Baxter Regional Pulse Magazine February 2022

Baxter Regional

WINTER 2022 VOLUME 5 | ISSUE 1

HARRISON CROSSROADS CLINIC JOINS

FREE!

Please tak you and hee with stop the s lp us pr of COVID-1 ead 9.

BAXTER REGIONAL HEALTH SYSTEM CONTINUIT Y OF CARE

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER?

NURSES NEED APPLY

NAVIGATING THE SHORTAGE

FOOD IS LOVE MAKING FOOD FOR A LOVED ONE

$0 or low copays mean 0 excuses.

Your preventive dental care is covered.

With many of our Wellcare Medicare Advantage Plans, preventive dental health screenings, cleanings, and exams are fully covered. Some plans even include fluoride treatments and X-rays, too. Contact your local licensed representative to learn more.

Get up to $1,500 in dental benefits.

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Contact: 1-501-221-5231 (TTY 711) 7 days a week, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.

WellcareforAR.com Wellcare is the Medicare brand for Centene Corporation, an HMO, PPO, PFFS, PDP plan with a Medicare contract and is an approved Part D Sponsor. Our D-SNP plans have a contract with the state Medicaid program. Enrollment in our plans depends on contract renewal. †Other Pharmacies/Physicians/Providers are available in our network.

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©Wellcare 2021

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Table of Contents

54 48

33

FEATURES

33 | They’ll Be There for You

Baxter Regional’s Continuity of Care department is a close-knit team of dedicated professionals that does work behind the scenes to assess a patient’s needs once they’re discharged.

40 | Nurses Need Apply

There’s a nursing shortage, but Baxter Regional is taking steps to recruit new hires as well as advance homegrown talent.

DEPARTMENTS 10 Letter from the President & CEO 14 Healthcare Happenings 20 Community Houses 24 Baxter Regional Hospital Foundation 26 Baxter Regional Clinics 30 Baxter Regional Board Member 48 Wellness

On the cover: (From left) Dr. Ron Revard, Dr. Victor Chu and

Dr. Kevin Jackson. Photography by James Moore.

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54 Nutrition 60 Chaplain’s Corner

Buying or Selling Real Estate?

We Can Help!

Find Us At

EnjoyTheOzarks.com

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Don’t settle Don’t settle for average. for average.

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© 2018 Century 21 Real Estate LLC. All rights reserved. CENTURY 21®, the CENTURY 21 Logo and C21® are registered service marks owned by Century 21 Real Estate LLC. century21.com Century 21 Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each office is independently owned and operated.

© 2018 Century 21 Real Estate LLC. All rights reserved. CENTURY 21®, the CENTURY 21 Logo and C21® are registered service marks owned by Century 21 Real Estate LLC. century21.com © 2018 Century 21 Realprinciples Estate LLC. Allof rights CENTURY Act 21®, the CENTURY 21 LogoOpportunity and C21® are registered owned

by Century 21 Real Estate LLC. and operated.

Century 21 Real Estate LLC fully supports the thereserved.

Fair Housing and the Equal Act.service Eachmarks office is independently owned

R E L E N T L E SS M O V E S.

Century 21 Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each office is independently owned and operated.

© 2018 Century 21 Real Estate LLC. All rights reserved. CENTURY 21®, the CENTURY 21 Logo and C21® are registered service marks owned by Century 21 Real Estate LLC. Century 21 Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each office is independently owned and operated.

Danny Porter, Sales Associate Cell Phone 870-421-7978

realtordp@centurytel.net • www.DannyPorter.com Serving Buyers and Sellers Since 1983.

Correct your skin today, protect your skin tomorrow,

maintain your skin for life.

Our team uses the latest technology and treatments for diseases of the skin, skin cancers, and other dermatological situations. We offer state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to offer patients the best care solution to their issues and skin care needs.

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DR . MARK KING • DR . MARK HAMMONDS 2 0 6 2 H W Y 6 2 W E ST, M O U N TA I N H O M E , A R 72653 870-425-5464 K I N G D E R M ATO LO G Y.CO M

TIME TO REVIEW YOUR RETIREMENT SAVINGS Need a trusted guide to help?

We’ll set you on the right track for a successful retirement. Connect with one of us today!

Tianna Piland Client Advisor (870) 508-8454 tpiland@arvest.com AR Ins. Lic. #17069179

Clint Morris Client Advisor (870) 508-8450 cmorris1@arvest.com AR Ins. Lic. #15277230

Investment products and services provided by Arvest Investments, Inc., doing business as Arvest Wealth Management, member FINRA/SIPC, an SEC registered investment adviser and a subsidiary of Arvest Bank. Insurance products made available through Arvest Insurance, Inc., which is registered as an insurance agency.

Insurance products are marketed through Arvest Insurance, Inc. but are underwritten by unaffiliated insurance companies. Trust services provided by Arvest Bank.

Investments and Insurance Products: Not a Deposit Not FDIC Insured

Not Guaranteed by the Bank or its Affiliates

Not Insured by Any Federal Government Agency

May Go Down in Value

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Baxter Regional

A PUBLICATION OF BAXTER REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER

624 Hospital Drive, Mtn. Home, AR 72653 870-508-1000 baxterregional.org

WINTER 2022

VOLUME 5 | ISSUE 1 BAXTER REGIONAL SENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM

Committed to providing Everyday Healthcare Since 1978 Lincoln-Paden Medical Group Family Practice and Internal Medicine since 1978

At Lincoln Paden Medical Group, you and your entire family will be cared for in a safe and friendly environment by our family of experienced physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, and a dedicated office team.

Our services include family practice, internal medicine, men’s health and vitality, women’s health and lactation services, chronic care management, DOT physicals, after hours and weekend call services and more. We are accepting new patients, and in addition to customary in-office visits, we offer telemedicine, virtual and drive-up car visits. Please call for your appointment today!

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President/Chief Executive Officer Ron Peterson VP/Business Development and Executive Director, Baxter Regional Hospital Foundation Barney Larry VP/Chief Operating Officer David Fox VP/Chief Financial Officer Debbie Henry VP/Chief Nursing Officer Shannon Nachtigal, MSN, RN, NEA-BC VP/Human Resources Karen Adams VP/General Counsel Nicole Vaccarella VP/Physician Enterprise Bill Baldwin

PULSE EDITORIAL Executive Editor Tobias Pugsley Associate Editors Chase Baker and Adrienne Koehn Contributing Writers Faith Anaya, Dwain Hebda and Deborah Stanuch Contributing Copy Editor Melinda Lanigan Contributing Photographer Jason Masters, James Moore and James Stefiuk Contributing Designer Ashlee Nobel

PUBLISHED BY

WHEELHOUSE PUBLISHING

501-766-0859 WheelhousePublishing.com

The Baxter Regional Pulse magazine is distributed quarterly to Baxter Regional Hospital Foundation donors with the remaining copies distributed in the hospital’s 19 clinics, community support houses and locations within our twostate, 11-county service area. To advertise call 501-766-0859 or email sarah@wheelhousepublishing.com.

Baxter Regional complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex.

405 Buttercup Drive, Mtn. Home, AR | 870-425-3030 | LincolnPadenMedicalGrp.com

ATENCIÓN: si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística.

Llame al 1-870-508-7770.

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Gọi số 1-1-870-508-7770.

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Michelle Sharp, CNP

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Andrea N. Bounds, MD

Ronald F. Bruton, MD

Mary Burr, CNP

J. Gregory Elders, MD, FAAFP

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Main Clinic Location 630 Burnett Drive, Mtn, Home, AR | East Branch Location 250 Drillers Road, Mtn. Home, AR | rfmmh.com WINTER 2022 |

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Letter from the President & CEO

HAVING A GROWTH MINDSET IS AN ESSENTIAL PART OF ANY BUSINESS MODEL, BUT IT IS ALSO USEFUL IN DAY-TO-DAY LIFE. Setting forth goals, making a plan to achieve those goals and then implementing that plan are things we must do to be successful in life. We at Baxter Regional embrace this concept every day. Our board, our physicians, our staff — we all focus on the patient. How can we best care for them when they come through our doors? What will improve their condition, and how can we best help them achieve good health?

In this issue of Pulse Magazine, you will read about the people and programs that promote this growth and care mindset.

Meet our incoming chief of staff Dr. Jason Lindsey, who has been on our board for the last two years and helped guide the hospital through the pandemic while also keeping the pre-pandemic goals and initiatives moving forward — a delicate balancing act to say the least. Also meet the unsung heroes of the Continuity of Care department led by director Sue Rodden.

Her team helps patients navigate the administrative side of healthcare while also determining next steps for patients ready for discharge by assessing their unique situations and connecting them to additional resources based on their level of need.

Another exciting development for Baxter Regional Health System is the addition of a longtime family care practice in Harrison creating the Baxter Regional Crossroads Medical Clinic. According to Bill Baldwin, Baxter Regional VP/Physician Enterprise, “We felt it would be a good cultural fit for Baxter Regional as we have the same attitudes toward patient care, physicians and staff as the hub of all that we do.” The Harrison team is already growing with the addition of a new cardiologist/internal medicine physician, Dr. Ron Revard, who has moved to the Crossroads building.

Also in this issue, read how Baxter Regional is addressing the nursing shortage in healthcare. By offering signing bonuses and other incentives as well as launching new scholarship initiatives, we’re developing homegrown talent right here in Mountain Home. In addition, Jonny Harvey gives advice on the importance of cardiac health and outlines things you can do to promote heart-healthy habits. Cardiac calcium screenings available at Baxter Regional can give you and your physician a better understanding of your cardiac health. Our Community Houses are also an integral part of this goal, hosting a myriad of health education classes, exercise programs and support groups for people with not only heart-related issues, but also diabetes, dementia, cancer and other conditions. See page 18 to learn more about our houses and the programs they provide the community.

How can we best serve our community? In what ways can we grow even in the midst of a pandemic, and how can we support the Baxter Regional team as they face these challenges? These are questions we ask ourselves every day at Baxter Regional. By focusing our time, our talents and our resources, we accept the challenges before us and are constantly striving to make short- and long-term plans, implement them and refine them. We do this in order to take care of our own — and to take care of you.

Be well,

“Success is not an accident; success is a choice.”

~Steven Curry RON PETERSON President/Chief Executive Officer Baxter Regional Medical Center

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PHOTO: COURTESY OF BAXTER REGIONAL

EMBRACING A GROWTH MINDSET

No more shopping or automatic renewal to your bank’s lowest CD rates.

We can help add growth to your portfolio.

Interest & Dividends = Income & Growth = Total Return!

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Donna Kaczmar Asst. Branch Manager

Sandy Rehak Financial Advisor

Cindy Mowry Office Manager

Brock Bettenhausen Financial Advisor

Jan Schmeski Kyrie Stewart, CPA Financial Consultant Client Relationship Consultant, RJFS Chief Financial Officer, FSISG

Kim Pace, CFP®

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Mike Stockton Financial Consultant

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We manage money for a living and offer financial advice for life.

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Contributors Deborah Stanuch

Protect What Matters Most.

WRITER

Debby and her husband, Don, retired to Mountain Home 14 years ago from Chicago. For 12 years she worked for KTLO in the news room, and as host of “Talk of the Town” before retiring in 2017. A freelance writer, she has been published locally in the Baxter Bulletin and Marvelous Magazine. She served on the boards of the Food Bank of North Central Arkansas; Serenity; and Twin Lakes Playhouse, where she has appeared on stage. A member of Sweet Adelines, she and her husband sing in the First United Methodist Church choir.

