Thank you Flushing, for making Hurley your favorite hospital.
Hurley Medical Center is known for its innovation and expert care, and we’d like to thank the Flushing readers for naming us the BEST Hospital in the Flushing View Readers’ Choice Awards!
Patricia Uhde
Jeremy Eads
Doug Pike
Send your stories and photos to the editor at Puhde1@hurleymc.com
Mya Travis, Surgical Technologist I Nahbria Thompson, Host/Hostess
Nastassja Horne, Nursing Assistant
Natalie Ziegler, Nurse Extern
Nicole Danley-Dzendzel, Nurse Extern
Nyannda Garner, Host/Hostess
Parker Perrou, Nurse Extern
Rachel Jones, Clinical Coordinator
Rachael Ornelas, Coding Coordinator
Rebecca Scharf, Nurse Extern
Royale Scherzer, Nurse Extern
Ryan Webster, Graduate Nurse
Sara Croel, Graduate Nurse
Sean Sullivan, Graduate Nurse
Senedra Brim, Environmental Aide
Shamarrae Porter, General Duty Nurse-BSN
Sierra Jones, Nurse Extern
Taja Woods, Graduate Nurse
Taleisha Boose-Herd, Rehab Reimb. Assistant
Tea Rushin, Nursing Assistant
Tyanah Griggs, Porter
Zariah Garner, Environmental Aide
FEATURING THIS MONTH:
Poverty Awareness Month
1/1 – New Year’s Day & Kwanzaa Ends 1/4 – World Braille Day
1/13 – Korean American Day
1/20 – Martin Luther King Jr Day
1/24 – International Day of Education
January
HURLEY FACTS - 1928
The original building is replaced with two 11-story towers, creating space for 300 beds with the most modern diagnostic, surgical and medical equipment available, at a cost of $2 million. Hurley Hospital is described in the 1928 Hurley Tower publication: “On the highest point of Flint stands its tallest building—Hurley Hospital—which can be sighted from any direction for miles around. As one approaches from any of the distant points, it can be seen as a sentinel, guarding all who are under a square block. Its architecture is a symbol of powerful simplicity, representing an institution founded on the “Rock of Progress,” made possible by the people of Flint who well appreciate the result of their own efforts.”
World Braille Day Hanukkah ends
View Newspaper
Hurley Medical Center’s Board of Managers has elected the following officers
Mid-Michigan NOW
Flint Firebirds deliver stuffed animals to local hospital
The Flint Firebirds helped spread holiday cheer to kids in need. Players from the local professional hockey team visited Hurley Children’s Hospital to deliver stuffed animals from their Teddy Bear Toss game.
ABC12
Michigan seeing a rise of walking pneumonia cases
Dr. Danielle Stabel from Hurley Children’s Clinic shares information about walking pneumonia in children.
FLINTSIDE
Community gathers to “GLOW” for Hurley Children’s Hospital this holiday season.
The “GLOW” event returns to bring holiday cheer to young patients at Hurley Children’s Hospital on Thursday, December 12, 2024.
Mid-Michigan NOW
“Glow for Hurley” returns to brighten up the holidays.
After four years, “Glow for Hurley” is back to light up the holidays for young patients.
WNEM TV5
Glow wave at Hurley brightens the holidays for hospitalized children
A heart-warming holiday tradition returned to Hurley Children’s Hospital on Thursday, December 12.
npr
As federal aid shrinks, communities try new ways to tackle child poverty on their own.
Sh'Amir Spencer and daughter Amira pose with Rx Kids codirector Dr. Mona Hanna at the Hurley Children's Clinic. Spencer and her daughter are part of the first cohort of moms and babies in the program, which launched in the city in January.
CARDIAC REHABILITATION TEAM OF THE SEASON
This small team of three clinicians and one office coordinator consistently delivers BIG results. They bring energy, compassion, top notch clinical skills, and joy to work each and every day. Caring for patients with challenging and chronic heart and lung conditions, this team creates a safe place for patients to learn how to manage and improve their health condition. They have a magic I wish I could bottle!
– Cathy Metz, Service Line Administrator
PULMONARY REHABILITATION
The Team of the Season Award is our way of recognizing the teamwork that is so important at Hurley in assisting the fulfillment of our mission of “Clinical Excellence, Service to People.” Two areas, cardiac rehabilitation and pulmonary rehabilitation, were nominated during this season. Not many know that two teams care for two different groups of patients in the same space.
