but because they told us through our patient satisfaction scores. We don’t believe in excuses. We believe in empowering the nursing staff and building a professional nursing team that also builds services to the community. We improve patient safety by decreasing medicine errors, preventing infection and complications. We have fostered a culture of safety with new practices. We have improved patient flow by embracing our new CernereRecord computer system. We are prioritizing, investing and utilizing resources so that our efforts are measurable. UPMC Hamot has 190 senior professional nursing staff , and we focus on a number of
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Tribute
to veteran care care advances
Neonatal Home
health nurse profile Grandma shares surgery scare for grandson Regional Cancer Center nurse shares cancer prevention tips
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Susan Kaminski projects including: ▀ Reduction in noise to improve patient hospital stay. ▀ UPMC Hamot K-12 health career program. ▀ Facilitate and implement life wings program. ▀ Nurse-nurse bedside reporting. ▀ Home health care referrals to decrease 30day readmissions. ▀ Pressure ulcer prevalence study. ▀ Promote safe working environment. ▀ Fall prevention. In conclusion: Health care is at a breaking point. Old ways of doing things will not work in today’s environment of cost cutting and increasingly complex care. Health care teams need to focus on new skills and tools to empower, lead and sustain quality care in a focused organization. Susan Kaminski is a board certified nurse at UPMC Hamot.
What’s Inside
Doctor
thanks nurses
Experienced
nurse takes nursing to heart
Focusing
on improved patient care Behavorial health career offers many rewards
VNA
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nurse reflects on care
Leading
the way to future health care Reflections on 32-year career Caring for children with cerebral palsy
2N | Erie Times-News | GoErie.com | Friday, May 3, 2013 Joseph Calabrese Catherine Calahan Cara Calderone Margaret Camino Karry Camp Jennifer Campbell Sarah Campbell Elizabeth Cancilla Linda Caputo Lindsay Caputo Michelle Carnegie Susan Carnes Brianna Carney Deborah Carson Stephanie Carter Shannon Cassano Keri Cassidy James Catrabone Paul Caviglia
Kathleen Fesenmyer Carrie Festa Mary Ficcardi Ellen Fichera Bonnie Filippo Christine Firster Christine Fisher Jason Fisher Megan Fisher Mindi Fisher Patrick Fisher Stephanie Flinchbaugh Trishia Ford Katherine Fourspring Annathea Fox Kathleen Freeman Vicki Frick Janet Friedman Tarah Friedrich
Meghan Joint Allison Jones Kelley Jones Lisa Jones Marian Jones Saundra Jones Tracy Jones Deborah Joslin Erin Jovanovich Kristin Julio Destiny Juratovic Kaitlyn Kaiser Dawn Kaliszewski Kelly Kalkhof Carrie Kamholz Susan Kaminski Susan Kanable Yelena Kanarskaya Kaitlyn Karl
Maryann Lukowich Dinah Lundgren Suzanne Luteran Anne Lynch Michelle Lyon Marion Macaluso LuAnne MacIsaac Emma Mack Megan Madara Donald Madden Rachel Madrid Michael Majersky Deborah Majewski Victoria Majewski Michael Maldonado Nicole Malec Julie Maloney Sonya Mamoozadeh Denise Manchester
David Netkowicz Heather Newcomer Jeanne Newman Jennifer Newsom Katherine Nick Patricia Niedomys Matthew Niles Nellann Nipper Christa Nishnick Nomathemba Nkomo Janet Noonan Jennifer Norris Penny Norvell Natalie Novak Mercedes Nowakowski Sean Nutter Bonnie Nye Lillian Oberle Renee Oldach
Caring for people is a special calling. Rebecca Andersen Bethany Anderson Marilyn Anderson Mary Beth Anthony Tyler Anthony Susan Antonucci Autumn Arkwright Jocelyn Arnold Elaine Arrigo Melissa Artise Abigail Averitt Marlene Babb Tyler Babcock Rachael Baber Krista Baginski Bernadine Bagniszewski Megan Bailey Alina Baiuklin Sylwia Bajek Brandi Baker Cathleen Baker Kristen Baker Marla Baker Stacey Baker Sally Balkovic Andrea Ball Deborah Balogh John Barnett Cynthia Barney Michelle Barto Pamela Barton Melissa Bayer Anne Bayhurst Makenzie Beach Amanda Bean Veronica Beard Elaine Beatty Dennise Beaumont Kathleen Becker Philip Becker Jill Beckerink Lisa Beckes Amy Beckman Bob Beckman Kelli Beckman Kristen Beckman Eileen Beers Meaghan Beerson Lisa Bellotti Joe Bender Kara Bennett Susan Bennett Holly Berkowitz Joanne Bernard Annmarie Bernardini Lindsay Bernardini Gary Berringer Jenna Besong Diane Best Karen Betz Kimberly Beyer Dawn Biello Kathleen Bindeman Laura Bindeman Sharon Bittner Levi Black Christine Blake Bailey Bland Alyssa Bleil Karin Bleil Brenna Blevins Sarah Bliley Kimberlee Blose Brenda Boetger Kimberly Bogart Jacquelyn Bonneau Dennis Bonnell Sharon Borawski Kathryn Borkowski Melissa Borkowski Patricia Borland Jodi Bostjancic Lina Botero-Griffiths Janet Bourne Amanda Bowers Kristin Bowes Cheryl Boyce Margaret Boyd Cecilia Boyer Rachel Boyer Valerie Boyle Janice Brabender Tanya Bradford Marci Bradley Amy Brandt Mark Brandt Janette Brasile Elizabeth Bray Kathleen Breen Amy Brennan Elizabeth Brewer Colleen Brickner Christine Britt Loreta Britton Ann Brown Karin Brown Michelle Brown Marc Bryant Karen Brzuz Ashley Buchanan Norma Buchanan Donald Bucher Sherri Buczynski Tiffany Budzynski Elizabeth Bugbee Elisabeth Buhl Robyn Buki Jean Bulmer Debbie Burbules Ashley Burick Ann Burke Amanda Burket Leanna Burniston Ashley Burns Chad Burns Jeanne Burns Meghan Burns Roberta Burns-Brown Christine Burroughs Colleen Bush Adrian Byler
Karianne Chadwick Kristie Chapman Brianna Check Katie Cherian Nancy Cherry Brigette Chilcott Emily Chilcott Mary Chimenti Michele Chiprean Elizabeth Chitester Lisa Chludzinski Sandra Chludzinski Therese Christiansen Veronica Christie Dianne Church Shawna Chylinski Teresa Chylinski Char Cihon Cody Clark Elaina Clark Mindy Clark Michelle Close Nefretiri Coleman Kathleen Combs Marilyn Comstock Christopher Conn Marie Connelly Theresa Connelly Cynthia Conway Cheryl Cook Katherine Cook Mary Cook Roxanne Cook Evonne Cooner Diann Cooper Jessica Cooper Julie Corey Freda Cornfield Heather Costello Carolyn Counasse Jennifer Counts Tracy Couse Sue Cowan Kathleen Coyle Jessica Craker Karen Crane Jennifer Crawford Victoria Crays Kimberly Crossman Megan Crotty Dianna D’amico Cynthia Dahlkemper Stephenie Dalton Melissa Damico April Damond Leslie Dardaris Laurie Dart Rebecca Daub Emma Davis Julie Davis Michelle Davis Ruhiyyih Davis Deborah DeAngelo Mary Debello Mary Degenhart Allyssa DeLuca Alexandra Demarall Michelle DeMay Elizabeth Demedal Samantha DeNardo Oksana Denisyuk Raquel Denning Mary Desin Bonnie Desko Virginia DiGello Lizabeth Dilla Sharon Diloreto Heather Diluzio Gina Dinello Nancy Dingfelder Brian DiPlacido Mary DiTullio James Donnelly Kristen Donnelly Jason Dorich Michelle Dornhoefer Nadia Dorochko Paula Dorris Ruth Dougan Nikole Dougherty Terese Downing Susan Drabic Erica Drake Ann Duda Pamela Duda Ann Dudenhoefer Amanda Dunn Tara Durfee Lynn Durst Lisa Duska Ann Dwyer Sherry Dyne Wade Valerie Earls Michelle Easly Tonya Eastman Larissa Eckman William Edgar Kristine Edwards Destiny Egnot Amie Eller Kimberly Elletson Bobbie Jo Elliott Kevan Emhoff Alyssa Englert Marlina Engman Melissa Engstrom Mary Ensign Deborah Enzbrenner Lisa Eury Deborah Fabin Andromeda Fair Christine Falk Ryan Fancher Carrie Farkasovsky Cara Farnham Wendy Farrell Karly Fatica Ruth Faulhaber Nancy Federowicz Lisa Feely Richard Feely
