AMH receives high marks during Joint Commission stroke survey

The AMH stroke team recently achieved a successful survey to remain accredited by The Joint Commission as an Advanced Primary Stroke Center.

The surveyor was complimentary of the organization and every staff member with whom she spoke. She encouraged Kyle Ogle, stroke coordinator, to share his discharge call process and form to The Joint Commission’s Leading Practices Library as an example of a best practice.

She told the team in the closing session that she always asks herself this question: “Would I feel safe bringing my family or other loved ones to this facility if they were having a stroke?” She answered that question with a “yes” for AMH.

AMH helping provide ‘Savvy Caregivers’ for dementia patients March 27

In an effort to provide more access to support for dementia caregivers, the AMH Center for Senior Renewal will offer “The Savvy Caregiver – Train the Trainer” from 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., March 27, on the third floor of the AMH Smith Wing.

Greg Kyrouac of Southern Illinois University School of Medicine will lead the program along with Senior Renewal staff. Seating is limited, so call Senior Renewal, 618-463-7895, to reserve a space.

Family caregivers occupy a critical place in the health care system for persons with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. The care they provide keeps the person in the community for as long as possible.

The Savvy Caregiver program guides caregivers by providing the knowledge, skills and necessary attitude that it takes to be able to do this difficult work. It also guides each caregiver in devising strategies to be successful at caregiving and to go through the experience with as much reward and as little distress as possible.

Monica Perkinson earns March employee honor

Monica Perkinson, housekeeping, is AMH’s March Employee of the Month.

She was nominated by Joni McCormick and Mary Eisler of education, who said, “We are nominating Monica because she consistently demonstrates service excellence and personal accountability. She cleans our area better than anyone ever has, and does this with a smile on her face. There have been times when she has gone through personal challenges but still comes to work and gives 125 percent.

“Monica is always looking for ways to improve the cleanliness of AMH. She frequently comes back around at the end of the day to spiff up third floor Smith and to see if we need anything. We’ve never had a housekeeper care about the place like she does. She takes personal responsibility and treats AMH like her own.”

Perry Hartwick, housekeeping manager, left, and Melissa LeMarr, housekeeping supervisor, right, honor Monica Perkinson as AMH’s March Employee of the Month. | Photo by Dave Whaley

AMH has ‘Awesome’ Employees

If you know of an employee, physician or volunteer who deserves recognition, let AMH know by completing an “Awesome” form. Forms are available in the hospital waiting areas and at nurses stations. A member of the leadership team will present your honoree with an “Awesome” badge sticker.

Completed forms may be dropped off at the information desk or sent to the development office. For more information, call Jeanne Truckey, 618-433-6047.

Recent Awesome cards went to:

• Kari Roberts, physical therapy
• Renee Sasser, MCU
• Indi Harp, MCU
• Doris Tolbert, EEG/EMG
• Jennifer Terry, ED
• Karen Medlock, financial services
• Medical imaging department
• Catrina Corethers, patient access
• Angela Cauthen, patient access
• Jaymee Golley, laboratory
• Kenlie Hensen, cashier
• Bonnie Allison, float pool
• Nicole Carter, IMU
• Jamie Winship, IMU
• Elisha Bechtold, IMU
• Heather Hamburg, IMU
• Julie Zippmann, IMU
• Mary Shaw, IMU
• Shyekia Womack, laboratory
• Peggy Moxey, food service

Chili cook-off raises Heart Walk funds at AMH

A chili cook-off March 5 benefiting the AMH Heart Walk team raised $367. Plant operations had the winning recipe with 61 votes. Another $128 was raised in a bake sale following the chili cook-off, plus $500 on the first day of selling Heart Walk T-shirts.

The Heart Walk team will also host a trivia night at 7 p.m., March 23. Contact Mary Mulrean, 618-463-7345 or mary.mulrean@bjc.org, to reserve a table ($15 per person). The team is also selling raffle tickets for an autographed Paul Goldschmidt jersey. Contact Dave Whaley, 618-433-7947 or david.whaley@bjc.org, to buy tickets.

Plant operations team members Eric Miner, second from right, and Kevin Estes, right, get ready to sample some chili, served up by case coordinators Susan Young, left, and Darla Wilfong, second from left, during a chili cook-off March 5 benefiting the AMH Heart Walk team. | Photo by Dave Whaley

‘Menopause Mania – The Prequel’ is at AMH March 27

Before menopause arrives, there’s a time in a woman’s life referred to as perimenopause.

AMH will host “Menopause Mania” at 6 p.m., March 27, in the AMH café meeting rooms. The free event will feature a presentation by Geoffrey Turner, MD, AMH chief of ob/gyn.

Menopause Mania will also feature refreshments and giveaways, plus coupons to shop at Miss Eunice’s Hat Box (the AMH gift shop). Valet service will be offered for visitors to this event at the valet entrance of the hospital’s Duncan Wing.

For more information or to register, call 800-392-0936.

Dr. Geoffrey Turner gives an entertaining, informative — and often humorous — presentation at last year’s “Menopause Mania” event at AMH. | Photo by Dave Whaley

Tiffany Rinne, RN, BSN, leads with compassion

Tiffany Rinne

Each year, a number of BJH departments and units adopt families for the holidays. Last year, 54 patient families were adopted by team members throughout the hospital. The family adopted by the mother/baby unit on 6800 included a mom and her two children. The items on their list were modest — clothes, sheets and other essentials. The family’s big wish was a bed for one of the kids.

“Our assistant nurse managers really led the team and rallied to get the items the family needed, but we were saddened to think we couldn’t get the bed,” says Meghan Westerheide, RN, BSN, clinical nurse manager. “As Christmas neared, Tiffany Rinne, RN, BSN, one of our assistant nurse managers, took the donations we received and went to buy the items. When she saw that the donations wouldn’t cover everything we wanted to give the family, Tiffany spent her own money.”

The unit was able to give the family everything on their list, as well as new coats and shoes for the children, new clothes for everyone, a gift card to Wal-Mart and a few toys.

