Nurses' Week 2018

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NATIONAL NURSES WEEK

Friday, May 4, 2018

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May 6 - May 12 National Nurses Week begins May 6 and ends on May 12 — the birthday of Florence Nightingale (May 12, 1820— August 13, 1910), often believed to be the founder of modern nursing.

The week is held annually to raise awareness of the contributions and commitments made by nurses in our society.

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Father, daughter share classes, career

By Jennifer Smith Mercyhurst North East

When Emina Hukic transferred to Mercyhurst North East to study nursing, she didn’t expect to have someone to carpool with to campus each day.

Or someone who would be in the exact same classes, studying for the same tests and pursuing the same career.

The 21-year-old really didn’t expect that person would be her 46-year-old father.

But when Besim Hukic was laid off from his position at GE, he qualified for tuition reimbursement through the Trade Adjustment Assistance program and enrolled in the same nursing program.

She still remembers that first day, when he walked into the Nursing 230 class.

“He started to sit next to me, then changed his mind and moved away,” she said with a smile.

“Now he sits a few seats away.”

Besim says Emina treats him at school just like she does at home.

“She asks me for money and takes my computer even if I’m using it,” he laughed. “Everything that’s mine is hers.”

It’s obvious the two are enjoying themselves as they tease each other about grades and finish the others’ sentences. But it isn’t all fun and games.

They are the first in the family to go to college, and they take the opportunity seriously.

“Besim and Emina are a pleasure to have in class,” said Karyn Hodgins, instructor of nursing.

“You can see that it is important to them that they do well.”

Besim tries to set a good example by arriving on

Pet therapy helps oncology patients

By Amanda Rourke, B.S.N., R.N.C.-N.I.C. UPMC Hamot

Emina Hukic and her father Besim Hukic are both nursing students at Mercyhurst North East.

They will graduate together in May with associate degrees in nursing. [CONTRIBUTED PHOTO]

time and giving his all.

“It’s a good experience for the new generation to be around the older,” said Besim, who wanted to be a doctor, but growing up in Bosnia was more or less assigned a career as an engineer. At 19, he and his wife fled the war to Germany, where he learned that refugees were considered 5th class citizens and not allowed to further their education or hold certain jobs.

After five years in Germany, Besim returned to Bosnia with his wife and baby Emina. But everything had been destroyed.

There were no jobs, no homes, no remaining family. Within months they left again for the Netherlands, where their son was born, and began the process of coming to Erie, where Besim’s brother Nedim had already relocated.

The experience has

taught both father and daughter the importance of seizing an opportunity, whatever it is.

“Never stop with your education,” said Besim, who along his journey learned five languages and has worked as a highly specialized engineer, welder, garbage collector, store owner … whatever was necessary to move forward and support his family.

Emina, who is putting herself through college with scholarships for academics and soccer along with a part-time job at the Barber National Institute, understands the value of her education.

“I chose this program at MNE because in two years I’ll have an associate of nursing degree and be out there making money,” she said, adding that unlike other programs, she has access to the faculty and has been able to ask

questions and develop relationships with them.

Mercyhurst’s unique 2+2 program allows students to get an associate’s degree in two years, get a high paying job working as an RN and complete the second two years of their bachelor’s degree while simultaneously working, said Charlotte Foresther, director of the associate of science in nursing program.

After graduation, Besim and Emina’s paths may diverge a bit as they each find their own niche in nursing. But first, the two will travel to Bosnia and elsewhere in Europe to reconnect with family.

Each trip back reminds them that the United States is home.

“Going back to Bosnia to visit, you see the difference,” said Besim, who now feels Erie is home.

“Here your life is up to you, you are free.”

If you’ve ever been hospitalized or know someone who has, you are familiar with the stress and anxiety it can cause. Inpatient hospital stays that separate a person from their home and everyday comforts usually produce tension and worry during an already difficult time in their lives. That’s why I led the charge for the 7 South Inpatient MedicalOncology Unit at UPMC Hamot to forge a partnership with Therapy Dogs United (TDU) to bring a furry comfort of home right to the bedside.

Through this partnership, local therapy dogs and their owners have been able to visit some of the hospital’s sickest patients who are struggling with illnesses such as cancer, respiratory problems, infections, blood disorders and even the end of life. For these patients and family members, receiving a lick on the hand and giving a treat to a patiently waiting pup has its place in the acute health-care setting.

Facilitating this unique therapy came with its fair share of challenges, but through the devoted volunteers at Therapy Dogs United and the support of our leadership team, we made it a reality. The founder of TDU loved the initiative immediately.

Our first volunteer to bring a dog was a woman named Marion and her dog Malkin, a mixed breed who she rescued from the Pittsburgh area. He seems to have See THERAPY, N2

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NURSES WEEK

Edinboro nursing students go global

By Viki Hedderick, D.Ed, M.S.N., R.N. and Terri Astorino, D.Ed, M.S.N., R.N. Edinboro University of Pennsylvania Nursing Department

It’s no surprise that the health-care world has gone global. The international movement hasalsomade its wayto college campuses and especially toEdinboro University’sDepartment of Nursing.

This semester, a group of 14 Edinboro nursing students embarked on an incredible journey of service learning to the Dominican Republic. For eight days, the classroom came to life as students learned first-hand of the health, environmental and nutritional challenges of the Dominican people. Students engaged in hands-on learning— including home health visits to families in the mountainous region— and they interacted with nurses from neighborhood primary care clinics, hospitals, diagnostic centers and rehabilitation centers.

As pre-service nurses, students provided care to residents in a long-term care facility, even meeting a resident who was an impressive 114 years old.

"This experience really opened my eyes to how much nurses impact the community in which they work,” said Edinboro student Susie Guisto, a junior nursing student from Emporium. “It changed my personal views because I

This semester, 14 students from Edinboro University of Pennsylvnia’s Department of Nursing traveled to the Dominican Republic for a service-learning project.

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never fully understood how much of an impact that simple nursing has on some patients’ lives and how much patients depend on us for their general health.”

The one-on-one time with girls in an orphanage and a school for mentally disadvantaged children was clear evidence that a smile and loving heart undoubtedly transcend any language barriers, as we left with our hearts filled with joy.

An impromptu visit to a new high school with a nursing track was inspirational, as was the visit to a rural mountain community that was totally self-sustaining. These residents grow their own food for consumption and sale, fully operate a fish hatchery, have beehives for honey procurement and operate a hydroelectric plant.

“Visiting the homes in the communities in the mountain was an amazing

and eye-opening experience to see how these people live in such poor communities,” said junior Edinboro nursing student Meghan Lucci, from Pittsburgh. “They are happy with whatever they have.

It makes you put your life in perspective and see all the things you take for granted. A lot of those people just have people they love and a roof over their head, and they are happier than some of the richest people I know.”

Edinboro nursing students gave back through their work in the community in the clinical locations— however, they had plenty of time to soak in the Dominican culture through the food, music, dancing, language and the truly generous nature of the people.