The cardiac rehabilitation team is--Haley Rugenstein, McKennah Ross and Kaytlyn Roat. Pulmonary rehabilitation is Lori Moses. “You have our cardiac rehab team of three, but we definitely include pulmonary rehab, as that is where Lori Moses comes into the overall team. We house both areas, and they are like two peas in a pod. We work so well together to provide both of these services,” Haley Rugenstein noted.
The nomination confirms their commitment to teamwork noting: “They are a mighty team-Haley Rugenstein, McKennah Ross, Kaytlyn Roat (2 exercise specialists and the reimbursement assistant respectively) are quietly doing the most amazing job ever in cardiac rehab. It is the best team I have ever had in that arena.
They work so well together, and they have done so much to improve the quality of care. Under Haley's leadership, we were able to get AACVPR accreditation - something we have been trying to get done for 8+ years. They have had such success with the conversion of postPCI to cardiac rehab referral that they were asked to speak about their strategy at the MVC (Michigan Value Collaborative) for cardiac rehab. Haley successfully recruited our first intern and has subsequently been asked to lecture at SVSU. They bring energy, enthusiasm and fun to work every day. Kaytlyn is the reimbursement assistant, and she is the fireball of the group. She keeps everyone on task and works the WQ (referral work queue) like none other. Patients love them all. I am blessed to work with them!”
Lori Moses, Haley Rugenstein, McKennah Ross, Kaytlyn Roat
AACVPR CERTIFICATION
A major achievement that truly shows the level of care provided by this amazing team!
Cardiac rehab and pulmonary rehab have both achieved the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR) certification. AACVPR certification is a lengthy process that takes a great deal of time and effort to achieve. “Our cardiac rehab and pulmonary rehab have been working to achieve this accreditation for 8+ years,” Cathy Metz. The AACVPR Program Certification must be applied for every three years. It is the only peer-reviewed accreditation process designed to review individual facilities for adherence to standards and guidelines developed and published by the AACVPR and other professional societies. The Program Certification process is designed for program-based adult cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation programs. Programs of all enrollment sizes can apply.
Caring for two different groups of patients in the same space
“There are many patients seen in this area for both services. When you consider the possible outcomes that could arise from a cardiac event, rehab plays a major role in helping these patients get back to some sort of life. The services offered right here are so beneficial. Seeing patients achieve their goals while in the program--weight management, increased stamina, increased functional capacity and better endurance is what keeps the team working so hard to help patients. As with pulmonary, a patient begins on 6 liters of oxygen but then after the program, they are on 2 liters. It is amazing to see this improvement. It gives this area such a good feeling. We develop strong relationships with these patients. Knowing there are those who struggle in both programs. That is why we strive to commit to an individualized-treatment plan that is tailored to each patient. A patient’s plan is reviewed each month and is authorized by the Medical Director, Dr. Abdul Alawwa.—cardiac rehab. It is the same with pulmonary rehab. The plan is reviewed and is authorized by their medical director, Dr. Arul Chandran,” Haley Rugenstein.
CARDIAC REHABILITATION
Cardiac rehabilitation is a medically-supervised program designed to help patients recover from a serious heart incident, such as a heart attack or heart procedure to treat heart disease. Patients who go through cardiac episodes often feel alone, shocked or worried about a repeat of the incident. Participating in cardiac rehab can facilitate a patient’s return to normal life, both mentally and physically. The programs take place in a safe, supportive environment, combining monitored exercise that strengthens the cardiovascular system with education on measures that can be taken, such as diet and lifestyle modification, to reduce the risk of future heart disease. In most cardiac rehab programs, patients will be with others who have gone through similar experiences.
Cardiac Rehabilitation is recommended for anyone who has had:
• A heart attack
• Chest pain or angina
• Angioplasty or stent procedure
• Bypass surgery
• Heart valve repair or replacement
• A heart or lung transplant
• Congestive heart failure
• Peripheral artery disease
Hurley’s Cardiac Rehabilitation has three phases.
The goal is to provide seamless transitions between three phases so a patient can gain strength and return to work, recreational activities and all the things that make life worth living. At the end of the program, the goal is to improve the patient’s physical and mental health, teach heart healthy behaviors that will reduce the risk for coronary heart disease and other heart conditions, and improve overall quality of life.
Phase I begins in the hospital after a heart attack, heart procedure or other cardiac event. Patients learn the specifics of what happened to them and the medicines they must take to manage their condition. Phase I offers a gradual progression of activity, including mild exercise that will ensure a quick return home while building a patient’s confidence in preparation for Phase II.
