INDEX PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Investors’ Lab ...... Page 40 Permit #12 HEALTHCARE Indiana, PA Resource Directory ...... Page 42 PROFESSIONALS Datebook ...... Page 44 Executive Living ...... Page 45 IN THE NEWS...... See Page 8

MAY 2009 • $3.00

In the Classroom and on the Floor, Nursing Shortage Must Be Addressed

BY EILEEN ZUNGOLO over. Nothing could be further conditions that the temporary from the truth. nature of them be emphasized. ust when you think everyone Nonetheless, the recent down- The lowered demand brought Jis in reasonable agreement turns in the economy have about by transient economic con- about something in health, a changed employment patterns ditions does not eliminate the bubble bursts someplace in cyber- across the board. The daily report- extreme shortage we currently space and we have a new phe- ing of job losses in many indus- face in nursing and the shortage nomenon. After almost seven tries has excluded health profes- we expect to increase in the years of solid consistent reporting sions, where there is continued decades ahead. about the nursing shortage, cur- growth, albeit this is highly Data published in various jour- NATIONAL NURSES WEEK rent reports are indicating some regional in nature. Clearly the nals for health affairs and the fed- MAY 6-12 problems among new graduates hospital industry has been affect- eral government’s Health Services getting jobs. Given the cracker- ed in a number of ways, and job and Resources Administration jack mentality of hyperbole in freezes, as well as salary freezes consistently estimate the shortfall ■ LEGAL HEALTH UPDATE modern reporting, soon folks will are rampant. It is important, how- of professional nurses to be close Healthcare Organizations be saying the nursing shortage is ever, in communicating these Continued on page 37 Eileen Zungolo Must Implement New COBRA Procedures Page 3

■ THE JOURNEY TO IMPROVE HOSPICE CARE IN AMERICA Nursing: The Art and Science Page 4

for Building a Healthy America ■ Kathy Dahlkemper Visits Vantage® Page 5 BY JACQUELINE COLLAVO, improving health care everywhere. are technologically savvy and col- BSN, RN, NE-BC Most nurses do not think of laborate with several multidisci- ■ Jewish Healthcare nursing as just a job. For most plinary professionals to provide Foundation and the Fine t is an honor as a nurse leader nurses, it is their passion, their quality patient care. Foundation Honor to applaud and celebrate all calling, their way of life. Nursing We are privileged as nurses to Healthcare Teams Page 7 Inurses, in all types of settings, is a profession that cannot be lived be entrusted with the care of indi- everywhere. This year’s theme for in isolation. While we practice viduals who are often at their most National Nurses Week was individual critical thinking, snap vulnerable. With that privilege “Nurses: Building a Healthy decision-making and autonomy, comes enormous responsibility. I America”. Nurses are extremely nurses rely on each other for the think nursing is one of the hardest dedicated as health care profes- synergistic effect of teamwork to jobs ever no matter what career sionals to their patients, families, provide the best care possible to path a nurse chooses. It is the and to the community. Nurses are their patients and families. challenges we encounter daily that that critical link – “a lifeline” - to Whether in an acute care setting allow us to utilize the art and sci- Jacqueline Collavo building a healthy America and to or in the community, nurses today Continued on page 29

■ The Heart of a Great Nurse: Linda Vance is Honored by Nursing’s Future is Health Care’s Future American Heart Association Page 23 BY MARY M. COTHRAN, providers, nurses, and advanced American Association of Colleges PH.D., CRNP practice nurses. If 47 million cur- of Nursing reports that less than ■ NURSE EDUCATION rently uninsured adults are grant- half of all qualified applicants to Resource Shortage May Be ith National Nurses ed broader access to health care, entry-level baccalaureate nursing Adding to Nursing Shortage Week in May, it is an who will be available to provide programs were enrolled in 2008; Page 30 Wappropriate time to their care? almost 50,000 qualified appli- consider what the future holds Already there are not enough cants for baccalaureate programs The Challenges of Nursing for nursing and for health care. primary care providers to meet and nearly 6,000 applicants to Education Page 31 The Obama Administration’s stat- the needs of the large cohort of master’s and doctoral programs ed objectives of universal health baby boomers entering their peak were turned away last year. coverage, health care system years of medical need. There is a Barriers to accepting these appli- ■ MAKING A DIFFERENCE modernization and health pro- growing shortage of physicians, cants included funding cuts, lim- “Angels of Allegheny” motion/disease prevention are registered nurses, advanced prac- ited classroom and clinical space, Recognizing Departed Nurses usually discussed in terms of cost tice nurses, and nursing faculty and a diminishing pool of quali- Throughout Western containment. Another aspect of as the average health care fied nursing faculty. Pennsylvania Page 35 these initiatives is the critical provider gets older and the Support for nursing education shortage of primary care demand for care increases. The Continued on page 36 Dr. Mary M. Cothran ■ NURSING ACCOLADES Page 38 ★ ★ ★ NURSING PROFILES ON PAGES 10-23 ★ ★ ★ 2 May 2009 wpahospitalnews.com Hospital News Healthcare Organizations Must Implement New COBRA Procedures

nder federal and state • A health reimbursement COBRA laws, most arrangement. group health plans are A flexible spending U account offered under a sec- required to provide employees and their family members tion 125 cafeteria plan is with an opportunity to con- never eligible for the reduced tinue their health coverage premium and credit. when a qualifying event COBRA Subsidy would result in the loss of the The COBRA premium health coverage. Historically, subsidy is available for 9 these individuals have been months after the date the subsidy first applies. It ends required to pay the full cost of BY RICHARD T. the COBRA coverage. earlier if the individual KENNEDY, ESQ. Generally beginning March becomes eligible for other 1, 2009, eligible individuals group health plan coverage B!tpmje!jowftunfou/!Jotqjsfe!djuz!mjwjoh/ who have lost or will lose or Medicare coverage. health coverage under a group health plan The amount of the subsidy is based on the because of an involuntary termination of COBRA premium otherwise payable. This Choose a “new old home” in beautiful Summerset at Frick Park and you’ll enjoy more than means that if the employer pays part or all employment from September 1, 2008 a close-to-everything city lifestyle. ese high performance new construction homes with through December 31, 2009 will be eligible of the COBRA premium, the employer can- not take full advantage of the available pay- two-car garages use 30% less energy than standard new homes. for subsidized COBRA coverage. Under this Which gives you more green to get out and enjoy Pittsburgh’s subsidy, the individual pays 35 percent of roll tax credit. In such case, the employer nearby East End neighborhoods. And now’s the perfect time the COBRA premium. The employer (in may increase the COBRA premium and most cases) pays the remaining 65 percent receive a payroll tax credit based on the to take advantage of the $8,000 First Time Home Buyer Tax www.SummersetAtFrickPark.com/09 and is reimbursed by the government for increased premium. The employer is per- Credit. Go to for details. this cost by a payroll tax credit. For exam- mitted to reimburse the individual for the Call or visit Summerset at Frick Park today. ple, if the COBRA premium is $1,000, the increased cost by a separate taxable pay- ment. From the $300s government paid subsidy is $650, and the 10 Minutes to Downtown individual pays $350. Second COBRA Election New Apartments, Condominiums, Eligibility Individuals must be given an opportunity Townhomes, and Homes An employee and covered family mem- to sign up for the subsidized COBRA cover- Sales & Leasing Center at 1435 Parkview Boulevard bers are eligible for the COBRA subsidy if age if the individual lost health coverage www.SummersetAtFrickPark.com 412.420.0120 both the involuntary termination of due to an involuntary termination of © 2007 Summerset Land Development Associates. All rights reserved. employment and the loss of coverage occur employment from September 1, 2008 © 2009 Summerset Land Development Associates. All rights reserved. during the September 1, 2008 through through February 17, 2009, but never December 31, 2009 period. Extended health signed up for COBRA coverage or initially coverage provided by an employer after a signed up and then discontinued the cover- termination of employment and continuing age. The individual has 60 days to sign up after December 31, 2009 may disqualify an from the date the individual is notified of individual for the subsidy, depending upon this opportunity. The COBRA coverage is how the coverage is characterized for generally effective March 1, 2009. The max- COBRA purposes. A spouse or dependent imum COBRA continuation coverage peri- not covered by the group health plan at ter- od remains at 18 months measured from the mination of employment and later added to involuntary termination of employment or COBRA coverage will not be eligible for the the resulting loss of health coverage. subsidy (except for a child born to or placed New COBRA Notices for adoption with the employee during the Notices explaining the COBRA premium period of COBRA coverage). subsidy and (if applicable) the second Individuals with modified adjusted gross COBRA election must be provided to income in excess of $145,000 for single fil- employees and covered family members ers and $290,000 for joint filers are not eli- who lost or lose health coverage during the gible for the subsidized COBRA premium. September 1, 2008 through December 31, The premium subsidy begins to phase out at 2009 period with eligibility for COBRA cov- $125,000 and $250,000 of modified adjust- erage. The U.S. Department of Labor has ed gross income, respectively. issued model COBRA election notices with Group Health Plans election and notification forms. The following are included in the group Healthcare organizations must incorpo- health plans covered by the 35% COBRA rate these new provisions into their COBRA premium and the 65% payroll tax credit: administrative procedures. More informa- • Vision-only, dental only, or mini-med tion about the subsidy and model plans, whether or not the employer pays COBRA notices are available at for any portion of the active employee www.dol.gov/ebsa/COBRA.html. cost; Richard T. Kennedy is counsel at Meyer, • Retiree coverage that is the same as the Unkovic & Scott LLP and a member of the coverage for similarly situated active firm’s Employment Law and Employee Benefits employees (even if retirees pay more); Group. He can be reached at and [email protected] or (412) 456-2880.

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Hospital News wpahospitalnews.com May 2009 3 African Americans Can Overcome Cancer Disparities

ext year, African African-American men, with Everyone should know the commonly a certain form of cancer, physician may typ- Americans will com- 3,690 deaths projected this accepted cancer warning signs: a sore that ically recommend that screening at an ear- prise 13 percent of the year. doesn’t heal; a lump or thickening in the lier age. N Among African-American breast or elsewhere; an unusual bleeding or The American Cancer Society offers sup- U.S. population. Unfortu- nately, as the African- women, breast cancer strikes discharge; a change in normal bowel habits; port programs and services, literature and American population increas- most often; nearly 20,000 a growing mole or wart; persistent indiges- healthy-living resources, and is working to es, it is experiencing increas- new cases are expected to be tion or difficulty swallowing; and constant create, change and influence public policies ing incidences of several diagnosed this year. For hoarseness or coughing. to help reduce cancer disparities. The orga- forms of cancer. women under 40, the inci- To help prevent cancer or identify the dis- nization also is striving to protect funding In fact, African Americans dence of breast cancer is ease early, experts offer several recommen- for cancer programs within the Centers for have the highest death rate higher among African dations, including: good nutrition and Disease Control’s National Center for Americans than Caucasian exercise; eliminating risk factors such as Chronic Disease Prevention and Health and shortest survival rate of BY DR. PHILIP women. tobacco and alcohol; initiating regular self- Promotion, including education and any racial or ethnic group in BENDITT the U.S. for most forms of Also alarming are lung/ examinations; and scheduling regular med- screening. cancer, especially prostate, bronchial cancer and colorec- ical checkups and health screenings. National Minority Health Awareness breast, lung and colon cancers. For exam- tal cancer, with more than 20,000 and To screen for prostate cancer, men over Month, which took place in April, offers a ple, statistics show that the average annual 16,000 new cases expected to develop 50 are urged to undergo periodic prostate- yearly reminder to talk about cancer, but it rate of prostate cancer among African- among African Americans, respectively. For specific antigen (PSA) tests and digital rec- is just that: a month. Instead we should American males is well above that for nearly three decades, African Americans tal examinations. Also, women over 40 make talking about how to prevent and Caucasian males. have suffered higher mortality rates for col- should get an annual mammography to diagnose cancer and other diseases that dis- While the number of new cases has orectal cancer than Caucasian Americans. check for breast cancer. And men age 50 proportionately affect African Americans recently declined, prostate cancer and other According to the American Cancer and over should be screened for colorectal into an everyday conversation. forms of the disease that strike African Society, factors that contribute to high can- cancer. Americans in large or disproportionate cer incidence and mortality include lower Just as important, medical care providers Dr. Philip Benditt is Chief Medical Officer of numbers are still a cause for concern. One rates of early screenings, socioeconomic should do a better job of making patients UnitedHealthcare of Pennsylvania. reason is that prostate cancer is the second- factors (which often derail prevention and aware of cancers that may run in their fam- He can be reached at leading cause of cancer mortality among palliative care), obesity, and sedentary ilies, as some cancers have a genetic com- [email protected]. lifestyles. ponent. For people with a family history of The Journey to Improve Hospice Care in America

he Memorial Day holiday is a fitting tailored to their specific needs. pice and palliative care team Because many of us feel time to launch Family Hospice and Family Hospice and Palliative Care’s pro- has been trained in the unique comforted by being with Palliative Care’s new program for our gram, Operation Respect, is an end-of-life clinical and psycho-social those who have shared the T program that addresses the particular needs needs of this population such same experiences, Operation nation’s veterans. Memorial Day honors those who so selfishly served in our coun- of the veteran. According to the Veterans as post-traumatic stress disor- Respect recruits and trains try’s military. Our new program, Operation Administration, many factors can influence der and newly recognized dis- volunteers who, themselves, Respect, honors them in another way — by a veteran’s end of life journey including age, ease states that are combat or have served in the military. offering veterans and their loved ones a enlisted or drafted, branch of service, rank service related ailments. Again, this arrangement gives hospice and palliative care program that is and combat or POW experience. The hos- One of the main objectives veterans a chance to share of this new program is to their military experience identify veterans in our com- with those who have had a munities. Family Hospice and similar experience. Natural Healing with Palliative Care has revised the BY RAFAEL J. Throughout its 28 year his- initial assessments completed SCIULLO, MA, tory, Family Hospice and by intake personnel and social LCSW, MS Palliative Care has always Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy workers to include questions strived to meet the needs of regarding military service and individuals as well as specific S. Joshua Szabo, M.D., a sports medicine and the specifics of that service. The staff will groups in our communities. Recent statis- shoulder specialist, is one of just a few physicians create a unique care plan for the veteran tics highlight the need for this veterans pro- in western Pennsylvania to offer platelet-rich that touches on their individual experi- gram. Of all Americans who will pass away plasma (PRP) therapy. ences in the military and how that may this year, statistics predict that more than PRP therapy is for patients seeking to avoid have impacted their lives. Through our one-quarter will be veterans of our nation’s Legacy Programs, veterans will be given the armed services. According to the U.S. surgery and accelerate natural healing for tendon, opportunity to create a video or DVD cele- Census Bureau (2008), Pennsylvania has ligament and other orthopedic conditions such as: brating their lives and their military service. one of the highest populations of veterans • Tennis and golfer’s elbow In working closely with the Veterans in the United States. • Bursitis or impingement of the shoulder Administration (VA), the Operation With so many veterans aging, and with Respect hospice team has developed an the United States actively involved in com- • Plantar fasciitis extensive knowledge of benefits and ser- bat abroad, it is more crucial than ever, that • Achilles’ and patella tendonitis vices available to veterans. Because data we address the specific needs of our veter- • Any ligament strain or sprain shows that 85% of veterans do not receive ans. Family Hospice and Palliative Care is care through the system, one of the objec- proud and honored to be able to provide PRP therapy is a procedure in which platelet-rich tives of Operation Respect is to make veter- this important service to the many veterans plasma is injected at the site of the patient’s ans aware of their veteran benefits and con- who have given so much to our country. injury. The platelets then release growth factors nect them with VA services. The team con- to help improve natural healing. nects veterans to the many resources that Rafael J. Sciullo, MA, LCSW, MS, is may be available to veterans both locally President and CEO of Family Hospice and S. Joshua Szabo, M.D. and nationally, such as inpatient palliative Palliative Care. He may be reached at care, in home aide services and funeral/bur- [email protected] or at To request free PRP therapy patient education materials, ial arrangements (412) 572-8800. call Tri Rivers toll-free at 1-866-874-7483 or visit the “Resource Center” at www.tririversortho.com. Improving Global Health THROUGH STRATEGIC COLLABORATIONS AND TARGETED DONATIONS Orthopedic Surgery: Michael W. Weiss, M.D. • D. Kelly Agnew, M.D. Preserving the Environment William D. Abraham, M.D. • Trenton M. Gause, M.D. THROUGH REUSE – NOT DISPOSAL – OF SURPLUS MEDICAL MATERIALS Thomas S. Muzzonigro, M.D.• Robert L. Waltrip, M.D. S. Joshua Szabo, M.D. • H. James Pfaeffle, M.D., Ph.D. Sharing Surplus. Saving Lives. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation: James L. Cosgrove, M.D. • Judith H. Esman, M.D. 4809 Penn Avenue Second Floor Edward D. Reidy, M.D. • Benedict C. Woo, M.D. Pittsburgh, PA 15224 412-361-3424 North Hills • Cranberry/Mars • Butler • Aspinwall www.globallinks.org [email protected]

4 May 2009 wpahospitalnews.com Hospital News KATHY DAHLKEMPER VISITS VANTAGE®

(l-r) Susan De Maison, BSN, CIC, Meadville Medical (l-r) Kathy Dahlkemper US Congresswoman District 5 with (l-r) Jessie Grosser, Director of Vantage® Care Apothecary Center, Manager Infection Prevention; Congresswoman Thea Pierce, Mandy Obermeier, and Troy Harris, members Operations; Congresswoman Dahlkemper; and Dahlkemper; and Julianne Sommers, Vice President of of the Vantage® Pharm D., staff. Mary Jo Hunter, Vantage COO and Pharm D. Vantage® Home Infusion Therapy Services.

.S. Congresswoman Kathy Dahlkemper recently and nursing homes for treatment. visited Vantage’s Meadville facility to discuss key Tammy Sanfilippo, Vice President of DME/Respiratory issues facing the 111th Congress and the health- Therapy took Congresswoman Dahlkemper on a tour of U one of Vantage’s seven DME stores and discussed how care community. The four divisions visited were: Vantage® Care Apothecary, a closed door pharmacy serving nursing Competitive Bidding lowers the quality and access to care homes, long term care facilities and institutions through- for seniors and people with disabilities, actually reduces out the region, Vantage® Home Infusion Therapy Services, competition and limits choice by shutting out the majori- Vantage® Home Medical Equipment & Services and ty of qualified providers. The competitive bidding issue Vantage® Bleeding Disorders Management. also fails to understand the reality of how home medical Jessie Grosser, Director of Vantage® Care Apothecary equipment and services are provided. At this writing is Operations relayed to the Congresswoman that pharma- was reported that two members of the Pennsylvania cies are facing the choice of meeting their obligations to Congressional delegation, Rep. Jason Altmire (D- (l-r) Jennifer Bradley, Director of Program Development patients or complying with DEA’s arbitrary policy interpre- Allegheny, Butler, Beaver, Westmoreland) and our Bleeding Disorders Management; Congresswoman tation which in turn can result in frail, elderly patients not Congresswoman, Rep. Kathy Dahlkemper (D-Erie, Butler, Dahlkemper; and Mary Jo Hunter, COO and Pharm D. receiving adequate pain control in their last days. Nursing Lawrence, Armstrong, Mercer) have signed on to the anti- facilities routinely use chart orders and nurses routinely competitive legislation currently in congress. act as the agent of the practitioner. Chart orders are not Vantage® Bleeding Disorders Management was intro- being recognized in the “LTC setting” by certain third duced to Congresswoman Dahlkemper by Jennifer party payers and the DEA. Bradley, Director of Program Development. The topic here Julianne Sommers, Vice President of Home Infusion was the Hemophilia Standards of Care Act which address- Therapy Services and Susan C DeMaison, BSN, CIC, es Access to State-Recognized Hemophilia programs in Meadville Medical Center, Manager Infection Prevention, Pennsylvania, access to all blood clotting factor therapies UM, Social Services discussed Medicare Beneficiaries Gain for treatment, access to hospital coagulation labs and Access to Home Infusion Therapy H.R. 574. The Part D access to full service home care pharmacies and home sup- drug benefit covers most home infusion drugs, but CMS port services. has determined that it does not have the authority to pay The Vantage® senior staff , pharmacists , and technicians for the services, supplies and equipment necessary for the that spent time with Kathy Dahlkemper were very safe and appropriate administration of these drugs. Studies impressed with the Congresswoman’s knowledge and show how patients heal better in a home environment, attentiveness to the issues impacting health care in however, because most beneficiaries cannot afford to pay Pennsylvania and nationally. these costs out-of-pocket, this gap in coverage unfortu- For more information on Vantage®, nately is driving many beneficiaries back into hospitals contact [email protected]. For more information about Vantage®, visit www.vhcn.com. Connecting Home and Health Geriatric Care Management Living Assistance Services • Homecare Nursing Physical/Occupational/Speech erapy MedicalSocialServices• Registered Dieticians Home Health Aides • Hospice&PalliativeCare

Call us for a Complimentary In-Home Assessment 1-800-355-8894 celtichealthcare.com

Hospital News wpahospitalnews.com May 2009 5 Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC Completes Historic Move to Lawrenceville

he new Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC has officially Topened, completing the final phase of its historic move with the successful relocation of 152 inpatients to a new state- of-the-art campus in the Lawrenceville neighborhood of Pittsburgh. The patient move began at 7 a.m. and was completed in less than seven hours. It involved a team of more than 275 nurses, physicians, administrators and other staff from Children’s Hospital, as well as Emergency Medical Services personnel. More than 40 ambulances from communi- ties in Allegheny, Beaver and Washington counties were involved in transporting the patients 2.5 miles from Children’s Hospital’s Oakland facility to the new hos- pital in Lawrenceville. Children’s Hospital’s new $625 million campus includes a nine-story, 296-bed comfortable atmosphere built to enhance hospital; the 10-story, 300,00-square-foot the healing process for patients and their John G. Rangos Sr. Research Center; families. Faculty Pavilion; Administrative Office The hospital was designed with input Building; Plaza Building; Lawrenceville from physicians, nurses and staff, as well Medical Building; Central Plant; and three as patients and families. Nearly all of the parking garages on a 10-acre site. The inpatient rooms are private, with comfort- campus — with 1.5 million square feet of able sleeping spaces for parents/ usable space — replaces a smaller, outdat- guardians, televisions featuring movies ed campus in Oakland. The new hospital and games “on demand” and Internet is 25 percent larger than the Oakland hos- access. The sixth floor of the main hospi- pital, and the new research center is 50 tal boasts one of the largest family percent larger than its former location. resource centers of any pediatric hospital The new Children’s Hospital is a tech- in the world. The Elsa M. and Alma E. nologically advanced campus and one of Mueller Family Resource Center includes the first pediatric hospitals in the nation the four-story Eat’n Park Atrium (with built from the ground up to support an large movie screen), the outdoor Howard electronic health record. Hanna Healing Garden, a music therapy The new hospital also features an envi- room, classroom, chapel, the Moulis ronmentally sustainable design, innova- Children’s Library and a business center tions to improve patient safety and a quiet, for parents.

6 May 2009 wpahospitalnews.com Hospital News Jewish Healthcare Foundation and the Fine Foundation Honor Healthcare Teams Applications Now Being Accepted for Fine Award for Teamwork Excellence

pplications are now being accept- importance teams play in our healthcare teams may want to enter include elimi- ed for the 2009 Fine Award for system.” nating hospital-acquired infections; elim- Teamwork Excellence. The Fine The award was also designed to shine inating errors and unsafe conditions; A the spotlight on the hard-working health- achieving outstanding clinical outcomes; Award was established to recognize the critical role that teamwork plays in the care workers who often do not get recog- and removing waste, inefficiency and safe, effective and efficient delivery of nized for the contributions they make to inaccuracies. quality health care to patients. the healthcare system. The Jewish Healthcare Foundation and A distinguished national selection “Exciting breakthroughs are happen- The Fine Foundation established the committee of thought leaders in health- ing everyday on the front lines. But we teamwork excellence award last year in care quality will evaluate nominees on often don’t hear about those positive conjunction with the tenth anniversary the basis of measurable and sustainable advancements, “said Feinstein. “We hope of the Pittsburgh Regional Health breakthroughs in patient care and safety the Fine Awards help demonstrate that Initiative (PRHI), a nonprofit operating from January 2008 to December 2008. even in a time when our nation is arm of JHF that serves as an independent Three awards — Gold, Silver and Bronze engrossed in what’s wrong with our catalyst for improving healthcare safety — will be awarded and distributed as fol- healthcare system, advances are still and quality in southwestern Pennsyl- lows: being made in decreasing waste, error vania. • Gold: $25,000 divided equally and and poor care, particularly in our region.” The Fine Foundation is the creation of presented to team members Eligible candidates must be a part of a longtime hotel investor Milton Fine and $5,000 awarded to corresponding team of four or more members. All appli- his wife Sheila. The foundation was healthcare organization or practice cants must be employed in Allegheny established in 2007 to support the visual • Silver: $15,000 divided equally and County. Full-time and part-time employ- arts, Jewish life, and science and medi- presented to team members ees of healthcare organizations — includ- cine with a particular focus on the • Bronze: $10,000 divided equally and ing medical, nursing, technical and Pittsburgh metropolitan area. presented to team members administrative staff — can apply. Entries “The Fine Awards are very different can come from organizations throughout Applications are due no later than June 26. from the other awards in the healthcare the continuum of care: acute care, home To download an application form or to learn industry,” said Karen Wolk Feinstein, health, hospice, rehabilitation, sub-acute more about entry requirements visit PhD, president and CEO of JHF. “Instead care and long-term care. No more than www.prhi.org. Applicants can also visit of honoring individual leadership and three teams can be nominated on behalf www.prhi.org/ppc_2008 to view videos achievement, we honor the accomplish- of each institution. of last year’s gold, silver and bronze ments of entire teams of healthcare work- Outcomes of a team’s success must be award winners. ers. Winning performances are a result of documented with credible 2008 data. Anyone with questions can contact team work. These awards underscore the Some examples of achievements that Carla Barricella at [email protected].

