AMH EMS participates in career day

AMH EMS manager Jason Bowman speaks with North Elementary School students during a career day at the Godfrey school, April 4. Students learned about the work of the AMH EMS team, and also got a close-up view of an ambulance. | Photo by Dave Whaley

Just the right touch for open house

The Healing Touch program at AMH held an open house April 5, with retired chaplain Jo Greenwood, right, as the honored guest. She began the AMH program in 2004. Ruth Ann Meyer, left, is now the coordinator of the energy-based therapy program, along with Don Wagner, back. For more information, call 618-463-0901. | Photo by Dave Whaley

‘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, contact Marlene Lewis, 618-463-7701.

Recent Awesome cards went to:

• Kim Wrigley, ER
• Tiffany Rowling, ER
• Robin Powell, ER
• Jacque Hensley, ER
• Nancy Magurany, case management
• Chris Albert, respiratory
• Jen Mannle, respiratory
• Kim Cotton, housekeeping
• Beth Herbstreit, surgical services
• Quintelle Jones, valet
• Kevin Meske, security
• Jason Kendall, plant operations
• Jared Alberts, plant operations
• Tish Preston-Stubbs, volunteer

‘Menopause Mania’ is a hit

Dr. Geoffrey Turner, head of ob/gyn at AMH, fields a question from one of almost 100 women who attended “Menopause Mania,” April 4. Dr. Katie Sherer, a chiropractor/nutritionist, also spoke at the event, which included refreshments and a discount at Miss Eunice’s Hat Box, the AMH gift shop. | Photo by Dave Whaley

Jarrett earns April honor

Amy Jarrett, ICU, is the April Employee of the Month. Her co-workers say, “Amy is a dedicated employee who goes above and beyond for her patients. She is caring and compassionate. I have witnessed her giving extra care by sitting with a family just to comfort them in a stressful situation.

“She also picks up extra days throughout the hospital to help out her co-workers, and she does so without complaining. Amy always comes into work with a positive attitude, making the time you spend working with her pleasant, even in the most hectic times. Amy is also great with the students who come to the unit for clinicals. She is very patient and knowledgeable with her teaching.”

Amy Jarrett, ICU, third from right, was honored recently as AMH’s April Employee of the Month. | Photo by Dave Whaley

Kids in the Kitchen

The latest installment of AMH’s “Kids in the Kitchen,” April 11, was another success. Morrison food and nutrition staff hosted 35 children in Cafe A/B, showing them several healthy recipes made up of fruits and vegetables.

Dr. Laura Hill, right, conducted AMH’s latest “Kids in the Kitchen” event. | Photo by Dave Whaley

Komen St. Louis Race for the Cure is June 9

Help fight breast cancer by joining Siteman Cancer Center for the 2018 Komen St. Louis Race for the Cure, June 9 in downtown St. Louis. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the event. Participants can select from these race options:

• timed 5K run, $35
• non-competitive 5K fun run/walk, $30
• Kids for Komen, ages 4-10; youth T-shirt, $20

To sign up as a member of the Siteman Cancer Center team, visit sitemankomenteam.wustl.edu. Click the “Join Team” link, then follow the steps for registration. Be sure to note in the “Building/Employee Number” box the Siteman Cancer Center location (main campus, West County, South County, Christian Hospital or St. Peters) to pick up your race T-shirts. The deadline for online registration is 1 p.m., May 28.

For more information, call 314-747-0328 or e-mail sitemankomenteam@gmail.com.

SPEE committee delivers

The Superior Patient and Employee Experience (SPEE) committee celebrated the Cardinals’ opening day by delivering popcorn to departments throughout BJSPH and PWH.| Photo by Dawn Kohrt

Join Your BJC colleagues at 2018 Heart Walk

Join Chris Watts, coach Tina Schob and BJC colleagues May 12 at Busch Stadium for the 2018 American Heart Association Heart Walk. Barnes-Jewish Hospital president Bob Cannon is the event co-chair.

Sign up today to take part in the walk or make a donation to support the St. Charles County hospitals team, the “Heart Beaters.”