Call us for your free, no obligation consultation!

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Eric A. Arp, D.P.M. • Board Certified in Foot Surgery • Diplomate, American Board of Podiatric Surgery • Fellow, American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons • On Staff at Baxter Regional Medical Center

Dwain Hebda

WRITER Dwain Hebda is a writer, editor and journalist whose work annually appears in more than 35 publications. A Nebraska native, he has an extensive resume spanning nearly 40 years in print. Hebda is also founder and President of YA!Mule Wordsmiths, an editorial services company in Little Rock, Arkansas. An empty-nest father of four, he and his wife, Darlene, enjoy travel and pampering their three lovely dogs.

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870-425-7363 870-365-3668 12

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Jason Masters is a photographer from Austin, Texas, who has now taken Arkansas as his home. He currently has a commercial photography studio in Little Rock and primarily shoots fashion, advertising and editorial portraiture for magazines within the U.S. and internationally. His photography can be found in such publications as Teen Vogue, Martha Stewart Living, Texas Monthly, The Knot and The Wall Street Journal, among many others.

~ Since 1976~

Making a difference for families throughout the region, since 1976.

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Funeral Options Cremation or Burial Companion Creature (Pet) Options Eco-Friendly Burial Urns for Water or Land Green Options

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Acute Rehabilitation Unit • (870) 508-3300

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BAXTER REGIONAL HEALTHCARE HAPPENINGS MILESTONES, NEWS AND SPECIAL EVENTS AT BAXTER REGIONAL

BAXTER REGIONAL COVID SUPPORT GROUP The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound effect on not only healthcare workers, but members of the community who have lost a loved one, recovered from COVID-19 with long-term effects or have served as a caregiver to someone with COVID. Baxter Regional is continuing to support those survivors, longhaulers and caregivers with a COVID

Grief Support Group led by two licensed clinical social workers to provide comfort, support, share experiences and provide available resources. The meetings are free and open to the public.

James Pinkston, RN, NREMT-P, Baxter Regional Patient Experience Specialist, said the group meetings are a safe, respectful, non-judgemental place. “We want people to know you are not alone, and we are here to help you.”

The group meets on the first Thursday of each month at the Mruk Family Education Center on Aging from 3:30–4:30 p.m. with additional meetings scheduled as needed.

Contact Ashley Johnson, LCSW, at adjohnson@baxterregional.org for more information.

AQUATIC THERAPY

BAXTER REGIONAL REHABILITATION SERVICES PROVIDES AQUATIC AND DRY NEEDLING THERAPIES 14

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Baxter Regional Rehab Services offers outpatients personalized aquatic therapy for those suffering from arthritis, fibromyalgia, problems in the lower extremities and other issues. The one-hour therapy sessions by certified therapists are held in specially designed therapy pools with temperatures at 92 to 94 degrees.

The two pools at Baxter Regional are equipped with specialized lifts for patients who are unable to climb stairs into the pools.

DRY NEEDLING THERAPY A specialized intramuscular treatment, dry needling therapy is

PEITZ CANCER SUPPORT HOUSE FISHING TOURNAMENT Peitz Cancer Support House held their first Kick Cancer in the Bass Fishing Tournament Oct. 30, on Bull Shoals Lake. Fifty-nine boats with one- or twoperson teams from across the Twin Lakes area and outside the region, including St. Louis and Jonesboro, participated in the event chaired by James and Staci Boyett. In addition to raising $60,000 in funds to support the community house, the event increased awareness of the cancer support services and programs provided to both men and women by the Peitz House, according to Coordinator Melissa Hudson.

For information on the cancer support services and programs provided by the Peitz House, call 870-508-2273.

used to relieve muscle pain and help the affected muscles heal. The therapy involves inserting a dry, thin needle into the muscular trigger points and muscle contacts to relieve tightness and spasms. The treatment uses the body to restore normal physical function and provide relief from pain.

Dry needle treatment should not be confused with acupuncture and is not appropriate for arthritis or similar conditions.

A physician’s referral is needed for both aquatic and dry needling therapies.

Baxter Regional Rehabilitation Services is located on the first floor of the hospital.

Call 870-508-1560 for information.

FAMILY PRACTICE COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER

Our skilled team of medical, dental, and specialty providers are board certified and equipped to provide effective and compassionate care for a wide range of medical conditions.

Boston Mountain Rural Health Center is dedicated to providing comprehensive quality care to our valued patients throughout the Northwest and North Central communities of Arkansas.

MOUNTAIN HOME, MARSHALL, CLINTON, HUNTSVILLE, DEER, GREEN FOREST, SOUTHSIDE, YELLVILLE, JASPER,

JOHN SPORE, MD, COMPLETES

MOUNTAIN VIEW, CENTER RIDGE, AND HARRISON

1,000 ROBOTIC SURGERIES Dr. John Spore of Ozark Surgical Group recently completed his 1,000 robotic surgeries at Baxter Regional Medical Center using the da Vinci Xi robot. Spore began using the da Vinci surgical system in 1989 primarily for hernia and gall bladder surgeries. He says the robot is a wonderful tool, especially for hernia repair, allowing the patient to return to a normal lifestyle in a shorter period of time than an open surgical operation.

Dr. Spore received his medical degree from the University of Kansas School of Medicine in Kansas City, Kansas, and completed his surgical residency at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita. He is board certified by the American Board of Surgery in general surgery and critical care.

Ozark Surgical Group, located at 901 Burnett Drive in Mountain Home, can be reached at 870-425-9120.

(870)

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BAXTER REGIONAL VOLUNTEER AUXILIARY PLEDGES $700,000 TO 5 SOUTH SURGICAL SERVICES CAPITAL CAMPAIGN The Baxter Regional Volunteer Auxiliary recently donated $300,000 to fulfill their $700,000 four-year pledge to the 5 South Surgical Services Capital Campaign. Becky Rose, CVM, Director of Volunteer Services, said the funds came from sales at the PinkA-Dilly Gift Store, the Mountain Home and Flippin Bargain Box thrift stores and monthly sales from vendors recommended by the Arkansas Hospital Auxiliary. The monthly sales, held in the Lagerborg Dining room at Baxter Regional, are open to the public.

Mountain Home Bargain Box 501 Coley Drive, 870-425-3753 Flippin Bargain Box 171 W. Industrial Park Road, 870-453-7880

BAXTER REGIONAL HONORS NURSES WITH THE DAISY AWARD Baxter Regional participates in the DAISY program, an international nonprofit foundation established to honor and recognize nurses for excellence and compassionate care. Each year, the Baxter Regional DAISY committee selects eight nurses who have been nominated for HEROES WITH HALOS for the Daisy Award. They are selected in recognition of quality care, compassion, and patient and family-centered care they provide their patients at Baxter Regional.

The most recent Baxter Regional DAISY Award Winners include Charlene Stapleton, RN – Float Pool; Desiree Underwood, BSN, RN – Women and Newborn Care Center; and Jessica Holowell, RN – Baxter Regional Cardiovascular Clinic.

World class cancer care close to home.

The Highlands advantage.

Springdale | Fayetteville | Rogers | Coming Soon to Mountain Home!

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Trusted Bankers... Good Neighbors

anstaffbank.com Spencer Adams Gina Stockfisch • Eric Lunnen

MEMBER FDIC

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AFTER RECEIVING CARE AT BAXTER REGIONAL, MANY PATIENTS AND FAMILY MEMBERS ASK IF THEY CAN EXPRESS THEIR APPRECIATION IN SOME WAY. They may have noticed the special attention of a physician, nurse, therapist, technician, food service worker, volunteer, housekeeper or other caregivers during their stay or visit.

A Heroes with Halos Award is a way to recognize them, along with an honorarium to Baxter Regional Hospital Foundation in any amount. The employee receives a certificate and badge holder from one or more of the Senior Leadership Team. It is a highly regarded award, and staff members are honored to receive it. Below are the June—December 2021 Heroes with Halos award recipients.

INDIVIDUAL AWARD RECIPIENTS TRISHA ACKLIN, APRN, Baxter Regional Gastroenterology Clinic BRANDI ANDERSON, APRN, Baxter Regional Neurosurgery & Spine Clinic ANTHONY ATTWOOD, ADN, RN, Surgery MATT BAKER, ADN, RN, 4 South MARY BASER, BSN, RN, Pre-Op MICHELLE BIRD, CST/CSFA, Surgery MAYRA BLANTON, Phlebotomy Technician, Laboratory DR. LUCAS BRADLEY, Baxter Regional Neurosurgery & Spine Clinic JOHN BROWN, LPN, 3 West EMILY CAGLE, CNA, Acute Inpatient Rehab DAVID (SPECK) CAVITT, Volunteer KAYLA CASTLE, ENDO TECH, Endoscopy RUTH CLONTZ, ADN, RN, 4 South TERRYL COFFEL, ADN, RN, 4 South CRYSTAL CONNELL, ADN, RN, Hospice DR. JON CONNELLY, Anesthesia BEVERLY CRABB, ADN, RN, 4 South (2) CODY CROSBY, PFS

COREY DICKEY, ADN, RN, 4 South SONYA DOCKINS, ADN, RN, Pre-Op DR. WILLIAM DYER, Baxter Regional Gastroenterology Clinic SARAH EATON, APRN, Cline Emergency Center ALAN ESTES, EMT, Ambulance DR. MAUREEN FLOWERS, Baxter Regional Comprehensive Women’s Clinic REGINA FOUSHEE, BSN, RN, PACU MEGAN GILBERT, LPN, Baxter Regional Med-Peds Clinic CONNIE GLOVER, Housekeeping DR. DANIEL GOODWIN, First In Service Hospitalists SONYIA GOWER, Nursing Admin (2) JONNY HARVEY, Occupational Health Coordinator, Employee Health & Wellness JENNIFER HEALEY, ADN, RN, Hospice MICHELLE HERNDON, NURSE TECH, 4 South JAMES HILKERT, CNA, 5 South ERIC HOLOWELL, ADN, RN, 5 South MARY JERASHEN, ADN, RN, 5 South NANCY JONES, EMT, Community Paramedics

DR. DAVID KELLEY, Baxter Regional Outpatient Surgery Center BARNEY LARRY, Baxter Regional VP/Business Development and Executive Director, Baxter Regional Hospital Foundation MINDI LAWSON, ADN, RN, Pre-Op ROBERT LEE, ADN, RN, Endoscopy BECKY LESTER, BSN, RN, Pre-Op DONNA LOVE, Pre-Op BOBBY LOWERY, BSN, RN, PACU JETT MCCOY, CNA, ICU TRACY MORRISON, CNA, Hospice of the Ozarks YVONNE MULLOY, BSN, RN, ARU RAMONA NICHOLSON, BSN, RN, 5 South KRIS ODEGARD, ADN, RN, 3 West DAVID OSBORN, ADN, RN, 4 South (2) BRITTANY PARKER, ADN, RN, 4 South BETH PHILIPS, ADN, RN, Float HILLARY POTTER, PA-C, Interventional Pain Management DR. JAMON PRUITT, Baxter Regional Cardiovascular Clinic TOBIAS PUGSLEY, Director, Marketing DR. RUSS RAULS, Knox Orthopaedics ZACH REED, BSN, RN, NREMT-P, Director, 4 South MELISA RENFRO, BSN, RN, 5 South MICHELLE ROBERTS, ADN, RN, Endoscopy CHRIS ROBINSON, CRNA, Anesthesia MIGUEL RODRIGUEZ, APRN, First In Service Hospitalists NICOLE RODRIGUEZ, NURSE TECH, 4 South DAVID SATOR, PARAMEDIC, Community Paramedics KELSI SCHMIDT, CST, Surgery

To view photos of recipients with their awards, please visit our Facebook page at facebook.com/BaxterRegional.