Hospital News wpahospitalnews.com May 2009 7 Healthcare Professionals in the News

ALLE-KISKI MEDICAL CENTER held a variety of roles during his 13-year CONCORDIA LUTHERAN MINISTRIES HCR MANORCARE tenure there. Most recently, he served as Michael A. Harlovic director of perioperative services. Prior, Concordia Lutheran has been named he was manager of employee services Ministries Director of Senior Vice President from 2001 to 2005. Earlier in his career, Chaplaincy Rev. Jack and Chief Operating he served as a human resource generalist Hartman recently Officer at Alle-Kiski and employment specialist with St. Clair announced that Medical Center and as an employment coordinator with Deaconess Megan (AKMC). Harlovic Medaphis in Pittsburgh. Smith accepted a call began his career at to serve at the Cabot ■ MICHAEL A. ■ MEGAN SMITH AKMC in 1993. From HARLOVIC Butler Health System location. Smith comes June 2008 through Outreach Marketing to Concordia after two ■ (L-R) TOM DERBY, MARTY GRABIJAS, VICE January 2009, he served as interim Coordinator Debbie years of deaconess work in hospitals. Her PRESIDENT OF MARKETING, AND STEPHANIE FARO. President and Chief Executive Officer at Sinz was recently primary responsibilities include visiting the hospital. Harlovic also has served in selected as the 2009 the sick, conducting Bible studies, and HCR ManorCare announces that several education and management posi- Butler County spiritual advisement. Stephanie Faro, Manager of Market tions including faculty-nursing instructor Employee of the Year. Development and Tom Derby, Senior at the Pennsylvania State University and Sinz has worked for GATEWAY REHABILITATION CENTER Case Manager, have received a company Butler County Community College. He the health system for ■ DEBBIE SINZ sales and marketing award for their Sales has also conducted forensic psychiatric 32 years, starting as a Bernard Ott, LSW, Leadership. Faro and Derby were recog- assessments at Western Penitentiary and laboratory technician, then lab supervisor MSW, has recently nized as two of twelve award winners for has performed consulting work as a clini- then moved into the marketing depart- been appointed clini- the entire company. Faro and Derby cal nurse specialist. He is an active ment as outreach marketing coordinator. cal manager of received the award for Highest Volume member of the Transitional Housing In her current role, she sells BHS lab, Gateway Pleasant of Insurance Days. Faro oversees ten Committee for the Womens’ Center and imaging, cardiology and other services to Hills. Prior to this posi- Pittsburgh area centers. Derby is respon- Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh. physicians’ offices, nursing homes and tion, Ott was an out- sible for case management at the 46 HCR other providers. patient manager for ManorCare centers in Pennsylvania. ASSOCIATION FOR PROFESSIONALS IN INFECTION CEC/Civigenics State ■ BERNARD OTT CONTROL & EPIDEMIOLOGY CANONSBURG GENERAL HOSPITAL Correctional Institution HERITAGE VALLEY HEALTH SYSTEM at Pittsburgh. He has more than 25 years The Association for The Board of Directors of Canonsburg of experience in the social work profes- Heritage Valley Health Professionals in General Hospital has appointed Elias sion as a clinical supervisor, administrator, System’s philanthropic Infection Control & Bahta, M.D., Colleen Murphy, D.O. and college instructor, and private practition- foundation for its Epidemiology (APIC) James R. Richardson, M.D., to its med- er. Currently, Ott is an adjunct faculty Beaver campus wel- has selected Sharon ical staff. member for the Community College of comes Bob Jacobs, RN, MS, CIC, Dr. Bahta, a nephrologist, completed a Allegheny County. Terwilliger and for the 2009 Chapter residency in internal medicine and a fel- Phyllis Loffreda- Leadership Award. ■ SHARON JACOBS Cindy Riggins has Mancinelli to its lowship in nephrology at Louisiana State ■ BOB TERWILLIGER Jacobs has been both University Health Science Center. been appointed direc- Board of Directors: a National APIC and Three Rivers Chapter A board-certified family practice physi- tor of Gateway Bob Terwilliger is the member for 30 years. Jacobs is a dedicat- cian, Dr. Murphy received a degree in Rehabilitation Center’s director of aviation for ed and experienced Infection osteopathic medicine at Lake Erie new all female inpa- Clough, Harbour and Preventionist with an extensive back- College of Osteopathic Medicine and a tient and work-release Associates (CHA) ground in the application of the princi- residency in family practice at community-based cor- headquartered in ples and practice of infection prevention, Conemaugh Health System-Memorial rections program Albany, NY. He control and epidemiology. She is current- Medical Center called Gateway ■ CINDY RIGGINS serves on the Board ly serving on the APIC Communication Dr. Richardson, a cardiologist, received Sheffield in Aliquippa, of Directors for the PA Committee. In 2007 she was appointed his medical degree from University of PA. Prior to this position, Riggins was Society of Professional ■ PHYLLIS as a member of the Pennsylvania Patient Rochester School of Medicine and a fel- program director for Gateway Braddock, Engineers, Beaver LOFFREDA- Safety Authority, Healthcare Associated lowship in cardiology at Allegheny an all male work-release, community- County Chapter and is MANCINELLI Infections Advisory Panel. General Hospital. based corrections program. Riggins has a member of several more than 30 years of professional expe- professional organizations. Bob is also an BRADFORD REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER THE CHILDREN’S HOME OF PITTSBURGH & rience in providing mental health coun- active member of the Pittsburgh Airport LEMIEUX FAMILY CENTER seling services to various individuals Area Chamber of Commerce where he Bradford Regional including incarcerated youth and adults previously served as chairman. Medical Center’s The Children’s Home as well as people who are mentally Phyllis Loffreda-Mancinelli is the co-presi- (BRMC) Steven of Pittsburgh & and/or physically handicapped, economi- dent for the Beaver County Medical Herrmann, M.D., Lemieux Family cally deprived, and/or addicted to alco- Society Alliance and an Italian translator Ph.D., F.A.C.C., Center welcomes hol and drugs. for the University of Pittsburgh. She F.A.S.E., medical Daniel Musher as received an Associate of Science degree director of the hospi- Development Gateway Rehab presi- in Nursing from Moraine Valley College tal’s Cardiovascular ■ DR. STEVEN HERRMANN Director. Musher dent and chief execu- at Ingalls Hospital in Illinois and is also a Services and the tive officer, Kenneth graduate of the Berlitz Language School brings extensive ■ DANIEL MUSHER region’s only board-certified physician in experience to The S. Ramsey, Ph.D., in Rome, Italy. cardiovascular imaging, will be included Children’s Home from his previous posi- recently received the in a national “Best Physicians 2009” edi- tion as the development director for the 2009 “Distinguished JAMESON HOSPITAL tion of U.S. Cardiologists. This will be the Animal Rescue League of Western Alumni Award for third time Dr. Herrmann has been select- Pennsylvania for four years. Musher has Outstanding Contribu- ■ DR. KENNETH S. Amanda Syberlyk has ed to a publication spotlighting the best experience managing direct mail pro- tions in Social Work RAMSEY been appointed cardiologists in the country. Dr. grams, researching and writing grant Practice” from the University of Clinical Dietician at Herrmann, who leads BRMC’s Heart requests and proposals, and increasing Pittsburgh’s School of Social Work. Dr. Jameson Hospital. Center, works to provide the highest revenue from fundraising initiatives. Ramsey is the immediate past chair of Amanda is a graduate levels of cardiac care. Musher also shares a personal connection the National Association of Addiction of the CPD program with The Children’s Home as he was Treatment Professionals, the public policy from Youngtown State BUTLER HEALTH SYSTEM adopted from the organization years ago. committee chair of the National University where she Association of Addiction Treatment obtained a Bachelor’s ■ AMANDA Thomas A. Genevro, Providers, a member of the Pennsylvania of Science degree in SYBERLYK SPHR, has been Advisory Council on Drug and Alcohol Applied Science in 2006. Working at a named vice president Abuse and the Pittsburgh Rotary Club. 100-bed skilled nursing and rehabilitation of human resources Dr. Ramsey also serves on the board of center, Amanda was a member of the for Butler Health the Beaver County United Way, is the interdisciplinary team caring for residents. System. Genevro immediate past chair of the Beaver comes to BHS from County Chamber of Commerce and past St. Clair Hospital in ■ THOMAS A. chair of the Beaver County Mental Health Pittsburgh, where he GENEVRO Mental Retardation Advisory Council.

8 May 2009 wpahospitalnews.com Hospital News Susan Esmail has MEMORIAL MEDICAL CENTER Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases of the Supervisor at its West Penn Home Care been appointed National Institutes of Health. Prior to his Agency and was subsequently promoted Clinical Dietician at Memorial Medical appointment at NIH, he held professor- to Director of the Agency in 2000. Prior Jameson Hospital. Center is pleased to ships in orthopaedic surgery at the to joining West Penn, Brown held multi- Susan is a graduate of welcome Robert P. University of Pennsylvania and at Thomas ple management positions at Hospital the CPD program Edwards, M.D., a Jefferson University, where he also was Home Health Services Incorporated and from Youngstown gynecologic oncolo- vice chairman and director of research in Magee Womens Hospital. State University gist with extensive the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. where she obtained a ■ SUSAN ESMAIL experience in the He currently has adjunct appointments at Syed R. Hussaini, Bachelor’s of Science treatment and George Washington University School of M.D., FACP, an inter- degree in Applied Science in 2001. research of gyneco- ■ DR. ROBERT P. Medicine and Georgetown University nal medicine physi- Working in a private practice setting, logic cancers including EDWARDS School of Medicine. cian based in Susan counseled patients on various cervical and ovarian Bellevue, is celebrat- diets including weight loss, heart health, cancer. Currently, Dr. Edwards also The University of ing more than three renal and diabetes. serves as the Director of Gynecologic Pittsburgh School of decades of dedicated Oncology Research and Outreach for the Medicine has estab- service to the com- LECOM Division of Gynecologic Oncology at lished a new munity. Through his ■ DR. SYED R. Magee-Womens Hospital and Tenured Department of private practice and HUSSAINI Professor and Vice Chair of Clinical Affairs Developmental professional affiliations with Allegheny for the University of Pittsburgh School of Biology and appoint- General Hospital – Suburban Campus Medicine’s Department of Obstetrics, ed as its founding and the West Penn Allegheny Health ■ Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences. chair Cecilia Lo, DR. CECILIA LO System, Dr. Hussaini has provided out- Ph.D., whose own standing healthcare services to patients MOUNT NITTANY MEDICAL CENTER research focuses on understanding the from throughout Pittsburgh’s northern causes of congenital heart disease. Dr. Lo communities since 1978. Mount Nittany will join the faculty in the summer, leav- An internal medicine specialist with an Medical Center ing positions as director of the Genetics interest in clinical cardiology, Dr. recently honored its and Developmental Biology Center, since Hussiani’s private practice, Hussaini 2009 Volunteer of the 2004, and chief of the Laboratory of Medical Associates, is part of the West Year, Davies Bahr. Developmental Biology, since 2001, at Penn Allegheny Health System’s ■ (L-R) DR. JOHN M. FERRETTI, PRESIDENT AND CEO OF Bahr was inspired to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Allegheny Medical Practice Network. . LAKE ERIE COLLEGE OF OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE, HON- give back to the com- Institute of the National Institutes of Dr. Hussaini has been a member of the ORARY DEGREE RECIPIENT; AGNUS BERENATO, HEAD munity by her mother, Health, Bethesda. Allegheny County Medical Society and ■ WOMEN’S BASKETBALL COACH AT THE UNIVERSITY OF a registered nurse DAVIES BAHR the Pennsylvania Medical Society since PITTSBURGH; COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER AND HON- who provided com- UPMC 1978 and is also a member of the ORARY DEGREE RECIPIENT DR. JOANNE BOYLE, PRESI- munity service to a number of organiza- American College of Physicians. DENT OF SETON HILL UNIVERSITY; AND BISHOP tions and causes. Bahr, whose interests LAWRENCE E. BRANDT. With the release of the May issue, five Throughout his professional career at include health, fitness and being around UPMC physicians share the distinction of AGH – SC, he has served as Chairman of people, has been a volunteer for the Seton Hill University (SHU) has recog- being named in eight consecutive several committees, including the Medical Center for 19 years, serving pri- nized the contribution made to health Pittsburgh Magazine “Top Doctors” lists. Utilization Committee and the Quality marily in the emergency department, as care and medical education by LECOM They are among a distinguished group of Assurance Committee, as well as the well on its Golf Classic committee. She President and CEO John M. Ferretti, 103 UPMC and UPMC-affiliated physi- Department of Medicine. He has also enjoys her volunteer experience, espe- D.O., F.A.C.O.I., and Provost, Senior cians who comprise 78 percent of this served as a member of the Board of cially making patients and their families Vice President and Dean of Academic year’s list. The five who have been hon- Directors and as President of the Medical feel comfortable and easing their con- Affairs Silvia M. Ferretti, D.O. Seton Hill ored in every list are William Staff at AGH – SC. cerns. President Joann Boyle, Ph.D., presented Follansbee, M.D., cardiology; Freddie Fu, M.D., orthopaedic surgery; L. Dade Dr. John Ferretti with an Honorary Doctor UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH of Science degree during the SHU Lunsford, M.D., neurological surgery; Commencement. Dr. Silvia Ferretti was Fred Rubin, M.D., geriatric medicine; The University of and John Zitelli, M.D., dermatology. unable to attend the ceremony and will Pittsburgh School of receive her honorary degree at a later Medicine has estab- WEST PENN ALLEGHENY HEALTH SYSTEM time. lished a new Center Drs. John and Silvia Ferretti have provid- for Cellular and Home health care E-mail your editorial ed vision and leadership in extending Molecular Engineering the Erie medical college to an additional administrator Noreen in the Department of Brown has been submissions for location on the Greensburg, PA campus Orthopaedic Surgery of SHU. LECOM at Seton Hill opens in named director of and appointed as its ■ DR. ROCKY S. West Penn Allegheny July. TUAN administrative and founding director, Health System’s Rocky S. Tuan, Ph.D., a world- newly integrated physician appointments to renowned expert in stem cell biology home care program. and tissue engineering. Since 2001, Dr. Brown joined The ■ NOREEN BROWN to [email protected] Tuan has been chief of the Cartilage Western Pennsylvania Biology and Orthopaedics Branch at the Hospital in 1997 as the Quality National Institute of Arthritis, and

Coming in next months issue... HEALTHCARE DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION AND FACILITY MANAGEMENT

For advertising information call Margie Wilson at 724-468-8360 tday!

Hospital News wpahospitalnews.com May 2009 9 SPECIAL FOCUS

National Nurses Week: May 6-12, 2009 Nurses Week is celebrated from May 6-12, and Western Pennsylvania Hospital News would like to salute nurses across the U.S. This year's theme - "Nurses: Building a Healthy America" - reflects the commitment nurses make every day for their patients, their communities and their country.

★★ ••• Profiles ••• ★★

✶ ALLEGHENY GENERAL HOSPITAL ✶ ✶ ALLEGHENY GENERAL HOSPITAL - ✶ Jean Styen, R.N. SUBURBAN CAMPUS

For as long as Jean Styen can remember, nurs- Diane Barkovich, R.N. ing has been a central part of her life. “I think I was born to be a nurse,” said Styen, who works as Diane Barkovich knew from a young age that she wanted to work a registered nurse at Allegheny General Hospital, closely with people. She debated between beginning a career in teach- part of the West Penn Allegheny Health System. ing or nursing. Eventually, she decided nursing was the right choice for “I have been taking care of scraped knees since I her. was in kindergarten.” “As a nurse, you can make a difference in people’s lives each and A graduate of the Allegheny General Hospital every day of your career,” said Barkovich, a registered nurse at School of Nursing, Styen has spent her entire Allegheny General Hospital – Suburban Campus—part of the West career at Allegheny General Hospital. She cur- Penn Allegheny Health System. rently works as a staff nurse for AGH’s IV Team. A highly respected mentor, After earning an associate degree in nursing at the Community Styen has also taught an IV therapy course at the Community College of College of Beaver County, Barkovich began her career at Suburban Allegheny County. General Hospital in 1979. Aside from a brief stint in home care nursing, Styen is a firm believer that job satisfaction starts with patient satisfaction. Barkovich has focused her career on emergency room nursing. “As nurses, we face numerous challenges on the job each day,” said Styen, a A resident of Hopewell Township, PA, Barkovich enjoys the feel of working in a smaller, commu- resident of Squirrel Hill. “But that should not interrupt the care we provide nity hospital atmosphere. “It’s not hard for me to come to work,” said Barkovich. “Everybody, even at the bedside. Our patients are depending on us for the best possible care. the patients, feels like family. I like to make them smile and hopefully see them get better.” As a result, I make it a priority to see that the patient’s immediate needs are Barkovich is highly regarded by patients and her peers for her dedication and compassion. In being met. Nothing gives me greater gratification than knowing I am bring- recognition of her achievements as a nurse, Barkovich received the University of Pittsburgh School ing comfort to a sick patient.” of Nursing’s Cameos of Caring Award last fall.

✶ ✶ THE WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA HOSPITAL ✶ HCR MANORCARE MONROEVILLE ✶ Kari Smith, R.N., B.S.N., O.C.N. Corrine Azzari-Benyo, Kari Smith, RN, BSN, OCN, Clinical Nurse III, builds long-term rela- L.P.N. tionships with patients, often under very difficult circumstances. In the Medical Short Stay Center at The Western Pennsylvania Hospital, she Corrine Azzari-Benyo has been a cares for patients before and after they undergo bone marrow or stem Licensed Practical Nurse at HCR cell transplants, administering chemotherapy or blood product replace- ManorCare Monroeville since April 16, ments. 2001. In our family and resident surveys, She’s aware that many of them are lodged in an apartment near the sent out after discharge, Corrine has been hospital, away from their extended families, and so she tries to learn named as someone who continually about the patients, their families and their interests. exceeds expectations and provides the “Kari makes their day more tolerable and enjoyable,” said Patricia highest possible standard of caring. Reiser, R.N., Clinical Coordinator of Medical Short Stay at West Penn. Corrine balances her daily responsibilities “When I walk down the hall I can usually hear Kari’s illustrious laugh when she is with her patients.” of admissions, transfers and discharges Smith is also aware that some patients don’t have a long time to live, and so she strives to give them daily while maintaining a positive outlook and exemplary attention to the best quality care in the least amount of time so they can go home to be with their families. detail. Additionally, Corrine acts as a nurse preceptor and orients newly She has worked as a nurse for 21 years, mostly at West Penn, where she is active on professional hired nurses to the building and her unit. She is a team player and an development committees. She is a graduate of Carlow University. essential piece to the success of our facility.

Michelle Miller, R.N., C.M.S.R.M. Barbara White, L.P.N. The way her manager sees it, Michelle Miller, RN, CMSRM, Clinical Nurse III, is the best recruiting tool she has for the unit. Barbara White, Licensed Practical Miller serves as preceptor for the E9 General Surgery unit at The Nurse, joined our team at HCR Western Pennsylvania Hospital. Nursing students in the unit come ManorCare Monroeville on February 11, under her wing, and come away impressed. 2008. Barb puts her whole heart into car- “Every single student she has had raves about the experience,” said ing for our residents, especially for our Teddie Radcliffe, RN, BSN, CMSRN. “They go back (to other nursing long term residents entrusted in her care students) and say, ‘Come to E9.’ She’s a wonderful recruiting model.” on our first floor. Barb’s commitment to She’s a great advertisement for the unit not just because she is a good her staff development can be seen by her teacher, but because she shows excellence through her actions, willingness to give instruction on a new Radcliffe said. task and praise for a job well done. She For Miller, that often means going the extra mile for patients. makes caring for our residents her top priority. Barb’s always the first to “If a patient asks her for something, and it is within her grasp, she’ll figure out a way to do it. She’ll lend a helping hand to other staff members and is dedicated to making work to find a solution to the issue, not pass it on to someone else,” Radcliffe said. Miller combines sure our residents’ every need is met. In the dictionary next to the defini- those people skills with excellent clinical skills. tion of teamwork should be a picture of Barb. We are proud to have this Miller is a graduate of the West Penn Hospital School of Nursing and has been a nurse at West Penn talented nurse on our staff. Hospital for 26 years.

10 May 2009 wpahospitalnews.com Hospital News Thank You

For your intelligence and intuition. For your reason and rationality. For your energy. For your wisdom and perception.

And, most of all, for the patience, compassion and kindness you give to all who turn to us for care.

ThenursesoftheWestPenn Allegheny Health System — we thank you.

Allegheny General Hospital Allegheny General Hospital – Suburban Campus Alle-Kiski Medical Center Canonsburg General Hospital The Western Pennsylvania Hospital The Western Pennsylvania Hospital — Forbes Regional Campus

Hospital News wpahospitalnews.com May 2009 11 ★★ ••• Profiles ••• ★★

✶ CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL OF PITTSBURGH ✶ UPMC BRADDOCK ✶ OF ✶ UPMC Chris Strueve, R.N.

Jennifer Iagnemma Chris Strueve, R.N., a nurse in UPMC Braddock’s Coronary Care Unit (CCU) was recently honored as On Saturday, May 2, 2009, more than two years of planning led by the hospital’s latest recipient of the coveted DAISY Jennifer Iagnemma paid off when 152 patients at Children’s Hospital Award for Extraordinary Nurses. of Pittsburgh of UPMC were successfully transferred to the hospital’s Strueve was nominated by the granddaughter of new campus in Lawrenceville. Iagnemma orchestrated the complex one of her patients attesting to her commitment to move, which involved more than 250 nurses, physicians and other being the kind of nurse that patients and family staff from Children’s Hospital, as well as EMS personnel. The move members recognize as an outstanding role model. began shortly after 7 a.m. and was completed by 1:30 p.m., a testa- The family member’s nomination relates that: “My ment to Iagnemma’s leadership and experience. grandma was a patient in the UPMC Braddock CCU Iagnemma was named Children’s Hospital’s patient move coordi- and had been in bed for several days. She was hav- nator in January 2007. Prior to that, she has been a nurse at ing great difficulty in finding a comfortable position to rest. Chris worked with Children’s Hospital for more than 20 years, most of them as a professional staff nurse and admin- grandma diligently and caringly to assist her into a comfortable position and bol- istrator on duty (AOD). As patient move coordinator, Iagnemma led planning for every aspect of stered her with pillows. Grandma was so appreciative of the care and patience that Children’s Hospital’s move, including the development of a computer simulation model and sev- Chris exhibited in this and other instances of her stay. I know that she had other eral mock patient moves. patients in the CCU, but Chris made me feel like Gram was her only patient. She “Leading a patient move for an entire pediatric hospital is a monumental, once-in-a-lifetime exemplifies compassion. She is a blessing to your department and your hospital!” challenge and Jennifer exceeded our expectations. The success of the patient move is directly As part of the award, Strueve received a certificate commending her for being an attributable to her decades of experience as a staff nurse where she learned to understand the “Extraordinary Nurse.” The certificate reads: “In deep appreciation of all you do, needs of patients and families, as well as the staff, and to the leadership skills she developed as an who you are, and the incredibly meaningful difference you make in the lives of so AOD,” said Diane Hupp, R.N., M.S.N., Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer at Children’s many people.” Hospital. Francine Hixenbaugh, R.N., MSOL, B.S.N. Cindy McGettigan, CRNA

Francine Hixenbaugh, R.N., MSOL, B.S.N., came to Children’s The Pennsylvania Association of Nurse Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC in 2004 to deal with one of the great Anesthetists (PANA) presented Cindy McGettigan, challenges posed by building an entirely new pediatric campus: CRNA, UPMC Braddock’s chief nurse anesthetist, translate the needs of the nurses, physicians and other staff to the with the Association’s prestigious “Outstanding architects designing facility and then implement those designs. Clinician of the Year” Award for 2009. She was In her nearly 25 years of nursing administration a several hospitals nominated by her fellow UPMC Braddock Certified and long-term care facilities in Beaver County, Hixenbaugh, a Registered Nurse Anesthetists, Sandy Sell, Alice Duquesne University graduate, helped implement many new services Dozzi, Marie Devlin, Rich Madoni, and Jean Long and programs. But nothing compared to the challenge of designing for her “outstanding commitment to the profession an entirely new campus, which she calls “the opportunity of a life- in upholding and promoting the highest practice time.” standards and exemplifying exceptional dedication to patient care and service.” Hixenbaugh has helped implement many of the new state-of-the-art design features of the new McGettigan was previously honored as a recipient of the coveted UPMC Award Children’s Hospital, including its cutting-edge nurse call system and medication administration for Commitment and Excellence in Service (ACES) in October, 2008. McGettigan’s process, all designed to improve family-centered care and put nurses closer to the bedside. value as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) and her intrinsic role in “In the new Children’s Hospital, virtually all of our work processes have been improved and patient care and safety within the operating room is indisputable. Francine has played a direct role in that, and her continued leadership has made the transition to The UPMC Braddock family joins in recognizing the dedication, care, and excel- the new campus as seamless as possible for our staff,” said Diane Hupp, R.N., M.S.N., Vice lence constantly demonstrated by Cindy McGettigan and joins in congratulating President and Chief Nursing Officer at Children’s Hospital. “Francine has truly served as my right her on her well-deserved statewide recognition. hand through this entire process.”

✶ UPMC MERCY ✶ UPMC Mercy Celebrates National Nurses Week with Spirit

UPMC Mercy nurses and staff took part in a blessing of the hands on Wednesday, May 6 in celebration of National Nurses Week. Participants gathered outside the UPMC Mercy Health Center, lit candles in honor of nurses who have been influential in their lives, and then processed to Holy Family Chapel for a blessing of the hands. The procession was lead by Mary Anne Foley, RN, MSN, Vice President, Patient Services and Sister Carolyn Schallenberger, RSM, RN, MSN, New Hire Support Coordinator. Blessing the hands were hospital chaplains Fr. Ed Stafford, TOR; Fr. Joe Markalonis, TOR; and Phyllis Grasser, Vice President, Mission Effectiveness and Spiritual Care. The blessing of the hands was one of several events UPMC Mercy held during National Nurses Week, May 6-12. Other events included a continental breakfast sponsored by the UPMC Mercy medical staff, a social and healthy snack break sponsored by the UPMC Mercy senior management team, and educational programs. A luncheon to honor the UPMC Mercy and UPMC South Side nurses nominated for the Cameos of Caring®, Novice of the Year, and Nurse Educator of the Year awards also was held. The luncheon opened with a welcome from UPMC Mercy President Will Cook and a blessing offered by Sister Carolyn Patti Mikosky Krista Kardos Schallenberger. The nursing award recipients are: • Patti Mikosky, RN, CRRN, Field Services Liaison, UPMC Institute for Rehabilitation and Research, 2009 Cameo of Caring® Awardee • Marilyn Schuler, RN, MSN, CNE, Faculty, Mercy Hospital School of Nursing, 2009 Cameo of Caring® Nurse Educator of the Year Awardee • Krista Kardos, RN, 10E, Medical Progressive Care Unit, UPMC Mercy Novice of the Year Awardee Mikosky and Schuler will represent UPMC Mercy at the eleventh annual Cameos of Caring® Awards gala in October, sponsored by the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing.

Marilyn Schuler

12 May 2009 wpahospitalnews.com Hospital News Nurses — without you, we wouldn’t be who we are.

We applaud and thank our team of diverse and outstanding nurses who are at the core of UPMC’s world-class care. Your compassion and commitment to excellence touch patients, families, and all members of the health care team every moment of every day. To learn more about a nursing career at UPMC and the opportunities it offers, call 412-648-NURS or visit upmcnurses.com.

