SPECIAL EDITION
NURSES
WEEK AND
HOSPITAL WEEK
METHODIST
MAGAZINE EMPLOYEES ARE THE
HEART OF OUR SERVICE.
VOL. 6 2022
1 | Methodist Magazine
Vol. 6 2022 | 2
CONTENTS 3
Guest Columnist: Occupational Therapist Shares How “WHY” is a Verb
5
Fast Facts About Methodist Healthcare
7
Patient Receives New Kidney, Joins Specialty and Transplant as Pulmonary Lab Employee
9
17 L&D Nurses Pregnant At One Time
11
Department Spotlights
15
Comments from the Community
17
Guest Columnist: Nurse Learns Happiness Can Be Found, Even In the Darkest of Times
19
It Starts With Why
25
Burn Unit Patient Becomes Nurse
27
EMS Week
EDITOR Cheri Love-Moceri Associate Vice President of Communications CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Morgan Downing-Shannon Director of Communications Methodist Children’s Hospital and Women’s Services Kimberly Felan Communications Manager Methodist Hospital | Specialty and Transplant Methodist Hospital | Texsan Melissa Geedman Director of Communications Methodist Hospital Lauren McCormick Communications Manager Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan Methodist Hospital | Atascosa
GUEST COLUMNIST: PEDIATRIC OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST SHARES HOW “WHY” IS A VERB Half a century ago, I was born prematurely in an inner-city hospital in a third-world country. My father tells the story of how my chances of survival were slim as he held me close, softly singing into my tiny ear Chiquitita by—you guessed it—ABBA. God had other plans for my little self because here I am serving the smallest and most fragile tiny humans in our inner-city hospital NICU, and sharing in the promises of a bright future ahead. During my formative years, experiences both inside and outside the classroom shaped a conviction to serve others in my community. I found a place to find joy in service to others while working with the Boy Scouts of America. To this day, I continue my work in scouting as a long-time scout leader. A few years ago, I was bestowed with a new name—given to me by the Brotherhood of Cheerful Service—the BSA Order of the Arrow. My Vigil Honor name selected to reflect my character is Ikipi Tunwaya Ekta Ota which loosely translates to “Worthy Guide to Many.” Frankly, the Vigil Elders got it right. I am a humble servant leader. I happen to be a Pediatric Occupational Therapist in my professional life who guides tiny humans to be the best versions of themselves they can be. Through kind hands and gentle guidance, my tiny patients not only grow but thrive. My journey to San Antonio was one guided by love and a call to service. While I started my career as an Occupational Therapist at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, a passion for pediatrics led me to Texas Children’s Hospital NICU, where I worked with some of the most fragile and medically complex babies. I followed my husband to San Antonio, where we have lived for over 25 years. During that time, I continued my work in pediatrics in many settings: Easter Seals Early Childhood Intervention, research in early childhood Autism with Baylor College of Medicine and the Children’s Hospital of San Antonio, to name a few. Inner-city communities still hold my heart. Metropolitan Hospital | Metropolitan soon became my home—and a place to bring all my experiences gained along the way to serve our NICU. It has become more than a job but a mission of service. It has become a why in my life.
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This brings me to explain how ‘why’ is a verb. Why as a verb means actively taking a calling into purpose day after day. No one hopes their baby ends up in the NICU. I come into work every day ready to make a positive difference in the lives of families experiencing some of the most difficult times in their lives. I am there to help babies’ brains, and bodies develop and find opportunities for families to connect with their babies actively.
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Whether it is giving a new parent the courage to reach into a hesitant first touch, supporting Kangaroo care, helping a baby calm after a rough night, holding a pacifier, guiding the first feeding, splinting a tiny hand, or simply assisting a fragile newborn transition to home, all these require action— one that is deeply seeded in a why. Without action, there is no evidence of a why. Without a why there is no purpose in action. What better way than to spend my days making someone else’s life a tiny bit better than in a NICU. Someone did that for me when I was born a fragile preemie once. So here I am, “Serving Humanity to Honor God,” returning a favor on a promise made 50+ years ago. So, I ask of you—what is YOUR why? Because, after all, what you DO with it is up to you. But, in the end, it’s what makes all the difference. - Marcy Roca Pediatric Occupational Therapist Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan
FAST FACTS ABOUT METHODIST HEALTHCARE
Did You Know? Between food, biomedicines, utilities, housekeeping, equipment rentals, laundry services and more, we spent
$104,815,661
It takes a lot of commitment and resources to care for patients and keep our hospitals operating effectively, and our employees are at the heart of it all! Here are just a few fun facts from 2021, made possible by departments such as Accounting, Facilities, Mail Delivery, Supply Chain, Print Center and more:
Processed almost
16 million
pounds of waste last year and
244,577 pounds of plastic were kept out of landfills through the Reusable Sharps Contain Program from Stericyle.
with our vendors!
