SALUTE to Nurses
A SPECIAL SECTION OF THE WATERLOO COURIER | MAY 8, 2016
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SALUTE TO NURSES
Nurses, assistants fill need for care in schools ANDREW WIND andrew.wind@wcfcourier.com
WATERLOO — When Stephanie Giesler was earning her degree, she didn’t expect to become a public health nurse working in a school district. “I made fun of people who might do this job,” she said recently while walking back to class with an Irving Elementary School student who had stopped in her office. Irving is one of the three buildings she covers in her nursing duties with Waterloo Community Schools. “A lot of people don’t think we’re really nurses,” Giesler said, noting she didn’t think at the time that the job was for her. “I was going to do something super exciting, like a flight nurse.” She did spend a year working in a doctor’s office and on the cardiac floor of a hospital. But circumstances eventually led to school nursing after Giesler, with two young children, became a single parent. She has worked at Irving and other district schools for nine years. “This just fit better with my kids’ schedule,” she said. “Then I ended up really liking this.” Janet Williams, a school nurse for 15 years, also finds the work appealing. “I love my job, you can probably see that,” she said recently while dealing with students at Lincoln Elementary School in Cedar Falls. She appreciates “the chance to work with kids and make a difference in their lives. It puts me in my sweet spot.” Williams has worked full time in the Cedar Falls Community Schools since fall of 2010. Both women are employed by the Black Hawk County Health Department, which contracts with each district to provide nursing services in schools. A total of five full-time registered nurses work in Waterloo Schools, each covering three schools, with another three part-time nurses also working in the schools. Cedar Falls Schools has three RNs, each covering three schools, and a part-time nurse. Giesler also works at Hoover Middle School and Lou Henry Elementary. Williams’ other buildings are Cedar Falls High School and North Cedar Elementary. Additionally, every school in both districts has a health assistant who works six to seven hours per day. “There’s a lot of need here,” Giesler said of Irving. Two ill students rested on chaise lounges in the corner of the room while other children briefly passed
COURTNEY COLLINS / COURIER STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Irving Elementary school nurse Stephanie Giesler checks the oxygen level of student Romel Stewart. through the office with various health issues. She and health assistant Bonnie Ahlhelm were making calls on behalf of the sick students, trying to reach parents. Typically, Giesler starts her morning at Irving and Lou Henry before moving on to the much-larger Hoover. “I spend most of my time at Hoover,” she said. When nurses aren’t at a school, the health assistant takes care of needs and contacts the nurse via cell phone for any needed consultations. “I don’t know what we’d do as nurses without our health assistants,” said Giesler. At Lincoln, Williams was talking to a kindergartner about gargling with salt water to help her sore throat. Meanwhile, health assistant Deb Dagit was straight-
On the cover: Photo by MATTHEW PUTNEY / Courier Photo Editor Janet Williams, a nurse for multiple Cedar Falls schools, sings a song to kindergartner Summer Mullins in the nurse’s office at Cedar Falls Lincoln Elementary School.
“When you have a team like this, you can capitalize on your individual skills. It helps to work with people that are so good at what they do.”
ening out a pair of glasses frames the girl had been wearing that were a bit crooked. It’s the kind of repair Dagit learned to do when she worked at Wolfe Eye Clinic beJanet Williams, school nurse fore coming to Lincoln. “When you have a team like this,
SALUTE TO NURSES
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Sixth-grader Jack Jarchow, a diabetic, goes over his blood glucose levels with school nurse Janet Williams at Lincoln Elementary School in Cedar Falls. you can capitalize on your individual skills,” said Williams, noting the good communication between the pair. “It helps to work with people that are so good at what they do.” She typically starts her day at the high school before the health assistant arrives. Williams visits Lincoln around 10 a.m. to oversee procedures for a couple of students. One of those is sixth-grader Jack Jarchow, a diabetic who needs to check his blood glucose level, which he always does before and after physical education class. Williams often heads to North Cedar and then back to the high school before finishing her afternoon at Lincoln. When a situation arises at a school when she is elsewhere, she’ll do an assessment over the phone. That may happen for “anything that might need a diagnosis” — such as broken bones, head injuries, ear pain or rashes. Williams said the biggest concerns she deals with at school include cardiac issues, seizures, asthma, diabetes and
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COURTNEY COLLINS / COURIER STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Irving Elementary school nurse Stephanie Giesler looks up contact information for an ill student. life-threatening allergic reactions. Students, who are often unclear about the roles of the nurse and health assistant, at times insist Dagit is the nurse. “Sometimes, when I come at the end of the day, the kids say, ‘Where’s the nurse?’” Williams recounted. When Williams tells the students that she is the nurse, some children
will reply, “No, the real nurse,” she said. It takes little time to deal with the needs of most children, who are in and out of the nurse’s office quickly. “That’s what I see our job is, to assist our students that have physical, mental and emotional needs and get them back to their learning environment,” said Williams.
