Nurses: The Heart of Health Care / 2018

SUNDAY, MAY 6, 2018 | NURSES: THE HEART OF HEALTH CARE

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Congratulations to our BJC Nursing Awards winners!

Laura Lofink St. Louis Children’s Hospital

Andrea Markwardt Barnes-Jewish Hospital

Tim Nienhaus Barnes-Jewish Hospital

Your 31,000 colleagues across BJC HealthCare will be cheering for you as you accept your awards!

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SUNDAY, MAY 6, 2018 | NURSES: THE HEART OF HEALTH CARE

CS_163501 4.18

OUR JUDGES DEBRA ELLERBROOK, DIRECTOR

CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY WISCONSIN – ST. LOUIS ONLINE CENTER

NURSES: THE HEART OF HEALTH CARE – We could not have picked a better title to honor the nursing vocation. Indeed, nurses are the heart and soul of hospitals, clinics, schools, residential facilities, in-home care, and much more. Nurses educate, console, relate, comfort and endear themselves to patients and families. Nursing is a demanding profession that requires extraordinary skill and compassion.

These tireless professionals deserve every bit of recognition they will receive during National Nurses Week which kicks off today. Locally, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch took part in honoring the area’s own nurses with a contest, section and awards event with the support of sponsors BJC Healthcare and Mercy.

AND THEN THERE WERE 65: The contest began with a call for nominations. We encouraged the public to nominate nursing professionals who made an impact on the lives of loved ones and the community at large. The community answered with over 300 nominations. These nominations were then pared down to a pool of 65.

JUDGING THE TOP 10: Three independent judges: Debra Ellerbrook, Mariea Snell and Quita Stephens, reviewed all 65 nominees and chose the nine winners revealed within this section. The 10th winner was chosen by our readers. Read about each winner within this section and online at www.stltoday.com/nurses.

THE AWARDS: The final 10 nurses were honored with a luncheon at the Chase Park Plaza.

Donna Bischoff, the Vice President of Sales & Marketing at the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, opened the ceremony and introduced special guest speaker Andrea Lampert, the Vice President of Talent Strategies for BJC HealthCare. Prior to accepting their award, a video of each of the 10 nurses was shown to an audience comprised of the winners, their families and co-workers. Each guest left with a gift bag full of giveaways.

NURSES: THE HEART OF HEALTH CARE IS PUBLISHED BY THE MARKETING CONTENT TEAM OF THE ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH Jennifer Mason / content marketing manager · 314-340-8988, jmason@stltoday.com Sarah Gerrein / content production manager · 314-340-8014, sgerrein@stltoday.com Denise Kosarek / art director · 314-657-3312, dkosarek@stltoday.com Natalie Barbieri / designer · 314-340-8097, nbarbieri@stltoday.com Donna Bischoff / vice president of sales & marketing · 314-340-8529, dbischoff@post-dispatch.com Teresa Griffin / vice president digital strategy · 314-340-8909, tgriffin@stltoday.com

Debra Ellerbrook has served as the director of Concordia University Wisconsin – St. Louis Online Center for the last nine years. She is also an adjunct instructor and curriculum developer for courses in management, marketing and retail.

She has an extensive background in retail and wholesale sales and management.

She holds a bachelor degree in business with a minor in psychology and a master’s degree in marketing, both from Webster University. She has served two terms as president of the St. Louis Area Health Care Recruiters Organization.

MARIEA SNELL, DNP, APRN, FNP-C MARYVILLE UNIVERSITY

Dr. Mariea Snell is an assistant professor and coordinator of the Doctor of Nursing Practice programs at Maryville University. She also serves as vice president of the Missouri State Board of Nursing. In addition, she works as a family nurse practitioner at Maven Clinic Inc., where she diagnoses and treats common primary care conditions using telehealth.

Before coming to Maryville, Dr. Snell worked at Saint Louis University, where she instructed students on adult, pediatric, women’s and geriatric health. Prior to that, she was a research nurse of infectious diseases at Washington University in St. Louis for four years before earning her FNP. She holds a bachelor’s in nursing from Goldfarb School of Nursing at Barnes-Jewish College, a master’s of science in nursing from Indiana State University and a doctorate in nursing from Saint Louis University.

QUITA S. STEPHENS, MSN, MSW, BHA, RN UNITEDHEALTHCARE

Quita Stephens works for UnitedHealthcare as a board-certified registered nurse case manager.

She is also the president of the Black Nursing Association of Greater St. Louis. In her role as president, she hopes to join forces with fellow nurses to assist in community outreach and provide education to the underserved. Before UnitedHealthcare, she worked in various areas of nursing including, trauma, OR, Med-Surg and oncology.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in healthcare management, a certification in case management, a master’s in social work from Saint Louis University and a master’s in nursing leadership from Walden University.

SUNDAY, MAY 6, 2018 | NURSES: THE HEART OF HEALTH CARE

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ANDREA MARKWARDT

By Jennifer Mason, Marketing Content Contributor

Andrea Markwardt remembers having her first inclination of a career in the medical field in childhood. She grew up with a friend whose parents were both employees at Barnes-Jewish Hospital; the father was a physician and the mother was a nurse. Markwardt remembers being fascinated that they drove off to work each day to a big hospital.

