SLH DAISY Award winners

 

Jason Berry named July DAISY award winner

Congratulations Jason Berry, R.N. I, for being named Saint Luke's

Jason Berry, R.N.

Hospital's July DAISY award winner. Berry received the DAISY Award in recognition for his compassionate and caring nursing skills as an R.N. in the NSICU. The DAISY Award was established by the DAISY Foundation in memory of J. Patrick Barnes who died at age 33 of ITP, an auto-immune disease.

 

Berry was nominated for the award by a former patient's daughter. The daughter wrote, "My father had a massive hemorrhagic stroke and was sent to Saint Luke's via ambulance from Nevada, Mo. My father was in NSICU before we transferred him to Kansas City Hospice House. During my father's stay at Saint Luke's, there was one particular nurse who really went above and beyond for not only my father but also for our family. While my father's stroke and eventual death were devastating for our family, Jason Berry exceeded his responsibilities by providing the highest quality of care to my father while providing emotional support to my family. Jason took the time to explain to us what my father was going through (treatment-wise) and whatever questions he couldn't or didn't feel comfortable answering, he made sure a physician answered our questions as timely as possible.

 

When we decided to disconnect my father from all life-support devices and medications, Jason was very compassionate and made that transition as painless as possible for us (which was impossible but he was still able to help us). The two things that impressed me the most about Jason (and really about all the Saint Luke's NSICU staff, but specifically Jason) was that he treated my father with dignity. Regardless of how small or large of a procedure my father was receiving (from having his bedding changed, rotating my father's positioning, delivering medicine, etc.), Jason called him by name and explained to my father everything that was happening to him. From the time my father was admitted to Saint Luke's, he never regained consciousness, but Jason treated him like Dad was awake at every moment.

 

The other thing that makes Jason an exceptional nurse was his ability to show physical and emotional support to my family. When he saw us growing weary, he always shared words of encouragement and at times when we would totally break down, Jason was there with a hug and a few tears in the end as well. My dad meant everything to my family and to have somebody like Jason providing the quality of care that he did, made us feel that Dad was important to him (and Saint Luke's). In my opinion, Jason Berry has more than earned the highest of honors."

 

After obtaining a bachelor's degree from Mizzou then working at Sprint, Hallmark, and Banana Republic, Jason chose a new career in nursing. He began as a P.C.T. in the NSICU while working on his A.D.N. from Penn Valley. He is now pursuing his B.S.N. with plans to eventually become an F.N.P. In his free time, Berry likes to spend time with family and friends, travel, cook, read, swim, and garden despite not having one!

 

Chung Odom named August DAISY award winner

Congratulations Chung Odom, R.N. III, for being named SLH's August DAISY award winner! Odom received the DAISY Award in recognition for her compassionate and caring nursing skills as an R.N. in the CICU. 

Chung Odom, R.N.

 

Chung was nominated for the award by a cardiology fellow. Dr. Taylor wrote, "Chung took care of a patient of mine who was critically ill after suffering a prolonged cardiac arrest with subsequent hypothermia protocol treatment. His intubation was prolonged, and after extubation his neurological prognosis appeared very poor. On top of this, the only contact information in his wallet was the card of a funeral home with a hand written note saying, 'in case of death.' Indeed, he proved to have no family, and only had one visitor that I know of during his three-week stay. During his time in the CCU, I arrived one morning around 5:30 a.m., near the end of the night nurses' shift. As I pulled up a chair outside his room, I overheard Chung in the room, carrying on a one-person conversation with the patient. She did not know I was there. She was cheerfully and brightly explaining to him what she was doing; first that she was moving him in bed, then that she was cleaning off his IV site, etc. She then proceeded to tell him that the weather was supposed to be getting better soon, and then happily reassured him that 'I know you'll be getting better too in time to enjoy it!' This scene repeated itself several times, always early in my day, and, amazingly, after a full night's shift of hard work for her. One could only hope to have a loved family member that was this kind, tender, compassionate, and caring. Seeing it from a nurse in what appeared to be a near-hopeless situation was remarkable and the best example of what medicine should be that I've seen in my 11 years. The patient later recovered and last I checked was able to live at home alone again."