• Register to walk: Sign up by going to https:www2.heart.org, clicking Heart Walk and then entering “Heart Beaters” in the team page search bar. Walkers get a team T-shirt (with $25 in donations) and are eligible for fund-raising prizes from the AHA.
• Donate: To make a donation to support the Heart Beaters, go to http://www2.heart.org/site/TR?fr_id=3150&pg=team&team_id=383147 to make a donation to the team or to an individual member of the team.

Volunteers needed for Golf Classic

The fourth annual BJSPH/PWH Golf Classic May 7 has sold out, but volunteers are needed for the following times:

• Set up/registration: 7:30-10:30 a.m.
• On-course help: 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
• After-golf clean up: 4-7 p.m.

Contact Foundation director Kristin Williams, kristin.williams@bjc.org, to volunteer.

In addition, tickets to win a week in Ft. Myers, Fla., are on sale at both the BJSPH and PWH gift shops. Only 250 tickets will be sold at $25 a piece.

Scholarships available for employees pursuing RN or BSN

Through donations by the BJSPH and PWH medical staff, both hospitals are offering two $2,500 scholarships for employees pursuing either their RN or their BSN.

A $2,500 scholarship will be awarded to an RN at each hospital who is actively pursuing a bachelor of science degree 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 will be aligned with the BJC tuition reimbursement program.

Applications must be received by noon, April 27. Scholarship recipients will be announced in May, during Hospital Week.

Strike Out Cancer Night at the Rascals is May 27

Show support for Siteman Cancer Center at BJSPH by attending Strike Out Cancer Night at the Rascals, May 27. The game begins at 4:05 p.m. Cancer survivors will be honored on the field between the third and fourth innings.

Survivors, families and anyone impacted by cancer can pick up free tickets at Siteman or the Rascals ticket office at CarShield Field.

Donate used books to the Auxiliary’s book fair

The BJSPH/PWH Auxiliary is now collecting books for its book fair, scheduled for July 25 and 26 at PWH. Donate gently used books (except textbooks) at either gift shop or at Healthwise, BJSPH MOB 1, Ste. 117.

Students can apply now for Auxiliary scholarships

The application period is now open for the 2018-2019 BJSPH-PWH Auxiliary scholarship. This $2,000 continuing education scholarship is for students pursing a degree in the health science field.

Eligible students must be St. Charles County residents and must have completed 20 hours of credit in a human-health-related field at an approved U.S. college or university. Students who have been awarded this scholarship in the past are ineligible. Application deadline is July 7.

BJWCH hosts ‘Donut Forget Epic Go-Live’

From left, Lolita Givans, physical therapy; Roxane Harbaugh, medical staff office manager; and Vamsi Narra, MD, Washington University radiologist; enjoy a sweet treat and connect at the “Donut Forget Epic Go-Live” event April 6. | Photo by Kelly Pahl

Town Halls start April 23

The senior leadership team will host second-quarter employee Town Halls starting April 23.

Topics to be reviewed include Epic and the BJWCH replacement hospital, plus meet BJWCH’s new director of finance and support service, Leslie Garavaglia. There also will be time for Q and A. Bring your questions to the Town Halls — senior leadership looks forward to continuing conversations.

The Town Hall schedule includes:

• April 23, 7:30 p.m.
• April 24, 3:15 p.m.
• April 28, 7:30 a.m.
• April 30, 7:30 a.m.
• May 2, 6:45 a.m.

All Town Halls will be held in Conference Room D.

Walking for a stigma-free world

Face painting, superheroes, food trucks, music, dancing and fun. That’s what’s in store when you join BJC Behavioral Health’s team for the 16th annual National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Walks fund-raiser, May 5, in Central Park-Chesterfield Amphitheater. Each year, this event has grown — but so has the need.

For more than 30 years, NAMI St. Louis has educated the public about mental illness, worked to eliminate stigma, and advocated for funding and research into the causes and treatment of mental illness. In 2017 alone, NAMI St. Louis served more than 15,000 clients in seven counties in the greater St. Louis region and answered nearly 1,000 helpline calls. Since 2008, more than 5,000 law enforcement and behavioral health professionals have been trained to respond effectively to incidents involving individuals experiencing a mental health crisis, directing them to treatment.