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DAWN SCIVALLY, BSN, RN, Endoscopy DR. SAMANTHA SHIPMAN, Baxter Regional Med-Peds Clinic JASON SMITH, PT, Physical Therapy SHYANNIA SMOOT, BSN, RN, Baxter Regional Outpatient Surgery Center CHALENE STAPLETON, ADN, RN, Float JANET SUTTERFIELD, Willow Street Hometown Clinic PETE WADDELL, BSN, RN, Hospice of the Ozarks (2) CHARLYCE WEEKS, BSN, RN, 3 West DR. BRUCE WHITE, Baxter Regional Medical Specialists BOB WILLIAMS, Volunteer CASEY WINTLE, ADN, RN, 4 South TESS WITTY, NURSE TECH, 4 South APRIL YOUNG, CNA, 3 West

STAFF AWARD RECIPIENTS 3 WEST 4 SOUTH 5 SOUTH 6 SOUTH (2) BAXTER REGIONAL MEDICAL SPECIALISTS RADIOLOGY BAXTER REGIONAL OUTPATIENT SURGERY CENTER For more information about Heroes with Halos and how you can honor a Baxter Regional physician, employee, volunteer or department, visit baxterregional.org/foundation/ heroes-with-halos/.

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BAXTER REGIONAL COMMUNITY HOUSES ARE OPEN HOURS: Weekdays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Masks and social distancing required per Baxter Regional COVID-19 protocols, including checking temperatures and screening at the door. For additional information, visit www.baxterregional.org or call the individual house.

PEITZ CANCER SUPPORT HOUSE 870-508-2273 CALENDAR:

Personalized Information and Support – Available anytime during business hours.

Also available after hours by appointment.

Recently Diagnosed Information and Support – Every Wednesday at 1 p.m.

Grief Support – Monthly, first Thursday at 1 p.m.

MARCH:

Diabetes Self-Management Classes

– Tuesdays: 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th.

Thursdays: 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st. Requires a physician’s referral. Call 870-508-1765 for times and registration.

Healthy Nutrition Workshop – Wednesday, 16th from 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. at Wellness Education Center at 2545 Hwy. 5 North, Mountain Home.

Type 1 Diabetes Group Outing: Spring Break March 2022 – Please call 870-508-

Ostomy Information and Support –

1766 for more details.

Men’s Cancer Discussions – Monthly,

APRIL:

Caregivers Information and Support –

– Tuesdays: 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th. Thursdays: 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th.

Requires a physician’s referral. Call 870-508-1765 for times and registration.

Monthly, first Friday at 11 a.m.

second Thursday at 9 a.m.

Monthly, third Thursday at 1 p.m.

Survivorship Series by Heather Hammonds, MD, CAQSM, dipABLM – Monthly, third Wednesday at 3 p.m.

Knock Out Cancer Boxing – Every Tuesday & Thursday at 3:30 p.m.

Threads of Hope: Creating Gifts for Cancer Patients – Every Monday at 1 p.m.

Intermediate Yoga – Every Tuesday & Thursday at 8 a.m.

Chair Yoga – Every Monday & Friday at

10 a.m.

Nicotine Cessation with Roxy Koop – Scheduled by appointment only.

REPPELL DIABETES LEARNING CENTER 870-508-1765

Open Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Walkins welcome. After hours by appointment only. Free diabetes testing kits and insulin supplies for anyone in need. No prescription needed.

CALENDAR:

FEBRUARY:

Diabetes Self-Management Classes –

Tuesdays: 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd. Thursdays: 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th.

Requires a physician’s referral. Call 870-508-1765 for times and registration.

Healthy Nutrition Workshop –

Wednesday, 16th from 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. at Wellness Education Center at 2545 Hwy. 5 North, Mountain Home.

20

Diabetes Self-Management Classes

Healthy Nutrition Workshop – Wednesday, 20th from 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. at Wellness Education Center at 2545 Hwy. 5 North, Mountain Home.

Diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease

– Monday, Wednesday, Friday: Times vary, registration and assessment required. Call 870-508-3880. Classes held at the Wellness Education Center at 2545 Hwy. 5 North, Mountain Home. Social distancing at 12 feet so masks can be removed just during exercise.

Men & Women Strengthening Exercise Classes – Men: Monday,

Wednesday & Friday at 9:15 a.m.; Women: Tuesday & Thursday: 9:15 a.m. or 10:15 a.m. Registration Required. No charge, but monthly or one-time donations appreciated.

Call 870-508-3880. Classes held at the Wellness Education Center at 2545 Hwy. 5 North, Mountain Home.

AARP Driver Safety – AARP has

announced the Driver Safety continues to be suspended until further notice. We are currently adding names to our call list for when we are able to meet in person again. To be added to the list, call 870-508-3880.

DEMENTIA THURSDAYS: 1:30–5 P.M.

FEBRUARY

MRUK FAMILY EDUCATION CENTER ON AGING 870-508-3880

All sessions are at the Mruk Family Education Center on Aging unless otherwise noted. Due to COVID-19, class capacity is limited. Masks are required to attend all our programs.

Pre-registration is required for all programs.

Call 870-508-3880.

INCLEMENT WEATHER NOTICE: For information regarding closing for Mruk Family Education Center on Aging Programs: KTLO 97.9 FM, KTLO.com, follow us on Facebook: Mruk Family Education Center on Aging CALENDAR:

Better Breather’s Support – Second

Friday at 2 p.m. (Please call to verify.)

Parkinson’s Family Caregiver Support – Second Thursday at 10:30 a.m. (Location changes, please call for more information.)

Dementia Family Caregiver Support Group – Fourth Thursday at 2 p.m.

Dementia Workshops & Support –

Every Thursday. Check schedule for topics and times.

Rock Steady Exercises for Individuals

3rd Dementia 101: Understanding the changing brain in dementia vs. normal aging 10th Managing the mid-to-late stages of dementia (GEMS) 17th Encouraging mobility and activity in dementia and other chronic disease 24th Support Group MARCH

3rd Dementia 101: Understanding the changing brain in dementia vs. normal aging 10th Sundowning/dementia-related behavioral episodes and patterns 17th De-escalating/stress management 24th Support group 31st Common dementias and treatments APRIL

7th Dementia 101: Understanding the changing brain in dementia vs. normal aging 14th Anticipatory grief in dementia 21st Creating a dementia-friendly home 28th Support group LUNCH AND LEARN: HEART DISEASE AND PREVENTION

Feb. 10 at Noon with Dr. Ben Stevens

MEMORY RECALL AND STRATEGIES

March 8 at 1 p.m. with Casey Drennin from North Ark Speech Services

continues on pg 22 | BAXTER REGIONAL PULSE | WINTER 2022

As the only home health agency in the area backed by a regional medical center, Baxter Regional Home Health provides: • • • • • •

Skilled Nursing Care Physical Therapy Occupational Therapy Speech Therapy Home Health Aides Social Work





4.5 STAR RATING

4.5 STAR RATING

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

Quality of Patient Care, Marion Co.*

Quality of Patient Care, Baxter Co.*

30 Ryan Road, Cotter | (870) 435-7500 | www.baxterregional.org PROUDLY SERVING BAXTER AND MARION COUNTIES SINCE 1979 * CMS data from Q1 2020. Medicare evaluates plans based on a 5-star rating system.

Star ratings are calculated each quarter and may change from one quarter to the next.

WINTER 2022 |

BAXTER REGIONAL PULSE |

21

Bank Better with us.

Kelly R. Haney, Mortgage Loan Officer Office: 870.424.8010 | Cell: 970.309.2028 kelly.haney@fsbank.com | NMLS# 1289759

Planning a move in 2022? Count on a hometown girl to find your perfect home loan. Originally from Mountain Home, Kelly R. Haney is glad to be back taking care of friends and neighbors as part of the First Security team.

Call or stop by our downtown location at 105 E. 9th St. to get started.

COMMUNITY HOUSES CONTINUED

STROKE RECOVERY

April 12, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Hosted by Mruk Family Education Center on Aging in cooperation with Baxter Regional Acute Inpatient Rehab.

Lunch provided.

WFPB WORKSHOPS: 2ND MONDAYS AT 5 P.M. (WHOLE FOOD PLANT-BASED DIET)

February - Heart Healthy Wraps March - Smoothies April - Bowls and Salads

SCHLIEMANN CENTER FOR WOMEN’S HEALTH EDUCATION 870-508-2345

Limited seating, reservations required.

CALENDAR:

FEBRUARY:

LEARNING SESSION: Tax Guidance

- Death & Taxes with Martha Grant, CPA – Tuesday, 8th at 1 p.m.

GIRLS’ NIGHT OUT: Heart to Heart – 17th, 6 p.m.

NMLS# 414458

Member FDIC

MARCH :

LEARNING SESSION: We Just Can’t Wait! - with Katie Hutchens, APRN, Baxter Regional Urology Clinic

PRENATAL CLASSES:

Childbirth Class – Second Saturday of

every month, 9 a.m.

Breastfeeding Class – Third Tuesday of every month, 5:30 p.m.

SUPPORT GROUPS:

Infant Loss & Support – First Thursday of every month, 5:30 p.m.

Heart Healthy Women – Second

Thursday of every month, 1 p.m.

Gluten Free Mixer – date/time TBD Breast Feeding: Support & Tips for Successful Nursing – Every Tuesday. Call

for appointment.

EXERCISE:

HEALTHCARE FOR A LIFETIME

Heart Healthy Line Dancing – Every Tuesday, 11:15 a.m. & 12:15 p.m.

Since 1991

Heart to Heart: Brazilian Dance! –

Edward L. White, M.D. | Michael E. Hodges, M.D. | Cathy J. Clary, M.D. Timothy McNamara, M.D. | Deborah Leach, APRN Debra Schulte, APRN | Tanner Brannon, APRN

Cardio Kickboxing & Strength Training with Angie Bertel – Every

614 NORTH TOWN, MTN. HOME, AR 72653-3105 | (870) 425-3131 | NCAMEDICAL.COM

22

Held at Wellness Education Center at 2545 Hwy. 5 North, Mountain Home

| BAXTER REGIONAL PULSE | WINTER 2022

Every Monday & Wednesday, 4:15 p.m.

Monday & Wednesday, 5:30 p.m.

Novel Women’s Book Club – Third

Wednesday of the month, 1 p.m. n

Healing power with a human touch.

We do whatever it takes for healing to occur.

We’re equipped with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and staffed to make it happen.

We are experts at caring for people whose wounds have resisted traditional treament.

Call us or come by to schedule an appointment.

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WINTER 2022 |

BAXTER REGIONAL PULSE |

23

Baxter Regional Hospital Foundation

Adrienne Blackwell joins

FOUNDATION STAFF

BY DEBORAH STANUCH

BARNEY LARRY, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, BAXTER REGIONAL HOSPITAL FOUNDATION AND VICE PRESIDENT/BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, BAXTER REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER, HAS ANNOUNCED ADRIENNE BLACKWELL, FORMER BRANCH SALES MANAGER AT ARVEST BANK, HAS JOINED THE BAXTER REGIONAL HOSPITAL FOUNDATION AS DEFERRED GIFT OFFICER. Blackwell served on the Hospital Foundation Board of Directors for seven years, most recently as the Annual Gift Committee Chairman and previously as Vice President and Treasurer before joining the Foundation staff.

