COMPASSIONATE COMMITTED CARING
Celebrating National Nurses Week 2020
E2 | Sunday, May 10, 2020
Globe Gazette
Congratulations to
Kirsten Lubkeman!
Nurses Week Heart of Health Care 2020 Honoree
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NURSES: THE HEART OF HEALTH CARE
Globe Gazette
Sunday, May 10, 2020 | E3
OUR JUDGES LINDSEY JAMES VISIT MASON CITY
Lindsey serves as the Executive Director of Visit Mason City. With over 18 years combined experience in marketing, administration, sales, and event coordination, her passion lies in promoting Mason City and North Iowa as a great place to live, work, and play. She has been recognized as an Outstanding Young North Iowan and a recipient of Main Street Iowa’s Leadership Award. Lindsey is a member of the Mason City Noon Lions, Mason City Jaycees, President of the Iowa Group Travel Association, and serves as a Family Liaison for the National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasia.
NURSES: THE HEART OF HEALTH CARE – We could not have picked a better title to honor the nursing vocation. Indeed, nurses are the heart and soul of hospitals, clinics, schools, residential facilities, inhome care, and much more. Nurses educate, console, relate, comfort
CHRYSTEN DOHRMANN, INSTRUCTOR
and endear themselves to patients and families. Nursing is a demanding
NORTH IOWA AREA COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Chrysten has served as an instructor for North Iowa Area Community College for three years, teaching cardiac and vascular content to Nursing students in the ADN program. Prior to working at NIACC, she gained significant cardiac knowledge when working for eight years as a leader on the Cardiac Stepdown Unit at Mercy One in Mason City, and multiple ERs/ICUs in Wyoming, Montana, South Dakota, and in Des Moines. Chrysten received her masters degree in Nursing in Leadership and Management from Walden University and her bachelors degree in Nursing from Allen College in Waterloo.
profession that requires extraordinary skill and compassion. These tireless professionals deserve every bit of recognition they will receive during National Nurses Week, which kicked off this week. Locally, the Globe Gazette took part in honoring the area’s own nurses with a contest, section and awards event.
JUDGING THE TOP 10:
Four independent judges: Julie Kolker
and Chrysten Dohrmann from North Iowa Area Community College,
JULIE KOLKER, INSTRUCTOR NORTH IOWA AREA COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Lindsey James from Visit Mason City, and Shelly Johnson from Principal
Julie has been an Associate Degree Nursing Instructor at North Iowa Area Community College for past 16 years, working closely with the Nursing IV students. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Family Services from Iowa State University, an Associate of Science degree in Nursing from NIACC and a Master’s Degree in Nursing from the University of Iowa.
Financial reviewed all of the nominees and chose the 10 winners revealed within this section. Read about each winner within this section.
“NURSES: THE HEART OF HEALTH CARE” IS PUBLISHED BY THE GLOBE GAZETTE (NORTH IOWA MEDIA GROUP) Jerry Smith/Special Projects Editor – jerry.smith@globegazette.com Olivia Stalker/ Advertising Coordinator – olivia.stalker@globegazette.com Greg Wilderman/Circulation Director – greg.wilderman@globegazette.com Jaci Smith/Editor – jaci.smith@globegazette.com Janet Johnson/Publisher – janet.johnson@globegazette.com Advertising Department: 1-800-421-0546 – advertising@globegazette.com Circulation Department: 1-800-433-0560 – getmyglobe@globegazette.com THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS: MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center ABCM Corporation Community Health Center Country Meadows Place North Iowa Area Community College
SHELLY JOHNSON PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL GROUP
Shelly is director of Retirement & Income Services and has over 30 years of experience in Retirement Plan Services with Principal Financial Group. She currently leads the on boarding services team responsible for welcoming new retirement plan customers. She and her husband, Mark, grew up in North Iowa and chose to raise their family here, as well. Shelly has been a member of the United Way of North Central Iowa Board of Directors and enjoys supporting her community and church.
E4 | Sunday, May 10, 2020
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GREEN SHOOT MEDIA
n December 2019, a novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19 surfaced in Wuhan, China, that has led to a pandemic. The pandemic has led to lockdowns and stay-at-home orders around the world, sports cancellations and uncertainty throughout financial markets. On March 14, President Donald Trump declared a national emergency regarding the coronavirus. Medical professionals, including nurses, are on the front lines risking exposure while working to limit the spread and symptoms of the virus. The union National Nurses United urges employers to keep their health experts safe by incorporating necessary protocols: Employers shall clearly communicate with all health care workers, including notifying nurses when there is a possible or confirmed COVID-19 case. Facilities should be prepared for a surge of patients with potential or confirmed cases of the virus, which should include how to isolate and care for patients, along with how to provide safe practices for medical staff. Employers shall conduct a thorough investigation after a COVID-19 patient is identified, ensuring the staff who were exposed are identified and notified. Nurses who faced exposure shall be placed on precautionary leave for at least 14 days without losing their pay or benefits. Nurses and other health care workers must also be provided with efficient protective gear and any available education and training that may help experts understand the outbreak more efficiently. How nurses can stay safe Since much is still unknown about how COVID-19 spreads, nurses and others in the medical field are at an increased risk of exposure. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention urges all nursing professionals to wear properly fit-ting masks and protective gloves while attending to patients. Help a nurse The coronavirus is a widespread pandemic that is causing major corporations to close their doors temporarily. You can help the medical professionals in your area by listening to guidelines from your state’s officials. Many are prohibiting events that are expected to draw over a specific number of people. To help lessen your exposure and need for medical assistance, avoid visiting high-traffic areas where the risk of contracting the virus is enhanced.
NURSES: THE HEART OF HEALTH CARE
Globe Gazette
Nurses on the
FRONT LINES OF CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC
STAFF SGT. SERGIO A. GAMBOA, U.S. AIR FORCE VIA ADOBE STOCK/GREEN SHOOT MEDIA
U.S. Air Force Capt. Theresa Snyder, 355th Medical Operations Squadron operational medicine flight commander, wears protective gear at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, on March 27 while helping with COVID-19 testing.
Globe Gazette
Sunday, May 10, 2020 | E5
ADOBE STOCK VIA GREEN SHOOT MEDIA
2020 DECLARED YEAR OF THE NURSE
I
GREEN SHOOT MEDIA
n honor of the 200th birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale, the World Health Organization declared 2020 as the year of the nurse. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the health care field will add 3,059,800 new registered nursing jobs between 2018 and 2028, a growth rate of 12%. In support of nurses, WHO suggests the “Triple Impact” to give these professionals the tools they need to excel in patient care: better health, stronger economies and greater gender equality. With these tools, nursing experts are given the opportunity to receive a formal education, enroll in training programs and enter a career that stimulates the economy and health care field.