Phase II occurs on an outpatient basis, two to six weeks after the patient’s cardiac event. This part of the program is covered by most insurance policies and includes three sessions per week for 12 weeks. Each session is conducted at a safe and comfortable level with highlytrained cardiac rehabilitation specialists working closely with the patient’s physician to evaluate their progress. This stage can include telemetry monitoring and aerobic exercise on a variety of exercise equipment (treadmills, stationary bikes, rowers and stair climbers). During this phase, patients continue to receive training on exercising safely and effectively, risk factor modification (including how to quit smoking if necessary) and dietary guidelines.
Phase III is a supervised aerobic and strength-building exercise class. It provides medical supervision to monitor a patient’s cardiac health, as well as small-group personal training to help patients attain their health and fitness goals. Phase III is a medically-supervised program not usually covered by insurance.
How Can Cardiac Rehab Help?
• Patients who participate in cardiac rehab have a 95% 3-year survival rate and can reduce their risk of having another heart attack by as much as 25%.
• Programs include clinical evaluations that lead to safe, optimal exercise prescription and realistic goal-setting
• Participants have access to both individualized exercise and activity programs within a group setting
• Patients receive support in navigating the return to work and/ or normal activities
• Provides opportunities to bond with those in similar circumstances
• Keeps the lines of communication open between you and your cardiologist, primary or referring physician, long after your cardiac event.
• Decreases pain and in some cases cuts down on the medications you need to take
• Improves your overall health by reducing heart disease related risk factors
Recognition for this team is well-deserved. They work cohesively, supporting one another despite serving different patient groups. Lori excels in building personal connections and has strengthened the Pulmonary Rehab program. Congratulations to the Pulmonary and Cardiac Rehab staff!"
–
Richard
Barker, Director of Respiratory and Neurology Services, Director of Radiology
Kaytlyn Roat, McKennah Ross, Lori Moses, Haley Rugenstein
PULMONARY REHABILITATION
There is no worse feeling than being “short of breath.” Pulmonary Rehabilitation helps those who have been diagnosed with a lung disorder. The program combines exercise with education, breathing retraining and psychologic social support.
Individualized programs can be set up for patients who suffer from a variety of lung disorders, such as:
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
• Chronic Bronchitis
• Emphysema
• Pulmonary Fibrosis
• Lung Cancer
All treatment is administered by a licensed and registered Respiratory Therapist.
The Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program seeks to:
• Reduce shortness of breath and the anxiety that it brings
• Increase exercise tolerance and ability to perform normal daily activities
• Help patients better understand their lung disorder
• Educate patients regarding the proper use of respiratory medications
• Teach patients to master proper breathing techniques
• Provide instruction and motivation for patients to start and maintain a home exercise program
How the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program works
Phase I: After a physician referral is received, patients undergo a comprehensive evaluation, which includes an interview and a 6 minute walk with the patient’s oxygenation checked by a respiratory therapist.
Phase II: The Pulmonary Rehab Program is a 12 - 16 week exercise program, which meets three times a week. During these monitored and customized therapy sessions, the patient will use hand weights, strengthening bands, indoor walking loop, an ergometer, treadmills, stationary bikes and recumbent stair steppers.
Phase III: An optional self-pay exercise maintenance program is available to continue the patient’s customized exercise regimen. Phase 3 can last as long as a patient may wish.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
CARDIAC REHABILITATION
Ask your physician about joining the Hurley Cardiac Rehabilitation Program today. Contact us at (810) 262-2212.
PULMONARY REHABILITATION
For more information about the program or to schedule an appointment, call (810) 262-2212.
HOW YOU CAN NOMINATE FOR TEAM OF THE SEASON
Complete nomination form on Hurley’s Intranet or drop your nomination in a HMC Voicebox.
The Team of the Season Award is our way of recognizing the teamwork that is so important at Hurley in assisting the fulfillment of our mission of “Clinical Excellence, Service to People”.
Teams are awarded this recognition based on their demonstration of a collaborative spirit, mutual accountability, support to others, fulfillment of Hurley’s mission and overall positive attitude.
TEAM
Stroke Center
STROKE CENTER YOUR PRIMARY
Stroke is a medical emergency. Every minute counts, call 911 as soon as possible. Early treatment can prevent further damage to the brain.
The Primary Stroke Center
Hurley Medical Center is designated a Primary Stroke Center by the Joint Commission. This reflects our dedication to providing our patients with the highest quality stroke care focused on current scientific research and continued improvements in treatment. Having this designation allows us to fulfill our mission of providing exceptional stroke care to our patients and educating the communities we serve.
