APP APPRECIATION ISSUE
SEASONAL ILLNESS UPDATES/PEARLS
APP SPOTLIGHTS FROM OUR CLINICAL EXCELLENCE AWARD RECIPIENTS
UPCOMING EVENTS/CME
HAPPY FALL Y’ALL!!!
INDEPENDENCE HEALTH SYSTEM
APP NEWSLETTER
This fall has really been flying by. I am sure a lot of us have found ourselves to be much busier than usual given the inevitable increase in seasonal illnesses. I can only speak to urgent care and boy oh boy… there have been so many upper respiratory viruses this season and sneaky pneumonias: kids and adults. I hope you are all staying as safe as you can from catching these germs yourselves.
I know the media has been all over the spike in pediatric pneumonias. There has also been talk of pertussis outbreaks recently. According to the CDC, whooping cough cases are on the rise for 2024, noting that this year has had nearly six times as many reported cases as last year. Young children and the elderly continue to be two of the most vulnerable populations, as with many illnesses. CDC encourages vaccination to aid in preventing the spread of pertussis (DTap/Tdap).
Another notable rise for 2024 has been seen with Mycoplasma Pneumoniae infections, specifically in young children. CDC reports that cases of M. Pneuomiae have remained high since this past August. The media has highlighted this increase and pointed out that often if M. Pneumoniae infections progress to pneumonia, symptoms can be quite mild, encouraging use of the term “walking pneumonia.” From an urgent care standpoint, there have been many cases where my peers and I are surprised to find pneumonia/consolidation on CXRs of healthy appearing/happy/talkative/energetic children. We have all seemed to adjust our practice accordingly, this year especially.
In addition to the above illnesses, we continue to see Flu, COVID, and many other respiratory viruses making their rounds as I am sure you all have as well. Drink your water, take your vitamins, and stay healthy friends! Keep crushing it out there.
Katelyn
Welcome to the APP Appreciation Issue of the Independence Health System Newsletter
We have so much to celebrate! Thank you so much to those of you who attended and helped with the APP appreciation and Fellowship Reunion Celebration in September. The turnout was great, not to mention the refreshments were quite yummy. We were able to acknowledge so many of you who have been going above and beyond and who have proved to be great assets to our health system. Rachel received so many beautiful comments with the nominations.
This issue we will be highlighting six incredible APPs: three from the north market and three from the south market. These individuals have wholeheartedly earned their clinical excellence awards this year. The Clinical Excellence Awards are presented to APPs that exemplify IHS core values and excel in outstanding patient care, education, mentorship, professional advocacy, humanitarian service and/or collaboration. The recipients must also have worked for our health system for more than one year.
Please join us in celebrating these six incredible women.
“One person can make a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.”
-Jane Goodall
April Pryor, CRNP
Independence Health System: Butler Cardiology
What is your favorite thing(s) about your career?
Getting to know my patients and learning more about them! I especially enjoy getting to know our veterans and the elderly population and hearing their life experiences and how their medical ailments were treated previously, especially with limited income/resources. It's truly amazing how medicine has evolved!!
What are your favorite activities outside of work?
Spending time with my family! As a working mom of 3 kiddos, time is limited and goes too fast. I look forward to every Friday evening when we have family movie night and eat pizza and popcorn!
Which of the five senses would you say is your strongest?
Smell. Which isn't always a good thing! Haha
What is the one thing you cannot live without?
My family! They're my biggest supporters who push me every day to be the best version of myself that I can be. I want to make them proud and set an example for my girls that they can do anything if they work hard.
Alayna Link, CRNP
Independence Health System: Butler Cardiology
What is your current role like?
I round on inpatients in the hospital. I see patients in the outpatient setting in Clarion and Butler. I also help with training our new hires.
What are your future goals?
I would like to continue to grow in my current role and look into leadership opportunities.
Who do you admire most?
My Mom. She has always been a full-time working mom. She has taught me to work hard for what I want!
What/Where was your favorite vacation?
My family has vacationed to Myrtle Beach every year. It is now a tradition for my children as well. We go every summer with the whole family, and it is an amazing time!
Alanna Cellini, PA-C
Independence Health System: Butler Women’s Health
What is your current role like?
My current role with Women’s Care is split between an office setting and an operative setting. I spend half of my time assisting in the operating room with procedures such as cesarean sections and hysterectomies. The other half of the time I am seeing office patients for women of all ages, helping them through each phase of their life.