Who was Florence Nightingale?
Florence Nightingale is widely known as the founder of modern nursing. During the Crimean War, she oversaw providing care for the British and allied soldiers in Turkey. Sometimes called, “The Lady with the Lamp,” Nightingale would go on to found the first scientifically based nursing school in London in 1860. She was also responsible for instituting training for midwives and nurses who
practiced in workhouse infirmaries. Her work continues to inspire medical professionals today and led to her birthday, May 12, being designated to commemorate International Nursing Day each year.
Reports and campaigns
As part of the 2020 celebration for nurses, WHO will release its first State of the World’s Nursing Report. The document will describe how the nursing workforce can help deliver Universal Health Coverage and Sustainable Development Goals. It will also highlight new areas for policy growth over the next three to five years. 2020 will be the final year for the Nursing Now campaign that was started in 2018. The movement focused on five areas: A more prominent voice in health policy making. Greater investments in the nursing workforce. Recruiting more nurses in leadership roles. Conducting research to find where nurses can have the most impact. Share of the best nursing practices. You can help spread the message by sharing the Nursing Now campaign across social media, hosting local events or advocating for the nurses in your community.
• Nationally accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) • #1 Iowa Program @ RNCareers.org • 100% ADN program licensure pass rate in 2019 and 100% of our nursing students have jobs waiting for them when they graduate! • Go from RN to BSN with the 3+1 program with the University of Iowa (online).
North Iowa Area Community College
NURSES: THE HEART OF HEALTH CARE
E6 | Sunday, May 10, 2020
Globe Gazette
MANDRA CARLSON
FULL RECOVERY IS THIS MASON CITY NURSE’S GOAL
“
andra Carlson helps people get M their lives back.
We get to help them get back to the things they enjoyed doing. I’m proud to be a nurse. You have to love what you do to keep doing it.
As a nurse on the ortho/neuro floor at MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center in Mason City, Carlson cares for patients who have had total joint replacements (hips, knees, shoulders), orthopedic trauma, strokes and seizures, among others. Her goal with each patient is to help them recover and lead the lives they envisioned before needing medical care or surgical procedures.
In fact, her sister-in-law took the leap, while one of her children is considering going into the medical field as well. “My sister-in-law absolutely loves it,” she said. “I would encourage anybody who wants a tough, yet rewarding job to consider this field. I have absolutely loved it.”
“We get to help them get back to the things they enjoyed doing,” Carlson said. “I’m proud to be a nurse. You have to love what you do to keep doing it.” But that isn’t always an easy task, Carlson admits. The job is both mentally and physically demanding.
A lot has changed in 17 years since Carlson embarked on her nursing journey. New procedures and technology has made for better outcomes, while new medicines have and more involved physical therapy has made for shorter recovery times.
She said there are times you are by yourself, and a lot of the care they give is physical in nature, more than almost any of the other floors. “It is very physical work, yet very rewarding,” said Carlson, who will celebrate 17 years at MercyOne this summer. “It’s very rare we have a patient who can be completely independent. We’re required to do a little bit more than regular nursing duties.” Carlson’s dedication to helping her patients recover from medical procedures to lead the lives they envisioned has made her one of the most well respected nurses in North Iowa. Because of that, she was selected as one of the Globe Gazette’s Top 10 out-
But the biggest change in Carlson’s career came mere weeks ago when the coronavirus infected the nation and the world.
standing nurses.
she said.
“This job is both tough and rewarding,” she said. “It’s physical, but there is an emotional element. You have to be what they (patients) need, and we gladly do it. That is what we are there for.”
“They inspired me to go this direction, and now I’m a career health care worker and I love it,” said Carlson, who worked at North Central (now Mosaic) in Forest City while in high school. “I really knew then that I wanted to be in this field.”
North Iowa was not immune to the COVID-19 pandemic, and because of the spread, the ortho/ neuro floor (5 West at MercyOne) Carlson has been working on for years almost overnight turned into the COVID-19 floor, forcing her to change how she cared for patients.
Carlson said she would recommend a career in the health care field to anyone who would listen.
“I work the weekend package and that calls for total patient care,” she said. “I am responsi-
Carlson comes by that naturally. Her parents were both volunteer EMTs in Thompson and were “very instrumental” in it for years before they retired,
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JERRY SMITH | jerry.smith@globegazette.com
ble for everything. It’s different because when you walk in you have to update yourself each and every day. You almost have to relearn everything when you walk in.” And while every health care worker has in one way or another been put in harm’s way because of the virus, Carlson is in contact with patients who have been diagnosed with the virus every day. That has added some additional stress to her job. “It makes my family nervous,” she said. “We’ve reduced the possibility at home, but you then have to go to work where you encounter it every day.” And the anxiety is real and present for the health care workers, patients and their families as well. Carlson said family members not being able to see their loved ones and worry about what could be coming is very hard. “I worry more about the psychological aspect for health care workers because they have to make the tough decisions about treatments and even who needs to be put on ventilators. Those are tough calls that weigh heavy on a person.”
Globe Gazette
NURSES: THE HEART OF HEALTH CARE
Sunday, May 10, 2020 | E7
HEATHER ERICKSON
GRANDMA ‘INSPIRED ME TO BECOME A NURSE’
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JERRY SMITH | jerry.smith@globegazette.com
Nursing is a life-long career and I love it because it is so rewarding.
The Westview Care Center nurse credits her grandma for inspiring her to follow in her footsteps and become a nurse. Eighteen years later, and Erickson is still glad she followed her grandmother’s advice to get into the health care field and help others.
Westview has a “Guardian Angel” program where nurses and staff are assigned a resident and then asked to spend at least an hour a month with them. Most nurses easily spend more time than is required.
“My 94-year-old grandma was an OB (obstetrics) nurse and since I was a grandma’s girl, I wanted to be just like her,” said Erickson, who lives in Algona and drives to her job in Britt. “She inspired me to go into this field. Her caring personality and her always the one to be in charge stuck with me.”
For Erickson, the program is an added perk to her job. “We get to spend one-on-one time with them and that builds that extra bond,” she said. “When the weather is nice, my daughter and I take residents to the park. She loves coming here.”