“Later on as a teenager, I was captivated with biology and how the body worked,” said Andrea Markwardt, registered nurse at Barnes-Jewish Hospital. “I also love people, so nursing just seemed to fit.”

transplant such as liver/kidney or heart/kidney.

“I spend half my time at the hospital where I see all new patients, making sure they understand y ccan expect p their new regime and what they afnsplant,” she said. “Once they ter having a tran ke Sherlock Holmes. I’m the are home, I’m lik one looking at all their clinical data, making and if so, intervensure nothing iss abnormal, a alf in a timely manner before ing on their beha serious complications arise.”

A transplant nurse is unique in that they manfor the life of the transage the patient’ss care c plant. “This is a life-long relationship that p y patients,” she said. “I take I have with my the time to deterrmine some sort of common ground so I can r n relate to my patient. It goes beyond medicall — we w talk about everything.”

She sees her pattients perhaps at their worse time, but also heelps them through their best times. “The bestt thing t about my job is that I get to see my pattients from the time of transplant and foreverr after,” she said. “I am able to see all the incred dible things they do with their life and make surre they have the best possible outcomes. I’m heelping a person receive a new lease on life, and t d that’s an amazing feeling.”

ANDREA MARKWARDT, MSN, RN, CCTC BARNES-JEWISH HOSPITAL

She started working at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in 1999 as a unit secretary when she was preparing to start nursing school. She was offered three choices: transplant, vascular and trauma. “I didn’t know anything about transplants and it seemed very cutting edge and exciting,” she said. “Nineteen years later, I’m still in the transplant field.”

As a post-kidney and pancreas transplant coordinator, Markwardt manages the care for patients that either receive a kidney transplant, pancreas transplant or a combined

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SUNDAY, MAY 6, 2018 | NURSES: THE HEART OF HEALTH CARE

Markwardt’s collleagues are a part of her family, too.. She’s S always including others and ensu ures everybody has some place to go during the holidays. “We work i a facility where k in people are from e m everywhere in the country and m d many people don’t have families nearby,” she said.

When asked abo out her advice for up-an nd-coming nurses, she em mphasizes not to take thin ngs personally. No mattter the area, patients aree deald ing with many d y differ-

MSN, RN, CCTC Barnes-Jewish Hospital

ent health issues. “It’s my role to help diffuse those situations and be empathetic,” she said.

“Make sure you are seeing it from the patient’s side of things and not just what you feel like doing in the situation.”

“My dad always told me to keep my feelings even and approach everyone with a smile.”

TIM NIENHAUS

By Jennifer Mason, Marketing Content Contributor

Tim Nienhaus was a young man working as a nurse’s assistant in the operating room when he realized he should become a nurse. He’s been working at Barnes-Jewish Hospital since 1980 and has never looked back. He’s worked in medicine, surgery, radiology, on the floors, the ICU and the OR. His first memory as a nurse was on a medicine floor which was mostly clinic patients.

“Some of the fondest memories were taking care of two elderly patients that I remember quite vividly,” said Tim Nienhaus, registered

side of the ICU — no matter what the situation is, and it could even be with visitors,” he said.

Regardless of the position, his goal is to make a difference in people’s lives, whether it’s the patient or the family. He enjoys doing the little things to brighten someone’s day. “It could be I give a family member special time with their loved one before they pass away — it makes me feel good to help others,” he said.

Nienhaus is helping others outside of work, too. His son, Alex, was born 14 years ago with Down syndrome. rome. Within a few months of his birth, Nienh haus wanted to do something to educate people about those with Down syndrome and h d how special they are.

RN, CCRN, TNCC Barnes-Jewish Hospital

day. “One of the things I always tell the nurses when we are having a hard day is that we are on the ‘right side of the bed rail,’” he said.

He attributes much of his success to his parents. Besides the great people in his life and the nurses that have taught him along the way, it was his parents that laid the foundation of respect and attitude.

“My parents raised me to treat everybody like I want to be treated,” he said. “I was raised to respect others, and that’s who I’ve become.”

He founded a organization called Puttin d an for Down sy yndrome which has now joined a bigger nation nal organization called D.A.D.S. — Dad’ss Appreciating A Down Syndrome.

D.A.D.S. iss a committee c or community group of fathers of children who have Down syndrome. Thee organization’s o three foundational pillars are su upport, action and fellowship.

This year ma arks the 14th year for the Puttin for Down syndrrome charity golf tournament and silent auction. The annual event is held each September and all proceeds benefit Down syndrome organ nizations in St Louis.

TIM NIENHAUS, RN, CCRN, TNCC - BARNES-JEWISH HOSPITAL

nurse at Barnes-Jewish Hospital. “Unfortunately, it was also one of my first experiences with death.”

Today, Nienhaus works as an acute care team nurse, ACT. Some hospitals refer to the role as a rapid response nurse (RRN), but at Barnes-Jewish Hospital it’s called ACT. Those earlier experiences during his career allowed him to focus and be prepared for any situation that arises.

