SPRING ISSUE 2016
A Special Supplement to
living
Longtime nurse Chesnut provides health care services for Clarke County By AMY HANSEN
OST news editor ahansen@osceolaiowa.com
For Jeanne Chesnut, it’s once a nurse, always a nurse. Chesnut, RN, BSN, MSHSA, has been a nurse since 1969 and currently operates CARE on Call. “We’ve lived here for 42 years, and I tell you, I’ve really gotten to be fond of the people in Clarke County, particularly people who have a tough go of it,” she said. “So, I guess, the thing that I like best about it is knowing that the need is there and being able to meet that need.” CARE on Call is a business in Clarke County developed and sustained by Chesnut, who has many years of health care experience, as well as long-term connection, respect and affection for those who live in the area. CARE on Call will provide a confidential professional to assist the client if no family or friends are available, especially if employed family and friends live a great distance away from the south central Iowa area and have limited paid time off. Chesnut said she wanted to get into this kind of health care service because her last job at the hospital was phased out, and she also found out she was going to be a grandmother. “I wanted to figure out something that kind of fit with both worlds. I really wasn’t ready to stop working, but I wanted to be able to be a nanny,” she said. “I had seen the need for these services for many years in my job.” Chesnut has been doing CARE on Call for approximately two and a half years. CARE on Call services These are examples of services CARE
on Call can provide: • Transportation for the client • Transport client and significant other to doctor visits and medical consultations. Confidential company RN will be included in a physician/patient conference, assure clients’ understanding for follow-up needs and conduct group call with family members, if the patient requests this. • Post-surgical care at home following procedures or same-day surgery, such as laparoscopic shoulder procedures, cataract removal or knee joint replacement • In-home preparation for diagnostic tests or surgical procedures, such as colonoscopy or cataract removal • Provide transportation for client/significant other to therapy and educational sessions such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, counseling sessions, physical therapy appointments, kidney dialysis, diabetic classes, childbirth classes, stroke or other support groups • Assist client with medication order, pick up and setup of medications for self-administration • Provide home therapy as prescribed by professionals • Re-teach and support patient education • Do other medical and personal errands • Meal preparation • Companion care • Transport client/significant other out of county or state for holiday celebrations and vacation • Respite care Please see CARE ON CALL, Page 2