UPMC is the employer of choice for more than 50,000 of our region’s residents. To explore the diverse range of professional career opportunities we offer, visit us at upmc.com/careers.

Hospital News wpahospitalnews.com May 2009 13 ★★ ••• Profiles ••• ★★

✶ HERITAGE VALLEY HEALTH SYSTEM ✶ ✶ VITAS INNOVATIVE HOSPICE CARE® ✶ Jayne Clements, R.N. Mary Ann Storch, R.N. Hospice nursing is about helping people “experience death Mary Ann Storch has been a nurse for 16 years and is the way they want to,” says Jayne Clements, R.N., admissions an ADN graduate of Community College of Beaver manager at VITAS Innovative Hospice Care® in Pittsburgh. County. She is employed full time on the Cardio After having worked in every other area of nursing—from Pulmonary Unit at Heritage Valley Beaver. birthing babies to taking care of victims of Alzheimer’s dis- Clinically, Mary Ann cares for all patient populations ease—Jayne decided in 2001 to try hospice nursing. on the Cardio Pulmonary Interventional unit, which is “I was director of nursing at a long term care facility, and I a complex, high paced environment. She serves as a role had seen residents who didn’t have hospice care die alone,” model for others in demonstrating bedside teaching she explains. “Some of our residents, however, had hospice skills, a high standard of patient care and support of care, so I saw the benefits of having someone by their side teamwork and is available for other staff members in who understood end-of-life care. I wanted to provide that troubleshooting technical skills, problem solving patient kind of care. care issues, and assisting with patients. She has served as “I enjoy hospice nursing because helping patients and their families make the final jour- a senior preceptor and participates in the Unit-based ney of life is a very satisfying and rewarding experience,” says Jayne. Preceptor Committee in the review and selection of new preceptors for the unit. Mary Ann When it comes to witnessing a “good death,” Jayne speaks from personal experience. is a strong patient advocate and takes pleasure in knowing that her patients and families “When my father, who was on hospice care, was dying, my mother wanted to sit on his have confidence in her ability to help them recover. bed and hold him—so she did. And the rest of the family was there, praying and sending him love. Becky Noyes, R.N. “It was the kind of end-of-life experience that you hope everyone can have—full of peaceful memories,” notes Jayne. “It’s possible to make that happen with hospice care.” Becky Noyes has been a nurse for 29 years and is a Jayne makes peaceful experiences happen every day for VITAS patients and their fami- diploma graduate from the Heritage Valley Sewickley lies, though she patiently waits until they’re ready before doing so. School of Nursing. She works in the Critical Care Unit “It’s sometimes difficult at the time of referral for patients and their families to have the at Heritage Valley Sewickley. hospice conversation, because they’re often not mentally or emotionally ready yet,” says Becky treats patients and families as if they were her Jayne. “If they’re not ready when we first see them, it’s okay. We give them some space and own family members. She enjoys the challenges of the follow up later. We allow them to come to the decision on their own.” nursing profession and the collegiality of being part of Once patients and their families are ready, they often have many questions, so much of a larger team, and is very adept at establishing thera- Jayne’s job is to educate them. “Many people fear that death is painful. That’s when we peutic relationships. As a role model for student nurs- explain that hospice offers physical and clinical support—to manage patients’ pain—as es, peers and all members of the healthcare team, she is well as emotional and spiritual support.” a strong advocate for outstanding nursing care and Since switching to hospice nursing, Jayne has felt confident she made the right move. blends it with a warm and gentle heart and a respect for In fact, she’s certain of it because of something that her father once said. others. “He said he could tell that I had found something that I loved,” says Jayne. “I thought, ‘Wow, it must really show that I’m happy.’ And I am.”

14 May 2009 wpahospitalnews.com Hospital News Hospital News wpahospitalnews.com May 2009 15 ★★ ••• Profiles ••• ★★ Three Rivers Hospice And Palliative Care SALUTES OUR NURSES

“The Visiting Front row (from left): Nikki Gilson, Mary Jane Peters, Gayle Matola, Julie Marshall, Mary Cunningham, Anita Carr, Pam McCann. Back row (from left): Donna Carl, Angela Trust, Aleshia Fuentes, Polly Lindey, Beth Slater, Sara Miller, Debbie Giardina, Robin Sweet-Cunningham Nurse” ✶ UPMC HORIZON ✶ Fifteen UPMC Horizon nurses were recognized at the 11th annual Excellence in Practice THEY COME LIKE AN ANGEL OF MERCY EACH DAY Awards Ceremony as part of the hospital’s observance of National Nurses Week. AND STRIVE TO SEND GLOOM AND FOREBODING AWAY. This year’s awardees, nominated by UPMC Horizon employees and/or physicians, are: Donna Carl, R.N., Infection Control THEY CARE FOR THE SICK AS THEY STAY FOR A SPELL Anita Carr, R.N., Critical Care Unit, Greenville, and shift supervisor AND WORK TO THEIR UTMOST IN KEEPING THEM WELL. Mary Cunningham, R.N., Ambulatory Services, Shenango Valley Robin Sweet-Cunningham, R.N., Ambulatory Services/Same Day Services, Shenango Valley THEY’RE ALWAYS ON HAND WHEN THE CALL COMES TO SERVE Aleshia Fuentes, R.N., Transitional Care Center, Shenango Valley THEY ARE GUARDIANS OF HEALTH, WHICH THEY TRY TO PRESERVE. Debbie Giardina, R.N., Operating Room, Greenville Nikki Gilson, R.N., Transitional Care Center, Greenville THEIR HOURS ARE MANY, THEIR DUTIES ARE GREAT Sandy Lasure, R.N., Birth Place BUT THEY STAND BY THEIR COLORS NO MATTER HOW LATE. Polly Lindey, R.N., Three West, Greenville Julie Marshall, R.N., Ambulatory Services, Greenville Gayle Matola, R.N., Three West, Greenville NO HERALD PRESENTS THEM, THEY SIMPLY WALK IN Pam McCann, R.N., Same Day Services, Shenango Valley Sara Miller, R.N., Critical Care Unit, Shenango Valley AS ONE OF THE FAMILY, YOU’D THINK THEY’VE BEEN. Mary Jane Peters, R.N., Outpatient Oncology AT HOME IN THE HOUSE THE WAY THEY PROCEED Beth Slater, R.N., Operating Room, Greenville In addition, Angela Trust, R.N., Three East, Greenville, was selected as the 2009 Rookie TO BRING TO THE SICK ONE - MEDICAL NEEDS. of the Year. A panel of UPMC Horizon nursing staff and managers selected the recipients based on THEY’RE ALWAYS RESPONSIVE AND NEVER SAY, “NO.” such traits as care delivery, quality of care and quality improvement, quality of nursing lead- ership and interdisciplinary relationships, teaching ability, and professional development. NO MATTER WHEREVER THEY’RE DESTINED TO GO. THEIR SPIRIT IS WILLING, THEY HOPE FOR THE BEST ✶ UPMC BEDFORD HOSPITAL ✶ AND ALWAYS ARE READY TO MEET EVERY TEST. Nina Wirick, R.N. JUST WHO ARE THESE PEOPLE AND WHAT ARE THEIR NAMES - Nina Wirick, R.N., is a Professional Staff nurse in our THESE PEOPLE WHO NEVER ASPIRE TO FAME? Emergency Department. She joined our ED staff seven years SOME DAY YOU WILL KNOW THEM IN PROSE AND IN VERSE ago. She is an excellent preceptor and mentor to new nurses. Patients and their families compliment her care and compas- THEY ARE THE PEOPLE OF SERVICE: THE VISITING NURSE. sion. We salute Nina for the work that she does, the care she provides and for her work in Community Outreach activities. Nina works well with the youth in our county and is involved in Reality Tours at the County Jail. This Reality Tour Drug Prevention Program educates parents and children together to form the foundation for meaningful discussion in the home. Nina, a mother of three connects very well with the children. She gives talks on Poison Control and presents on many topics for school age children. She helps to teach our Babysitting Course. This winter she worked with Ninth graders on a program, Pay It Forward – Doing Good for Others. Nina also can be found at the Senior Citizen Center giving a talk on stroke awareness. She has endless energy and uses it well to represent nurses and their commitment to their patients and community. Tammie Payne, R.N., M.S.N.

Tammie Payne, R.N., M.S.N., is the Diabetic educator at UPMC Bedford Memorial. She counsels people one on one or during a monthly diabetes self-management class on the impor- tance of managing your diabetes. Tammie is active in the Pittsburgh Regional Initiative for Diabetes Education (PRIDE) Advisory Committee and the Pennsylvania Diabetes Action THREE RIVERS HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE CARE Partnership (PDAP) to improve the steps to a healthier PA of “Caring is what we do best” diabetic patients towards prevention of long-term complica- tions. Tammie has also been trained to initiate and maintain Medtronic insulin pumps. A Division of Family Home Health Services Since Tammie has taken over the diabetic program at UPMC Bedford the referrals and par- ticipation in outpatient classes has shown a dramatic increase in volume. The classes include 1-800-282-0306 management of diabetes, ways to improve dietary intake, exercise, and how to prevent long- term complications. Tammie participates in many community events educating about dia- Two Exceptional Heath Care Services Under One Roof betes. She has developed and expanded our program with her interest and passion for this work. Serving 10 counties throughout the Western PA area Tammie also works on our Outpatient Procedure Unit and as the education coordinator for Locally owned and operated with over 40 years of combined experience our Medical/Surgical/Telemetry and ICU units. She is a BLS and ACLS instructor and leads many projects. We salute her for sharing her many talents with us, our patients w w w . t h r e e r i v e r s h o s p i c e . c o m and their families.

16 May 2009 wpahospitalnews.com Hospital News Your pathway to independence

In honor of National Nurses Day, Golden LivingCenters thank you for dedicating your time and talents to caring for others.

The nurses who support our Golden LivingCenters are an integral part of our Golden Difference team, and their commitment to helping us meet our patients’ needs is essential in providing the outcomes that lead to improved health. By celebrating National Nurses Day, we have the opportunity to express our appreciation to those who help us make a difference in patient care.

We would like to thank all of our nurses in our Golden LivingCenters:

Golden LivingCenter – Western Reserve

Golden LivingCenter – Erie

Golden LivingCenter – Oil City

Golden LivingCenter – Kinzua

Golden LivingCenter – Meadville

Golden LivingCenter – Cambridge Springs

Golden LivingCenter – Monroeville

Golden LivingCenter – Shippenville

Golden LivingCenter – Murrysville

Golden LivingCenter – Mt. Lebanon

Golden LivingCenter – Oakmont

Golden LivingCenter – Clarion

Golden LivingCenter – Titusville

www.goldenlivingcenters.com Golden LivingCenters offer services and programs to patients without discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, status as a Vietnam era veteran, qualified special disabled veteran, recently separated veteran, or other protected veteran, or source of payment. GLS-03742-09 NL

Hospital News wpahospitalnews.com May 2009 17 ★★ ••• Profiles ••• ★★

✶ KANE CENTER ROSS ✶ ✶ KANE CENTER MCKEESPORT ✶ Donna Hieber, R.N., RCC Ruth Naylor, R.N.

Donna Hieber is a Resident Care Coordinator on the 11- Ruth Naylor has been at Kane Center McKeesport for 22 to-7 shift at the Kane Ross Regional Center. She has years. She is the Team Leader on Floor 4 B, where she makes worked in the Kane system since 1982. She is a loyal, ded- assignments, monitors residents’ charts and provides treat- icated employee with excellent clinical skills and is an ment and medication when necessary. Spending time with asset to the facility. the residents is the most rewarding part of the job for Ruth, Donna lives in Coraopolis with her husband, Bob. They who said relieving a resident’s pain or easing their anxiety is have two married sons, two grandchildren and one expect- her goal. She joined Kane as a LPN and went back to school ed in July. through the Kane program, attending CCAC. Ruth became Donna graduated from the Ohio Valley Hospital School a RN after participating in the Career Ladder Program and of Nursing. She worked at Waynesburg Community now is a floor leader. Hospital in Virginia prior to Kane. James Juristy, R.N. Marilyn Sample, R.N. James Juristy joined Kane Center McKeesport in 1986 and during his 23 years has progressed through the Career Ladder Marilyn Sample has worked at the John J. Kane Ross Program. James spent approximately 15 years as a Certified Regional Center since 1992. She started her career as a Nursing Assistant. When Kane offered a LPN program Certified Nursing Assistant and worked in that capacity through CCAC, James was accepted into the program, then for 11 years. She went on to become a Unit Secretary spent two years earning his LPN license. After continuing his before attending education, James became a RN and has held that title for three classes at CCAC years. He said he enjoys interacting with the residents and through the Kane said working in long-term care creates a bond between nurs- Career Ladder es and the residents. The 46-year-old from North Versailles Program and said his goal is to enable residents to reach their optimal level became an LPN. of care. She continued on with her education and is now a Registered ✶ ✶ Nurse working in a Unit Charge Position. KANE CENTER GLEN HAZEL Marilyn is highly motivated and can be count- ed on to fulfill all job responsibilities. She and Becky Schaefer, R.N. her husband, Kirby, reside in Blawnox. They have three children and several grandchildren. Becky Schaefer has been at Kane Glen Hazel for seven months. She is the Resident Care Coordinator of the Behavioral Unit. Becky previously spent 18 months at Allegheny General Hospital, where she worked in the Cardiovascular and Thoracic Unit. At Kane, she specializes in assisting residents coping with dementia. Becky said the most rewarding aspect of her job is taking care of the resi- dents and seeing their smiling faces. A Monroeville resident, Becky has been a RN for two years. She attended CCAC’s North Hills campus. Her mother, Christina Schaefer, has worked in the admissions department at Kane Glen Hazel for six years. Kelli Brown, R.N.

Kelli Brown has been at Kane Glen Hazel for nine years, working her way through the Career Ladder Program. She started as a Certified Nursing Assistant and through Kane’s program Kelli advanced to LPN and finally RN after attending CCAC’s Boyce campus. Kelli worked on the Alzheimer’s Unit as an aide. Kelli praised the Career Ladder Program and the opportunities it presents. She also com- plimented her fellow nurses for their ability to handle cyclical shortages among the ranks. The West Mifflin resi- dent formerly lived in Kentucky before moving to Pittsburgh in 1996.

✶ GATEWAY HOSPICE ✶

Gateway Hospice would like to salute our Nursing Staff for their hard work and dedi- cation. Our Gateway nurses are exemplary. Their ability to give to our patients and fam- ilies and to support one another truly sets them apart from other caregivers. They make a difference. We wish to thank them not only for their desire to provide end of life care, but the way in which they care and understand that they are treating people not diseases. Together we believe that dignity and control of symptoms for a disease process that is non reversible is a viable option. Together, we continue to make a difference!!!

18 May 2009 wpahospitalnews.com Hospital News ★★ ••• Profiles ••• ★★

✶ FAMILY HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE CARE ✶ ✶ FORBES HOSPICE ✶ Traci Berkihiser, R.N. Dan Leger, R.N.

Soon after joining Family Hospice and Palliative Care, Traci Berkihiser did something Even though a career in nursing that many people would consider unusual. She chose to leave her nurse supervisor role ran in Dan Leger’s family and sto- and return to being a case manager and providing direct care to patients. She missed being ries about hospitals were an every- the one to hold the patient’s hand and give a family member a reassuring hug. Guiding day part of his childhood, he never patients and families through this difficult time is the most rewarding work she could do. considered carrying on the tradi- Berkihiser has helped patients and families even in the toughest situation. Once Berkihiser tion. cared for a woman, whose husband was the caregiver and then he, himself, got sick and It wasn’t until he was assigned as passed away on the hospice program. Berkihiser was there for the son during his mother’s a civilian child care worker at The final weeks as well as when his father became terminally ill. Her work and compassion is Home for Crippled Children in an example for all nurses of how to personalize the care given to each patient and family. Pittsburgh during the Viet Nam Berkihiser’s dedication to her patients and families will often take her to the patient’s bedside long after her work day is War that he decided that this was the career path he was des- over. At times, Berkihiser covers as a triage nurse, helping to field patient and family concerns during the off hours and tined to take. More than 40 years later, Dan has continued to weekends. Her reassuring manner and knowledge gets to the heart of the issue and she provides comfort and support dedicate his career to taking care of children. over the phone to patients and families. As the youngest member of the hospice team, Berkihiser’s enthusiasm for her In 2002, Dan joined the Forbes Hospice staff as a Pediatric work shows in the care of each patient and is contagious to all who work with her. Berkihiser’s warm smile, solid com- Nurse Specialist and Coordinator of Pediatric Services. On top petency, and genuine commitment make her a gift to Family Hospice and Palliative Care patients and families. of his every day duties of taking care of patients, Dan has also developed training curricula in pediatric hospice for Forbes Hospice staff as well as programming for Hospice volunteers. He Mary Jo McLaughlin, R.N. co-facilitates a support group for bereaved parents and was a presenter at the National Hospice and Palliative Care If one could take Family Hospice and Palliative Care’s mission of providing quality com- Organization’s First International Conference on Pediatric passionate care to those who have a life-threatening illness and embody it in a person, this Hospice. He also serves on the Governor’s Task Force on would be Mary Jo McLaughlin. After many years as an oncology nurse, McLaughlin found Pediatric Palliative and Hospice Care and was a founding mem- her calling at hospice. This nurse’s dedication to the hospice philosophy of care comes ber of the Pittsburgh Pediatric Palliative Care Coalition. across at each and every bedside everyday. She continually demonstrates an exceptional Prior to joining Forbes Hospice, Dan was a member of the commitment by being involved in all aspects of hospice care for her patients and families Nursing department at The Children’s Institute of Pittsburgh for - physical, emotional, and spiritual. Her unique ability to balance her professional role almost 30 years. In that capacity, he contributed to two books with her own humanity has allowed her to build many meaningful relationships with her and numerous publications and conferences on pediatric dis- patients and families. McLaughlin is truly the “angel” who, after a morning visit, returns ability. to a patient’s house late in the day to make sure that the patient is stable. For many patients According to Dan, being a hospice nurse has taught him that and families, McLaughlin is the face of comfort and calmness. The pairing of her clinical expertise and compassion not the time at the end of one’s life is precious and every day and only makes her an excellent nurse, but this also makes McLaughlin a wonderfully informed preceptor. Because of this, hour is to be cherished. “To be a facilitator of comfort, care and she is often asked to share her experience and knowledge with medical residents, students, and new nurses who want support at such a time and for such special people is a profound to shadow a hospice professional. McLaughlin’s empathy and caring extends, not only to her patients, but also to her honor,” said Dan. “I am fortunate that each day I am taught the colleagues. When a fellow nurse was recovering from an illness, McLaughlin volunteered without any prompting to value of life from those who are deeply valuing it as it ebbs work a double shift so that that nurse could recover fully. McLaughlin’s competency makes her to consummate profes- away.” sional, but her relationships with patients and families make her a true companion on this final journey.

✶ MONONGAHELA VALLEY HOSPITAL ✶

Kathy Clark, R.N.

Kathy Clark, R.N., is Monongahela Valley Hospital’s Cameos of Caring® Award recipient for 2009. Clark, a member of the medical/surgical team, was introduced as this year’s Cameos of Caring® honoree as a highlight of the annual Nurses Appreciation Day program at Monongahela Valley Hospital. Clark will be honored at the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing’s annual Cameos of Caring® Awards Gala in October 17. According to Mary Lou Murt, R.N., Senior Vice President for Nursing at MVH, Clark was chosen for her commitment to the nursing profession and to her patients, as well as her exceptional com- passion. Murt specifically cited Clark’s participa- tion in the Scouting for Food and Heart Walk pro- grams and her leadership role in the transition to a women-focused medical/surgical unit on 4-East. Mary Ann Fonzi, Clark’s supervisor, praised her attentiveness to patients’ families and noted she is “always giving emotional, spiritual and psychological support.” Clark is a graduate of Westmoreland Community College and Mercy School of Nursing. She joined the MVH Nursing Team five years ago with eight years of clinical expe- rience. She has mentored student nurses throughout her career at Monongahela Valley Hospital and has made herself available to pray with patients and families who request that service. “I really do love nursing,” a quietly emotion- al Clark told the audience of fellow nurses and hospital officials. “I only am what I am because of you all.”

Hospital News wpahospitalnews.com May 2009 19 ★★ ••• Profiles ••• ★★

✶ LUTHERAN SENIORLIFE’S ✶ PASSAVANT RETIREMENT COMMUNITY ✶ T OHN PECIALTY ARE ENTER ✶ S . J S C C Kristy Hindman, L.P.N.

Kristy Hindman’s deceased mom, Sandy, was a para- Jennifer Osborne medic, and her father, Robert, a great provider. “We had what I would call a wholesome childhood,” she Jennifer Osborne of Zelienople clearly remembers says. “bandaging make-believe boos boos” on her great “And since mom died, well, let’s just say my dad is grandmother’s arms as a little girl. always there when I need him.” Little wonder that she finds working as a nurse at That’s much the way the Hindman’s colleagues at Lutheran SeniorLife’s St. John Specialty Care Center Passavant Retirement Community in Zelienople in Mars “A dream come true.” describe her today. A 1991 graduate of Slippery Rock High School, A single mother of two daughters, Abby, 16 and Osborne knew immediately that nursing was the Allison, 12, Hindman drives 55 miles one-way from career drawing her, so she picked up a few part-time her Venango County home to work Her reputation is jobs while working on her degree at Butler County that she arrives early, works hard and, like her father, Community College. “is always there when she’s needed.” When she graduated in 1997, St. John’s was the After attending school in Oil City and working as an agency staff nurse, she was first place that offered her an opportunity to utilize hired by Passavant Retirement Community in Zelienople about five years ago. her special gifts, and she has never regretted her “As an agency nurse, I have seen a lot of facilities, and Passavant absolutely offers choice. the best care I’ve ever seen. My supervisors and co-workers are great. It makes the “I have always liked working with the elderly – I have always connected with drive worth it,” she said. seniors,” she said, probably at least in part to that “It is a tough job, and you see people who are at their lowest point – sick or dying, special relationship with her great-grandmother. and it is gratifying to offer them something. I love older people, and I like to make Most of the residents at St. John are elderly them laugh,” Hindman said. and, in addition to serving them, she said work- ing with co-workers who are always willing to support you are the favorite parts of her job. At her home she is kept busy. She and her hus- ✶ HREE IVERS OSPICE AND band, Eric, live in Zelienople and are parents of T R H 7-year-old twin boys, Matthew and Tyler. PALLIATIVE CARE ✶ Erica Swiencki, R.N.

I am often asked about the type of nurs- ing I do and when I tell them that I am a hospice nurse they usually give me a sad look and say, “I don’t know how you do that kind of work. It must be very diffi- cult.” I always answer the same way: “I love what I do. Hospice nursing is the Cadillac of nursing professions!” Being a hospice nurse does require a spe- cial kind of person - and it’s not for every- one. I, however, find it very rewarding. To be able to provide help and comfort to both THE FIRST the patient and family during such a diffi- cult and personal time is an honor. The PENNSYLVANIA hospice nurse becomes a part of the family and we make wonderful friends and have STATE BOARD such special memories. One particular memory that I have is of a very special young boy, Alex, who touched my heart in Erica Swiencki with Alex about a week OF NURSING many ways. He suffered from a rare child- hood cancer called Neuroblastoma. His before his death; he is wearing his favorite APPROVED DNP strength and humor is something that will fishing hat. stay with me forever. PROGRAM Becoming a hospice nurse isn’t something I chose to do, it chose me, and I wouldn’t trade what I do for anything in the world.

Mary Hart, R.N., B.S.

Mary Hart has been the Clinical Director of Three Rivers Hospice for one and a half years, but has worked in the field of hospice for nine years as a Bereavement Counselor, Volunteer Coordinator, and as a Case Manager. The driving force for Mary’s career in hospice began when her mother was diag- nosed with stomach cancer. Mary accompanied her mother to her chemo-therapy treatments and met other families dealing with the same issues. This Doctor of Nursing Practice Programs from Robert Morris University experience lead Mary to the realization that hospice nursing was her calling. Mary is now able to use her • B.S.N. to D.N.P. Program • Classroom and Online Instruction understanding to help patients and their families • D.N.P. Completion Program • Specialty Nurse Practitioner cope with life-limiting illnesses. Mary’s compassion is sincere when she describes how she is “guided by • Full or Part-time Tracks: Adult, Family and Adult her heart” and is able to focus on the things that matter most. “Working in hospice is Psychiatric Mental Health not for everyone”, Mary says, “You can’t teach the heart part.” For Mary it is a hum- bling experience and an honor to work in hospice. She goes above and beyond what’s expected of her every day, to ensure the welfare of her patients and their families.

Contact Janene Szpak at 412-397-5219 or [email protected] www.rmu.edu/nursing-dnp

20 May 2009 wpahospitalnews.com Hospital News LIVE TO GROW...

Nurses – They Make All of the Difference Thanks to all of our Nurses and health-care So, on behalf of all of us at Lutheran SeniorLife, professionals who allow us, each and everyday, thanks to all of our nurses and health-care to bring Abundant Life™ to all of the residents professionals. entrusted to our care. For those of you who would like to offer your Abundant Life™ means different things to professional skills in a caring, Faith-based each of our residents, and it is the consistent environment, please contact us on our website professionalism of our nurses that allows us to at www.lutheranseniorlife.org. offer the special care that sets us apart.