Register at https://www.namiwalks.org/team/BJCBehavioralHealth to join BJC Behavioral Health’s team in walking to celebrate mental illness recovery, honor those who have lost their lives to mental illness, and help raise funds, combat stigma and promote awareness. Click on “Join Our Team” to register to walk or “Support Us” to make a donation.

For more information, call Marilynn Hart, 314-206-3712.

NAMI Walks details:

• Saturday, May 5
• Check-in: 9 a.m.
• Start: 10 a.m.
• Central Park (Chesterfield Amphitheater), 16365 Lydia Hill Drive, Chesterfield, Mo. 63017
• Walk options: 5K or 1 mile (walkers may walk shorter distances)
• Master of ceremonies: Kim Hudson, FOX2/News 11

From left are Dr. Kelly Johnson, Olivia Korpecki and Jeanette Korpecki at the 2017 NAMI walk. | Courtesy photo

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.”

Supply chain employees complete leadership program

BJC supply chain team members Mark Adkins, Bill Koenig, Becky Lowe and Zeke Meyer completed their participation in the Leadership Acceleration Program through the BJC Institute for Learning and Development, following 10 months of effort and commitment.

A celebration and awards ceremony took place March 8 at the BJC Learning Institute, where participants presented the project they had worked on to members of BJC leadership and then fielded questions about their project, lessons learned and the path forward.

From left, Zeke Meyer, Mark Adkins, Becky Lowe and Bill Koenig completed the Leadership Acceleration Program through the BJC Institute for Learning and Development in March. | Courtesy photo

BJC earns Ricoh Workstyle Innovation Award

Ricoh recently honored BJC with its Workstyle Innovation Partnership Award. The award acknowledges Ricoh customers who are “improving workplaces and enabling people to work smarter” by using new and innovative technology, resources and services. At the award presentation are, from left, Scott Meyer, Ricoh vice president and managing director; Terry Buchanan, BJC site manager for Ricoh; Bobbi Champley, Ricoh client executive, healthcare; Doug Pytlinski, BJC supply chain vice president; Jeremy Soucek, BJC supply chain director; and Larry Mesmer, BJC supply chain coordinator. | Photo by Bob Schmitz

Potluck raises funds for Adopt-A-Family program

The BJC supply chain social engagement team held a St. Patrick’s Day potluck lunch March 16 at the BJC Learning Institute to raise funds for the department’s 2018 Adopt-A-Family effort. Team members brought in a variety of potluck dishes for attendees to enjoy and sold raffle tickets. Lynn Kersting, far right, won the “pot of gold” of $196.50, then donated $50 of her winnings back to the Adopt-A-Family effort. With her are, from left, Aaron Rodgers, Tom Doyle and Jennifer Soldat. | Photo by Jim Starr

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.

McCarthy joins Associated Internists as nurse practitioner

Lindsey McCarthy

Lindsey McCarthy, FNP-BC, has joined Associated Internists, where she’ll collaborate with the physicians in the practice.

McCarthy has been a family nurse practitioner for more than four years. She received her master’s degree in nursing in 2013 from Maryville University. She previously practiced for four years as a registered nurse focused on individualized patient care and education.

“I chose the primary care specialty because I enjoy caring for patients’ diverse health care needs over the course of their lifetime,” McCarthy says. “I enjoy building meaningful relationships with my patients. I strive to learn about my patients and what motivates them. It’s my goal to deliver effective care and treat patients the way that I would want to be treated.”

At Associated Internists, she will provide services including same-day or next-day care for minor illnesses and injuries, such as urinary tract infections, back and neck pain, upper respiratory infections, and gastrointestinal illnesses. She also will provide disease management for hypertension and diabetes, nutrition counseling, pre-surgical clearance, and patient physicals.