“We are delighted and honored to have Adrienne on our staff,” said Larry. “After serving on our Foundation Board and Annual Gift Committee, we knew she was the right person for this very important job. She has excellent one-on-one relationship skills and is the person we want to convey to our donors their critical importance to the hospital.

“The donors who give deferred gifts to Baxter Regional through their wills, estates or trusts are leaving a legacy to Baxter Regional. Their gifts enable the hospital to achieve our goals and remain independent. They make it possible for us to fulfill our mission, ‘to provide excellent care for every patient every time’; and achieve our purpose, ‘to preserve Baxter Regional as a comprehensive, independent, community-driven health system in order to optimize access to quality healthcare for patients in the communities we serve.’”

●

As Deferred Gift Officer, Blackwell will work closely with Randall Drake, Chairman of the Deferred Gift Committee.

“I consider Baxter Regional the crown jewel of our community,” said Drake. “We are fortunate to live in a community with a hospital of this caliber with multiple services vital to the health and lifestyle of our community.

“Deferred giving is a way to support the hospital and give back to the community while maintaining your assets and resources during your lifetime. With deferred giving, no funds come from the donor’s gift until the time of the donor’s death. It’s a great way to give to the hospital and community you love.

“The foundation formed the Legacy Society as a way to show deferred donors how important they are to the hospital and to thank them for their generosity and support,” explained Nell Ponder, Legacy Society Chairman. “We are treated like family and enjoy having fun together and getting to know each other. If one of us is in need, the foundation is there to help us.

“Before COVID, we were able to gather for cookouts, parties and take day trips to Branson or Crystal Bridges. We still find ways to spend time together, building friendships and sharing each other’s company. We know how much we are appreciated by the foundation and our importance to the hospital. It’s a special bond we all share.”

“I owe my life to Baxter Regional,” said Drake. “It’s wonderful to have the peace of mind that comes from knowing we have high-quality healthcare at Baxter Regional right here in our community that will continue for generations.” n

M E E T A D R I E N N E B L AC K W E L L

●

Adrienne is a Mountain Home native and graduate of Mountain Home High School. She earned an associate degree from ASU-Mountain Home and a bachelor’s degree from ASU-Jonesboro. Her business career spans 19 years in the banking industry, most recently at Arvest Bank as a Branch Sales Manager. She and her husband Marc reside in Mountain Home with their two daughters.

24

| BAXTER REGIONAL PULSE | WINTER 2022

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JASON MASTERS

Adrienne Blackwell in the Medical Arts Building at Baxter Regional.

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BAXTER REGIONAL PULSE |

25

Baxter Regional Clinics

DR. RON

REVARD

DR. VICTOR

CHU

DR. KEVIN

JACKSON

HARRISON CROSSROADS CLINIC JOINS

BAXTER REGIONAL HEALTH SYSTEM

BY DEBORAH STANUCH

26

| BAXTER REGIONAL PULSE | WINTER 2022

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAMES MOORE

BAXTER REGIONAL IS BRINGING ITS UNIQUE BRAND OF PATIENTCENTERED CARE TO HARRISON, WITH THE ADDITION OF A LONGTIME FAMILY PRACTICE CLINIC THERE. The joining of these two entities became effective November 1.

“This move made sense because we have a lot in common with the providers,” said Bill Baldwin, Baxter Regional VP/ Physician Enterprise. “They’re very friendly. They’re very people oriented. They’re all about their patients. We felt it would be a very good culture fit for Baxter Regional as we have the same attitudes toward patient care, physicians and staff as the hub of all that we do.”

“WE GOT INTO MEDICINE BECAUSE WE WANTED TO HELP PEOPLE, AND WE FELT RIGHT AWAY THAT BAXTER REGIONAL WOULD SUPPORT US IN THAT WAY THAT WOULD ALLOW US TO DO THAT. THE PATIENT’S NEEDS CAME FIRST, AND WE REALLY RESPONDED TO THAT.” — DR. VICTOR CHU Baxter Regional Crossroads Medical Clinic, located at 1420 Highway 62-65 in Harrison, is staffed by existing physicians Drs. Victor Chu and Kevin Jackson and family nurse practioners Jason Froeschle, Amanda Winford and Kim Cudworth.

“Baxter Regional’s philosophy on medicine is the reason why Jackson and I went into medicine,” Chu said. “We got into medicine because we wanted to help people, and we felt right away that Baxter Regional would support us in that way that would allow us to do that. The patient’s needs came first, and we really responded to that.

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BAXTER REGIONAL PULSE |

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BAXTER REGIONAL CROSSROADS MEDICAL CLINIC NURSING PRACTITIONERS

KIM

JASON

AMANDA

CUDWORTH, APRN

FROESCHLE, APRN

WINFORD, APRN

“When I asked around to patients that have gone to Baxter Regional, been in their ER or who have been in the hospital itself, they all tell me the same thing.

They felt like the doctors and nurses were there for one thing: to see to their needs and treat them with the utmost respect and professionalism.”

Crossroads is the 27th clinic in the Baxter Regional family and will benefit from access to Baxter Regional’s long roster of specialists.

“The physicians there indicated they were very interested in being able to refer to our specialists of which we have an

ample number,” Baldwin said. “Our expertise in neurosurgery, orthopaedic surgery, open-heart surgery and many other areas was very attractive to them. They now have all of those specialties available to them for referrals, and they felt very comfortable with that.”

The Harrison clinic was formerly aligned with another hospital. Dr. Chu said another benefit to his patients is a shorter drive to Baxter Regional, if needed. Baldwin said patients will see more fundamental changes immediately.

“Right off the bat, they’re going to notice they no longer have to sit in the

parking lot and wait to be called to come into the building,” he said. “That was a restriction put on by the previous owners that, in our view, was an impediment to providing patient care on a friendly and productive basis. Now, patients can get out of the car, walk right in and they can use the waiting room, which wasn’t allowed previously.

“I also think patients will very much see some changes in customer service. In our orientation sessions with all the staff there, we have had very good sessions on how to relate to patients and how to work with customer issues in a polite,

“I ALSO THINK PATIENTS WILL VERY MUCH SEE SOME CHANGES IN CUSTOMER SERVICE. IN OUR ORIENTATION SESSIONS WITH ALL THE STAFF THERE, WE HAVE HAD VERY GOOD SESSIONS ON HOW TO RELATE TO PATIENTS AND HOW TO WORK WITH CUSTOMER ISSUES IN A POLITE, RESPECTFUL, DIGNIFIED MANNER. IT’S BEEN LIKE A BREATH OF FRESH AIR.”

28

| BAXTER REGIONAL PULSE | WINTER 2022

“OUR EXPERTISE IN NEUROSURGERY, ORTHOPAEDIC SURGERY, OPEN-HEART SURGERY AND MANY OTHER AREAS WAS VERY ATTRACTIVE TO (THE PHYSICIANS). THEY NOW HAVE ALL OF THOSE SPECIALTIES AVAILABLE TO THEM FOR REFERRALS, AND THEY FELT VERY COMFORTABLE WITH THAT.” — BILL BALDWIN, BAXTER REGIONAL VP/PHYSICIAN ENTERPRISE

respectful, dignified manner.

“It’s been like a breath of fresh air,” Chu said. “Baxter Regional has basically come in and said, ‘Listen; patients aren’t coming to see Baxter Regional, they’re coming to see you. You need to take care of your patients the way you need to take care of them. And as long as you’re providing good, quality care, we’re going to support you.’”

Baldwin said Baxter Regional’s network of community clinics continues to be a big part of its brand, as it allows people access to care without traveling long distances. It’s also fueled the system’s growth as the brand-new Harrison location has already demonstrated.

“The icing on the cake is we’ve already added another physician,” he said. “Dr. Ron Revard, a general cardiologist and internal medicine doctor in Harrison, had expressed interest in the past of coming on with us. He’s now moved into the Crossroads building. That’s a welcome addition and just a small part of what we expect our presence in Harrison will bring in the years to come.” n

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Baxter Regional Board Member

Planning, Leading MOTIVATES BOARD MEMBER LINDSAY

BY DWAIN HEBDA

LIKE ALL MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS, DR. JASON LINDSAY PUTS IN SOME FULL DAYS AS A PHYSICIAN AT MOUNTAIN HOME UROLOGY, A PRACTICE HE’S BUILT FOR THE PAST 17 YEARS, DURING WHICH TIME HE’S SERVED AS CHIEF OF SURGERY AND CURRENTLY, IS CHIEF OF STAFF-ELECT AT BAXTER REGIONAL. He’s also a family man, involved in his church and lives an active lifestyle, which eats up a lot of his spare and weekend time.

Given all that, the Louisiana transplant could be forgiven for taking a pass on additional commitments. Instead, Lindsay has served on the Baxter Regional board for the past two years, a role he sees as time well-spent.

“I like being involved because when you’re involved, you learn how the specifics of the organization work,” he said. “There’s a lot more to it than just showing up and everything being there for you. You have to have this whole system behind each physician, basically to allow them to care for patients. It’s neat to learn how the organization works.”

Of course, Lindsay’s tenure hasn’t been exactly routine, coinciding as it has with the onset of COVID-19 and the board’s challenges in guiding the hospital’s response for patients and staff as well as managing resources accordingly.

“In the early part of 2020, the main focus was COVID, naturally,” he said. “Since the pandemic was announced, and we started having to shut down things in March of that year, access to patient care has been outstanding. Our nursing and ancillary staff busted their rear ends to keep access to patient care going. They have worked through some very difficult situations, and we could not have maintained access to patient care if they hadn’t really done such a wonderful job.”

Lindsay said this was not only important from a community health perspective, but also for the health of the organization overall.

“We had to think of this from a financial standpoint, too,” he said. “It’s not like we were working with an institution where you have millions and millions in the bank that you can just draw upon all the time. It’s money that’s constantly coming through,

30

| BAXTER REGIONAL PULSE | WINTER 2022

and if you don’t have that flow, you can’t buy the supplies you need or pay the bills you need to pay. There were real concerns at the start of this, and I think the way our financial department managed that was pretty spectacular.”

The board was also challenged to keep pre-pandemic goals and initiatives moving forward. Lindsay said bringing those initiatives off the bench after the initial onset of COVID was a delicate balancing act.

“Of course, the board never stopped looking ahead, but the focus had to be on the pandemic for months,” he said. “Toward the end of summer 2020, late 2020, we started being able to shift back. We had our procedures and protocols in place for the pandemic, and they’re running smoothly. People know what they’re supposed to do, they’re doing it and we could start moving forward.”

Once that focus shifted, the board found no end of challenges and opportunities to address, all of which boiled down to the hospital’s continued growth.

“Growth is our primary area of opportunity right now,” Lindsay said. “We’re at a point where some decisions are going to have to be made within the next few years to allow us to grow. I’m a surgeon, and we were just talking about it this morning in a block committee meeting: We’re going to have to expand at some point in the near future. How do we do that?

“Staffing is a huge issue right now for multiple reasons. You have travel nursing taking some nurses because, they get paid more. I can’t blame a nurse for doing that, but we have lost staff to that. We’ve also lost staff to just plain fatigue. I don’t think it’s anything anybody at the hospital has done wrong; every hospital in the state was short-staffed before the pandemic started, and it just got worse after the pandemic started.”