We also received the Get with the Guidelines®–Stroke Gold Elite Plus Quality Achievement Award from the American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association. This advanced recognition shows that we consistently give patients the most appropriate treatment according to nationally established, research-based guidelines. At Hurley, we’ll take all necessary measures to keep improving outcomes.
A Stroke Might Take You By Surprise. These Signs Shouldn’t.
• Sudden trouble seeing out of one or both eyes, including blurred or “graying” vision
• Numbness or weakness in the face, arm or leg, especially when it occurs on only one side of the body
• Slurred speech, problems understanding language or the inability to talk at all
• Face drooping and/or weakness in facial muscles
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
• Sudden, severe headache with no known cause
• Learn the signs so you can recognize them and act quickly. If you or a loved one is exhibiting any or all of these symptoms, call 911 immediately. Being Stroke Savvy Saves Lives!
Strokes Can Happen 24/7. So
Can Your Treatment.
As a Primary Stroke Center, Hurley provides these services, 24/7:
• On-call Neurology and Neurosurgery physicians
• Fully functioning operating room
• MRI and CT Imaging
• Ability to complete initial lab tests, ECG and chest x-rays
• Ability to administer intravenous thrombolytic therapy (clot-busting medication)
Here for You In the Aftermath
In the days following your stroke, our team will help you find your new normal. Your road to recovery begins as soon as your condition allows. The goal? To regain as much of your former life as possible by seamlessly incorporating the following:
• Occupational therapy rebuilds the skills necessary for performing everyday activities such as bathing and getting dressed.
• Physical therapy improves coordination and balance, builds stamina and helps you improve or regain control of affected extremities.
• Speech/Language Therapy increases your ability to communicate and swallow.
Together we can set recovery milestones and work hard to achieve them. We’ll find a way to get you back to doing the things you love.
Stroke Center Video: Learn to detect &prevent a stroke
Hurley You
A monthly series that takes you behind the scenes, showcasing the teams and efforts that keep Hurley thriving, one department at a time.
The cardiac cath lab at Hurley excels, because of a very hard working group of nurses, technicians and physicians. Before considering advanced technology, which is present, more importantly, the love, care and dedication the staff provides the patient is what makes it great.
-Dr. Luay Alkobot, MD, FSCAI, FACC, Cardiac Cath Lab Director
Corazon, Inc., a national leader in services for the cardiovascular specialty based in Pittsburgh, has granted accreditation to the PCI Program at Hurley. Through a rigorous process, the accreditation proves that the program at Hurley has met or exceeded the requirements established by the Michigan Department of Community Health (MI DCH), in accordance with Certificate of Need (CON) Review Standards for Cardiac Catheterization Services.
Back Row: Javaris Williams, Matthew Smolinski, Brant Major & Eric Tremain. Front Row: Mallery Hoffman, Pamela McHugh, Yvonne Burrows, Dr. Alkotob, Sarah Smith, Cynthia Ziegler, Amie Juillet, Timothy Craig and Nina Kilmer
These services include, providing 24-hour coverage for PCI emergencies, undergoing detailed quarterly quality reviews to ensure outcomes and practices meet or exceed national standards and other such factors.
Hurley has demonstrated, through their accreditation survey, that they are committed to providing the highest-quality level of care to their patient community. Their dedication, hard work, and exceptional leadership has afforded this opportunity in engaging their entire hospital team, enhancing their cardiac service line, thus allowing them to excel through achieving this accreditation.
EXCEPTIONAL HEART & VASCULAR SERVICES
At Hurley, our cath lab is ready for cardiac emergencies all hours of the day or night and on weekends and holidays. Our highly-skilled team ensures that when needed, they are available. Led by Dr. Alkotob, Yvonne Burrows and Eric Tremain, the team is composed of nurses, technicians and physicians. They specialize in diagnosing, treating and preventing heart disease, offering seamless and coordinated care to help heart patients lead longer, fuller lives.
Cath lab nurses
Cath lab nurses are with their patients throughout every step of their procedure. Our nurses have specialized training in cardiovascular care. They are responsible for managing a patient’s overall health during a cardiac catheterization procedure, including medication administration and monitoring vital signs. During a procedure, they monitor the patient’s vitals to make certain they are at a healthy level. Then, after a patient has come out of a procedure, they perform their primary duty of helping the patient through recovery. They have many responsibilities. They even handle paperwork (consent forms and filing documents with patient records), sharing discharge paperwork and care instructions with patients or their families and revising patient charts to add information about their procedure.