What are your favorite activities outside of work?
When I am not at work, I am most likely spending all of my time with my 1 ½ year old daughter Mila. We enjoy play dates at the park, shopping, and spending time with family and friends.
What/Where was your favorite vacation?
My favorite vacation was in Maui, Hawaii. We were able to hike and explore the island. The scenery was beautiful!
What is your favorite thing about your career?
My favorite thing about my career is being able to assist with bringing new life into the world and helping women navigate their pregnancies and the adjustment to motherhood.
Amy Acie, CRNA
Independence Health System: Westmoreland Anesthesia
What is your favorite thing(s) about your career?
Building relationships with patients, ensuring their safety and comfort, and contributing to successful surgical outcomes are some of my favorite things about my career. Additionally, the role offers a blend of autonomy and collaboration within a healthcare team, allowing for continuous learning and professional growth.
What is your current role like?
I am currently the Chief CRNA for the Westmoreland campus at Independence Healthcare System. I manage 25 CRNA’s and 3 anesthesia technicians. Some of my duties include anesthesia scheduling, anesthesia staffing, payroll, policies, education, Cerner training and support, running the daily OR schedule in collaboration with the charge anesthesiologist and OR manager, and clinical patient care.
What inspired you about your career?
When I was an adolescent, I was diagnosed with a rare disease called Guillain -Barre Syndrome. I was paralyzed and on a ventilator for several months. While hospitalized, I received the most outstanding care and empathy from some of the most exceptional nurses. Their professionalism, excellence and dedication to my care inspired me to become a nurse.
What career highlight is you’re most favorite?
My most favorite career highlight was graduating from anesthesia school and becoming the Chief CRNA at Westmoreland Hospital.
What was your first job?
My first job as a registered nurse was working on a very busy medical-surgical floor at St. Francis Hospital in Pittsburgh. It taught me organization, time management, teamwork and skills that created a foundation I could build upon throughout my career.
Laura Delliquadri, Independence Health System: Excela Primary Care in North Huntington
What is your favorite thing(s) about your career?
I get paid to take care of people.
What are your favorite hobbies outside of work?
I recently bought a camper, so now I try to spend as much time as I can by a campfire.
What are your future goals?
Retirement!
If you came with a warning label, what would it say?
Careful- straight shooter ahead!
What was your first job?
Bone Marrow Transplant Cancer Center in Buffalo NY from 1992-1993.
What career highlight is your most favorite?
Being named to the Physician’s Health Program in Harrisburg and being able to make a PSA for them
What is one thing you cannot live without?
Dogs!
Do you have any favorite hobbies?
Swimming, camping, hiking, clay shoots.
Amy Beckner, CRNP
Independence Health System: Excela Pulmonary
What is your most favorite thing(s) about your career?
Helping patients improve their quality of life.
What is your current role like?
My current role as a pulmonary CRNP includes treating the acutely ill on the inpatient side as well as managing patients with chronic conditions on the outpatient side.
What are your hobbies outside of work?
Snowboarding and playing with my kids.
If you could hire a personal assistant, what would it be for?
Cleaning.
UPCOMING EVENTS AND CME
Don’t’ forget your flu shot!
Flu shots will continue to be offered for employees through December 1, 2024
Butler Employee Health, 5th Floor of BMH
Monday through Friday 7am- 3:30 pm
Clarion Employee Health, 24 Doctors Lane Suite 300 Tuesdays 7am- 3:30 pm
Proof of vaccination or exemption due by December 15, 2024.
Save the date: January 8, 2025 unwrAPPed CME followed by APP Committee meeting, details to follow
Feeling overwhelmed?
Support group for healthcare professionals, one remaining date: Thursday December 19, 2024
Blessed Sacrament Cathedral, Formation Center 300 North Main Street, Greensburg Call 724-516-8605 to register ,
Caring Angel Basket Event and 50/50 Raffle
Butler Memorial Hospital December 5-12, 2024
Monday/Wednesday/Friday 7am-7pm Tuesday/Thursday 9am- 5pm Saturday/Sunday 10am- 4pm
Open to the public, visit the Loop for further details
Anesthesiology:
Kristen C. Tarr, CRNA
Brendan Ignatz, CRNA
Matthew Loftus, CRNA