Rich experiences like these make the world a smaller place and highlight the fact that, despite our physical location, we

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been born to be a therapy dog, and his presence is so appreciated by our patients and staff. His gentle demeanor, ability to tolerate loud noises and large medical equipment as well as a busy hospital unit is astounding. We are so excited to welcome them to our unit, and we are thrilled that they have committed to visit twice every month.

In addition to Malkin, we have had other volunteers step up to offer their time, including a woman named Bonnie and her fluffy Golden Retriever, Sadie. This pair has also been a gift to us, and

Malkin, a mixed-breed rescue dog, visits with patient Craig Cunningham and Amanda Rourke, a nurse at UPMC Hamot who facilitated the partnership with Therapy Dogs United.

[CONTRIBUTED PHOTO]

they could barely walk onto the unit on their first day without a swarm of hospital staff crowding around them. We actually had nurses waiting in line to pet this dog

because she has the warmest, welcoming presence about her. The pair’s first time on the unit was meant to be an orientation and introduction, but that didn’t stop us

are more alike than we are different. Students recognized the connectivity of health-related issues of the Dominican population to those experienced by patients in the United States. Students walked away from this servicelearning experience having acquired priceless life lessons that can’t be taught in any classroom or read in any book. Transferring these life lessons into the ways our future nurses interact with their patients on a daily basis will enhance their abilities to critically think and be leaders in the community regarding health-related issues.

The Dominican ServiceLearning Experience through Edinboro University’s Department of Nursing had a positive life-changing impact on every one of our travelers. It was so popular that plans are underway to return on an annual basis.

Nursing really is a small tight-knit community of caregivers. It doesn’t matter where across the globe one travels. The passion for caring for individuals, families and communities transcends one’s language or location on this globe.

To all those in the beautiful country of the Dominican Republic who open their hearts to us and taught us these important lessons— Gracias!

To learn more about Edinboro University’s Nursing Department, visit www.edinboro.edu/ nursing.

from being pulled into several hospital rooms to brighten the day for patients and visitors, which Sadie and Bonnie gladly did.

As the nurse who initiated and now coordinates these visits, it’s amazing for me to watch a patient’s face light up when they see a four-legged friend peak their head into the hospital room. They usually jump right into stories about their own beloved pets and for a few minutes, they seem to forget where they are and let go of their stress and worry. They get the chance to chat with the dog’s owner and talk about things other than illnesses and treatment options, to create a bit of normalcy, which is an added benefit of the visits.

I’ve also witnessed the

Mental health recoveries are real

By Nancy O'Neill Contributing writer

Taking care of mental health patients is more complex than some nursing jobs, but also more rewarding, said Matt Malinowski, R.N. He’s worked as a nurse for more than 20 years at Millcreek Community Hospital (MCH), more than half of them in mental health care.

Currently, he works in both of the Child/Adolescent and the Geriatric units of MCH’s Behavioral Health Care facilities, now the largest in northwestern Pennsylvania.

Malinowski has been teased, he said, about being a “psych nurse,” as if it’s not real nursing when actually more comprehensive nursing skills are used. “We deal with everything— physical and mental health issues as well as patient case management,” he said. “And the rewards? I see people, in their worst moments, get better.”

In recent years, he used these skills as part of a team that provided 24/7 care for his father, who suffers from dementia and now lives in a nursing facility. In addition to managing his dad’s medications and nutrition, Malinowski applied learned coping skills, including exercise and a sense of humor, he said.

To cope off the job, he takes a 30-minute walk every day and says he’s fortunate to have the support of a loving wife and children.

At work, Malinowski said he absolutely enjoys nursing at Millcreek, where we have a great staff and physicians who work well together as a team, often to first help reduce a crisis situation. “People come in who don’t know what to do with their friend or family member. Or a person may have been brought in by the police,” he explained.

excitement that hospital staff feels when they see one of our therapy dogs round the nurse’s station and head in their direction. I can always tell when we come across a staff member who hasn’t yet encountered these canine volunteers. They look at the dog and then at me and without a doubt they always ask me the same question: Can I pet the dog? The answer is always yes and, en route to a patient’s hospital room, a crowd of nurses, doctors, physical therapists, pharmacists and case managers can always be seen with their hands outstretched. You can see it in their faces that some of their stress has also melted away and they are ready to continue with their busy day caring for patients.

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An angel named Brandi

By Leslie Brown, R.N., nurse manager 3N and C.N.I.C.U. Saint Vincent Hospital

Megan Gilmore is a nurse in the Saint Vincent Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. [CONTRIBUTED PHOTO]

NICU Nurse Megan Gilmore: “a blessing”

By Virginia Krise, R.N., intensive care unit Saint Vincent Hospital

When an infant is born too soon or with serious health issues, the nurse specialists in the Saint Vincent Neonatal Intensive Care unit are truly a godsend to anxious parents.

I know this firsthand, because one such nurse— Saint Vincent Neonatal Intensive Care nurse Megan Gilmore, R.N., attended the delivery of my own daughter, Nora Krise, after Nora’s heart rate had dropped several times.

The delivery went smoothly, and Megan left to help another patient.

But a short while later, Nora stopped breathing. She became purple and listless. These few harrowing moments will forever be seared into my memory. My

husband raced out of the room calling for help.

Because of an epidural, I was unable to get up, so I gave Nora to my mother. Even though I am a nurse, I was at a complete loss for what to do in those moments that seemed like an eternity.

Megan quickly returned to my room, taking Nora from my mother to begin resuscitation measures.

Megan's fast and deliberate actions, including swiftly intubating and bagging my daughter, brought both color and life back to my precious daughter all before the code team even arrived.

Megan went with my daughter to the NICU, where she continued to care for Nora that evening. When my husband and I were finally able to see our daughter in the NICU, Megan met us with compassion and a willingness to

knowledgeably answer any and all questions that we had regarding our baby. As Megan cared for our daughter, she spoke to her reassuringly and caringly, and let her know what she was doing. This showed us how much Megan cares about the little ones under her care.

Nora spent one week in the NICU. Megan regularly checked in on her, even when she was not assigned to be her nurse.

Megan's quick response and skills are the reason we were able to take our baby home and why she is growing and developing as well as she is. My husband and I can never thank Megan enough for saving Nora's life that day. Megan, who received a 2017 Daisy Award for Extraordinary Nurses, is an invaluable asset to Saint Vincent Hospital and a blessing to our family.

While most of the care Saint Vincent nurses provide to patients helps them return, healed and healthy, to their normal lives, we are also blessed with the profound honor of being there for patients in their final days. It is a sacred privilege, one every nurse has experienced.

Over the past year, Saint Vincent received a letter from a family whose mother passed away on Mother’s Day. The letter outlined the wonderful care that the patient — and the family — received from our Brandi Brooks, R.N., who, at the time worked on the Saint Vincent Telemetry unit.

I will let the letter speak for itself: “When my mother unexpectedly passed away, Brandi was her nurse, which I am forever grateful for.