The Print Center Our Medical Couriers drive almost
processed more
400,000 miles annually... That’s 300-400 miles per
than
tickets per month.
day, per courier! They drove to Austin to transport stem cells from St. David’s to the Methodist Hospital
144 times. Our dispatch answered 24,927 calls. Cellular Therapy Lab
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1,000
In 2021, they
17,242 job sheet requests which created 6,283,110 color impressions and 9,896,664 black managed
and white impressions.
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Did you know the
Our Marketing Department
registration team at
is responsible for creating
Methodist Hospital
and delivering value to a
and Methodist
designated audience. They help
Children’s Hospital is responsible for approximately
22,000 registrations
per month? “When patients walk through our hospital doors, their first interaction is usually with someone on the registration
tell the story of the Methodist Healthcare brand with integrity and consistency.
2021, this team created over 1050 videos, designed over 1500 collateral pieces, deployed 3.8 million consumer emails, and managed over 600 website updates, In
team, “said Eli Avila, Director, Patient
making it possible for our website to be viewed
Access. “We pride ourselves on providing
over
3.6 million times!
good customer service to set the foundation for a patient’s entire stay.”
Our Communications Department is also responsible for publicizing stories about our patients and facilities on broadcast platforms
Our Patient
and print publications. Last year, they earned
Transportation
$66,617,261 in media value (the
Program provides
amount it would have cost to get the exposure
5,556 rides
we earned) and reached over
to patients who have difficulty
people! This team also manages any crisis that
with transportation.
may arise to ensure our staff and community are
3.2 billion
well-informed.
Methodist Healthcare spent
$21 million on food as a Division; $1.7 million was spent on fresh produce and
$270,000 was spent on bacon alone!
Together, these departments ensure our incredible stories are shared across social media platforms. Last year, that teamwork garnered
3.6 million impressions in social media with over 384,000 video views!
PATIENT RECEIVES NEW KIDNEY, JOINS SPECIALTY AND TRANSPLANT AS PULMONARY LAB EMPLOYEE Ramon Aguilar, 63, knew he had a purpose in life and that was to help others. He was able to fulfill his destiny after a life-saving procedure. “I got another chance [at life] and if I was going to work anywhere, it would be in this hospital [Methodist Hospital | Specialty and Transplant],” commented Ramon. “After everything everyone [staff] did for me, I felt it was my way of giving back.” Ramon was diabetic and had been in renal failure for about 15 years. One day, he came down with a staph infection and went into septic shock. Septic shock happens when your blood pressure drops to a dangerously low level after experiencing an infection. Ramon’s kidneys never bounced back after this. Ramon was put on dialysis for over seven years. Throughout the treatment, Ramon never stopped working; he was always seeking new opportunities to grow. Ramon lived in Corpus Christi, Texas at the time and had been a successful business owner for about 34 years. He owned a sleep lab that started in 1990, a respiratory equipment company, a cardiac and pulmonary rehab center in Houston, Texsan and was on the Board of Admissions for the Del Mar College Respiratory Care Program. The first six years of dialysis were going well, however, when it stopped working, toxins began to build up and he began to experience a great deal of side effects. In 2015, his Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) decreased drastically, which qualified him to be put on the transplant waiting list. Unsure of what his future would look like, Ramon decided to let go of his business in December of 2020. A few months later, on Saturday, March 27, 2021, Ramon received a phone call that would change his life. It was official; he was going to get a new kidney. He began to gather his belongings, medications and other necessities before making his way to San Antonio, Texas. While on the road, Ramon started making phone calls to family and friends. “The greatest fear is not knowing the outcome, so I made sure to take care of loose ends,” said Ramon. “Hopefully everything will be okay and it was.” The whole process was non-stop; everything was expedited. Ramon arrived in San Antonio at 3 pm and was in surgery by 7 pm. Ramon suffers from obstructive sleep apnea, which occurs when the muscles that support the soft tissues in your throat, such as your tongue and soft palate, temporarily relax. This caused minor complications post-surgery. After a 7 | Methodist Magazine
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couple of days, Ramon began to see definite improvement and he could tell his kidneys were starting to function properly. “I always had faith, I never gave up. I did it all under the guidance of God,” said Ramon. “He’s done remarkably well,” said Dr. Luke Shen, who performed Ramon’s transplant. “Whenever I see him down the hallway, he says ‘thank you,’ he’s just so appreciative. It’s wonderful to see that in life.” Ramon is a registered respiratory therapist, but had not practiced in a while. After his transplant surgery, he elected to apply for a position within the pulmonary lab at Methodist Hospital | Specialty and Transplant and got offered the job in May. However, he was instructed by his physician to wait 30 days before he could start.
Ramon’s first day of employment with Specialty and Transplant was July 2, 2021, and he is very honored to be a part of this program. 90% of his work revolves around dealing with kidney patients. He gets to see everyone that took care of him from the nurses, to the physicians, and to the dietitians. It is both rewarding and a blessing all the way around. Ramon also gets to share his experience with other patients who are going through the same process. Ramon would like to stress the importance of health and kidney awareness. Education and prevention is key to helping decrease the numbers that are climbing due to renal failure. Because deceased donor kidneys do not have a guaranteed lifetime, Ramon lives everyday like it is his last. He hopes that through his story, he can help educate and raise awareness.