St. John Specialty Care Center, Mars / Passavant Retirement Community, Zelienople LIFE Beaver County / Life Butler County Live an Abundant Life™

Hospital News wpahospitalnews.com February, 2008 21 ★★ ••• Profiles ••• ★★ Anova Hospice Helps Ease End-of-Life Fears

t’s never easy to accept the diagnosis of People with life-limiting illnesses also lies on what to expect.” a terminal illness. Yet each day, hun- fear that they will become a burden on Anova Hospice also has a nurse on-call dreds of people are told by their doc- their family, loved ones or caregivers, 24 hours a day to help caregivers with I whether financially or emotionally. any concerns they may have. “It’s scary to tors that nothing more can be done. While some patients may be prepared for “Because hospice is a free Medicare bene- take care of a loved one at home when this news, for others it may come as a fit, we pay for everything connected to you’ve never given medications, or tried shock. For this reason, Anova Hospice their hospice diagnosis, which may to turn a patient before,” said Holland. “If makes it a priority to be at a patient’s side include medications, specialized equip- the family needs us to visit every day, or within one to two hours of receiving a ment such as hospital beds or oxygen, to answer their phone call at 2 a.m., we’ll call. and medical supplies,” said Holland. be there. “We are here to ease people’s fears “They are entitled to receive all of these Anova Hospice is also there for the fam- about their final journey,” explained things under their hospice benefit.” ily after a loved one dies. “We stay Bonnie Holland, RN, Executive Director When a patient or his or her family first involved with the family, friends and sig- for Anova Hospice & Palliative Care calls Anova Hospice, they are able to meet nificant others for 13 months after the Services, LLC. “We make it a point to with a member of the staff with one to person passes,” said Holland. “Hard meet with a patient within one to two two hours to set up services. Our services grieving really starts taking place after the hours of their receiving this type of dev- include the help of a nurse, nurse’s aide, first couple of months, when people are astating diagnosis, or after they’ve decid- “In my heart, I always want- social worker, chaplain and our medical no longer stopping by the house and peo- ed that they no longer want to continue ed to spend more time with director, Dr. Sean Conley,” said Holland. ple’s lives are returning to normal. That’s aggressively treating their disease. We are my patients, and to do more “Our interdisciplinary approach ensures when you realize that the person you’ve there to support them every step of the that each patient is taken care of by a spent your life with is really gone.” way.” for them at this time of life. team of professionals as well as an awe- Holland, a former ICU nurse, started in The staff of Anova Hospice, located in When I discovered hospice, some group of volunteers.” hospice because she wanted to be able to Belle Vernon, are seasoned professionals I loved it. I truly believe it’s “Our staff and volunteers take care of provide this type of support to patients in helping people work through end-of- my calling, and I’ll do it until hospice patients in the patients’ homes, and their families during a time of crisis. life issues. “Our experience in end-of-life the day I retire.” or in facilities such as nursing home and “In my heart, I always wanted to spend care helps us to deal with people’s top assisted living facilities. Most of our more time with my patients, and to do three fears,” says Holland. “The first fear – Bonnie Holland employees have been touched personally more for them at this time of life,” she is that they will be in pain. Through our by hospice, whether hospice has taken explained. “When I discovered hospice, I expertise in pain management and symp- “The second fear people have is that care of one of their family members or loved it. I truly believe it’s my calling, and tom control, we can help get patients’ they will die alone,” she continued. one of their neighbors,” said Holland. I’ll do it until the day I retire.” pain, nausea, vomiting or constipation “Many elderly people have outlived their “They understand that end-of-life care is under control. Though they may not have loved ones. We become their family, and very different from other types of care, For more information about Anova a quantity of days, we can provide them they become ours. We become a part of and they are willing to spend as long as it Hospice & Palliative Care Services, LLC, with quality of life.” these people’s lives.” takes to educate patients and their fami- call (724) 929-3200.

22 May 2009 wpahospitalnews.com Hospital News ★★ ••• Profiles ••• ★★ The Heart of a Great Nurse: Linda Vance Is Honored by American Heart Association

BY NANCY KENNEDY with the inaugural Mary Ann Vance is proud of the Presbyterian University Hospital and serv- Scully Excellence in Nursing quality of care offered at St. ing as an enthusiastic AHA volunteer. The inda Vance is a woman with excep- Award. Vance was chosen Clair, a community hospital award was presented to Vance at the AHA’s tional knowledge of the human heart. from among her colleagues that has garnered numerous Heart Ball in February and she is immense- LAs nurse manager of the Coronary throughout the region for her awards for excellence. “Our ly grateful. “It was wonderful simply to be Care Unit at St. Clair Hospital, she can lifetime commitment to car- door-to-balloon time, mean- nominated, and knowing that my own hos- expertly interpret the erratic patterns of a diac nursing, her outstanding ing the time from when a pital felt that I was worthy of this meant so cardiac arrhythmia. She can observe a leadership in promoting qual- patient enters the ER with much to me. I feel a great sense of pride, not patient and perform an immediate, accurate ity care in cardiac nursing and chest pain to when the only for myself but for St. Clair Hospital. It’s assessment of their clinical status; she can her commitment to the AHA patient is undergoing angio- not just my award.” swiftly and effectively intervene to reverse a mission. plasty, is excellent. We are Trailblazer, innovator, clinical expert, crisis, and more importantly, prevent one Heart disease is a critical opening up the coronary educator, manager, mentor and volunteer, from happening in the first place through and costly public health prob- arteries with a balloon with- Linda Vance is a nurse first, and is hum- recognition of early signs of trouble and lem. It remains the number Linda Vance in 90 minutes. Patients who ble about her achievements. “I love nurs- critical decision-making. She is a seasoned, one killer in the U. S.; one have heart attacks are well ing; it’s a great career. I have no plans to knowledgeable and extraordinarily compe- third of Americans have some form of heart enough to go home in 72 hours. We do a lot retire. I’m happy. Why quit? When I do tent cardiac care nurse. disease and the numbers are likely to of teaching and our patients go home leave, I hope I leave behind my expertise Over a career spanning four decades, increase. Cardiac professionals and national knowing how to modify their lifestyles and with my staff. I have great confidence in Vance has placed her stethoscope against organizations, including the AHA and the improve their health. People often don’t them. If I have done my job, all will be the chests of thousands of people in the American College of Cardiology, are com- realize how bad they were feeling until they well when I’m gone.” Pittsburgh region, listening with great mitted to reducing deaths and disability due undergo an intervention and improve. Our “I believe with my whole heart that attention to the sounds of their injured, to heart disease through a national effort cardiac rehab services are wonderful.” As with interventional cardiology – with weakened hearts. Like all excellent nurses, that promotes healthy living and enables for her own heart health, Vance reports that angiography, stents, and bypass surgery – when she leans over a patient and says, “Let the provision of the most rapid, state-of- her cholesterol level and other parameters we can not only extend but greatly me take a listen to your heart,” she is inter- the-art care available. are excellent, and she leads an active life. improve life. We have so much to offer ested in far more than heart sounds and “Advances in cardiac care have trans- Between a job that entails a great deal of people with heart disease. It’s not a death heart rate; she is concerned with the whole formed the field,” says Vance, whose career walking, and a longtime love of golf, Vance sentence and learning that you have person, with the clinical as well as the in cardiac nursing began in 1969. “I’ve wit- keeps physically active. She says she takes heart disease can be a positive thing. We metaphorical heart that holds that persons nessed many amazing developments and the steps at work as much as possible, but can help you make the modifications that fears, hopes and spirit. Linda Vance cares, the progress is exciting. Research and tech- admits, “I am more likely to take the stairs will improve your quality of life. What deeply, with her own strong, generous and nology make new interventions and med- when I am with others. When I’m alone, I we are doing here is changing lives and compassionate heart, and she has a mission: ications available so that more people can might cheat and take the elevator!” it’s an honor to help people through that she wants to make people well. She wants survive and recover. The AHA plays a key The Scully Award was conceived by Dr. experience.” to heal their hearts. role by educating health care professionals William Follansbee, Director of Nuclear Vance shares that mission with her co- about best practices, supporting the doctors Cardiology at UPMC, to recognize out- To contact Linda Vance, call workers throughout the Heart Center at St. and nurses and helping facilities acquire the standing cardiac nurses in the region. Mary (412) 942-2100. To learn more about the Clair Hospital, and with the Allegheny latest technology. We strive to provide the Ann Scully was a nurse who devoted her 35 American Heart Association’s Mary Ann Scully Chapter of the American Heart Association very best care possible and the AHA facili- year career to cardiac nursing, working in Excellence in Nursing Award, contact Desiree (AHA), which honored her earlier this year tates that.” various facets of the specialty at Wienand at [email protected].

Celebrating National Nurses Week, May 6–12, 2009

Get to know a VITAS nurse… Get to know VITAS

VITAS is proud to be a leader in the field of end-of-life care, as well as a pioneer and advocate for hospice nursing.

Founded more than 30 years ago by a registered nurse and a United Methodist minister, VITAS has played a critical role in the evolution of hospice in America.

VITAS nurses today continue this legacy of patient advocacy, teaching every day and doing extraordinary things at the bedside to improve the quality of life for those with a limited time to live.

“There wouldn’t be a VITAS without nurses…It’s a discipline that is fundamental to the delivery of care for patients at the end of life and their families—giving them someone to look to for guidance, to help restore their dignity, to be a friend.” —Esther Colliflower, RN, VITAS Co-Founder

For information, please call 412.799.2101 or toll-free 1.800.620.8482 www.VITAS.com

Hospital News wpahospitalnews.com May 2009 23 AMERINET SALUTES YOU FOR A JOB WEL

Each day, you as nursing professionals across western Pennsylvania care for your patients – delivering quality healthcare. And, we recognize your commitment to improving the lives and communities you serve.

You can depend on Amerinet for the resources to deliver the care your patients have come to expect and need.

Discover how Amerinet can help you reduce healthcare costs and improve healthcare quality – call us at 877-711-5600 or visit www.amerinet-gpo.com.

24 May 2009 wpahospitalnews.com Hospital News LL DONE.

www.amerinet-gpo.com I 877-711-5600 Reducing healthcare costs. Improving healthcare quality.

Hospital News wpahospitalnews.com February, 2008 25 ★★ ••• Trends & Challenges ••• ★★ Blueprints for Nursing Excellence

he science of organiza- Magnet designated hospitals tions approved by the Magnet Commission tinuous learning and achievement of formal tional development has is very small. Once a hospital designed to re-invent the Magnet degrees. Staff nurses serve as preceptors and for decades created decides to begin the journey Recognition Program, a new model for support environments of continuous learn- T to Magnet, it usually takes at excellence was germinated.2 ing for nursing students and new staff. blueprints, or recipes, for organizational excellence. least four years to create the In 2007, the Magnet Commission studied The fourth element of the new Magnet Models for high performing infrastructure, develop the evidence linking the Forces of model is New Knowledge, Innovations and organizations include the capacity and achieve exem- Magnetism and began to create a dynamic Improvements. Magnet environments lead- Malcolm Baldrige National plar results. model that integrated not only structure ers are constantly scanning the radar for Quality Award, the Fortune The Magnet Recognition and process but importance of measuring improvements in practice and leading the 100 Best Places to Work, the Program was founded in outcomes.3 This new model depicts how a nation in best practices. They conduct AARP Best Places to work, research conducted in the transformational leader sets priorities, cre- research and re-invent patient care delivery. early 1980’s by Fellows in the ates a strategic plan and develops their lead- These nurses disseminate their work and and in Nursing, the American BY PAMELA KLAUER American Academy of ership team and the workforce to achieve serve as consultants for other health care Nurses Credentialing Center TRIOLO, PHD, RN, (ANCC) Pathways to Nursing. The research team results. It is important to note that leader- organizations supporting the proliferation FAAN Excellence and the Magnet questioned why in the mid- ship in Magnet hospitals is at all levels, not of best practices. All of this work is done Recognition Program®. dle of a tremendous nursing just the Chief Nursing Officer. Magnet hos- within the context of global issues in nurs- Each of these systemic models for excel- shortage, some hospitals had pitals have strong, highly educated middle ing and health care. Nurses at Magnet facil- lence includes essential ingredients; they no difficulty attracting and retaining nurses. managers who are the pivotal force in creat- ities tackle the contemporary issues in begin with transformational leadership that They identified 41 hospitals that served as ing unit based cultures where nurses thrive health care such as the aging workforce, sets priorities, creates a strategic plan then “magnets” for professional nurses and con- and research demonstrates that patients health risks in nursing, safety, new models nurtures and develops the capacity of the sistently provided high quality care.1 The receive the finest care. of care delivery, etc. The bottom line: cul- culture to achieve excellence. Cultures are researchers began to create the conceptual Staff nurses of Magnet hospitals are lead- ture of excellence involve all members of really “the way we work” and include high- framework based on the philosophy that ers at the point of care and expected to live the health care team and achieve results. ly integrated values, systems, and patterns the finest nurses provided the finest patient the elements of Magnet. Shared leadership of behavior. Every culture in health care is care. structures flourish in Magnet hospitals and Dr. Pamela Klauer Triolo, Chief Nursing unique, but cultures of excellence hold The first three components of the original staff nurses make decisions that range from Officer, UPMC, and Associate Dean, many values in common. Cultures of excel- research focused on: nursing administra- peer review, interviewing new team mem- Academic-Service Partnerships, University of lence value people, develop capacity for tion (including the value of nursing in the bers, to priorities for improvement. Pittsburgh School of Nursing, can be reached change, invest in development, continuous- organization and the leadership practice), Turnover in Magnet hospitals is generally at [email protected]. ly improve, measure what matters, and lead professional development, and an environ- under 10%. Exemplary professional prac- the nation with best practices and research. ment of professional practice. This empiri- tice, the third element, means that nurses 1. McClure, M, Poulin, M, Wandelt, M Magnet cal base launched the development of the are involved in professional organizations, Hospitals: Attraction and Retention of Professional The Commission on Magnet recognizes Nurses. Kansas City, MO: American Nurses 324 hospitals in 43 States and the District of 14 Forces of Magnetism, the essential build- publish and present, launch projects for Association; 1983: 2. Columbia as achieving Magnet Status. In ing blocks for excellence. These Forces quality improvement, use evidence based 2. Triolo, PK, Scherer, EM, Floyd, JM. Evaluation of addition, there is one Magnet hospital in included leadership, the nurse as teacher, practice in daily life. These infrastructures the Magnet Recognition Program. Journal of Nursing image of nursing, research and evidence are driven by well developed career path- Administration. 2006; 35 (1): 42-28. Australia and New Zealand. There are esti- 3. Wolf, G, Triolo, P, Ponte, PR. Magnet Recognition mated to be approximately 7,000 hospitals based practice, and other key components. ways for nurses with differentiated job Program: The Next Generation. Journal of Nursing in the United States. So the number of In 2004, following a series of recommenda- descriptions and expectations around con- Administration. 2008; 38 (4): 200-204.

26 May 2009 wpahospitalnews.com Hospital News ★★ ••• Trends & Challenges ••• ★★ National Healthcare Changes Impacting Nurses

BY MISTY KEVECH, RN, BS ED, the collaboration is using patient–centered MS, COS-C tools to improve the handoff of significant information from one setting to the next. hat inspires a person to become a Some of the care transition modules use a nurse? Salary, benefits, job sta- transition coach to assist with patient edu- Wbility – maybe. It’s not because of cation and self-management support. Dr. the hours, the paperwork or the glamour of Mary Naylor’s Transitional Care Model the job attracting dedicated people to the (University of Pennsylvania) supports the nursing field. Providing good patient care use of advance practice nurses to initiate is why most of us went into healthcare. the coaching from the hospital starting Some nurses feel they are losing the patient prior to discharge through a few connection – busy with tasks, paperwork, weeks home from the hospital (www.nurs- validating need for medical care, etc. There ing.upenn.edu/centers/hcgne/TransitionalC Cheri Smith, R.N., Clinical Liaison Coordinator at Celtic is a bright light - a trend of cross-setting col- are.htm). Healthcare, with a patient. laborative projects occurring nationally to Another quality improvement collabora- improve patient care and patient outcomes tive project with the state QIOs related to diseases (www.improvingchroniccare.org). chronic diseases. Chronic diseases are the that are dependent on nursing involvement. Patient Safety and Pressure Ulcers is also The Chronic Care Model is being inte- leading cause of illness, disability and death Centers for Medicare and Medicaid happening in western Pennsylvania. This grated into cross-settings projects beyond in the Commonwealth. Approximately 50% Services (CMS) have several collaborative CMS collaborative project is bringing hos- physician offices. Nurses have a vital role in of all adult Pennsylvanians have at least one projects occurring nationally including pitals and nursing homes together to reduce this model, educating and helping to moti- chronic disease. In addition, chronic dis- western Pennsylvania. CMS’s Care the number of patients with pressure ulcers. vate patients with self-management of their ease accounts for 80% of all health care Transition project is a community-based, Evidence-based interventions and preven- chronic diseases, assisting with coordina- costs and hospitalizations; 76% of all physi- cross-setting project to help hospitals, tion measures are being used by nurses to tion of services and teaching decision mak- cian visits; and 91% of all filled prescrip- skilled nursing facilities, home health agen- impact patient care outcomes related to ing. Nurses are letting go of the concept of tions. cies and physician offices improve coordi- pressure ulcers. the nurse or the physician managing the As our new White House administration nation across the continuum of care. Dr. Ed Wagner developed the Chronic patient’s care and putting the patient in the takes on healthcare changes, we can see the Improving transitions from one setting to Care Model over 20 years ago. The model center of “patient-centered care.” vital role that nursing is taking with cut- another can assist in reducing avoidable was developed for physicians managing the The Chronic Care Model is now being ting-edge projects locally in Pennsylvania. acute care hospitalizations and readmis- care of chronically ill patients and has been used in several key projects in Nursing’s future is foundational in the suc- sions that are not only harmful to the taught in universities across the country. Pennsylvania. One project is the cess of managing chronic illness and reduc- patient, but impact Medicare dollars. Almost 50 percent of all Americans Governor’s Chronic Care Management, ing hospitalizations. Pennsylvania is one of only 14 states (approximately 133 million people) live Reimbursement and Cost Reduction Misty Kevech, Director of Nursing Education included in this project working with their with chronic conditions. Chronic illness is Commission which identified the urgent and Program Development, Celtic Healthcare, Quality Improvement Organization (QIO), growing at an exponential rate, increasing need to transform Pennsylvania’s health can be reached at Quality Insights of Pennsylvania. The pro- by one percent each year. 75 percent of care system to contain health care costs and [email protected] ject is located in the Mon Valley area, where healthcare spending occurs on chronic care to reduce the burden for persons with or (724) 713-8273. 0UR
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Hospital News wpahospitalnews.com May 2008 27 ★★ ••• Trends & Challenges ••• ★★ CyberSense or CyberEthics: The Role and Responsibility of Nurses nurse’s professional Unfortunately the questions sional - laws that most nurses are aware of proper care patients require and need to role and responsibility that are being asked or more and some of which they may not be. For experience safe/quality outcomes. A level of is an ever changing importantly should be asked example most nurses are aware of the care that reflects the attention, comfort, car- A by nurses are what is my role Constitution and Federal laws that guide ing and tenderness patients and their fami- paradigm that is impacted by health policy, accrediting/ and responsibility regarding HIPAA, State laws and accrediting agencies lies deserve. I truly believe nurses are regulatory agencies, national the technology I am being such as CMS, Joint Commission or ANCC accepting of the concept or idea that tech- economic status and by requested to use in order to (American Nurses Credentialing Center) nology is here to stay and see the technolo- insurance reimbursement care for patients. Technology for Magnet designation. What nurses may gy as a positive tool to assist them in caring initiatives such as Centers for such as electronic health not be aware of are the international, for patient in a manner that supports the Medicare and Medicaid’s records, bar code scanning for national, federal, state and local organiza- reasons they became a nurse. I believe nurs- (CMS) 2009 Hospital Acquir- medication administration, tions that are attempting to assist nurses es need to continue to pose questions to ed Conditions (HACs). and centralized wireless heart and other healthcare clinicians in guiding better understand the functional of which Combine these factors with BY DR. DEBRA M. monitoring equipment? What the integration of technology at point of technology has to offer. Functionality such the technological explosion WOLF is my legal, moral and ethical care. These include The Office of the as rules, alerts, clinical decision support. transforming healthcare; role/responsibility at point of National Coordinator (ONC), the CCHIT Nurses need to communicate with analyst one begins to wonder what is the true role care when caring for patients using technol- (Certification Commission for Healthcare and other interdisciplinary colleagues to and responsibility of nurses? How do nurs- ogy such as sequential compression Information Technology), the ANIA design electronic formats and processes that es safely incorporate the world of cyber devices, IV smart pumps, voice technology, (American Nursing Informatics Associa- support everyone’s needs and remember to technology into their daily routines? wireless phone; or electronic tempera- tion), the CARING (Capital Area Round- keep the safety of the patient as the key When a nurse is licensed they fall under ture/blood pressure/pulse machines? table on Informatics in Nursing - focus to all final outcomes. A professional the role and regulations of the State Finally, what will be the nurse’s role and Connecting, Sharing and Advancing nurse is still required to continue using the Licensing Department where they live. In responsibility when these devices are inter- Healthcare Informatics) and the Inter- commonsense, critical decision making addition, there are various standards and faced into one electronic medical record national Congress on Nursing Informatics. processes, ethical or moral responsibilities scope of practices outlined by formal nurs- that supports interoperability within a In addition, one major movement that he/she was educated on and has always fol- ing organizations that provide direction to Regional Health Information Organization strongly supports nursing education and lowed but now needs to apply this knowl- which nurses are held responsible. For (RHIO)? practice is the TIGER (Technology Infor- edge and ability to the technical world example, the American Nurses Association Unfortunately, the answer is not clearly matics Guiding Education Reform) initia- which surrounds them in daily practice is (ANA) has published numerous resources outlined or understood. Many clinicians tive whose agenda is to ensure that nurses ever changing. that outline critical factors nurses must be and healthcare administrators are currently are knowledgeable in using informatics Nurses can be the most influential pro- knowledgeable of. These include; a) Code attempting to seek the answer to the ques- during formal education as well as within fessional in helping to design and integrate of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretive tions posed by attending nursing seminars, the practice setting. All of these organiza- technology at point of care. Healthcare Statements, b) Nursing: Scope & Standards WebEx’s or conferences that are focused on tions have well developed websites, one can administrators, vendors and other formal of Practice, and c) Principles of documenta- answering these questions. Seminars are led explore to further understand how technol- agencies must incorporate nursing profes- tion. In addition the ANA supports various by nurses with Masters, PhD and JD degrees ogy is impacting one’s profession. Finally sionals in order to be successful in using nursing specialties, such as the Informatics or nurses who act as legal and healthcare the Institute of Medicine (IOM) has technology to promote the highest level of Nurse Specialist and Nursing Professional consultants for law firms or vendors. Most acknowledged that healthcare clinicians positive/quality outcomes, and more impor- Development Specialist of which each has of the seminars outline the existing laws must utilize informatics through informa- tantly outcomes that reflect a decreased rate clearly defined standards of practice. that currently govern the healthcare profes- tion technology as a core competency of medical errors. Today, nurses are seeking (Institute of Medicine, 2003). Master and PhD degrees that focus on infor- Fortunately the term ethics has not matics, in addition to certifications which changed very much over the past 20 years. specializes in informatics via HIMSS Merriaman & Webster (2009) define ethics (Healthcare Information Management as dealing with what is good and bad and Systems Society) through their CPHIMS with moral duty and obligation. The ANA (Certified Professional in Healthcare (2001) within their Code of Ethics for Information and Management Systems) and Nurses with Interpretive Statements, via the ANCC’s through their Informatics defines ethics as “reasons for decisions Nurse RN-BC. about how one ought to act” (pg5) using 3 As the role and responsibility of nurses approaches. The first approach is to adopt continue to grow and expand just as it has or subscribe to ethical theories, second is to in the past 200 years, nurses will grow more adhere to ethical principles and finally cul- confident in caring for patients with a level tivate virtues (ANA, 2001). How a nurse of CyberSense and CyberEthics that will acts or performs her role has not changed in guide their practice. A level of CyberSense theory. In an age when technology is sur- and CyberEthics that will only develop by rounding nurses, nurses are still responsible continuing to posing questions, seek clarity, for: a) seeking clarity when a situation aris- request policy and guidelines that outline es they may not understand; b) posing processes that strongly support best prac- questions that address or support ethical tice. Having nurses with various informat- situations that may not be clearly defined; ics degrees, certifications and experiences c) requesting additional education or infor- conducting evidence based research will mation that strengthens their knowledge ultimately guide and result in best practice base; and d) formulating policies/guidelines supporting all, the patient, family and within various organization that guides healthcare clinicians. Florence Nightingale other nurses or clinicians in utilizing tech- once stated “What you want are facts, not nology when caring for patients. opinions – for who can have any opinion of Many administrators and healthcare clin- any value as to whether the patient is better icians look to technology as a means to or worse, excepting the constant medical address challenges nurses are being faced attendant or the really overseeing nurse” with today. One challenge consists of accu- (Nightingale, 1859). rate and complete documentation. Documentation that supports Pay 4 Per- Dr. Debra M. Wolf, Associate Professor, formance initiatives and CMS measures Slippery Rock University & Informatics such as administration of pneumonia and Healthcare Consultant, can be reached at influenza vaccines, medication reconcilia- [email protected]. REFERENCES: tion, or physical assessment upon admis- American Nurses Association (2001). Code of Ethics for sion clearly noting skin integrity. All of Nurses with Interpretive Statements. Silver Springs, MD. American Nurses Association (2008). Nursing Informatics: which may influence financial reimburse- Scope & Standards ofPractice.Nursesbooks.org, MD ment and more importantly quality out- American Nurses Association (2005). Principles for comes. Working 10 to 12 hour shifts, caring Documentation. Silver Spring MD. American Academy of Nursing (2008). Technological Drill for a higher level of acutely ill patients, and Down, TD2 Presentation slides from HIMSS [online]. [cited at times having unbalanced patient nurse 2008 July 22]; [28 Screen] Available from: URL: ratios, are additional challenges nurses are http://www.aannet.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=3318. Institute of Medicine, (2003). Health Professions Education: facing. The nurse must be able to juggle all A Bridge to Quality. of these challenges well maintaining the Merriam – Webster (2009). Merriam & Webster Online

28 May 2009 wpahospitalnews.com Hospital News COVER STORY: Nursing: The Art and Science for Building a Healthy America Thank You, Nurses, for All You Do

Continued from page 1 everything. rankly, nurses, who are on the front lines of ence of nursing, the compassion and the Anyone who has spent any time around patient care, deserve more than a month to be knowledge, that makes us the nurses we nurses understands how seriously, how recognized for their dedicated service. are. As nurses today, it is critical to be fiercely even, that nurses care about people F Physicians and patients depend on these dedicated, strong mentors, visible leaders, and educa- and each other. Nursing is a gift. If it was caring individuals on a daily basis, 24/7, 365 days a tors to the next generations of caregivers. It given to you, walk with pride and know year. Nursing professionals deserve our appreciation is critical that we continually seek innova- that you make a difference in the lives of and recognition for the important role they play in tive strategies to successfully overcome the others. I encourage you to take a moment treating the ill and injured. challenges presented before us in today’s and to reflect on how rewarding your nurs- Nurses work closely with physicians and other healthcare arena. ing career has been, and to share your pas- health professionals in providing continuity of care As the Director of the Magnet sion for nursing with others. to patients. We depend on their good work in direct Recognition Program at The Western Looking into the future for building a patient care. Patients see nurses much more fre- Pennsylvania Hospital, Pittsburgh’s first healthier America, nurses must continue to quently than they see their attending physician, and BY DOUGLAS F. Magnet Hospital since 2006, I am eager to delineate and articulate the exceptional ele- physicians count on nurses’ close attention to a CLOUGH, M.D. talk to students, nurses, other healthcare ments of nursing. The art and science of patient’s status to help us provide the right care at professionals and the community about nursing - the compassion and knowledge - the right time. how the Magnet program gives nurses a will enable us to achieve this task. As physicians, nurses are our link to our patients and the care they receive. vehicle to assist with shaping changes and Underpinned by research and evidence- Without nurses, the high level of care patients expect from hospitals and physi- overcoming some of the challenges we as based practice, the science of discovery will cians just could not happen. We would not be able to do our jobs without the nurses face. We must continually raise the increase our nursing knowledge. Nurturing support of nurses. bar and remain dedicated to the continued the art with the science that promotes the Nurses keep hospitals and physician offices running and working correctly, enhancement of nursing professional prac- ability of nurses to think and act while from the highest levels of administration to hands-on direct patient care. Many tice. This is how excellent nurses assure remaining compassionate will continue to nurses have entered other areas, including administration, education and quality outcomes for our patients. This is add credibility to nursing practice in years research, making nurses an integral element in all facets of the health care field. how excellent nurses will contribute to to come. Nurses are vital to our community. Many nurses volunteer their time to pro- building a healthier America for our As a nurse, become involved in the mul- viding health care to the less fortunate. Others provide care to patients who are patients and the community. tiple opportunities for community service. homebound. And many nurses serve their communities in countless other vol- You may not even realize it but nurses Take part in building a healthier America untary settings, often drawing upon their clinical skills and knowledge. contribute everyday to a healthier America. today. With gratitude, the Allegheny County Medical Society recognizes the care and Nursing allows individuals to find their If you know a nurse…employ a nurse … support nurses provide to patients and the medical community everyday. We strengths and their passion. Whether it is or are a nurse, celebrate and recognize encourage everyone to take some time out of your schedule this month, and high-tech in the critical care or trauma cen- them. Take pride in what you accomplish every month, to show the nurses in your life how much you appreciate every- ter or high-touch in the pediatric unit or as nurses, and take the chance to inspire thing they do. newborn nursery, nurses make a difference. others to choose this challenging and grati- Nurses have the unique opportunity to fying profession. Dr. Douglas F. Clough, Allegheny County Medical Society President, can be reached “direct” the healing experience. On one at (412) 321-5030 or [email protected] or visit www.acms.org. hand they are the bridges between Jacqueline Collavo is Director of the Magnet humanity and medical machines. On the Recognition Program at The Western other hand, a nurse may just sit quietly at Pennsylvania Hospital. She may be reached at a bedside. Sometimes saying nothing says (412) 578-5205 or [email protected].