Lindsey McCarthy, FNP-BC, is a member of BJC Medical Group. She practices at Associated Internists, 3008 N. Ballas Road, Building A, Suite 227, St. Louis, and can be reached at 314-996-7800. For more information, visit bjcmedicalgroup.org.

Austin joins Alton oncology team

Benita Austin

Benita Austin, ANP-BC, has joined the BJC Medical Group oncology team at Alton Memorial Hospital. Austin joins Osama Qubaiah, MD, and the AMH Cancer Care Center and Infusion Center team.

She has more than 25 years of nursing experience with extensive knowledge in palliative care, adult medicine, medical oncology, leukemia and stem cell transplantation, cancer genetics counseling, and neurology and dementia. Austin received her master’s degree in nursing from Saint Louis University School of Nursing and a certificate in adult medicine from the former Jewish Hospital College of Nursing and Allied Health.

At the AMH Cancer Care Center and Infusion Center, Austin will provide clinical care, as well as counseling and education for her patients. The practice offers treatment options including chemotherapy, immunotherapy and surgery.

Benita Austin, ANP-BC, is a member of BJC Medical Group. Her practice is at 4 Memorial Drive, Medical Office Building B, Suite 132, Alton, Ill. The practice can be reached at 618-463-7323. For more information, visit altonmemorialhospital.org.

‘Use A Lift: Get A Gift!’

BHC’s safe patient handling committee created the “Use A Lift: Get A Gift!” campaign to encourage patient care staff to use mechanical lifts in the care of their patients. 

All staff who used a lift during the campaign were able to enter their names in a drawing for a $25 gift card. Drawings were held every two weeks for three months. 

Gift cards were donated by Michael Szewczyk, MD.

Team members demonstrate use of a mechanical lift. | Courtesy photos

Bethany Blattel, RN, BSN, displays a “Use a Lift: Get a Gift” gift card.

CDC Summer Camp packets now available

The Christian Hospital Child Development Center (CDC) Summer Camp registration packets are now available.

The Summer Camp runs from June 1-Aug. 10 and is open to children ages 5-12 years old. The program includes a variety of activities and field trips.

The CDC is state licensed and accredited, professionally staffed with ongoing programs for children ages 6 weeks to 6 years, and includes a full-day kindergarten. Hours are 6 a.m.-6 p.m.

For more information, call the CDC, 314-653-5600.

Congratulations, Christian Hospital winter 2018 nurse fellows

The Christian Hospital Nurse Fellowship Program recently graduated a new class of nurses. The Nurse Fellowship Program, under the direction of MaryAnn Niemeyer, MSN, RN-BC, empowers new RNs with critical tools needed to be highly skilled, compassionate and professional patient care clinicians by building on their academic foundation. Key learning seminars, small group activities and shadowing opportunities augment the new nurses’ problem-solving abilities, providing a vital link between school and the working environment.

The latest class of CH nurse fellows includes, from left, back row, Zachary Davis, acute medical care unit; Taylor Hall, medical; Corinne Harris, comprehensive medical unit; Melinda Schenk, telemetry; Lois Arnold, acute medical care unit; Erin Goebel, renal-tele; Kerri Jansson, emergency department; Felicia Norwood, oncology; Lindsey Gantner, emergency department; Melanie Armstrong-Williams, neuro-ortho; Curtis Jorns, telemetry; Taeler Thomas, progressive care unit; with MaryAnn Niemeyer, clinical education specialist; and, front row, Tierra Combs, education specialist; Brianna Meszaros, telemetry; Tess Lamb, telemetry; Lauren Welch, oncology; Kyuah Lee, neuro-ortho; and Rebecca Dahal, telemetry. | Photo by Bret Berigan

An ‘Evening of Mystery’ awaits at Employee Service Awards Banquet

Don’t miss out on this gala evening filled with great fun, delicious food and co-worker camaraderie. Eligible employees should have received an invitation mailed to their home to attend this year’s “An Evening of Mystery” Employee Service Awards Banquet, May 11, at the St. Louis Airport Marriott.

For more information, contact Sheryl McClary, Sheryl.McClary@bjc.org or 314-653-5193.