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17 L&D NURSES PREGNANT AT ONE TIME Pregnant bellies and newborn cries are everyday sights and sounds on the Labor and Delivery Unit at Methodist Hospital. But things have grown interesting over the last few months, considering 17 nurses on the unit are pregnant alongside the patients they care for and the patients have taken notice. “Some of my patients have gone through their whole stay and everyone caring for them is also pregnant,” Hayley Seal, RN laughed. “They’ve been like ‘wait a minute, my last nurse is pregnant too!’” The due dates for the nurses span from December 2021 to July. Break room baby showers and chatter about baby names and the best newborn products have
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become the new normal. Seal gave birth to her second child in February and she had her colleagues by her side during the entire experience. “When one of us comes in to have our baby the room is always decorated,” Seal said. “It’s funny, you can go down our baby registries for everyone and if we find a product that someone likes on their registry it’s on everyone’s registry.” Like Seal, Leslie Maulit, RN says the joy and comradery the pregnancies have created among her colleagues is something she will never forget. “It’s honestly been really fun. I feel like we’ve had kind of a sisterhood of traveling pants,” Maulit joked. “We send baby stuff to each other and give each other advice. I know the
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girls who are on maternity leave right now are giving each other advice and they’re all awake at the same time.” As labor and delivery nurses, each nurse enjoys being a part of their patients’ journeys into parenthood. They say the pregnancies have allowed them to develop an even deeper understanding of what their patients may be going through, improving the care they’re able to provide. “This definitely helped with my ability to connect even deeper with my patients, especially since I had complications with my delivery and got readmitted [to the hospital],”Seal said. “I’ve really been able to identify with the patients that are going through the same thing. I think it’s helped with the type of patient care I can give.”
If you’re wondering what this means when it comes to staffing an incredibly busy unit that sees an average of 600 births each month, leaders have been busy bringing in extra support to help fill the void, while each new mom takes her deserved time away from work to care for her newborn. “I have never seen anything like this in my 25 years as a nurse,” April Fox, RN, Director of Labor and Delivery said. “It’s been fun seeing each of these women bond over such a special time in their lives and this is bringing our unit closer than ever.” “We trust each other. We trust our doctors. We have that connection to want to deliver here as well,” Maulit said.
DEPARTMENT SPOTLIGHTS
David Sierra tends to hot water pump at Methodist Hospital | Atascosa.
FACILITIES MANAGEMENT Facilities Management maintains nine hospitals, 10 freestanding emergency departments, over 30 clinics, and various other buildings, parking areas and structures. That’s about six million square feet that require preventative maintenance, repairs, continuous updates, and attention to always meet Environment of Care and Life Safety Standards. Facilities Management staff work in both the hottest and coldest areas of all structures. They work under the structures as well as above, sometimes in the highest areas of the structures. It can be the dirtiest area imaginable and the cleanest area as well. No task is too big or too small for this team. A Facilities Management employee can go from hanging a picture on a wall to working on a high-pressure steam leak next to a high voltage electrical panel And this is done in all kinds of weather, twenty four hours a day, seven days a week. They also manage over 500,000 pieces of equipment and manage over 106,700 work orders…a month! - Ray Miller, Division Director of Environment of Care 11 | Methodist Magazine
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CHAPLAINS I am a PRN chaplain at Methodist Hospital | Northeast and am about to complete my third year of a four-year Master of Divinity degree program from Nazarene Theological Seminary. My goal is to join Methodist Hospital full-time upon receiving my degree. My work as a hospital chaplain became increasingly meaningful and fulfilling during the COVID-19 pandemic. Before COVID-19 took over our world, I approached my role as a chaplain much as I approached all of my life – with a sense of responsibility blended with trepidation. I wanted to know my precise place and role, exactly what I could and could not do, and I was careful never to stray out of my lane. I was an extreme rule follower who was petrified of offending anyone. When the hospital first began to transform in order to treat COVID-19 patients safely, I was reminded that we were facing something brand new, and therefore, there were no set rules and guidelines. I was encouraged to do what I felt the Holy Spirit leading me to do. I round with the ICU team on Fridays. During the early days of the pandemic, I remember Dr. M encouraging us by reminding us that we are doing the best we can with the information we have today – right now. For whatever reason, the fact that we were all walking into unknown territory gave me the freedom and courage to take chances I never would have taken before. I grew fearless, caring more about doing what I believed to be right rather than following the rules or simply daydreaming about what could or should be done. Because of the severity of the disease, each chaplain was given freedom to respond as he/she felt called. For my part, I never once shied away from a request which required me to enter a COVID-19 patient’s room. Because I am not married and have no children, I knew nothing could keep me out of those rooms. I felt a deep need to care for those patients in isolation, the families forbidden to visit, and the nurses overwhelmed with their ever-changing roles and responsibilities. Through it all, my bond with staff grew and they truly became like family. I loved seeing how the nurses took care of one another. I loved seeing the bravery and compassion of the heroes the media tends to forget – those who have to enter COVID rooms to make sure the rooms are clean and the patients are fed. It blesses me every day to see how Methodist Hospital Northeast truly lives out our I-CARE values. Nothing scared me. I became bolder, more confident, expressive, compassionate, and focused. I discovered a fire and passion within me I never knew I had. I found purpose. I found direction. For the first time in my life, I truly, unequivocally, felt like I was living the life Jesus called me to live.