Hospital News wpahospitalnews.com May 2009 29 ★★ ••• Nurse Education ••• ★★ Resource Shortage May be Adding to Nursing Shortage

ith the recent down- a dangerous national short- school and raising three children, turn in the econo- age of nurses within the next it can be difficult, and it’s a sacri- Wmy, many financial few years. fice for the entire family,” says aid opportunities across the One bright spot is the out- 34-year-old Letzo. “I am honored country have been decreasing, reach we’ve witnessed in an to receive this scholarship, which and students in our region are effort to assist nursing stu- will certainly help me do what not exempt. dents facing financial obsta- I’ve always wanted to do— At the Conemaugh School cles. For example, the become a nurse.” of Nursing, it’s becoming more Conemaugh School of We also look to Conemaugh’s and more of a challenge for Nursing Alumni Association fundraising arm, the Conemaugh our students to receive grants, recently established a $1,000 Health Foundation, for support. scholarships and loans due to Future of Nursing In FY2009, the Conemaugh the weakened economy, and BY LOUISE PUGLIESE Scholarship, using funds Health Foundation (CHF) will I’m willing to bet, it’s a trend from membership dues and provide the Conemaugh School that many area schools are fundraisers, for students of Nursing over $21,000 in Nancy Kozuch, R.N., President, Conemaugh Nursing based on faculty recommendations, grade scholarships. While that is a con- noticing. At one time there were hundreds Alumni Association (center), presents certificates for of lenders students could turn to for finan- point average, an essay explaining why he siderable amount, it’s down near- Future of Nursing Scholarship to freshman students, cial aid, but now there just aren’t many or she chose nursing as their profession and ly $3,000 from 2008. “We strive lenders willing to take the risk, and many of financial need. to contribute as much as we Bernard Seth and Carmen Letzo during a recent Alumni our nursing students are older, non-tradi- “We named this the Future of Nursing can,” says Susan Mann, Dinner. tional students, so they depend on these Scholarship, because these students truly President, CHF. “But in this diffi- But even with all of these obstacles, the resources. are the future of this profession,” says cult economic time, the Foundation is glass remains half-full. Many students This is even more troubling, seeing that Nancy Kozuch, R.N., President of the being asked to support more initiatives, searching for a secure career in these tough nursing is an area in which growth is need- Conemaugh School of Nursing Alumni that’s why donations are so critical.” economic times may find that the signifi- ed. According to the Pennsylvania Association and also an Intake/Discharge In addition to Foundation scholarships, cant investment of time and money is well Department of Education, the state will be Planning nurse at Memorial. “As alumni, we’re also anticipating that the scholarship worth the prospect of attaining a rewarding, facing a shortage of 16,000 registered nurs- we realize that these students may one day funds we receive from the Pennsylvania high-paying and stable career, at a time es by 2010, and nationally, The Bureau of be our caregivers, and we want to make Higher Education Foundation (PHEF) to when these kinds of jobs are becoming Labor Statistics estimates that jobs for regis- sure that we keep nursing alive by provid- be significantly reduced over the next few increasingly hard to come by. tered nurses will grow by 23 percent, or ing them with opportunities for funding.” years. This, compounded by the stringent 587,000 positions, through 2016. Conemaugh School of Nursing students, requirements that most of the private Louise Pugliese, Director, Conemaugh School If the economy doesn’t improve and stu- Carmen Letzo and Bernie Seth, were the lenders now require, can amount to diffi- of Nursing, can be reached at dents continue to find it difficult to secure first two recipients of the scholarship, each culties for students trying to acquire the [email protected] or funding, we could begin to feel the effects of receiving $500. “When you’re going back to funds needed for educational expenses. (814) 534-9000. A Rx for RNs: PA Center for Health Careers a Valuable Asset for Quantifying, Addressing Nursing Shortage

rofound challenges lie diminished. 2016, between 32 and 39 percent of LPN throughout the education process. ahead for the delivery of Pennsylvania needs more positions in Pennsylvania could go Attracting bright young talent to nursing health care services in nurses now and in the unfilled. has also been a primary focus of the P future. Our situation is not unique; national Center’s annual statewide Health Careers Pennsylvania, particularly when it comes to the avail- According to projections studies reveal that almost every state faces Week. More than 600 school students ability of registered nurses. developed last year by the a nursing shortage. Here, the ratio of RNs attended last year’s kickoff event in How we respond to this Pennsylvania Department over age 35 to RNs under 35 has grown to Harrisburg, where Student Health Care highly visible challenge is of Labor & Industry’s 5 to1. Hero Award winners – students who make critical, not only for the Center for Workforce To respond to these needs, Governor early contact with health care careers via implications it has for mil- Information & Analysis, or Edward G. Rendell in 2004 created the volunteering or paid part-time work – were lions of people who need, and CWIA, the commonwealth Pennsylvania Center for Health Careers, a honored. Health Careers Week is Nov. 9- will need, the skill and quali- will face a shortage of public/private initiative led by a leadership 13, 2009. During the last year, the local ty of care nurses provide, but BY SANDI VITO between 22,200 to 38,000 council of employers, commonwealth workforce investment boards have engaged because nursing represents registered nurses, or RNs by agencies, industry associations, labor over 15,000 school students at the local the front lines of care giving. 2016. unions, professional associations and edu- level to introduce them to health profes- Without the expertise, hard work and ded- CWIA has projected an even greater per- cational institutions. The Center brings sions, with nursing always being the pri- ication of nurses, the quality of health care centage of workforce deficiency for these disparate entities together to develop mary occupation of interest. in Pennsylvania would be substantially licensed practical nurses, or LPNs. By specific proposals to address short- and Since the creation of the Pennsylvania long-term health care workforce shortages Center for Health Careers – which could be and related human resource issues. permanently established through legisla- The nursing shortage is the first issue the tion introduced in the state General Center chose to address, understanding Assembly this year – Pennsylvania’s short- FAMILY HOSPICE AND that the shortage is rooted in a combina- age of RNs for 2010 has eased from earlier tion of insufficient retention and recruit- projections. The number of graduates from PALLIATIVE CARE SALUTES ment; not enough new RNs are entering Pennsylvania nursing programs has ALL HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE the workforce to keep pace with the num- increased – from 3,464 in 2003 to an esti- ber leaving, as well as the number of new mated 7,232 in 2008. CARE NURSES WHO SHARE nurses needed because of an aging popula- This month’s Salute to Nurses is no per- THEIR COMPASSION, CARING tion. functory gesture. Our need and gratitude Upon conducting a detailed investiga- for nurses is as profound as their contribu- AND OPTIMISM EACH DAY tion, the Center revealed the supply of tion to a high quality of life and quality WITH PATIENTS AND FAMILIES. nurses has been limited by capacity con- health care for Pennsylvanians. There are straints on education institutions including few people in the commonwealth whose faculty capacity and clinical capacity. To lives have not been touched and made bet- address these challenges, the Leadership ter by a nurse. Council made specific recommendations to commonwealth agencies, including the Sandi Vito is Secretary, PA Department of formation of loaned faculty programs Labor & Industry. For more information on the between employers and nursing programs, activities of the Center for Health Careers, tuition forgiveness for masters prepared visit www.paworkforce.state.pa.us click on 1-800-513-2148 • www.familyhospice.com nurse educators, and the use of simulation “About PA’s Workforce System,” and choose technology to assist in skill development “PA Canter for Health Careers.” CARING FOR PATIENTS AND FAMILIES THROUGHOUT WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA

30 May 2009 wpahospitalnews.com Hospital News ★★ ••• Nurse Education ••• ★★ PENN STATE GREATER The Challenges of Nursing Education ALLEGHENY

ith most futurists differing greatly in learning cations of evolving patient care technolo- agreeing that the styles. To engage each stu- gies as they reach the marketplace. nursing shortage dent’s learning potential, fac- Nursing students also face challenges. W ulty may use several teaching One of the toughest is the time commit- will not disappear anytime soon, pre-licensure nursing techniques, such as lecture, ment required for a nursing education. In Health Care Programs: education programs have gar- discussion, role playing and addition to their college courses and nurs- nered much attention as the one of the newest - interac- ing theory/classroom time, nursing stu- RN-BS in best hope for getting more tive responses to questions dents spend many hours a week on their nurses to the patient’s bedside. using “clickers” - in a single clinical assignments, including researching Nursing Degree program The attention has reaped ben- class period. each patient’s diseases and treatments, pro- Case Management efits, with major corporate, The new “clicker” tech- viding patient care, and evaluating out- government, and other orga- nique, which involves stu- comes of care. Certificate BY NANCY E. COBB, nizations rallying to support dents using a handheld wire- Another challenge for nursing students is nursing schools and current MSN, RN, CNE less device to respond indi- building their skill base. Nursing care students and to increase vidually to an instructor’s requires highly manipulative skills, includ- State approved training applications to nursing schools. “yes/no” or multiple-choice questions, ing fine motor skills (such as inserting an Along with the attention and assistance, highlights another major challenge for IV needle) and gross motor skills (for for Nursing Home and however, have come challenges for the nursing faculty – maximizing the benefits example, chest compressions for CPR). Personal Care Home schools, the faculty and the students. of the latest in classroom, nursing skills lab, Students learn to poke and prod with skill The major challenge facing many nursing and clinical technology. and compassion in ways and in areas they administrators and staff. schools is hiring enough qualified and In nursing skills labs such as the never imagined! experienced nursing faculty, to maintain a Simulation, Teaching, and Academic Nursing students must learn more subtle safe student-to-faculty ratio for patient care. Research (STAR) Center located in the but equally vital skills such as the skill of Nursing school faculty must be masters’ West Penn School of Nursing, today’s critical thinking. Most clinical questions degree prepared, but many RNs who would nursing students practice clinical activi- can’t be answered by a simple fact. Instead, PENN STATE ties with lifelike mannequins that talk, nurses must critically think through facts, like to teach cannot make the time commit- GREATER ALLEGHENY ment or afford the cost of graduate school. breath, have vital signs, become pale - and patient data, and clinical impressions in the And many who do obtain graduate degrees can “die” if not “treated” correctly. light of their nursing knowledge and expe- 4000 University Drive and enter nursing education return to clin- Nursing faculty are challenged to design rience to determine how best to care for ical nursing for financial reasons - faculty realistic clinical scenarios to teach critical that patient in that situation. Learning crit- McKeesport, PA 15132 salaries are significantly lower than those thinking skills and appropriate clinical ical thinking is a challenge for many stu- 412-675-9051 for clinical nurses. actions in this virtual hospital. dents. www.ga.psu.edu/CE Those whose passion for teaching keeps Lastly, nursing faculty must stay abreast Nancy Cobb, President of the Pennsylvania them in the classroom also face challenges. of technologic advances in every clinical League for Nursing and Director of The One of the biggest is the age diversity of setting — hospitals, occupational health Western Pennsylvania Hospital School of today’s nursing students – from seventeen settings, clinics, and home care - so they Nursing, can be reached at to the fifties - a span of three generations can teach students the principles and appli- [email protected] or (412) 578-5530.

Hospital News wpahospitalnews.com May 2009 31 ★★ ••• Nurse Education ••• ★★ Continuing Education Programs for Registered Nurses in Pennsylvania

n June 29, 2006, to continue education to Pennsylvania. Nurse recruiters say even a short career hia- Governor Rendell keep pace with advances in Preceptors bridge the gap between theory tus can create a big obstacle to getting back signed into law Act 58 scientific knowledge, new and practice in nursing education. In addi- into the rapidly changing world of health- O technologies, and medical tion to clinical expertise, preceptors need to care. Nurses who have been out of the job of 2006 (SB 235), which requires 30 hours of Board discoveries. Pennsyl-vania use a variety of skills to prepare nursing stu- market for as little as one year may find approved mandatory continu- now joins the majority of dents at the bedside. Recognizing the themselves left out in the cold when look- ing education during each states requiring continuing importance of the preceptor role, the ing for a new job. Fast Track Back prepares two-year license period for education for nurses. University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing registered nurses for re-entry into hospital- individuals licensed as regis- The University of introduced an online course to train pre- based nursing practice through 30 hours of tered nurses in the Pittsburgh School of Nursing ceptors how to role model professional classroom and simulated learning and 75 Commonwealth of Pennsyl- provides a broad range of interactions on the care unit, demonstrate hours of hospital-based practice with an vania. onsite and online activities nursing actions, and provide timely and experienced registered nurse clinical coach. BY HELEN K. BURNS, tailored to nurses in clinical appropriate feedback. The online format To learn more about online and onsite edu- This bill recognizes that reg- PH.D., R.N., FAAN istered nurses continue to practice. To meet the new enables preceptors to take as many or few cational programs at the University of practice in an environment legislative requirements for modules as they wish, at any time and in Pittsburgh School of Nursing, call that is increasingly complex and technical. annual continuing education, we offer a any order. Training more preceptors will 412-624-3156, e-mail [email protected], Prior to Act 58, registered nurses were the variety of online and onsite educational increase the number of employable regis- or visit www.nursing.pitt.edu. only healthcare providers in PA without programs, including a preceptor training tered nurses in Pennsylvania and help requirements for mandatory continuing program that educates baccalaureate and/or address the nursing shortage. Dr. Helen K. Burns, associate dean for clini- education for license renewal. Faced with masters prepared nurses in clinical and More nurses are coming out of retirement cal education and associate professor in the an aging population of patients who are community agencies to work one on one because of the economy, but despite the Department of Health and Community sicker, and healthcare delivery systems that with nursing students, and Fast Track Back, current nursing shortage recent reports Systems at the University of Pittsburgh School continue to develop and evolve, it has a refresher course for registered nurses with indicate that lack of current experience may of Nursing, can be reached at (412) 624-6616 become increasingly important for nurses a current nursing license in the state of make it harder to re-enter the workforce. or [email protected]. Nursing Education is Top Priority in Profession How Advanced Degrees Help Nurses Gain the Career Edge

t’s nice to be needed. Moving up the ranks gram at the beginning of the third semester Certificate programs Nurses out there know that Of course, each nurse’s in our five-semester program. We often see nurses who are quite satis- that they’re in a popular, movement along the career In other words, they are saving the cost of fied with the degree they have earned, but I their first two semesters and joining the stable profession that affords ladder is dependent upon they want to earn special certificates to get many great opportunities. Are choice. What do you want to class as second-year students, all of whom a job in a specific department or industry. there challenges? Sure there achieve? Where do you want are working toward their associate’s degree. At La Roche, we found that many nurses are. But the benefits of being a to go? Do you want to remain So, every spring, we will welcome LPNs into wanted to become certified as school nurs- nurse still far outweigh the at the bedside or do you want the program with 12 nursing credits earned es or forensic nurses. We offer both certifi- drawbacks, and it looks like to be in a leadership role? toward their degree. It’s a win-win for every- cate programs that allow this specializa- the career will continue to be a Experience is one factor that one involved. These students will earn an tion that makes nurses more valuable and good choice for men and helps determine a nurse’s associate’s degree, making them eligible to marketable in specialized roles. career path. Level of educa- sit for the state board examination, moving Our Forensic Nurse Certificate has women well into the future. BY ROSEMARY For example, we have all tion plays a major role, too. them into a new nursing rank that allows become quite popular, especially with the MCCARTHY, PH.D. heard the consistent media At La Roche, our commit- them an expanded practice role. popularity of shows like “CSI” and its reports: The nursing shortage ment to nursing education is With the need for nurses so great, the related spin-offs. In fall 2009, we’ll offer is not going away. In fact, guided by our purpose in associate degree option provides qualified the course as a package, whereby nurses experts say the shortage is expected to con- helping each student reach his or her goals. nurses to help meet this current and future take Criminology 101 their first eight tinue well into the future, with the demand Recently, we’ve begun a special program to need. weeks, Foundations of Forensic Nursing for nurses rising 29 percent by the year encourage LPNs to advance to the roles of online for the second eight weeks, and a 2020. The supply of nurses, however, will registered nurse. We believe this group of Online education simultaneous 15-week course, Crime rise by less than half that amount. So there’s health care professionals has the potential Beyond the new LPN transition course, La Scene Processing, that runs the whole still a need to encourage qualified people to for rapid growth in their careers, and they’ll Roche focuses on other education programs semester. Earning this certificate in one join the nursing profession. Because, truly, gain the edge by furthering their education. that will assist nurses in advancing their role semester makes it quite attractive to nurs- once there, the sky is the limit for nurses What better group to tap into? They know as a professional. For instance, once a nurs- es, and it increases their chances of work- when it comes to career choices. what nursing is about and they have the ing student has earned the associate’s degree, ing in specific areas such as trauma or experience. Our new LPN-to-RN Transition he or she may decide to pursue a bachelor’s emergency, where it’s critical to be able to Course allows LPNs to enter our ASN pro- degree. With advances in technology, we are distinguish patient characteristics that now able to offer the RN-BSN program indicate criminal activity. online, with an option to continue through The School Nurse Certificate program is the MSN program. Our online courses offer well-established and continues to be pop- Anova nurses the freedom to plan their education ular with nurses who already have a BSN. to fit their lifestyle. This certificate requires two courses: H O S P I C E a n d PA L L I A T I V E C A R E S E R V I C E S , L L C If you get home from the 3 to 11 p.m. shift Foundations of Education and Field and need some time to wind down, jump Experience, and Child Health for the is Lighting The Way To Better Patient Care online and do your weekly course work. If School Nurse. you have a free day, make it your “home Certificate programs such as these at La Our services include but are not limited to: schooling” day. That’s what makes the pro- Roche are just two ways that nurses • Nursing – Pain and Symptom Management gram so great – you have the flexibility to expand their education and move into new • Social Services – Resources and Support learn when it works for you. Yet your facul- careers. • Nursing Aides – Assistance with ADL’s ty is just a phone call or e-mail away. There’s • Chaplains – Spiritual Care As an educator, my goal is to educate no limit to your education when you and prepare nursing professionals to Anova knows • Physician – Oversees Care become part of an online program. • Volunteers – Hospice Trained address the health care needs of our local Hospice & Once a nurse has achieved a bachelor’s and regional communities. I share that • Bereavement – 13 Month Program degree, career options again expand. And Palliative Care • Dietary Counseling goal with other nurse educators. Together, when it’s time, you may decide to earn your … get to know • Physical/Occupational/Speech Therapy we are preparing the next generation of Anova • Licensed Medicare Certified Agency master’s degree. At La Roche, our master’s nurses and helping them to develop their program provides two tracks of study: opportunities for personal and profession- Counties Covered: Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Nursing Administration or Nursing al growth. Greene, Washington, Westmoreland Education. Again, the programs are tailored to each student’s interest. And, again, the Dr. Rosemary McCarthy, associate professor ease of online learning that fits into a nurse’s and chair, Department of Nursing, La Roche We are located in Belle Vernon and will travel a College, can be reached at 50-mile radius. Call 1-877-ANOVA-32 or 724-929-3200 schedule makes earning this advanced degree obtainable for everyone. [email protected].

32 May 2009 wpahospitalnews.com Hospital News ★★ ••• Making a Difference ••• ★★

Mount Nittany Medical Center Building a Healthy America ith an uncertain needed to fill vacant posi- Patients Benefit from future for tions nationwide. These America’s health- numbers continue to rise W and it is estimated by 2020, Nurse Rounding Program care system, nurses every- where are doing their part to there will be a shortage of insure a positive reform for more than 1 million nurses. ount Nittany Medical Center’s nursing staff have begun a rounding pro- all Americans. From helpful This shortage is not due to gram in an effort to enhance patient safety and satisfaction. The rounds research to actively lobbying the lack of interested quali- lead to better care overall because the program builds more trust on the Capitol Hill, several fied candidates applying for M nursing school but to the between patients and caregivers as patients’ needs are anticipated. nursing associations, with a Rounding is occurring daily on the hour and throughout the night, but profound influence in our lack of funding for nursing nation’s capital have been schools, causing admissions patients aren’t awakened unless absolutely necessary. During the rounds, nurses BY GAYE FALLETTA, may check patient position, assist with bathroom use or ask if they are experi- actively helping lawmakers to decrease and the number R.N., M.S.N. encing any pain. Nurses also check for environmental concerns, such as the build a better America. of graduates to decrease. need for tissues or a pitcher of water. Before the nurses leave, they ask whether Nurses are now at the fore- The American Nurses the patient needs anything else and then tell the patient when to expect anoth- front in working with policy-makers and Association along with Senator Richard er round. other leaders to achieve a more effective Durban (D-IL) are working for schools A recent study conducted by Studer and efficient healthcare system. and students by supporting the NEED Group shows that using hourly round- One association is ensuring that unin- Act. ing improves patient safety. Performing sured American’s will receive the health- The Nurse Education, Expansion, and hourly rounding has cut patient fall care they deserve. A new study from the Development, or NEED, Act would pro- rates in half, based on results from the National Nurses Organizing Committee vide nursing schools with grants to hire Studer Group study. Due to rounding, was presented to key congressional mem- and retain new faculty, purchase educa- nurses can intervene before a fall occurs, bers that presented a plan to expand tional equipment, enhance clinical labo- since many patients fall trying to per- Medicare to everyone. This expansion ratories, and repair and expand infra- form duties that can otherwise be tend- would create 2.6 million new jobs and structure, some of the very problems that ed to by a caregiver. Using the rounding infuse $317 billion in new business and keep nursing schools from enrolling addi- system, patient safety is increased, com- public revenues and another $100 billion tional students. By getting this Act passed munication is better and there is also in wages into the U.S. economy. This we can teach and train a new generation freer flow of information from the study was a key part in reintroducing the of nurses and nurse educators and ensure patient. Rounding every one or two Medicare-for-all Bill. our healthcare system is staying ahead of hours provides the nursing staff with a One of the biggest challenges facing our growing needs. process to anticipate and meet the needs our health care system today is a shortage of patients in a proactive manner. of nurses. The American Hospital Gaye Falletta, VP of Nursing Services, Association in 2006 reported that approx- Ohio Valley General Hospital, can be imately 118,000 registered nurses were reached at (412) 777-6502.