 

Odom, an Arkansas native, graduated with her B.S.N. from Arkansas Tech University. She grew up on a farm and loves the outdoors, from canoeing to hiking to deer hunting. She came to KC about two years ago because a former co-worker raved about SLH. What Chung enjoys most about SLH is the progressive teaching and being on the cutting edge of medicine. While she loves the cardiac component, she also loves to help people in some way and listening to their stories.

 

The Nursing Recruitment and Retention Committee and the CICU staff surprised Odom and Berry with their DAISY Awards and a breakfast that included Cinnabon® Cinnamon Rolls. They also each received the Healer's Touch Sculpture, Award Certificate, DAISY Pin, and a Saint Luke's Hospital parking spot.

 

Congratulations to Berry and Odom, who like so many Saint Luke's Hospital nurses, deserve a big thank you for their extraordinary and compassionate nursing care.

 

Do you know a nurse deserving of a DAISY Award? Send an email to daisyaward@saint-lukes.org or pick up a nomination form located in most SLH waiting rooms.

 

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Compliance connection

 

Compliance when using Social Media

 

Social networking is quickly becoming today's communication tool of choice. Saint Luke's Health System understands the importance social media networking tools have in our daily lives, not only for socializing but also in promoting learning. All employees are encouraged to review the Social Media Policy found in the Human Resources policies section on the SLHS website. This policy has been created to educate employees about expectations related to use of social media tools and to protect the privacy and confidentiality of SLHS and our patients. SLHS encourages employees to use social media in a positive manner. In order to avoid any compliance issues when using social media, the following tips are suggested:

• Employees are personally responsible for any content posted on social networks.
• NEVER discuss SLHS patients or aspects of patient care or business related matters.
• Do not publish, post, or discuss any SLHS entity's confidential or proprietary information.
• DO NOT take and display photos of patients or patient care areas and post them on any social media website without following media relations and/or patient care photo guidelines.
• SLHS reputation is best represented by its people, so make an effort to be sure what you publish reflects positively on the SLHS brand and image.

If your department would like to develop a social media page, there is a SLHS process in place. Please contact Josh McBride in marketing at socialmedia@saint-lukes.org for further information. For any other social media questions or concerns, please contact your entity Ethics and Compliance Officer or Human Resources manager.

   

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Angel for an Angel Awards 

 

Saint Luke's Week annually celebrates the spiritual foundation of Saint Luke's Health System. As part of that celebration, from Oct 15 - 19, we want to take time to recognize employees who add value to the work environment and demonstrate the virtues of spirituality, integrity to their work, and compassion in the healing ministry of Saint Luke's Health System.  

 

We offer you an opportunity to nominate a co-worker who you feel exhibits these characteristics in the workplace. Any employee may nominate another employee for recognition as an Angel for an Angel by completing the nomination form and return to the Spiritual Wellness Department at your entity. Forms can be found on the Employee eLink to download, print, and complete, and will be accepted until Monday, Oct. 8.  

 

A celebration event will be held at the nominee's entity during Saint Luke's Week to honor the award recipients.

 

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Celebrating Liver Awareness Month - October

 

More than 4 million Americans are infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV). In honor of World Hepatitis Day on July 28, the Saint Luke's Hospital Liver Team offered free HCV screening during the month of August. To date, our event received 330 calls inquiring about testing, 209 people completed the testing and 10 individuals identified positive for HCV. Each HCV positive individual received a free phone consultation with a nurse, educational resources about liver disease, and notification of medical support in the area.

 

Fat deposits within the liver resulting from chronic alcohol use or obesity can lead to cirrhosis. Maintaining a healthy body weight, normal cholesterol levels, and proper management of diabetes can help avoid fatty liver disease. The CDC recommends consuming alcohol in moderation - only one (women) to two (men) drinks per day to prevent alcohol-related liver damage.  

 

Please join the SLH Liver Team in celebrating Liver Awareness Month this October.