John Frischolz Melissa Fuhrman Jill Fuller Jeanne Gaber Lyndsey Gadsby Michele Gaerttner Akwete Gambill Lisa Ganz Tina Garber Lee Garde Constance Garrison Nadene Garrity Taylor Gasparovic Jon Gassler Richard Geniesse Ann Marie Gerner Kimberle Gervase David Gibbons Amanda Giewont Julie Giewont Pamela Giewont Patricia Gifford Paula Giles Jessica Giordano Laurie Glass Kirstin Gleason Stephen Gleason Melanie Glennon Caroline Glowacki Stacy Gonzalez Karen Good Mae Goodman Laurie Graham Brittlee Gravink Cristina Green Michele Green Stacy Green Becky Greiner Gretchen Greiner Paula Griesacker Emily Griffin Dana Groemminger Kellie Gromacki Maria Grosselin Nicole Grove Nancy Guckes Laura Guntrum Emily Gustafson Deena Guthrie Christine Haas Leah Haddix Carol Hager Aimee Hagerty Shannon Hagerty Julie Haibach Nanci Haibach Jamie Haines Kenneth Haley Melissa Hall Brittany Hamels Denise Hammann Kim Hampy Kimberly Harris Melissa Harris Sharon Harris Ashly Harrison Julie Harrison Andrew Hartle Pamela Hartleb M. Kathleen Hartmann Dusty Hasselman Dolores Hatch Ashley Hawkinson Nancy Hayes Renae Hayes Mary Lynn Haynes Penny Hays Pamela Heckler Amanda Hedlund Melissa Heidt Judith Heintz Margaret Henderson Jeanne Henning Patricia Henry Heather Hensler Jenna Herbstritt Cheryl Hermann Deborah Hess Julie Hewitt Cathy Hill Melanie Hilliard Lora Hills Julie Hilyer Dawna Himmel Adelheid Hinkler-Zaborowski Kimberly Hinkson Emily Hirsch Joshua Hoffman Karen Hofius Laurie Hofmann Bradley Hoge Marilyn Hogg Sharon Hoke Bridget Holland Kelly Holland Sara Hollobaugh Molly Holmes Diane Hoover Trissa Hoover Danielle Hopkins Michael Hopwood Solange Horton Lisa Hotovy Kyle Hovis Stephanie Hovis Leslie Huckaby Donna Huckno Susan Hudson Amber Humennyj Judith Humes Rebecca Hunt Lisa Hurst Leanne Huston Suzanne Iacobucci Thomas Iorio Katie Ireland Donna Irish Sheri Jarmolowicz Rebecca Jeannette Alisia Johnson Vania Johnson
Peter Richter Carolyn Rieck Darlene Rihel Rhonda Rihel Michele Rion Jenna Rippert Anne Ritchie Christine Ritchie Laura Ritter Lavery Gregory Roberts Renee Rockwood Emily Rodgers Kelly Rodgers Susan Rodgers Diane Rodland Michelle Rodney Jessica Rohler Deanna Romanski Charlotte Rose Wendyann Rosenberg Laura Ross Maura Rossi Kaitlyn Rossman Cindy Rouse Roxanne Rousseau Kristen Rowles Jerome Rupp Margaret Ryan-States Arletha Rzepecki Bradley Rzepecki Janelle Rzodkiewicz Jennifer Salisbury Nicola Sallot Brandi Salvatore David Sammarco Jo Anne Samsel Heather Sanders Colleen Sansoucie
Cassidy Sykola Lorrie Szablewski Ashley Szall Marie Szklenski Allyson Tacchi Jane Tagliaferi Eileen Talbot Barbara Tarbell Kailey Tarbell Michele Tenon Naomi Teperow Lora Thaler Heidi Thayer Becky Thiele Jennifer Thompson Joseph Thompson Melinda Thompson Michelle Thompson Samantha Thompson Mark Thoreson Lisa Tiblandi Cynthia Tickle Eileen Tighe Emily Till Cynthia Toale Susan Tombaugh Cheryl Tomczak Scott Torrance Shirley Torrance Rebecca Totzke Annette Townsend Josh Trayer Erica Trick Annette Trimble Lisa Trimble Louis Trizna Joan Trohoske Kayla Troup
And our nurses answer it every day. Stephanie Kartesz Debra Katarski Deanna Katsadas Chris Kaufman Katelyn Kaveney Lisa Keblish Janet Kelley Timothy Kelly Amy Kennelley Kathleen Kensill William Keppel Miranda Kerr Deborah Keyes Jean Kibler Erin Kier Karrah Kightlinger Jessica King Kristin King Susan Kinter Michael Kinzig Katie Kirclich Kristie Kisiel Theresa Kisiel Nicole Kitts Jessica Klaput Ashley Klees Christina Klemm Erin Klinge Larry Kniess Nicole Knight Beth Knoll Denise Knoll Colleen Komar Kristin Komisarski Gregg Komora Kimberly Konieczki Joel Konkel Rose Konsel Scott Kooken Cheryl Kosobucki Vadim Kovalevich Gretchen Kownacki Christine Kozen Angela Krafty Nichole Krahe Gail Kraus Deborah Krause Sherri Krautter Linda Krauza Krystal Krawczyk Kim Krichko Christine Krolczyk Kathleen Krysiak Phillip Kuchman Susan Kuhar Rebecca Kuhn Stephen Kuligowski Kimberly Laboski Jennifer Lachica Patricia Lagner Jonna Laird Lindsay Laird Jody Lambert William Lamont Britney Landree Heather Lane Tonya Langworthy Elaine Laniewicz Donald Larmon Rachael Larner Cynthia Larson Eva Larson Lisa Larson Deana Lasher Paula Lasky Julie Last Margaret Lawry Phillip Lawton Kristin Lazzara Kathleen Le Ber Sandra Leamer-Newhouse Shirley Lee Louisa Leeper Tamara Lehman Julia Lemock Julie Lemock Michelle Lenda Diane Leone Gina Lesoski Kimberly Letizio Anca Levianu Sharon Levick Mary Lynne Lewis Rhonda Lewis Kari Licata Justin Liggett Dianna Lindsey Janice Lindsey Amy Lindstrom Angela Lines Nicole Lingo Alissa Lino Kimberly Linse Kate Lintner Ruth Ann Lloyd Danielle Lombardo Ashley Loney Shari Longo Timothy Loringer Victoria Lowery Kara Lozier Linda Lubelski Gwen Lubowicki Gregory Lucas
Brenda Mandic Catherine Manno Danielle Maring Jessica Marino Julie Markiewicz Melinda Markiewicz Laura Marsden Patricia Marshall Betty Martin Catherine Martin Lauren Martin Mallorie Martin Mary Mascaro Kaara Matkovich Sarah Mattocks Kristen Matusiak Sarah Mauk Heather Maus Sarah Maxi Danielle May Sara May Kayla Mazzeo Luann McBride Joyce McCandless Lisa McChesney Darlene McCleary Reed McClune Patricia McCommons Linnea McConnell Leanne McCullough Miriam McCullum Lori McDonald Donald McDowell Stephanie Mcelhaney Jennifer McGarry Teresa McGaughey Mary Alice McGinnis Margaret McGraw Holly McGregor Gloria McHenry Jennifer McHenry Steven Mcintyre Stephanie McKinney Jennifer McMahan Janice McMahon Christopher Meals Elizabeth Medvis Sara Mehler Leighann Mehrmann Susan Meisel Karina Mejia Molly Mello Jill Menc Linda Mentz Tammy Merriman Susan Merry Brad Metzenbacher Mary Lou Metzger Todd Meyer Therese Michael Brittany Michaelson Rebecca Michalak Laura Michalski Jennifer Mifsud Carri Milano Crystal Milhollen Jean Lesuer Miller Laurie Miller Lisa Miller Noelle Miller Kayla Millet Tracie Minner Brandy Mitcham Danielle Mitchell Elizabeth Mitchell Gloria Mitchell Tammera Mitchell Michael Modzelewski Bambe Monahan Victoria Monde Rosa Montalvo Alicia Montgomery Barbara Moore Cheryl Moore Keith Moore Katie Morales Shawna Morath Michelle Morey Lisa Morgan Margaret Morris Lucille Morrison Deborah Morton Janice Moryc Maggie Mowery Joan Moyer Rebecca Moyer Heather Mozdy Kimberly Mrofchak Holly Mukina Patty Mukina Krystal Mummolo Ashley Muroff Lynn Muroff April Murphy Sarah Murphy Lisa Murray Christina Musolff Jaime Musone Debra Muye Timothy Myers Chelsey Nagle Emily Nagurney Andrea Nason Michelle Nelsen
It takes a special kind of person to be a nurse. One with tremendous dedication to helping others. During National Nurses Week, we salute the hundreds of devoted nurses who have answered the call. And who continually help UPMC Hamot deliver world-class care that has been nationally recognized by organizations like Truven Health Analytics. If your life has been touched by a UPMC Hamot caregiver, you can say thank you by visiting HamotHealthFoundation.org/thankyou.