“As a nurse on the acute care team, I help out with emergencies throughout the hospital out-

Patients, collleagues, friends and family can’t help but bee drawn d to Nienhaus. His positive attitude and c d calming effect not only inspires others, butt makes m him an asset in the time of an emerg rgency. “People always tell me I’m calm, and c tell they are happy to see me d I can when I show u he said. “I try to keep w up,” a positivee attitude a despite the circumstances.”

He is quick t add k to that regardless of how bad ou ur day is, somebody’s having a worrse

SUNDAY, MAY 6, 2018 | NURSES: THE HEART OF HEALTH CARE

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SUNDAY, MAY 6, 2018 | NURSES: THE HEART OF HEALTH CARE

SUNDAY, MAY 6, 2018 | NURSES: THE HEART OF HEALTH CARE

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Congratulations Keisha!

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Thank you.

Thank you to the nurses of St. Luke's Hospital who touch countless lives and hearts in a way no one else can. We'd also like to congratulate Deborah Fehlig, Rene Koons and Juanita Meyer for their excellence in nursing care and as St. Luke's Hospital nominees for this year's award.

To learn more about nursing opportunities that allow you to fulfill your potential and achieve your professional goals, visit stlukes-stl.com.

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SUNDAY, MAY 6, 2018 | NURSES: THE HEART OF HEALTH CARE

3-3840

NAKEISHA GRIFFIN

By Jennifer Mason, Marketing Content Contributor

Nakeisha Griffin had her first taste of medicine at the age of 15 when she was diagnosed with lupus. She came into contact with many nurses and doctors for her care. “Those experiences inspired me to be a good nurse and show compassion towards the people I care for,” said Nakeisha Griffin, licensed practical nurse at Dolan Memory Care Homes.

She stumbled upon a nursing career while taking classes at St. Louis Community College - Meramec. She remembers listening to a group of girls talking about a certified nursing assistant program, but had no idea what it was.

es each resident according to their interest and abilities. One of her residents loves animals and enjoys walking Griffin’s dog. But there’s one small problem. Her dog Minnie is a girl and this particular resident has an aversion to the color pink. To make this resident happy and to keep him engaged, she purchased all blue supplies for her female dog to make sure the resident was content.

“We seek creative ways to put our residents in a comfortable state,” she said. “For example, I have one resident who doesn’t like to take blood pressure medicine. The resident has low blood pressure instead of high blood pressure. We give her coffee, potato chips or bouillon soup — items that hat are in high in salt and will help naturally r y raise her blood pressure.”

LPN Dolan Memory Care Homes

in their 50s or 60s and their life has been taken away from them,” she said. “When their mom or dad leaves, they are entrusting me to take care of their loved ones — and that’s an honor.”

The residents are Griffin’s extended family. In fact, when she goes on vacation, she still calls to check in on her residents. “We are all very connected,” she said. “My girls come every day after school to sit with the residents. Some of the residents help them with their homework.”

She has invested her love and time into her residents and feels rewarded by their appreciation each day. “When they say my name and tell me they love me — that is the best feeling,” Griffin said said.

Although G h Griffin works Monday through Friday, each d is different. She medically assessh day es her resid dents which provides an intimate level of care forr people p who have difficulty expressing theirr needs. n She also engages residents in activitiess that include helping with household t chores, follding laundry, setting or clearing the table and g d gardening.

This daily interaction makes herr adept a at noticing when something is different or when there is a problem with a resident.

NAKEISHA GRIFFIN, LPN - DOLAN MEMORY CARE HOMES

“I decided to apply and got hired into the program,” she said. “That’s where my love for geriatrics and memory care began.”

Today, Griffin is an LPN at Dolan at Schuetz, one of several Dolan Memory Care Homes locations. Locally owned and operated, Dolan Memory Care Homes is dedicated to providing the highest quality of life for residents and their families affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

Dolan Memory Care is unique because they provide person-centered care. Griffin’s responsibilities extend to the whole person. She engag-

“I get to k o know the residents and care for them as a whole because they are still a person,” Griffin said. “II sit with them, hold their hand, give hugs and k d kisses and I love you’s.”

Not only do Griffin care for the resiy does dents, butt she s builds a relationship and a bon nd with the families.

The families also need a lot of love,, compassion c and hugs. Memo mory care at any stagee is i not the easiest disease d to battle. “Som Sometimes I’m meetin ng a resident who o is still very young g, maybe

SUNDAY, MAY 6, 2018 | NURSES: THE HEART OF HEALTH CARE

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JOSEPH PILGER

By Jennifer Mason, Marketing Content Contributor

Joe Pilger has always been a fixer of sorts and he was used to working on machines as a mechanical engineer in the Navy. The first time he desired to become a nurse was when he became a civilian after his service ended. His mother had been a

nurse for many years, and she reminded Pilger that his favorite subjects in high school were anatomy and physiology.

“I love working with people, and I’m a fixer,” said Joe Pilger, clinical support nurse at SSM Health St. Clare Hospital. “After being ennever couraged by mom, I chose nursing and n looked back.”