Dr. Alkotob
Matthew Smolinski, Pamela McHugh
Brant Major
Eric Tremain
Cath lab technicians
A cath lab technician is a specialized healthcare professional who works alongside our cardiologists. They are the backbone behind some of the most advanced, high-tech and lifesaving cardiac procedures. Cath lab techs assist in stent placements, ablations, angiograms, pacemaker placements and additional cardiac procedures. They prep patients, operate advanced equipment, assist cardiologists, monitor patients and much more.
Cath lab student
Looking toward the future, the team now includes a student. Currently, it is Jordan Anthony from Grand Rapids Community College.
So what is a procedure like?
During a procedure, a patient can expect to; change into a gown, have a cannula inserted into their arm, be connected to an ECG machine and have their vital signs monitored. During procedures, patients are given medications to keep them comfortable. Most procedures take 30 minutes to an hour, but can take longer if more extensive interventions are needed. Cardiac catheterization, also known as a cath, is a minimally-invasive procedure that can be used to diagnose and treat heart conditions. During a cardiac cath, a catheter is inserted into a blood vessel in the groin, arm or wrist and threaded into the heart. Once in place, a variety of tests and procedures can be performed, including:
Angiography: A dye is injected through the catheter to identify blockages in the heart.
Balloon angioplasty:
A catheter with a balloon tip is used to open a narrowed artery. Stent placement: A stent, a small mesh tube, is inserted on a catheter with a balloon tip to support narrow blood vessels.
Timothy Craig
Cynthia Ziegler, Pamela McHugh
Nina Kilmer, Amie Juillet
Arrhythmia ablation: A catheter is used to remove tissue that causes an irregular heartbeat.
Septal closures: Small devices are passed through a catheter to close holes in the heart wall.
Heart valve replacement: A catheter is used to remove a narrowed heart valve and replace it with an artificial valve.
Atherectomy: A rotational atherectomy catheter is used to pulverize hardened plaque in an artery.
Patients do not stay overnight unless they are an inpatient who is undergoing a procedure. Depending on how healthy or sick they are, or how much care they need, patients may go home after their catheterization or be admitted to a cardiac unit or intensive care unit for monitoring. Hurley’s cath lab serves both inpatient and outpatient adult patients. They are a compassionate team and are here to serve you!
Our team is very compassionate and has a great deal of concern for their patients. They are extremely loyal, dependable and enjoy a great rapport with their fellow coworkers and providers alike. They are respected for their knowledge, skill and professionalism. No matter the task, you can always count on this team.
-Eric Tremain
Lab (810) 262-7125
hurleymc.com/services/heart-vascular
Mallery Hoffman
Sarah Smith, Cynthia Ziegler
for extraordinary nurses
DAISY AWARD – MARQUISHA GERALDS, RN
Our Daisy Award recipient for this month is Marquisha Geralds, RN. In the realm of healthcare, nurses are our unsung heroes. They devote themselves to the well-being of patients and their families. Their compassion and dedication leave a lasting impact on all the lives that they touch. We celebrate Marquisha, as she was nominated by a patient for going above and beyond. Her nomination read,”Marquisha was so helpful during the delivery of my baby boy. I wanted a natural and safe delivery. I know that Marquisha helped me accomplish that story from beginning to end. I believe that she deserves to win this award because she was more than a nurse, she was a friend. I was blessed to have her and my entire team!”
Marquisha's life has been difficult; one that demonstrates a perseverance and triumph over adversity. Her past is filled with trauma and abuse. She was raised through the foster care system. Through these struggles, she still graduated from high school, Flint Central. She completed her nursing degree through Baker
College-Flint and shared that she is the only one in her immediate family who has achieved a college degree. Marquisha is continuing her nursing degree, pursing an FNP degree, while raising three sons. “I can honestly say that I have grown despite my trauma. Achieving my nursing degree was the most difficult thing I have ever done in my life. It was totally worth it. The driving factor has been my sons. I want them to know even if you come from something rough. You can overcome any obstacles. You can do better. You can give back,” shared Marquisha.
Marquisha works in the labor and delivery unit. She has worked as a labor and delivery nurse for over ten years. She has worked a total of six years here at Hurley. She left for a bit to go to Florida, as she was a travel nurse. She found herself back in Michigan and again at Hurley. Her day begins when she receives an assignment, which could be working with a laboring mom, triaging patients or as a charge nurse. Marquisha is also a preceptor, working with new nurses. She thoroughly enjoys being a preceptor and believes it is her way of giving back to the unit. She shared that the best part of working on L&D is during labor. She finds that once the baby is delivered, all focus is there. She does focus on the baby but her favorite part is helping the mom. “I recognize how important the baby is, but I feel the mom is just as important,” Marquisha said.