As for himself, Lindsay maintains physical and mental health through regular activities. He and his wife Melissa have a 5-yearold son, Eason, and like to spend time outdoors. An avid horseman, Lindsay also enjoys competing in Western events as a way to relax. n PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAMES MOORE

WINTER 2022 |

Board member Dr. Lindsay outside

| 31 office in Mountain BAXTER his REGIONAL PULSE Home.

Commitment.

Dedication.

Compassion.

Every day, the physicians of Baxter Regional Medical Center touch the lives of patients and families throughout the communities we serve. The growth and success of our health system is attributed to their commitment, care and compassion. We appreciate their dedication to the Baxter Regional family, providing the highest quality of care and the latest technological advances in healthcare, close to home.

ANESTHESIOLOGY Dr. Jon Connelley ................... (870) 424-7070 Dr. Andrea Correll .................. (870) 508-6700 Dr. William R. King.................. (870) 424-7070 Dr. Benjamin Mathews ........... (870) 508-6700 Dr. Leonard Dale Morgan...... (870) 424-7070 Dr. Charles Zehm .................... (870) 424-7070 CARDIOLOGY Dr. Michael Camp .................. (870) 425-8288 Dr. Akihiro Kobayashi ............. (870) 425-8288 Dr. Jamon Pruitt...................... (870) 425-8288 Dr. Ron Revard ........................ (870) 741-6065 Dr. Patrick Tobbia ................... (870) 425-8288 Dr. Otis Warr IV ....................... (870) 425-8288 CARDIOTHORACIC/VASCULAR SURGERY Dr. James Munns .................... (870) 508-3200 DENTISTRY Dr. Bernard Petkovich ............ (870) 425-9757 Dr. Paul Reese ......................... (870) 424-5900 Dr. Randy Simpson ................. (870) 424-4646 Dr. John V. Sullivant ................ (870) 425-4242 Dr. Stephen Vester ................. (870) 425-7645 DERMATOLOGY Dr. Mark Hammonds .............. (870) 425-5464 Dr. Mark King .......................... (870) 425-5464 EAR, NOSE & THROAT (Otolaryngology) Dr. Monty R. Barker ................ (870) 424-4200 Dr. John Neis .......................... (870) 424-4200 Dr. Paul R. Neis ....................... (870) 424-4200 EMERGENCY MEDICINE Dr. Billy Bisswanger ................ (870) 508-1139 Dr. Phillip Bufford ................... (870) 508-1139 Dr. Kolton Fraser..................... (870) 508-1139 Dr. Michelle Godfrey .............. (870) 508-1139 Dr. Allen C. Jackson ............... (870) 508-1139 Dr. Dana Kinney ...................... (870) 508-1139 Dr. Caleb Pingel...................... (870) 508-1139 Dr. Melissa Quevillon ............. (870) 508-1139

Dr. Bradley Schulz................... (870) 508-1139 Dr. David Stills......................... (870) 508-1139 Dr. Mark West ......................... (870) 508-1139 FAMILY MEDICINE Dr. Bradley Bibb ..................... (870) 994-7301 Dr. Shawn D. Bogle ................ (870) 449-4221 Dr. Andrea Bounds ................ (870) 425-6971 Dr. Ronald Bruton ................... (870) 492-5995 Dr. Victor Chu ......................... (870) 741-6111 Dr. Cathy Clary ........................ (870) 425-3131 Dr. Mary Depper..................... (870) 425-6212 Dr. Geoffrey L. Dunaway ........ (870) 741-3252 Dr. J. Gregory Elders.............. (870) 425-6971 Dr. Brittney W. Frisby.............. (870) 508-7600 Dr. Adam Gray ........................ (870) 916-2150 Dr. Michael S. Hagaman ........ (870) 492-5995 Dr. Michael Hodges ............... (870) 425-3131 Dr. John D. Irvin ...................... (870) 269-7414 Dr. Kevin Jackson ................... (870) 741-6111 Dr. George Lawrence ............. (870) 425-6971 Dr. Kam Lie .............................. (870) 425-6212 Dr. Candy Lincoln ................... (870) 425-3030 Dr. Timothy A. McNamara .... (870) 425-3131 Dr. Timothy C. Paden............. (870) 425-3030 Dr. Jamie Pritchard ................. (870) 492-5995 Dr. Lonnie Robinson............... (870) 425-6971 Dr. John H. Scribner ............... (870) 895-3238 Dr. Eric G. Spann .................... (870) 269-3447 Dr. Benjamin R. Stevens......... (870) 508-7600 Dr. James E. Thompson ........ (417) 256-3717 Dr. James Warr ....................... (870) 425-3030 Dr. Edward L. White ............... (870) 425-3131 Dr. Donald O. Wright ............. (870) 916-2000 FAMILY MEDICINE/SPORTS MEDICINE Dr. Heather Hammonds ........ (870) 425-5464 GASTROENTEROLOGY Dr. Bodunrin S. Badejo .......... (870) 425-4416 Dr. William S. Dyer Sr. . .......... (870) 425-4416 HEMATOLOGY/ONCOLOGY Dr. R. Bruce White .................. (870) 425-4402 Dr. Dmitriy Zak ........................ (870) 425-4402 HOSPITALIST Dr. Almas Chughtai ................ (870) 424-3181 Dr. Melissa Dirst-Roberts ....... (870) 424-3181 Dr. Lincoln Godfrey ................ (870) 424-3181 Dr. Daniel Goodwin ............... (870) 424-3181 Dr. Arlene Johnson ................ (870) 424-3181 Dr. Richard D. Schmidt .......... (870) 424-3181 Dr. EJ Scott ............................. (870) 424-3181 Dr. Steve Wilber ..................... (870) 424-3181 INTERNAL MEDICINE Dr. Lori M. Cheney ................. (870) 492-5995 Dr. Bethany L. Knight ............. (870) 916-2000 Dr. Lance R. Lincoln ................ (870) 425-3030 Dr. Shelley Warr ...................... (870) 425-3030 INTERNAL MEDICINE/INFECTIOUS DISEASE Dr. Raymond Bandy Jr..............(870) 508-7450 INTERNAL MEDICINE/PEDIATRICS Dr. Michael Adkins ................. (870) 424-3824 NEPHROLOGY Dr. Grant Mathews ................. (870) 425-1787 Dr. Daniel Valach .................... (870) 508-5010

NEUROSURGERY Dr. Lucas Bradley .................... (870) 508-7080 PHYSICIAN REFERRAL SERVICE: 1-800-695-DOCS (3627) | www.baxterregional.org The physicians included on this list are active on the Baxter Regional Medical Staff or associated with Baxter Regional Health System. The list is subject to change.

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Dr. Allan Gocio ....................... (870) 508-7080 Dr. Adam Smitherman ........... (870) 508-7080 OBSTETRICS/GYNECOLOGY Dr. Harley Barrow ................... (870) 425-7300 Dr. Maureen Flowers ............. (870) 508-3260 Dr. Corey Smith ...................... (870) 508-3260 OPHTHALMOLOGY Dr. Allison Booth .................... (870) 425-2277 Dr. William D. Hill ................... (870) 425-2277 Dr. Kenneth M. Kilgore .......... (870) 424-4900 Dr. Douglas Marx ................... (870) 424-2020 Dr. J.Y. Massey ........................ (870) 424-2020 Dr. Ethan J. Wright ................. (870) 424-4900 ORTHOPAEDICS Dr. Donald B. Franklin III ........ (870) 424-3400 Dr. Thomas E. Knox ................ (870) 424-3400 Dr. Jason McConnell.............. (870) 424-3400 Dr. M.B. “Win” Moore III ....... (870) 424-4710 Dr. Russ Rauls .......................... (870) 424-3400 PAIN MANAGEMENT Dr. Ira D. Chatman.................. (870) 508-5900 Dr. Ryan Krafft ......................... (870) 508-5900 Dr. Matthew McNelley ........... (870) 508-5900 PATHOLOGY Dr. Steve Douglas................... (870) 508-1890 Dr. Christopher G. Webb ...... (870) 508-1890 PEDIATRICS Dr. Samantha Shipman .......... (870) 424-3824 Dr. Shayna Wood.................... (870) 424-3824 PLASTIC SURGERY Dr. Adam G. Newman ........... (870) 425-6398 PODIATRY Dr. Eric Arp .............................. (870) 425-7363 Dr. Kevin Steffen ..................... (870) 508-4000 PSYCHIATRY Dr. Witold P. Czerwinski ......... (870) 508-3400 Dr. Veronica Zak ...................... (870) 508-7610 PULMONOLOGY Dr. Brian I. Malte .................... (870) 425-1787 Dr. Rebecca Martin................ (870) 425-1787 RADIOLOGY Dr. Daniel Alderman .............. (870) 508-1160 Dr. Matthew Kyle McAlister ... (870) 508-1160 Dr. Joe Tullis ............................ (870) 508-1160 Dr. Shane Whitlock ................. (870) 508-1160 Dr. Matthew Wilson................ (870) 508-1160 SURGERY - General Dr. Jacob L. Dickinson ........... (870) 425-9120 Dr. Jennifer Foster .................. (870) 425-9120 Dr. Malachi McCurdy ............. (870) 508-6960 Dr. John M. Spore .................. (870) 425-9120 SURGERY - Vascular Dr. Kent P. Nachtigal .............. (870) 508-3200 UROLOGY Dr. Austin Barber ....................(870) 508-6020 Dr. Daniel Decker ...................(870) 508-6020 Dr. Jason Lindsay....................(870) 701-0490 Dr. Daniel Zapata....................(870) 508-6020

THEY’LL

From left: (back row) Marlene Stewart, DCP, Discharge Planner; Teresa Evans, BSN, RN, Case Manager; Ashley Johnson, LCSW, Social Worker; Ladeanna Strutton BSN, RN, CCM, Case Manager; Genna Nave, ADN, RN, ACM, CCDS, Documentation Review Nurse; Monica Worsham-Estes, BSN, RN, Case Manager; (middle row) Dawn Gandy, ADN, RN, ACM, Case Manager; McKenna May, EMT-A, Readmissions Coach; Melissa Hensley, BSN, RN, Documentation Review Nurse, Julie Blair, MSW, Social Worker; Brooke Barger, BSN, RN, CLC, Case Manager; Susan Carr, BLSW, Social Worker; Wendy Platt, BSN, RN, CCDS, Clinical Documentation Coordinator; (front row) Sue Rodden, MSN, RN, CCM, ACM, Continuity of Care Director; Misty Perry, BLSW, Social Worker; Lauren Wilber, BSW, Social worker; Melody Watts, ADN, RN, ACM, RAC Coordinator; Erin Bonham, ADN, RN, Case Manager; Diana Tate, BSW, Social Worker.

BE THERE FOR YOU

BY DWAIN HEBDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAMES MOORE

IN ANY HEALTHCARE ORGANIZATION, THERE ARE PEOPLE WHO ARE VITAL TO OPERATIONS AND PROCESSES YET ARE LARGELY UNSEEN BY THE AVERAGE CUSTOMER..

Such is the case with Baxter Regional’s Continuity of Care department.

Here, Sue Rodden, Continuity of Care Director, and her close-knit team of dedicated professionals, perform a range of back-office services for patients such as maintaining patient records and riding herd over insurance claims. They also connect outgoing patients to in-home nursing, long-term care or other resources in the community.