319.272.2002 :: cvhospice.org :: 800.617.1972 waterloo . grundy center . independence waverly . hospice home
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SALUTE TO NURSES
California native finds niche as ICU nurse at UnityPoint Health-Allen Iowa has been good to Keegan Overbey. The Modesto, Calif., native originally came to compete — he wrestled at Central College. He stayed for an education — he has degrees from Central College in Pella and Allen College in Waterloo. And now he’s building a career. Overbey works as a nurse in the intensive care unit at UnityPoint Health-Allen Hospital. He started at Allen Hospital on a different floor last year, but a nurturing, welcoming environment has helped Overbey find his footing in a new profession. “Everybody is real open,” he said. “As a new nurse, you don’t know everything, but if
Looking for
Direction look to Allen College
you have questions about anything, everyone is real helpful getting you on the right track.” While at Allen College, Overbey completed clinical rotations just across the street at Allen Hospital, and having that strong connection was important. When a cash bonus entered the equation, staying in Waterloo was an easy choice. Allen Hospital is currently offering a $10,000 sign-on bonus in exchange for a threeyear commitment. “The sign-on bonus was part of the decision,” Overbey said. Still, he’s not done and neither is UnityPoint Health in helping young nurses build Associate of Science in Radiography (ASR) Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHS) Medical Laboratory Science Nuclear Medicine Technology Diagnostic Medical Sonography Public Health Dental Hygiene
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Keegan Overbey originally wanted to be a physical therapist, but found his joy and purpose as a nurse. careers. Overbey is currently in his second semester in the master’s program at Allen College and will graduate in 2018 as a nurse practitioner. Approximately $5,250 per year of Allen College tuition costs will be reimbursed as a UnityPoint Health benefit. Full-time employees also enjoy benefits such as 401(k) with base contributions and an equivalent of 3 percent match by UnityPoint Health. The plan has all come to-
gether for Overbey ever since originally studying to become a physical therapist. He quickly found out it wasn’t for him and soon found himself on track to becoming a nurse. “I was talking to my professor during some clinical hours, I threw out some things that I like to do and she pointed me in the direction of nursing,” he said. “I took a CNA class, became a nurse aide and have gone from there.” Overbey originally started
at Allen Hospital as a student nurse tech and, essentially, never left. As a nurse on 3-medical, he learned some of the basics before moving to the ICU where he enjoys caring for patients in a high-acuity environment. “To come to Allen, I’d say it’s an open atmosphere and a team environment in terms of helping each other,” Overbey said. “To be a nurse in general, it’s pretty rewarding and it’s fun for me.”
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Traditional, Upper Division Accelerated Option RN-BSN Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy (MS in OT) Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Nurse Practitioner tracks in four areas Nursing Education Nursing Leadership Community/Public Health Nursing Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Doctor of Education in Health Professions Education (EdD)
(319) 226-2014
www.allencollege.edu
Allen College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, marital status, sex, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity.
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SALUTE TO NURSES
2016 Iowa Wheaton Outstanding Nurses to be recognized Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare–Iowa is proud to host its 10th Iowa Wheaton Outstanding Nurses (IWON) event, a program honoring exceptional nurses at Covenant Medical Center in Waterloo, Sartori Memorial Hospital in Cedar Falls, Mercy Hospital in Oelwein and Covenant Clinic locations. Nurses are recognized in several categories — Patient-Focused Care, Therapeutic Relationships, Art and Science of Nursing, Evidence-Based Practice, Leadership and Rising Stars. Patient-Focused Care honorees are Lisa VanNatta, RN, and Daniel Penn, LPN. VanNatta has provided care in the Medical-Surgical unit at Sartori Memorial Hospital for more than 26 years. Penn works as a resource nurse in Covenant Clinic and floats to 10 internal medicine and surgical sub-specialty clinics. Becky Shirk, RN, is being recognized for Therapeutic Relationships. The bond she builds with her patients in Home Health makes a world of difference. She has the right mix of professionalism, caring and perseverance to make the biggest impact in their lives. Nursing is an art and a science, and both nurses selected for the Art and Science of Nursing category are experts. Leslie Farley, RN, is on the medical unit specializing in oncology; and Susan Wirtjes is an RN educator in the Family Birth Center. Teresa Culpepper is Evidence-Based Practice nurse of 2016. Evidence-based practice involves using current research on patient care delivery and a commitment to education. Culpepper has cared for patients on general floors, ICU and is now a registered nurse in the Special Care Rehabilitation unit. Melissa Schnackenberg embodies all the qualities of our Leadership category. Schnack-
Hospital; and Stephanie Hall, RN, who works in the Covenant Medical Center ER. Wheaton Iowa is also recognizing 25 individuals who have qualified for the Nursing Clinical Ladder, a program that helps identify nurses who are
going above and beyond in their department and their community. This program also helps these nurses develop professionally. The IWON event will be May 10 at the Waterloo Center for the Arts.