Michael Olszewski Laura Omark Jeremy Oosterkamp Christine Orzehowski Kathy Ott Lori Otto-Smith Julie Pagel Margaret Palas Shelly Palmer Sandra Panhwar Samantha Pardee Dawn Park Janet Parks Richard Parks Jaimie Parmenter Jessica Parnell Amy Paszkowski Anne Patterson Brittany Pearson Robin Pearson Anne Pedersen Pamela Pence Amy Pennington Bettylou Perkins Jeremy Perrine Carol Perry C. Kent Persinger Michelle Peters Kelley Peterson Valerie Peterson Rachel Phillips Jaime Pierce Chris Pietkiewicz Lynette Pietkiewicz Amanda Pilewski Kimberly Pilker Gregory Pineo Kathleen Pinzok Kimberly Pius Amber Pleger Linda Podskalny Rebecca Pohl Sarah Pollick Terri Pomorski Patrick Pontzer Robin Post Alecia Potter Angie Pound Amy Powers Karen Powers Colleen Prazer Laurie Preston Monica Preston Christine Price Julia Price Jeannine F. Prindle Stephanie Prischak Jill Pulliam Michael Punk Katie Pyrdek Janet Quinn Melissa Radomile Kim Raines Andrew Rall Jennifer Ramm Melissa Randazzo Teria Randolph Cortney Ratajczak Lucy Ratkowski Melissa Ray Donna Raymer Melinda Rea Darren Redding Heather Redlecki Thomas Regan Sharon Reimer Jamie Reinhardt Laurel Reinwald Amanda Rekitt Kamie Repine Shari Repoff Chelsea Reynolds Janet Rice Michelle Rice Heidi Rich Christi Richter Donna Richter
Christina Sargent Breana Sauers Natalie Sauers Stephanie Saul Jessica Saunders Kathryn Scarabino Ellen Schauerman Denise Schlabach Laura Schmalzried James Schmidt Theresa Schneider Joanne Schnell Robert Schoenig Jodi Schreckengost Erin Schroder Kathleen Schroeck Mary Schupp-Candela Julie Schwab Laura Schwab Kimberly Sciallo Kara Scott Kasey Senita Dennis Seth David Seyboldt Gordon Seymour Erika Shepard John Sherman Ashley Shick Carin Shollenberger Greg Sieber Wendy Sieber Kathryn Siefer Sandra Siegel Barbara Sienerth John Silvis Aundrea Simko Lisa Simonian Crystal Sindlinger Karen Siverd Sarah Skelly Thomas Skelly Aslan Slawson Deborah Smetana Elizabeth Smith Frances Smith Irene Smith Julie Smith Maribel Smith Rhonda Smith Jenna Soder Ann Sokoloff Lindsay Sokolowski Joanne Sorensen Krista Soudan Karen Soule Cheryl Spacht John Spacht Morgan Sparks Patricia Sperrazzo Melissa Sprickman Kristin Stablein Nanette Stafford Teri Stanopiewicz Ashlee Steger Tammy Steger Tara Steiner Edward Stengel Bridgette Sterling Erin Stevens Suzanne Stevenson Sonia Stewart Leah Stipanovic Patrick Stocker Sarah Stocker Kelly Stoddart Maggi Stoica Wendy Stolarski Theresa Stratton Laure Stravinsky Kimberly Streiff William Strike Shawn Stroup Jay Stubenhofer Susan Stubenhofer Angel Sunafrank Linda Sundberg Rebecca Swope
Kristi Troxell Kathleen Turak Debra Turk Jennifer Turner Marie Turner Orean Turner Ashley Valencic Pamela Van Horn Rachel Vaughan Karen Virgilio Kathleen Vitale Tina Voelker Samuel Wagler Leslie Waid Karen Walker Katelin Walker Colleen Wallace Kimberly Walter Barbara Waples April Warner Shelley Washek Lisa Wasielewski Donna Watkins Catherine Watson Deborah Weaver Laura Weber Tracy Weber Darla Weisenfluh Debra Weismiller Lynn Weissert Kathleen Wernicki Jillian Weschler Wanda Westgate Patricia Whaley Nicole Whaling Susan Wheeler Bradley White Kayla White Emily Wick Karyn Wieber Shannon Wienczkowski Diane Wiertel Melinda Wierzchowski Victoria Wiesner Timothy Will Victoria Will Jennifer Williams Jolee Williams Michael Williams Allie Willis Nancy Wilson Melissa Wisniewski Megan Wlodarczyk Debbie Wnukoski Sara Wojciechowski Jennifer Wolfram Sen Woll Deborah Wood Leslie Woodell Julia Woodrow Emmi Woomer Diane Worley Denise Wrotney Ann Yaworsky Brenda Yerkey Gregory Yetter Mary Yochim Krista Yoder Jennifer Young Jennifer Young Joselynn Zaffuto Susan Zajac Tawnda Zameroski Andrea Zappitella Florence Zatkoff Michelle Zdunski Kori Zellefrow Austin Zeyfang Beth Ziegler Janice Zillman Anne Zinna Nora Zinz Jean Zipp Mary Beth Zivkovich Saeunn Zukowski 2111804
Jillian Abata Stacy Abate Allison Abramoski Brittany Adamik Joyce Adams Sheila Adamus Pamela Agostini Amy Ahl Rimma Akopyan Patricia Albaugh Amanda Alberico Linda Albert Narcisa Alicusic Lori Allen Patricia Allen Mary Allgeier Nancy Allgeier Margaret Allin Lita Alsaedi
NURSES WEEK Paul Cooper salutes veterans including his dad, Arthur Cooper, top left, an antiaircraft gunner in World War II.
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Serving those who have served
H
ow does one choose where to practice nursing? One of the best aspects of the nursing profession is the variety that exists in the type of practice available. The choices are exhausting, ranging from family practice to clinics, long-term care, rehabilitation, hospitals and the many subspecialties therein. The decision ultimately comes down to one’s talents, interests and social economic factors. My background lies in emergency and critical care services. I served as a pre-hospital paramedic for approximately 25 years. During that time, I was involved in ambulance duty, county paramedic response units and more than 15 years in airtransport of critically ill and injured patients. After deciding the transition from paramedic to nursing was the right choice for me and completing my nursing degree, I made the logical decision to begin my nursing career in emergency and intensive care nursing. Ultimately I made the decision to leave the community hospital where I had been working and begin serving at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Erie. Many in my family have served in the military, including my grandfather in World War I, my father in World War II, my brother, and currently my son is training to be
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Paul Cooper an army officer at Pennsylvania State University. Subsequently, I am aware of the dedication and honor possessed by the men and women who wear our nation’s uniforms. I can think of no better use of my nursing license and skills than to serve a group of people who have given so much and sacrificed for all of us. Few stop to realize that our country has been in a state of conflict continuously since Sept. 11. That is 12 continuous years. That equates to a lot of veterans, serving multiple
deployments over many years. They are so deserving of top quality medical care. I am proud and humbled to be able to serve them. When time permits, I listen to their stories of service. They are stories of sacrifice, commitment and comradeship. The stories to me are more interesting than any of the Hollywood blockbusters. I never tire of hearing them. In many cases, listening and caring is the best medicine. The heart of nursing is caring. Upon the closing of the intensive care unit and transition of the emergency room into an urgent care center, I was left with a choice. I could continue my critical care career by leaving the VA system, or reinvent myself and discover a new aspect of nursing. I choose to continue serving our veterans. I now work in the Non VA Medical Care Team. We are responsible for processing the requests of VA medical providers to arrange services for veterans that are not physically provided on our campus. I continue to care for our veterans assuring they receive the care and services they so rightly deserve. Beyond the medicine and procedures, though important, lies caring. I’ve come to learn that is what nursing is all about. Submitted in honor of the memory of Air Force Senior Airman Bryan R. Bell.
Delivering quality and innovation in the changing world of patient care
By EMILY HIRSCH, M.S.N., M.H.A., R.N.C.N.I.C. Unit Director, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, UPMC Hamot
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fter 39 years of nursing I can easily say that patient care delivery has constantly been evolving and advancing. Change is a constant in the life of any nurse. Constant change has occurred in documentation methods, medical equipment, advancement in the role of the professional nurse, nursing research involvement and methods to improve patient outcomes. Some of the latest technology that promotes quality care includes: advanced medical equipment that provide guardrails to protect the patient from adverse drug reactions, bar code scanning of medication that prevents wrong administration, and bedside monitoring that provides constant and instant assessment of the patient. Another example in my workplace is the recent addition of a transport bed that will allow us to transport twins in the same bed which will create improved and timely care as well as efficiency and cost effectiveness. As a nurse in the N.I.C.U. since the 1980s I have seen improvement in patient outcomes because of research and innovation. Babies spend less time on ventilators, they are resuscitated through coordinated teamwork, and families are involved in care plans and direct care for their infants. Nurses have also changed the way they practice over the years. Nurses, who are constantly at the patient’s bedside, are the first responders to change in patient condition; they are the eyes and ears of the physician. They are also keenly aware of when there is need for change and care improvement. The nurses in the N.I.C.U. at UPMC Hamot are currently involved in individual projects, based on research and evidence-based practice, to improve outcomes in the N.I.C.U. Some of the projects have improved introduction of oral feedings, care coordination for drug-addicted infants, positioning to improve muscle tone and gross motor development, kangaroo care, parent support, journal club, safe sleep, staff
and patient satisfaction. Nurses are engaged in the use of innovation to promote better outcomes for the patients they care for. The voice of the bedside nurse is crucial to the delivery of quality and innovation in patient care. It is an exciting time to be a nurse because of the opportunity to do research, use research to improve care, and to make the difference in the lives of our patients. Our simulation lab provides us opportunity to run mock codes, practice emergency procedures, and other education that improves nursing care and responsiveness with simulation equipment and debriefing methods that enhance nursing practice. Evidence shows that higher levels of nursing education promote better patient outcomes. Nursing certifications demonstrate a high level of knowledge and skills that also affect patient outcomes. Promotion of higher nursing degrees has encouraged nurses in the N.I.C.U. to complete higher levels of education. Currently 61 percent of the nurses in the N.I.C.U. have B.S.N. or higher degrees and 41 percent have certification in neonatal care. Benchmarking data shows that patient outcomes in the N.I.C.U. are positive and often better than other centers. This is because the nurses in the N.I.C.U. are engaged and focused on providing safe and high quality care through the use of advanced technology, education, research, and active participation in quality improvement projects. Innovation in patient care has provided us with better ways to improve patient outcomes, but nurses must be engaged in the use of innovation to make a difference. I am proud to be a nurse in an exciting time of health care delivery, but I have more pride in the nurses I work with in the N.I.C.U. Their dedication, their engagement in innovation to improve patient care, and their compassion and care for the babies and families in the N.I.C.U. is reflected in the positive outcomes seen in benchmarking data, positive neurodevelopmental outcomes seen in the N.I.C.U. developmental clinic, and gratitude from the families we care for.