"A challenging day can be when there are not happy situations. This can be an abrupt emergency that may even be life or death. “When there is a medical emergency, everything stops and you do your best to ensure the best results. It could include comforting the mom who has had the unthinkable happen with the baby. This is extremely difficult. I feel I am able to handle these types of situations due to having a gowith-the-flow type of personality. Nothing worse can happen to me than what happened in the past. You can only handle what is in your control,” Marquisha noted. “I work hard to teach this to my preceptee. As much as you want to control the circumstances, you just cannot."
Marquisha was very appreciative for being nominated for the Daisy Award. She recognized her preceptor, Marsha Hawk. Marsha was Marquisha’s preceptor when she started working as a nurse. She credits her with teaching her just about everything she knows. “Marsha sadly passed away. She touched a lot of people’s hearts. I learned to be a good
nurse and do patient care from her along with a few others, Rose Gibson Cochran, Michelle Fielder and Chimene Quin. All of who have since retired. After traveling many places, the L&D unit at Hurley has always felt like home. We all work well together as a strong team. I appreciate that they are always willing to take me back,” Marquisha said.
Marquisha enjoys spending time with her three boys. She shared that she has one of her own and two bonus sons. They are 9, 10 and 11. She also has her own cold-pressed juice company, C.P. Ouice. “It’s juice without the “J” because it contains no junk,” Marquisha noted. “I am coming to the age where I am thinking about health. I am kind of on a holistic health journey. I feel it is important to make changes in my family and find that my sons are flourishing because of it. It all started because of my sons and my wanting them to be healthy. I do share my juices with my work family too.”
Congratulations Marquisha! Nominate an exceptional RN for the DAISY Award. Nomination forms are available in the Cafeteria, 8W Nursing Office and on the Hurley intranet.
WINTER BLUES HOW TO BEAT THE
No matter where you live, if you live in an area that receives winter on an annual basis, you’re bound to experience the “winter blues” at some point during the season.
What are the “winter blues” exactly? These blues can mean different things to different people. It can be a shortterm feeling of sadness or just feeling out of sorts or not grounded. Or, some people might experience a more serious form of the “winter blues” called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
Even though everyone has their own methods of coping through this season, there are some beneficial tips that could be helpful to overcoming the blues:
• Get regular sun exposure: Spend time outdoors, even for short periods, to soak up natural sunlight, which helps regulate your body’s circadian rhythm and boost mood.
• Physical activity: Engage in regular exercise, like walking, running, or joining a fitness class, to release endorphins that improve mood.
• Healthy diet: Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to support your overall well-being.
• Social connection: Spend time with friends and family, join social groups, or volunteer to combat feelings of isolation.
• Mindful activities: Practice relaxation techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga to manage stress.
• Indoor lighting: Use bright lights indoors, especially during the day, to mimic natural sunlight.
• Sleep hygiene: Aim for consistent sleep schedules and create a relaxing bedtime routine.
• Enjoyable activities: Find hobbies or activities you enjoy, like reading, listening to music, crafting, or watching movies.
• Consider light therapy: If your symptoms are severe, consult a healthcare professional about light therapy, which can be particularly helpful for seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
• Anticipate an event: Anticipate an upcoming event or create something that you can look forward to. This can create positive feelings and excitement.
• Stick to a schedule: Avoid the temptation to alter your schedule to avoid activities and socialization. Stick to your everyday schedule.
• Accomplish a goal: Motivate yourself by adding a goal to your to-do list, big or small, and once it’s finished, cross it off.
FOR THE HOLIDAYS
For the Holidays is a section that shares warm stories of giving. This is a section that is dedicated to gratitude.
The holidays bring warmth, laughter, and time with loved ones, but they can also present challenges. This season, we’ve witnessed many "acts of kindness." This message is a heartfelt thank you for everything you do, not just during the holidays but every day. Your compassion, dedication, and hard work are deeply appreciated!
FOR THE HOLIDAYS
WINTER WONDERLAND WAREHOUSE
I feel incredibly lucky to have such an amazing team. They are truly awesome, and I'm so grateful for their hard work and dedication! We had a great time putting all this together, and it definitely brought a smile to us and so many others.
-Stacy Garty, Warehouse Supervisor
SPREADING THE HOLIDAY CHEER
If you visited the warehouse, you’d have seen beautiful holiday decorations—trees, garland, stockings, and lighted candy canes. Stacy Garty and Michael Henry led the effort, with the whole team pitching in to spread holiday cheer. They truly went above and beyond!