Mom had fallen earlier that day and the doctors were keeping her overnight as a precaution. The family all came in to see her and all was well. Brandi explained to us that mom was doing fine, no broken bones, CT scan was normal, x rays were good and so was the blood work, and she would probably go home tomorrow.

We left knowing that mom was in good hands with Brandi watching over her.

Later that evening, I got a call from the doctor, saying mom had taken a turn for the worse and we had better come in right away, her time was limited. When my husband and I got to the hospital, my sister and niece were at mom's bedside. Brandi was waiting at the nurse's station for me. As soon as Brandi saw

me get off the elevator, she came running over, grabbed my hand and said: 'we had better run, she Brooks may only have a few moments left, she has been waiting for you.'

Brandi said that they gave her something to make her comfortable, and even though she is not awake she can still hear me. I told mom that I loved her as I was holding her in my arms and that it was ok to go to heaven now, and shortly after that, mom passed away. I will always remember the care and compassion Brandi gave mom and our family. And Brandi was right, mom was waiting for me.

Many, many months later Brandi recognized me at the hospital (I also work at the hospital) and asked me how I was doing. At first, I didn’t know who she was, but immediately said: 'You’re the nurse who took care of my mother when she passed away.' We hugged and cried and she told me how my mother’s last hours were and the conversations they had. At that instant, I felt a huge overwhelming peace and comfort come over me, knowing that an angel named Brandi was with mom during her final hours.

I want to thank Brandi for everything she did for my mom and our family. Her caring goes above and beyond her 12-hour shift.”

Brandi has since become a Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner and is working for Saint Vincent’s gastroenterology practice. We were so pleased that Brandi was among the 2017 Daisy Award for Extraordinary Nurses winners here at Saint Vincent.

She certainly deserves it.

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Visiting nurse mentors future nurses

By Summer Borysoff, student nurse Penn State Behrend

This semester I participated in a community health rotation and had the opportunity to work with the LECOM Health Visiting Nurse Association of Erie County.

Over the course of the rotation, I had the privilege of working with

a nurse who not only taught me so much, but reminded me that being empathetic for patients isn't a flaw, but a good quality to have. One of my biggest fears going into this profession is that I'll become too attached to my patients and I'll get too involved, and ultimately it would be too overwhelming.

Talking to nurses and

different health care professionals, a lot of them told me to become numb to situations and not let it affect you. But, to be honest, hearing those words upset me so much because I believe that becoming numb and not letting patients’ situations affect you shows in your care.

It hinders your kindness, compassion and

empathy for people and families whose lives are turning upside down.

With that in mind, as I said earlier, I had the honor and privilege to work with Kathy Miller of the Visiting Nurse Association of Erie County. Kathy was the only nurse to tell me that being kind and compassionate is a beautiful quality to have, and

nobody can teach you to be that way. Find a balance, but never become numb. She cared for people with her whole heart, and it was the most beautiful thing that I've been able to see and watch in my clinical experience.

Kathy, you opened my eyes and my heart up to so many things, and I am forever grateful for that.

The world is blessed to have you, and your patients are truly better off with you in their hands and hearts. Thank you for telling me it is okay to feel and it's okay to show people you truly care and you're not just doing it for a paycheck.

You've touched my heart and it will show in my nursing care. Thank you so much for that.

Faith community nurses help homeless

By Erie United Methodist Alliance

Physical and mental health issues affect people of all ages, whether they have a home or not. Persons who are homeless, as well as persons with severe mental illness, have a 20-25 year shorter lifespan compared to the general public. Sometimes health issues are a major cause of job loss or separation from family, which can lead to homelessness.

In 2014, Faith Community Nurses (FCN) of NWPA’s HC4HP (Health Care for the Homeless Partnerships) ministry partnered with Erie United Methodist Alliance (EUMA) to bring holistic health care to the homeless wherever they are.

(EUMA provides lifechanging opportunities for those who live at the margins of homelessness to become vital members of our

with mental illness and subsequent drug and alcohol abuse, or the 30-ish female who found herself evicted from an apartment after her abusive husband left and she could not afford to stay there any longer.

To facilitate and provide collaborative wholistic healthcare ministry to the homeless and near homeless, the FCNs provide direct health care, including nursing assessments, From left, Fran Donatelli, Patti Rodgers, Mary Louise Imburglio and Barbara Lewis attended the International first aid and foot care; holistic health care, Street Medicine Symposium in Allentown. [CONTRIBUTED education and proPHOTO] motion; health care, community). FCNs have frequently become housing and social volunteer their time “family” to many of justice system referrals; and expertise as they those they serve. Powadvocacy and housing meet with the homeerful, life-changing assistance, and “patient less, listen to their “life stories happen for both navigation.” stories” and identify the nurse and the person The FCNs coltheir needs, with a who finds themselves laborate with other primary goal of building homeless. Whether it organizations to trusting relationships, a be “walking with” the provide medical care, necessary foundation on terminally ill 52-yearhousing assistance, which to base all other old Hispanic man in his financial assistance assistance. last days on the street to and social support In the process of shelter to nursing home to the individuals. developing trusting to his funeral service Some of the organizarelationships, the Faith which the FCN planned, tions that collaborate Community Nurses or the 19-year-old male with EUMA’s HC4HP

include: Allegheny Health Network — Saint Vincent’s Mobile Medical Unit and Family Practice Residency Program, Community Health Net, Dr. Jay Moritz, DPM — UPMC-Hamot Foot and Ankle Center, Certified Registered Nurse Practitioners, Safe Harbor Behavioral Health, and the Mental Health Association of NWPA (MHA). Nursing and other health and social service students from Gannon, Edinboro and Penn State Behrend universities, as well as LECOM medical students, are provided clinical opportunities to work with the homeless as part of their training.

HC4HP meet homeless individual where they are — at shelters, soup kitchens, drop-in center, or on the street.

Faith Community Nurses also work to identify and eliminate barriers, gaps and overlaps within community services for the homeless

and underserved populations. As a means to address these issues, EUMA Faith Community Nurses partnered with MHA to create a holistic integrated walk-in clinic called the Wellness Connection at the MHA building in downtown Erie. The clinic is a collaborative approach to providing a “one-stopshop” integrated quality care center for the homeless and underserved members of our community.

In the fiscal year ending June 30, 2017, HC4HP served 264 different individuals.

Like other EUMA programs, HC4HP relies on donations of nursing help, medical supplies, and funds to offset their costs. If you would like more information, please contact the HC4HP coordinator Barbara Lewis, RN, FCN, at blewis@ euma-erie.org or visit http://euma-erie.org/ mission-programs/ housing-and-healthcare.

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Nurses learn how to work with preschoolers

By Gannon University

Students and faculty in Gannon University’s undergraduate and graduate nursing programs collaborated with the St. Benedict Education Center to provide interactive, healthrelated programs to preschool children through the support of the Dr. Andrea R. Lindell ’70VMC Villa Maria School of Nursing Social Change Impact Endowed Fund.