Pilger will always remember the first paatient he cared for. It was during his first cliinical sboro, assignment at Jefferson College in Hillsb Missouri. He visited a geriatric patientt aat a nursing home. “I originally thought any thing k tthem I did to an elderly person would break nice, — I was very wrong,” he said. “She wass n but she wanted to make sure I knew thaat my eyes weren’t the same size and that myy ssmile p a rrelawas crooked. Eventually, I did develop kIm made tionship with her, and I like to think me.” an impact on her stay at the nursing hom

CSN, RN, BSN SSM Health St. Clare Hospital

hospital. “We talk about opportunities for keeping our patients safe and how we can improve on preventing falls in a multidisciplinary format,” Pilger said.

He is also a research assistant for a new and inexpensive treatment for Alzheimer’s patients. Doll therapy has been shown to decrease the psychological and behavioral symptoms of dementia. “When we give a doll to a dementia patient, they have decreased confusion and are more compliant in taking

As a clinical support nurse, Pilger’s maiin job dp physiis to assist and support the staff and He is cians, ensuring safe and quality care.. H have a patient advocate and makes sure theyy h everything they need, including duringg ccritical situations. Pilger goes above and beeyond to help his team and the hospital. He leaads by example and his positivity is infectious.

“I come in and work hard and expecct the same from my team,” he said. “If I’m working well.” hard, I know they will work hard ass w ursing Besides his daily nu responsibilities, Pilger P is the chairpeerson disciof the Multidi spital plinary Hospi Fall Team. The team inccludes from staff nt dedifferen ments par tm ou g h t h rou out the

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SUNDAY, MAY 6, 2018 | NURSES: THE HEART OF HEALTH CARE

JOSEPH PILGER, CSN, RN, BSN - SSM HEALTH ST. CLARE HOSPITAL

their medication or receiving treatments,” he said. “They are often less restless and stop trying to go home or to the store. We’ve even seen the patient try to feed the doll and give them kisses.”

The compassion he gives to his patients is the compassion he shows to everybody. Pilger comes into work each day with a smile on his face and a can-do attitude. “I like working with people, and if I can help just one person in one day, then I know I’ve done my job,” he said. “The best part of my job is seeing the patients get better.”

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A man in a St. Louis Cardinals-themed Spider-Man outfit could be found posing for photos with beer drinkers at 11:30 a.m.

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His partner, wearing a Redbird-emblazoned Iron Man suit, waited patiently a few feet away.

Fast approaching, striding beneath a black top hat, came a spitting image of Abraham Lincoln.

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The psychologist from Plymouth, England, was wandering around outside of Busch Stadium wearing a puzzled look

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Yes, she had been to the United States before. But never to St. Louis. Never on an opening night.

“I had no idea,” she said. “I turned up in the Uber, and there were a million people in red tops.”

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Congratulations Joseph Pilger

Awarded as one of the Top 10 Nurses in the Nurses: The Heart of Health Care contest by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

l We thank you and all of our SSM Health nurse nominees.

Your commitment and compassion towards patients shines through in all your good works.

©2018 SSM Health. All rights reserved. STL-STL-18-460954 4/18

SUNDAY, MAY 6, 2018 | NURSES: THE HEART OF HEALTH CARE

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SUNDAY, MAY 6, 2018 | NURSES: THE HEART OF HEALTH CARE

MARY FRANCES WAGNER

By Jennifer Mason, Marketing Content Contributor

Francie Wagner always knew she was going to be a nurse. She was in grade school when her mom planted the seed. “I remember vividly one evening my mother talking to my older sisters and me,” said Francie Wagner, registered nurse at St. Anthony’s | Mercy. “I have a sister who’s a teacher and my other sister was going to be a secretary — this was a long time ago. My mom said, ‘All we need now is a nurse.’”

When high school came around, Wagner was still onboard with the idea and took four years of Latin because she knew many of the root words in nursing school were Latin.

cialty area of practice. For more than 30 years, nurses have used the CNOR credential to gain credibility and recognition from colleagues and patients, achieve their personal and professional goals, and enhance their career development. CNOR means that you have demonstrated the knowledge and skills that denote competency in the specialized field of perioperative nursing.

Patients ultimately surrender control to a surgical nurse. Even as patients on the medical floor, there is a certain amount of dependency.

Wagner said it’s all about the opportunity. “The patients really count on us to take care of them.

They are trusting me m to be b knowledgeable k l d bl about what I’m doingg sso I can best take care of their needs.”

RN, CNOR St. Anthony’s | Mercy

hard for Wagner to describe how she does it — relating to another human being and their vulnerability in such a short timeframe. “You have to make eye contact and show the patient you are truly interested in what’s going on in their life,” she said. “It’s my passion. I try and make my patients feel safe and secure.”

Day in, and day out, Wagner shows an immeasurable level of compassion and kindness to her patients. Her kind words and sense of humor are helpful and welcomed by patients and families. She is a woman of high morals, has a passion for excellence and promotes good teamwork.