During Nurses’ Week we salute The Regional Cancer Center’s dedicated nursing team and thank them for their commitment to exceptional patient care.
Experts. Compassion. Hope Close to Home. 2 2500 W 12th Street Erie, PA 16505 (814) 838-9000 | www.trcc.org 2111718
By PAUL A. COOPER, R.N., P.H.R.N. Erie Veterans Affairs Medical Center
Friday, May 3, 2013 | Erie Times-News | GoErie.com | 3N
NURSES WEEK
“To the Nursing Services Staff at Shriners Hospitals for Children®-Erie Thank you for making a difference in the lives of children we care for every day”. Nursing Leadership
By SARAH HUMPHREY, R.N., B.S.N. The Regional Cancer Center
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ancer can be one of the most terrifying words we know. Cancer is the No. 1 killer in the world but twothirds of all cancers can be prevented. I have spent the last eight years of my nursing career educating patients on making choices that can affect their health for the better. It is the most gratifying feeling when the light bulb gets turned on, and patients realize that how they live and the choices they make in their everyday lives can have such beneficial changes in their physical and mental health. I firmly believe that we, as nurses, have an incredible opportunity and obligation to educate our patients on how they can transition from being afraid of dying to, instead, feeling the joy of living. When we start making changes in the way we eat, how we exercise and how we manage the stresses of our everyday life, we immediately begin to notice the health benefits. We have more energy, see our blood pressure lower, our weight decrease and our bodies are working as they should. We have a much larger window for rooting out cancer early — the operative word being we. We have to turn off the TV, lace up our sneakers, have the recommended cancer screenings and know how to balance all that we do with the stresses of everyday life. As Florence Nightingale once said: “So never lose an opportunity of urging a practical beginning, however small, for it is wonderful how often in such matters the mustard seed germinates and roots itself.” We all have to take that first step to the road of health. It is a great joy and privilege to be a nurse, to know that I can use my knowledge and experience to help patients and the community make changes that can potentially change their health outcomes. There is no greater gift, and my career in nursing has enabled me to open that gift.
♥
WE OUR NURSES!
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CareGivers
CareGivers Home Health Services would like to thank our outstanding Nursing staff for their continuing quality service to the residents of Erie County. Cheryl Visnoski RN Nancy Sabella RN Marianne Bachmaier RN Shelly Webb RN Stephanie Beck RN Elaine Ryan RN Frances Zaczyk RN Joanne Cooper RN Barbara Walker LPN
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Open heart surgery patient Tanner Tamlin, six months after his surgical procedure, is the grandson of proud grandma, Debbie Tamlin, M.S.N. of how well you perform a task. In fact, I would propose that performing a task correctly is a basic expectation. True quality in nursing care must include the patient and families in care decisions. It requires us to look at our patients as a member of our family and determine how we can best build a trusting relationship and reassure them they are safe in our care. Only then can it be called quality nursing care.
Your service and dedication are greatly appreciated. Victoria Walker RN, Administrator
Debbie Tamlin, M.S.N., is the vice president of Patient Services at Saint Vincent Health Center. Debbie has been a nurse for 40 years with more than 30 of them in various capacities at Saint Vincent.
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hen I saw that this year the focus for Nurses Week was Delivering Quality and Innovation in Patient Care, I automatically thought of one nurse with whom I work: Pam Giewont. Her title at Great Lakes Home Healthcare and Hospice is performance improvement administrator. She is responsible for improving the quality of work we do by collecting and interpreting data, then, along with other employees, she comes up with ways to improve. Pam is one of those special employees who always goes that Pam Giewont extra mile. Pam comes in early, works late and does whatever is needed to get the job done. She has a passion for her job and a passion for the people she works with. Pam received her B.S.N. at Villa Maria College in 1982. She started her nursing career at Hamot Medical Center working as a staff nurse in the Medical-Surgical, I.C.U. and obstetric units. For several years she coordinated the orthopedic and trauma followup clinics and worked as the primary nurse for prenatal, gynecological, and pediatric clinics, where she coordinated all care and teaching. From
2000 to the present Pam has worked in various roles at Great Lakes Home Healthcare. She worked as a field nurse and administrator of performance improvement. Pam is certified in Ambulatory Woman’s Health and MedicalSurgical Nursing. She is also a specialist in Home Care Coding and Oasis. Pam brings quality to whatever she does; whether it is hands on nursing or making sure, through the data she collects, that we do our jobs better. The staff appreciates that she always brings a level of enthusiasm to her work, even through the creative bulletin boards she puts up frequently. Pam is our “go to” person. If she doesn’t know something, she will find an answer. If she is asked to do something, she has it done before you can even ask for it. Above all, Pam is a great coworker, mother, daughter, wife, sister and friend to many people. she is compassionate and dedicated to everything she does. Any person I know is privileged to have Pam in their lives.
www.caregivershomecare.com
I want to personally thank Pam for all she does and also thank her for being a dedicated professional. Pam has touched many people over the years, and she needs to know how much she is appreciated.
AseraCare Hospice - Erie
814-836-5255
Serving Erie and Surrounding Communities
Thank You
INDEPENDENCE COURT OF ERIE
Would like to thank their nursing staff for all of their hard work and dedication! You are the best!
41 West Gore Road • Erie, PA 16509
814-864-4867
EOE
Our Nurses Help Families Cherish Life
Nurse gives special care on daily basis By CHERYL COOK, R.N., B.S.N. Clinical Director, Great Lakes Home Healthcare and Hospice
CareGivers - making home care a real comfort. 2820 W. 23rd St., Erie, PA (814)838-8696
to Our Dedicated Nurses
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Nurses lead change to improve health
1645 West 8th Street Erie, PA 16505
A great place to work. Always Hiring.
StairwaysBH.org
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s nurses we constantly consider and talk about quality nursing care and its importance to patient outcomes. We are guided by those principles and actually pour over statistics to ensure we are correctly providing high quality care to our patients. The concept of quality nursing care is never more important to those of us in the medical field than when we have a family member hospitalized. I would suggest that there may be different definitions of quality care based on who is defining it, but I guarantee that, as a nurse, you know it when you see it and when you don’t. Last fall my 2-month-old grandson, Tanner, had to have emergency open heart surgery, and I can tell you I saw quality nursing care. My son lives in Southern California and Tanner was admitted to Ronald Reagan Children’s Hospital, part of UCLA’s system. As you can imagine, Tanner was preparing to undergo an operation that happens primarily to people in their 70s. The staff at this hospital was attentive to not only Tanner’s needs but also the needs of the parents and family — two very frightened parents and, frankly, so was Grandma! I may be a nurse by profession, but I am a mother and grandmother before all else, and this was personal. The nursing staff did bedside report, involving the family in care decisions and
encouraging any and all questions. They would come in the room and explain what they needed to do, but they would also ask us if it was a good time at the moment to explain. When you feel so out of control, the option to have some control is empowering. These nurses worked to build a trusting relationship with my son and daughter-inlaw. When exhaustion set in, Tanner’s parents were confident that Tanner would be well cared for if they left the hospital for some sleep. Nurses maintained an hourly rounding schedule asking what — if anything — they could do for us. And, they reassured all of us that Tanner was doing well. They encouraged my son and his wife to participate in Tanner’s care by arranging all the equipment so they could help feed him. With much patience, the nurses assured them that, yes, his chest would stay together even as they touched and moved him. Were they all supportive? No, and surprisingly it only took one or two to cloud the good of all the others. My son remarked to one of the nurses that the central line dressing didn’t look good, and she told him she wasn’t going to change a dressing just so it would look good. Unfortunately, be it the cause or not, Tanner’s central line became infected. What do you think my son believed was the cause? You guessed it. That nurse’s refusal to simply address his concern resulted in an adverse experience for my son. Quality nursing care is not simply a matter
Walter Aksent, RN Sharon Angerer, RN Stacey Babo, RN Hal Barlow, RN Donna Bartoo, LPN Brian Blair, RN Edward Cunningham, LPN Laura Deal, LPN Robin Dowling, LPN Lisa Eastman, RN Susan Ferraro, LPN Rose Ann Flick, CRNP Hallie Hilinski, RN Jill Hughes, RN Kathryn Kessler, LPN Christina Kuiperi, LPN Carrie Lydic, LPN Kim Marsh, RN Cheryl Martin, RN Joy Metcalf, RN Lorrie Nichols, LPN David Oram, RN Melody Perez, CRNP Stacey Petruso, RN Char Riddle, CRNP Joan Rowland, CRNP Barbara Sala, RN Linda Shaffer, RN Edna Stickell, RN Kimberly Strieff, CRNP Joyce Tresler, LPN Bernadette Valentinetti, RN Loretta Verga, RN Tammy Younger, LPN
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By DEBBIE TAMILIN, M.S.N. Saint Vincent Health Center
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Quality care for my grandson
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4N | Erie Times-News | GoErie.com | Friday, May 3, 2013
There are 190 reasons why our hospital scores consistently high on patient satisfaction surveys – our nurses!