The students and faculty have provided the programming throughout the spring semester at the center, which enrolls over 80 preschool-aged children of migrant and immigrant families. The

Gannon University Villa Maria School of Nursing students Leslie Konyha, left, and Courtney Hubert work with children at St. Benedict Education Center.

[CONTRIBUTED PHOTO]

programming included a range of essential health and hygiene educational lessons focused on covering coughs and sneezes, proper handwashing, dental care,

nutrition, exercise and reading.

“This endowed fund has afforded the opportunity toenhance the children's health education,donate books for

the children to read on key topics and provide a positive environment by celebratingtheir learning,” said Patricia McMahon, assistant professor of Gannon’s Villa Maria School of Nursing. “It’s amazing to see the positive impact of these short interventions. It is rewarding for both the students of St. Benedict and Gannon.”

Gannon nursing students worked together with guidance from faculty to develop each of the interactive components taught to the St. Benedict students. Undergraduate nursing students participated in the program as part of their pediatric rotation, while

nurse practitioners in the graduate program volunteered to participate in addition to their required clinical rotation hours.

“This is our pediatric rotation, so working with the kids has helped me learn a lot,” said Courtney Hubert, junior nursing student.

“Because I’m not always around children, it was interesting to see how they interact with each other, with us and the different activities that we do with them. I think this experience will benefit me if I go into pediatrics. I’ve become more familiar with the different development stages of the children.”

A health fair was also organized as a

collaborative, community initiative. The health fair was created as a way to bring together the students at St. Benedict’s with their families to showcase what they’ve learned.

Gannon students and faculty staffed interactive learning stations, and held a gift auction, and Little Ceasar’s provided pizza for attendees at the fair.

“It was a very wonderful sense of comradery,” said McMahon. “The health fair was an opportunity to share with the families what their students have been learning and to see everything that our Gannon students have taught their children this semester.”

Nurse shares how patients helped her heal

By Katelyn McKibben, R.N. Erie Veterans Affairs Medical Center

My personal journey of nursing is one that stems in love. My career in health care began at age 16 when I became an emergency medical technician.

As an EMT I learned so many things about taking care of others, but even more about taking care of myself. I learned that caring for others made me feel good about myself, it made me happy and it quickly became my passion. I applied to nursing school and was accepted.

While in nursing school I continued to work as an EMT, and I had the opportunity to work alongside and learn from some amazing pre-hospital care providers. During this time I met the most amazing and loving man that a woman could hope to meet, Eric.

As a non-believer in love at first sight, I fell in love at first sight.

Nearly a year later Eric and I moved into a cute little house in the country, we adopted a cat from a local animal shelter, and I lived a dream of a life while continuing my education to become a nurse.

Five months after

moving in together Eric, a 1st Lieutenant in the Army National Guard, was to be deployed to Afghanistan. Upon his return home, he was different.

Eric no longer spent his ritualistic 45 minutes getting ready; he barely even made it out of his pajamas. A few weeks later, on September 25, 2010, Eric died by suicide in our quaint little country home. I was devastated.

I continued in nursing school, and I sought comfort in a wonderful organization called Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS).

This organization

cares for those who have lost a loved one in the military, and they have a program specific to those who have lost a loved one in the military to suicide. I can't even begin to speak to the difference that this organization has made in my life. I met others, like me, who had experienced similar events, who knew the roller coaster of emotions that I was on.

It was then that I learned that 22 percent of all suicides in America that year were veterans. In fact, more veterans died by suicide in the years 2001-2011 than veterans who died in combat

in both wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. I had no idea. I became more aware. I became an advocate for those who had lost loved ones to suicide. I educated first responders on how to respond to these situations and on resources to connect loved ones.

I became a peer counselor at TAPS so that I could help others who have lost a loved one. Once again, I found that helping others was actually helping me. I used this as a purpose, as a driving force. I applied to work for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). A few years after I applied, I was called to interview

... on what would have been Eric's 32nd birthday. I knew this was a sign.

I have now been working for the VA for the past three years.

Every veteran that I help reminds me a little bit of Eric, and I have been fortunate enough to meet some people along the way that deployed with him. Caring for veterans has given me a purpose. This career allows me to honor 1st lieutenant Eric Kline every single day. What my patients don't know is that while I am helping them heal, they have done so much more to help me heal.

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Nurses help community A day in the life of a trauma nurse with Little Free Pantry Nurse shares 12-hour shift’s highs and lows

By Amanda B. Rekitt, B.S.N., R.N., C.E.N. UPMC Hamot

7 a.m.— It is the beginning of a 12-hour shift, and I am wondering what the day will have in store for me. Working UPMC Hamot’s emergency department, the only Level 2 trauma center in the region, is “like a box of chocolates; you never know what you are going to get.”

I receive reports on patients from my night shift colleagues and then proceed to check our trauma rooms, ensuring we have the supplies for anything that might come through our doors.

9 a.m. — EMS alerts us to a vehicle accident victim en route from a pileup on I-90.

The victim is unconscious, cold and barely breathing. Here we go … I mentally prep for what I am about to encounter. Lifesaving protocols and years of nursing practice and training roll through my mind as I await the patient. The trauma team assembled with me descends upon the patient as he arrives in our trauma bay.

We are an efficient machine — doctors,

nurses, techs and respiratory therapists working Rekitt together in sync.

To me it is beautiful.

We are focused on one goal — life. Once stabilized, the patient goes to our intensive care unit for further observation and care.

It appears he should make a full recovery.

Noon — A young woman has arrived in cardiac arrest from a heroin overdose.

We try to revive her with Narcan, but I am doubtful it will help this time. Her face and lips are blue. As we work on her lifeless body, I say a prayer hoping she will make it.

She doesn’t. Another life lost to drugs. My mind wanders to her heartbroken family and it makes me sad.

However, that sadness needs to be placed on hold as a stroke victim arrives in need of immediate care.

4 p.m. — A child has fallen at preschool and broken his arm. It is angled to resemble the letter S — not how bones should be. He is afraid and crying in pain. His parents look

frantically to me for relief and a plan. We ease his fears and pain and as he drifts off to sleep and I sing his favorite song — “The Wheels on the Bus.” While sleeping, the doctors set his bone and he awakens with a cast. He is sleepy but happy.

6 p.m. — Nearing the end of my shift, a worker from a local machine shop arrives with his arm mangled from being caught in a machine press. It is bleeding profusely. A tourniquet is applied and the trauma team dashes to save this man’s arm. He is rushed to surgery, but they were unable to salvage his arm.

This is a life-changing event for this man.

Nothing will ever be the same again.

7:30 p.m. — It has been a long, hard 12-hour shift.