While Erickson doesn’t work in obstetrics, where a registered nurse helps care for female patients during pregnancy, labor and child birth, she does wear many hats at Westview, where she still helps out with patients on the floor. It’s that willingness to help out her colleagues and her 18 years of devotion to patients at Westview that has made her one of the most well respected nurses in North Iowa. Because of that, she was selected as one of the Globe Gazette’s Top 10 outstanding nurses. “This is a real honor,” she said. “I like to have that contact with the patients daily and being out there helping the CNAs (certified nursing assistants). I like to show the other nurses I am willing to do what they do every day. It’s why we get into this field.” Jaime Rieck is Erickson’s supervisor. She was one of the 10 nurses who were honored by the Globe Gazette during National Nurses Week 2019. Reick said the judges were spot on in picking Erickson as one of the Top 10 nurses in North Iowa.
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eather Erickson grew up being a grandH ma’s girl.
The program has especially been important during the COVID-19 pandemic as Westview has been shut down to visitors. The nurses and staff often have become extended family in these hard times. SUBMITTED
“She is dedicated to Westview and the residents,” Rieck said. “She is willing to come in at any time to offer help in any department. She definitely goes above and beyond.” Erickson has been helping people at Westview since she was a 16-year-old in high school. Working as a CNA helped her realize nursing is what she was destined to do. After high school, she attended Iowa Lakes Community College and earned a degree in nursing, then resumed her career at Westview where she has “done many things” such as working as a CNA,
a medication aid, working as a restorative exercise nurse, and a care coordinator where she did medicine assessments and performed quality assurance checks. While she said she has enjoyed each of those duties, the thing Erickson said she likes most about her job as a nurse is that she gets to work with people every day and interact with the residents. “You see them every day and that is so nice,” she said. “My daughter is 8 years old and she likes to come in when I’m visiting the residents. She says, ‘hey, can I go see so and so today.’”
“The longer visitor restrictions go on, the harder it gets,” Erickson said. “It’s really hard on the residents, who often do video chats with their family members and sometimes interact with them through windows and doors. We spend extra time with them to reassure them.” Even taking into account the “scary” times in the health care field due to the virus, Erickson said being a nurse is not a job for the light-hearted. She said if you get into the field, it’s a job you should really want to do. “It’s sometimes not the glamorous job people idealize it to be,” she said. “Nursing is a life-long career and I love it because it is so rewarding.”
E8 | Sunday, May 10, 2020
NURSES: THE HEART OF HEALTH CARE
Globe Gazette
CHRISTINA FABER
CHANGING ROLES SEAMLESS FOR VETERAN NURSE
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JERRY SMITH | jerry.smith@globegazette.com
As a nurse, you have to be flexible to do the job. We all embrace it because we care and want to help people.
A lot of things changed a few weeks ago for Christina Faber and her colleagues on 5 West at MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center in Mason City. While the world has been turned upside down because of the COVID-19 virus, no other field has been affected more than the health care industry, where doctors, nurses and hospital and clinic staff are on the front lines of the pandemic.
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Faber is experiencing that firsthand as a nurse on MercyOne’s 5 West, the floor that has been recently converted to the non-critical COVID-19 floor.
“You have to be thorough and detail oriented, and above all else be a patient advocate,” she said. “I stay focused at work and push myself and my support staff to provide exceptional care for our patients. We do whatever needs to be done.”
The veteran nurse and her 5 West colleagues have had to make the switch from taking care of patients that have had total hip and knee replacements, orthopedic trauma, strokes and brain cancer patients on the ortho/neuro floor, to taking care of COVID-19 patients.
Faber has had to change the way she goes about her new job as a COVID-19 provider. While she said it isn’t as physically demanding and not nearly as labor intensive, the job is just as demanding from an emotional standpoint.
The switch seemingly happened overnight. “It’s a different ballgame now,” Faber said. “One day I went to work and our floor had changed to the COVID-19 floor. As a nurse, you have to be flexible to do the job. We all embrace it because we care and want to help people.” Faber’s willingness to take care of her patients and advocate for them – no matter the floor – as well as her willingness to embrace change, has made her one of the most well respected nurses in North Iowa. Because of that, she was selected as one of the Globe Gazette’s Top 10 outstanding nurses. Faber’s current supervisor, David Asche, who is transitioning out as director of the post-surgical and neuro unit, and co-director Tony Marquis, both agree that Faber is a quality nurse who is deserving of the accolades.
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Christina Faber (right with daughter Rea) “She’s detail oriented and a true patient advocate and her care does not change day to day,” Asche said. “She always has her patients’ best interest at heart.” Marquis agrees. “I would definitely want her as my nurse,” he said. “I would get very good care.” Faber is a 1986 graduate of the North Iowa Area Community College nursing program and started her nursing career immediately at MercyOne Des Moines. Nine months later (1987), she started on the general medical floor at Mercy Hospital in Mason City. When she switched
to the ortho floor, she said it was “like home.” “The ortho floor is the one of the hardest floors to work on because it is so labor intensive,” Faber said. “We have a lot of different duties and do a lot of lifting and moving of patients, but I love it.” Faber describes her job – both as an ortho/neuro nurse and now a COVID-19 provider – as one that requires wearing a lot of hats. From doing patient assessments to blood work, pain management to administering medications, and from working closely with physicians to making patients comfortable, the job requires focus and compassion.
“This feels like a sci-fi movie. It seems so unreal,” she said. “I never would have expected this, but this is my job and it’s what I’m here to do. “Patients who come to this floor are very sick, and they are scared, so it is our job to help them get through this. It’s mentally and physically challenging, but very worthwhile.” Faber is proud to be a nurse and says she has met so many good people, both colleagues and patients. She can’t think of another field she would rather be in or a place she would rather work and live. “I’ve met some really awesome people in North Iowa and Southern Minnesota,” she said. “I’m very loyal to the doctors and the nurses I work with. They have done remarkable work for the patients in this area and I am proud to be associated with them.”
Globe Gazette
NURSES: THE HEART OF HEALTH CARE
Sunday, May 10, 2020 | E9
KIRSTEN LUBKEMAN
‘NURSING FULFILLED MY LOVE OF HELPING PEOPLE’
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JERRY SMITH | jerry.smith@globegazette.com
Nursing fulfilled my love of helping people. I’m able to serve and help people and that is so fulfilling.
The Clear Lake resident is happy she made the decision to go back to school to become a nurse more than 13 years ago after going to Drake University for a bachelor’s degree and working a long career in information technology. It was a move based on heart, emotion and wanting to serve.
tact outside of the work place, and definitely has to follow all of the processes that have been put in place at the facility since the pandemic has started.