That is not to say that working through this pandemic has been easy. The mental toll has been extreme. I may have found my voice during the pandemic, but I also developed what has been termed COVID-PTSD, moral injury, and social anxiety. A nurse asked who takes care of me since I pour so much of myself into caring for others. I responded that I practice what I preach – and I preach the importance of self-care. Thankfully, I had already been in therapy for years before the pandemic. Because of this relationship, my therapist was able to diagnose me and help me work through these issues early on. In addition to therapy, I have a list of other self-care techniques in my “tool box”. Some of my self-care includes television (especially repeated episodes of The Good Witch and anything starring my COVID-crush James Denton), Bon Jovi, exercise, massages, solitude, nature, my therapist, my pets, journaling, prayer, reading - and writing fictional stories. In addition, most of my papers and projects for school have focused on trauma care. These assignments have not only helped me to understand myself, but they have helped me help others and given me direction for what I would like to do in the future. - Renee Albracht, PRN Chaplain Methodist Hospital | Northeast
DEPARTMENT SPOTLIGHTS
HEALTH INFORMATION MANAGEMENT “My role as the Director of Health Information Management (HIM) involves acquiring, analyzing, and protecting digital and traditional medical information that is crucial for providing quality patient care, combining business, science, and information technology. My colleagues and I provide services within all aspects of records management – including data collection and data quality management, integrity, standards, disclosure, coding, disposition, and privacy of health information. We analyze information in the health record to facilitate health care delivery, patient safety, and decision support, and we ensure the confidentiality of health information within the patient record. Our role protects our patients’ right to private, secure, and confidential information. At Metropolitan, I ensure the hospital complies with HIPAA laws; I am the educator, enforcer, and liaison for the office of Civil Rights. I serve as the internal support for the ART Team, or Appropriate Access Analysts, that have 24/7
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electronic audits running in Meditech and HPF and look for misuse. The second workflow under my role, Service Line In-House, includes duties tied to unbilled support, birth registry, physician and customer support, document imaging, and state reporting. Third, I serve as the face of Parallon for the Front Office Support Division. This team consists of coding (queries), Analysis (delinquent records), Transcription (dictated reports) by our remote employees, and CIOX completes our Release of Information. My role is the facility touchpoint for all these services. Overall, I play a vital role in the patient safety of our hospitals and use data to ensure patient information is protected. We help improve quality by reducing errors and health disparities, reducing healthcare costs resulting from inefficiency, errors, inappropriate care, etc., and help guide medical decisions at the time and place of care.” - Drea Field, Director of HIM Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan
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LAB- METHODIST HOSPITAL
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Did you know, in 2021 the Methodist Hospital Microbiology department performed over 102,000 Covid-19 tests in addition to 500,000 non-Covid tests? The laboratory at Methodist Hospital serves as the heartbeat and blood supply (both literally and figuratively) of the facility. It is staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year with highly educated and talented laboratory administrators, pathologists, medical, histology, cytology, flow cytometry, and blood banking technologists and technicians, phlebotomists, information technologists, and secretarial staff. The dedicated laboratory staff is always ready to provide the highest quality results for our patients.
The Information Technology (IT) teams at each facility play a vital role in the protection of our data, maintenance and deployment of systems and technologies necessary for a hospital to function. Across Methodist Healthcare, IT manages 888 servers, hosts 201 applications, and is responsible for 11,208 laptops and computers, 10,400 phones and over 15,000 wireless devices. IT not only ensures our devices, technologies and platforms are properly functioning, but they are essential to our organization’s ability to grow and advance efficiently. For example, in 2021, they implemented TeleTracking EVS and Transport Mobile Solution at all hospitals, which contributed to a 21% reduction in average bed turnaround time, a 17% reduction in average dirty bed response time, and increased average number of clean beds by 10%. This year, IT will continue to focus on major growth initiatives by supporting the technology needs required with the opening of two new hospitals, an FSER, Ambulatory Surgery Center, new PSG clinics and new STRIC imaging centers. - Eddie Cuellar, CIO Methodist Healthcare
A few additional facts about the lab: •
The Core laboratory performed over 950,000 tests including CBCs, metabolic chemistry panels, urinalysis tests, and coagulation studies.