Thanks for caring!
— The Administration, Medical Staff, and Board of Trustees of Millcreek Community Hospital.
A partner in
total health care for a lifetime
ALL IN STOCK MERCHANDISE MAY 7 - MAY 11
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ERIE UNIFORMS 1936 West 8th Street (814) 874-5047
LAKE ERIE COLLEGE OF OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE
THE JOHN M. & SILVIA FERRET TI MEDICAL FITNESS & WELLNESS CENTER and the
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NURSES WEEK
Friday, May 3, 2013 | Erie Times-News | GoErie.com | 5N
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Thanks Dr. William Betz, center, thanks the nurses from Saint Vincent I.C.U., including, from left, Tony Larson, R.N.; Shelly Wingerter, R.N.; Denise McGraw, R.N.; Diane Yezzi, R.N.; and Jen Thrift, R.N.
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his is dedicated to the nurses I work with at Saint Vincent Health Center. As a physician, I have learned over the years how important teamwork is to the care of my patients. How an engaged, experienced nurse who works with other team members with one focus — the patient — can make the difference between life and death. When I have a critically ill patient, our team is so vital to our patient’s survival. I rely on the bedside nurse for so much: for critical updates, for medication administration, for bedside care, but more importantly, I rely on nurses for their thoughts, suggestions and input. They are a vital part of our medical team. Working as a team to save a critically ill patient brings an inner satisfaction that is hard to describe. There have been many times that a critically ill patient arrives at the hospital and as we work together, focused on the survival of our patient as one team, it is like watching a miracle happen! A team dedicated to another human being’s survival, working together, helping each other, teaching each other, and learning from one another. What an honor it is for me to work on a health care team.
I have been blessed to work alongside many outstanding and caring nurses here at Saint Vincent. Nurses who have helped our patients survive, as well as helping the families of our patients deal with critical illnesses. It is so important, as a physician, to know that when I leave the patient’s bedside, my patient is in the hands of a nurse I know and can trust. This is a nurse that I would want to care for me. A nurse, who is well trained, is compassionate and dedicated to their field. Unfortunately, in these busy times, I do not take the time to thank the bedside nurses often enough, not only for the excellent care they provide, but also for their compassion to our patients and their families. I am so thankful for nurses who are dedicated to what is an extremely challenging and demanding profession. It takes a very special person to be a nurse. And, when timing is critical, a patient’s survival depends upon teamwork. We are truly blessed to have great nurses at Saint Vincent on our team. Dr. William Betz, certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine, is a hospitalist and on the teaching staff at Saint Vincent Health Center. He is also in private practice at Niagara Internal Medicine, 145 W. 23rd St.
Golden Living recognizes our extraordinary
WEST 8300 West Ridge Road (814) 474-5521
THANK YOU
NURSES
team of nurses who dedicate their lives to helping others by providing high quality and compassionate care.
Walnut Creek 4850 Zuck Rd. Erie, PA 16506 (814) 836-3300
Western Reserve 1521 W. 54th St. Erie, PA 16509 (814) 864-0671 864 0671
Learn more. Earn more. With a median salary of $64,690 for registered nurses and $40,380 for licensed professional nurses*, a degree from Mercyhurst means you’ll treat your future as well as you’ll treat your patients.
Climb the career ladder with the program that’s right for you: $ 423.-#.3" :+2/#:& .'2-#7.3-' $ 432-1-#!' 946 -8 *6 02#,&' 528&23! $ %+""1-#!' 946 -8 *6 02#,&' 528&23! $ 432-1-#!' 2'&#/-'2', :+2/#:& 3//8.#3-' ,'&2'' $ %+""1-#!' 2'&#/-'2', :+2/#:& 3//8.#3-' ,'&2'' $ *6 -8 )(6 .8!5"'-#8: 528&23! *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition.
Still accepting applications for fall. Apply online for free today!
northeast.mercyhurst.edu $ (814) 725-6144
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By WILLIAM R. BETZ, M.D., F.A.C.P. Chairman, Department of Medicine Saint Vincent Health Center
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:
EAST 4728 Lake Pleasant Road (814) 825-0000
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Physician thanks nursing team
Our heartfelt thanks to all of our Pleasant
NURSES WEEK
6N | Erie Times-News | GoErie.com | Friday, May 3, 2013
Husband’s surgery switches nurse’s perspective to patient’s side of the bed By MAUREEN C. CHADWICK, R.N., M.S.N., N.E.-B.C. Saint Vincent Health System
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to me like the wife of a patient, not a nurse because this was a whole different ballgame. We progressed through the stages of denial, anger and finally accepting the fact that frankly we Maureen were pretty lucky that Chadwick Jim’s disease was caught before he had any type of massive heart attack or worse. The morning of Jim’s surgery was
overwhelming. I never realized that a five-hour surgery would feel like an eternity. Our kids and I hung on to every word from the waiting room coordinator, Louise Utter — our lifeline to the O.R. When I saw Jim right after the surgery, I was relieved, but it’s also very scary when you see all of the tubes, IV lines and ventilator. But the nurses in the Saint Vincent Cardiac Care Unit not only took great care of Jim, but also our daughters and me, guiding us where to stand and telling us not to be afraid because Jim could hear us. Jim’s breathing tube
was removed in four hours — record time. The next day, his team of nurses amazingly had Jim walking 60 feet down the hall. He moved out to the post-surgical telemetry unit and a whole new team of caring nurses. Upon discharge, we headed to the next segment of the journey — cardiac rehab. As I look back now, as chief nursing officer and not Jim’s wife, I want to thank nurses for all they do. I know I am a better nurse as a result of this life-changing event that I saw through a whole different lens.
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have been a nurse for 28 years, but when you suddenly find yourself on the receiving end of a nurse’s care, the view completely changes. That’s what happened when my husband, Jim, underwent open heart surgery. It was just supposed to be a routine heart catheterization. It wasn’t. As the chief nursing officer at Saint Vincent Health System, I realize our patients depend on our nurses — known for their care and compassion.
But Jim was the patient, and I was his wife. We thought Jim might need a stent and we’d be home later that day. That didn’t happen. Jim needed triple bypass surgery, and he had left main artery disease which meant he needed open heart surgery. ASAP. I was not ready for that news. As Dr. Bill Mecca reviewed the catheterization films, I could feel an overwhelming sense of anxiety. Dr. Mecca explained everything and had me stay with him while he called Dr. Aron Goldberg, one of our heart surgeons at Saint Vincent. Dr. Mecca reinforced that he was going to speak
Staff Of The Second Floor ICU
You have made such a difference in so many peoples lives with your caring ways Love, Your Family
St. Vincent Hospital
LINDA LLOYD, RN, BSN, CNOR, CRNFA
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3 South and One Day Stay
Mom, your 35 years teaching area students in nursing is an outstanding gift to our community. Proudly, Lovingly, Your Daughter
Amy Scalise
Thank you Amy for your dedication and knowledge of nursing, and the care you give without reserve to family and friends.
RANDEE ROBERTSON
The best CCRN in the world. We love you & are so proud of you.
Linda Belanger Knapp, RN
You’re a natural! I am so proud of you! With Admiration & Love, your sister Connie
To All the Holding Area PACU Staff Thanks for the great care you provide. You are an awesome team!
Love, Your Family
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Commitment, Compassion, Quality Care. We and all are blessed by your service. Love, Mom & Dad
Our hearts burst with joy and pride to know you’re always by our side.
Darlene Rihel
Julie Maloney
Cara Schaaf V.A. Hospital
JEANIE ELWELL, LPN
You are doing the work you love and are good at it - it doesn’t get any better than that!