Hospital News wpahospitalnews.com May 2009 33 ★★ ••• Making a Difference ••• ★★

THE REGION’S MONTHLY HEALTH CARE NEWSPAPER The Value of Nursing

27 Suncrest Drive he celebration of nursing during these difficult economic times. Delmont, PA 15626 begins on May 6, National They are investing in one of their Nurses Day, and continues most valuable assets—their nurses. Phone: (724) 468-8360 T In today’s economy, many of us are E-mail: through May 12, Florence Nightingale’s birthday. The Oncology questioning the value of what we pur- [email protected] Nursing Society (ONS) has chosen chase or how we spend our time. As “The Art of Cancer Care” to repre- an organization, ONS continually Website: sent our celebration. We believe this looks for ways to make membership www.hospitalnews.org compliments the American Nurses in the Society an exceptional value. Association’s theme of “Nurses: ONS works to have oncology nurses HARVEY D. KART Building a Healthy America.” ONS attribute the value of their profession- al development to ONS learning expe- Publisher knows that nurses are the front line in keeping patients safe, preventing BY BRENDA NEVIDJON, RN, MSN, FAAN, AND riences. As we work to offer quality educational experiences that are deliv- NANCY CARROLL complications, and even saving lives. PAULA RIEGER, RN, MSN, AOCN®, FAAN ered in a variety of formats and learn- Editor Oncology nurses do this through the art of their practice as much as the ing environments, ONS will continue to prepare the nursing workforce for the future. MARJORIE ANN WILSON science. We know from Gallup surveys that nurses are the most trusted professionals. National Nurses Week is the perfect time In honor of Oncology Nursing Month and National Nurses Director of Advertising for oncology nurses to educate their communities about the Week, we have encouraged our members to speak about the importance and value of nurses in the healthcare system. value of their nursing in the healthcare system. They can be JUDY GRAMM The contributions oncology nurses make to the care of influential educators of their employers, community, and elected Editorial Coordinator patients are invaluable. They are the healthcare professionals officials about the value of nursing. Many voices conveying the who spend the most time with patients and families. Our coun- same message cannot be ignored. ART/PRODUCTION try is facing a critical shortage of nurses, particularly oncology Remember that nurses serve as patient advocates and recog- JMC Graphics nurses. The intersection of an increasing number of retiring nize that patients are more than a set of symptoms that need to [email protected] nurses and an increase in the older population who are more be treated. Nurses take the time to listen and answer their 412-835-5796 likely to have a cancer diagnosis indicates an impending crisis in patients’ questions honestly and completely. Nurses spend the cancer care. Although recent news reveals that cancer will be the most time with patients, interpret complex information, and Contributing Writers world’s top killer by 2010, emerging trends in diagnosis and help them to navigate the maze of the healthcare system. They Lisa Bianco treatment mean that the majority of patients live at least five use their analytic and decision-making skills to monitor patients Daniel Casciato years beyond diagnosis and the number of cancer survivors— and intervene to prevent complications and save lives. Nurses Ron Cichowicz estimated at about 12 million in the United States alone—will are leaders who speak up and say what they’ve done and what Barbara Fallon continue to grow. This results in a long relationship with the can- needs to be done to help shape a safe, cost-effective, and high- John Fries cer care team, especially the oncology nurses who are specially quality healthcare system. They are a most important asset in any Nancy Kennedy trained in the care of this special patient population. healthcare organization. Ron Paglia ONS, a professional association with more than 37,000 mem- As we celebrate Oncology Nursing Month, join ONS in cele- Vanessa Orr bers, is dedicated to excellence in cancer nursing and quality brating the profession of oncology nursing and the value of what Lois Thomson cancer care. We know that investing in continuing education and these special nurses do every day. Hank Walshak being part of a community of colleagues helps oncology nurses be the best that they can be. We applaud employers who contin- Brenda Nevidjon is President, ONS, and Paula Rieger is Chief ue to support their nursing staff with membership in profession- Executive Officer, ONS. For more information, al associations or attendance at continuing-education activities call (412) 859-6100 or visit www.ons.org. SISTER PUBLICATIONS

Atlanta Hospital News Kristen & Josh Felix, Publishers [email protected] A Salute to Nurse Managers

Chicago Hospital News he past year has been one of opportunity to network with their peers in the region. Kristen & Josh Felix, Publishers uncertainty in many healthcare Southwestern Pennsylvania Organization for Nursing Leaders [email protected] organizations. Many of the (SWPONL) is one such avenue to explore. This professional T organization offers the nurse leader the ability to meet experts in acute care hospitals in Pennsylvania South Florida are struggling financially which has the area and discuss current challenges and successes in each Hospital News resulted in job insecurity and an other’s position. Having the ability to collaborate with others is Charles & Carol Felix, Publishers increase in stress for the nursing unit precious. The group is committed to advancing the practice of [email protected] manager. Nurse managers are pivotal the nursing administrator. In pursuing that goal, educational to the success of health care organiza- networking offerings are held throughout the year culminating tions. The role of the nurse manager with the annual conference which is being held on September is multi-dimensional. Currently, to be 10-11 at Nemacolin. The education committee presents evi- TO REACH US FOR successful, one must be able to be a dence-based leadership offerings devoted to the nurse manager, ADVERTISING OR EDITORIAL mentor, coach, financial guru, opera- BY SHELLY administrator and/or executive. The Policy and Legislation Call (724) 468-8360 or tional specialist, performance MCGONIGAL, MSN Committee keeps the membership aware of healthcare related e-mail [email protected] improvement consultant, human concerns that may affect the nursing profession. In this way, the nursing manager can keep in tune to proposed legislation that ______resource advocate and retention expert, just to name a few. Although it is recognized as an impor- may influence their unit, thus enabling the manager to be vision- REPRINTS tant position in acute care hospitals, the support for those indi- ary towards future concerns. For more information about Call (412) 835-5796 or e-mail viduals may be lacking. Tensions are high within nursing units. SWPONL, visit www.swponl.org. Nursing managers are an extraordinary group. They are dedi- [email protected] Often the nurse manager is balancing conflict throughout their ______day with varying degrees of assistance. cated to the profession and are advocates for quality and safe One attempt to rescue the nursing manager would be to devel- patient care. To their employees, they are often the mentor and SUBSCRIPTIONS op comprehensive educational programs that address current the coach that assists them to be successful. Many offer selfless One Year $30 issues in nursing administration. Many individuals enter the devotion to the patients, employees, physicians and administra- Two Years $45 management track with limited training. Clinical expertise may tors that they work with. Celebrating their successes and accom- plishments while recognizing their importance to organizations Three Years $60 prevail, however, the basic management skills need to be ______explored and emphasized. is a key element in saluting this valuable asset to the nursing pro- Often, managers feel frustrated and helpless in the turmoil of fession. A special thank you goes out to all nursing administra- All rights reserved. Reproduction changing healthcare environments. They are being pulled in so tors, managers and supervisors for their dedication to the nurs- in whole or part without written many directions that the ability to attend educational offerings to ing workforce. permission prohibited. enrich themselves may be unrealistic. Hospitals will need to be Copyright © 2009 Shelly McGonigal, Nursing Director of Quality, Allegheny General creative to retain and empower this precious commodity. Hospital, and Secretary/Treasurer, SWPONL, can be reached at One way to salute the nursing manager is by giving them the [email protected] or (412) 359-3929.

34 May 2009 wpahospitalnews.com Hospital News ★★ ••• Making a Difference ••• ★★ “Angels of Allegheny” Recognizing Departed Nurses Throughout Western Pennsylvania

urses dedicate their tives was to inspire other official name of this program. The goal was George’s cross. careers to saving lives, nurses across the country to to reach beyond Allegheny General “At some point during the ceremony, a relieving suffering and follow suit and honor their Hospital and expand the program through- lantern is lit in the nurse’s honor,” said N departed colleagues. LuJan out Allegheny County and across western Ferrero. “The nurse’s name and license conserving health. They work long hours in sometimes very was kind in telling me how a Pennsylvania. number are called out and he or she is stressful environments, think similar program could be • Pursued nonprofit, tax-exempt status asked to report to duty. When there is no quickly on their feet and offer replicated in western for contributions. response, the name and license number are comfort and support when Pennsylvania.” • Identified items that would be utilized called out twice more with the same needed. But all too often, The article affected Ferrero for a farewell ceremony (e.g., capes, white request. After the third call, the nurse’s many nurses don’t get proper deeply because of her person- uniforms, caps, pins, a lantern for loved license number is announced as being recognition for their many al experience with losing a ones and a flag). retired and the lantern flame is extin- sacrifices and contributions close friend and colleague in • Drafted content for informational mate- guished.” MARCIA FERRERO, when their own lives finally 2000. rial that would be disseminated to col- Once this ceremony has been completed, come to an end. RN, MS, BSN, NEA-BC “I have felt profoundly leagues and funeral homes in the area. the “Angels” drape their capes forward, As a tribute to these profes- guilty all these years because • Determined the sequence of the cere- covering their name tags, and walk silently sionals, Marcia Ferrero, B.S.N., M.S., my friend’s role as a nurse was never really mony and each pallbearer’s duties. away from the gravesite. Division Director of Nursing at Allegheny acknowledged,” said Ferrero. “Her priest Within a few weeks of the group’s initial To date, “Angels of Allegheny” has paid General Hospital, has founded “Angels of did not mention her nursing service and meeting, “Angels of Allegheny” was called tribute to six deceased colleagues. Allegheny.” Inspired by a similar program her employer never held any type of memo- to memorialize a fellow nurse who had just Ceremonies were held at a mausoleum, based in Tennessee, “Angels of Allegheny” rial service, but she was so deserving of it. died. “We felt a little nervous at first, but we funeral home, church and hospital auditori- aims to recognize “fallen nurses” for their We are nurses far beyond our work lives quickly learned the roles we would play in um. At the conclusion of each ceremony, accomplishments and commitment to the and the role of a nurse never leaves us. It is this ceremony,” Ferrero noted. “We cried “Angels of Allegheny” presented family profession of nursing. our life. Firefighters, police officers, soldiers and consoled each other, and we all felt members with three white roses to signify In the summer of 2007, Ferrero was read- and others provide a special service for fall- immense pride.” the beauty of the nursing profession and ing an issue of RN Journal and became en comrades. I asked myself, ‘Why don’t “Angels of Allegheny” follows a distinc- appreciation of collegiality. interested in an article titled “A Nurse’s nurses?’ I decided that I had to do some- tive ceremony with several symbolic refer- “The feedback from colleagues and fami- Final Farewell.” The article described a thing similar for our colleagues.” ences to nursing. Upon the family’s request, ly members has been extremely positive,” recognition program of the same name that Ferrero developed a plan for “Angels of six “Angels of Allegheny” volunteers don said Ferrero. “We received an outpouring of was started at Henry County Medical Allegheny” and extended an invitation for traditional white nursing uniforms and support for this program and we plan on Center in Paris, Tenn. Ferrero immediately volunteers to join in this effort. Before long, black capes reminiscent of Florence expanding it throughout the region. It is a called LuJan Meketi, RN, founder of the over 20 nurses contacted her and expressed Nightingale and serve as pallbearers at a beautiful way to honor those who have Final Farewell program, for more informa- an interest in participating in this program. funeral. During the ceremony, one of the given so much of their lives to help others.” tion about this initiative. During the group’s first meeting, an outline “Angels” addresses the congregation to If you are a nurse who would like to volun- “LuJan was very passionate in relating and goals were established for “Angels of share memories of the departed nurse, teer with “Angels of Allegheny,” contact Marcia her experiences with the Final Farewell Allegheny.” The group: recites several nursing prayers and explains Ferrero at (412) 359-8349 or program,” said Ferrero. “One of her objec- • Approved “Angels of Allegheny” as the the meaning of the flag they bear with St. [email protected].

VITAS is about life, some of the most important moments of life.

I’m not a nurse. But my wife’s failing heart and lungs turned me into one. Before we called VITAS, it felt like I was all by myself. I was overwhelmed ... I was a cop for 35 years—I’d never felt so helpless. Then, there was VITAS. The pain medication was delivered. The medical equipment came when they said it would. Never a check to write. Nurses, nurses aides, social workers, chaplains … even their doctor came to the house. When things got tough, VITAS was there around the clock. VITAS calls it Continuous Care. I call it a lifesaver, a friend.

For information, please call 412.799.2101 or toll-free 1.800.620.8482 www.VITAS.com

Hospital News wpahospitalnews.com May 2009 35 ★★ ••• Making a Difference ••• ★★ Nursing Profession Has Evolved, But Patients Still Come First

s a Registered Nurse the job’s top priority. This is a shortages among our ranks. We’ve learned documentation forms. who has been part of practice that has not changed to maintain our own staff here at Kane. It’s As for our future, I see nurses moving the Kane Center in and will not change as the called commitment, not only to the job and more into a role as “directors” who will A years pass. I am impressed by the residents, but also to each other on the have a significant role in planning and coor- McKeesport for approximately 45 years, I truly can appreciate and extremely grateful for staff. dinating care while working hand-in-hand the significance of National the nurses at Kane and their Technology has had a dramatic affect on with a more highly-developed aide staff that Nurses Week (May 6-12), commitment to the residents our profession. Computer and electronic will deliver much of the care. National Nursing Home Week and each other. I am quite systems have the potential to streamline the In closing, I am proud to have served in (May 10-16) and The Hospital certain this commitment and Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessment sys- the nursing profession for more than four News’ Annual Salute to Nurses care is duplicated through- tem developed by the federal government decades. I see our ranks meeting the chal- issue this month. out our ranks, whether we for long-term care. In the past, the neces- lenges of the future while embracing Ours is a field that has serve in Allegheny County or sary regulations often required nurses to advances in technology and care. We will BY JUSTINE COATES, evolved over the years to adapt somewhere else across the sacrifice some of the valuable “bedside do all of this while upholding the age-old to changes in health care, R.N. country. time” in order to process more detailed doc- philosophy of putting the patient’s needs advances in medicine and We continue to face chal- umentation. Upgraded computer systems first. treatment, and the use of modern technolo- lenges, especially when it comes to cyclical and programs should enable staff to imple- gy that many only could have dreamed of a shortages of nurses. It seems there are ment the documentation almost in-stanta- Justine Coates, Director of Nursing, Kane few decades ago. stretches when we have adequate numbers neously as they deliver the care. This facili- Center in McKeesport, can be reached at As nurses, first and foremost, we put the of nurses available for the work force. Then tates the procedure by eliminating the need (412) 675-8623 or patients and residents, and their needs, as there are the cycles when we must adapt to to sit down at the end of a shift to fill out [email protected].

COVER STORY: Nursing’s Future is Health Care’s Future

Continued from page 1 and clinical research to evaluate out- national health care workforce policy to their patients. Nurses are educated to be includes funding proposals (such as the comes. include nurse practitioners as part of a part of a coordinated health care team. recently introduced federal Nurse A growing consensus agrees that quali- team-based model of collaborative health The shortages of professional nurses in Education, Expansion, and Development ty of care and cost containment could care. Randomized controlled trials using hospitals, advanced practice nurses in Act), regional collaboration and partner- both be improved by a coordinated team outcome measures have demonstrated clinical practice, and nursing faculty in ship between education and service, and approach to health care, use of evidence- that advanced practice nurses have been educational settings are not separate prob- increased media coverage of the opportu- based strategies for health promotion/dis- shown to provide high-quality care com- lems. Nursing education is a continuum; nities and critical shortage in nursing. Of ease prevention, and implementation of parable to primary care physicians for the best advanced practice nurses come utmost importance is the partnership new technology such as the electronic patients with hypertension, diabetes mel- from excellent professional nurses, and between clinical service settings and nurs- medical record. The American College of litus, asthma and other health problems. we need nursing faculty from excellent ing education for the provision of clinical Physicians recently released a new policy Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) pro- advanced practice nurses in clinical prac- sites, preceptors, dedicated “best practice” monograph on the role of nurse practi- grams have been developed to teach expe- tice. The future of health care will depend units, continuing education programs, tioners in primary care which advocates a rienced nurse clinicians how to practice in upon how well we prepare the next gener- today’s evidence-based environment and ation of providers and how well we work how to evaluate outcomes to improve together to coordinate our care delivery patient care. system. Integrating Treat-ment in Primary Care, a demonstration project by the Pittsburgh Dr. Mary Cothran is an assistant professor Regional Health Initiative, aims to provide of nursing at Robert Morris University. She evidence that standardized, proven, can be reached at [email protected] or office-based interventions are therapeuti- (412) 397-5483. cally effective and cost-effective. This is precisely the kind of approach that we need as a region and as a nation to improve both the quality and the cost of our health care system. Nurses have an orientation to holistic care that is particular- ly well-suited to caring for patients in transition from home to office to hospital and back to home. Nurses are edu- cated to provide education, health promotion screening and counseling and therapeutic care to

36 May 2009 wpahospitalnews.com Hospital News ★★ ••• Making a Difference ••• ★★ The Journey to Magnet™ Through the Eyes of UPMC St. Margaret’s CNO: Developing a Culture of Excellence

e are honored that annual nurse satisfaction sur- outcomes, greater accountability for prac- • Consistent patient care delivery model UPMC St. Margar- vey. The PPC has worked tice, and higher staff satisfaction. —The Transformational Model for et has achieved with nursing leadership and • Accountable and autonomous nursing Professional Practice in Health Care W staff to develop a culture that practice — Our professional staff nurses Organizations provides a framework that Magnet™ designation. In December 2008, we complet- supports the 14 Forces of are leaders. Our participative management supports professional practice, patient ed a successful site visit by Magnetism. style fosters autonomy at the point of care. care, and the processes needed to adapt the Magnet Recognition Our Magnet program direc- • Teamwork with peer review — The patient-centered care delivery models to Program® and on February tor and I educated everyone peer review process is critical to the per- unique unit levels. 13, 2009 were notified of our from front line staff to the sonal and professional growth of our • High customer satisfaction for official designation. A true Board of Directors about our team. patients, staff, and physicians — Nurses Magnet environment pro- intent to use the Magnet • High marks on clinical and opera- are positioned to lead the process of vides leadership, voice, and Recognition Program as a tional scorecards — UPMC St. Margaret achieving high customer satisfaction. infrastructure to its nurses, BY SUSAN framework to create and sus- has been nationally recognized as a leader They understand that time is valuable, the enabling them to work at HOOLAHAN MSN, RN, tain a professional practice in programs such as Care Transitions and work environment is challenging, and their highest level of patient CNEA-BC model with quality patient smart rules within our electronic medical patient-centered care is important. care. Achieving Magnet sta- outcomes. This educational record. • Create national best practice — A tus means that we, as a health process is ongoing, for we • Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) and Magnet culture shares best practices and care team, live and breathe the 14 Forces of constantly provide updates and new infor- Research — Gap analysis identified the lessons learned. Magnetism every day. mation regarding the Magnet Recognition need for the integration of EBP and I wish that everyone could have experi- Our journey began five years ago. We Program to all levels of the organization. Research. UPMC St. Margaret created the enced the ‘positive airflow’ throughout were faced with challenges, such as over Our Magnet staff champions serve as Evidence-Based Research Council and the UPMC St. Margaret during our Magnet 100 RN vacancies, high turnover rates, and resources and educators to their depart- EBP Council. We have nine IRB-approved site visit. Our organization glowed with broken processes and patient care con- ments. nursing research studies, three IRB quality immense pride across all departments; the cerns. To address these issues, we turned to The roadmap to developing the struc- nursing studies, and two pending IRB sub- energy was contagious. The forces the Magnet Recognition Program because tures, processes, and outcomes necessary missions. embraced us and we embraced the forces. true Magnet environments have higher for a Magnet culture is described by the • Performance systems that support The never ending journey of Magnet is patient satisfaction, improved patient out- following Magnet building blocks: professional practice — Continuous learn- nurses being excited about nursing and comes, lower turnover rates, and increased • Strong visible leadership at all levels ing has been key to our journey. We devel- placing their patients at the center of levels of staff satisfaction. — Accessibility of leaders through “no- oped educational pathways including the everything they do. Our Professional Practice Council’s meeting days.” LPN to RN and the RN to BSN and/or (PPC) voice has played a significant role in • Active shared governance — MSN through partnerships with local uni- Susan Hoolahan, Chief Nursing improving patient care and our practice Empower front line staff to engage in deci- versities. BSN cohorts increased the num- Officer/Vice President Patient Care UPMC St environment by using the results of our sion making to achieve improved clinical ber of BSN prepared nurses to 40 percent Margaret, and 2008 Robert Wood Johnson in three years, with our goal being 55 per- Executive Nurse Fellow, can be reached at cent within the next two years. [email protected]. COVER STORY: In the Classroom and on the Floor, Nursing Shortage Must Be Addressed Continued from page 1 the role of the faculty member some- to a million by 2025. The only way to be times looks less stressful and more prepared for this great demand is to serene than the positions they occupy. produce more nurses, an unlikely Nothing could be further from the expectation given the faculty shortage. truth. In national studies that assess fac- Over the last 10 years the nursing short- ulty workload, the average faculty age has been front and center, with few member works 60-80 hours per week. in-depth assessments of the critical The big difference between the clinical need to infuse our schools of nursing world and the academic world seems to with an adequate number of well-pre- me to lie in timing. Each group is pared faculty. According to data pub- overextended, but the impact of that is lished by the National League for realized in different ways. For example, Nursing, we have just a little over the clinician’s work is more immediate 30,000 full time equivalent faculty in and he/she has the “luxury” of speedy nursing schools across the country. feedback. Knowledge of the outcome is These men and women provide instruc- immediate as well. Faculty, on the other tion in our 1,200-plus nursing pro- hand, must plan sometimes months in grams—and they are stretched thin. advance and then may not know the Of great importance to future plan- outcomes of their instructional or ning for the creation of a strong nursing research efforts for years! Feedback is workforce is a strong faculty to teach slow in coming and demands are con- them. Yet many issues are related to cre- stant for this group. ating that academic faculty work group. We must find ways to unite the pro- For one thing, faculties in schools of fessionals who work so hard to produce nursing earn, on the average $30,000 a quality care for patients through their year less than their clinical counter- direct care, through their leadership parts. The more senior the faculty mem- and support to direct care givers in the ber is, the greater the gap between the clinical setting, and through the profes- faculty and the clinician salary. While sional development of new nurses and many faculty are motivated by altruistic new advanced practice clinicians. We goals and a genuine commitment to a are all in it together and need to find career in higher education, that dedica- ways to support each other more effec- tion does not buy the groceries or tively. clothe their children. Dean Eileen Zungolo of the Duquesne Another issue relates to the overload University School of Nursing can be that most faculty experience. From the contacted at [email protected] or perspective of the busy the clinician, (412) 396-6554.

Hospital News wpahospitalnews.com May 2009 37 Nursing Accolades

La Roche College Nursing Students Compete in Nurse Challenge

Six La Roche College nursing students who recently competed in the Second Annual Student Nurse Challenge in Western Pennsylvania in late March on the Penn State-New Kensington campus took home third place honors in the competition. The students com- peted against 12 other nursing schools. Competing in the Challenge (l-r) was: Victoria Andromalos-Dale of Hampton; Jennifer Popich of Highland Park; Christian Condrick of Johnstown; Michelle Plan of McKeesport; Nikki Vrahas of Shaler; and Sarah Lilly of Grove City. Photo by Terri Liberto. Lee Ann Dobson, RN, MS, Receives Breast Care Nurse Certification

Lee Ann Dobson, RN, MS, has been credentialed as a Certified Breast Care Nurse (CBCN) by the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation, an affiliated organization of the Oncology Nursing Society. She is one of only two nurses from Lee Ann Dobson western Pennsylvania and the only nurse practicing in Washington County to hold this certification. Dobson is the clinical coordinator for Donald Keenan, M.D., Ph.D., a board-certified breast surgeon. Breast Care Center Nurse Navigator Earns Certification

Cindy Mastrian, RN, CBPN-C, breast care nurse navigator, recently earned Breast Patient Navigator Certification at the 9th Annual National Interdisciplinary Breast Center Conference. It is the initial national certification process and only 118 individuals nationwide received the certification of CBPN-C. Cindy Mastrian James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center’s Nominees for Excellence in Nursing Awards

The Veterans Health Administration Secretary’s Award for Excellence in Nursing are given each year to VA nursing staff who are nominated from each VA medical center across the Nation. This year, the James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center in Altoona, Pennsylvania, was pleased to nominate two exceptional nursing staff for this honor. Those nominees are Cheryl McIntosh, R.N., and Tammy Graffious, L.P.N. Cheryl McIntosh, is recognized in the category of Registered Nurse in a Staff Role. Cheryl is assigned to a busy community based outpatient clinic, located approximately 72 miles from the parent facility in Altoona. Cheryl’s support extends beyond the Cheryl McIntosh walls of the clinic, as she has helped many Veterans who have called the clinic in either a physical or emotional health care need. She is aware of the needs of the Veteran and uses the resources available within the community and VA to provide assistance. Cheryl always puts the needs of Veterans first. She works aggres- sively to resolve any Veteran’s issues that may arise, which con- tributes to the high level of Veteran satisfaction in that clinic. She is a valuable asset to the James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center and the community based outpatient clinic in DuBois. Tammy Graffious, is recognized in the category of Licensed Practical Nurse/Nursing Assistant. Tammy works in the VA med- Tammy Graffious ical center’s Specialty Clinics; specifically, in the Podiatry Clinic. Tammy has also assisted the VA team to establish a focused and productive wound care clin- ic and worked to prevent decubitus ulcers in our Community Living Center residents. Primarily due to her ability to quickly comprehend difficult tasks, and familiarity with the VA electronic health record, Tammy stands out as a unique individual with a positive atti- tude, who can accept responsibility to complete a project with little oversight or direction. She is, indeed, a valuable asset to the James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center.

38 May 2009 wpahospitalnews.com Hospital News Hospital News wpahospitalnews.com May 2009 39 UPMC NEWS President Obama Nominates UPMC’s UPMC and the Army Reserve Join in Tara O’Toole for Under Secretary for Employer Partnership Science & Technology, Department The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) and the U.S. Army Reserve have joined together in an effort designed to strengthen the community, support Army of Homeland Security Reserve Soldiers and their Families, and maintain a strong economy. This effort is part of the Army Reserve’s groundbreaking Employer Partnership Initiative (EPI). President Barack Obama announced his intent to From this public-private employment partnership, both organizations will be able to nominate Tara O’Toole, M.D., M.P.H., for Under recruit, train and employ talented Army Reserve Soldiers looking to serve both their Secretary for Science & Technology in the nation and their community. Department of Homeland Security. “I am pleased to have UPMC become a valued member of our Employer Partnership Dr. O’Toole is the founding director and CEO of Initiative one year after launching this ground-breaking enterprise,” said Lt. Gen. Jack UPMC’s Center for Biosecurity. Since the creation C. Stultz, Chief, Army Reserve. “Our alliance with UPMC is a natural since health care of the Center in 2003, Dr. O’Toole has been instru- is one of our core capabilities. I look forward to working closely with an industry leader mental in making UPMC and the University of like UPMC to develop our greatest shared asset, our people.” Pittsburgh an international leader in the critical Through EPI, the Army Reserve is partnering with business leaders such as UPMC to field of biosecurity and public health preparedness. develop staffing solutions to meet America’s industry demands, tackle the issue of work- “Bioterrorism is considered one of the greatest force preparedness, and reinvigorate America’s human talent to remain competitive in national security threats of the 21st century,” said the global economy. Jeffrey A. Romoff, president and chief executive “We are honored to be a part of this historic partnership,” said G. Nicholas Beckwith officer of UPMC. “In this regard, Tara’s expertise III, chairman of the board, UPMC. “The Army Reserve employs some of the most ded- makes her uniquely qualified to step into this icated and talented professionals in the country, and we are eager to utilize their unique important role at a time when the dual threats of knowledge and skills.” bioterrorism and pandemic disease are at the fore- EPI establishes a process whereby employers and the Army Reserve secure and share front, as we have seen in this past two weeks with Dr. Tara O’Toole the talents of trained professionals. Partner employers will benefit from the employment H1N1. I have worked closely with Tara for the last of men and women with Army values, experience and proven leadership skills. five years. There are few people who can match her intelligence, leadership skills and her understanding of how government works. With her wealth of experience, knowl- edge and energy, she will be an extraordinary addition to the Obama Administration.” Throughout her career, Dr. O’Toole has worked in leadership positions both in gov- ernment and the private sector. Prior to joining UPMC, Dr. O’Toole was one of the orig- inal members of the Johns Hopkins Center for Civilian Biodefense Strategies and served as its director from 2001 to 2003. She has written and lectured extensively on biosecu- rity and nuclear security issues, nationally and internationally. She has served on numerous government and expert advisory committees. She served as the Chairman of the Board of the Federation of American Scientists. Dr. O’Toole is co-editor-in-chief of the journal Biosecurity and Bioterrorism: Biodefense Strategy, Practice and Science. 2010 is the Year to Consider the Roth Rollover

010 marks the first year conversion in 2010 can be that high net-worth spread out over the succeed- individuals, such as ing two-year period of 2011 2 and 2012. Conversions after physicians and executives at healthcare facilities, can take 2010 will be fully taxable in advantage of a major new tax the year the conversion is break. made. Buried in the Tax Increase An advantage of the Roth Prevention and Reconcil- IRA of particular interest to iation Act (TIPRA) passed by high net-worth individuals Congress in 2006 are new is that Roth IRA investors rules that for the first time are not subject to mandato- enable high net-worth indi- BY NADAV BAUM ry minimum distribution viduals to take advantage of requirements at age 70 ?. Roth Individual Retirement Accounts High net-worth individuals (IRA). Investments in a Roth IRA grow tax are more likely to be able to pay for retire- free, but until now those with adjusted ment expenses with funds from taxable gross incomes above $100,000 have been accounts or tax-free municipal bonds, and prohibited from opening Roth IRA can benefit from keeping the funds in the accounts. The new rules will allow indi- Roth IRA as long as possible, so they can viduals, regardless of their income levels, keep growing tax-free. to convert their traditional IRA and Another benefit of the Roth is in estate 401(k) accounts to Roth IRAs. As with planning. Roth IRAs provide an excellent any investment decision, there are poten- source of asset transfer since the account tial advantages and disadvantages of con- grows tax-free without any requirement to version. make distributions during your lifetime. Roth IRAs offer real advantages to indi- Roth IRAs are not considered income to viduals in the areas of tax, retirement and the decedent, and consequently the bene- estate planning. ficiaries will not pay income tax on their The tax advantages are many: Roths are distributions from a Roth IRA. funded with after-tax dollars and when Before making any planning decision holders take qualified distributions from regarding converting to a Roth IRA, one a Roth IRA, they don’t pay federal taxes should consult with a qualified tax advi- on the distributions received. Converting sor in conjunction with a financial plan- to a Roth IRA creates a tax-free vehicle ner. An appropriate recommendation can from which one can derive retirement only be made after professional consulta- income. Federal law permits investors to tion to determine if any of the strategies make the change by paying the taxes on made possible by TIPRA’s 2010 provisions assets converted from the traditional IRA are right you. to a Roth IRA. Depending on the individual circum- Nadav Baum, The Nadav Baum Group, stances, there could be distinct advantages Managing Director of Investments, BPU in planning for a Roth conversion in 2010. Investment Management, Inc., can be The taxable income that results from a reached at [email protected].