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Brittany Garrison, BSN, RN, is recognized as a Rising Star by Iowa Wheaton Outstanding Nurses.
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Cassie Schuetz, RN, is recognized as a Rising Star by Iowa Wheaton Outstanding Nurses. enberg is a registered nurse in the Family Birth Center NICU at Covenant Medical Center. She not only demonstrates leadership skills but also works to improve knowledge in herself and others. Two nurses earn the Rising Star Award, which is presented to a nurse in their first three years of practice. Brittany Garrison, RN, started in May 2015 on the cardiac and nephrology floor. Cassie Schuetz began her nursing career with Wheaton in September 2014 and is an RN on Covenant Medical Center’s post-surgical unit. Also being recognized at this year’s IWON event are
Mary Ferrell, BSN, RN, director of Cardiopulmonary Services, and Linda Lyons, MSN, RN, director of Medical Surgical Services. These two leaders are part of this year’s 100 Great Iowa Nurses, a program honoring those across the state who have made lasting contributions to patients, colleagues and the nursing profession. The Nancy Weber Scholarship is used to provide education for an associate who wants to pursue his or her bachelor of science in nursing. This year the scholarship is being awarded to Amy Ekstrand, RN, who serves Medical Surgical Services at Mercy
We congratulate our 2016 Iowa Wheaton Outstanding Nurses! Teresa Culpepper Amy Ekstrand Leslie Farley Mary Ferrell Brittany Garrison Stephanie Hall Linda Lyons Daniel Penn Melissa Schnackenberg Cassie Schuetz Becky Shirk Lisa VanNatta
You can join them! Be part of our nursing team. Visit WheatonIowa.org/ employment
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SALUTE TO NURSES
At Friendship Village, patients find comfort, trust in nurses
MyNurse
Remi Cehic
Sherry Turner
Tammy Meier
Asst. Dir of Nursing
Director of Nursing
Asst. Dir of Nursing
“
When you have an illness or injury you need to feel you can trust the nurse and staff taking care of you. At Friendship Village, we treat each resident as if they were members of our own family. They trust us with their lives, and we take that responsibility very seriously. Sherry Turner, RN, Director of Nursing
”
(319) 291-8100 FriendshipVillageIowa.com
When you are ill or have an injury, you don’t call a lobbyist or a telemarketer — two of the least trusted job titles in America, according to a Gallup poll. First, they might not be able to tell a stress fracture from a distressed cabinet. More importantly, the person you most likely trust the most is a nurse. Nurses have topped Gallup’s Honesty and Ethics ranking every year but one since 1999. The exception is 2001, when firefighters claimed the top spot shortly after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. With an 85 percent honesty and ethics rating in 2015 — tying their high point — nurses have no serious competition atop the Gallup ranking among adults aged 18 and older across the United States. Pharmacists and medical doctors constitute the next tier, with about twothirds of Americans viewing each highly, followed by high school teachers at 60 percent. Nurses play an important role in health care throughout a person’s entire life. Their responsibilities and importance continue to grow in restorative and preventative care. Pre-natal and well-baby checks all the way through hospice means nurses care for people all of their lives. Nurses become increasingly important as a person enters their 60s and beyond. As the aging process becomes more noticeable, health can suffer. Nurses and their support staff, including certified nursing associates (CNAs), step up to provide counsel, therapy, encouragement and treatment. Continuum of care communities, like Friendship Village, employ nurses and CNAs to serve the medical requirements of patients. Lisa Gates, CEO of Friendship Village, talked about the importance of nurses to her organiza-
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“Nurses equal trust. Being trained, skilled, approachable and caring ... these are the things we are known for. Our nursing staff lives that out every day. They are so good at what they do because they treat every resident with dignity, kindness and professionalism.” Lisa Gates, CEO of Friendship Village tion. “Nurses equal trust,” she said. “Being trained, skilled, approachable and caring ... these are the things we are known for. Our nursing staff lives that out every day. They are so good at what they do because they treat every resident with dignity, kindness and professionalism.” “Residents trust us because of our training and because we treat them with dignity – like
family – no matter what we do for them,” said Sherry Turner, RN and director of nursing for Friendship Village. “Nurses take care of a variety of needs every shift they work; from as simple as giving a resident nutritional advice or taking a blood pressure reading to something more complex like end-of-life care and comfort.” So, the next time you have a medical need, turn to a trusted resource – your nurse.