I know you make a difference in your patients’ lives. Busha would be proud!
To our favorite, hardworking, dedicated and compassionate nurse. You are a beautiful person inside and out, who makes a difference. We Love You, Dad, Allie & Liv
Your Family!
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Love Your Parents, Paul And Dianne Matters
AMANDA PILEWSKI
UPMC-Hamot Women’s Hospital
MEGAN FISHER R.N.
We are so proud of you. You are such a dedicated nurse to all your new moms and babies. Love, Mom & Dad
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DANIELLE RICHARDSON
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We Salute Our Two Angels Of Mercy
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Kelly Ann Kantola,RN,BSN, CCRN
JENNIFER LEMMO
Wonderful Mom, Tender Babci, Lovely Daughter, Beloved Sister, One Fantastic Nurse, We Love You... Your Family
Susan Zajac, RN, BSN
Courtney Yates
Love, Mom
Love, Your Family
Judie Konkol
A special thank you to all nurses for your commitment and dedication to outstanding patient care.
So very proud of you. You’re a great nurse and a lovely daughter.
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You are such a compassionate and caring person. We are so proud of you. Love Mom & Dad
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Proud veteran and excellent operating room nurse. Thank You! With Pride And Love, Brian
CATHERINE SEIBOLD
Thank you for all that you give of yourselves to our patients, families and each other... Simply the Best!!
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SAM ANDERSON, LPN
JOE GRIESHABER, LPN
We love you. Your Family, Especially Very Proud Emma And Morgan
Theresa Schneider
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To the best nurse on St. Vincent’s joint floor.
Debbie Weismiller, Linda Lubelski And Debbie Hess
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Congratulations on your achievements! You will always be our favorite nurse! We Love And Admire You, Mom, Dad, Mary Elizabeth And Alyssa!
KELLY JOHNSON
Thank you for the heartfelt care that you give to every patient every day. Your dedication is truly appreciated!!
To the best nurse, wife, and mother! Love, Gary, Aaron, Tracey, Andrea And Jon
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Shine On Girl. We Love You! XO
KATHLEEN SNYDER
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KATELYN A. KAVENEY, RN
6 South Staff Members
HEATHER L. LANE, RN
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Thank you for making a difference in lives you touch every day. Love, your husband, Eric Baker
I’m so proud of our Elite Team! Most Sincerely, Momma Muffi
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UPMC NIC-U
Marla R. Baker
UPMC Hamot Float Pool & AODs
Who worked at Erie Center of Health and Aging. Sadly Missed By Family, Friends, And CoWorkers.
Your compassion and commitment shines in all that you do! Love Your Family And Son, Dylan
Jan Zillman
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THERESA TROCKI BYRD, R.N.
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BETHANY ANDERSON, RN
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Hamot ER
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Happy Nurses Week to the most professional, compassionate expert group of perioperative nurses. Thanks for all you do. You’re appreciated.
NURSES WEEK
Friday, May 3, 2013 | Erie Times-News | GoErie.com | 7N
VA nurse becomes safety net By BETTY DALESSANDRO, R.N. Erie Veterans Affairs Medical Center
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y nursing career of more than 35 years had been most rewarding. Most of it has been providing direct patient care in the front lines, or what I refer to as being in the trenches. Last year I heard of a position available at the Erie Veterans Affairs Medical Center for a Behavioral Health Lab nurse. My first reaction was “what the heck is that?” I envisioned walking around with a basket of syringes and tourniquets and drawing lithium levels or collecting urine samples for drug screens. After an explanation, I applied and thankfully got the job. I learned that a Behavior Health Lab nurse provides a phone monitoring service to assist primary care providers in helping veterans experiencing depression, anxiety, stress, or drinking heavily. What a year this has been. Before starting this job, I had a few concerns regarding this drastic change in my career; I’d be sitting behind a desk at a computer being on the phone, no faces in front of me, no pills to pass or backs to pat with encouragement. What I discovered was how fulfilling a job could be. First I discovered the life of the military servicemen and women. I gained a better understanding of the sacrifices these dedicated and courageous people make for the love of their country. I am deeply touched by those brave souls who gave their time, talent and sometimes their physical and mental health for the protection of their countrymen. I had the opportunity with each veteran I spoke with to sincerely thank them for their service. As I become more familiar with my job position, I realized what a wonderful service the
VA offers. As part of the Primary Care-Mental Health Integration team, I can serve veterans locally and those receiving care at the Community Based Outpatient Clinics, reaching people residing in Ohio and New York. With the guidance of a Betty psychiatrist, I assist the primary Dalessandro care providers in monitoring veterans’ health and well-being, and the effectiveness of their medications or treatments. I hear the stories of what is behind their depression, anxiety or stress. Some are grieving the loss of employment or their health and independence, or loss of their spouse. I can assist in getting some the specialty care they need from the Behavioral Health Clinic, such as individual or group therapy, couple counseling, substance abuse counseling, treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder, or pain and sleep education. I look at my job as a safety net assisting those who may not have a serious mental illness, but are struggling with a mood or adjustment disorder and need some help getting back on track. To me, this job position is one that offers hope — and who doesn’t need that? What an honor it is to serve those who sacrificed so much for me. Although most of my patients remain faceless (I had the pleasure of meeting some in person), I can hear the sighs, the sadness, the struggles, but also the laughter, the hope and joy of recovery. And hopefully they can hear the concern and care and gratitude of this Behavioral Health Lab nurse. Betty Dalessandro, R.N., has 35 years of experience as a nurse.
VNA nurse reflects on making a difference By DANIEL A. ZIMMER, M.S. Visiting Nurse Association
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or the past eight years, Caroline Sherwin, R.N., B.S.N., has been a hospice nurse for the Visiting Nurse Association of Erie County. When asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up,” she would always answer, “I just want to care for people.” But she didn’t know for sure what that meant. Originally starting course work at Gannon University for the pre-med program, it didn’t take long for Sherwin to figure out that she was not meant to be a doctor. “As a nurse, I knew that I would be able to spend more time with the family that I would hope to raise one day,” Sherwin explained. Before joining the hospice team at the VNA, Sherwin was a nurse in an intensive care unit at a hospital. “Every day I would watch people suffer, most would eventually die with little or no dignity.” According to Sherwin, hospice patient Mark Tupek really helps illustrate just how rewarding the hospice experience can be for the patient and their family. Tupek, diagnosed with pancreatic cancer during the summer of 2011, elected to go on hospice during the spring of 2012. As a member of Team Tupek, a group of about 400 people in town who bought
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Laurie Miller, R.N., left, Susan Kaminski, R.N., and Nancy Wilson, R.N., are all Magnet Project champions.
Our Magnet journey at UPMC Hamot: from vision to reality By ROBIN PEARSON, B.S.N., R.N. Magnet Coordinator, UPMC Hamot
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few years ago, the nursing leadership at UPMC Hamot had a vision to pursue Magnet Designation as a way to recognize nursing excellence and highlight the quality of care nurses deliver. The decision to pursue Magnet Designation aligns with the mission and vision of UPMC Hamot to serve our patients through delivery of care at the highest national standard. Magnet provides the highest standard of care in nursing. There are only 395 hospitals designated as Magnet Hospitals representing only 6 to 7 percent of organizations across the nation. Recently three international hospitals have joined the Magnet elite. In December of 2012, our vision became a reality as UPMC Hamot officially submitted the formal application to become a Magnet Designated Hospital. What does that mean for the organization and the community? The nursing department is undergoing a rigorous assessment of practices and engaging nurses in focusing on patient-family centered care practices. This includes enhancing the patient experience, striving for superior patient care outcomes, and focusing on work environment initiatives to create a positive nursing work
environment to retain our highly skilled and qualified nursing staff. UPMC Hamot proudly recognizes that more than 270 nurses within the organization have more than 25 years of nursing experience. This is more than a third of our nursing staff. Over 30 percent of our staff are certified in specialty areas and more than half of our bedside nurses have an advanced degree in nursing including a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree and/or doctoral degree in nursing. It is this wealth of knowledge and experience that serves as the impetus to drive and sustain excellence in nursing practice at UPMC Hamot. Each day I am fortunate enough to receive the letters through our D.A.I.S.Y. recognition program from nursing staff, physicians, patients and families. Each of the stories exemplifies the wonderful caring and compassionate efforts that characterize the attributes of the UPMC Hamot nursing staff. It is the essences of these stories that truly define a UPMC Hamot nurse. So not only during Nurse’s Week but every day I would like to say thank you for everything you do every day to make UPMC Hamot a special place for our patients and your colleagues. You make a difference every day and I thank you for all your dedication, compassion and commitment to UPMC Hamot nursing.