Introducing the 5 Moments of Hand Hygiene

All CH employees with patient contact have been assigned an introductory education module in SABA, which should be completed by April 30.

Additional information and education about this program will be out in May and June. Call infection prevention, 314-653-5420, with any questions.

Your Best Medicine with Wannette Carter

Wannette Carter

Wannette Carter has been a cook in food and nutrition services at CH for almost two years. On average, she prepares 200 inpatient meals per day, including about 40 special-order grill items.

In your job, how do you provide the community with your best medicine?
When I get here in the morning around 10:15, the first thing I do is check the status of how many patients are in the hospital versus the number we’re actually feeding, because many patients have NPO (nothing by mouth) orders, tube-feeding orders, etc., who don’t receive a tray from us. I also check the number of patients on mechanical soft diets and pureed diets to prepare for those items in advance. I make sure I pull out enough for all of that, as well as for the different dietary restrictions. I make sure I have all of that in order and then I start to grab everything on my menu to make sure that I’m OK — I’ve got to have the meat, vegetable, starch and so forth. After that, it’s smooth sailing!

What is your favorite thing or the most rewarding thing about your job?
I like that I get to work by myself with nobody telling me to do this, that and the other. I know to check everything when I get here, then I get all my food together and then I start to prep it to make sure everything is ready for the day by 2 p.m. Chef Kyle Hallameier knows that I know what I’m doing and doesn’t have to worry about me — and that’s good! I’ve been working in kitchens since I was 17 years old and I’m now 66.

Why do you choose to work at Christian Hospital?
This really is a fun-loving place. Even when I first came in through the temp service, people would speak to me that I didn’t know — they’d walk past me and say “Hi” and “Good morning” — and it just feels good when you get here.

Evelyn’s House manager named Hospital Hero of the Month

Ann Short, RN, Evelyn’s House manager, was named the most recent Hospital Hero of the Month. Short was nominated by one of her peers through the Missouri Hospital Association for her dedication to BJC’s hospice house, Evelyn’s House.

Here’s an excerpt from Short’s nomination: “Ann is an incredible manager and goes above and beyond for the staff and the patients every day. She is flexible and always willing to listen to my updates on the patients and their needs when considering admission to the hospice house. She is very supportive of her staff and realistic on how many nurses are needed to care adequately for the patients. The feedback from the families has been very positive on how well their loved ones were cared for at the hospice house. Ann is a perfect fit for the job and always very flexible and professional when dealing with all the staff at Missouri Baptist Medical Center.”

“Ann is a very special person. She has a heart of hospitality,” says Stacy Olinger, BJC Home Care Services vice president. “When patients and families come to Evelyn’s House, she makes them feel as if they were at home. She provides the best in end-of-life care and is very deserving of this award. We are all proud of her.”

Ann received a certificate, pin and $100 gift card.

To recognize your own hospital hero, visit http://bit.ly/HeroThankYou.

Ann Short, center, is pictured with Stacy Olinger, RN, MSN, BJC Home Care Services vice president, and Patrick White, MD, BJC Hospice chief medical officer. | Photo by Jessica Mabb

Friends of Wings selected as Schnucks Charity of the Month

The Schnucks supermarket at 6920 Olive Blvd. selected the Friends of Wings as the latest beneficiary of the Schnucks – Bags 4 My Cause Program. For the entire month of April, every time a reusable Giving bag is purchased at this location, Friends of Wings receives $1. 

Aligned with BJC Hospice since 2001, Friends of Wings funds and mobilizes people around programs and services that support every moment of the hospice journey and celebrate the love that will never end. Programs are designed to provide moments of normalcy and joy, nurture healing, preserve memories and connect people with others sharing a similar experience — an experience that for most will be the most challenging of their lives. By making these programs possible, Friends of Wings is privileged to have positively impacted the journey for thousands of individuals across the St. Louis region.

Boy Scout builds birdhouses for Evelyn’s House patients and their families

Four tall, bright and colorful birdhouses are spaced evenly across the backyard of Evelyn’s House for residents and their families to enjoy watching birds from the patio of their guest suite.