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Urgency or emergency? How to pick where to go for unplanned medical attention hen unexpected health misW haps arise, many people’s first reaction is to head to an emergency room. But when those illnesses and injuries aren’t true emergencies, not knowing the best option for care can end up costing both time and money. So how can you know where to go when medical attention is needed?
Urgency or emergency?
Dr. Robert Kimball, president of the board of directors, Urgent Care Association of America (UCAOA). “While ERs are best equipped to handle life-threatening illnesses and injuries, it’s important that patients are aware that there are more affordable options available for less serious situations.” Due to shorter wait times – 90 percent of urgent care centers offer a wait time of 30 minutes or less, according to the 2015 UCAOA Benchmarking Survey – and much lower prices, urgent care centers are a more convenient and affordable option than, but not a substitute for, an emergency room. When care is needed for true emergency situations, such as heart attacks, strokes, major bleeding or severe burns, it’s vital to go to an emergency room immediately, as urgent care centers are not equipped or designed to treat life- or limb-threatening conditions.
Urgent care centers provide a way to keep up with patients’ daily healthcare needs, serving as a vital link between the emergency room and primary care physicians. “Urgent care is growing across the country because it provides patients with an alternative to the emergency room, which can be too costly and time-consum- Dollars and sense ing for situations like common When patients visit an emerillnesses and minor injuries,” said gency room for a non-emer-
gency, they risk incurring a substantial financial loss. Emergency rooms are more expensive, charging an average of $1,300 for treatment of non-life-threatening situations, while urgent care centers charge an average of just $150, according to a Medical Expenditure Panel Survey. Plus, 27 percent of all emergency room visits could take place at an urgent care center, which would save American consumers approximately $4.4 billion annually, according to “Health Affairs.” Additionally, many insurance plans feature lower co-pays for urgent care services than treatment in an emergency room.
Understanding the options
“With a growing variety of facilities available, patients need to take care to understand their options,” Kimball said. “The rise of free-standing emergency rooms is especially concerning because they look like urgent care centers. While they may seem convenient at the time,
the emergency room prices can cause sticker shock for patients who aren’t aware of the distinction.” Free-standing emergency rooms are not physically connected to a hospital and are located in areas similar to urgent care centers, so it can be easy to confuse the two. A free-standing emergency room will offer emergency care –
and charge emergency room prices. Patients should be sure to confirm the type of facility they’re visiting, as treatment at a free-standing ER may cost thousands of dollars more than an urgent care center. To find a conveniently located urgent care center near you, visit whereisurgentcare.com. Source: Family Features
At Country View, our nurses make a positive difference in the lives of those we serve by offering exceptional compassionate care. Country View appreciates each one of you for your dedication.
Thank you for all ThaT you do!
Country View
1410 W. Dunkerton Rd. Waterloo, IA 50703 319-291-2509 www.countryviewcc.com SHUTTERSTOCK PHOTO
Thank you to all of our hard working, compassionate and caring nurses!
La Porte City Specialty Care NorthCrest Specialty Care - Waterloo Ravenwood Specialty Care - Waterloo Windsor Specialty Care - Cedar Falls Care Initiatives Hospice - Cedar Valley
careinitiatives.org | careinitiativeshospice.org
Nurses SALUTE TO
Join our Growing Team Now Hiring Full and Part-time Positions! •RN-ER •RN-Med/Surg •LPN-Long Term Care •RN Surgery • Great Benefits (IPERS, 403b, Medical, Dental, Vision) • Competitive wages • RN sign-on bonus • Tuition Assistance • Employee discounted services To apply for one of our open positions, visit bchealth.org, “Careers.” BCHC is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V
BCHC
1600 1st St E • Independence, lA 50644
bchealth.org • 319.332.0999 Connect with us!
Current Nurse Openings: Birthing Center (PRN & Weekend Package) Medical-Surgical (PRN & Part-time) Surgery (Full-time) Apply online at WaverlyHealthCenter.org/employment
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• Flexible schedule • Full benefits package • Family-friendly environment
Career Opportunities • RN-LPN-MA • Mid-Level Providers • X-Ray Techs • Front Desk Specialists • Accounts Receivable Specialists 235-5390 • 4150 Kimball • Waterloo www.cedarvalleymedical.com
Cedar Valley Hospice is hiring RNs to provide compassionate, end-of-life care to patients in their homes within our service area.
$1,000 $IGN-ON BONU$! (for full-time nurses)
Qualifications: Current RN licensure with 2 years RN experience preferred. Current Iowa driver’s license and reliable vehicle also required.
Apply at cvhospice.org EOE/Post offer physical, tb and drug screen required.