40 May 2009 wpahospitalnews.com Hospital News Technology at the Forefront of Assisting Residents at Lutheran SeniorLife Facilities

he landscape of how long term care providers are these exciting programs are done through the use of a creating opportunities for their residents and computer. patients live more independently is changing at a PositScience programs, designed to stimulate very spe- T cific chemical reactions in the brain, pushing the brain rapid pace. That’s evident in how progressive systems, such as into new territory, making information transmit more Lutheran SeniorLife, are approaching technological freely, that helps enable the brain’s ability to record and advances designed to improve the quality of life for retain information. health care professionals and those whom they serve. Dakim BrainFitness focuses more on consistent, long- In fact, Lutheran SeniorLife may be the only long-term term mental stimulation, which is essential to reducing care provider in western Pennsylvania with an employee the risk of memory loss and/or dementia. The system solely dedicated to exploring the many ways in which provides a very user-friendly, brain-building activity that technology can be utilized to improve every-day living is presented on a touch-screen computer in a colorful, for residents. visually stimulating TV game show-type format. Sharon Whalen, Lutheran SeniorLife’s technology asso- “This program has helped me quite a bit and it’s fun,” ciate, has been working with residents and staff system said St. John resident Lee Kummer. “It all seems like a wide, reviewing how technology can assist or enhance a game while you are going through it but then you realize specific need or improve quality of life issue. you are remembering more things and forgetting less.” “The difficult tasks of daily living become easier and safer Another innovative program added recently is through the use of technology and it also gives our resi- Dancetown, a revolutionary fitness system that combines dents new opportunities to learn and grow,” she said. technology with some good old fashioned “move to the “Technology is proving to be a perfect complement to our beat” music to increase senior vitality and wellness. mission of creating Abundant Life™ opportunities.” Participants step on to a colorful electronic floorboard One of the most recent technologies to be added to and tap their feet on squares of light that pulsate in tune Lutheran SeniorLife’s repertoire is AccuNurse, an unobtru- with music. sive headset worn by nurses and nurse aides to record “Dancetown is a perfect way for our residents to important medical information, update care plans and page enhance not only their body strength and cardiovascular fellow staff members more easily, safely and effectively. health but their cognitive skills as well,” said Kim “In the past, our nurses have spent as much as 70 per- Groves, coordinator of Passavant’s Fitness & Wellness cent of their time on paperwork, time that could have Center. “Research has shown that familiar music makes been spent at bedside with our patients,” said Tom seniors feel young again and helps put their bodies in Prickett, executive director of St. John Specialty Care Kim Groves (center) looks on as Passavant resident Janet motion.” Center in Mars. “With AccuNurse, much of the paper- Pfaff (left) and Betty Gee move to the beat of Dancetown. “I truly believe we have only scratched the surface work is totally eliminated. It allows our nurses to get when it comes to exploring all of the technology options back to the bedside, which results in more detailed care programs – Posit Science, being used at Passavant out there,” said David Fenoglietto, president & CEO of plans because more information can be observed and Retirement Community in Zelienople, and Dakim Lutheran SeniorLife. “Anything that could benefit our recorded.” BrainFitness, introduced at St. John Specialty Care staff and residents is a positive step forward.” Lutheran SeniorLife also recognizes that the brain is Center in Mars- were developed by some of the world’s one of the least exercised - yet most depended upon - leading researchers in the long-term care field and are For more information about Lutheran SeniorLife, visit muscles in the body, especially as we age. Two new brain the result of decades of neurological research. Both of www.lutheranseniorlife.org. What’s New... The Butler Health System Secures Funding for Expansion Project In the midst of one of the most challenging credit markets in U.S. history, the Butler Marketplace Health System is pleased to announce that it successfully closed on $126 million of tax exempt debt to fund the completion of its system expansion. For advertising information, The financing included $76 million in fixed rate bonds and $50 million in variable rate demand notes. call (724) 468-8360 or e-mail [email protected] The funds will be utilized primarily for a new inpatient tower at the health system’s main campus located on East Brady Street in Butler. The tower is part of an overall system modernization and expansion that includes the tower, an investment in information technology, and a broader array of outpatient Est. 1982-2006 M services. Ask about our CARING HANDS NO OVERTIME rate Years of planning the system expansion culminated with construction that began in on ALL HOLIDAYS early 2008. The Butler Hospital emergency department was expanded and opened in SENIOR HEALTH CARE May of last year and the new BHS Heart & Vascular Center was opened on the health • bath visits system’s East Campus in October. Groundbreaking and construction began on the new • personal care patient tower last June. To date, the steel infrastructure of the 7-story structure is more • sitters Initial Assessment Free! than halfway complete. • 24 hour companions 412-349-4633 The new inpatient tower will house a 24-bed critical care unit, a 10-room surgical • home making suite and 52 additional medical-surgical beds. Also in the facility are education and • hospital and nursing home care conference facilities and retail space. Scheduled to open mid 2010, the project is on • someone will always answer the telephone “hands that will make a difference when time and on budget. • available 24 hours 7 days a week it comes to in-home health care” Total cost of the entire system expansion is $152 million.

UPMC Formalizes Existing Relationship with Tricare

In an agreement formalizing UPMC’s existing practice of treating military personnel and their families throughout its system, UPMC signed a contract with Health Net Federal Services, LLC, adding hospitals and physicians that were not officially part of the Tricare Network of providers. Previously, UPMC Horizon, UPMC Mercy and Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC were Tricare Network providers. Although considered out-of-network, all other UPMC hospitals and physicians have always accepted and treated Tricare patients. The action to formalize UPMC’s existing practice of providing high quality medical care to active military, their families and retirees was taken following media stories last month that caused confusion within the military community regarding UPMC’s historical and ongoing acceptance of those covered by Tricare.

Hospital News wpahospitalnews.com May 2009 41 RESOURCE DIRECTORY

ST. BARNABAS HEALTH SYSTEM OAKLEAF PERSONAL CARE HOME CARING HANDS HOSPITALS RNs, LPNs, Home Care Companions “It’s great to be home!” Senior Health Care. Est. 1982. “Hands that will make a difference when St. Barnabas Health System is comprised of a 172-bed skilled nursing Nestled in a country setting in a residential area of Baldwin Borough, it comes to in-house health care.” Available 24 hours, Seven Days a facility in Gibsonia, a 47-bed skilled nursing facility and a 182-bed Oakleaf Personal Care Home provides quality, compassionate care to week. Phone answers 24 hours. Caring Hands services consist of bath assisted living facility in Valencia, an outpatient Medical Center and adults who need assistance with activities of daily living. As we strive visits, personal care, sitters, 24 hour companions, home making in your three retirement communities. RN and LPN positions available at the to enhance the quality of life of our residents, our staff constantly home, hospital or nursing home. Initial Assessment Free. Ask about our two nursing facilities. Home Care Companion positions are available assesses their strengths and needs as we help them strike that fine bal- no overtime rate on all holidays. Please call412-349-4633.. to assist our Retirement Village and community clients with daily liv- ance between dependence and independence. Oakleaf offers private ing and personal care needs. Earn great pay and benefits now. and shared rooms, all located on one floor. Our home includes a spa- Fantastic country setting, convenient drive from Pa. Turnpike, Rts. 8 cious, sky-lighted dining room, library, television lounges, sitting areas GATEWAY HOSPICE & 19, Interstates 79 & 279. and an activity room. Our fenced-in courtyard, which features a gaze- Gateway’s hospice services remains unique as a locally owned and Margaret Horton, Director of Human Resources bo, provides our residents with a quiet place to enjoy the outdoors, operated service emphasizing dignity and quality clinical care to meet Our services include but are not limited to: the needs of those with life limiting illness. Telemetry • Respiratory Therapy 5830 Meridian Road, socialize with family and friends, and participate in planned activities. Gibsonia, PA 15044 • 724-443-0700 ext. 5558 Upon admission, the warmth of our surroundings and the caring atti- Quality nursing and home health aide visits exceed most other agen- Wound Management • Nutritional Services tude of our staff combine to make Oakleaf a place residents quickly cies. Our commitment to increased communication and responsive- Surgical Services • Ventilator Weaning call “home”. Please call for additional information, stop by for a tour ness to those we serve is our priority. or visit us on our website. www.oakleafpersonalcarehome.com Medicare certified and benevolent care available. Gateway serves Daily Physician Visits • Pulmonary Rehab EXTENDED CARE patients in Allegheny and ALL surrounding counties. Care is provid- Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapies 3800 Oakleaf Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15227 & ASSISTED LIVING Phone (412) 881-8194, Fax (412) 884-8298 ed by partnering with facilities and hospitals in addition to wherever Subacute Rehabilitation Unit (at North Shore location) Equal Housing Opportunity the patient “calls home”. For more information call 1-877-878-2244. ASBURY HEIGHTS Kindred Hospital Pittsburgh For a century, Asbury Heights, operated by United Methodist Services PRESBYTERIAN SENIORCARE HEARTLAND 7777 Steubenville Pike Oakdale, PA 15071 for the Aging, has been providing high-quality compassionate care to A regional network of living and care options for older adults through- older adults in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Asbury Heights is a faith- At Heartland, we provide Home Care, Hospice or IV Care. We have a out southwestern Pennsylvania. Services and facilities include skilled special understanding of the health care challenges of our patients, as Kindred Hospital Pittsburgh - North Shore based, non-profit charitable organization, located in Mt. Lebanon. and intermediate nursing care, rehabilitation, personal care, specialty Through various accommodations, services and amenities, the needs of well as their families and loved ones may be experiencing. Through 1004 Arch Street Pittsburgh, PA 15212 Alzheimer’s care, adult day care, home healthcare, senior condomini- our passion for excellence, we are committed to enhancing their independent living residents can be met. For residents requiring more ums, low-income and supportive rental housing. For more information: care, the continuing care community also offers assisted living, nurs- quality of life through our compassionate and supportive care. Presbyterian SeniorCare - Oakmont Most of the care Heartland provides is covered under Medicare, Kindred Hospital at Heritage Valley ing and rehabilitative care and Alzheimer’s specialty care. The Health 1215 Hulton Road, Oakmont, PA 15139 and Wellness Center is headed by a board certified, fellowship trained Medicaid or many health care plans including HMOs, PPOs and 1000 Dutch Ridge Road Beaver, PA 15009 412-828-5600 private insurance. geriatrician. Residents may be treated by on-site specialists or retain Presbyterian SeniorCare - Washington their own physicians. Rehabilitative therapies are also available on- Our team can provide more information about Heartland’s services For referrals and admissions, call: 825 South Main Street, Washington, PA 15301 and philosophy of care at anytime. Please feel free to contact us site. A variety of payment options are available to fit individual finan- 724-222-4300 412-494-5500 ext. 4356 cial situations. The application process is very quick and easy and does 800-497-0575. www.kindredhealthcare.com not obligate the applicant in any way. For more information, please contact Joan Mitchell, for Independent Living; Suzanne Grogan for ST. BARNABAS HEALTH SYSTEM HOMEWATCH CAREGIVERS Nursing Admissions; or Lisa Powell for Assisted Living at 412-341- St. Barnabas Health System offers a continuum of care at its two cam- Homewatch CareGivers serve our clients with affordable and trusted 1030. Visit our website at www.asburyheights.org. puses in the North Hills. Skilled nursing care is offered at the 172-bed care providing families with peace of mind and freedom. Staff are CREDENTIALS VERIFICATION St. Barnabas Nursing Home in Richland Township, Allegheny County, selected based on experience, skill and dependability and are and the 47-bed Valencia Woods at St. Barnabas in Valencia, Butler provided orientation to the client and continuous training. BAPTIST HOMES SOCIETY County. The Arbors at St. Barnabas offers assisted living for up to 182 We provide free initial assessments, individualized care plans and in CAMBRON CREDENTIALS, INC. Baptist Homes has served older adults of all faiths on its Mt. Lebanon persons. All three facilities offer staff-run, on-site rehabilitative ser- home risk assessments. Our services are professionally supervised to A full service Credentials Verification Organization offering verification ser- campus since 1910. Our mission is to offer a full continuum of vices, extensive recreational opportunities, and beautiful, warm decor. meet quality assurance standards. vices, employee screening, ongoing monitoring, quality audits and customized enriched living, compassionate care, and benevolence to a broad spec- Home care is available at the St. Barnabas Communities, a group of Homewatch CareGivers go the extra mile to make a meaningful software. Caring for our clients since 2001. trum of individuals. Our continuum is accredited by the Continuing three independent-living facilities: The Village at St. Barnabas, The difference in the lives of our clients. Care Accreditation Commission (CCAC), and serves almost 300 adults 161 Western Avenue, Suite 201 Woodlands at St. Barnabas and The Washington Place at St. Barnabas. Penn Center West Two Suite 120 with skilled and intermediate nursing care, short-term rehab, St. Johnsbury, VT 05891 The Washington Place, a 23-unit apartment building, has hospitality Pittsburgh, PA Alzheimer’s care, assisted living/personal care and HUD independent hostesses on duty to offer residents support as needed. St. Barnabas 412-788-1233 or 412-999-2611 www.cambroncredentials.com living. In addition, our residents have access to a full range of rehabil- 802-473-7411 Health System, a non-denominational, faith-based organization, has a INTERIM HEALTHCARE itative therapies and hospice care. Baptist Homes is Medicare and 108-year tradition of providing quality care regardless of one's ability Trust, but Verify Medicaid certified. For more information visit our website at Interim HealthCare is a national comprehensive provider of health care to pay. For admissions information, call: personnel and service. Interim HealthCare has provided home nursing www.baptisthomes.org or arrange for a personal tour by calling Holly • St. Barnabas Nursing Home Schmidt or Kim Herceg, Admissions Coordinators, at (412) 572-8247. care to patients since 1966 and has grown to over 300 locations 5827 Meridian Road, Gibsonia, PA 15044, (724) 444-5587 throughout North America. Interim HealthCare of Pittsburgh began DIGITAL DOCUMENT SCANNING Baptist Homes is conveniently located at 489 Castle Shannon • Valencia Woods at St. Barnabas/The Arbors at St. Barnabas Boulevard, Pittsburgh PA 15234-1482. operations in 1972 to serve patient home health needs throughout 85 Charity Place, Valencia, PA 16059, (724) 625-4000 Ext. 258 southwestern Pennsylvania and northern West Virginia. IHC of • St. Barnabas Communities COMPUCOM INC. Pittsburgh has been a certified Medicare and Medicaid home health COMMUNITY LIFE 5850 Meridian Rd., Gibsonia, PA 15044, (724) 443-0700, Ext. 247 agency since 1982. IHC provides a broad range of home health ser- Organizing your files in the digital world need not be a challenge! Save Living Independently For Elders costly staff time and money with our Targeted Services approach to vices to meet the individual patient’s needs – from simple companion- Community LIFE is a non-profit program that offers all-inclusive care WESTMORELAND MANOR ship to specialty IV care – from a single home visit to 24 hour a day solving your document problems. Working within the guidelines you that goes beyond the traditional boundaries of elder care. It allows Westmoreland Manor with its 150 year tradition of compassionate establish, we develop the best program for converting and maintaining care. IHC has extensive experience in working with facility discharge seniors to remain in the community, maintain their independence, and care, provides skilled nursing and rehabilitation services under the planners and health insurance case manager to effect the safe and suc- your files. Our services include analysis, solution recommendation, allows them to enjoy their golden years at home. Community LIFE jurisdiction of the Westmoreland County Board of Commissioners. A scanning and retrieving to suite your needs. All performed profession- cessful discharge and maintenance of patients in their home. For more provides older adults with fully integrated and coordinated health and dynamic program of short term rehabilitation services strives to return information or patient referral, call 800-447-2030. ally and confidentially. Locally owned and operated, COMPUCOM Inc. social service, usually at no cost to qualified individuals. Participants the person to their home while an emphasis on restorative nursing has been serving document management clients since 1978 with pro- 1789 S. Braddock, Pittsburgh, PA 15218 in the program are transported to our day health center on an as-need- assures that each person attains their highest level of functioning while 3041 University Avenue, Morgantown, WV 26505 gressive technology that lets you concentrate on your business while ed basis, to receive healthcare and social services, meals, and partici- receiving long term nursing care. Westmoreland Manor is Medicare we keep you running efficiently. Call for a free, no cost consultation. pate in various activities. arid Medicaid certified and participates in most other private insurance COMPUCOM Inc. The LIFE Center is staffed by a geriatric physician, RN’s, physical and plans and HMO's. We also accept private pay. LIKEN HOME CARE, INC. (412) 562-0296 occupational therapists, dietician, social worker, and aides, and Eagle Tree Apartments are also offered on the Westmoreland Manor Established in 1974, is the city’s oldest and most reputable www.compucom-inc.com includes a medical suite for routine exams and minor treatments, some campus. These efficiency apartments offer independent living in a pro- provider of medical and non-medical care in private homes, emergency care, therapy areas, dining /activity space, personal care tective environment. hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities. Services area and adult day services. Community LIFE offers complete, coordi- Shelley Thompson, Director of Admissions include assistance with personal care and activities of daily liv- DRUG ADDICTION/ nated healthcare for the participant, including all medical care, full pre- 2480 S. Grande Blvd., Greensburg, PA 15601 • 724-830-4022 ing, medication management, escorts to appointments, ambula- scription drug coverage, rehab therapies, transportation and in home tion and exercise, meal preparation, and light housekeeping. ALCOHOLISM TREATMENT care. If you or someone you care about is having difficulty living in the Hourly or live-in services are available at the Companion, community, then call Community LIFE at 866-419-1693. HOME CARE / HOSPICE Nurse Aide, LPN and RN levels. Potential employees must meet stringent requirements; screening and testing process, cre- GATEWAY REHABILITATION CENTER dentials, references and backgrounds are checked to ensure Gateway Rehabilitation Center provides treatment for adults, youth, ANOVA HOSPICE & PALLIATIVE CARE GOLDEN LIVINGCENTER – MT. LEBANON qualifications, licensing, certification and experience. Criminal and families with alcohol and other drug related problems – within a Golden Living … providing complete senior care. SERVICES, LLC and child abuse background checks are done before hire. Liken network of inpatient and outpatient centers located in Pennsylvania At Golden LivingCenter — Mt. Lebanon, we believe that for seniors “Lighting the Way To Better Patient Care” employees are fully insured for general and professional liabil- and Ohio. Services offered include evaluations, detoxification, inpa- to live life to the fullest, they must receive the highest-quality services. Hospice care can be provided wherever the patient lives – In the com- ity and workers’ compensation. Serving Allegheny and sur- tient, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, outpatient counsel- Professional, 24-hour care is provided in a comfortable and inviting fort of their own home, assisted living, or long-term care residence, our rounding counties. Free Assessment of needs available. For ing, and male halfway houses. Gateway also offers comprehensive setting. Our residents participate in a variety of results-driven pro- team of professionals and volunteers will provide them with the full more information write to Private Duty Services, 400 Penn school-based prevention programs as well as employee assistance ser- grams that help them reach their healthcare goals, build confidence in Center Blvd., Suite 100, Pittsburgh, PA 15235, visit our website vices. Visit gatewayrehab.org or call 1-800-472-1177 for more infor- range of hospice services to which they are entitled. Anova Hospice their abilities, and maintain their independence. www.likenservices.com, e-mail [email protected] or call mation or to schedule an evaluation. provides all medications, medical equipment and supplies related to Golden LivingCenter — Mt. Lebanon the hospice diagnosis. For more information or a consultation, call 1- (412) 816-0113 – 7 days a week, 24 hours per day. 350 Old Gilkeson Road, Pittsburgh PA 15228 877-ANOVA-32. 412-257-4444 • Fax: 412-257-8226 1580 Broad Avenue Ext., Suite 2 VITAS INNOVATIVE HOSPICE CARE® EMPLOYMENT DIRECTORY Belle Vernon, PA 15012 OF GREATER PITTSBURGH INTERIM HEALTHCARE SERVICES KANE REGIONAL CENTERS Hospice of Greater Pittsburgh Comfort Care is now a part of VITAS Offers experienced nurses the opportuni- The Kane Regional Centers, located in Glen Hazel, McKeesport, Ross Innovative Hospice Care, the nation’s largest and one of the nation’s ty to practice their profession in a variety and Scott, provide 24-hour skilled nursing care, rehabilitation services, BAYADA NURSES oldest hospice providers. When medical treatments cannot cure a dis- of interesting assignments - from health specialty medical clinics and dedicated units for dementia care to the Bayada Nurses has been meeting the highest standards of clinical ease, VITAS’ interdisciplinary team of hospice professionals can do a facility staffing to home care and private residents of Allegheny County. Admission to the Kane Regional excellence in home health care for more than 30 years. Every client great deal to control pain, reduce anxiety and provide medical, spiritu- duty. Full- or part-time - the professional Centers is based on medical needs and can occur within 24 hours, in our care is supervised by an experienced RN and both clients and al and emotional comfort to patients and their families. We provide nursing alternative throughout southwest- including weekends and holidays. Kane accepts a number of insurance staff have access to 24-hour on-call support, seven days a week. care for adult and pediatric patients with a wide range of life-limiting ern Pennsylvania. plans well as private pay. To apply for admission to the Kane Regional With homemaking, personal care, and skilled nursing care that illnesses, including but not limited to cancer, heart disease, stroke, Krisha Konton Centers call (412) 422-6800. extends to the high-tech level, our Pittsburgh location provides quali- lung, liver and kidney disease, multiple sclerosis, ALS, Alzheimer’s Recruiter and AIDS. When someone becomes seriously ill, it can be difficult to 1789 S. Braddock ty in-home care to pediatric, adult and geriatric clients. The office is Pittsburgh, PA 15218 certified by Medicare and Medicaid and accepts a wide variety of know what type of care is best … or where to turn for help. VITAS can 800-447-2030 insurance programs and private pay. All staff are screened rigorously help. For Pittsburgh, call 412.799.2101 or 800.620.8482; for Butler, and fully insured. call 724.282.2624 or 866.284.2045. Contact information: PRESBYTERIAN SENIORCARE www.bayada.com As this region’s premiere provider of living and care options for older Pittsburgh Office adults, Presbyterian SeniorCare offers a wide variety of employment opportunities—all with competitive wages and comprehensive bene- Phone: (412) 473-0210 fits—at multiple locations throughout southwestern Pennsylvania. As Fax: (412) 473-0212 part of its philosophy of Human Resources, PSC strives to develop a 1789 S. Braddock Avenue, Suite 395 rewarding work environment that is rich in interdepartmental coopera- Pittsburgh, PA 15218 tion and that recognizes the value of each individual employee. Latrobe Office Human Resources Department, Phone: (724) 537-4686 1215 Hulton Road, Oakmont, PA 15139 Fax: (724) 537-4683 412-826-6123 or call our “Job Line” 412-826-6080 326 McKinley Avenue, Suite 201 Latrobe, PA 15650

Contact Margie Wilson to find our how your organization or business can be featured in the Hospital News Resource Directory. If your organization is looking for a way to get the word out to over 36,000 health care professionals every month, then our Resource Guide is right for you! Call (724) 468-8360 today!