But, according to Westerheide, Rinne had another trick up her sleeve. She and her husband had recently bought a new king-size bed. After a week, they realized the mattress wasn’t for them. They were going to exchange it and get a new mattress, when Rinne had the idea to give it to the family in need.

“The social work team contacted the mother, who, very excitedly, said they could fit it in her child’s room. To keep it a surprise, Tiffany coordinated with the family to get it picked up from her home and delivered in time for Christmas,” Westerheide says.

Westerheide recognizes the compassion and generosity of the entire team on 6800, but specifically Rinne. “For anyone who knows Tiffany, they know this is who she is — always smiling and looking for a way to help someone who needs it. She is a shining example of what it means to be ‘powered by kindness.’”

Shout out to good Samaritan Shelly Yates

Following the recent ice storm, Shelly Yates was on her way home after working a night shift and stopped to help a family whose car slid off the road and into a ditch. Yates helped the family get out of the ditch and to a safe spot.

The family brought flowers to the hospital and were very appreciative of her incredible act of kindness, especially after working her long shift at the hospital. Co-workers say Yates represents PWH well, both on and off the clock.

Shelly Yates, third from left, displays the flowers she received with, from left, Kelsey Boehm, student nurse tech; Stephanie Herndon, RN, 4N; and Amanda Reese, RN, 4N. | Courtesy photo

Scholarships available for employees pursuing RN or BSN

Through the generous donations of the BJSPH and PWH medical staff, both hospitals are offering two $2,500 scholarships for employees pursuing either their RN or their BSN. Here’s more about the scholarships:

• A $2,500 scholarship will be awarded to an RN at each hospital who is actively pursuing a bachelor of science in nursing.
• Also, a $2,500 scholarship will be awarded to an employee at each hospital who is actively pursuing a nursing education with the intention of pursuing a BSN now or in the immediate future.
• These scholarships will apply toward tuition and books only and are to be aligned with the BJC tuition reimbursement program.
• Download applications from the BJSPH-PWH intranet, under SCC resources. Applications must be received by noon on April 5. Scholarship recipients will be announced during Hospital Week/Nurses Week in May.

Donate gently used purses to the Auxiliary

The Auxiliary is asking for gently used purses, totes and jewelry to be donated for sales later this year. The items can be dropped off at the BJSPH and PWH gift shops or HealthWise at BJSPH MOB 1.

Applications accepted through March 30 for memorial scholarship

Ronni Ducommun

PCTs looking to become an RN or get their BSN are encouraged to apply for the Ronni Ducommun Memorial Scholarship.

Ducommun was a registered nurse on the BJSPH medical unit for more than 11 years, serving as a preceptor and mentor to many new nurses. She was known not only as an excellent nurse and great co-worker, but also as a dear friend to all. Ducommun and her mother were killed in an automobile accident in 2017.

The Ronni Jean Ducommun Scholarship was established in her memory to carry on her spirit of caring and to encourage others to achieve their dreams of becoming a nurse. It’s an annual $1,000 scholarship available to any BJSPH or PWH employee who’s a current patient care tech working toward a bachelor’s degree in nursing or an RN degree.

For more information, call Kristin Williams, 636-916-9796. The scholarship winner will be announced during Nurses Week in May.

Dillingham and Chapman score hockey tickets

PWH’s Kristin Dillingham, RN, 3 East, and BJSPH’s Stacey Chapman, RN, surgical services, each won a pair of tickets to the April 4 St. Louis Blues hockey game by participating in the 2019 BJC Help for Your Health prostate awareness campaign.

Kristin Dillingham

Support the 2019 Barnes-Jewish West County Heart Walk team

BJWCH will participate in the 2019 St. Louis Heart Walk sponsored by the American Heart Association. This event will take place May 18 at Busch Stadium.

BJWCH needs employees’ help to reach the fund-raising goal of $7,000. As of March 9, the BJWCH team had raised $1,875. The team also would love to have 85 walkers. Everyone who registers and donates $25 by April 16 will receive a Heart Walk T-shirt.

More fun ways to support the Heart Walk:

• Jeans Fridays — Buy tickets to wear jeans during the campaign at the cafeteria register, on Fridays, March 15-May 17. Tickets are $5 each, or five for $20.
• Parking spot raffle — Purchase raffle tickets for a reserved parking spot at the BJWCH MOB 1, 2, 3 or 969, dependent on where you work, for the month of April, May, June or July. The cost is $2 per ticket, or three tickets for $5.
• Hearts — Buy a heart to hang in the cafeteria and include your name or the name of a loved one.

Raffle tickets and hearts will be sold from 11:30 a.m.-12: 30 p.m., Mondays and Wednesdays, March 11-May 15,
in the cafeteria.

Ebony Street

Street shows the ICARE values

Community support specialist Ebony Street, BJC Behavioral Health-North, showed ICARE values at the BJC Behavioral Health-Central site when she took charge of an emotional situation in the same day access area.

Street helped comfort a co-worker’s client during a difficult intake, making a monumental difference in how the client viewed BJC Behavioral Health and BJC. Street says she “acted on what my heart told me,” helping the client be open to accepting services, trusting and willing to allow help toward recovery.

For this, Street was named service excellence winner at BJC Behavioral Health-North for August.

Erika Dintelman

Personally and professionally, Dintelman comes through

BJC Behavioral Health-South case manager Erika Dintelman demonstrated exceptional compassion and patience with a difficult family situation.

A co-worker says, “Erika is always willing to help and is a constant support for us. She has been giving the rest of the team ‘shout-outs’ when they’re going through difficult times and has been a great listener for me, both personally and professionally.”

Dintelman presents a professional and positive attitude, even when faced with stressful and challenging situations. For this, she was named service excellence winner for August for BJC Behavioral Health-South.

Tommy Doss

A smile and a positive attitude typify Doss’s care

Community support specialist Tommy Doss, BJC Behavioral Health-Southeast, has a positive outlook on treatment with all of his clients, being the voice of the client when necessary. Doss also accepts challenging cases with a smile and a positive attitude.