Wagner played seveeral sports when she was younger. She experrienced many team concepts growing up an nd has found herself using those ideas in the opeerating room environment.

“There are so many c y components in the operating room,” she saiid. “From the scrub techs to the anesthesia team, to the entire nursing staff and doctorss — there t are several players involved.”

MARY FRANCES WAGNER, RN, CNOR - ST. ANTHONY’S | MERCY

After high school, Wagner went directly to nursing school. She graduated from nursing school in 1977 and began her first job at Jefferson Memorial in Festus, Missouri working on the medical floor. A couple of years later, Wagner was interested in specializing, and there just happened to be openings in the operating room.

Armed with her only knowledge from nursing school and with very little exposure to an OR, Wagner applied for a position and was hired.

Today, she works at St. Anthony’s | Mercy as a RN, CNOR and is team lead for orthopedics and arthroscopy. According to the American Board of Nursing Specialties, all registered nurses should seek certification in their spe-

Nursing provides thee unique u opportunity that allows nurses to cha ange specialty areas. Much of it comes by way o on-the-job training. Rey of gardless, Wagner said it is key to have a passion to be a good nu urse — whatever area you are working in. “If yo ou get into an area that you are feeling passionatee about, a you really need to immerse yourself in i and learn as much as you n it can,” she said. “You h u have to be willing to receive advice from thee experienced e staff, and always be willing t learn.” g to There isn’t much tim me to develop a relationship in t operatn the ing room. Most patiients will likely never see thee surgical s nurse again, unless they have another surgerry and get the same nursee. It’s

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JACOB KLIETHERMES

By Jennifer Mason, Marketing Content Contributor

As executive director of nursing, Jacob Kliethermes focuses on leadership development for nursing and other ancillary areas. His main focus is helping those around him, allowing the leaders to grow in any way possible.

From helping them develop plans or working

through troubles, his place is to help them hit their excellence marks. He comes up with several different teaching strategies until it clicks, and he does it with patience and kindness. He also takes the chance to learn from others, always listening more than speaking.

“Sometimes I give them ideas or pull ideas out said Kliethermes, of tthem,” e ,” sa d Jacob K et e es, eexecutive director of nursing at Mercy Hospitaal Lincoln. mb because “Other times, I’m encouraging them urses, who inspired leaders motivate engaged nu then drive outcomes that change nurrsing in the long run.”

The impact of nursing touched Klliethermes d. He had a when he was a patient at 18 years old ospital for procedure done and stayed in the ho one day. He describes having an en lightening moment where he realized he coulld make a difference, but he didn’t act on it r ight away. me a veteriHe went off to college set to becom narian, but something wasn’t sittingg rright with him. He knew nursing was where hee sshould be. of college, He switched majors in the middlee o and he says it’s been the best decision. hey should “High school students ask me what th pursue in college,” he said. “I alwayss tell them to become a nurse and help as maany people one career as you possibly can. Nursing is thee o where you can work 36 hours a week, help peond still reple, feel great about your job an here’s time ceive full-time benefits. Th out and do to be a human and go o ou enjoy — all of the things yo so mixing that wiith helping people is wherre I push most folks.”

He has neverr ssaid no to nal opporan education tunity. Not saying no took him frrom oncology to orrthopedics to criticaal care to the hearrt hospital w to critiand now

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SUNDAY, MAY 6, 2018 | NURSES: THE HEART OF HEALTH CARE

RN, BSN, MBA Mercy Hospital Lincoln

cal access at Mercy Hospital Lincoln. “When something comes up I think I can do and there are educational opportunities involved, it might be really scary, but I commit and then figure it out,” he said.

He heard this go-to phrase ‘commit and then figure it out’ a couple of years ago at a seminar.

The speaker believed anything was possible.

Kliethermes was inspired and has been using the adopted phrase for the last couple of years.

“If I’m scared or afraid of failure, that’s the first thing I do — commit to the problem and then figure it out,” he said. “Most people are afraid to fail, but I am not, because I actually learn something. I’ll try gain and do something a little bit different next time.”

JACOB KLIETHERMES, RN, BSN, MBA - MERCY HOSPITAL LINCOLN

Kliethermes relates to the foundation set by Catherine McAuley, the founder of Sisters of Mercy — ‘to make sure that I resolve to be good today, but better tomorrow.’ However, at the root everything is his grandma. “I want to make sure everybody here treats patients like they are my grandma,” Kliethermes said.

“That’s my personal foundation. I want everybody to be as sweet as possible, helping them through whatever they can — that’s important to me.”

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SUNDAY, MAY 6, 2018 | NURSES: THE HEART OF HEALTH CARE

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LAURA LOFINK

By Jennifer Mason, Marketing Content Contributor

Laura Lofink can remember reading a newspaper article when she was 11 years old. The article was authored by a nurse who worked in a pediatric oncology unit. “The nurse said during her 12-hour day, if she could make a child smile for 10 of those minutes, and for one of those minutes, if she could help the child forget they had cancer — then her day was

made,” said Laura Lofink, registered nurse at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. “Something about that touched my heart.”