“I didn’t have that personal feel of helping others in my first career,” Lubkeman said. “Nursing fulfilled my love of helping people. I’m able to serve and help people and that is so fulfilling.”
“It has definitely made it tougher,” she said. “If I thought I was striving to keep the residents healthy then, I’m doing so much more now. We all are providing an extra level of care and that can be both physically and emotionally draining.”
When Lubkeman decided to switch fields, she attended Des Moines Area Community College and earned her associate degree. In 2007, she received her LPN license, and a year later, she received her RN license. After plying her trade in Alexander and Ames, she has found her home at Country Meadow Place in Mason City where she is a health care coordinator.
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In those nine short months, Lubkeman has made a name for herself at Country Meadow Place – a dedicated Alzheimer’s and memory care community – as a hard worker and someone residents enjoy working with.
As a health care coordinator, Lubkeman helps residents with memory care needs. She helps them with their doctor appointments and their medicine needs, and is a liaison between the patient and family.
It’s that love for the second career she chose and her devotion to the residents at Country Meadow Place that has made her one of the most well respected nurses in North. Because of that, she was selected as one of the Globe Gazette’s Top 10 outstanding nurses.
“I do a little of everything to make sure all residents’ needs are being met,” she said. “I have contact with family members to keep them current with their loved ones. It’s rewarding for me when families know residents are well taken care of. I like knowing they are being taken care of.”
“It’s flattering because I’m a private person,” Lubkeman said. “I don’t do this for the recognition. None of us do. It was a real shock when I found out, but I am honored.”
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ike many professionals, Kirsten LubkeL man changed fields after spending years in a job that wasn’t satisfying.
Working with residents with memory care needs can be both challenging and rewarding, Lubkeman said. It also is emotionally draining at times.
“It is a tough and rewarding job both physically and emotionally,” she said. “You can’t help but be emotionally connected to the residents you help each day. “It is a loss when we lose a resident. It’s such a loss when they leave. Sometimes you have to contain your emotions. Many times, when we go home we let them out.” Lubkeman said the onset of the COVID-19 virus has changed everything at Country Meadow Place. An already tough job has been made more difficult because contact in the health care field is vital. The health care coordinator said she has had to redouble her efforts to avoid con-
But no matter the situation and the challenges facing Lubkeman, the Clear Lake nurse said she is happy she made the career switch and is proud to be a nurse. She believes nursing provides vital care in the community and serving brings many rewards. “I love what I do on a daily basis and I have great respect for everybody here and the work they do providing care for our residents,” Lubkeman said. “I’m proud of our staff for the care they provide. I’ve seen everybody step up during this crisis.” Lubkeman’s work in the health care field doesn’t end there. Her love of nursing has led her to North Iowa Area Community College where she is a traveling Certified Nurses Aid instructor. “Nursing is my passion, so I go to Hampton to teach it in the high school,” she said. “I love it.”
E10 | Sunday, May 10, 2020
NURSES: THE HEART OF HEALTH CARE
Globe Gazette
LAUREN MAKI
GERIATRICS ALWAYS THE PLAN FOR GARNER NURSE
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JERRY SMITH | jerry.smith@globegazette.com
I’ve only wanted to work in geriatrics. I like seeing the progression of my patients from worst to better.
Since completing the program, the 28-year-old has been working the past three years at the ABCM Concord Care Center in Garner, doing exactly what she envisioned – working as a charge nurse in a long-term care facility. “I’ve only wanted to work in geriatrics,” Maki said. “I like seeing the progression of my patients from worst to better.”
“Our actions outside of work do matter and that has made things much tougher as health care providers,” said Maki, whose husband is an EMT/firefighter. “These people are the most vulnerable, so it’s a catch-22 and it’s taken a toll on everybody.”
Maki’s willingness to take care of her patients no matter the stage of life they are in has made her one of the most well respected nurses in North Iowa in her so far short career. Because of that, she was selected as one of the Globe Gazette’s Top 10 outstanding nurses. As her supervisor, director of nursing Debbie Miller is proud of Maki’s achievement, and happy she looked to long-term care as a career choice. “She absolutely loves the residents and that is apparent every day,” Miller said. “It’s nice to see a nurse who wants to be in long-term care and who is devoted to the residents as much as Lauren is.” Maki said she enjoys taking care of the patients at Concord Care Center. She does so by administering medication, following through with treatment plans, getting residents ready for the day, talking with physicians and family members and working closely with other staff, among other duties. A big part of Maki’s job is being a liaison between the residents she cares for and their family. It’s a role she cherishes.
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hen Lauren Maki decided to enroll in W the Licensed Practical Nurse program at North Iowa Area Community College, she knew where she wanted a degree to take her.
But from bad sometimes comes good, Maki said. SUBMITTED
But the best part of her job as a charge nurse is the interaction each day with the patients. “We are there for the residents and we get to be a part of their lives each and every day,” Maki said. “We get to know what makes them happy and help put smiles on their faces. We get to be their secondary family.” While Maki says her job as a charge nurse is “very rewarding,” she said it is tough every day because there are different scenarios that you face with residents ranging in age from 40 years old to the oldest resident, who is 106 years old. Maki said that goes with being in the health care field.
“Being an essential worker is very difficult,” she said. “It’s hard for us because we have to make sure we are monitoring patients and keeping them comfortable, and also conveying everything to their family members, be it good or bad. “But this job is so rewarding, too. We have such a connection with our patients. When they are not at their very best, we can help them get there and that is very worthwhile.” Making the job a little more stressful and tough lately has been the COVID-19 pandemic. Because Maki and the other health care professionals are interacting with vulnerable people each day, they have to be extra careful in their activities outside of Concord Care Center.
She said her colleagues have helped her grow as a nurse and COVID-19 has drawn them all closer together. “It has helped me become a better nurse,” Maki said. “And the community has been amazing, too. I’ve seen people come together more. I think it is the uncertainty. “I’ve never been so proud to be a nurse. We have to worry solely about our residents and need to all be selfless in every job we do. I’ve seen this in every aspect of care at Concord and that makes me very proud.” Miller said that even in the new normal that has been brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, Maki has remained upbeat through it all, and that has helped others at the facility. “These are hard times in health care facilities, but Lauren always has a smile on her face and is bubbly and that is infectious,” she said.