On the drive home, I reflect on my day and the patients I cared for. What could I have done better? What went well? I say some prayers for the patients and their families. It was a good day, and tomorrow will bring more opportunities to make a difference in someone’s life.

through Erie-Gannon Alliances to Improve When you hear of Neighborhood Sustainsomeone by the nickability (Erie-GAINS), name “the food lady,” which provides a free one may think that this book exchange properson is the worker gram throughout the serving up the daily hot Erie community dish in the cafeteria or Amann earned her an employee of the food the nickname, “the industry. But Carol food lady,” from the Amann, “the food lady,” community members is neither of these. who use the Pantry on An assistant proa regular basis when fessor in Gannon they see her stockUniversity’s Villa ing the Pantry twice a Maria School of Nursweek, every week. “My ing, Carol Amann, trunk actually looks Ph.D., R.N.-B.C., like a grocery store,” C.D.P., F.N.G.N.A., she said. “We try really has helped to create hard to cater to everyand maintain the Little one’s needs, making Free Pantry, a commu- it globally inclusive nity service initiative in as part of Gannon’s the Our West Bayfront Mission, and keeping (OWB) neighborhood holiday, ethnic and used as a free food gluten-free foods in exchange for residents mind — those go outraof the community geously quick.”

Located outside the Amann credits the First Presbyterian help of Gannon’s nursChurch of the Coveing students in the Villa nant at 250 W. Seventh Maria School of NursSt., the Pantry provides ing Eta Xi Chapter of free access to food to The Honor Society of nearby residents who Nurses Sigma Theta Tau may be facing financial International, faculty difficulties or other and church members challenges imposed for helping to create and by an area considered sustain the Little Free to be a food desert.

Pantry initiative.

The Little Free Pantry The Little Free resembles an oversized Pantry started with a birdhouse in its struc$300 donation from the ture that was built to chapter in May 2017 hold a bountiful stock and has since been susof canned and boxed tained with the help of goods. The concept of both Gannon and Erie the food exchange was community members. modeled after the Little “We’ve been very well Free Library initiative supported by Gannon’s

By Gannon University

nursing program, the chapter and the Church of the Covenant,” said Amann.

“The First Presbyterian Church has been instrumental in this project,” she said. “I don’t think we could have started it and continued to maintain it without the Church donating the space and members’ husbands helping to build and fix it for us. The Deacons have also really supported this mission and donate money every month so we can purchase food to keep it stocked.

"This project is an example of what Gannon does for the community, it’s just one of the ways we show we care,” said Amann. “These types of acts of service, giving to others and helping the less fortunate, are part of Gannon’s mission and are what nurses do every day; they instill the Catholic Social Teaching principles we teach throughout the curriculum.

“By participating in service, nursing students are pulling together knowledge in health care, the needs in community and looking outside themselves to be able to give back to somebody.

That value will follow them throughout their life to create a successful health-care career,” said Amann.

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Erie Times-News | GoErie.com |

A nurse’s drive to care The patient’s wife was extremely anxious and overwhelmed about Saint Vincent Hospital having to drive in Pittsburgh, as she was As the nurse mannot familiar with drivager of 9 North at Saint ing in larger cities.

Vincent Hospital, I Liz, sensing the angst frequently encounter of her patient’s wife nurses showing excep- and knowing the added tional commitment and worry was not what this compassion to their family needed, went patients. But one story to work and located is so extraordinary, I a “family house” in had to share it.

Pittsburgh— lodging Liz McCracken, R.N., designed for families of a nurse on 9 North, was hospitalized patients. caring for a patient who The lodging also offered needed to be transa trolley service that ferred to Pittsburgh would take the patient’s for specialized care. wife back and forth to

By Kathie Romba, B.S.N., R.N., N.E.B.C., nurse manager

the hospital, eliminating the stress of driving and finding her way around an unfamiliar city.

But Liz took her caring for the patient and his wife one giant step further. On her day off, she drove as “lead car” to the “family house” in Pittsburgh, so that the patient’s wife could follow closely behind her in her own car and not lose her way.

When they arrived in Pittsburgh, Liz wished the family well, turned her car around and headed back to Erie.

At Saint Vincent, we have a set of Core Behaviors we encourage our nurses to exhibit.

One of them is putting the patient first. I’m extremely proud of my nursing staff, who do this every day. But the level of compassion, caring and selfless commitment to the well-being of her patients and loved ones demonstrated by Liz truly defines this core behavior.

Liz was among the 2017 Daisy Award for Extraordinary Nurses winners at Saint Vincent.

Practical nursing paves way for family’s next chapter Single mother of three finds career to provide a better life for her family

By Jennifer Smith Contributing writer

There are many good reasons to pursue a practical nursing career— from affordable education, quick ability to get a job, solid living wage, rewarding career and opportunities to climb the career ladder.

Sarah First, who recently graduated from the practical nursing program at Mercyhurst North East, had three other reasons. Her children: Delilah, 12, Donavon, 11 and Donavon, 8.

The 36-year-old single mom wanted a career that would enable her to better provide for her family.

“I wanted to set an example for my kids,” she said. “It doesn’t matter how old you are, you can always change, evolve and make your situation better than it was. You’re only as stuck as you want to be.”

Completing the 12-month program takes discipline and dedication, said Marion Monahan, director of the practical nursing

Sarah First, at right, graduated recently from the practical nursing program at Mercyhurst North East.

She shares her diploma and awards for the Spirit of Nursing and Academic Achievement with her children, from left, Donavon, Jameson and Delilah, saying it was a sacrifice the whole family made together to ensure a better future. [CONTRIBUTED PHOTO]

program at MNE. A normal academic year in a college setting is 900 hours, while the PN program requires 1,596 hours of classroom, clinical and study time to master the duties of a practical nurse, which include everything from reading labs and taking vitals to working with feeding tubes and catheters.

“It’s hard,” said First, who juggled class, clinical rotations and a job as an aide at Brevelier Village, before coming home to tackle homework, laundry and other activities with her kids. “You have to really want it.”

That dedication paid off at graduation when she earned not only

her diploma but two awards— for academic achievement and exemplifying the spirit of nursing.

Afterward, she posed for photos with her children, letting each one hold a diploma or award in recognition of the sacrifice they made as a family.

“My kids went through this with me,” she said. “There were missed activities and lots of ‘we’ll do that after I graduate.’”

Up next for First is taking the NCLEX (National Council Licensure Exam) and finding her ideal position. For now, that’s working with the elderly. After her kids are grown, she’d like

to be a traveling nurse.

She feels strongly that her education prepared her well for both.

Students at Mercyhurst North East prepare for the licensing exam throughout the year, by utilizing ATI, an interactive review system that provides individualized feedback and mock exams.

Practical nurses have a wide variety of options, according to Monahan, including acute care, nursing homes, mental health, home health, doctor’s offices, urgent care, corrections and more.

According to the PA Association of Practical Nursing Administrators, practical nursing jobs will continue to grow at more than twice the rate of all occupations.

In Pennsylvania alone, there is a projected shortfall of 18,700 practical nurses by 2025.

That combined with a great ROI for students, makes this career path more and more popular, according to Monahan.

“Practical nursing is attractive because in a year, with manageable debt, you can be out in the workforce earning a decent wage— the average starting salary is $42,880,” she said.