Erie Business Center Salutes
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Dressed in her Team Tupek shirt, VNA hospice nurse Caroline Sherwin, R.N., B.S.N., takes the vital signs of VNA hospice patient Mark Tupek as his wife, Jackie, looks on. Team Tupek apparel in support of Tupek, Sherwin is able to meet with Mark and his wife, Jackie, in the comfort of their own home. “Caroline is so flexible,” Tupek explained, “she normally makes a visit on Tuesdays, but this week she is here on Monday so we can go to the Pirates game.” As a hospice nurse, “I consider it an honor to be welcomed into a patient’s home and get to know the patient and their family; I am able to see what their homes may be lacking and provide a safety net for the family in their time of
need ... making a positive difference in someone’s life at such a vulnerable time is truly rewarding,” explained Sherwin. She added that making a difference is important. “Knowing they are comfortable and not alone in their final days is what gives me a deep sense of personal and professional fulfillment. That is what gives me the motivation to go to work each day.”
NURSES and our NURSE EDUCATORS During National Nurses Week, EBC salutes our nursing instructors who prepare our practical nursing students for successful healthcare careers. Our highly educated staff includes experienced instructors with advanced degrees who practice in their fields.
An EBC Practical Nursing education provides: • 12 to 18 months of concentrated, core education
Daniel A. Zimmer is the director of development for the VNA of Erie County.
• Exclusive online tutorials to enhance studies • Day and evening classes
Honoring Our
• Central location near clinical lab settings
Nurses
• Relationships with local healthcare facilities • Contemporary lab with simulation mannequin
Erie Business Center can open doors to many healthcare careers.
HEALTHCARE
Practical Nursing
Saint Mary’s East 607 East 26th Street (814) 459-0621
Non-discriminatory in admissions, services & employment. A sponsored ministry of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Northwestern Pennsylvania.
www.stmaryshome.org
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Saint Mary’s at Asbury Ridge 4855 West Ridge Road (814) 836-5300
Medical Assistant Medical Secretary Home Health Aide
Erie Campus 246 West 9th Street Erie, PA 16501 • (814) 456-7504 New Castle Campus 170 Cascade Galleria New Castle, PA 16101 • (724) 658-9066
Medical Coding/Billing Nurse Aide Rehabilitation Technician
www.eriebc.edu Visit our website for important consumer information.
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Saint Mary's Board of Trustees and Administration would like to thank our outstanding Nurses for living out our Mission of "Loving to Care" every day with the seniors we serve. We welcome new team members to join us in our Mission.
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Nursing Employment Opportunities SCHOOL NUR SE
The Erie Rise Leadership Academy Charter School, (located at 2501 Plum Street, Erie, PA 16502) a gender based K-6 elementary school, is accepting applications for the following positions: • Full-Time Certified School Nurse (Position #100334) • Substitute Nurse (Position #100434) When applying please include: a current resume, names, e-mail addresses and telephone numbers of at least three employment references, and any additional information specifically listed in the position announcement.
A Legacy of Caring Since 1871... To our caring, compassionate and dedicated Team of Professionals . . .
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Questions may be directed to (814) 520-6468.
Neurodiagnostics EEG Tech
Erie RISE Leadership Academy Charter School is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and educator.
Saint Vincent Health System is currently recruiting for a full time experienced EEG tech to work in their Neurodiagnostics Division. The ideal candidate will be a Graduate of an Accredited Neurodiagnostic Program or Associate Degree with two to four years related experience. CPR required and ABRET Part I registration (or eligible for & completion of Credential).
However it’s said,we appreciate you and so do our residents and families! 2111133
Please go to www.sarahareed.org to learn more about our facility and career opportunities.
Some of other positions Saint Vincent’s is currently recruiting include:
"Strength, Commitment and Compassion!" Erie VA Nurses Heroes Heroe e Serving Heroes Veterans receive v exceptional he ve h health care thanks to the compassion, p dedication, ti tio ski skills, and knowledge of th the h EErie rie ie VA nursing g te team.
• Experienced Neuro-Ortho Nurses • Physician Assistants/Nurse Practitioners • Neurodiagnostic Technician • IT Applications Analyst/RN for Westfield Hospital
Heartfelt would like to acknowledge our nurses for their tireless efforts in the field.
EEOC
Thank You! We could not do it without you. CURRENT CERTIFIED NURSING ASSISTANT
OPEN POSITIONS
4166 West Ridge Road Erie, PA 16506 (814) 838-2743
16265 Conneaut Lake Road Meadville, PA 16335 (814) 337-8383
"We Care For You!"
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Come join us in Person Focused Care: What long-term care of the future will look like is HERE NOW.
www.heartfeltcare.com
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Join o our u team!
• Health benefits, life fe insurance, u retirement plan .g fo • Visit www.erie.va.gov for application information
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If you are interested in learning more about this position or to apply, please visit our website at www.saintvincenthealth.com
respect
• ONE FULL-TIME 2ND SHIFT • ONE FULL-TIME 3RD SHIFT • ONE PART-TIME 2ND SHIFT (30 HOURS PER PAY, EVERY OTHER WEEKEND) • ONE PART-TIME 3RD SHIFT (EVERY OTHER WEEKEND) • ONE PART-TIME, DAYS (56 HOURS PER PAY) • ONE PART-TIME 3RD SHIFT (32 HOURS PER PAY)
we are building something special
Every day’s a testament to your teamwork!
Happy National Nurses Week from Twinbrook Medical Center, where our nurses respectfully uphold the highest standards of patient care and caring. We couldn’t have earned our reputation without you.
www.sharonregional.com
Equal Opportunity Employer
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EEO/Drug-Free Employer
SAINT VINCENT HEALTH SYSTEM JOB OPPORTUNITIES Physician Assistants Nurse Practitioners
PART TIME: Accepting applications for part-time nursing faculty to teach in the Associate and RN to BS Degree in nursing program. Responsibilities include classroom and clinical teaching. A Masterʼs Degree in Nursing is preferred; will consider BSN applicants who are actively pursuing a Masterʼs degree. Must have current experience in a variety of practice settings. Teaching experience is strongly preferred.
Exciting career opportunities are available within Saint Vincent Health System in several of our Medical Office Practice Sites and also in our Center for Bariatric and Minimally Invasive Surgery Office. These positions work closely with the physicians and surgeons and offer a variety of patient assignments and learning opportunities.
Candidates must be student-centered, committed to maintaining currency in nursing, and open to innovative program delivery using technology. All applicants must be eligible for licensure as RN in Pennsylvania. Applicants should submit a letter, resume, names, addresses, and phone numbers of three references (including e-mail if possible) to:
The culture of Saint Vincent is unique, setting us apart from our competitors. It is a mission focused environment of teamwork and quality making Saint Vincent’s the best place to get care, the best place to give care and the place where all people come first.
Jo Anne Carrick, D.Ed., RN, CNE Assistant Professor of Nursing Campus Coordinator for Nursing Programs Penn State Erie, The Behrend College 4701 College Dr. Erie, PA 16563-1000
Qualified candidates will be graduates of a licensed PAC/CRNP program and be board eligible. New graduates are encouraged to apply. In some cases, on call is a requirement of the position.
or electronic submission to jam39@psu.edu Review of applications will begin immediately, and will continue until the position is filled.
If interested, please visit www.saintvincenthealth.com to submit application, resume and complete our prescreening survey. Saint Vincent Health System is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.
EEOC
FULL TIME: Accepting applications for nursing faculty to teach in the Associate Degree in nursing program. Appointments are non-tenure-track, fixed term for 36 weeks and will begin in the 2013-2014 academic year. Positions will initially be for one year with an excellent chance for annual renewal based on programmatic needs. Responsibilities include teaching, clinical supervision, student advising, and participation in the campus and university governance. A Masterʼs Degree in Nursing is required; Doctoral degree preferred. Must have experience in medical and surgical nursing. Teaching experience is strongly preferred.
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Please complete and submit application at:
THE PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY Penn State Erie, The Behrend College
jobs.hcr-manorcare.com
Intensive Care, Coronary Care, Cadiovascular Sharon Regional has immediate openings for intensive care, coronary care, and cardiovascular nurses experienced with intra-aortic balloon pumps, immediate post coronary by-pass grafts, therapeutic hypothermia, and post-vascular repair procedures. Applicants must be a graduate of an approved nursing program and have a current PA license. Competitive salary, excellent benefit package, including medical, dental, and vision.
NURSING FACULTY
Penn State is committed to affirmative action, equal opportunity and the diversity of its workforce.
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That’s why you deserve your week of recognition.
jobs.hcr-manorcare.com
EXPERIENCED REGISTERED NURSES
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you’ve earned it
At Twinbrook Medical Center, we salute our Certified Nursing Assistants. We couldn’t imagine life without the skill, compassion and commitment of people like you.