He is able to meet clients where they are and talk to them on that level. He has the ability to put clients at ease and re-engage them when others cannot. Doss has the respect of his team and his clients and strives to provide excellent care daily. The Southeast site named Doss the service excellence winner for August.

Meagan Losse

Losse keeps cool head in emergency

While waiting for EMTs to respond when a co-worker’s client became ill, case manager Meagan Losse, BJC Behavioral Health-Central, immediately took a leadership role in protecting and caring for the client.

While waiting, Losse remained focused on providing first aid for the client. Even before the nurses arrived, Losse was already helping by speaking to the patient and keeping the patient calm. As others arrived, they were able to follow Losse’s lead, helping to protect the client until emergency services arrived.

Losse provided leadership and a calming presence to everyone involved. For this, she was named the August service excellence winner for BJC Behavioral Health-Central.

Suzanne Sparks

Sparks makes time for clients and co-workers

Case manager Suzanne Sparks, BJC Behavioral Health-Southeast, is known to her co-workers as an intelligent, caring person who embodies ICARE values on a daily basis. She’s thorough as she meets new clients, reassuring them that they made the right decision to walk through the BJC Behavioral Health door.

Sparks is always positive and makes time for her co-workers, on or off the clock, even delivering a complete homemade meal on a Saturday to a co-worker.

Sparks is respected for her work ethic and is supportive of both clients and co-workers.

Her willingness to give her time and energy wherever needed made her the BJC Behavioral Health-Southeast June service excellence winner.

Corporate Health Services honors employees at year-end banquet

Jane Myers

BJC Corporate Health Services held its 2017 Employee Recognition Banquet in November. The event showcased the award-winning teams and individuals from CHS who have contributed to the overall success of the organization.

More than 100 colleagues, business partners and guests attended the event at the Clubhouse at the Norman K. Probstein Golf Course in Forest Park. Guests enjoyed a reception, dinner, photo booth and awards ceremony.

For the first time in CHS history, the Leadership Award was presented to two individuals. Jane Myers, business manager, and Sandy Swan, program manager, occupational health and ergonomics, were recognized for their outstanding contributions and commitment to CHS clients.

Sandy Swan

“CHS has a dual focus on internal and external clients,” said Patrick Venditti, CHS executive director. “Both Jane and Sandy manage high-performing teams that exceed their clients’ expectations and position CHS for continued success. They are dynamic leaders who take great pride in their teams and their work.”

Client recognition awards were presented to Shelley Penrod, transcriptionist; Wanda Hughes, patient access representative; and Andrea Tobiasz, nurse practitioner. These special awards recognize the individuals who were most frequently mentioned during client satisfaction telephone surveys. In addition, Joseph Klipsch, facilities coordinator, received special recognition for always going “above and beyond” to take care of his colleagues.

Three individuals received awards for living ICARE service values in 2017. They included Aaron Gutjahr, exercise physiologist; Kelly Bini, occupational therapist; and Connie Kopec, EHR analyst. “Demonstrating ICARE values is key to our success in every patient and client encounter,” said Diane Palmer, RN, director of clinical operations. “Our 2017 awardees are being recognized for their commitment to these values and practices.”

“The past year has been a memorable one for CHS,” said Venditti. “We’ve made significant strides in many areas, thanks to our dedicated team of professionals. The Employee Recognition Banquet is our special time to celebrate and recognize the individuals and teams that make CHS a great place to work and receive care.”

Revenue cycle management team celebrates Black History Month

BJC revenue cycle management leaders celebrated Black History Month in a unique way last month. At the RCM leadership retreat, groups chose a person or topic important to black history and gave a five-minute presentation. Topics included: Maya Angelou, Gracy Bumbry, George Washington Carver, Claudette Colvin, Dr. Charles Drew, the Harlem Renaissance period, inventions by African Americans, Henrietta Lacks, Mary Jackson, the role of rivers in the Underground Railroad and the Nash family. Team members said the presentations were eye-opening, informative and inspiring, with one employee noting, “Everyone walked away with a new or deepened appreciation for Black History Month.” | Photo by Tim Mudrovic

Trivia supports Wings pediatric program

Do you love trivia? If so, gather a group of friends or co-workers together for Magellan’s 16th annual trivia night benefiting the BJC Hospice pediatric program, Wings. Proceeds from the event will go toward grief and camp programs for children.

Trivia takes place Feb. 24 at the Machinist’s Hall off St. Charles Rock Road. Doors open at 6 p.m.; trivia begins at 7 p.m. Cost is $160 per table or $20 per ticket.

For more information, contact Patti Kasperski, pekasperski@magellanhealth.com or 314-387-5133.

For more information about the Wings program,
visit bjchospice.org/wings.

Erica Card

BJC Medical Group Gastroenterology at Alton welcomes new provider

Erica Card, FNP-C, has joined the BJC Medical Group gastroenterology practice in Alton, Illinois. She collaborates with board-certified gastroenterologists Ahmad Karadaghy, MD, and David Riedel, MD.

Card earned her master of science in nursing degree from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in 2017. She also earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing at SIUE in 2011.

“I believe a provider should be on a team with their patients and should work together as one to optimize their treatment,” Card says. “I also believe strongly in taking time to provide education, so patients have the knowledge to make informed decisions regarding their health.”

Card says she has a passion for GI care and procedures.

“Gastroenterology was my first career as a nurse and I really enjoyed getting to know my patients and their diseases,” she explains. “GI is great because nutrition is so important in many diseases of the GI tract. I love learning about nutrition and educating people on this topic, which is another reason I decided to continue with a specialty in GI.”

Erica Card, FNP-C, is a member of BJC Medical Group and is affiliated with Alton Memorial Hospital. BJC Medical Group Gastroenterology is at 4 Memorial Drive, Building B, Suite 230, Alton, Illinois, and can be reached at 618-462-3200.

Dr. Reshma Eugene

Dr. Reshma Eugene joins primary care team at Parkland

Reshma Eugene, MD, has joined the BJC Medical Group primary care team at Medical Arts Clinic on the Parkland Health Center campus. Dr. Eugene earned her medical degree from Ross University School of Medicine in 2015. She completed her family medicine residency and internship at Aultman Hospital in Ohio in 2018 and is board certified in family medicine.