NURSES: THE HEART OF HEALTH CARE
Globe Gazette
Sunday, May 10, 2020 | E11
STACY OSTERT MILLER
HOSPICE NURSE MEETING CHALLENGES HEAD ON JERRY SMITH | jerry.smith@globegazette.com
Stacy Ostert Miller is a hugger.
on our patients.”
As a hospice nurse, hugging is an unwritten requirement of the job for many.
Ostert Miller’s willingness to take care of her patients no matter how many challenges she faces has made her one of the most well respected nurses in North Iowa. Because of that, she was selected as one of the Globe Gazette’s Top 10 outstanding nurses.
Hospice care prioritizes comfort and quality of life by reducing pain and suffering, and hugging can often be a part of that care. But all of that changed two months ago with the COVID-19 pandemic. Ostert Miller is no longer able to hug the patients she cares for, and that has been tough on everybody. “We can’t hug and that is one of the most difficult things,” said Ostert Miller, who works at MercyOne Hospice as a traveling caregiver. “We’re huggers. Hugging is the best medicine we can have sometimes. “COVID-19 has changed our jobs. We can’t get into our facilities as much to support our patients and that is tough on them and us.” Ostert Miller says she and her colleagues meet remotely to talk about the challenges of hospice care, especially as it pertains to the current crisis. She says the most difficult thing is nobody really knows how long it will last. “This has been hard for our patients, who are already facing challenges,” she said. “They didn’t sign up for this and neither did anybody else. We’ve all had to adjust, but it has been very hard
Ostert Miller hasn’t always been a nurse. In fact, she has only been a health care provider for a decade after earning a management/finance degree early on and working it that field. But she decided to change fields and went back to school to become a nurse. She has worked full time as an EMT nurse at a hospital and has spent time in the emergency room, obstetrics, and critical care at MercyOne before transitioning to hospice. For the past 2 ½ years, Ostert Miller has been on the road caring for four to five patients a day in their homes, care centers and hospitals mainly in the Charles City and Osage areas of Floyd and Mitchell counties. For the Riceville nurse, transitioning to hospice care has been a great move. “So many people were inspiring and encouraging,” she said. “That little voice kept telling me I should do it and I love what I do.” Ostert Miller can’t put a finger on what part of her job she likes the most because there “are so many,” she said. But the fact that she gets to build relationships with her patients is right up there.
Stacy Ostert Miller is a hospice nurse for MercyOne North Iowa Hospice in Mason City.
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It’s a difficult job, but it is rewarding. It’s emotional and physically draining. It has been my favorite nursing job.
“We’re dealing with end of life issues, so we get close,” she said. “It’s uncharted territory with some patients. They are letting us come in to help them. Every day is a little different. “It’s a difficult job, but it is rewarding. It’s emotional and physically draining. It has been my favorite nursing job.”
“
These special health care providers focus on relieving or mitigating – without curing – terminally ill patients’ pain at the end of their lives.
But with the good comes the bad. Knowing patients are in the last phases of their lives – usually six months – getting to know them and building relationships is made more difficult when they pass. That can be said for building relationships with family members as well, she said. Ostert Miller said she is proud of that and be-
lieves the patients’ families appreciate her and the other hospice nurses that take care of their loved ones each day. “We build bonds. Hospice is unique that way,” she said. “It’s more than just taking care of their health care needs. We’re trying to make them as comfortable and their lives as meaningful as we can. We strive to give them support, and that means we grieve and care too much sometimes.” As for hugging, Ostert Miller looks forward to the day she is able to hug her patients again. She believes it is an integral part of caring for them. “Sometimes we just don’t have words,” she said.
E12 | Sunday, May 10, 2020
NURSES: THE HEART OF HEALTH CARE
Globe Gazette
BELINDA RASMUSON-OULMAN
WEARS MANY HATS IN THE HEALTH CARE INDUSTRY JERRY SMITH | jerry.smith@globegazette.com
elinda Rasmuson-Oulman has taken a B long and sometimes winding road to get to where she is today. The MDS Care Plan Coordinator at the ABCM Oakwood Care Center in Clear Lake got into the health field when she was still attending high school. At age 16, she started as a nursing aid in 1989 and hasn’t looked back. In 1997, Rasmuson-Oulman tested for and received her nursing license, and a year later was hired at Oakwood as a floor nurse. She has been there ever since in different capacities, including rehabilitation aid and medicine aid.
“I’ve always wanted to be a nurse,” she said. “I took small steps to get to where I am. I love helping people, and that is why I chose this field.” Rasmuson-Oulman’s journey of helping people in different aspects of the health field, her passion for being a nurse, and her compassion has made her one of the most well respected nurses in North Iowa. Because of that, she was selected as one of the Globe Gazette’s Top 10 outstanding nurses. Director of Nursing Jenna Kuechenberg calls Rasmuson-Oulman the facility’s “goto” person because of how well she does a variety of jobs. “She has a hand in everything and wears a lot of hats,” Kuechenberg said. “She’s one of the most dedicated employees here and everybody loves her. “Belinda gets along with the residents here and really cares about their well-being. She is very deserving of this honor.” Adding to her desire to be a nurse from a
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“
I’ve always wanted to be a nurse. I took small steps to get to where I am. I love helping people, and that is why I chose this field.
“
In 2011, Rasmuson-Oulman went back to school to get her degree and become a registered nurse so she could continue helping people.
very young age is the fact that her twin sister is a nurse. “Some people have a feel for things,” Rasmuson-Oulman said. “I always wanted to be a nurse. It’s in my blood.” While not on the floor every day, the Clear Lake nurse continues to help the Oakwood
residents by creating care plans and administering federally mandated assessments for Oakwood through Medicare for quality of care. In other words, she helps get money back for the patients. Rasmuson-Oulman also is a part-time cardiac nurse at MercyOne, works as an advanced EMT on the Garner Volunteer Ambulance Service, and is one of two medical investigators for Hancock County. In all of her jobs, she said being there for the patients is the best part. “I’m a people person, so I want to make sure they have everything they need to be comfortable and stress-free as possible,” she said. “It’s hard to explain how fulfilling helping human life is every day. People are hard. It’s a very challenging and rewarding job.” Making the job even more challenging has been the crisis that has come with the COVID-19 pandemic. The total number of Iowans who have been identified as having COVID-19 symptoms or illnesses has reached over 4,000 people, while more than 1,500 people have recovered from the virus. At any given time during the past
weeks, 200 or more people have been hospitalized. “It’s made every one of our jobs more stressful,” Rasmuson-Oulman said. “We’re trying to stay safe not only for our families, but for the community. At the same time we are trying to help people, safety for all is on our minds. It’s a balancing act.” But even with the stress of her job and the extra dangers she and other health care workers face, Rasmuson-Oulman said she is proud to be a nurse and work on the front line in the health care industry. “Everybody is doing their part,” she said. “Nurses, doctors and front line staff are all in this together. It’s a strange time and I’m proud to be a part of it. We’re all here to help our patients get through this.” Asked if she had any advice to those thinking about becoming a nurse or working in the health care field, Rasmuson-Oulman said she would love to see more people get into nursing. “We need more nurses,” she said. “It’s a job that is essential and is very rewarding.”