James Neeley, Bert Adams, Charles Strong, Tony Dunn, Jeff Townsend, Tim Roschival, Stacy Garty, Michael Henry, Darris Morrow and Antonio Williams.
THANK YOU
TO EVERYONE who made the first ever Hurley Holiday Shop a raving success. A special thank you to Kaitlyn Larrea who managed sign-ups and getting caregivers to and from the shop and Lydia Sanchez-Roat for making sure we had 22 enthusiastic and competent volunteers to make it all run so smoothly! We are so grateful for the donations of items for the shop that benefitted children of all ages
We were able to have 41 families benefit from this year's shop, 32 of which were able to shop for themselves during our shop hours Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. We handed out over 200 items that were then wrapped with care by volunteers. Gifts this year included bicycles, ipads, make-up kits, drawing sets, LED Bluetooth Speakers, stuffed animals, PJ's, baby toys and much more!
VISIT US ON FACEBOOK TO VIEW THE VIDEO OF THE CHILD LIFE HOLIDAY.
FOR THE HOLIDAYS: THANK
YOU - Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
Santa and the
The holidays are known for their joy, excitement and nostalgia. Spending the holidays in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), however, can be difficult for families and staff. While NICU does have its positive moments, when you think about it, there is no denying it is one of the most difficult places to be over the holidays. Finding joy and ways to celebrate in a place filled with so much uncertainty and fear can feel next to impossible. Each year, our NICU team goes above and beyond to give the gift of cheerful memories to our smallest and their families. All staff see this every year when the photos are featured in the News You Can Use. This year, let’s celebrate this team.
Our NICU consists of a group of highly-specialized healthcare professionals: neonatologists (specialists in sick or premature newborns), perinatologists (specialists in high-risk pregnancies), NICU nurses, nurse practitioners, and respiratory therapy nurse specialists, as well as other specialists such as, our health unit coordinators, social workers, lactation consultants, occupational therapists, critical care technicians—who have the state-of-theart knowledge and technology needed to care for our premature or very sick newborns. They are all dedicated to providing intensive care to premature or critically ill newborns,
Featured with
Grinch are: Danielle Smith, Terra Garrett, Alicia Craine, Carlie Erhardt, Sahley Coon, Nicole Miller, Jennifer Allen, Wendy Beggs, Megan Robinson, Jessica Clark, Erika Witherspoon, Nick Garofalo, Mackenzie Pavelich, Alex Miller, Ranjan Monga, MD, Aimee Datsko
working collaboratively to ensure the best possible medical treatment and family support throughout the baby's stay in our NICU. This all leads to Hurley's designation as a Level III NICU facility.
Did you know, they not only care for the infants born here at Hurley but also for ones born at other hospitals who become very sick. If one of these infants needs critical care, transporting him/her to Hurley is particularly challenging. To make the trip as medically safe as possible, our transport team—a neonatologist, NICU nurse, nurse practitioner and respiratory therapist— travels to the transferring hospital, stabilizes the baby and transports him/her to Hurley’s NICU. Hurley also has perinatologists in our Maternal Fetal Medicine Department who deliver highly-specialized care to both mother and fetus—throughout a high-risk pregnancy and delivery—all the way to Hurley’s Level III NICU.
Not only does this team provide specialized medical care, but they work hard to bond with the babies and their families. The connection between NICU families and this team runs deep. That relationship may not end when those families go home. NICU parents feel a strong and lasting kinship with the team who cared for their babies in those early, up-anddown days. In return, the team feels the same. They all play a vital role within the NICU.
These reasons noted above and those not included are why we say: “Thank you to the incredible team in NICU for the care you provide during the holiday and every day throughout the year. We all express our gratitude to you for the unwavering care, compassion and dedication you show to our most vulnerable little ones. Your tireless efforts bring hope and light to families during the most challenging moments. Thank you for being the angels in our NICU!”
FOR THE HOLIDAYS:
GLOW FOR HURLEY CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL
Thank you to all those who showed up from the community, Genesee County First Responders and Team Hurley to the GLOW for Hurley Children’s Hospital event held on Thursday, December 12th. Visit Hurley’s Facebook for more photos of this event.
FOR THE HOLIDAYS:
COATS FOR KIDS & SHOES THAT FIT
Thank you to all who donated to the Coats for Kids program!