“I chose the family medicine specialty because I enjoy developing relationships with my patients over time,” Dr. Eugene says. “Not only do family physicians provide holistic care, but they have a broad scope of practice, from infants to the elderly.”

As a primary care physician, Dr. Eugene provides services including comprehensive primary care for patients, women’s health counseling and contraception, including IUD and Nexplanon insertion, minor skin procedures and biopsies, as well as care for depression, anxiety and fibromyalgia.

“I believe that my practice is unique because I treat the whole patient and am able to care for their medical as well as mental health problems.”

A native of Ontario, Canada, Dr. Eugene says her love of hiking was a large factor in choosing to live and practice in Farmington.

Reshma Eugene, MD, is a member of BJC Medical Group at Medical Arts Clinic, 1103 W. Liberty, Suite 3030, Farmington, Missouri. The practice can be reached at 573-756-6751. For more information, visit bjcmedicalgroup.org/medical-arts-clinic.

N. Marieme Ndiaye

Boone Medical Group – South welcomes new primary care provider

N. Marieme Ndiaye, FNP-BC, has joined the Boone Medical Group – South primary care practice at Boone Hospital Center.

Ndiaye graduated from law school in 2000 and then discovered her passion for caring directly for people. She returned to school to receive her licensed practical nurse degree in 2003. She then completed her associate degree in nursing in 2010 and her bachelor’s degree in nursing in 2012. After practicing for six years as a registered nurse, Ndiaye earned a doctorate in nursing in 2018.

“I became a nurse because I love working directly with people and building relationships that will help me understand their health care needs,” Ndiaye says. “I believe we can work together to find solutions that work well for them.”

At Boone Medical Group – South, Ndiaye provides primary care directly to patients through the management of chronic medical illnesses, treatment of common illnesses and care for minor injuries.

“My patient care philosophy is to provide holistic patient care and be empathetic toward my patients,” she says.

N. Marieme Ndiaye, FNP-BC, is a member of Boone Medical Group – South, 900 W. Nifong, Suite 101, Columbia, Missouri, and can be reached at 573-499-9009. For more information, visit boonemedicalgroup.org.

Mindy Faraone

BJC Medical Group’s Premiere Infectious Diseases Consultants welcomes new provider

Mindy Faraone, FNP-C, a family nurse practitioner, has joined the BJC Medical Group infectious disease practice at Alton Memorial Hospital and Progress West Hospital. She collaborates with Rafael De la Cruz, MD, a board-certified infectious disease physician in Alton, Illinois, and O’Fallon, Missouri.

Faraone began her career as a licensed practical nurse 14 years ago. Since then, she has completed her associate and bachelor’s degrees in nursing and recently received her master’s in nursing from Maryville University.

“My desire, as a nurse practitioner, is to provide competent, compassionate and patient-centered care to individuals of all ages,” she says. “I believe in working professionally and collaboratively with all members of the health care team to accomplish individualized care.”

Mindy Faraone, FNP-C, is a member of BJC Medical Group and is affiliated with Alton Memorial Hospital and Progress West Hospital. The practice at AMH is at 4 Memorial Drive, Building B, Suite 230, Alton, Illinois. The practice at PWH is at 20 Progress Point Parkway, Suite 108, O’Fallon, Missouri. Both practice locations can be reached at 636-344-2014.

Dr. Samara Epps McElroy

Dr. Samara Epps McElroy joins BJC Medical Group in St. Charles County

Samara Epps McElroy, DO, a board-certified family medicine physician, has joined BJC Medical Group at Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hospital. She is accepting new patients and cares for patients of all ages, from infants to adults and geriatric patients.

Dr. Epps McElroy earned her medical degree from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2010. She completed her internship and residency in family medicine at Des Peres Hospital in 2013. Since completing her training, she has been practicing family medicine in Colorado.

Dr. Epps McElroy enjoys treating the whole person, focusing on education and prevention. “I enjoy caring for patients of all ages,” she says. “I focus on prevention because I want to help my patients lead healthy lives.”

Dr. Epps McElroy provides health services including annual wellness exams, skin biopsies, joint injections and laceration repair. She also provides care for chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma and allergies.

Samara Epps McElroy, DO, is a member of BJC Medical Group on staff at Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hospital. Her practice is at 201 BJC St. Peters Drive, Medical Office Building 3, Suite 200, and can be reached at 636-916-9615. For more information, visit bjcmedicalgroup.org.

Boone opens new lab draw location in Broadway Medical Plaza

When it comes to lab testing, BHC’s laboratory services team believes that comfort and convenience are equally as important as receiving timely and accurate results. Their high standards for customer service and clinical care led to the recent opening of their new lab draw location in Broadway Medical Plaza 2.

The convenient lab draw location makes it easy for patients visiting their physician’s office at Broadway Medical Plaza to have their labs drawn without driving somewhere else. The space is designed with patients’ comfort and dignity in mind, with private rooms for specialty testing.

“There’s a subgroup of tests that typically require patients to come into the hospital. These are often specialty tests or tests that must be processed very quickly after collection,” explains Drew Wilkinson, BJC laboratory services director.

The lab draw location was also designed to benefit physicians, both when referring patients and receiving results. Samples are drawn by BHC technicians and tested locally by BHC’s lab professionals.

“As we designed this new space, we were able to include a pneumatic tube system that allows us to literally send samples over Broadway,” Wilkinson says. By tube, the trip across the street takes three minutes — faster than most people could run — and allows physicians to potentially get their patients’ results before the patients have even left the building.

Patients can also have their labs drawn at BHC, which offers extended hours, including weekends, or at Nifong Medical Plaza in south Columbia. Future additional lab draw locations are being planned.

“Boone Hospital laboratory has a very highly skilled team working behind the scenes to deliver accurate, timely and high-quality lab results to our patients and providers,” Wilkinson says. “Opening this new location makes our services more convenient and accessible to our patients.”

Northwest Spring Fest is March 30

Northwest Spring Fest, a day full of education and fun, will take place from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., March 30,
at Northwest HealthCare.