Globe Gazette
NURSES: THE HEART OF HEALTH CARE
Sunday, May 10, 2020 | E13
MACY WESLIN
BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS WITH PATIENTS IS ‘FULFILLING’
“
JERRY SMITH | jerry.smith@globegazette.com
You build a relationship with patients and build trust. They feel comfortable with me and that makes my job much easier.
acy Weslin believes she has found her M true calling in the health care field. After graduating in 2017 from Northeast Iowa Community College, Weslin took a job at a nursing home in Hubbard, and for two years she was in her “comfort zone” there, getting to know the residents and take care of them.
“
But in November, the Calmar, Iowa, nurse took a leap of faith and became a behavioral health nurse (LPN) at the Community Health Center in downtown Mason City working for a psychiatric nurse practitioner and now she “is home.”
and that is an important part of my job.”
“The nursing home was my comfort zone, but I really wanted to try something new,” said Weslin about her switch to behavioral health. “I was always interested in the behavioral health field and this gave me an opportunity to get into it. I really love this field.”
While Weslin says there is a certain amount of stress that goes with her job and any job in the health care industry, the COVID-19 pandemic has added to that because she not only has to worry about what she could be bringing home from the Community Health Center, but also what she could bring into the health care facility.
The Community Health Center in Mason City, and two other locations in Fort Dodge and Dayton, offer behavioral health screening and counseling, crisis intervention, medication management, substance abuse screening and counseling. Weslin describes her job as being the middle man between patient and provider. She rooms patients, takes their vitals and asks them about their medications, gets a general feel for how they are doing and generally brings the provider up to speed about the patient. “We see the same people every month and often talk on the phone,” she said. “You build a relationship with patients and build trust. They feel comfortable with me and that makes my job much easier.” It’s that willingness to get to know her patients and a positive attitude Weslin brings to the job each and every day that has made her one of the most well respected nurses in North Iowa. Because of that, she
Following strict precautions like always wearing a mask, adhering to social distancing and washing her hands all the time has helped, but the stress is always present. SUBMITTED
was selected as one of the Globe Gazette’s Top 10 outstanding nurses.
has a lot of grace and understanding and always has a smile on her face.”
“It blew my mind when I found out I got this,” Weslin said. “I was not expecting this honor.”
Weslin describes her job as being both tough and rewarding, and that all the small things she does and the help she is able to provide the center’s patients makes it all worthwhile.
After finding out about Weslin being honored by the Globe Gazette, her supervisor Sarah Enke said she is well deserving for a variety of reasons. “She’s pretty unique in a special way,” said Enke, Community Health’s Behavioral Health director and social worker. “Macy has a way of creating a safe space for our patients and getting them to open up. She
What Weslin loves most about her job is building the bond between herself and the people she sees. “I will always be an advocate for my patients,” she said. “Building a relationship with patients is huge. Something small can mean more to patients and help them,
“It is a little more stressful because there are more precautions necessary,” she said. “We’re all doing a good job keeping our patients safe and ourselves safe. It has been a total team effort.” That team mentality and knowing she gets to help people every day has made Weslin proud to be called a nurse. While she has only been in the health care field for about three years, Weslin said she plans to be a nurse for as long as she can. “I love what I do,” she said. “There are a lot of little things that make me proud to be a nurse. The simplest thing is somebody saying thank you. That is the biggest thing and keeps me going.”
E14 | Sunday, May 10, 2020
NURSES: THE HEART OF HEALTH CARE
Globe Gazette
BONNIE WILHITE
BRITT SURGICAL DIRECTOR HAS ‘CAN-DO’ ATTITUDE
“
JERRY SMITH | jerry.smith@globegazette.com
To oversee the department, I need to be in there. In a small hospital, you do it all.
The director of surgical services at the Hancock County Health System’s hospital in Britt has been known to put the gown and mask on to help in surgeries because she wants to keep up on the changes “that happen so fast.” She says “being a part of it” is the best way to do that. “To oversee the department, I need to be in there,” said Wilhite, who has served in many different capacities at the 25-bed facility the past 32 years. “In a small hospital, you do it all.”
she said. “A lot of people I see here are my high school friends’ parents and many times my friends.” Taking care of friends, family and community members she knows so well makes Wilhite’s job not only tough, but very rewarding.
While Wilhite hasn’t always been the hospital’s surgical director, she has worn a lot of hats at the health care facility and has helped a lot of people in her more than three decades of service there.
“People put their trust in you and their lives in your hands, so that is the stressful part of the job,” she said. “The toughest times are when a patient doesn’t recover and especially when they pass away. You grieve with the family.
In fact, at one time, she was simultaneously serving as surgical director and emergency room director. Reluctantly, she had to step away from the ER job.
“But when you see the good results of your work and the work of the other doctors and nurses, that’s rewarding.”
“It was tough running two different departments at once,” she said. Wilhite’s willingness to do what it takes each and every day – along with her pleasant bedside manner – has made her one of the most well respected nurses in North Iowa. Because of that, she was selected as one of the Globe Gazette’s Top 10 outstanding nurses. The voters who nominated her and the four judges who chose her are not the only people who believe Wilhite is deserving of the Globe Gazette honor. “Bonnie is a great nurse, a great leader and a great person,” said Laura Zwiefel, CEO/ CNO, Hancock County Health System. “Her heart is huge and she has so much passion for her work, HCHS and for the entire Hancock County community.
“
onnie Wilhite is a hands-on kind of suB pervisor.
GLOBE GAZETTE FILE PHOTO
“She never fails to amaze me in the lengths she will go to make the community a better one. We are fortunate to have her with us at HCHS.” The Britt nurse’s interest in the health care field started when she was in high school. But she still didn’t make the commitment until her advisor said she should try nursing in college. The rest, as they say, is history. “Bless his heart he told me that,” said Wilhite, who has been a nurse now for 37 years. “I always like helping people and helping them accomplish their health care goals.