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SALUTE TO NURSES
Flexibility, financial aid help Western Home nurses advance their careers You don’t have to finish nursing school before getting a job in your field – if you find a supportive employer who makes it possible to work and go to school simultaneously. Licensed practical nurse Kate Leopard started volunteering at Western Home Communities before she was even a teenager. Her long-time interest in working with older adults became a career with steady advancement thanks to flexible scheduling, tuition reimbursement and scholarships offered by Western Home Communities. “I can’t imagine working anywhere else,” Leopard says. “At Thalman Square, we focus on quality of life as defined by the residents. We have the privilege of helping families make the most of their time with loved ones.”
man Square Memory Support Assisted Living. Leopard was able to keep juggling school, work and family because of supervisor support. “We care about our nurses’ personal and professional goals; in fact, we just added student loan repayment as another benefit for them,” said Sharon Lukes, RN, BSN, senior director of assisted living. “Nurses who want to advance their education have our support.” Ally Pike knows this firsthand. The nurse at Windhaven Assisted Living takes advantage of flexible scheduling COURTESY PHOTO and tuition reimbursement as Windhaven Assisted Living nurse Ally Pike, right, enjoys spending time she completes the LPN to BSN program at Allen College. She with residents such as Charlotte Krueger. Pike is working toward a plans to finish in December and bachelor of science in nursing degree. She juggles work and school wants to stay on at Windhaven thanks to flexible schedules offered by Western Home Communities. to maintain important relaSeventeen years ago, Leopard tified nurse assistant, LPN and tionships. started as an aide and then cer- now LPN supervisor at Thal“It makes my day when a
family member says, ‘I’m so glad Mom is here.’ That confirms my co-workers and I are making a positive difference in the lives of residents and their families,“ she says, smiling. Pike grew up on a farm, so she enjoys talking about agriculture and the rhythm of the seasons with farmers who live at Windhaven; she loves hearing their stories. Her advice to others who are in the job market includes, “Look for a place where co-workers are in a good mood and everyone is encouraging to each other and to the residents. I have found that here.” Lukes and other leaders appreciate the contributions of professionals like Leopard and Pike. “They become teachers and mentors for other staff members who are following in their path,” Lukes says.
“I watch how my coworkers interact with our residents; they are here for all the right reasons. The love, care and pride is outstanding and it shows every day. We become family to the residents and their families. I can’t imagine working anywhere else!” -Jessica Nieman, Nurse Mentor
Thanks to ALL our nurses for the meaningful work they do each day. Want to join them? LPN and RN benefits include:
• Competitive pay • Health insurance • Student loan repayment • Matching 401(K) • Tuition reimbursement • Paid time off accrues • Continuing education immediately
Call human resources at (319) 277-2141
to ask about starting your career with an Employer of Choice and the Cedar Valley’s first place choice for Best of the Best in assisted living and nursing care.
www.WesternHomeCommunities.org
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SALUTE TO NURSES
Shortage creates career opportunities at senior living sites With nearly 8 million Americans still unemployed, it may be difficult to imagine a labor shortage is on the horizon. Yet many labor experts predict the health care industry is headed in that direction—and older adults may be one of the groups that will suffer the most if a shortage does occur. “The potential lack of nurses in assisted living communities is particularly concerning,” says Kim Estes, senior vice president of clinical services for Brookdale Senior Living. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that by 2022, American health care facilities will need 1 million more nurses than there will be nurses practicing. At the same time, people 65 and older will account for 16 percent of the population, according to the U.S. Census Bureaus. With 85 percent of seniors
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having at least one chronic medical condition, and more than two-thirds having at least two, seniors are the age group most in need of care. Any labor shortage, however, can have a silver lining for those who are willing to train for the understaffed market and pursue
available jobs where the need is greatest. “The nursing shortage, aging population and rising incidence of chronic conditions are creating a perfect storm of opportunity for nurses who want to go into caring for those in assisted living,” Estes says. “Many nurses
CVMS Medical Assistants Admira Arapovic Melissa Nieman Kimberly Browning Lischelle Oliver Susan Even Chandrika Patel Amanda Flynn Kelly Rourke Carmon Halligan Kelsie Ruby Heather Holton Kathy Schmidt Lisa Hovey Jennifer Schoville Rebecca Maldonado Toni Thompson Myeisha Meador Jessica Thorpe Victoria Tudor Roberta Meyer Vanessa Miranda-Grundy Danielle Ungs Kristine Neil Kayla Utter Shakira Neymeyer Sara VanHauen
don’t think about going into senior living as a career path because it’s not a typical hospital or doctor’s office position, but it can be very rewarding. Rather than treating a patient and moving onto another patient, assisted living gives nurses the opportunity to build long-lasting relationships and enrich the lives of residents and their families.” Brookdale’s assisted living communities hire nurses as health and wellness directors. They oversee all clinical services within a community including managing care associates, setting standards, and leading health and wellness programming. Rather than providing daily hands-on care, these nurses shape the overall quality and content of care their community’s seniors receive on a daily basis. The work offers
opportunity to advance to higher-level leadership positions at the district, regional and corporate level which pay significantly more than a typical hospital or physician’s office job. Some healthcare providers are taking action to combat the looming nursing shortage, offering support, training and assistance to people interested in entering the profession. For example, Brookdale is launching a student loan reimbursement program hoping to attract more nurses to work in assisted living. “Whether you’re already working as a nurse, or are considering a career in nursing, working in a senior living community can be professionally, personally and financially rewarding,” Estes says. To learn more about job opportunities at Brookdale Senior Living, visit www.brookdalecareers.com.