Nurse advances career with education

By Kippy Bodosky Northwestern Area Health Center in Albion

Some people would call it fate. Others would call it kismet. I have been a registered nurse for the last 25+ years. I have worked medical/surgical and labor and delivery, but for the last 12 years, I have been a family practice office nurse at Northwestern Area Health Center in Albion. We have a busy practice taking care of people in all stages of their lives. After 12 years, you build a relationship with the people you are caring for, a relationship built on respect, trust and even friendship. I know more about the people in the community of Albion than I know about the people in the community in which I live. It is like having a second family.

About four years ago, the practice started to grow again.

Several physicians in the area were closing

their practices, leaving people without a family doctor. With the influx of new patients, we became even busier. It was difficult to schedule a sick visit, and the regular visits were scheduling two-four weeks out. I began to think that I could be a bigger asset to the office than I was but had no idea where to start.

Early one Saturday morning, I was sitting in my chair in my living room, appreciating the peace and quiet that only that hour on a Saturday can bring with the dog sleeping next to me, still in my pajamas. I was surfing the Internet, catching up on the latest gossip in Hollywood and shopping on Craigslist and eBay. Out of nowhere, I got a pop-up on my home screen that told me I had the opportunity to chat with a live representative from Kaplan University regarding furthering my education and becoming a nurse practitioner. Now, where

did that come from at 7 o’clock on a Saturday morning? I figured as long as I gave them no personal information, I could ask all the questions I wanted to. The representative on the other end of the chat answered every single question I had and some I did not know I had, too. She emailed me some additional information and the advertisement disappeared. Looking over the email, I got a tingle of excitement and fear.

Was this how I could be a bigger asset? But really, Kippy, it’s been 25 years since you have been in school.

You are a wife, have a family, have a job, and are involved in a zillion other things. What are you thinking?

That was March of 2015. I graduated last May from Kaplan University with my master’s degree in nursing with a concentration in family nurse practitioner and started practicing at Northwestern

Area Health Center in Albion last November in my new role as a nurse practitioner.

Would you call that destiny? I don’t. I call it God’s plan. It sure feels good to be home.

Friday, May 4, 2018

N11

Giving and receiving the blessings of nursing

By Emily C. Williams, R.N. Saint Mary’s East

What makes nursing so special? When asked the question, “why do we love what we do?” most nurses will agree that it is impossible to choose only one answer.

There is no other profession that offers so many specialties, rewards or career paths.

It is a privilege to work with a team of dedicated caregivers with diverse gifts and talents that can be used in combination to meet the unique and individualized needs of our patients and residents.

To serve others is to give: Kindness, respect, caring and compassion are free to give and so needed by those undergoing life changes or unexpected health setbacks. A supportive hug or smile during a hard day, a caring touch during the loss of a loved one, or support for others undergoing illness or loss of function gives nurses a chance to give directly from the heart. The sacrifice of ourselves and lifting up of others brings a real sense of purpose and self-fulfillment to what we do. The real reward is not in the paycheck or the title, it’s in the moments that are privately creating memories that no one else will see.

Nursing helps us appreciate our own health and wellness— our everyday functioning, abilities and senses. We are humbled in knowing that at any time we could be suffering a different fate, feeling hopeless, clinging to life. We would then depend on a caregiver that would have our interests at heart, and base the care we give to others on these same desires that we would appreciate ourselves. We can give exactly what we would need or prefer in the same situations. We also realize that some of the challenges we face on an everyday level are not so bad after all when compared to other’s trials. We become more resilient to the everyday struggles in life and thank God for the simple blessings of life and health.

Transitions in care needs and abilities sometimes necessitate difficult decisions regarding placement of a loved one in long-term care. Giving hope, peace of mind and rest to weary family members and offering support for these lifestyle

changes is a rewarding part of our jobs. As the nursing home becomes a loved one’s new place of residence, whether for a short stay rehab or a long-term stay, it is important to make this transition a positive experience. They have usually already suffered the hardship (a broken hip, loss of function, falls, dementia), and we must strive to make their new home and daily living as comfortable and supportive as possible.

With the future of nursing facing many dilemmas such as staff shortages due to the retirement of baby boomers and an increasing number of elderly in our nation, a new approach is needed to enhance our field. It is time to be motivators and nurture others to fill the gaps. Encouraging aides and LPNs to travel up the career ladder is a way to make a difference. We can encourage by volunteering our time to study with those entering the field or preparing to take board exams. Making “encouragement bags” for students is also helpful (include simple study items such as highlighters, notecards, scissors for clinical, candy, and notes with positive statements).

Support is needed throughout the difficult ascension to graduation. When nurses enter the field, we need to celebrate and work as a team. Assist new nurses as a way to give back to our profession. Let the people you work with know you care about them.

Giving and receiving the blessings of nursing ensures a balance for our personal growth. We are celebrating the advances of technology, medicine and health care, and we have so much to be thankful for. We retain beautiful memories of the many special people we meet along the way: residents, patients, families and co-workers.

We continue to learn and grow for our own self-fulfillment, we get to touch the lives of others.

We get to be passionate about the heartfelt calling we are privileged to be a part of, and we are in a field of endless job opportunities and specialties. Focusing on the blessings and passing them along to others ensures the best possible outcomes for all of us, and this is what makes nursing so special.

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Friday, May 4, 2018

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Erie Times-News | GoErie.com

Caring for our neighbors in Mexico UPMC Hamot nurses make a difference on medical mission

By Lizabeth Dilla, C.R.N.A. UPMC Hamot

It was one of those spectacularly cold and snowy January mornings when we left Erie headed for Valladolid, Yucatan, Mexico.

There were 20 of us, heading to a medical mission with the Eriebased group, CHOSEN International Medical Assistance. Most of us were health-care providers: nurses, therapists, physicians, surgical technologists and anesthetists united as the Hamot Orthopedic Mission Trip team, heading to the Yucatan to provide surgical services. Most of us knew each other, but not all.

Some spoke Spanish, but no one spoke the Mayan dialect we would also encounter. Some had been on the trip last year, but not me.

I was there to provide anesthesia as a nurse anesthetist.

UPMC Hamot nurse anesthetist Lizabeth Dilla, right, traveled to Valladolid Mexico on

We wrangled our additional 10 suitcases full of operating room supplies through customs and immigration.

Another two-hour bus ride brought us to our accommodations and well after midnight, we went to our rooms, tired but excited about the days ahead.

The next morning, we were welcomed to an open-air pavilion where we would eat nearly all our meals for

the next week.

The homemade meals, with fresh local ingredients, were lovingly prepared by our dear Bruna, the wife of the San Lucas Medical Center Director. Bruna, also a nurse, had come to San Lucas on a mission trip years before and married Ricardo a few months later.

We started our first day organizing supplies and checking out the equipment we would

work with, some of it familiar and some not so much. The physicians and therapists examined over 100 people that day, determining who could be helped and surgically treated, the translators busy all the while. There were local nurses who did a great job processing the patients and kept the clinic moving. Although they waited for hours, not one person complained. Such gracious

people. It was a long day, yet it didn’t feel long.

Monday would be our first surgical day.