The birdhouses were built and painted by Cameron Moseley, 17, a boy scout from Troop 641, in Creve Coeur, Mo. Nathan Rain, BJC information services, is his Scoutmaster.

Moseley, a life-ranked scout, built the birdhouses as his Eagle service project. He had to apply for approval for the project from the Boy Scout Council. Once approved, Moseley received donations from BJC and Home Depot to purchase supplies. Doing research, he found that these stand-alone birdhouses, sitting on a matching wooden pole with a solid wooden base, appear heavy enough to withstand usual wind gusts. “I hope Evelyn’s House guests and families get to see a variety of birds,” he says.

Rain’s son, Andrew, 12, helped Moseley with the birdhouses, and Boy Scout committee chair Scott Moseley and his wife helped Cameron transport the birdhouses to Evelyn’s House.

“Cameron did such a wonderful job on the colorful bird houses,” says Ann Short, RN, Evelyn’s House manager. “They are ingenious with a hinged door for easy cleaning. The birdhouses will provide hours of birdwatching enjoyment for our patients and families, and we hope to see some birds nesting soon, as we see quite a few bluebirds in the area.”

From left, Andrew Rain, Scott Moseley, Cameron Moseley, Evelyn’s House manager Ann Short, RN, and Nathan Rain are pictured with the birdhouses Cameron Moseley built and donated to Evelyn’s House. | Photo by Margie Schaffer

Dr. Hsu named Southwestern Illinois EMS System director

Dr. Leo Hsu

Leo Hsu, MD, has been named medical director of the Southwestern Illinois Emergency Medical Services (EMS) System. He is responsible for oversight, leadership and quality improvement of local EMTs and paramedics in the Southwestern Illinois EMS System.

The Southwestern Illinois EMS System, through MHB, has been an approved hospital resource by the Illinois Department of Public Health since 1976, with services covering Clinton, St. Clair, Madison, Monroe and Randolph counties. MHB, through the Southwestern Illinois EMS System, provides paramedic training and continuing education for local EMS providers.

Dr. Hsu is board certified in emergency medicine and EMS. He also serves as regional medical director for TeamHealth, a leading physician services organization providing emergency department staffing and management services to both MHE and MHB. Dr. Hsu recently served as EMS medical director for the St. Charles County Ambulance District, and previously held the role of stroke medical director at Progress West Hospital.

Dr. Hsu received his medical degree from Saint Louis University School of Medicine, completed his residency in emergency medicine at Washington University School of Medicine, and received his MBA from Southeast Missouri State University. He was named Physician of the Year in 2015 by the Missouri Emergency Medical Services Association.

Anne Ruggiero earns March Employee of the Month honors

Anne Ruggiero

Anne Ruggiero, RN, BSN, CRRN, Memorial Care Center care coordinator, was named Employee of the Month for March.

Ruggiero, a Memorial employee since 2015, is responsible for the intake of new patients, insurance verification, test verification and infection prevention, and acts as the liaison between MCC and the ACO.

MCC administrator Cassidy Hoelscher says she nominated Ruggiero because she brings so much knowledge and experience to the team. Ruggiero is also a certified rehabilitation registered nurse (CRRN) and was recently chosen to present two abstracts at the Association of Rehabilitation Nurses (ARN) Educational Conference.

Ruggiero says the most rewarding part of her job is hearing someone say that MCC provides excellent care.

Memorial celebrates Certified Nurses Day

On March 20, Memorial Regional Health Services hosted a dinner in honor of its certified nurses. The dinner included fellowship, recognition of the hospital auxiliary for its support of nursing certification, a presentation on “Lessons Learned in a Lifetime of Nursing,” and recognition of nurses certified over the past year. More than 115 certified nurses attended the event.

MRHS ranks in the top 10th percentile compared to other Magnet facilities in the National Database for Nursing Quality Indicators for certification rates. Fifty percent of MHRS’s eligible nursing staff members are certified, with 348 nurses certified in 48 different areas/specialties, and several nurses holding more than one certification.