CVMS Nursing Staff Chelsea Anderson Tia Bacon Danica Barfels Joan Blanchard Kimberly Boldt Denise Britt Barbara Burkle Chelsea Christensen Kandis Ciesielski Nancy Claassen Jon Clinton Brenda Cooper Jan Davis Kelsey Webb-Davis Rachel DeWalle Scott Doyle Tracy Elliott Laura Foote Sandra Fulcher
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Tara Miller Tracy Mudd Kem Mulder Carmen Mundt Mary Nading Melanie Neff Michelle Nepple Kate Nicholson Kathryn Ogburn Jeanne Olson Anna Persson Lisa Phillips Karen Plum Samantha Pruess Jenny Puls Amanda Ridder Erin Roberts Krystle Roberts Elizabeth Rogers
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SALUTE TO NURSES
Music stirs memories for people with dementia TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — It happens all the time. You can’t recall the lyrics to a familiar song until you hear the music. Then the words come flowing back, as if you’d never forgotten. This phenomenon is at the heart of a new program at Southminster retirement community that uses personally meaningful music and digital technology to improve the quality of life for people whose memories are fading. It’s working for John Robison, 85, a retired Charlotte businessman who lives in the south Charlotte complex. He suffers from dementia and has trouble with short-term memory. But when he dons the ear phones to his iPod, his foot starts tapping and his eyes light up in recognition of songs by the crooners Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole. Robison’s wife, Rooney, 83, who also lives at Southminster, loves watching her husband get pleasure from the music. “It’s so important for people with prolonged memory problems to be able to relate to something in the world that they can still enjoy,” she said. “Every connection you can make is rewarding for the family.” Southminster is the first retirement center in Mecklenburg County to be certified to use the Music & Memory program, which is the subject of a documentary “Alive Inside,” about how music therapy can ease the suffering of people with Alzheimer’s disease. The idea is that songs associated with important personal events can trigger memory for people with dementia, Parkinson’s disease and other diseases that damage brain chemistry. Calming music can enable the listener to focus and regain a connection to others. And ideally, it can also help replace or reduce the use of medicines for anxiety and depression. At Southminster, four residents so far have been outfitted with iPods specifically pro-
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grammed with music that has personal meaning. The center has also provided a $1,000 grant to train others to provide the music program at PACE of the Southern Piedmont, a nonprofit health care provider that helps the frail elderly remain in their homes. In the next month, 10 PACE clients will be using iPods. “Alive Inside” tells the story of Dan Cohen, a New York social worker who founded Music & Memory in 2010. A few years earlier, Cohen had the idea to use iPods, which had been growing in popularity, to provide personalized music for nursing home
residents. It was a hit with residents, staff and families and became the prototype for a bigger effort. With a foundation grant in 2008, Cohen brought 200 iPods to residents of four New York long-term care facilities. Then came the documentary which made the program famous when a video clip of Henry, a nursing home resident reawakened by listening to his Cab Calloway favorites, went viral. Since the founding of Music & Memory, hundreds of care facilities throughout the United States and Canada have imple-
mented personalized music pro- crazy, over my love for you.” grams. Chandler moved around the room, sharing the microphone. Music therapy isn’t new “It won’t be a stylish marSouthminster, like other long- riage,” sang one man in a wheelterm care centers, has long been chair. “I can’t afford a carriage.” using music in group therapy The woman next to him finbefore beginning to distribute ished the verse: “But you’ll look iPods to individuals. sweet, upon the seat, of a bicycle On a recent morning, a group built for two.” of about a dozen residents — Reactions varied, but one some wheelchair-bound and woman in the room who rarely not very responsive — listened to talks opened her eyes and began music and singing led by Made- dancing with her feet. line Chandler, Life Enrichment As the music continued, more people gathered at the Program coordinator. “Daisy, Daisy, give me your answer do,” she sang. “I’m half Please see Music, Page 13
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Kaplan will be with you every step of your career It takes an exceptional individual to be a nurse. It also takes a dedicated educational institution to stand beside you throughout your career. Whether you are already a nurse or have just made the decision to become one, Kaplan University has the people, programs and professional affiliations to help you pursue your educational and career goals. Modern nursing is constantly advancing through new technology, treatments and research. And we know that keeping your knowledge and skills current is the best way to stay at the forefront of the industry. Additionally,
we understand that nursing offers a diverse range of areas to pursue career opportunities, including patient care, administration and teaching, and that your journey may take you in many different directions. The field continues to generate more opportunities for growth, and Kaplan University is proud to provide training and support to prepare beginners and working nurses. Programs offered include: Master of Science in Nursing: Prepare for management-level and advanced practice positions Bachelor of Science
in Nursing — RN-to-BSN: Earn credentials to compete for greater opportunities in nursing Associate of Science in Nursing: Graduate and become eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam The online Bachelor of Science in Nursing—RN-to-BSN program and the online Master of Science in Nursing program at Kaplan University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (www.aacn.nche.edu/ ccne-accreditation). Learn more today at KaplanIowa.com or by calling 277-0220.