Celebrate NWHC’s 15-year anniversary and its progress since its opening, including the addition of St. Louis Children’s Hospital in the emergency department.

Free activities include:

• educational booths
• ask the experts
• bubble bus
• tours of NWHC
• BJC HealthCare’s interactive experiences
• food trucks and more

Bicycle helmet checks will be provided free for children. The first 200 children to register for a helmet check will receive a free helmet. Children must be registered and present for the helmet check.

Registration is required to receive a free helmet and recommended for the event by calling 314-747-WELL (9355).

WeCare training classes coming soon

WeCare is a peer support program for health care staff traumatized from a work event. WeCare training is a two-hour class and is open to everyone hospital-wide on a voluntary basis. The training will be provided by the WeCare team.

The following classes will be held in CTD classroom 4:

• March 29, 9-11 a.m.
• April 9, 8-10 a.m.
• April 25, 3-5 p.m.
• May 8, 2-4 p.m.
• May 20, 8-10 a.m.
• June 18, 3-5 p.m.
• June 24, 9-11 a.m.

The training classes are posted in Saba under “CH – WeCare Training.” For more information, contact Lisa Randall, 314-653-5802 or lisa.randall@bjc.org.

CH auxiliary and volunteer services installs new board officers

The CH auxiliary and volunteer services (AVS) board of directors has installed new officers for 2019. They are Mary Trice, chair; Millie Hancock, vice chair; Martie Buck, treasurer; Sylvia Selvey, secretary; and Sheryl McClary, Auxiliary director.

The Christian Hospital Auxiliary was named best in the state for 2018 in the large-hospital category by the Missouri Hospital Association for its outstanding contributions to the hospital and community.

The CH AVS is one of the largest service organizations in the St. Louis metropolitan area, with more than 200 members. The AVS hosts numerous fund-raisers to support its primary function — raising funds for hospital equipment, expansion projects and special services to enhance patient care. The group also supports community programs that serve youth and those in need. At CH, the AVS operates the hospital gift shop.

If you’d like to join the CH AVS, membership is $10 a year and includes invitations to special events. For more information, call 314-653-5634.

The CH auxiliary and volunteer services (AVS) board of directors has installed new officers for 2019. They are, seated, from left, Sheryl McClary, Auxiliary director; Millie Hancock, vice chair; Mary Trice, chair; and Sylvia Selvey, secretary. Standing, from left, are auxiliary board members Linda Fritchey, Phyllis Selke, Johnnie Greenlaw, Lee Shields, Linda Rieves, Janet Rector, Sue Pilson, Valerie White and Necole Powell. Martie Buck, treasurer, is not pictured. | Photo by Bret Berigan

CH Explorers Medical Post goes behind the scenes of health careers

High school students participating in the CH Explorers Medical Post visited the EMS Academy Feb. 26, to learn about careers within emergency medicine, as well as training through the academy and CH emergency medical services (CHEMS).

The students also met Tucker, a support dog who’s on site Monday-Friday as a volunteer support member to the CHEMS crews that respond to high-stress incidents in north St. Louis County. EMS emotional support dogs have been shown to help decrease stress in first responders after they respond to high-stress incidents. Tucker is a U.S. Registered Support Animal, registered with USA Service Dog Registration and has completed Good Citizen K-9 Training.

The Explorers meet at CH from 6-7:30 p.m., every second Tuesday of the month, October-April, as an opportunity for high school students to explore a variety of areas within health care as potential career choices.

For more information, contact the CH volunteer office, 314-653-5032, or Julie Monken, 314-256-3052 or
julie.monken@scouting.org.

Standing are Katie Eisenbeis, CHEMS clinical supervisor and advanced practice paramedic, left, and Nick Miller, CHEMS operations supervisor and critical care paramedic, with Sheryl McClary, volunteer manager, seated at left with the Explorers. Tucker, center, is on site Monday-Friday as a volunteer support member to the CHEMS crews that respond to high-stress incidents in north St. Louis County. | Photo by Bret Berigan

CH CultureFest 2019 is March 27

CultureFest 2019 will be held from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., March 27, in the CH atrium and parking lot. CultureFest is a celebration of the many cultures of CH’s staff and patients, as well as St. Louis’ communities.

Community program booths, retail vendors and health initiatives that promote diversity, inclusion and equity will be present. The BJC Diversity & Inclusion banner that’s making its way across the organization in 2019 also will be at CultureFest. All team members are invited to participate in BJC’s commitment of continuing to make BJC an inclusive workplace by signing the banner.

The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis Mobile Health Van will provide blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose screenings. Four 23andMe DNA ancestry kits will be given away as door prizes, compliments of the CH Auxiliary. And food trucks at the event will include Andrew’s Bayou BBQ, Crooked Boot Soul Food, KBOP Korean, Sia’s Italian Ice, Twisted Tacos, and Wok and Roll. Cash or debit/credit cards only will be accepted.

Cindy Minor

Cindy Minor retires after 33 years

Cindy Minor retired March 7 after 33 years of service.

Minor worked for food and nutrition services for 33 years, starting at Alton Memorial Hospital in 1986 and then at CH beginning in 1996.

A retirement reception was held in her honor.

BJC Home Care Services holds annual awards banquet

The annual BJC Home Care Services awards banquet in December honored employees for their years of service, and annual awards were presented. Kelly Shepherd, RN, was named Employee of the Year; Angie Randall, patient care supervisor, was honored as Leader of the Year; and the Evelyn’s House staff was named Team of the Year

Employees also enjoyed a carnival-themed celebration, including dinner, drinks and dessert, at Orlando’s in south St. Louis County. The evening ended with a traditional toast, recognizing all of Home Care’s “wonderful, hard-working employees.”

The Evelyn’s House staff won the BJC Home Care Services Team of the Year award in December. | Photo by Jennifer Lang

Rev. Doug Nicely

Rev. Nicely shares a few thoughts upon his retirement

The Rev. Doug Nicely, chaplain, MHE pastoral care, worked at Memorial for 18 years. He started at MHB in October 2000 and began working at MHE when the hospital opened.