Empathy goes a long way here particularly serving patients with few financial resources or support options. Still, the team works tirelessly to improve each client’s quality of life, even though it rarely comes back to them by way of a thank you. Rodden said that just comes with the territory.

“Nobody ever says to one of our social workers or discharge planners, ‘Here’s a great case. Family’s great.

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“The people that we work the hardest on aren’t people who are in a position to say, ‘Oh, thank you so much,’ because the reality they are facing is serious. It’s not always a progression of improvement; sometimes it’s a progression of continued care but in other cases, it’s hospice decisions, it’s comfort care decisions.”

— Sue Rodden, MSN, RN, CCM, ACM Continuity of Care Director

(Above) Wendy Platt, BSN, RN, CCDS, Clinical Documentation Coordinator. Photo by James Moore.

(Opposite page) Sue Rodden, Continuity of Care Director. Photo

by Jason Masters.

They’re all intact, they’ve got money, they’ve got insurance and resources,’” Rodden said. “Many of these people don’t have any money, they may not have any family, it may be that the husband is demented and his wife is the caregiver.

“The people that we work the hardest on aren’t people who are in a position to say, ‘Oh, thank you so much,’ because the reality they are facing is serious. It’s not always a progression of improvement; sometimes it’s a progression of continued care but in other cases, it’s hospice decisions, it’s comfort care decisions.

“The way my team stays engaged is we have great people. I hire team members who are sincere, who are well-intentioned, who are bright and who are kind.”

One of those individuals is Wendy Platt, BSN, RN, CCDS, Clinical Documentation Coordinator and a former bedside nurse whose career with Baxter Regional goes back 26 years, 21 of them with Continuity of Care.

“One primary job of our department is to look at medical records and look at pretty much every department’s documentation,” she said. “We also look at

what kind of diagnosis the physician is writing and if there are any gaps there. Medicare has guidelines of how specific you have to be on certain diagnoses. So, we look for any gaps and then prompt the physician.”

Other responsibilities for Platt and her team include utilization reviews, acting as an informational liaison with the patient’s insurance company by verifying the care a patient receives. The third component is to handle payment denials and disputes with Medicare and insurance companies. Despite the administrative nature of the work, Platt said her background in nursing is invaluable to the tasks at hand.

“You have to have that clinical piece, working with patients before you can actually go on this side of just seeing it on paper,” she said. “If you just were to come in and see it on paper, you wouldn’t be able to join all the dots like you could having had experience in surgery or the ICU. You’re just reading something and not actually understanding it.”

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to digital format, one of the biggest undertakings of her career. She said her nurse’s viewpoint melded with her back-office chops very handily in that process.

“When we actually transitioned from the paper records to the electronic records, I asked if I could be a super-user for our department,” she said. “I was able to help transition that, set the groundwork and build the actual product along with the clinical informatics team.”

The other side of the Continuity of Care house is patient-facing services, employees who meet with patients who are being discharged to determine the next steps in their care.

“We’re visiting with that patient, and ideally their family, face-to-face and identifying what they see their truest needs are,” said Misty Perry, a social worker who’s been with the Continuity of Care department for six of her 14 years with the hospital.

“We might identify a different need than what they recognize as their primary need. We’re assessing their home situation and their finances to see what might be available to them to make sure they have every

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opportunity to be successful once they leave our doors.”

Where appropriate, these additional resources could be physical therapy, a skilled nursing facility or other rehab center to help the patient recover from a procedure. Or it could also connect the patient or their family to memory units, in-home care or hospice, depending on the level of need.

Perry, who’s been in the social work field for 20 years overall, including nearly a decade in hospice care, finds great satisfaction in her work.

“The most rewarding part is when individuals succeed, and that looks different for everybody,” she said.

“We come up with these great plans for individuals, but we have to make sure that it’s their plan. It’s our ethical responsibility to discuss all options available to them, and ultimately whatever the patient’s goal with care is, we make sure that it is honored.”

Perry said she joined Baxter Regional out of respect for the hospital’s caring culture, and nowhere is that better expressed than through the Friends Fund.

That fund, fed by the Baxter Regional Employee

(Above) Ashley Johnson, LCSW, a social worker at Baxter Regional speaks with a patient. Photo by Jason Masters.

(Opposite page) Misty Perry, BLSW, a social worker who’s been with the Continuity of Care department for six of her 14 years with the hospital. Photo by James Moore.

“We are allotted approximately $15,000 a year to use in support of patients for things outside of what insurance covers. We have purchased tires for a mom whose baby was born prematurely and the steel belts were showing through ... We very commonly give gas cards to patients; we utilize it quite a bit in the ER for people that maybe have had a stroke and have to be transferred somewhere else.”

— Misty Perry, BLSW Continuity of Care Social Worker

Fund Drive, is available to assist patients with certain elements of care.

“The social workers are charged with being stewards of the Friends Fund, and we take it very seriously,” she said. “We are allotted approximately $15,000 a year to use in support of patients for things outside of what insurance covers. We have purchased tires for a mom whose baby was born prematurely and the steel belts were showing through. She couldn’t safely get to the hospital in Little Rock. We very commonly give gas cards to patients; we utilize it quite a bit in the ER for people that maybe have had a stroke and have to be transferred somewhere else. We use it pretty frequently for car seats as well.

“One interesting incident that comes to mind is a patient who took a motorcycle ride through the Ozarks. They totaled their vehicle, and no one in their family could come pick them up. We bought them bus tickets home.”

For Matt Baker, ADN, RN, a step-down nurse in Baxter Regional’s cardiac unit, contributing to the WINTER 2022 |

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“There’s so much that Baxter Regional sets up for people outside of just direct hospital care. It definitely gave me a deeper appreciation for what I was going into and a different perspective on just how far-reaching your actions can be in the field.”

— Matt Baker, ADN, RN

Friends Fund is a highly personal act. Three years ago, while attending nursing school, he experienced health complications and benefited from the fund to which he now chips in from every paycheck.

“I’d been diabetic for a couple years, and I hadn’t been to the doctor in a while. I was in nursing school, and I didn’t have any insurance,” he said. “I ended up being admitted to the hospital, and I had to be on an insulin drip for a few days.

“Misty and the care team helped me with getting insurance, getting set up with a doctor and they set me up with our diabetic education center to get a little bit more education. That’s specialized training; you don’t even learn most of that stuff in nursing school. They basically helped me get everything I needed so I could

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get through school and get my nursing license.”

Graduating from North Arkansas College in 2019, Baker had no doubt where he wanted to launch his career, serving others at Baxter Regional in the same manner he was served. It’s a first-person perspective of compassion that drives him every day.

“It was pretty awe-inspiring. It gave me a lot of hope for the field I was going into to realize that there was that much help available for people,” he said. “There’s so much that Baxter Regional sets up for people outside of just direct hospital care. It’s one of those things you don’t really think about until you’re in that situation.

It definitely gave me a deeper appreciation for what I was going into and a different perspective on just how far-reaching your actions can be in the field.” n

(Above) Matt Baker, a step-down nurse in Baxter Regional’s cardiac unit

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NURSES NEED

APPLY

BAXTER REGIONAL FEELING EFFECTS OF NATIONAL SHORTAGE

BY DWAINE HEBDA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JASON MASTERS

WHEN MORGAN JONES RELOCATED TO ARKANSAS EARLIER THIS YEAR, THE 13-YEAR NURSING VETERAN DIDN’T REALIZE WHAT A GEM AWAITED HER IN BAXTER REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER. BUT SHE’D DONE ENOUGH RESEARCH TO HAVE A PRETTY GOOD IDEA. “I’ve been a nurse since 2013, and I was a CNA four years prior to that,” said the Texas native. “Everybody that I’ve run into here, they’ve always had a smile on their face, they’ve always got a positive attitude, and they’ve all been so willing to help me and make me feel welcome. I’d probably say on a 12-hour shift I would be approached, like, every hour, ‘Morgan, do you need help? Is there anything I can do for you?’

“Numerous staff members have been helpful and very supportive, and the management is the same way. I’ve never encountered that like I have at Baxter Regional.”

There are very good reasons why a newcomer such as Jones would be welcomed and nurtured in this way. One, it’s embedded in the company culture to get newcomers up to speed quickly and to support every employee’s unique ability to contribute to the team’s overall success.

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And two, Jones represents one of the most precious commodities in healthcare right now, as do her peers, given that nurses are in shorter supply than at any other time in U.S. history. This has pushed many hospitals nationwide into crisis mode, working overtime to tend to existing nurses and sparing no expense to attract new ones to meet staffing needs.

Across the nation, the stories are all the same: America needs nurses. A data study released in May by the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences noted RNs were the fifth-most in-demand job in the U.S. in February as vacancies piled up from coast to coast. Arkansas reported 36,700 RNs on the job in 2020, which put it in the middle of the pack nationally on a population percentage basis at 12.2 nurses per 1,000 residents.

But since then, the unyielding mental and physical demands of the pandemic and the lure of other opportunities have steadily eroded those numbers.

“We see a lot of burnout; the past two years have been very emotionally distressing and stressful,” said Kim Beavers, Baxter Regional’s HR recruiter. “If people were on the verge of retiring, they see this as an excellent time to go ahead and do it.

“The other thing that’s really hitting us right now is losing nurses to traveling positions because unfortunately, there are other regional hospitals in our region of southern Missouri and northern Arkansas that are utilizing travelers to a greater extent than we are. They are offering premium pay, which appeals to some of our people because they can travel to different hospitals around here, make a lot more money per hour and still live in the area.”

Terryl Coffel, a step-down nurse in Baxter Regional’s cardiac unit, joined

(Opposite Page) Kim Beavers, Baxter Regional’s HR recruiter

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the hospital in February after two years spent with a traveling nurse agency. She said her reasons for taking the job were “purely financial,” but her decision to join Baxter Regional runs much deeper than a paycheck.

“When I started doing (travel nursing) I really did like it, but I just got so burned out from doing different assignments and was very lonely from traveling,” she said.

“I actually worked at Baxter Regional as my first job out of nursing school 11 years ago, and I really liked it. So, when I canceled my contract, I immediately started applying for jobs at Baxter Regional, and I am so happy I did.

“Having worked at so many different hospitals, including much bigger ones, I can tell you Baxter Regional is handsdown the best hospital that I have ever worked for. The administration is so supportive of the nurses. I often tell people I wish everybody could see Baxter Regional through my eyes so that they would understand how good it is here.

I love how much Baxter Regional interacts with the community, and I love that the community interacts through all the volunteers. It just makes me so very happy to work here.”

Beavers said given the current job market, the hospital leaves no stone unturned in recruitment, right down to offering two-year sign-on bonuses of between $5,000 and $15,000 depending on experience, as well as $2,000 referral bonuses offered to existing employees who refer new hires.

The hospital has also launched creative new programs to help develop its own homegrown talent, including having paid out $600,000 in scholarships

THE HOSPITAL LEAVES NO STONE UNTURNED IN RECRUITMENT, RIGHT DOWN TO OFFERING TWO-YEAR SIGN-ON BONUSES OF BETWEEN $5,000 AND $15,000 DEPENDING ON EXPERIENCE, AS WELL AS $2,000 REFERRAL BONUSES OFFERED TO EXISTING EMPLOYEES WHO REFER NEW HIRES. WINTER 2022 |

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“THE ADMINISTRATION IS SO SUPPORTIVE OF THE NURSES. I OFTEN TELL PEOPLE I WISH EVERYBODY COULD SEE BAXTER THROUGH MY EYES SO THAT THEY WOULD UNDERSTAND HOW GOOD IT IS HERE.”