Helping people is why we all get into this field.” And it’s those patients she helps that are “hands down” the favorite part of her job. Wilhite said when you’ve worked at one place as long as she has, you get to know the people who are cared for there. Wilhite said not only does she know people and people know her, she has cared for generations of the same families in the community. “You see some familiar faces and families when you’ve been here as long as I have,”
The COVID-19 pandemic that has swept North Iowa and the state has made Wilhite’s job just a little more stressful, she said. But it’s crises like these that make her stand even taller as a nurse. “I’m always proud to call myself a nurse. When it hits close to home like this, you just can’t take your health for granted,” Wilhite said. “We have to take care of each other and I’m glad health care facilities and people are taking this serious. “This hospital is wonderful and working here has been a privilege. When you love what you do, you don’t think of it as work.”
Globe Gazette
NURSES: THE HEART OF HEALTH CARE
Sunday, May 10, 2020 | E15
HILARY ZROSTLIK
GARNER NURSE LIKES ‘MAKING A DIFFERENCE’
“
I’m very proud to be a nurse. I just want to make people better. If I can do that every day, I’m doing my job.
ilary Zrostlik has helped patients celeH brate many health milestones in her two years as a nurse practitioner at the Garner Medical Clinic. Add 11 years of similar celebrations from the Britt Medical Clinic before that and there are too many to recall.
she or the thousands of health care providers get into medicine, it’s nice when it happens.
While Zrostlik would be hard pressed to remember each and every one of those moments, they are in fact the reason she chose the health care field.
“Being thanked for helping is the best feeling,” she said. “It’s like Christmas Day.”
“I love taking care of people and helping them in precious life moments,” Zrostlik said. “I like being challenged, and I like making a difference.”
Zrostlik’s work ethic and attitude haven’t gone unnoticed by her supervisor and the patients she has helped taken care of in the years past.
It’s that willingness to help and the positive attitude Zrostlik brings to the job each and every day that has made her one of the most well respected nurses in North Iowa. Because of that, she was selected as one of the Globe Gazette’s Top 10 outstanding nurses.
“Hilary is a fantastic nurse practitioner at our Garner Medical Clinic,” said Laura Zwiefel, CEO/CNO, Hancock County Health System. “She is certainly someone I have the utmost respect for as a professional and as a person.
“This is a huge shock and a great honor,” Zrostlik said after learning she was chosen from a pool of nurses by a panel of four judges. “I love my job and I love my patients.” As a family nurse practitioner at the Garner Medical Clinic, Zrostlik provides care to people of all ages. She said she sees patients from newborn checkups to end of life care and cherishes each moment. That’s not to say the job isn’t tough, Zrostlik said. It is on most days. “We don’t live in a perfect world and peo-
“
JERRY SMITH | jerry.smith@globegazette.com
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ple get very sick and sometimes they don’t fully recover,” she said. “Those are the tough cases. It isn’t always fun.” But Zrostlik said it is very rewarding when she can help someone overcome an illness and help celebrate a health milestone with them. “I like to think of all of my patients as family. If they struggle, I struggle,” she said. “If they overcome health obstacles, I’m truly happy.” Zrostlik recalls one moment when she received flowers from a patient she helped get through some tough medical and emotional times. While she said that isn’t why
“Each month she is mentioned by name through our patient satisfaction survey results. Not just once or twice, but several times as providing great personalized, compassionate and high quality care. We are so grateful to her along with her amazing provider colleagues.” Zrostlik’s dedication seemingly knows no bounds. When news of just how devastating the COVID-19 pandemic was in New York, the Forest City health care professional was ready to get on a plane to go help. While she thinks about New York often, she listened to some sage advice and re-
mained at home. “My husband said I could impact those suffering in North Iowa just as well,” she said. “He is right. It’s happening here and everywhere.” Since early March when the state of Iowa was virtually shut down by the coronavirus pandemic and social distancing was thrust upon us as one of the most used phrases, Zrostlik and every other health care professional has been put at the forefront of the worldwide crisis. That isn’t lost on Zrostlik and her health care colleagues. “It’s made our jobs more stressful,” she said. “Everybody’s job has changed because of it. You realize what a good team you have and you come together for the better good.” The current crisis notwithstanding, Zrostlik believes her job remains unchanged, despite the added precautions of having to wear a face mask any time she is in the clinic and having to avoid contact when she is not. She just wants to help. “I’m very proud to be a nurse,” she said. “I just want to make people better. If I can do that every day, I’m doing my job.”
NURSES: THE HEART OF HEALTH CARE
E16 | Sunday, May 10, 2020
Globe Gazette
Nurses play an important role GREEN SHOOT MEDIA
urses play a monumental role in the health care setting. N They use their knowledge to assist in life-threatening situations and act as advocates toward patient safety and trust. Their presence is varied and valuable, and should be respected and applauded throughout your community. A nursing professional isn’t limited to practicing in a clinic or hospital. In fact, many with RN or LPN qualifications accept jobs that place them in unique settings across the globe. Experts hold positions for schools and summer camps, as traveling aides and hospice nurses who help patients find comfort in their final days. Find out why nurses are so significant in health care, as suggested by the Roseman University of Health Sciences.
Trust with patients
Nurses are not only responsible for monitoring progress and administering medications during their daily duties, but they also become trusted advocates for patients. Because those under care rely on having someone to talk to regarding their symptoms and concerns, nursing professionals quickly become supporters. Doctors generally make their rounds once a day. Nurses, however, deliver hour-to-hour care throughout their workday. This often leads to a wholesome relationship
between patient and provider, which results in better communication for the those who are in care.
Improve outcomes
Nurses with a bachelor of science in nursing degree (BSN) are shown to have a vital presence in health care settings. A report from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation shows that hospitals with more BSN-prepared nursing professionals have lower patient mortality rates, shorter average patient stays and reduced health care costs. Other studies report that their role also leads to lower instances of: Incidence of pressure ulcers. Postoperative deep vein thrombosis. Hospital-acquired infections.
Education
Nurses are also excellent at educating both patients and their caregivers about how to make healthier decisions. While most information is given during a hospital stay, once a patient is released, they are armed with more knowledge for living better at home. Nursing professionals are also advocates of informing their communities about lifestyle risks. They often provide advice about the importance of regular checkups and being adamant about screenings and regular exercise.