For his first 15 years, he was the chief chaplain at Memorial. During the past three years, he worked four days per week at MHE and alternate weekends at MHB. He also served as a supervisor for the Concordia Seminary program that introduces first-year seminarians to pastoral care at acute care hospitals.

He says his favorite times were doing rounds. “This is one of those rare ministry opportunities when you meet everyone, rather than just your own type of people,” he says.

He says his advice for other employees is simple. “Please remember that what we do is all about the patient and not about us. I know that we have our ‘issues’ from time to time, but these ‘issues’ need to be submerged, so we can be able to listen seriously to the patients and their families.”

During retirement he plans to spend more time with his wife, stepchildren and grandchildren and will still have a church to serve as pastor.

“I am so grateful for all of the relationships that have been built and nurtured by my chaplaincy over the years at Memorial,” he adds. “I am not the same person I was when I came here. I have learned how God ‘guides my steps’ — as He does for each of us — every day!”

Day of Renewal for cancer survivors, caregivers is March 30

A Day of Renewal for Cancer Survivors and Cancer Caregivers will take place from 9 a.m.-12:45 p.m., March 30, in the second-floor community conference room at MHE. The free event is designed to inspire, inform and support those undergoing cancer treatment, cancer survivors and the caregivers who journey with them.

Dan Duffy, a film, television and radio personality and cancer survivor, will share how to cope, survive and even thrive during and after a cancer diagnosis. Julie Eichholz provides an authentic look behind the curtain of breast cancer and outlines bold choices to consider.

Lunch will be provided. Registration is required. To register, call 618-767-DOCS (3627) or, toll-free, 833-607-DOCS (3627).

Intermediate care unit celebrates its success

The MHB intermediate care unit recently received an award for decreasing the use of urinary catheters in 2018 from 80 percent to 42 percent, and the number continues to drop. The team celebrated their success with a congratulatory banner and trays of homemade cookies. | Courtesy photo

Dr. Baumer receives Physician Excellence Award

Dr. Kevin Baumer

Kevin Baumer, MD, was chosen from among 17 nominations submitted by employees, peers, Auxiliary and board members to receive the Matthew B. Eisele, MD, Physician Excellence Award.

Dr. Baumer has been a member of Memorial’s medical staff since 1995 and currently serves as president of the MHE medical staff. He also serves on multiple medical staff committees and boards, including the medical staff executive committee for MHB and MHE, orthopedic section leader and quality improvement committee for MHB and MHE, and is chairman of the MHE professional review committee and a member of the physician advisory council for BJC Medical Group of Illinois. In addition, Dr. Baumer serves on the MHE board of directors.

Nominations noted that Dr. Baumer exemplifies all of the characteristics and criteria the award represents; is respected by his peers; champions a variety of hospital initiatives; and is a kind, caring physician with excellent clinical skills.

In addition to Dr. Baumer, nominees included Muhammad Jaffer Ansari, MD; Farooq Asghar, MD; Kevin Barnett, MD; Larry Dobbs, MD; the late D. Bryan Franks, MD; Rob Garner, DO; Salma Mannan-Hilaly, MD; Sekou Kelsey, MD; Michael Leavell, MD; Tex Pardo, MD; Yazan Qwaider, MD; Bea Ramos-Pardo, MD; Adam Shope, MD; James Taylor, DPM; Michelle Van Dorn, DO; and Srinivasarao Yaganti, MD.

The Matthew B. Eisele, MD, Physician Excellence Award is named for Memorial’s first medical director. Prior to serving as medical director, Dr. Eisele was an obstetrician/gynecologist in the community for 22 years. He was instrumental in shaping the medical director’s role into the key position it is today — a liaison between the board of directors, medical staff and administration.

Hatim Mahmood, MD, a board-certified cardiologist, also was recognized at the event for serving as president of the MHB medical staff from 2016-2018.

Nancy Buckley retires after 43-plus years

Nancy Buckley has seen a lot of process changes in her more than 43 years in the MHB laboratory. From the time she started in 1972, she was used to change. Buckley says she was hired to work in microbiology but, instead, she began working in the blood bank.

That lasted until the chemistry lab acquired some analyzers Buckley had trained on during her internship at Saint Louis University’s Firmin Desloge Hospital. “So I transitioned to chemistry,” she says

Buckley took a couple of years off after the birth of her daughter and returned to the chemistry lab in 1976. She eventually cross-trained in hematology, UA, serology and coagulation. In 2009, she joined the team building the laboratory and EMR system for the chemistry lab. After that, Buckley took training to write rules that help determine which tests can be auto-verified and which tests the technologist needs to review.

“This process speeds up lab result turnaround times,” Buckley explains. “The chemistry analyzers were the first ones to go live with auto-verification. Eventually, I was able to write rules for the coagulation and hematology analyzers at both MHB and MHE.”

Nancy Buckley

Reignite your spirit of caring

Reigniting the Spirit of Caring (RSC) is offered multiple times throughout the year to all Memorial employees.
The three-day workshop is an immersion into relationship-based care (RBC), which is the foundation of Memorial’s practice model.

 RSC is designed to explore the joy and challenges of health care through reflection, journaling and dialogue. The work focuses on healthy relationships with self, colleagues and patients, as well as transformational leadership and communication tools.

RSC has been offered since 2010 with 1,300 employees receiving this time for reflection. Upcoming dates include: June 12-14, Sept. 9-11, Oct. 21-23 and Nov. 18-20.

Speak with your department manager if you’re interested in attending. For more information, contact Mimi Luechtefeld, patient experience director, 618-257-6779 or mimi.luechtefeld@bjc.org.

MoBap welcomes new CNO, Patti Crimmins Reda

Patti Crimmins Reda

Patti Crimmins Reda will join MBMC as vice president of patient care services and chief nursing officer April 1.

Crimmins Reda began her career with BJC in 1982 as a staff nurse at the former Barnes Hospital. Throughout her tenure, she has been an innovator, collaborator and champion of patient care. Highlights of her achievements include establishing the physician referral market, developing a patient education center and providing critical care instruction at Barnes College of Nursing at UMSL and Jewish College of Nursing, the forerunner of what is now Goldfarb School of Nursing.