•
Their blood bank issued over 26,000 blood products.
•
The skilled phlebotomists, often the only laboratory personnel seen by our patients and medical staff, drew over 100,000 patient samples in 2021.
•
The talented histologists and pathologists received and diagnosed over 160,000 surgical and cytology specimens and analyzed 3,000 flow cytometry samples.
“
A BIG
A building full of superhero doctors & Angel nurses! I can’t say enough about the care I received in the two weeks I spent in ICU. Everyone, including housekeeping & kitchen, was upbeat, communicative, & friendly. I am more than grateful for the care given to me from the ambulance crew, ER, ICU, doctors and nurses!”
“
I had a very good experience from the time I checked in to the time I was discharged. The nursing staff was exceptional. They were personable and professional. The support staff was also exceptional. All in all, I could not have asked for a better hospital experience.”
“
I’m so grateful to the Lord that this hospital and all its staff are here in Pleasanton/Jourdanton. I have always received the highest quality treatment and have had the kindest people take care of me. I can’t say enough about how much you all do for our individual care and for how you care the community. Thank You for everything you do. God bless you and keep you.” - Former Patient Methodist Hospital | Atascosa
“
I went to the hospital last week on Monday night with severe stomach pains and blood in my urine, the staff there were absolutely AMAZING and SUPER HELPFUL! The ER doc schedule that night was just so great and he helped soooo, soooo much with everything to helping my pain and getting me transferred to some place that specialized in what I needed! If I had to recommend a Hospital, It’d be this ONE! I’m so grateful and thankful for this place!” - Former Patient Methodist Hospital | Texsan
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“
We were told my son would not leave NICU. He was born with Trisomy 18 and would not survive. Methodist NICU took great care of him and we left for home in 3 months. He is going on 6-years-old and a miracle in our eyes. He still sees three of his doctor’s from NICU, Dr. Smith, Dr. Goldstein, and Dr.Bonilla. All very special doctors to us. Methodist Children’s Hospital is the only hospital we take him to and every doctor and every nurse has been wonderful with him. Thank you, Methodist.” - Parent of Former Patient Methodist Children’s Hospital
“
All I can say my hat is off for all the staff. They made my family and I feel like if we were on the V.I.P. list since my first day there. I had a surgery on the 28th of August. Their professionalism is second to none; I highly recommend this hospital to everyone I know.” - Former Patient Methodist Hospital | Specialty and Transplant
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FROM YOUR COMMUNITY
“
We can not say enough about this incredible healing hospital! After several days in a hospital in Houston, we decided to move our 27yr old daughter to Methodist Metropolitan. She had a huge scare from COVID and multiorgan shut down. At Metropolitan, everything was exceptional, from the information at the front desk (with the butterfly pen), the MICU floor director, all nurses (6 days), the Chaplain, food service, and the doctors who were informative, approachable, and accessible that cleaned her room daily. All this compassion and care came in a time when COVID was raging, and things remained consistent and gave us great comfort that we were in the place that would care for her. Thank you to Methodist Metropolitan for the love, kindness, and commitment to excellence in healing.” - Family of a former patient Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan
“
Thank you for the great care! Nurses Febe and Maria are professional and compassionate! I always felt like I was being treated by family. The same can be said for Dr. Peter Williams. He always kept me informed and there was never any mystery to treatment or recovery. Ya’ll are kind souls!” - Former Patient Methodist ER Alamo Heights
“
My visit was scary to say the least. I went in for stroke, cardiac arrest.. I wasn’t sure. My wife rushed me there 90mph+, she wheeled me in, they immediately took me to the back. They did a battery of tests and coded me stroke. The little, I do remember was a whole team rushing to save my life. It was such a great team effort, then to top things off.. I was taken care of by an excellent nurse who, everyday checked on me multiple times per day. First thing in the morning she would brush my teeth, give me a sponge bath, and top it off with putting an ointment in my nose to prevent hospital infection. She did everything she could to keep me comfortable and most importantly safe. Overall, the entire team at Methodist Stone Oak deserves a great shout out for great care and a great experience all the way through! But, definitely to my nurse Sylvia. Praise God for nurses like her!! Thank you for the wonderful care!” - Former Patient Methodist Hospital | Stone Oak
“
This place was amazing to have a out patient surgery, from walking in to check in, to walking out afterwards. Bar none could have not picked a better place. Friendly staff who goes above and beyond to make you feel safe and welcome.” - Former Patient Methodist Hospital
“
My experience was just perfect. From the time I walked in to Northeast Methodist Hospital for preop at 8:00 am for a total hip replacement to the moment I walked out the next day at 2:00 pm couldn’t have been any better. The staff from front to back were very nice and even looked like they really enjoyed their job. They were pleasant to be around, very informative (told me everything that was going to happen), and were very gentle when they had to move me or do routine hospital stuff. After surgery, I woke right up with no pain, the kept telling me to slow down but this was the first time in two years without any pain. And to this day (5 days later) I have very little pain. I think the staff thought I was freak because I kept telling I was good to go. Anyhow from pre-op to anesthesiologist, the doctors, nurses, physical therapy and anyone else that helped me Thank you for everything you did. I can’t express how great I feel now compared to when I came in.” - Former Patient Methodist Hospital | Northeast