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NURSES: THE HEART OF HEALTH CARE
Globe Gazette
Sunday, May 10, 2020 | E17
WORKING NIGHTS another challenge for nurses GREEN SHOOT MEDIA
hile the responsibilities of nurses W don’t change when the sun goes down, the atmosphere can be a shock for those new to the profession. Not only will the types of emergencies you face be different, but adjusting to a new schedule and lifestyle can be challenging. Whether you’re a new nurse or a veteran who is adjusting to the night shift, consider these tips from Every Nurse to succeed.
Adjust your sleeping schedule
One of the biggest routine changes for night shift is learning how to sleep throughout the day. Ensuring that you get enough rest is crucial for your work performance and overall health. The National Sleep Foundation encourages night-shift nurses to stick to
the same bedtime and wake-up schedule, even on the weekends. If you find it difficult to adjust to sleeping during the day, here are some helpful tips from the foundation: Avoid consuming alcohol or caffeinated beverages close to bedtime. Invest in a sleep mask and earplugs to eliminate lights and sounds. Use light-blocking window coverings to block the sun from entering your bedroom.
Eat healthy meals
Consuming the right foods before your shift can have a significant impact on your energy and stamina levels. Experts say that grazing rather than ingesting large meals throughout the workday can also help you during a night shift. Pack light meals like raw salads, fruits, nuts and vegetables to create a well-bal-
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anced diet. Add these items to your weekly shopping and menu list: Gluten-free breads. Hard candy and granola bars. Dried fruits. Fruit juice and bottled water. Try to keep your snacks in areas that you frequent throughout the shift to give yourself a quick burst of energy while avoiding caffeine and foods that are high in sugar.
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The NFS also suggests that night shift workers face a higher risk of experiencing insomnia, daytime sleepiness, high blood pressure and diabetes. If you feel like your health is declining while on the job, it’s crucial to seek medical assistance. You should also experiment with sleeping patterns and exercise to find the best method to feel refreshed.
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To All of Our North Iowa Nurses! We Appreciate Everything That You Do.
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NURSES: THE HEART OF HEALTH CARE
E18 | Sunday, May 10, 2020
Globe Gazette
Technology continues to change care for patients They also limit the need for nurses to attend to adjustments that make patients more comfortable as users can typically make adjustments on their own.
GREEN SHOOT MEDIA
o assist nurses in making their jobs easT ier and improve the experiences of those under care, cutting-edge technology is consistently providing upgrades. Recently, LinkedIn surveyed more than 600 nursing professionals and the majority said they have a somewhat or very positive view of how technology is affecting patient care. Check out some of the most cutting-edge tools that nurses can take advantage of, as reported by Western Governors University.
Telehealth
Automated IV pumps
The specialty tools are effective to control dosages and drips provided to patients. They reduce human error by electronically adjusting to a person’s need for medication. Automated pumps are also responsible for automatically dispensing important nutritional content at scheduled times and allow patients to increase a controlled amount of pain medication by themselves. One of the most significant advantages of these electric pumps is that nurses have
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more time to focus on other areas of their work rather than measuring and giving medication.
Smart beds
Connected beds are useful to track a
of Mason City
patient’s movement behaviors and regularly update the nursing staff. Smart bed technology can help medical professionals discover patterns in physical activity, which can often lead to a new diagnosis or understanding of a condition.
Telehealth is a relatively new technology found in hospitals and clinics. Rather than visiting a facility for minor issues, patients can communicate with their nurses via video chat. It’s a valuable tool to keep contagious people away from the public and receive medical advice remotely. Video communication is also valuable to describe your symptoms or show medical professionals issues like rashes or bumps. Of course, if an expert feels that the problem is severe, they will suggest that you visit their clinic in person. However, in some cases, they may resolve that the issue is manageable and call in a prescription. Mental health assistance is also included in telehealth communication. Patients can speak to counselors or nurses online from a comfortable environment like their home or office.
Congratulations Macy Weslin On being recognized as a top nurse in the Globe Gazette Nurse’s Week awards.
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Thank you to all of our staff for everything you do every day!
NURSES: THE HEART OF HEALTH CARE
GLOBE GAZETTE
Be sure to
thank a nurse I
GREEN SHOOT MEDIA
f you or a loved one has ever faced a life-threatening situation or a tense moment under medical watch, a licensed nurse likely assisted. Their compassion and knowledge are effective in overcoming emergencies and making patients feel comfortable as they recover. If someone in the nursing field impacted your life, take the time to thank them for their service. Thanking a nurse doesn’t have to cost a fortune. A small token of appreciation can be sig-
nificant and encourage a professional to excel when working in a high-stress environment. If you’re struggling to show a medical expert how their presence changed your life for the better, consider thanking them with these ideas.
Handwritten note
A personalized, handwritten note is an excellent way to show your gratitude for a nurse. In your letter, reflect on the situation you faced and how the nurse’s assistance made you feel comforted. You should consider using high-quality paper or a durable card so the nurse can look back on the note when they face challenges throughout their career.
A healthy gift basket
While nurses dedicate their lives to improving the health of others, sometimes their own wellbeing gets overlooked. You can provide them with high-protein snacks like beef jerky or nuts and as well as a variety of fruits to boost their energy. Many nurses also rely on small levels of caffeine to get through rigorous shifts. Consider gifting them with a gift card to a local coffee shop or a bag of freshly grounded beans.
SUNDAY, MAY 10, 2020 |
E19
Comfortable clothing
Nurses are on their feet for an extended portion of their workday. Check the hospital gift shop or your local outlet store for a pair of universal compression socks. Pressure from these stockings p ro m o te s blood flow by enhancing the efficiency of blood vessels. If you know the nurse’s approximate shoe size, you can also consider gifting them with a pair that uses memory-foam padding or a comfortable insert. You may also find unique scrubs at a uniform shop that showcases their personality. Whether you buy a gift for your nurse or draft a compassionate letter to show your appreciation, your gratitude will be appreciated.
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Thank You, Nurse Heroes... You put the C-A-R-E in Career! NATIONAL
Nurses Week
MAY 6—12,
2 0 20
EOE
E20 | Sunday, May 10, 2020
Globe Gazette
2020 — YEAR OF THE NURSE
From our hearts to yours You are parents, partners, daughters and sons. You are strong leaders and dedicated professionals. You are a hand to hold and someone to lean on, caring not because it is your career, but because it is your calling. You are there in the moments that begin our lives and in the moments that change our lives forever. You are always there, the heart of healthcare, and the heart of our community. You are nurses, and we thank you with all of our hearts. Apply today: MercyOne.org/northiowa/careers