Music From 12
door, drawn by the tunes from an earlier generation — “In the Good Old Summertime,” “Ain’t She Sweet,” “Let Me Call You Sweetheart.” Chandler said: “Music is something they will come out for.”
Still something there
Elizabeth Frye, Southminster’s life enrichment and volunteer coordinator, is particularly excited about the new Music & Memory program because it’s so personalized. Compiling a play list of meaningful music for an individual is like writing a biography, she said. It takes time to interview the family and find the right songs. “You have to become a detective,” Frye said. “You need to make sure it’s a song that has meaning.”
The first Southminster resident to get an iPod was a 67-year-old man who had suffered a massive stroke that left him bedridden. Frye said he was chosen because he was refusing to eat, was having a lot of pain and beginning to withdraw from others. When a staffer asked the man to choose songs for his iPod, he wrote out a long list, including an emphasis on songs he didn’t want, such as “Who Let the Dogs Out?” “He stayed up late adding to it every night,” Frye said. “He would call his wife, excited that he thought of a new one to add. It gave him something else to focus on beside his pain.” Just creating the list improved his outlook. He started eating more and being more social. He died unexpectedly only four weeks after getting the iPod. But during the time he participated, Frye said, “His quality of life drastically changed.”
Advancing Achievement in Nursing Nursing is one of the most dynamic professions in the country. More and more, advanced nurses are serving as primary care health care providers. Kaplan University is proud to offer training and support to nurses at every career level.* Programs include: • Master of Science in Nursing Prepare online for management-level and advanced practice positions. • Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-to-BSN) Earn credentials online to compete for greater opportunities in nursing. • Associate of Science in Nursing Graduate and become eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN® exam.† The online Bachelor of Science in Nursing—RN-to-BSN and Master of Science in Nursing programs at Kaplan University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. (www.aacn.nche.edu/ccne-accreditation).
Jeremy
Associate of Science in Nursing 2015
Laura
Bachelor of Science in Nursing 2017
Kristal
Master of Science in Nursing 2015
Learn more at 319.277.0220 or KaplanIowa.com. For comprehensive consumer and gainful employment information, visit Kaplan.edu/info. *Kaplan University cannot guarantee employment or career advancement. † Graduates must meet state licensing and certification requirements and pass the NCLEX-RN exam to become a registered nurse. Check with your state agency for more information. NCLEX is a registered trademark of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, Inc. The University cannot guarantee a student will be eligible to sit for or pass any exams.
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14 | Sunday, May 8, 2016
SALUTE TO NURSES
Jessica Dewey awarded Excellence in Nursing honors
Dewey
Jessica Dewey, BSN, RN, IBCLC, was named Waverly Health Center’s 2016 Excellence in Nursing award winner. Dewey works in the Birthing Center as a registered nurse and also is a certified lactation consultant. Dewey was nominated for her dedication to caring for
moms and newborns by obtaining her certification for lactation consulting. One of her nominators wrote, “Jessica worked hard to meet her goal to support patient outcomes through lactation support. She sought out professional development courses to develop skills and
competencies and obtained certification as a lactation consultant.” Through her role as a lactation consultant, Dewey developed the program at WHC, which includes visiting breastfeeding moms in the birthing center, seeing patients in the Shell Rock Clinic, starting a
breastfeeding support group and spearheading efforts to help WHC become a drop-off site for the Milk Bank of Iowa. The Excellence in Nursing award is given to a deserving nurse each February. It is a chance for patients and co-workers to recognize a nurse who has made an im-
pact on the profession of nursing. Areas of focus for the award include the use of evidence-based practice, community involvement, mentoring, patient-centered care and professional development. Nominations for the award are gathered in November and December.
90-year-old has no plans to leave job she’s had for 70 years ASSOCIATED PRESS
NURSING
EXCELLENCE
Waverly Health Center appreciates our nursing team for providing high quality, patient-centered health care.