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to nurses wanting to go back to school, and kicking off a Licensed Practical Nurse Residency Program for new LPNs. “This will allow us to hire new grad LPNs for acute care areas as well as clinics,” Beavers said. “We are in the planning stages of the residency, which will be an awesome opportunity for LPNs to work in an acute care environment while bridging to RN, if that is their desire.

“The new program will be similar to the RN Residency Program in that it is all about supporting them in their transfer from a student nurse into a practicing nurse who feels confident and competent in their practice, working one to one with a preceptor so they know they are giving safe, quality care to all of our patients.”

Baxter Regional also supports an even more ambitious program assisting team members who are struggling with student loan debt.

“An awesome program we started in 2017 is a student loan repayment program,” Beavers said. “RNs are always included in it, and sometimes we include other areas like therapy and different things like that. Employees in good standing apply for funds they put toward the principal of their student loan, anywhere from $3,000 to $6,000 per year, and once eligible they can apply every year if they want. I cannot imagine if somebody would have helped me out like that after college.”

For now, Beavers is the hospital’s sole HR recruiter, responsible for staying on top of a headcount of 1,850 employees across all departments. One of the current vacancies is for another recruiter, who when hired, will allow her to focus

solely on increasing nursing numbers.

Until then, she relies on extensive legwork to colleges and job fairs, online recruiting and most importantly, good word of mouth to pique people’s interest in joining the only Magnet-designated hospital in the region.

“Our Magnet designation has gotten us calls from people in Georgia, Utah and other areas of the country,” she said. “I had one from Georgia say, ‘Oh my gosh! I’ve always wanted to work in a Magnet hospital, and you’re there and you have it. I didn’t even realize until I looked on your website.’

“I just talked to a woman, and she and her family are moving here from Utah.

They have friends in the area, and she contacted us because of our care quality and our safety. She wants to go to a quality, safe hospital. Knowing we have that Magnet recognition and knowing we have a good culture, she flew in herself, met all of us and accepted a position that day.”

As for Morgan Jones, who joined the hospital in October, the proof ’s in the pudding when it comes to a desirable work environment, both inside the hospital and throughout the community. On both of those measurements, her decision to join Baxter Regional has been a good one.

“The community is a lot like the hospital,” she said. “Everywhere I go, whether it’s to a gas station or a grocery store or anything, everybody is respectful and friendly, holding the door for you. Everyone I’ve met is so nice and provided excellent customer service. I’ve never run into anybody who was rude or anything. It’s not just the culture of the hospital; it’s the Mountain Home community as a whole.” n

(Opposite Page) Terryl Coffel, a step-down nurse in Baxter Regional’s cardiac unit. Photo by James Moore.

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Baxter Regional Wellness

HEALTHY HABITS AND CARDIAC SCREENING KEY TO HEART HEALTH

BY DEBORAH STANUCH

KNOWING YOUR PERSONAL HEALTH AND HAVING A RELATIONSHIP WITH A FAMILY PROVIDER IS VITAL TO MAINTAINING OVERALL GOOD HEALTH AND IDENTIFYING HEALTH ISSUES AND DISEASE EARLY.

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PHOTO BY JAMES MOORE

HEART DISEASE, OFTEN CALLED THE SILENT KILLER, IS THE NO. 1 CAUSE OF DEATH AMONG MEN AND WOMEN IN THE UNITED STATES, WITH ONE PERSON DYING EVER 36 SECONDS FROM CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE, ACCORDING TO THE CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL. Heart disease affects men and women differently. While men have a higher rate of heart attacks at a younger age, heart disease is most common and more deadly among older women.

Knowing your personal health and having a relationship with a family provider is vital to maintaining overall good health and identifying health issues and disease early. If you don’t have a family doctor, it’s important to establish that relationship advises Jonny Harvey, Occupational Health Coordinator at Baxter Regional.

A Coronary Calcium Screening, available at Baxter Regional, which helps detect heart disease, is recommended for men over 40 and women who are over 45 or postmenopausal. The test checks for calcium buildup in the walls of the coronary arteries, which is a sign of heart disease. It is especially important for those with a family history of heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, history of tobacco use, are sedentary or overweight. It detects heart disease in those who do not have symptoms and provides information on personal heart health and risks for heart disease.

“A healthy lifestyle is key to maintaining a healthy heart or regaining heart health after a serious cardiovascular event,” says Harvey. “Following a heart attack, heart failure, heart surgery or angioplasty, small changes can have a huge effect on heart health. For example, when you quit using tobacco and nicotine products, you start to see health benefits immediately. Those small changes can help maintain a healthy heart.”

CARDIAC CALCIUM SCREENING DETECTING HEART DISEASE AVAILABLE AT BAXTER REGIONAL The Cardiac Calcium Screening, which helps detect heart disease, is recommended for men over 40 and women who are over 45 or postmenopausal. It is especially important for those with a family history of heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, history of tobacco use, are sedentary or overweight.

Since the Cardiac Calcium Screening was introduced at Baxter Regional in May of 2018, over 4,100 individuals have completed the screening, according to Cardiopulmonary Director, Cindy Hawthorne, RRT. “Typically, we see about 70% of these with a calcium score of less than 99, and no recommendations are made.

For those with a score between 100 and 400, which is about 17%, we recommend a follow up with their primary care provider and consider some lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise. About 13% have a score above 400, which is considered a high likelihood of significant coronary artery disease, and we refer them to a cardiologist for further diagnostic testing and medical treatment. About 5% require more invasive intervention such as the placement of stents or open-heart surgery.”

Cardiac Calcium Screening is available at Baxter Regional. The cost is $99.

For information or to schedule a screening call 870-508-7000.

Harvey strongly recommends cardiac rehabilitation, available at Baxter Regional, to improve heart health following a serious cardiac event. The program uses medically supervised physical therapy and patient education. “It’s the individualized medical supervision that sets Cardiac Rehab apart from doing it on your own or with a personal trainer.

The program starts at a low pace, monitors the body’s reaction, provides reports to the primary physician and develops an exercise program specific to the patient.

“It’s important to maintain a healthy body weight. It’s the biggest risk factor to heart health and hypertension,” says Harvey.

“The key is, of course, a healthy diet and exercise. Simply put, it’s calories in, calories out.”

Exercise will help maintain good health and avoid a cardiovascular event,

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BAXTER REGIONAL CARDIAC AND PULMONARY REHABILITATION The program helps patients who have had a heart attack, coronary artery bypass surgery, angioplasty or stable angina, as well as those who are considered prone to cardiac disease.

Baxter Regional – First Floor 870-508-1380 Referral needed from family physician or cardiologist.

Insurance and Medicare are accepted.

according to Harvey. He recommends 30 minutes of cardio exercise a day like a brisk walk or riding a stationary bike, whatever increases your heart rate.

“Diet is a huge issue in the United States, especially in the South where we enjoy fried foods and sweet tea, but it’s never too late to start eating healthy.”

A mostly plant-based diet, recommended by Harvey and medical experts, reduces the risk of heart disease as well as the risk of cancer, diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease.

The focus is on eating mostly fresh vegetables, fruit, high-protein legumes and whole grains, and less on meat and animal products like fats, dairy and eggs.

“Essentially, animal products aren’t optimal for heart health. When choosing red meat, make sure it is lean and low fat. Fish and chicken are better choices than red meat like beef and pork.

HARVEY STRONGLY RECOMMENDS CARDIAC REHABILITATION, AVAILABLE AT BAXTER REGIONAL, TO IMPROVE HEART HEALTH FOLLOWING A SERIOUS CARDIAC EVENT. THE PROGRAM USES MEDICALLY SUPERVISED PHYSICAL THERAPY AND PATIENT EDUCATION.

BAXTER REGIONAL UPCOMING HEALTHY HEART PROGRAMS WOMEN’S HEALTHY HEART PROGRAMS AT THE SCHLIEMANN CENTER FOR WOMEN’S HEALTH EDUCATION

HEART HEALTH PROGRAMS AT THE MRUK FAMILY EDUCATION CENTER ON AGING: WHOLE FOOD PLANT-BASED DIET: 2nd Mondays every month at 5 pm Feb. 14, Heart Healthy Wraps March 14, Smoothies April 11, Bowls and Salads

GIRLS’ NIGHT OUT: Heart to Heart – Feb. 17, 6 pm Heart Healthy Women support group every second Thursday of the month at 1 pm Heart Healthy Line Dancing every Tuesday at 11:30 am and 12:30 pm Heart to Heart: Brazilian Dance every Monday and Wednesday at 4 pm Call 870-508-2345 for information.

NICOTINE USE CESSATION AT THE PEITZ CANCER SUPPORT HOUSE Chewing, vaping and smoking cessation with Roxy Cope. By appointment only.

Call 870-508-2273 for information.

“You don’t have to avoid dairy; just avoid high fat dairy like whole milk, cream, butter and processed cheese.

Cheese can actually be a beneficial part of a healthy diet. It offers good protein, vitamins and minerals, such as calcium and vitamin D, but it also tends to be quite dense in calories and sodium.

Unripened, low fat, low sodium cheeses such as mozzarella and goat cheese are best; blue, feta, cheddar, ricotta, Swiss, cottage and cream cheeses are fine in moderation. Just make sure you’re eating real cheese instead of processed cheese like American cheese, processed spreads and cheese in a can.

“Eggs are quite healthy for us. They are a great source of vitamins, minerals and protein, so one or two eggs a few times a week is fine. What is important is healthy preparation such as boiling, poaching or

— Jonny Harvey,

Pre-registration required.

Call 870-508-3880.

HEALTHY NUTRITION WORKSHOP AT THE REPPELL DIABETES LEARNING CENTER: Held at the Baxter Regional Wellness Education Center located at Hwy. 5 North, Mountain Home.

2nd Wednesdays every month from 11:30 am to 1 pm Registration required.

Call 870-508-1765 at 2545.

“BE AWARE OF SALT, SUGARS AND FATS IN YOUR DIET. THAT’S WHY IT IS IMPORTANT TO READ LABELS. KETCHUP, PEANUT BUTTER AND YOGURT AREN’T BAD FOODS BUT CAN CONTAIN HIDDEN SUGARS AND PROCESSED FOOD OFTEN HAS EXCESSIVE AMOUNTS OF SALT AND SATURATED FAT.” Occupational Health Coordinator at Baxter Regional

LUNCH AND LEARN: Heart Disease and Prevention with Dr. Ben Stevens – Feb. 10 at Noon

pan-frying with cooking spray instead of frying in oil and bacon grease.”

Be aware of salt, sugars and fats in your diet, cautions Harvey. “That’s why it is important to read labels. Ketchup, peanut butter and yogurt aren’t bad foods but can contain hidden sugars, and processed food often has excessive amounts of salt and saturated fat. Honey, especially local honey is an alternative to processed sugar. Saturated fats, like butter, margarine, coconut oil and lard can be replaced with healthy fats like olive oil and avocados.”

Alcoholic beverages contain hidden calories and are fine in moderation, but excessive use can damage health and lead to dependency.

“Moderation is key to a healthy diet and lifestyle. We can have that slice of cake, juicy steak, cheeseburger or beer.

It’s just a matter of moderation.” n

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870-508-1771 | (800) 711-9596 | HospiceoftheOzarks.org

We focus on

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Providing compassionate care during the end-of-life journey and for those who grieve.