42 May 2009 wpahospitalnews.com Hospital News RESOURCE DIRECTORY SS MEDICAL BILLING/CONSULTING REHABILITATION AA AA ANTHONY MEDICAL SERVICES THE CHILDREN’S INSTITUTE Automated Security Alert Inc. We are in the business of helping clients within the Pittsburgh area with The Hospital at The Children’s Institute, located in Squirrel Hill, pro- Medical Billing and A/R Recovery issues. Our claims processing is always vides inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation services for children and updated which enables us to get your claims paid twice as fast as compared young adults. Outpatient services are also provided through satellite to conventional billing. facilities in Green Tree, Irwin and Wexford. In addition, The Day Live Alone Without Being Alone Submission of claims is done daily with extensive follow up on unpaid ser- School at The Children’s Institute offers educational services to chil- vices. Monthly reports keep you informed of your cash flow. We customized dren, ages 2-21, who are challenged by autism, cerebral palsy or neu- our services and prices to fit your needs. Anthony Medical Services is here to rological impairment. Project STAR at The Children’s Institute, a Personal Emergency help! Visit www.anthonymedicalservices.com. social services component, coordinates adoptions, foster care and intensive family support for children with special needs. Response Systems For more information, please call 412-420-2400. PEDIATRIC SPECIALTY HOSPITAL The Children’s Institute 1405 Shady Avenue 24-HOUR MONITORING SERVICE Pittsburgh, PA 15217-1350 THE CHILDREN’S HOME OF PITTSBURGH www.amazingkids.org Over 20 Years of Serving Pennsylvania & LEMIEUX FAMILY CENTER 28-bed, licensed pediatric specialty hospital serving infants and children up to age 21. Helps infants, children and their families transition from a THE PT GROUPSM PHYSICAL THERAPY Local Professional Service referring hospital to the next step in their care; does not lengthen hospi- Since 1978 THE pt GROUP has provided early evaluations and con- No Long Term Contract tal stay. Teaches parents to provide complicated treatment regimens. tinuous progressive care under the same licensed therapist for ortho- Hospice care also provided. A state-of-the-art facility with the comforts pedic and neurological injuries and conditions. We are not owned or of home. Family living area for overnight stays: private bedrooms, controlled by doctors, hospitals, or insurance companies, but evaluate, kitchen and living/dining rooms, and Austin’s Playroom for siblings. and treat, and offer home exercise programs. We treat patients from MedReady Staff includes pediatricians, neonatologists, a variety of physician con- over 1000 physicians’ prescriptions covered by most of the work, auto sultants/specialists, and R.N./C.R.N.P staff with NICU and PICU experi- and managed care programs. Call 1-888-PT-FOR-YOU (1-888-783- We realize the importance of taking each dose of ence. Admits children from Western PA and tri-state area. 6796) or www.theptgroup.com. To refer call: Monday to Friday daytime: 412-617-2928. After- medication as prescribed. That’s why hours/weekends: 412-596-2568. For more information, contact: Kim OUTPATIENT CENTERS Automated Security Alert Systems offers MedReady. Reblock, RN, BSN, Director, Pediatric Specialty Hospital, The Apollo - 724-478-5651 Children's Home of Pittsburgh & Lemieux Family Center. 5324 Penn Blairsville -724-459-7222 Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15224. (412) 441-4884 x3042 Derry - 724-694-5737 Greensburg - 724-838-1008 • Timed-alarm system provides next dosage daily Greensburg Ortho & Sports - 724-216-9116 PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES Greensburg West -724-832-0827 • Operates by easy-to-use microchip technology Harrison City - 724-527-3999 • Costs less than similar devices ALLEGHENY COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT Irwin- 724-863-0139 Jeannette - 724-523-0441 The Allegheny County Health Department serves the 1.3 million resi- • Medication is under Latrobe - 724-532-0940 dents of Allegheny County and is dedicated to promoting individual Ligonier - 724-238-4406 and community wellness; preventing injury, illness, disability and pre- lock and key Lower Burrell/New Kensington- 724-335-4245 mature death; and protecting the public from the harmful effects of McKeesport/N. Versailles- 412-664-9008 biological, chemical and physical hazards within the environment. Monroeville - 412-373-9898 Services are available through the following programs: Air Quality; Moon Township - 412-262-3354 Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention; Chronic Disease Prevention; Mt. Pleasant - 724-547-6161 Environmental Toxins/Pollution Prevention; Food Safety; Murrysville - 724-325-1610 Housing/Community Environment; Infectious Disease Control; Injury New Alexandria - 724-668-7800 Prevention; Maternal and Child Health; Women, Infants and Children Penn Hills - 412-241-3002 (WIC) Nutrition; Plumbing; Public Drinking Water; Recycling; Pittsburgh Downtown- 412-281-5889 Sexually Transmitted Diseases/AIDS/HIV; Three Rivers Wet Weather Demonstration Project; Tobacco Free Allegheny; Traffic Safety; BALANCE THERAPY Automated Security Alert Tuberculosis; and Waste Management. Bruce W. Dixon, MD, Director Blairsville -724-459-7222 333 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 Derry - 724-694-5737 3500 Main Street, Munhall Phone 412-687-ACHD • Fax 412-578-8325 • www.achd.net Greensburg - 724-838-1008 www.asamate.com Harrison City- 724-527-3999 THE CENTER FOR ORGAN Irwin - 724-863-0139 800-338-7114 RECOVERY & EDUCATION Jeannette – 724-523-0441 Latrobe – 724-532-0940 The Center for Organ Recovery & Education (CORE) is a nonprofit Lower Burrell - 724-335-4245 organization designated by the federal government to provide individu- McKeesport – 412-664-9008 als an opportunity to donate life through organ, tissue and corneal dona- Monroeville – 412-373-9898 tion. CORE devotes a large portion of its resources to developing innov- Moon Township – 412-262-3354 ative educational programs and engineering research that will maximize Mt. Pleasant - 724-547-6161 the availability of organs, tissue and corneas. Lastly, CORE strives to New Alexandria - 724-668-7800 bring quality, dignity, integrity, respect and honesty to the donation Penn Hills – 412-241-3002 process for the families, hospitals and communities it serves. For more information, please contact CORE at 1-800-366-6777 or FUNCTIONAL CAPACITY www.core.org EVALUATION SCHEDULING Greensburg - 724-838-7111 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

STRATEGY AND MARKET DEVELOPMENT OF THE AMERICAN HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION In the new consumer-based healthcare environment, the marketing, communications, and strategic planning of hospitals and healthcare systems has never been more important. Professionals in these fields are often given high expectations from senior management and a shoe- string budget for implementation. Through membership in the Society for Healthcare Strategy and Market Development of the American Hospital Association, you will have access to the resources and edu- cation you need to increase the productivity of your department and your professional growth. For more information, call (312) 422-3888 or e-mail [email protected].

If your organization or business is looking for a way to reach more than 36,000 healthcare professionals every month AND enjoy the value-added benefit of a weblink on our website, then our Resource and Business Directory is right for you! Call Margie Wilson at (724) 468-8360 today!

CAREER OPPORTUNITY

Hospital News wpahospitalnews.com May 2009 43 DDAATEBOOK:TEBOOK:

June 3 June 22 Visual Management in Health Care Golf Invitational This half-day workshop, presented by the Pittsburgh Regional Health Initiative and the The John G. Rangos, Sr. School of Health Sciences (RSHS) will hold its 15th Annual Golf Hospital Council of Western Pennsylvania, will teach participants how to create a visual work- Invitational at Diamond Run Golf Club in Sewickley on Monday, June 22. All proceeds bene- place that clearly communicates expectations, goals and performance indicators. The work- fit RSHS student scholarships. For more information, call (412) 396-5551 or [email protected]. shop will be held at the Hospital Council of Western Pennsylvania’s Warrendale location. For more information or to register, contact Jane Montgomery at [email protected] or June 25-27 (724) 772-7264. Bipolar Disorder Conference Western Psychiatric Institute will sponsor the Eighth International Conference on Bipolar June 7 Disorder on June 25-27 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. For more information, 2009 Liver Life Walk e-mail [email protected] or call (412) 802-6917 or visit www.8thbipolar.org. The 2009 Liver Life Walk will take place at The Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium on Sunday, June 7. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. Walk begins at 9 a.m. Register online at www.liver- June 26 foundation.org/walk. For more information, contact Kara Hartner at (412) 434-7077 or khart- Happy Hour and Pirate Game [email protected]. Western PA HFMA and Emdeon business services are hosting Happy Hour and a Pirates baseball game on June 26 at 5:00 p.m. at McFadden’s. Registration required. Contact Debbie at June 8 (724) 457-2222 or [email protected] or visit our website www.wphfma.org. OVGH Golf Fundrive The Ohio Valley General Hospital (OVGH) Foundation will host its 24th annual Golf June 27 Fundrive on June 8 at Allegheny Country Club. Event proceeds will support the hospital’s Nurses Night at PNC Park acquisition of automated laboratory equipment. For more information or to register, call The Pittsburgh Pirates would like to welcome all regional nurses, medical assistants, aides, (412) 777-6359. and home care attendants to join us for Nurses Night on Saturday, June 27 at 7:05 vs. Kansas City Royals. All those participating are eligible to receive a special discount. For more infor- June 15 mation, call (412) 325-4964 or e-mail [email protected]. Passavant Hospital Foundation 22nd Annual Golf Benefit The Passavant Hospital Foundation 22nd Annual Pro-Am Invitational Golf Benefit will be July 13 held on Monday, June 15 at Wildwood Golf Club in Allison Park. All proceeds benefit UPMC Golf Outing Passavant. To register or sponsor, call (412) 367-6644. The sixth annual Concordia Lutheran Ministries Golf Outing is scheduled for Monday, July 13 at Pittsburgh National Golf Club (formerly Deer Run Golf Club) in Gibsonia. All proceeds June 19-20 from the event will benefit Concordia’s Good Samaritan Endowment Fund, which provides Bridging the Gap: Surgical Topics for the Primary Care Physician Concordia with additional funds to support residents with depleted resources. For more infor- Memorial Medical Center presents this symposium designed to provide a comprehensive mation, call (724) 352-1571 ext. 8266. review of important topics in the primary care of patients including peripheral vascular disease, anorectal disease, anticoagulation management, diabetes mellitus, morbid obesity and back July 13-16 pain. The event, which qualifies for 7 CEUs and 7 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits, will be held PPC University June 19-20 at Seven Springs Resort. Call (814) 534-1654 or [email protected]. The Perfecting Patient CareSM (PPC) University, developed by The Pittsburgh Regional Health Initiative, is a powerful, proven healthcare education and training program, based upon June 19-21 Lean concepts and principles of The Toyota Production System, which aims to eliminate errors, From Controversy to Consensus in Cardiovascular Care inefficiency and waste in complex systems through continuous improvement and standardiza- UPMC Center for Continuing Education in the Health Sciences presents From Controversy tion of work practices. Instructors teach PPC methods during an intensive four-day program. to Consensus in Cardiovascular Care: An Interactive Forum for General Practitioners and Attendees learn the basic values and principles of Lean and Toyota-based process improve- Cardiologists to be held June 19-21 at Nemacolin Woodlands, Farmington, PA. To register ment, participate in complex simulation activities, conduct real-life observations and develop online, visit http://ccehs.upmc.edu. For more information, contact Shauna Brown at (412) 647- skills that can immediately be implemented in their own workplaces. The University will be 9541 or [email protected]. held at the Marriot Courtyard, Monroeville. Mandatory registration can be completed online using the form available at www.prhi.org/ppc_reg_list.php. For more information, contact Barbara Jennion at [email protected] or (412) 586-6711.

July 13-16 ––––– Celebrating 21 Years of Service ––––– Summer Nursing Institute The Third Annual Summer Nursing Institute will take place from Monday, July 13, through Thursday, July 16 for students age 15 and older who are contemplating a nursing career, at both La Roche College and the UPMC Passavant campuses in McCandless Township. The cost of the program is $30 with enrollment limited to 14 students. Registration will remain open through Saturday, May 16. For additional information or to register, visit www.laroche.edu/sni.

ALL SERVICES ARE FREE July 18-20 We are a nonprofit organization dedicated 36th Refresher Course in Family Medicine UPMC Center for Continuing Education in the Health Sciences presents the 36th Refresher to helping people diagnosed with cancer, Course in Family Medicine: Managing the Challenges of Clinical Practice, July 18-20 their families and friends cope at the Marriott Pittsburgh City Center. For more information, visit with the emotional impact of cancer. https://ccehs.upmc.edu/formalCourses.jsp#2003 or call (412) 647-9541. July 24-29 Combined Skin Pathology Course Medical Education Resources presents the 23rd Combined Skin Pathology Course July 24- 29 at the Hyatt Regency International Airport Hotel. For more information, e-mail Tami Good at [email protected] or contact course director Dr. Alan Silverman at (412) 682-3083 or asilver- [email protected].

September 3 PBGH Annual Symposium Pittsburgh Business Group on Health will hold their Annual Symposium on Thursday, Services September 3 from 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. at the Pittsburgh Marriott City Center, One provided: Chatham Center. Continental breakfast and registration starting at 7:30 a.m. For more infor- mation, visit www.pbghpa.com. • Professional Counseling • Telephone Helpline • Support Groups in 15 Locations September 23-26 • Live Well with Cancer Programs and Newsletters NLN Education Summit 2009 • Resource Library The National League for Nursing will hold its 2009 Education Summit: Exploring Pathways • Age-Specific Groups for Children Who Have to Excellence in Clinical Education, September 23-26 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center A Family Member With Cancer • Bereavement Groups for Children & Philadelphia Marriott Downtown. Don’t miss the most important conference for nurse fac- • Dance, Wellness, Art Programs and more ulty and leaders in nursing education. For more information or to register, visit Our services are not duplicated and all are FREE www.nln.org/summit.

Community Support Groups: September 30 - October 2 • Armstrong • Bloomfield • Butler • Cranberry • Friendship Healthcare Facilities Symposium & Expo • Homewood • Jefferson • Johnstown • McKeesport • Monroeville The Healthcare Facilities Symposium & Expo will be held September 30 - October 2, 2009 • North Hills • Ohio Valley • Shadyside • South Hills • Murrysville at the Navy Pier, Chicago, IL. Now in its 22nd year, the Symposium is the original event that brings together the entire team who designs, plans, constructs and manages healthcare facili- 4117 Liberty Avenue • Pittsburgh, PA 15224 ties. HFSE focuses on how the physical space directly impacts the staff, patients & their fami- E-MAIL: [email protected] lies and the delivery of healthcare. Ideas, practices, products and solutions will be exchanged, WEB SITE: www.cancercaring.org explored and discovered at HFSE that improve current healthcare facilities and plan the facil- ities of tomorrow. Visit www.hcarefacilties.com for complete details and to register. We are a local charity – all funds raised stay here to help our neighbors in Western Pennsylvania.

44 May 2009 wpahospitalnews.com Hospital News In Stitches: Humor Stimulus Did you hear about the scientist who suggestions just to get you thinking. Use any you like, free of charge. (And when was the last time you heard that phrase in a healthcare facility?) thinks he’s found a way to turn alcohol into gas • Save time and money by combining liposuction and colonoscopies. and they’re calling him a genius? Big deal. You already have a long tube and an unconscious patient. Really, how My old man has been doing that for years hard could it be to put a sucking mechanism on the end (of the tube, not the patient.) Need a partner? Two words: Roto Rooter. and my mom calls him disgusting. • For those first-time visitors to the region being flown by helicopter to your facility, if they’re conscious and keep hang on for a few extra That original piece of humor was written by yours truly many years minutes, why not offer aerial tours of the city? ago. • Or what about installing tanning lights in the MRI, selling ads on If it made you laugh, smile, or even groan a little, it did its job—it surgical masks worn during the pandemic (“Eat a Joe’s—Just don’t order took your mind off of more serious matters, if only briefly. the pork this month”), or offering X-ray screenings at the airport for We live in an increasingly bizarre world. The guy running the busy patients needing a check up but with a plane to catch?

In Stitches: Internal Revenue Service cheats on his income taxes. We vote celebri- BY RON CICHOWICZ I hope these help. I also hope that, in the coming months, In Stitches ties off “Dancing with the Stars” each week, but we still haven’t will provide you with something to laugh about. Which is a good segue picked a Senator in Minnesota. Our two biggest worries are: 1) the to the photo accompanying this column. A special shout out to Kevin Cooke, of world will end (pollution, disease, nuclear weapons, asteroid—take your pick) … and Graule Studios in Rochester, PA., who obviously is more than a fine photographer. He’s 2) that we won’t save enough money to retire. a freaking miracle worker. (To see what Kevin can do when he has something to work Our society needs help and some say laughter is the best medicine. (Problem is, with, visit www.graule.com.) when you prescribe it, you can’t charge for it. Those greedy health insurance compa- That’s it for now. I’m prescribing at least two laughs a day … and I want to see you nies!) again next month. So America is left with a serious health issue – dangerously low amounts of humor Ron Cichowicz is an award-winning, Pittsburgh-based author and lecturer, whose presen- in our system. tation topics include the benefits of humor (for individuals and organizations), motivation Of course, we all know that the main problem is the economy. When the Dow is up, and leadership, and public relations and fund raising for nonprofits. blood pressures come down. So, in an effort to do my part, I offer the following few Ron can be reached via email at [email protected]. EXECUTIVE LIVING

PRICED FOR FAST HIP & CHIC LOFT-LIKE HOME THE STRIP LOFTS SALE - Unit 3D- Super sexy and ultra 2901 Smallman, Pittsburgh's Premier Loft Address bright loft with exposed 2 bedrooms + lofted office / 2.5 brick, high wood plank baths / 2 car garage. Amazing ceilings and steel South Side home gutted and beams throughout, rebuilt with style. Exposed brick, polished cement floors, exposed ductwork, and open floor glass garage door leading to private deck plan. Custom kitchen w/ 2 tone with city views, huge cabinets, stainless counters, and bedroom, and spa like higher end appliances is perfect for bathroom. Building has Private driveway leads to this impressive stone and stucco 6 Bedroom, entertaining. Sunken dining room 24 hour fitness center, 5 Bath home with breathtaking views of wooded 10.3 acreage. 2-story leads to bamboo fenced deck. Loft heated garage, and Great Room with beautiful stone fireplace, wall of windows and sky- storage. Live the loft lights. Formal Livingroom, Diningroom, Kitchen Suite with Breakfast has city view. Entire 3rd floor mas- Room. 23x53 Gameroom. 4-car integral and detached garages. ter with fireplace, spa like bath, and life! Asking 325K for this 1600+ flexible loft Dramatic!! $507,000 WIC. Lower level guest suite has private patio. Intercom system, zoned HVAC, outdoor space. Visit the Christean Dugan space, and plenty of storage. Go to www.pittsburghcityhomes.com for more photos. virtual tour at: http://tours5.vht.com/ Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services LEESA BELT-HAGLUND LEESA BELT-HAGLUND CBP/T50021230 or Office: 412-363-4000 Coldwell Banker, Shadyside go to www.pittsburghcity- Coldwell Banker, Shadyside homes.com for more Cell: 412-537-7993 412-363-4000 ext. 787 • Cell: 412.952.2458 412-363-4000 ext. 787 • Cell: 412.952.2458 details. [email protected]

HAMPTON HAMPTON PINE TOWNSHIP $1,050,000 $1,379,000 $638,000 MLS# 747130 MLS# 757133 MLS# 754937

The artistry of this gra- This distinct 7 bedroom, Must see this custom-built 3 bed- ciously styled 5 bedroom, 5 5 full and 2 half bath room, 3 full & 2half bath archi- full and 2 half bath design home captures traditional tectural treasure in the fabulous is unique, the space abun- and contemporary design Georgetowne Townhouse dant. This Villa of North elements in a perfect Community. Graced with classi- Park masterpiece features package. Features cally detailed, light-filled spaces, governor’s drive, grand include vast, open floor this ideal end unit features first foyer with marble flooring, plan, soaring ceilings, floor master suite, gourmet gran- columns and lofty ceiling, impressive master suite ite kitchen with stainless appliances, first floor laundry, gleaming hard- butler’s pantry, paneled study, two-story family room with marble fire- with sitting area and new cathedral bath, fantastic lower level with woods, elevator, newly finished gameroom and lower level powder place, 1st floor master suite, private bath for each bedroom, expansive media area, built-in bar and room for pool table, v-shaped pool and room, covered deck and much more! lower level, WOW!! much more!! .9 acre lot in the Villa of North Park! WOW!! Gloria Carroll/Patty Pellegrini Gloria Carroll 412-367-8000 x242 Gloria Carroll 412-367-8000 x242 412-367-8000 x242/232 For more information, tour or brochure… Call Today or Visit Our Website at www.gloriacarrollteam.com for a visual tour. Gloria Carroll : 412-367-8000 x242 • The Gloria Carroll Team - Ruth Benson: 412-367-8000 x589 • Patty Pellegrini: 412-367-8000 x232Gina Machado: 412-367-8000 x281 • Lora Zylstra: 412-367-8000 x257

MONROEVILLE SHADYSIDE SQUIRREL HILL 122 BLUE GRASS CIRCLE 716 SAINT JAMES STREET 5408 NORTHUMBERLAND STREET $199,500 $1,100,000 $399,000

Lexington Hills Townhome Community. Move-In JUST REDUCED ~ SHADYSIDE WEST PRIME LOCA- This Corner Lot Property has 5 Bedrooms, 3 Full Condition, featuring 3 Bedrooms, Master Suite, Hardwood TION! ~ 8 Bedrooms, Veranda off of the Living Room, Bathrooms, Hardwood Floors, A Few Built-ins, Breakfast Floors, Crown Moulding, Eat-In Kitchen, 1st Floor Powder Crown Moldings’, Exposed Hardwood Floors, Dining Area, and a 2 Car Attached Garage. Walk to CMU, Lisa Solomon Room, and a Deck. This Community is Only 5 Years Old Room with Beamed Ceiling, Leaded Glass Built-Ins plus Museum, Medical Cell: (412) 849-9983 or –EVERYTHING IS NEW! No More Landscaping or enjoy the HUGE Center, Schenley (412) 363-4000 Ext. 737 Shoveling Backyard in the [email protected] Snow. Call summer months Park Golf Course, Shops, Theater Me For More ~ A Short Walk to Jessica Allen Information or Walnut Street and Restaurants! Cell: (412) 337-4081 To Schedule and UPMC Call Us Today For [email protected] an Shadyside More Information Appointment! Hospital! or to Schedule an Appointment.

Hospital News wpahospitalnews.com May 2009 45 EXECUTIVE LIVING

Peters Township Peters Township Cecil Township $532,000 $549,000 $599,900 Impressive Open Still Time to Beautiful Sunlit Floor Plan! Customize! Vistas!

Enchanting classic home Timberland Homes A perfect floor plan situated in a prime cul-de- creates another with stunning interi- sac location. Landscaped winner in Reidmont or finishes. Enjoy lot with treed rear yard Manor! Still time to the convenience of a and babbling brook. Grand make your selec- finely appointed 1st two story Foyer with split tions of fine finish- floor Master Suite. staircase, formal Living es. Great neighbor- Loft overlooks the and Dining Rooms, and hood conveniently vaulted Great Room. Private Bedroom Suites provide personal space first floor Den. Rich located to all Peters Twp. has to offer. Dramatic roof lines, palladium for all. The Laundry Room is located on the 1st floor. The upgraded cherry Kitchen window, soaring 2 sty Foyer, Study, Great Room, gourmet center island beautiful landscaped grounds include a waterfall and spe- with oversized center island, granite and stainless. Family Room with Kitchen w/granite, great closets and 2nd floor Laundry. 3 car attached cial swim spa. Sit back and relax! ML#768376 walls of windows, Theatre Room and daylight Game Room. Bonus to Garage. Customize Now! ML#716952 buyer. ML#770468

Karen Marshall • Keller Williams • 412-831-3800 ext. 126 • [email protected] Karen Marshall

Chalfont Apartments & Sherwood Towers Graduate & Professional Housing • Fitness center 4742 Centre Ave. • On-site laundry facilities Pgh, PA 15213 • Indoor parking available • Washers & dryers in select units • Efficiency, 1, 2 & 3 bedroom apartments 230 N. Craig St. • Less than 1 mile from CMU, Pitt & UPMC Pgh, PA 15213 • Water, sewage & trash removal included in rent • Updated kitchens & bath vanities in select units www.chalfontapartments.com 412-683-8683 www.sherwoodtowers.com

Bryn Mawr Apartments “Our Location is Timeless” The Apartments At Reach • 1 bedroom apartments ALLEGHENY CENTER starting at $685 over • 2 bedroom apartments starting at $885 • Athletic center w/ lending 36,000 library • Laundry facilities on each floor healthcare • Indoor parking available • Swimming pool professionals • Social room for entertaining • Public transportation at EVERY month. entrance • Cats welcome in select units • Water, sewage & trash removal included Convenient, Comfortable and Affordable City Living! • 24 hour emergency • Beautiful Furnished & Unfurnished Apartments Available – we can Call accommodate your short term and long term housing needs. maintenance • Variety of Spacious Floor Plans – Studios, One and Two Bedrooms. 724-468-8360 • Visual entry intercom system • Indoor Garage Parking. • Located on Pittsburgh’s North Shore, just minutes from Downtown – for more convenient location to many area hospitals. 100 Bryn Mawr Court information on our Pittsburgh, PA 15521 Visit our Leasing Office Located At Ten Allegheny Center Pittsburgh, PA 15212 Executive Living 412-231-3400 Fax 412-231-0511 Located minutes from I-376, www.Alleghenycenter.com Section! Monroeville and the PA Turnpike! CALL FOR OUR CURRENT LEASING SPECIALS AND TO ARRANGE YOUR TOUR TODAY! MAKE ALLEGHENY CENTER YOUR NEW APARTMENT HOME. www.brynmawarapartments.com

46 May 2009 wpahospitalnews.com Hospital News Preferred NEW CONSTRUCTION www.PrudentialPreferredRealty.com

Windom Hill Place Rx for Suburbanitis* *sub-ur-ban-i-tis / su’bur-bu’nlt us / n: moderate to severe ennui caused by blasé fare: buffet lunching, lawn mowing, distance driving and channel surfing

Riverside Mews

Lose the lethargy and urban-up with luxury living on the South Side, where culture, shopping and fine dining await - just minutes by bike or hike. Riverside Mews and Windom Hill Place, Western PA’s first and only 2008 Best Green/Energy Efficient Housing, Under $500,000 ~ Riverside Mews Energy Star-certified developments, offer award-winning architecture, Built By breathtaking views, bright, clean interiors, and exceptional values. 2008 Best Green/Energy Efficient Housing, Over $500,000 ~ Windom Hill Place Don’t delay: Phase II is underway! Contact: Kat Barry, Karen Frank, Bob Dini 2008 Pittsburgh Magazine “Architectural Residence - New Construction” 412-833-7700

www.WindomHillPlace.info www.RiversideMews.info

The Links at Deer Run… a 40 acre condominium community for golfers & non-golfers alike! Carriage Home living • Maintenance-free lifestyle First floor master suites • 3 full baths • 2 car attached garage Clubhouse, heated pool, tennis court, and bocce court Minutes to Rt. 8, PA Turnpike and Rt. 28

Quad units starting at $259,900 Duplex units starting at $379,900

www.ForestOaksAtWextford.info Open: Saturday & Sunday 1-4pm Two Models to Preview Eight More to Choose From!

Only Months Left • New Townhomes starting at $189,900 Immediate Occupancy Available! to get 90 Day Completion on select units! your • Three bedrooms, 2-1/2 baths • Second floor laundry First Time Buyer Tax Credit • 2-car garage www.LinksAtDeerRun.com Call us today! • Elevators available in select units Don & Marge Kolessar • Community center and pool Site Office: 724-265-4200 Dana David or Patricia Wyman • $98 monthly maintenance fee North Hills Office: 412-367-8000 x245

Visit: 1116 Links Way, Gibsonia PA, 15044 Furnished Model Open Directions: Rt. 8 to Red Belt (East), 2.9 or by appointment miles to right on Monier Rd, right Links Visit: Rt. 19 in Wexford, go West onto Richard Rd. (behind McDonald's), right into Forest Oaks. Way at Pittsburgh National Golf Club.

Hospital News wpahospitalnews.com May 2009 47 Where Tradition and Innovation Come Together

For more than 100 years, UPMC McKeesport has been committed to providing compassionate care for our community. As a long-standing hometown hospital, we pride ourselves on combining tradition with the advanced technology and expert care you’ve come to expect from a world-class academic medical center. We offer state-of-the-art digital mammography to get a clearer picture, which can lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment, than traditional imaging. At UPMC McKeesport, we are so dedicated to excellence in patient care and safety that we have earned national recognition … along with the valued trust of our patients.

Digital Mammography Services • Surgical Services • Orthopaedic Services • Cardiology and Cardiac Rehab Services Rehabilitative Medicine • Imaging Services • Cancer Center • 24-Hour Physician-Staffed Emergency Department