She also received inspiration from her mom who was a nurse. She can remember her mom sharing stories about her patients and admired the bond she had with each of them. “You put in all of this hard work and people actually see it,” she said. “As I got older, it became quite do ” clear what I wanted to do.

Lofink works on the ninth floor which is the hematology and oncology unit. Her day-today interactions vary widely. Tasks may include hanging chemotherapy to talking with a family through an initial diagnosis to watching a kid ring a bell, which marks the end of chemotherapy. “Once they are diagnosed, the patient usually spends about 30 days with us,” she said. “After that, they come back for chemotherapy or visit us if they get ill during treatment.”

RN, BSN St. Louis Children’s Hospital

you can’t help but smile.”

There is a tradition of the patients making a loop around the nurse’s station when they get to go home. “Whenever kids make the loop, it makes my day to know they are doing well and get to go home,” she said.

Her strength and inspiration is often found in the resilience of her patients. Lofink’s patients are going through the toughest time of their life, but they seemingly have no idea.

“It’s amazing to see them get up every morning and eat through the nausea,” she said. “They continue their daily life — playing, going back

The ninth floor nurses see kids at their worst.

She describes the emotions as a large roller coaster. “We are human,” Lofink said. “We are supposed to cry and laugh. The emotional highs and lows are always going to be there.”

“When you have a patient who yells your name when you walk in the room or starts smiling and laughing, that’s the best part,” Lofink said. “I feel like I’ve touched their life in some way. There was a very young patient who would run around the halls wearing a T-shirt, diaper and cowboy boots. He became famous for his ensemble on the ninth floor.

Those are def in it e highs a n d

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SUNDAY, MAY 6, 2018 | NURSES: THE HEART OF HEALTH CARE

LAURA LOFINK, RN, BSN - ST. LOUIS CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL

to school — all in between chemotherapy treatments. I don’t know that I could do that.”

She’s learned to never make assumptions. She thinks it’s important to always lend a hand or a listening ear because you have no idea what anyone is going through. “A family may have just received news that their child has cancer or that their child will not survive,” Lofink said. “Your kind acts of listening and giving may just be what they need.”

CHANTEZ HOPGOOD

By Jennifer Mason, Marketing Content Contributor

Chantez Hopgood remembers vividly her high school nurse. She was a kind and gentle woman who encouraged and inspired her students. That nurse left an everlasting effect on Hopgood and was one of the reasons she was drawn to becoming a school nurse herself.

“I enjoy helping people,” said Chantez Hopgood, licensed practical nurse at Woodland and Kenneth C. Hanrahan Elementary Schools. “The need is great for helping our youth, especially those with special needs.”

Hopgood recently adopted her nephew after his mother passed away. He is eight years old

CHANTEZ HOPGOOD, LPN - WOODLAND AND KENNETH C. HANRAHAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

and is autistic. Their relationship has taught her quite a bit about caring for students with disabilities. “Having custody of my nephew has caused me to be more patient, and has given me a deeper appreciation and understanding of what children and families are going through,” she said.

As school nurse, her door is always open. The students know they have the freedom to see Nurse Hopgood for a medical need or a simple hug. Colleagues and students remark that her

smile lights up the whole room. “I always try to inspire the students and keep a smile on my face,” she said. “I enjoy sharing life with them and the staff, just to let them know they are not alone.”

LPN Woodland and Kenneth C. Hanrahan Elementary Schools the sky is the limit. “Sometimes kids need encouragement,” she said. “They need to just go for it. They will have obstacles in life, but they shouldn’t let that stop them — they may be delayed, but not denied. Keep pressing!”

od feels that the Jennings School Dis Hopgood District iss one o big family. Her parents would often usee the t phrase, ‘one for all, all for one.’ She hat mantra in her daily life. “My parents uses th raised me to listen, have good eye contact and to not be b judgmental,” she said. “We are all in gether — one team, one family.” this tog are for others doesn’t stop at WoodHer ca d and Kenneth C. Hanrahan Elementaland a ry Schools. While her primary role is school nurse,, in i 2016 she was promoted to lead nurse School District, providing in thee Jennings J ng and support for the other district trainin her leadership, she works with nurses.. Under U o school-based health clinics at Fairview the two s ntary and Jennings Senior High School.

Elemen In addition to assisting with the health clinics, part off her h role as lead nurse over the district is ke sure that asthma, dental, hearing and to mak n services are provided for students K-12. vision s old an annual health fair every year at “We ho all of the schools,” she said. “The entire districtt iis screened, and if a student fa ails a screening, I reach out to o of our many reo one ferral programs to find various resources for the stu udent in need.”

She ad dvocates for childreen and has theirr b best interest att heart. h She teells the students to go bee whatw ever th hey want to be in n life —

SUNDAY, MAY 6, 2018 | NURSES: THE HEART OF HEALTH CARE

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TERICA MEEKS

By Jennifer Mason, Marketing Content Contributor

Terica Meeks knew she had the passion to be a nurse practitioner when she was standing bedside listening to the physicians dictate orders.

She was always one step ahead already knowing their next move.