GUEST COLUMNIST: Labor and Delivery Nurse Learns Happiness Can Be Found, Even In the Darkest of Times
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Vol. 6 2022 | 18 Nervous. Anxious. Scared. Sad. Flustered. All of that at the same time is what I was feeling when I found out I would be taking care of a patient who was there to be induced at 19 weeks because her baby no longer had a heartbeat. I think one of the most common misconceptions of labor and delivery is that it is the happy side of nursing. Don’t get me wrong, it is happy. It is such a privilege to be there while someone experiences one of the most important days of their life. But on this day, I learned the privilege and heartache associated with the dark side of labor and delivery. I remember walking into this room and seeing Devan covered in a Harry Potter blanket with The Office blaring over the TV. I remember vividly thinking to myself ‘ok, we have some talking points if it gets awkward.’ Awkward because what do you say to someone who just lost their baby? The baby they wanted so freaking badly. I just remember how sweet Shelton, Devan’s partner, was with her, making sure she had every single thing she needed. We went over our plan of care and a few hours into the shift she delivered Polly Elise and I cried with them. This is the part no one prepares you for. The cry that someone who just lost someone they love makes
Facebook and if I would be their nurse when they came in to deliver their baby! She went on to tell me how they told their family I was their angel nurse and that Polly waited for me to arrive before she was born because she knew that Devan and Shelton needed this. They showed everyone my picture and they had the page with the quote and the footprints framed and on their mantel. I was touched. This was such a unique patient connection that we made that there was no way I could say no to delivering my first full circle rainbow baby. When she went into preterm labor again a few weeks later, I showed up to my night shift and took over her care. We moved and labored all night. With some of my best friends by my side helping me with position changes and then with pushing when it was time, we met Polly’s baby brother, Knox. We had Polly’s name on the delivery board and the room had the perfect ambiance. When I heard Devan and Shelton take that huge deep breath that had the sweetest relief that their baby made it safely this time, I could not help but to tear up, because that sound is also one I will never forget, but not in a haunting way but in a hopeful way. I knew in that moment that this is exactly where I am supposed to be. That this is where I need to be to grow and be great and I am so thankful that I gained a life-long friend, but I also learned so much about myself as a nurse. I remind myself that as hard as these shifts are for us, it is just a shift. This is the absolute worst day of some patients’ lives. And on this dark day, if I can even be the smallest bit of light for them I will do any and everything within my power to do so. I am so thankful to be able to do what I do every day. Caylene Cortes, RN, Labor & Delivery Methodist Hospital Footprints for a special Harry Potter themed memento for her parents
Caylene holding Polly shortly after collecting her handprints
is haunting. That cry never gets easier to hear. It rings in my ear to this day. I remember being so gentle getting hand and foot prints and thinking this is not enough. So, I went on the computer and printed a quote from Harry Potter. “Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times if one only remembers to turn on the light”. I tried to take the best care of them that I could while trying to internalize my feelings. I moved Devan and Shelton to their next room with Polly and they asked me to take a picture with her, which of course I did. Fast forward 10 months, I was just running our board seeing what was going on and I saw a last name that looked familiar. It was Devan’s hyphenated last name. I ran down the hallway to the room she was in. I didn’t even knock, I just walked in, and she looked at me and we both just started crying. She was like ‘I was just going to ask if you still worked here’. After we caught up a little bit and I helped her primary nurse get her settled as we were dealing with a preterm labor scare, she asked if she could add me on
IT STARTS WITH
Why
EMPLOYEES SHARE WHY THEY DO WHAT THEY DO “I chose this position to gain experience and knowledge as I plan on going for my BSN in the future. My favorite part of the job is the team I work with; everyone helps out to make the ED run as best as it can and provide our patients with the best care possible. People who go above and beyond their own scope or are always willing to help out with the “little” things with a good attitude inspire me.” - Amy Hajek ER Technician Methodist Hospital | Northeast
“As an oncology nurse for over 21 years, nurse navigation allows me to help patients at different places along the cancer journey. So often, patients and their families are overwhelmed at the beginning of diagnosis; I love assisting them along the way, making sure that they don’t fall through the gaps, and help them understand their diagnosis.” - Nicola Stewart, Complex GI Cancer Nurse Navigator Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan
“I love working here at this hospital and making sure that the patients’ rooms are cleaned and disinfected. I’m always happy and in a good mood when I enter a patient’s room because I get to help make their rooms safe so they can get better. I’ve been here for seven years, and my favorite thing has been working on my floor. I like working with the nurses, directors, unit clerks, and patients. I love that we know each other by name.” - Cindy Avila, Environmental Services Methodist Hospital & Methodist Children’s Hospital