In the 1990s through early 2000s, Crimmins Reda was influential in implementing the service line model at BJH, where she championed the cardiovascular, cardiothoracic and cardiopulmonary division at Washington University School of Medicine. She also worked to secure Magnet® designation for BJH and was named the director of patient care for critical care and emergency
trauma services.

As the current executive director of the Washington University and Barnes-Jewish Heart and Vascular Center and the TeleICU, Crimmins Reda co-leads the Critical Care Collaborative Consortium (C4) and has been integral in the implementation of the TeleICU platform, which now monitors more than 200 critical care beds throughout BJC.

As CNO at MBMC, Crimmins Reda will maintain her BJC TeleICU role.

Crimmins Reda says she is “a nurse focused on taking care of people, really good care of people,” and she looks forward to the challenges and opportunities in delivering excellent patient care at MBMC.

Bradbury ‘consistently goes above and beyond’

Laura Bradbury

Facilities coordinator Laura Bradbury was named the December 2018 Employee of the Month.

“In the past several months, Laura has been called upon to assist HR in the creation and changing out of new employee badges and planning the Veterans Day celebration,” says one of her nominators. “She took on both of these projects, in addition to her full workload, cheerfully, and without complaint. Laura was fast, efficient, and her results were excellent.

“I personally worked with Laura on the Veterans Day celebration and she took the lead, performing the lion’s share of the workload and making sure each task was completed. It went extremely well and drew many compliments, in large part thanks to Laura. She goes above and beyond and doesn’t hesitate to jump in whenever needed, to help other departments get the job done.”

Her nominators agreed that Bradbury consistently goes above and beyond the call of duty and does so with an incredible attitude, constantly living the iCREATE values.

Donaway is ‘the go-to person for all nursing staff’

Michelle Donaway

Michelle Donaway, a nurse in the Wound Healing Center, was named the January Employee of the Month.

“Michelle has been with BJC for more than 30 years. She joined the MoBap team in March 2015 when she became part of the founding team for the Wound Healing Center,” her nominator says. “Michelle has demonstrated the iCREATE values by exuding integrity, pushing excellence in herself and her team members, and holding herself and others accountable to do what’s best for our patients. She has memorized the 479 pages of the Wound Center policy manual and is the go-to person for all nursing staff when there’s a question.

“When I mentioned to Dr. Ludwig that I would like to nominate her for the Employee of the Month, he said, ‘Absolutely! She deserves it 100 percent.’”

‘Come Grow with Us’ fund-raiser an overwhelming success

The Sullivan Eagles Hall was filled to capacity Feb. 23 to celebrate MBSH’s ninth annual fund-raising dinner. The theme for this year’s event was “Come Grow with Us,” and the hall was candle-lit and decorated in a pale green flower garden ambience.

During the social hour, guests enjoyed appetizers while browsing the items to be auctioned and raffled off later in the evening.

MBSH president Tony Schwarm welcomed guests and discussed how important their contributions are to the hospital.

After dinner, guests watched video testimonials. The first featured local fourth-grade teacher Jennifer Scott, who talked about having her son Barrett at MBSH, being able to receive prenatal care from local ob/gyn Alison Baker, MD, and being able to have all her necessary testing done at MBSH.

The second video featured longtime area resident Jayne Mastin, who expressed her appreciation for all the services MBSH offers and for its dedication to the community. She discussed how the hospital is an important part of the community through its history and legacy.

Drawings and auctions followed the videos. The evening concluded with closing remarks from MBSH operations vice president Lisa Lochner and dancing. Funds raised through the event exceeded the goal set by the Ambassador board.

MBSH president Tony Schwarm welcomes guests and thanks them for their generous support. | Photos by David Hartwick

From left, MBSH communications consultant Stacey Tyree and MBSH operations vice president Lisa Lochner help auctioneer Brady Schlueter during the hospital’s “Come Grow With Us” event.

Jeanie Hinkle

Jeanie Hinkle is Star Service Team Member for February

Jeanie Hinkle, radiology technologist, was the PHC ICARE Star Service Team Member for February. Hinkle has worked at PHC for 19 years.

Excerpts from her nomination read, “Jeanie always has a positive attitude with staff and patients. She treats everyone with respect and works well with all departments. She is kind to patients and their family members. She is a pleasure to work with.”

Hinkle says her favorite part of her job is the people she meets daily.

“It was overwhelming to receive the award,” she says. “I was surprised. I was very humbled.”

ICARE is PHC’s patient experience service initiative, and the acronym stands for the following values: Integrity, Compassion, Accountability, Respect and Excellence.

Shout out to good Samaritan Shelly Yates

Following the recent ice storm, Shelly Yates was on her way home after working a night shift and stopped to help a family whose car slid off the road and into a ditch. Yates helped the family get out of the ditch and to a safe spot.

The family brought flowers to the hospital and were very appreciative of her incredible act of kindness, especially after working her long shift at the hospital. Co-workers say Yates represents PWH well, both on and off the clock.

Shelly Yates, third from left, displays the flowers she received with, from left, Kelsey Boehm, student nurse tech; Stephanie Herndon, RN, 4N; and Amanda Reese, RN, 4N. | Courtesy photo

Scholarships available for employees pursuing RN or BSN

Through the generous donations of the BJSPH and PWH medical staff, both hospitals are offering two $2,500 scholarships for employees pursuing either their RN or their BSN. Here’s more about the scholarships:

• A $2,500 scholarship will be awarded to an RN at each hospital who is actively pursuing a bachelor of science in nursing.
• Also, a $2,500 scholarship will be awarded to an employee at each hospital who is actively pursuing a nursing education with the intention of pursuing a BSN now or in the immediate future.
• These scholarships will apply toward tuition and books only and are to be aligned with the BJC tuition reimbursement program.
• Download applications from the BJSPH-PWH intranet, under SCC resources. Applications must be received by noon on April 5. Scholarship recipients will be announced during Hospital Week/Nurses Week in May.