Administrative Office | 811 Burnett Dr., Mtn. Home, AR 72653 | (870) 508-1771 | (800) 711-9596 Hospice House | 774 Long Street, Mtn. Home, AR 72653 | (870) 508-1200

Accepting new patients SHAY NA WOO D, M D | PEDIATRIC S Dr. Shayna Wood, a board certified pediatrician, is now accepting new patients at Baxter Regional Med-Peds Clinic.

Dr. Wood served as a neonatologist and pediatrician in Central Arkansas before joining the Baxter Regional staff and the practice of Dr. Michael Adkins and Dr. Samantha Shipman in July, 2021.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (870) 424-3824 today!

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(870) 424-3824 | www.baxterregional.org 52

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FACTS ABOUT BECOMING AN RN

• You do NOT have to be an LPN first • High school graduates are eligible for the program • Must be 18 years old • Possible to become an RN two years after high school • Some employers only hire RNs who are graduates of accredited nursing programs

All undergraduate programs are fully accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) Benefits of ACEN Accreditation: • National mark of excellence • Some RN to BSN and graduate (MSN) programs only accept applicants from graduates of accredited registered nursing programs • Graduates of ACEN accredited programs are more likely to pass NCLEX (acenursing.org) Options in Mountain Home: • RN (traditional) Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AASN) • LPN to AASN • LPN to AASN Online Option • RN to BSN* 100% of full-time faculty are MSN or doctorally prepared

Learn More: AState.edu/RN

Get started today in one of the top nursing programs in the state of Arkansas, located in the comfort of your own hometown.

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Baxter Regional Nutrition

FOOD

is

LOVE NOTHING SHOWS LOVE LIKE SHARING FOOD OR MAKING FOOD WITH OR FOR ANOTHER. HERE ARE SOME FESTIVE AND VERSATILE IDEAS FOR A SPECIAL BREAKFAST, DINNER OR DESSERT. THE GRANOLA AND SHORTCAKE RECIPES USE STRAWBERRIES; HOWEVER, THEY CAN BE DRESSED UP WITH YOUR FAVORITE FRUIT OR EVEN MULTIPLE TYPES OF FRUIT. AS IS MY PREFERENCE, THESE RECIPES USE ONLY A FEW EASY-TO-FIND INGREDIENTS, ARE ECONOMICAL AND ARE NOT COMPLICATED OR TIME-CONSUMING TO PREPARE.

Speedy Granola I keep a jar of this granola on my counter at all times. It’s breakfast, it’s a snack, it’s a topping for fruit at the end of a meal. The recipe uses honey, but maple syrup would work too.

INGREDIENTS:

3 cups whole oats 2/3 cup pumpkin or sunflower seeds or a combination of both ¼ teaspoon coarse grain or Kosher salt ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon 3 tablespoons canola oil 3 tablespoons honey ½ teaspoon vanilla

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DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Combine the oats, seeds, salt and cinnamon in a large bowl and set aside. Combine the oil, honey and vanilla in a glass measuring cup and microwave for 15-30 seconds just to heat slightly.

2. Mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and combine thoroughly. Spread the mixture evenly onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 20-22 minutes or until golden brown. Watch carefully toward the end that it does not over bake. Remove from the oven and cool completely before storing in an airtight container.

Variations: Add 3 tablespoons of sliced almonds to the dry ingredients. Chopped walnuts work nicely, too.

Cook’s Note: This recipe can be doubled.

Adapted from: Cooking Matters in the Garden Nutrition information per serving: 300 calories; 18 g fat (1.8 g saturated; 0.03 g trans fats; 8.5 g monounsaturated); 0 mg cholesterol; 100 mg sodium; 43 g carbohydrate; 9 g fiber; 10 g sugar; 11 g protein.

3. Serve as a topping for plain yogurt and fresh fruit — strawberries are perfect here. Makes 6 servings.

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Slow Roasted Salmon with Cucumber Noodles, Lemon Dressing and Mint This dish is inspired by two cookbook writers: Joanne Weir in Kitchen Gypsy and Diane Morgan in Salmon: A Cookbook.

I love the wide strips of cucumber that result from using an old-fashioned vegetable peeler. Both the salmon and cucumber are brightened by the lemon and mint. If you have never slow roasted salmon, you are in for a treat.

INGREDIENTS:

4 salmon filets, 4–5 ounces each 1 teaspoon canola oil Pinch salt and freshly ground pepper

LEMON DRESSING

1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice 2 tablespoons good quality olive or canola oil Salt and pepper to season CUCUMBER NOODLES

2 English cucumbers, unpeeled and halved crosswise 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint, plus 4 small sprigs for garnish

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat the oven to 250 degrees. Line a baking sheet with foil. Place the salmon on the baking sheet and brush each filet with oil. Season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground pepper. Roast at 250 degrees for 18–20 minutes until the fat between the layers begins to turn whitish and opaque and the fish flakes slightly.

2. Make the lemon dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice and oil until emulsified. Season with salt and pepper and set aside.

3. Make the cucumber noodles. Using a vegetable peeler or mandolin, slice a cucumber half into long, thin ribbons until you reach the seeds. Rotate the cucumber to slice more ribbons and continue until you have reached the core on all four sides. Discard or compost the core and repeat with the remaining three cucumber halves. Place the ribbons in a bowl and toss gently with the chopped mint.

Keep cool until ready to serve.

4. Check the salmon. The salmon is done when an instant read thermometer inserted in the center registers 125–130 degrees. When the salmon is cooked gently at such a low temperature, the fish looks underdone because the color is so beautifully pink and vivid, but it is fully cooked.

5. To serve. Reserve 1 tablespoon of the lemon dressing and toss the rest with the cucumber mint ribbons. Divide the cucumber between 4 plates, place a salmon filet on top of each. Brush the remaining lemon dressing over the top of the salmon and garnish with a sprig of mint. Serve immediately. Serves 4.

Variation: Substitute spiralized zucchini noodles for the cucumber noodles. Prepare them while the salmon is roasting by sautéing for a minute or two to soften, then keep warm until the salmon finishes. Dress and serve as directed for the cucumber noodles.

Nutrition information per serving: 350 calories; 24 g fat (4.4 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 0 mg cholesterol; 5 mg sodium; 6 g carbohydrate; 2 g fiber; 3 g sugar; 28 g protein.

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Great Smiles Start Here Irvin DeAtley, DDS Christina DeAtley, DDS

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This recipe, adapted from Alice Medrich’s Bittersweet, uses a basic cream scone recipe as a shortcake base for strawberries. It makes a simple, sweet finish to any meal. The recipe is adaptable to any favorite fruit — blueberries, blackberries, peaches or cherries would also be delicious.

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1. Position rack in center of oven and preheat to 425. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

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2 cups flour ¼ cup sugar, plus sugar for sprinkling 2½ teaspoons baking powder ½ teaspoon salt 1¼ cups heavy cream 1 tablespoon milk or cream for brushing tops 3 cups sliced strawberries or other favorite fruit

2. In a large bowl, whisk the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt together thoroughly.

Make a well in the center and pour the cream into it. Use a rubber spatula to push the dry ingredients from the sides into the well, cutting and turning the mixture just until the

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“I chose ASUMH because I wanted to move to Arkansas and live in Mountain Home. ASUMH had an EMT program where I could quickly get my foot in the door at Baxter Regional. I began the EMT program in August of 2020 and continued into the Paramedic program. I didn’t realize that paramedics could be so diverse or that you could do so many things.”

- Allyson Meadows, Paramedic student

dry ingredients are almost entirely moistened, and the dough looks rough and shaggy. Gather the dough into a lump and knead it gently against the sides of the bowl five or more times, pressing in the loose pieces, until the dough just holds together (it should not be smooth) and the sides of the bowl are fairly clean.

“I chose ASUMH because I’ve only heard good things about the college. I had been a welder, fabricator and pipe fitter for 15 years and I wanted a change. I went through the summer EMT program, got hired at BRMC and I’m already looking at starting pre-requisites as early as spring for Paramedic. I want to continue working at the hospital, gain experience and move further in my education.”

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Variation: Add ¾ cup dried cranberries or ¾ cup mini chocolate chips to the dry ingredients and serve as a scone instead of a shortcake.

Faith Anaya runs nutrition-based cooking programs for kids in Central Arkansas. She can be reached at info@kidscookarkansas.com.

S O CI A L

I CO N S

3. On a lightly floured board, pat the dough into an 8½-inch round about ¾ inch thick. Cut into 12 wedges. Place them at least 1 inch apart on the baking sheet and brush the tops with milk or cream. Sprinkle very lightly with sugar. Bake until the tops are golden brown, 12–15 minutes.

Let cool on a rack and serve warm or at room temperature split and filled with strawberries and topped with a spoonful of freshly whipped cream. Makes 12.

Nutrition information per serving: 92 calories; 68 calories from fat; 8 g fat (5 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 17 mg cholesterol; 102 mg sodium; 28 g carbohydrate; 1 g fiber; 10 g sugar; 3 g protein. n

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Chaplain’s Corner

AGAPE LOVE

Unconditional love for the world around us

BY REV. RANDALL D. LUDWIG, DMIN, BCC

HUMANS POSSESS 5 SENSES. THESE ARE SIGHT, HEARING, TASTE, SMELL AND TOUCH. All of them are important to our existence in and understanding of the world around us. While they are all important, and I wouldn't want to be without any, the sense of touch is one that places us into direct contact with our world. When we touch something, we are becoming intimately involved with that thing.

The Greek word Agape refers to the paternal love of God for man and man for God but is extended to include a brotherly love for all humanity. The love of God requires absolute devotion that is reminiscent of Plato’s love of beauty, which involves an erotic passion, awe and desire that transcends earthly cares and obstacles. Aquinas, on the other hand, picked up on the Aristotelian theories of friendship and love to proclaim God as the most rational being and hence the most deserving of one’s love, respect and considerations.

Agape is a perfect love. The desire to establish perfection in the life of someone. That establishment is driven by the recognition of one’s ideal beauty; in other words, what it is that God sees in us.

The flipside to that is that once we see the ideal beauty and providential love of God, we then come to the understanding that what God sees in us, we must see in others. For if we are made in the image of God, then our “neighbor” is made in that same image also.

We all touch thousands of things every day of our lives; most, we do not even think about. There are times when we reach out and deliberately touch objects because we want to connect with that object. Our touch might be that of love, of passion, of tenderness, of compassion, of help, of deliverance or of curiosity. Often, our touch can effect change in the objects we touch.

In the Gospel of Matthew, there is a story where Jesus touches a man with leprosy. What Jesus does in this story is an example

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of agape love. Agape love is the kenosis, the complete emptying of one’s self for another.

Agape love is the removal of all boundaries and barriers between two people. It wasn’t enough for Jesus to simply heal the man — he had to go beyond that. By touching the man first, Jesus told him by his actions (the action of a touch) that they were equals. That nothing separated them.

I think we have dismissed opportunities for agape love in the culture in which we live. Our society employs that we are first and others are second. Oh sure we may give to others. The problem is that there is very little physical interaction involved in giving. We may give, but we very rarely share. For when we share, we give what is needed most — our time. When we share the burden, we can’t help but touch one another.

Granted, Jesus physically touched the man with leprosy, but what he really did was touch the man’s life. Jesus touched him in a way that no one had done before.

It’s one thing to lift someone up out of the hole they are in, but it’s agape love that makes us go down in the hole with them and allow them to stand on our shoulders. n

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