“My why would be because I have a special place in my heart to make someone feel better in my own special way by providing them with nutrition and a smile. I choose this profession because I enjoy making a connection and what better way than speaking about food! When I can make someone’s day through conversation while trying to help them reach their goal. The inspiration for me is when someone can come back to me and quotes something I have said to them that has inspired them.” - Shovonda Fultz, FNS Methodist Hospital | Stone Oak
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“What I enjoy most about the job is being able to help others and going to different units and interacting with nurses. Although I don’t interact with patients, I find meaning by taking supplies to the units every day so the nurses and doctors have what they need to care for the patients. In this position, I’m learning different kinds of medical products, and how to open up more, communicate more and meet different people.” - Lisa Wong, Supply Chain Technician Methodist Hospital & Methodist Children’s Hospital
“I am grateful to see the difference our job as respiratory therapists make every day. My goal is always to focus on the care—caring about the anxious patient in respiratory distress, caring about the tearful family member sitting with their loved one, hoping they will get to speak with them again. I see the tangible impact that our job can have on a patient. We can help a patient survive a catastrophic event. We’re there when a high-risk baby is delivered and takes their first breath and when an elderly person struggles for what they think will be their last. We are there to educate family members at the bedside, offering hope and clarity when difficult decisions need to be made. If I forget that healthcare is about people in their most vulnerable state, I too will forget why I call myself a healthcare worker.” - Razvan Secrian, BSRT, RRT-ACCS, RRT-NPS , Respiratory Therapist Methodist Hospital “I became a nurse because right around the same time, my mother, my grandmother and I were hospitalized due to similar health conditions. I saw the care the nurses provided and I thought about how I could provide care to others. Time is a luxury, and having enough time to have these difficult conversations with patients and families is crucial. Allowing them to explore their options without feeling rushed and providing comfort is important to me. In this career, I am inspired by honesty, being able to communicate directly about the challenges patients are facing and by the courage that patients and families show each other as they walk toward the unknown.” - Kara McGinnis, RN, Palliative Care Coordinator Methodist Hospital | Specialty and Transplant
IT STARTS WITH
Why
After 25 years of working in law enforcement, Jesse Hernandez retired. Eventually, he found a new role working for Methodist Hospital | Atascosa as a Security Officer because the responsibilities fit his previous experience, where he has been for 6 years. In a hospital setting, a security officer protects staff, patients, and visitors and ensures that all hospital property is secure. Their duties are to patrol the building and its grounds, monitor all activity in and out of the hospital, and endeavor to prevent vandalism, theft, fire, and disturbances within the facility. “The people here are my “why,” Jesse shared. “I love talking to patients and helping them, even if it’s just to open the door or help them get out of their car. I have a sense of pride in making people feel safe; Atascosa is where I was born and raised; my home. The people we care for are part of my community, my family.” Jesse says he chose to take on this role as a way to pay it forward after all the opportunities he was given during his time in law enforcement. It’s a way for him to keep protecting the community. “This role is more than just a paycheck for me; my favorite parts are making people feel safe, whether it’s patients, staff, or doctors. The people here inspire me; they come here needing help, and I get great satisfaction being there for them. My role is important to the hospital because I ensure things remain safe; I regularly walk the halls and parking lot to check on things and make sure nothing is out of order. I sometimes help the staff manage difficult patients and ensure they feel safe and comfortable doing their job. Working in the jail setting previously, I learned how to de-escalate situations which is essential in my role. It’s key to knowing how to talk to people so that they trust you and allow you to calm them down; you want them to know you’re there to help them, not hurt them. My role is a big part of ensuring our staff can do their job; saving lives. I love what I do.” “When I was a little girl I was hospitalized at the local children’s hospital where I grew up. I don’t remember every detail, other than feeling terrified, but I do remember the compassion and care that I received during my stay. By the time I was discharged, I knew that I wanted to be a pediatric nurse so I could help children feel safe during, what could be, a scary time of their lives. I was at the bedside for the first five years of my career and recently switched to Case Management. Once I was in case management, it was a completely different world of nursing that I never really knew. I have enjoyed learning and problem solving the most. Another favorite part of my job is meeting so many new faces, whether it be patients and families, doctors, staff, vendors and such. I have really enjoyed establishing working relationships with those around me. Those relationships play a vital part in my day-to-day job.” - Haylee Singleton, Pediatric Surgical Case Manager Methodist Children’s Hospital