Donate gently used purses to the Auxiliary

The Auxiliary is asking for gently used purses, totes and jewelry to be donated for sales later this year. The items can be dropped off at the BJSPH and PWH gift shops or HealthWise at BJSPH MOB 1.

Applications accepted through March 30 for memorial scholarship

Ronni Ducommun

PCTs looking to become an RN or get their BSN are encouraged to apply for the Ronni Ducommun Memorial Scholarship.

Ducommun was a registered nurse on the BJSPH medical unit for more than 11 years, serving as a preceptor and mentor to many new nurses. She was known not only as an excellent nurse and great co-worker, but also as a dear friend to all. Ducommun and her mother were killed in an automobile accident in 2017.

The Ronni Jean Ducommun Scholarship was established in her memory to carry on her spirit of caring and to encourage others to achieve their dreams of becoming a nurse. It’s an annual $1,000 scholarship available to any BJSPH or PWH employee who’s a current patient care tech working toward a bachelor’s degree in nursing or an RN degree.

For more information, call Kristin Williams, 636-916-9796. The scholarship winner will be announced during Nurses Week in May.

Dillingham and Chapman score hockey tickets

PWH’s Kristin Dillingham, RN, 3 East, and BJSPH’s Stacey Chapman, RN, surgical services, each won a pair of tickets to the April 4 St. Louis Blues hockey game by participating in the 2019 BJC Help for Your Health prostate awareness campaign.

Kristin Dillingham

Employee suggestion to prevent slips, falls results in action

A first-floor renovation at SLCH resulted in tile replacing carpet in most areas. While the tile is more durable, if it gets wet, it could become a slipping hazard.

Public safety officer Alberta Hardy noticed the issue. She suggested posting an umbrella bag stand next to the front entrance.

People could use the bags in the carpeted area next to the entrance doors, preventing water from spilling onto the tile. The stand is now located next to the doors.

“I’m glad our leaders considered the suggestion, as no suggestion is too small to keep everyone safe,” Hardy says.

“Our goal is zero preventable harm, and Alberta just helped us progress on this journey,” says vice president Gary LaBlance. “People in any role can help make this a safer environment.”

Public safety officer Alberta Hardy displays the umbrella bag stand that was installed at SLCH, thanks to her suggestion.| Courtesy photo

Kathleen Tinervia retires after 27 years of service

Kathleen Tinervia

Kathleen Tinervia, emergency unit nurse, retired last month after 27 years of service. She’s worked in emergency for her entire career.

She says she’ll miss her colleagues and her work. “I’ll miss my co-workers, who over the years have become like family,” she says. “And I’ll definitely miss the kids we take care of in the ER.”

She says she’s proud of the growth that’s occurred at SLCH over the years and that her team received national recognition for outstanding patient satisfaction.

She encourages new employees to take advantage of every opportunity to keep learning. “Ask questions of those who have experience, either your co-workers or people from other departments. You’ll find that you can learn something new almost every day,” she says. “And just enjoy the experience.

Nurses, doctors share expertise around the world

Every year, SLCH nurses and doctors help children thousands of miles away. KMOV Channel 4 recently featured several of their stories:

Erin Connelly and Maria Pourney, Heart Center nurses, visited Nepal, where they treated 1,500 patients.

Most people in Nepal lack medical resources and access to medical care. The nurses saw lots of joint pain, wounds, rashes, insect bites and infections due to these conditions.

Orthopedic surgeons Eric Gordon, MD, and Charles Goldfarb, MD, visited Saint Vincent Island in the Caribbean. They saw patients with lower extremity deformities. Their work helped straighten legs so the children could walk and play sports. They also worked on upper extremity deformities, usually resulting from trauma or birth defects.

“I’m a parent,” Dr. Gordon told KMOV. “I can’t even imagine what a parent would do in a situation like that, if you have a child with a medical problem you can’t do anything for. We treat these kids and make them better, and the families are so incredibly appreciative.”

Jenny Brandt, child life services, visited Hong Kong, where a new children’s hospital is being built. She was part of a group that helped the Hong Kong team assess the internship program.

“It makes me appreciate a lot of the things that we have to offer our patients and families here,” Brandt told KMOV.

Jose Pineda, MD, pediatric intensivist; Kamlesh Patel, MD, craniofacial surgeon; and Julie Drobish, MD, anesthesiologist, visited Guatemala to perform four highly complex craniofacial surgeries.

The passion, commitment and camaraderie these medical professionals experienced abroad helps heal children in St. Louis, too. “Our working relationship is never going to be the same after that experience. That’s something that benefits kids there and here,” Dr. Pineda said in the KMOV story.

Click here to see the KMOV video.

TRISL team celebrates anniversary with ice cones

In celebration of its one-year anniversary in St. Charles County, TRISL supplied complimentary Kona Ice cones to all employees, visitors, patients and families at BJSPH and PWH July 6.

“We would like to share our gratitude with the community, as well as our business partners at BJC HealthCare, for contributing so much to the success of our first year serving patients with high quality, top notch acute rehabilitation,” says Mark Dwyer, TRISL CEO. “Our team looks forward to many more successful years to come.”

TRISL in St. Charles County has cared for more than 525 patients during its first year in operation.

TRISL admissions team members Angela Jones and Rafael Munoz enjoy Kona ice cones in celebration of TRISL’s one-year anniversary in St. Charles County. | Courtesy photo

Happy 104th birthday, Johnnie

It was an exciting day at VNRC Jan. 18, as Johnnie Rivere celebrated her 104th birthday.

Rivere, a resident at Village North since 2005, lives independently in her own apartment. She loves to smile, sing and talk with people about a variety of subjects. She plays cards and enjoys eating out at restaurants. 

She says there’s no secret to being 104, but she does say that she has lived her life treating people the way she would want to be treated. 

Village North threw a birthday celebration for Rivere, complete with friends, a piano player playing her favorite songs, balloons, a champagne toast and plenty of cake.

Johnnie Rivere celebrates her 104th birthday at Village North Retirement Community.
| Courtesy photo