After a delicious Bruna breakfast, we had a devotional led by our CHOSEN IMA leader.

Randy gently helped us to center ourselves, to focus on our purpose for being at San Lucas. We were there TO SERVE. These lovely people were to be provided with the care they would not otherwise receive. We had to be flexible. We had to wrap our head around the idea that things aren’t going to be the way we were used to them being. It’s going to be different. “Let it be” became our mantra for the week.

As we approached the entrance to Centro Medico San Lucas, we could see people gathered outside and many more in the waiting room lobby. They were so glad to see us, beautiful smiles of relief that we were there to help them.

We knew we were there to do surgery. We did that every day at home. What we didn’t

know was the impact we would have on the people, how we would touch them. One patient summed it up best.

“Thank you for coming here. You are giving me my life back. I was injured eight years ago and have not been able to work (so much of the labor is manual). I could never afford to pay for this operation. Now I’ll have a chance.”

We worked well past dark most nights and though we were tired, it was not hard to get out of bed in the morning.

We felt safe and wellfed. Our support staff at the CMSL worked hard to provide what we needed each day.

We learned something about ourselves and about each other. We went to help, and in the end, we felt helped ourselves.

— also contributing to this article were members of the mission team: Maria Jimenez, R.N.; Justine Scheloske, R.N.; Denise Nechleba, C.R.N.A.; and surgical technologists Kathy Peapples and Shannon McConnell.

How nurses inspire: innovation and safety

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As an emergency room nurse, it is often difficult to develop lasting relationships and get recognition for outstanding work, due to the brevity of our patients’ stay in the department. But it is in the emergency department that lifesaving care begins and one nurse, in particular, deserves to be recognized.

I have watched Mary Pat Allen, R.N., exude kindness, empathy, respect and compassion on a daily basis. She has been a nurse for 40 years and carries the same conviction and enthusiasm as she had on day one in terms of advocating and caring for patients.

Emergency department nursing can sometimes be emotionally depleting, but Mary Pat remains vulnerable to hurt and loss by caring wholeheartedly for her patients. I have watched her hold countless hands of

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Saint Vincent Hospital

family members and also of individuals who are taking their last breath.

I have seen her cry when she thought no one was watching.

I have seen her “belly laugh” as she shared in another’s joy.

I have watched her work a 12-hour shift in a walking cast for a broken leg, during which she still took many extra painful steps to get coffee for an elderly woman.

I could go on and on about her selfless and kind acts. Mary Pat is a kind woman and an extraordinary nurse and coworker.

She makes a difference in every day, both at work and in the community.

I know she will continue to serve this community with a kind heart, open hands and a ready spirit until her last day. This is her calling and she answers it readily.

Mary Pat was among the 2017 Daisy Award for Extraordinary Nurses winners at Saint Vincent.

deliver every day should serve as a reminder of the fundamental humanity in all of us. So nurses, when you feel like quitting, remember why you started.

We salute nurses and health-care givers everywhere. You make the world a better place.

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By Alyson Harris, R.N, emergency department

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Emergency Department nurse shines

throughout the country about their innovative approach to learning, safety and quality.

Nurses are truly inspirational. To be a nurse is a selfless act.

Nurses are a universal gift to us all. Their dedication to their work and the kindness they

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Saint Vincent Chief Nursing Officer Maureen Chadwick, left, is shown with Mary Pat Allen, R.N.; Paula Cosner, R.N., nurse manager for emergency services; and Rod Buchannan, director of critical care and emergency services. [CONTRIBUTED PHOTO]

This year’s theme for Nurses week —Nurses inspire, innovate and influence — couldn’t have come at a better time for Saint Vincent Hospital and its nurses.

So much has happened and is happening. Our new electronic health record system, renovations, construction and new equipment everywhere. It is an exciting time to be part of Allegheny Health Network, Saint Vincent and a nurse. Every day we see how nurses influence their patients, doctors and families.

Nurses are a big part of why our patients have successful outcomes.

Their healing touch, empathy and compassion affect everyone within their sphere.

What makes nurses so inspiring and influential? The team spirit of nurses, their support of each other and their true feelings— knowing that it is indeed a privilege to be part of the care team. They work tirelessly to give the very best care even under the most trying of circumstances.

We are innovators.

Here at Saint Vincent, One Learning Place, a one-stop platform to get the information and education at the time you need it, has been developed by Molly Petroff and Jill Wiley, both R.N.s. This innovative approach to learning has been accepted to the Joint Commission as being a best practice. Did you know that no other hospital in the country has a Safety GPS and that it was recognized by the Joint Commission Leading Practice Library? Health-care organizations across the country can read about

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Saint Vincent Hospital

our safety and potentially follow our lead to implement it in their own organizations. Our Safety GPS and One Learning Place were accepted after rigorous clinical review because it supports both quality and safety. Both Molly and Jill have lectured

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By Sallie Piazza R.N., M.S. ,B.S.N., B.S., C.N.M.L., C.N.O.R., director of professional development and medical-surgical division

Erie Times-News | GoErie.com |

Nurses give back to community

Friday, May 4, 2018

N13

Why choose a nursing career?

By Robin Melvin, M.S.N., R.N.

By Jeanine M. Tome, R.N.-B.C.

UPMC Hamot

Saint Vincent Hospital

At UPMC Hamot, giving back to the community is an integral part of our culture. Nursing goals annually include service projects that allow our staff to give back to the community through their work. Here are some examples of helping those in need.

The Patient Safety and Quality Council at UPMC Hamot has focused their community outreach on the International Institute. Last December, the committee collected 17 boxes of hygiene and toiletries items for their clients. The staff at the International Institute were overwhelmed by the council’s support and were very appreciative of their efforts. The council is currently orchestrating another drive focused on mother and baby items.

This includes diapers, formula, baby food, baby toiletries, new car seats, mother’s toiletries, gently used baby and mother clothing. The organization has many needs, so any assistance they receive in this outreach effort will make others' lives easier.

During the holiday season, the Nursing Informatics Committee coordinated an outreach to veterans in need at the Pennsylvania Soldiers' & Sailors' Home in Erie.

The facility provided a list of items that the patients had on their Christmas list, including clothing sizes. The committee collected $190 to purchase gifts

It is not uncommon for people in conversation to ask the question “Given all that is happening in health care, would you still choose to be a nurse?” This question may be followed by a description of an experience in health care for themselves, a family member or friends. It can be a great experience, such as a same-day appointment, or a confusing experience with billing questions. Some even tell me they feel like the health care system is in disarray every day.

Now it is my turn to answer their initial question, “Would you still choose to be a nurse?”

Yes, I would. I say it without hesitation or a second thought.

It is not an “easy career,” especially when healthcare is changing so rapidly to incorporate new technology and clinical practices. But the truth of it for me is that there are really 100 or more different reasons that I can answer “yes.”