SAN FRANCISCO — Talk about a loyal employee: Elena Griffing has just celebrated her 70th year working for the same San Francisco Bay Area hospital, and she has no plans to retire anytime soon. Sutter Health Alta Bates Summit Medical Center has marked Griffing’s milestone and her recent 90th birthday, spokeswoman Carolyn Kemp said. But for Griffing, who has held several different positions in her decades of employment, every day on the job is a celebration. “I can’t wait to come to work every day; this is my hospital,” she said. “I enjoy anything I can do to be of service. Truly, it’s the patient that counts. If it’s helping someone, it’s my bag.” She isn’t kidding. As if her employment longevity weren’t enough, consider this: She has taken only four days of sick leave in her 70 years of work. On a Sunday about 15 years ago, she had her appendix removed at the Berkeley facility. The following day, she put on her robe, walked one floor down from her hospital room and got to work. “It was no big deal,” she said. “There was nothing wrong with my hands, I could still type and do what I had to do.” But when the doctor got wind, he sent her home. Griffing’s first day on the job was April 10, 1946, when she was
AP PHOTO
Patient relations representative Elena Griffing smiles while walking in the lobby at Sutter Health Alta Bates Summit Medical Center in Berkeley, Calif. 20. Back then, the facility was called Alta Bates Community Hospital. She worked there with founder and nurse Alta Alice Miner Bates. In her early years when Bates saw Griffing in the halls of the hospital, she told her to stop wearing her signature 3-inch heels because she might fall and probably would sue the hospital. She has done neither. “I always got that shaking finger at me, and I was always shaking in my boots when I saw her,” she said. She says she only wears 2 1/2inch heels now. Her first job in the hospital was in the laboratory where frogs and rabbits were injected with a woman’s urine to determine if she was
pregnant. Griffing was the righthand woman to the pathologist and quickly became an expert at catheterizing frogs. She also worked with an endocrinologist for 10 years and in the Alta Bates Burn Center for an additional 22 years. She currently works in patient relations four days a week. “I don’t feel any differently than I did when I was 20. I am truly so lucky,” she said. But times have changed since her first day on the job, when the average wage was $2,500 a year and a gallon of gas cost 15 cents. “When I started here, I thought I was making such a lot of money, but I think I was making about $120 a month,” she said.
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SALUTE TO NURSES
At NewAldaya, living better is the daily goal In a world full of change one thing always remains consistence at NewAldaya Lifescapes; the quality of care our staff provides for our residents and their families. At NewAldaya we strive on being the best of the best, from our nursing team to our facility services and dietary teams this past year wouldn’t have been as much of a success without each and every one of our employees. In September 2015, NewAldaya opened its brand new 20-bed facility Memory Care House. Throughout the transition time our nurses showed us why they truly are the best of the best. With NewAldaya’s Christian Caring Mission: Enhancing lives through a commitment to individualized care in a home empowered by God’s love, our nurses truly strive to provide the best care for each and every single one of our residents. Each nurse at NewAldaya is always willing to share — our goals are our resident’s goals. Each of NewAldaya Lifescapes’ 63 nurses offers something different, yet each cares for our residents in the same way. Our nurses continue to show the Cedar Valley what NewAldaya stands for. Our nurses push to be better than they were the day before and strive to make a personal connection with each resident and community member that walks through our doors. Though we continue to push the status quo, our nurses are on the forefront of this push to be drive our business model as the premiere life plan community in the Cedar Valley. The personal connections many of our nurses make with residents and families goes to show the support each res-
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ident has when they choose NewAldaya Lifescapes for their specific needs. We push each resident to Live Better and because of our nurses our residents are. On behalf of the NewAldaya staff and resi-
dents we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all of our nurses here at NewAldaya. We salute you for your continued support and dedication to NewAldaya Lifescapes and our residents.
Here’s to another great year! ®
15
great /grāt/ adjective 1.
of ability, quality, or eminence considerably above the normal or average
Six UnityPoint Health – Waterloo nurses were recognized on the 2016 list of 100 Great Iowa Nurses. •
Jan Erpelding, clinical recruiter, ALLEN HOSPITAL
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Kathy Howard, surgery, COMMUNITY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL
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Sheila Markham, emergency department, ALLEN HOSPITAL
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Susie Meyer, emergency department, COMMUNITY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL
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Jennifer Nagel, operating room, ALLEN HOSPITAL
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Amanda Wagner, NICU, ALLEN HOSPITAL
BE GREAT Do you want to work alongside some of Iowa’s great nurses?
UnityPoint Health – Waterloo is hiring. If you’re a nurse, consider joining our team by visiting
unitypoint.org/waterloo/careers