The Salvation Army's Coats for Kids campaign has been helping children in need for over 30 years. In that time, supporters have donated nearly 500,000 coats and accessories to local families. The “New” or “Gently Worn” coats, hats, scarves and mittens donated by the Hurley Team will help keep children in Mid-Michigan warm. Hurley is proud to support this program!
Team Hurley has shown great generosity making sure area students have Shoes That Fit going into the winter months. Our staff donated 450 pairs of brand new shoes and boots to K-6th grade students at DTM and Doyle Ryder schools in Flint, so they can attend school in comfort and with dignity.
Shoes that Fit (originally called Connie’s Closet) is a non-profit charity that was started in 1990 by a Flint City teaching assistant named Connie Rau. We are proud to join other local hospitals in this yearly endeavor.
Doyle Ryder - Safety Coordinator Ricky Buggs, Principal Natoya Coleman
Durant Turri Mott (DTM)Assistant Principal Tabatha Shay, Midline Principal Angela Ascencio, Community Liaison Linda Hopkins
SHARE YOUR VOICE
EMPLOYEE VOICEBOX
Thanks to a suggestion submitted by a team member to the Employee Voicebox, the cafeteria dining room now offers a sink to wash hands, as well as a water bottle filling station in the same
Employee Voiceboxes can be found in the cafeteria dining area on 1W and outside the Merliss Brown Auditorium on 2W. The Employee Voicebox allows team members to anonymously submit positive suggestions and ideas that make a difference and improve Hurley Medical Center.
SHARE YOUR VOICE
Employee Voicebox Submission Form
Physician Connection
A monthly newsletter for the physicians of Hurley Medical Center.
Continuing Education Requirements for Michigan Medical Doctors
Authority: Public Act 368 of 1978, as amended
REQUIREMENTS FOR RENEWAL
The continuing education requirements apply to every physician renewing a Michigan medical license who has been licensed in the 3-year period immediately preceding the application for renewal. The requirements apply whether or not the physician is actively engaged in the practice of medicine. No one, including medical school faculty and resident physicians, is exempt from this requirement.
Each medical doctor is required to complete 150 hours of continuing education in courses or programs approved by the Board of Medicine, of which a minimum 75 hours of the required 150 hours must be earned in courses or programs designated as Category 1 programs.
• A minimum of 1 hour of continuing education must be earned in the area of Medical Ethics.
• A minimum of 3 hours of continuing education must be earned in the area of Pain and Symptom Management, and at least 1 of the 3 hours must include controlled substance prescribing.
Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA)
TRAINING STANDARDS
• LARA requires a one-time mandatory training in Opioids and Other Controlled Substances Awareness for prescribers and dispensers of controlled substances.
• LARA requires a one-time mandatory training in Identifying Victims of Human Trafficking.
• LARA requires a minimum of three hours, every 3-year renewal cycle, in Implicit Bias Training.
For more information or questions, please visit: michigan.gov/lara
DEA Training Requirement via the MATE Act
The Medication Access and Training Expansion (MATE) Act, part of the federal Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, requires ALL new or renewing DEA-registered practitioners who prescribe schedule II, III, IV or V drugs to undergo a one-time, eight-hour training requirement incorporating education on the treatment and management of patients with opioid and other substance use disorders.
See Michigan State Medical Society (MSMS) for further FAQs at: msms.org > NEWS
Hurley Online CME Courses
The following are free Hurley CME on Demand courses that have been approved for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™:
• Advances in OB Pain Management
(This activity fulfills the CE requirements for pain and symptom management.)
• Ethical Challenges
(This activity fulfills the CE requirements for medical ethics.)
• Hypertension Management in the Hospitalized Child
• Human Trafficking and the Role of the Healthcare Provider
(This activity fulfills the LARA mandatory training standards for identifying victims of human trafficking.)
Physician Support Line is a national, free and confidential support line service made up of 600+ volunteer psychiatrists, joined together in the determined hope to provide peer support for our physician colleagues and medical students. Physician Support Line was created with the mission of physicians supporting physicians as we navigate the many professional and personal intersections of our lives. Physician Support Line promises to provide emotional support and a safe holding space for physicians and medical students.
For more information or questions, please visit: www.physiciansupportline.com or Facebook: Physician Support Line @PhysicianLine
Hurley Regularly Scheduled Series (RSS)
3rd Friday, 7:00-8:00 AM
4th Friday, 7:00-8:00 AM
1st Friday, 7:00-8:00 AM
New Providers
It is our pleasure to welcome the following providers to Hurley Medical Center. We thank you for collaborating with us to provide quality healthcare to our patients. We value your commitment and appreciate your service.