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“I started my career, as a baby nurse, on the renal floor of MHST. I got married, started a family and had to take time off to accommodate premature twins. When my twins got older, and were not in and out of the hospital, I decided to return to work. I immediately knew I wanted to come back to MHST. I saw the transplant coordinator position available, and it intrigued me. I knew how diabetes, hypertension and congenital defects caused end-stage renal disease and had worked with these patients previously; even at times, prepping patients for transplant. But, I was curious about caring for patients AFTER transplant. I wanted to work where I was seeing patients “get better.” The years I worked on the renal floor, I saw so many patients cycle through and progressively get worse. I knew in the first few months of working, I had found my home. I enjoyed assisting patients through their transplant journey. It is awesome to see the patients come in and visit by visit they are feeling better, looking better and doing things they had not been able to do, some for the first time! Becoming a resource and support for my patients is key in my role. Having someone who was knowledgeable and understanding to turn to for questions and concerns was a necessity! I like being this person for my patients. I was blown away by how compassionate and caring everyone was when I stepped foot in the door my first day at work! I saw this by the way I was greeted each day and by the time, effort and concern the physicians had for our patients. I have also been admitted, on multiple occasions, to Methodist facilities. When I had my twins, I experienced this first hand, being cared for like I am part of a big family! That’s what inspires me. I want to continue this energy in my day to day involvement with patients. I want them to walk away feeling good about their experience with me and know that I do care and will do what I can to help in any way.” - Adrienne Johnson, RN, Transplant Coordinator Methodist Hospital | Specialty and Transplant “When my co-workers and patients think of me they remember someone who is always willing to help. Someone who will do whatever it takes to get the job done and someone they can rely on. Not sure if I chose nursing or nursing chose me. Either way, I feel a strong attraction to being kind and compassionate and to be able to give all of myself daily to improve and enhance the lives of those around me. My family inspires me to be a better and more compassionate nurse. Knowing that my actions directly influence and help make someone’s life better is my favorite part about my job.” - Richard D. Esquivel, RN, Director of Surgical Services Methodist Hospital | Texsan
IT STARTS WITH CHEF CHIKEZIE EDU
“I have always loved being in the kitchen. I went to culinary school and moved here from Europe. The reason I chose the hospital setting is because when people think of hospital food, they think of it as unappetizing. I wanted to change that narrative. I have enjoyed every moment of working for Methodist since I joined in 2017. Every one of my colleagues contributes and provides constructive criticism to be better.” - Chikezie Edu Chef at Methodist Hospital | Texsan
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Vegetable Couscous with Grilled Salmon (Serves 4) Ingredients 1 cup couscous 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes 1 cup spinach 1/4 cup chopped white onion 4 (6 oz salmon) 4 tablespoons of olive oil Salt and pepper to taste 2 tablespoon chopped fresh dill for garnish Splash of fresh lemon juice
Instructions In a small pot, bring 1 ½ cups of water to boil with 2 teaspoons of olive oil. Add couscous, cover with lid and allow to steam for 5 minutes. In a wok or skillet at medium heat, add 1 ½ tablespoons of olive oil, chopped onion, cherry tomatoes, and stir fry for 2 minutes. Stir in couscous and spinach. Mix well. Add salt and pepper to taste. Season salmon with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and salt and pepper. In a separate pan or grill on medium heat, place salmon in pan and cook each side for 3 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 1450 F. Place the salmon on top of the couscous, squeeze a half of fresh lemon and garnish with chopped fresh dill. Enjoy!
BURN UNIT PATIENT BECOMES NURSE Asia Hall knew she would become a nurse at the age of five. She remembers going to a doctor’s appointment with her father and was mesmerized by the profession and the equipment; his physician even gifted her his stethoscope, which she still cherishes today. “Ever since then it sparked my imagination for the endless possibilities that nursing could offer,” Asia said. She turned her dreams into reality and started nursing school in 2017. She later graduated with her LVN in 2018, continued on eighteen more months to achieve her RN and graduated with her BSN in 2020. Asia began her career as a home health pediatric nurse; however, she felt a calling to work in the hospital setting and admitted she had hit the ceiling in what she was capable of achieving. It wasn’t until 2020 when Asia was met with some unexpected health circumstances which presented her to the Burn and Reconstructive unit at Methodist Hospital. This unit is a specialized unit highly trained to provide comprehensive wound and burn treatment, repair and reconstruction surgery and critical care. Today, two years later, Asia is a nurse on the Burn and Reconstruction unit, attributing her desire to switch her profession to the outpour of love and support she received during some of her most challenging times. “I was in and out of surgeries for several months. The overwhelming support and love of my nurses was amazing and is exactly what people need, including myself. I realized and felt a calling to provide the same level of care to others,” she said. Asia left her home health job and found a new meaning of nursing at Methodist Hospital. “When I came on this unit, I thought I would be a great candidate because I’ve been on this unit in these beds. I understand best and can relate to the patients. I know what they’ve gone through and what they’re feeling because I was there not long ago.” It takes a special person to be a nurse, and Asia says she has a real calling to care for others. “I pray every morning, asking God to help me take care of patients,” she said. “I became a nurse to offer a sense of calm to patients and provide the best care possible.” Asia is humbled by her new role and says she constantly is learning and is no longer capped at her potential. Looking back, she is proud of the caregiver she has become and will remember the hardships that guided her to where she is today. “Y’all took care of me and now I’m on the unit taking care of others. It’s really nice.”
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