Events include:

• Fall Festival Oct. 10 - visit the Liver Team at the Pumpkin Station and enter to win a prize
• Love Your Liver Day Oct. 17 - wear yellow in honor of liver disease awareness
• Liver Awareness Smart Selection Oct. 22 - 26 - liver healthy meal selections featured in the cafeteria
• Liver Crossword Puzzle Drawing Oct. 31 - drop your completed crossword puzzle entry in the box at the level 1 MAHI clinic before Oct. 31 for a chance to win a prize 

Watch for more Liver Edition eRounds throughout October.

 

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Harris competes in Kansas Senior Olympics

 

Brian C. Harris joined the Saint Luke's team in December 2011. He currently works for the Nutrition Services department, preparing items for grab and go.

 

Brian recently entered the Kansas Senior Olympics in Topeka, Kan., a competition for the 50-55 year old range. Brian competed in four events: the long jump, the high jump, the triple jump, and the standing long jump. He did quite well, bringing home a first place medal in all four events. He will now continue his quest for athletic success in the National Senior Games, which will be held in July 2013 in Cleveland, Ohio. More than 12,000 senior athletes will be competing and Brian will no doubt be aiming for the gold.

 

Brian has been involved in mentoring programs through the Fraternal and Masonic Organizations and he believes that setting an example in maintaining both physical and spiritual well-being is very important. We would like to congratulate Brian on his recent victory and wish him luck next summer, as well as thank him for representing Saint Luke's Hospital in a positive manner. - Nutrition Services Department

 

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Call for applications for the 2013 Nursing Research Clinical Scholar Program

 

All full-time and part-time nurses with at least one year of experience at SLH (at the time of application) are eligible to apply for the program.

 

This program is made possible by funds donated to SLH Foundation specifically for nursing research. The funds will provide financial support allowing Nursing Research Clinical Scholars to attend monthly research-related seminars, develop and submit for funding a research project, and conduct a research project, if funded. Clinical Scholars will be partnered with a research mentor to help design a research project, conduct the research, analyze the data, and disseminate research outcomes.

 

To access the application on N:Drive, the path is SLH/Nursing Research/Nursing Research Clinical Scholar Program/Application process/2013.

 

Please consider approaching staff nurses individually if you think they would be excellent candidates for this program.  

 

Application deadline is Oct. 22. If you have questions, contact Jacque Carpenter at jcarpenter@saint-lukes.org. 

 

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Michelle Neville Memorial nursing scholarship

 

Family and friends established the Michelle Neville Memorial Nursing Scholarship at Saint Luke's College in 2002 to celebrate Michelle's love of nursing and Saint Luke's.

 

Michelle first came to Saint Luke's in 1976 as a student nurse, graduating in 1979. During these years, Michelle met her future husband, Denis, who was also a Saint Luke's nursing student. After graduation, Michelle worked as a staff nurse on North 3 and then as an assistant head nurse. In 1982, she joined the faculty of Saint Luke's Hospital School of Nursing as an assistant clinical instructor. Following a master's of arts degree in gerontology and health services management, Michelle became the director of the Learning Resource Center and an assistant professor on the faculty.

 

Michelle was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, leiomyosarcoma, in August 1998. Michelle's journey was challenging as she coped with many complications of her disease. Her undaunted spirit was a testimony to her strength and was shared with those who knew her at Saint Luke's.

 

The Michelle Neville Memorial Nursing Scholarship is awarded twice annually to a third semester, full-time, traditional B.S.N. nursing student who exhibits the caring spirit of nursing - sensitivity, creativity, intelligent understanding, sense of humor, and compassion - that meant so much to Michelle.

 

Please nominate a Saint Luke's College nursing student enrolled in their third semester as a full-time, traditional B.S.N. student. The $2,000 will help with expenses for the recipient's final semester of their B.S.N. program. 

 

An electronic version of the scholarship application may be found at saintlukescollege.edu or email Jan Whitlow at jwhitlow@saint-lukes.org.

 

The application deadline is Monday, Oct. 15. If you have any questions, please contact Whitlow at 816-932-6746.

 

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