EEO/Drug-Free Employer
GO TO: www.presbyhomes.com to complete online application or email resume to: sfreeman@presbyhomes.com Or apply in person at: 6351 West Lake Road, Erie PA EEO
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s the nurse coordinator of the Multidisciplinary Cerebral Palsy Specialty Care Team at Erie Shriners, I have the privilege to participate in an innovative approach to quality patient care. Our Specialty Care Team is comprised of a pediatrician, care coordinator, child life specialist, registered dietitian, occupational therapist, physical therapist, registered nurse coordinator and a speech-language pathologist. All of these professionals work together to provide the quality care that every child deserves. We know that one system affects another and our decision making is a group effort. For example, if we evaluate a child who is unable to communicate verbally, ambulate independently or safely swallow, we can begin to assess what is needed to help this child meet his/her maximum potential. Parents are often surprised to learn of the potential for independent mobility with a certain piece of equipment. We begin by assessing the child’s current local services. For example, we may collaborate with local providers to design a mobile seating device that can be operated by the child that would safely position the child to decrease choking risks and include options for a communication device. Nutrition needs are often a challenge for the cerebral palsy population. They may have increased caloric need and lack oral sensory motor skills to eat safely. The team, with physician guidance, is able to address these specific needs and maximize nutrition safely. The care coordinator helps to identify resources for families to access funding and services needed at home and school. We find this approach also benefits the caregiver by eliminating a number of different medical appointments. The child’s caregiver is part of the team as they participate in planning the care of their child. We develop relationships with these families as we support transition through the stages of development with their children. My nursing role is to identify patients, assess their needs and coordinate the delivery of care within the team. I communicate with the patient’s primary care professional to improve continuity of care. I am humbled by the skills of the members of our team. I am a military veteran and learned firsthand how important it is to respect and appreciate the skills of others, while working as a team. Our team demonstrates the advantage of this approach, with respect to every discipline, while each contributes to the goal of maximizing the potential of each child in our care. Nursing is a unique opportunity to practice the art of caring with the delivery of medical intervention. When working in pediatrics, you are trusted by parents to participate in the care of most vulnerable members of their family. To work as a team is to assure every aspect of care is important and should be addressed. We are truly grateful to be able to practice in this special way, and we thank the families who share their precious children with us.
Gina Lesoski, R.N, B. S. N., is the Cerebral Palsy Coordinator and Community Outreach coordinator at Erie Shriners Ambulatory Surgery Center and Outpatient Specialty Care Center.
By MELANIE HENDERSON, R.N. Saint Vincent Health Center
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f you search “quality and innovation” on the Internet, you get a list of results that cross between product industry and health care institutions. Perhaps these two ideas are not something that the general public associates with health care delivery but they are, in fact, concepts at the very core of treating patients to obtain the best outcomes. Quality and innovation are critical components of the new face of the health care industry in light of recent laws affecting the way health care is being delivered now and in the future. The founder of modern nursing, Florence Nightingale, set the stage for the significance of quality and innovation for all nurses when she insisted on sanitary conditions to cut the rate of death during the Crimean War and utilized statistics in her work. Today, nurses are the key to creating novel programs and changes necessary to achieve quality health care and optimal wellness. At hospitals throughout the country and world, including Saint Vincent Health Center here in Erie, nurses lead what are known as interprofessional teams. They work together with physicians, pharmacists and other professionals to ensure that patients receive evidence-based treatment for acute and chronic diseases, such as
stroke — which is my passion and current mission in my nursing career. Our duties extend beyond administering medications to patient and family education on current medical conditions, proper diet and exercise, stress-reduction activities and even more personal, compassionate care and consideration. We are relentless in our pursuit of caring for the patient and helping them achieve the best possible state of health and wellness in body, mind and spirit. In the words of Nightingale herself, “I use the word nursing for want of a better. It has been limited to signify little more than the administration of medication and the application of poultices. It ought to signify the proper use of fresh air, light, warmth, cleanliness, quiet, and the proper selection and administration of diet — all at the least expense of vital power to the patient.” We are patient advocates, offering guidance in lifestyle improvement of the whole person, so that our patients retain dignity and autonomy in their quest toward better health. We take every effort to see that quality care is being given to our patients in ways other than the administration of medications. Nurses participate in councils and teams to improve patient safety, to promote continuous process improvement, to create appropriate patient and family education materials and more. We must
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Melanie Henderson be innovative in our efforts to achieve the goals for standards of care that we set. We look for new ways to improve the lives of our patients, which is necessary during a time where chronic disease is prevalent. We aim to “nurse” the whole person, as Nightingale explained, and incorporate those ideas of fresh air, cleanliness and proper diet — all essential to health and wellness. By focusing on quality and innovation in treating our patients, we must utilize the same concepts in caring for our
fellow nurses and ourselves. We must ensure that we, too, are being nourished in body, mind and spirit by eating a proper diet, engaging in regular exercise and participating in stress-reduction activities. We owe this to our patients and to each other. Yoga is a practice known to quiet the mind and help relieve stress by connecting to the breath. Recently, we began to hold mini-yoga classes during breaks in between our meetings on nursing council day to promote stressrelief for nurses. The hope is that we use this innovative strategy to energize and inspire us at these meetings as we work to improve the ways we treat and care for our patients. Nurses cannot afford to passively watch as health care transformation sweeps across our nation. Rather, we must take the lead in helping to achieve health and wellness by focusing on quality and innovation. We must graciously accept the challenge of pioneering our patients and peers into the new era of health care. In the words of our great nursing mentor, Florence Nightingale, “Rather, 10 times, die in the surf, heralding the way to a new world, than stand idly on the shore.”
Melanie Henderson, R.N., is the Stroke Program coordinator at Saint Vincent Health Center.
Heartfelt reflections on 32 years of patient care By LINDA CAPUTO, R.N. UPMC Hamot
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graduated from nursing school 32 years ago. I have honestly loved almost every minute of my job. To me, it is not just a job but a great career and a way for me to help people and give back for all of the wonderful things I have in my life. My husband, daughter and son-in-law are pharmacists, and my youngest daughter is also a nurse. I have done many different kinds of nursing but I have especially grown to love my current job on a Med-Surg Unit at UPMC Hamot. I currently work on 3-South Inpatient Unit. We have a variety of patients including general surgeries, ENT surgeries, colorectal surgeries and some plastic surgeries. We also have medical patients. I’ve discovered that colorectal patients who have a colostomy or ileostomy are often younger and very frightened or embarrassed by this diagnosis and surgery.
We give the patients a kit and CD to watch when they go home. Unfortunately, I feel that while they are in the hospital, they have an abundance of questions. If they watched the CD while in the hospital, some questions would be answered and some of their stress would be alleviated. While taking care of an ostomy patient, I witnessed her watching a video on a little DVD player her family brought it. It was during the Christmas season and while chatting with her doing her care and giving her medications, I asked her to look at the ads in the Sunday paper to see if there was a DVD player on sale. I really didn’t tell her why, but encouraged her to watch her video on her DVD player while she was an inpatient. She did, and it really helped her and prompted further questions, which were my goals for her postoperative recovery. About a week later, she brought a present to the
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diagnosis. It really made a difference in his outlook. It is the little things we do for patients and families that they are so grateful for, but I have found that they appreciate it more than we realize. If I can make a difference in just one patient’s day during my shift, I have done what I love to do. Keeping the families informed and included is also a huge
aspect of our daily care. It is so fulfilling to see a patient come out of surgery and a few days later walk out of the hospital. Good nursing care is not just taking care of the patient but helping the families as well. Linda Caputo, R.N., is a nurse in the Med-Surg Unit at UPMC Hamot.
A Tribute To Our Professional Nurses & Support Staff
In honor of the dedication, commitment and tireless effort of our entire HealthSouth Nursing Team, we salute you!
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.
“When you’re a nurse, you know that every day you will touch a life or a life will touch yours.” Thank you, nurses, for touching lives every day.
*Scored by Uniform Data System for Medical Rehabilitation (UDSMR) database in 2012.
BAYADA Home Health Care proudly celebrates National Nurses Week, May 6-12
Visit us on the Web!
Call 814.835.2400 |www.bayada.com
Compassion. Excellence. Reliability.
nurses of 3-South. It was our very own DVD player that she and her husband donated for our patients. It was such a generous and thoughtful thing to do. The next day, we had a young man who had a new ostomy. We not only used the DVD player to view the ostomy video along with his family but also to watch movies to help him take his mind off his
We are proud of our Nursing care and its role in patient outcomes that are ranked in the top 10% nationally among rehab facilities for the third consecutive year.*
We salute all of our nurses, as their incredible care contributed greatly to Interim being recognized nationally as a HHCAHPS Honors Recipient in 2012; an award given to top performing home health agencies for providing the very best patient experience. Thank you for providing outstanding care to all of our peds and adult patients in their homes.
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By GINA LESOSKI, R.N., B.S.N. Erie Shriners Ambulatory Surgery Center and Outpatient Specialty Care Center
Nurses focus on mission to lead, advocate
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Nurse lauds specialty, team care
NURSES WEEK
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www.healthsoutherie.com E.O.E.
10N | Erie Times-News | GoErie.com | Friday, May 3, 2013
THE HEALING NEVER ENDS. THE PASSION NEVER FADES. IIn celebration of National Nurses Week, w we honor those who have dedicated ttheir lives to better patient care. A And better health. Those who deliver q quality and innovation at every turn, w with an extraordinary level of co courteous, compassionate care. To all the remarkable women and men of the Saint Vincent nursing team, you ccontinue to elevate the standard of ca care throughout our community. And we couldn’t be more proud of you.
ANTONIO MALITO, RN
SUE TAYLOR, RN
MIRANDA MOORE, RN
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