I think of the patients young and old that I have cared for, the nurses I have mentored, the leaders I have learned from, and the distraught family members I have comforted at a traumatic time of loss. I quickly recall more examples of the excitement of learning and creating new ways to do things to help people and patients who taught me by how they were coping with some very difficult health issues with grace and courage. As a nurse, there are infinite possibilities to make an impression on someone at a very vulnerable time where the uniqueness of nursing expertise, judgment, and empathy can be life-altering.

Would I still choose to be a nurse? Yes, for 100 different reasons.

Happy Nurses Week 2018 to all my fellow nurses.

UPMC Hamot nurses participated in the Blizzard of Blankets for the Upper Room in Erie.

[CONTRIBUTED PHOTO]

from generous council members. The council selected four veterans to whom they provided an extra special Christmas gift from their “wish list.” Council members took the gifts to the facility, and the four “adopted” veterans were presented with their gifts. The veterans were so appreciative of their gifts. It made the holiday season brighter for the council knowing they had given back to veterans who so proudly served this country.

The Nursing Education and Research Council is busy collecting springtime items including footwear, such as sneakers and sandals, for all ages, undergarments, men’s T-shirts, socks, lip

balm, sunblock, umbrellas and hats. This spring collection will benefit First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant on West Seventh Street in Erie. During the summer months, the church sponsors a Sunday Supper Program for any family that may be homeless or in need that can come and have a Sunday meal.

The items collected will support their outreach programs. In addition, this council collected art supplies including glue sticks, markers and play dough for PfeifferBurleigh Elementary School. They have also donated approximately 2,000 books from a campus-wide book drive benefiting Wayne

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School’s library before they closed.

In an annual Blizzard of Blankets community service project, the Practice Environment Council collects donations for the Upper Room homeless shelter. Each fall they collect new and gently used blankets, mittens and hot beverages for the shelter.

This year that collected more than 1,100 items for use over the winter months.

The Professional Accountability Council selected to support a drive for SafeNet. The council asked employees to donate women and children supplies that included pajamas, socks, underwear, bedding, toothbrushes, toothpaste and other toiletries.

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Friday, May 4, 2018

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Erie Times-News | GoErie.com

What we love about our patients

By Deb Leone, R.N., clinical coordinator of cardiac rehab and Mary Straessley, L.P.N., cardiac care unit Saint Vincent Hospital

Seventy-four years.

That’s how many combined years we have been working in health care. During that nearly unbelievable period of time, there have been many changes in the practice of medicine and advancements in technology.

Yet, the one thing has remained constant is our focus on caring for our patients.

Nurses care for people during what is perhaps the worst time of their lives— when they are facing a new diagnosis, when they are experiencing and recovering from surgery, when they are learning they have an illness or condition that will require changes in how they live their lives. These can be very challenging times for patients.

As cardiac rehabilitation nurses, we see people who have recently been diagnosed with a heart problem. They’ve experienced a heart attack, had open heart surgery, a

cardiac stent or even heart transplant.

A majority of our patients want to be here (there are always a few who say, “My wife made me come.”) and learn as much as they can about their heart condition and what lifestyle changes need to be made.

It is interesting how differently patients react.

Some bury their heads in the sand. Others read as much as they can, ask lots of questions and work directly with their doctors and nurses to make these changes.

What is amazing is how

the patients support and encourage one another; they even harass and tease each other to the point of becoming friends. They share their stories, ask questions, compare notes about their medications and how their incisions look, creating a very real camaraderie.

We have been inspired by many of our patients.

Like the patient who was waiting for a heart transplant who never once complained about how he felt. He never complained about the issues he was having with his

medications, blood pressure or how difficult it was to have to wait for “the phone call” to go to Pittsburgh for his heart transplant.

Like the patients in cardiac rehab who think they can’t cut it, but stick with it and become healthier.

Like the patients who keep coming back to exercise10 or 15 years after their surgeries. Like the patients in their 80s whom we have to urge to slow down. Like the patients whose positive attitudes become contagious for other patients and staff alike.

Nurse makes a difference one patient at a time

By Catherine Twohig, R.N.- B.C Erie Veterans Affairs Medical Center

My career as a registered nurse since 1979 has been most rewarding. I have worked over half my career in long-term care and my favorite memories are of elderly patients. I hold a Gerontological Nurse Certification through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

When thinking back to my days working as a day-shift charge nurse and passing medications in a skilled nursing facility, there are several residents who come to mind. For example, Mortimer had an unfortunate fall resulting in a fractured hip. He was memory-impaired and sitting in his wheelchair while I was in the hall passing out medications. He confused me with his former secretary. He insisted I help him

by allowing him to dictate his business letters to me so I could Twohig conduct his correspondence. He thought he was about to board a train to Chicago for business.

I felt I could alleviate his anxiety and cooperate with his requests. I did not try to reorient him to the reality of his current situation.

He was most appreciative of me listening to him and I was actually performing “Validation Therapy” long before the term existed.

Then there was the sweetest married couple, Willie and Hannah, who lived in the same nursing wing. The husband was deaf and the wife was legally blind. Because the wife could not see her husband sitting in a wheelchair close by she would call out for her husband, who could not hear her. I would

sit their wheelchairs close to each other so they could hold hands. It touched my heart to see how they were happy and calmed by this. Whoever said “we can live on love” must have known what they were talking about.

Maude had Sundowner’s Syndrome and would become anxious at the end of the day. She felt she was late getting home from school and her parents were going to be worried about her. I would bring her into my office to sit with me. At that time I was the director of nursing at a skilled nursing facility. With the one-on-one time we spent together, Maude shared her feelings and it helped ease her anxiety. This interaction was most rewarding to me as well. My fondest recollections are when I felt like I made a true connection with the patient.

How could I ever forget “My Bob?” Bob had Alzheimer’s disease. One

of my favorite Bob memories was when the phone was ringing at the nurses’ station and he answered the phone because no one was around the desk to answer it but him. He had owned a business in his earlier days, and answering the phone was a natural thing. After Bob answered the phone both the secretary and I came upon the scene. The secretary took the phone only to find out it was Bob’s wife calling from her apartment in the other building. The funny thing was neither Bob nor his wife knew they were talking to each other.

Later in Bob’s Alzheimer stages, he became unsteady on his feet and prone to falls.

He would try to get up out of his geri-chair and forget he was not able to stand safely on his own. I would bring him into the nurses’ station and have him sit with me, where I could remind him of his need to stay seated in his

chair. I enjoyed feeding him lunch at the nurses’ station if he needed help. It was a sad, sad day when we lost “My Bob.” Another favorite memory was when a husband came to visit his wife in our skilled nursing facility.

He was wearing his wife’s eyeglasses. When the occupational therapist pointed it out to the husband, he simply said: “No wonder I can’t see, and I sure hope she has my eyeglasses.”

There was also a funny time when I found a pair of dentures in the freezer in the therapy gym. I knew immediately whose dentures they had to be. Harry, who was ambulatory and memory-impaired, had put them there. Maybe he thought it was his medicine cabinet.

Even though these patients are long gone, my memories of them will live on forever. I am thankful and blessed to have met and cared for these patients.