Her first exposure to the medical field occurred when she was a child. Meeks would often have the opportunity to see her mom working as a

RN, MSN, AGNP-C VA St. Louis Health Care System

certified medical technician and witnessed the exposure her mom had to patients — that’s when she knew.

making her an asset to any division she works with. She wants everybody to get along and makes it a great environment.

She began her nursing career as a certified nursing assistant at Barnes-Jewish Extended Care, now Bethesda Nursing Home. She went on to become a patient care technician at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and later a nurse at the VA.

She once heard someone say, ‘teamwork makes the dream work’ and it inspired her to put that to work. “I try to show others that if we are all working together, it can work,” she said.

Meeks is extremely dedicated to the veteran population. She comes to work with exuberance, always willing to serve, providing exceptional care. “The best part about my job is being able to educate patients to treat themselves better and to have an improved quality of life,” said Terica Meeks, nurse practitioner at VA St. Louis Health Care System.

That environment extends into the halls.

There are some patients in the VA that are put on hospice. To alert others, Meeks developed

One of her first memories as a nurse was when a terminally ill patient thanked her. When people are terminal or when they receive a bad prognosis, they can become bitter or angry, but this patient was grateful. “Those two simple words, ‘thank you’ have lasted me 20 years,” she said. “Not every patient says thank you.”

Meeks has an infectious spirit and works extremely well with her peers. She is very compassionate towards her co-workers, always putting their needs before hers. She looks at the big picture,

TERICA MEEKS, RN, MSN, AGNP-C VA ST. LOUIS HEALTH CARE SYSTEM

a creative and thoughtful way to identify those special patients. Peace lily signs are placed on the doors of those patients under hospice care.

This lets everyone know those particular patients are under palliative care and to keep the noise down and to look out for the patient and their family members.

“Nursing is not just a job for me — it’s a passion,” Meeks said. “There’s nothing on earth I find more passionate than the art of nursing — that’s why I love what I do.”

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SUNDAY, MAY 6, 2018 | NURSES: THE HEART OF HEALTH CARE

JANE WILLIAMS

By Jennifer Mason, Marketing Content Contributor

Jane Williams was only 15 years old when she dipped her toe in the health care field. During high school, she provided private duty care for a resident during the evenings and weekends.

“I made $13 a shift, and thought I was making big money back then,” said Jane Williams, registered nurse at Delmar Gardens of Creve Coeur.

Williams continued with long-term care and moved around from various departments including, dietary, housekeeping and laundry.

She later became a certified nursing assistant, followed by a certified medication technician

Williams is a RN, board certified in gerontology (RN-BC). She is the director of nursing and is making a difference in the lives of her residents each day. Working in geriatrics, longterm nurses often have to do everything for the patient. They care for the elderly by holding their hands, providing encouragement, sharing stories and making the residents laugh, all while providing dedicated hands-on nursing care.

“Not only am I their nurse, but I am their friend, confidante and social worker,” she said.

“I am m the person they can count on when they need h or don’t know how to do something.” d help

RN, C Delmar Gardens of Creve Coeur

County and for the Missouri Department of Health. Being ready for any situation is one of her strong suits.

The Delmar Gardens Family is guided by a tradition of providing the highest quality care with sensitivity and dignity to the senior population. Williams exemplifies the philosophy of Delmar Gardens: Caring for Seniors with Love, Care and Understanding. “Never do anything that you wouldn’t want done to yourself or to your loved ones,” she said.

Willia ams explains procedures and outcomes with p h preciseness, but also empathy. She shares person nal experiences to help guide and comfort family members during tough times. Sharing hu ugs and tears is a special way she relates with em mployees, residents and the family members.. “I “ also help residents transition from life to dea ath,” she said. “Those are moments I will neverr forget.” f Thiss amazing a bedside manner along with strong c g clinical and managerial skills makes Willia ams one of a kind.

JANE WILLIAMS, RN, C - DELMAR GARDENS OF CREVE COEUR

(CMT). It was during her time as a CMT where she encountered a nurse not fulfilling the needs of one of her patients. The next day she made the decision to enroll in nursing school.

When asked about her greatest accomplishment, Williams didn’t hesitate with the answer of becoming a nurse. She was single, working full-time and attending nursing school. “Nursing school was hard, but well worth it,” she said. “I spent all of my time studying to be a nurse.”

An employee of Delmar Gardens since 1981,

Besidees her nursing duties, Williams participatess in i staff and resident events. She rides the bus wiith the residents to the Cardinals game, friess fish fi during the Father’s Day fish fry and cookss pancakes p at the resident breakfastt buffets. b Williams also strivess to make the health caree community c in St. Lou ouis stronger and mo efficient. d more She ta akes an active ro ole speaking wiithin the L o n g -Te r m Care Emergency Network in St. Lou ouis

SUNDAY, MAY 6, 2018 | NURSES: THE HEART OF HEALTH CARE

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What Makes a Good Nurse?

We all likely have interacted with a high-quality nurse, either directly or indirectly. What makes them so relatable to patients? What personal characteristics make them great at their jobs?

Content and photo by Green Shoot Media

Nurses are special people skilled in both fast-paced settings and more intimate moments with patients and their families.

They take pride in remaining calm under pressure and collaborating with physicians to make decisions that have long-lasting impact.

Read on for some key personality traits of nursing professionals. If you’re considering becoming a nurse, try to emulate these characteristics as you build your skillset.

COMPASSION The nurse-patient relationship is unique. Patients depend on nurses to deliver critical care in sometimes harrowing situations. Nurses depend on physicians for the directives they must carry out.

We put a great deal of trust in our nurses to respon-

sibly and competently execute a quality care plan. If you’re a nurse, you understand the importance of not only following best practice standards, but also the importance of delivering excellent care to patients through compassion and empathy.

sicians, technicians, office staff and administration.

A nurse who struggles with relationship-building can hold the team back in delivering outstanding patient care.

SELF-DIRECTED Nurses are highly collaborative but able to take charge when needed. On many shifts, nurses may be responsible for multiple patients in various rooms.

Being able to create an effective plan to care for these patients is critical to a nurse’s success.

Nurses must be focused and careful when it comes to administering IVs, dispensing medication or delivering news. The best nurses are confident in themselves and skilled in taking control of high-stress situations.

RELATIONSHIP-FOCUSED Nurses continuously work with medical professionals from across the organization. This includes phy-

Being relationship-focused means taking the time to learn about others around you. Talk with people with sincerity and authenticity – and watch your relationships thrive. This goes for colleagues, community partners and, of course, your patients.

Starting a New Job

The nursing profession allows for great career flexibility and advancement, but sometimes that requires leaving your current health care organization for a new opportunity.

Content and photo by Green Shoot Media

If you’re starting a new nursing role, you know the feelings of anxiety and self-doubt that come with the process. Have you made the right decision? Will this new opportunity really be the right step for you?

These feelings are completely natural. The key to overcoming them will be getting off on the right foot as you transition into your new role.

Rely on them for advice and guidance as you make your next career move. Ask for the help in researching the organization and the leadership staff already in place.

If your mentor has been in the industry long enough, he might know some of the staff members at your new workplace.

Leveraging these kinds of relationships can give you a big head start as you enter a new job.

Read on for tips on how to navigate a career progression in the nursing field.

DON’T GO AT IT ALONE At this point in your career, you have likely found some mentors.

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SUNDAY, MAY 6, 2018 | NURSES: THE HEART OF HEALTH CARE

of discomfort associated with taking on a new role.

Your team members will rally around you to make sure you’re at ease. Socialization is crucial to forming these bonds, so do not turn down opportunities to get together after work. These off-hours sessions can be instrumental in building team camaraderie.

SET GOALS

BUILD IMMEDIATE BONDS

Do you have some immediate and long-term goals in taking this new role? Maybe you’re focused on becoming a charge nurse in the emergency room, or earning a master’s degree in nursing through night courses as you hold down regular hours.

Walk into your new organization with the goal of forming new relationships from day one. Be open and honest in your conversations as you learn the ropes. Admit to the feelings

Whatever your priorities, it is important to have goals with your new organization. Communicate these objectives to your superiors so they can advocate for you and cheer you on as you succeed.

Handling Rotating Shifts

Life for a nurse can be hectic. With fluctuating schedules and high-stress situations, the nursing profession requires patience and the ability to handle multiple challenges.

Content by Green Shoot Media

A rotating shift consists of morning, evening and night shifts altering during the month. This type of schedule can help prevent burnout, especially for nurses who work in organizations serving high volumes of patients.

The next time you chat with a nurse, let her know you appreciate the long hours she is putting in. You might just make her day.

VARIABLE SCHEDULES Many nurses work multiple days in a row with multiple days off. This can take some getting used to but is generally a preferred setup for professionals in the demanding health care field.

Nurses who work variable shifts have to be ready for anything, all while maintaining an energy level and focus that results in optimal performance.

should look to vegetables for the vitamins and minerals they need to balance their workloads.

Eat a healthy balance of colorful vegetables every day and watch your energy level increase. Avoid foods high in carbohydrates to avoid crashing when your energy runs out.

Looking for something more custom? Meet

with a local dietitian — or one who works at your health care organization — to put together a custom nutrition plan for you.

Hydration also is a key factor in maintaining your body. If you have trouble remembering to drink water during your shift, schedule a personal water and bathroom break to coincide with a patient’s routine medication or check-in. This will keep you on track as you keep up with your work responsibilities.

Here is what a variable shift might look like in a given week: • 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. on Monday night; • 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Wednesday; and • 3 p.m. to 3 a.m. on Thursday Adjusting your work-life balance around a changing schedule can be difficult. Pulling it off requires an understanding of what your body and energy level can handle.

DIET AND EXERCISE ARE KEY When it comes to preparing your body for challenging, inconsistent work schedules, the way you treat it can make a big difference in your sustainability.

Professionals lacking regular sleep

SUNDAY, MAY 6, 2018 | NURSES: THE HEART OF HEALTH CARE

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SUNDAY, MAY 6, 2018 | NURSES: THE HEART OF HEALTH CARE