Some of MRHS’s newest certified nurses were recognized March 20, including, front row, from left, Ashley Gaston, RN, BSN, CCRN; Erin Goldschmidt, RN, BSN, CCRN; Patricia Knecht, RN, BSN, CCRN; Charlotte Ligon, RN-BC; Lindsey Wilson, MSN, RN-BC; Kelsey Yates, BSN, RN-BC; Johanna Smith, RNC-MNN; Kiki Durham, RN-BC; and Jessica Bunting, BSN, RN-BC; and, back row, from left, Mary Greninger, RN-BC; Craig Brazelton, RN, BSN, CCRN; Kimberly Kell, RN-BC; Jennifer Durbin, MSN, RN-BC; Lindsey Gause, BSN, RN-BC; Lynn Davis, BSN, RN-BC; and Shelly Doerr, RN, CCRP. | Photo by Andy Nicholson

Breast HealthCare Center gets grant for breast screenings

Alissa Nicks, right, and her husband, Corie, left, founders of Alissa’s Hope, present their third annual gift of $5,000 to Tanya English, program manager of the Breast HealthCare Center at MBMC. The funds are used to provide free breast screenings, diagnostics, ultrasounds and biopsies to underinsured and uninsured women, especially younger than age 45, who aren’t covered by other grants. | Courtesy photo

MBSH conducts annual safe patient handling education

MBSH patient care staff took part in annual safe patient handling education during the first week of April. The training helps all medical personnel involved in lifting and transferring patients to safely operate available patient-handling equipment.

The focus is to demonstrate the correct use of the equipment, helping employees avoid injuries both to themselves and to their patients. Helping patients in and out of bed, in and out of wheelchairs, or to and from restrooms could result in potential injuries.

“We’re glad that we have equipment readily available for assisting with patient transfers,” says Jennifer Zimmermann, RN, infection prevention and occupational health specialist. “Both our patients and our employees benefit from the proper use of these tools.”

From left, Sara Licklider, PCT, Wound Care Center; Carmen Bartolotta, chief nursing executive; Eric Ray, emergency department nurse; and Beth Woodruff, emergency department tech/paramedic, participate in annual safe patient handling instruction day. | Photo by David Hartwick

MBSH benefits from Sullivan Independent subscription program

The Sullivan Independent News is conducting a year-long charity subscription program. Each month, a new charity receives $5 from the sale of each new subscription to the newspaper. During February, MBSH benefited from the sale of 12 new subscriptions, resulting in a $60 donation.

James Bartle, Sullivan Independent News co-publisher and editor, and Mark Hilse, Independent News sales manager, recently presented the donation to MBSH president Tony Schwarm.

“We’re sincerely grateful for the support of the Sullivan Independent News for our hospital’s Ambassador fund-raising efforts,” says Schwarm. “It’s amazing how supportive the entire Sullivan community is toward our hometown health care facility.”

Mark Hilse, Sullivan Independent News sales manager, left, presents a check for February proceeds from the paper’s subscription program to Tony Schwarm, MBSH president. | Photo by David Hartwick

Mary Brann is Star Service Team Member for March

Mary Brann

Mary Brann, RN, was selected as the ICARE Star Service Team Member for March. Brann, a registered nurse on the medical/surgical floor and in the emergency department, has worked at PHC for two years.

Excerpts from her nomination read, “Our ICARE Star Service Employee for March is kind, caring and patient. She goes above and beyond to help her co-workers, no matter what zone or facility she is assigned. She somehow is always where you need her to be in an emergency. I think she sets an example on how teamwork should be approached.”

Brann says she loves the people she works with. “I feel like we’re a team,” she says. “I love working here.”

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

SPEE committee delivers

The Superior Patient and Employee Experience (SPEE) committee celebrated the Cardinals’ opening day by delivering popcorn to departments throughout BJSPH and PWH.| Photo by Dawn Kohrt

Join Your BJC colleagues at 2018 Heart Walk

Join Chris Watts, coach Tina Schob and BJC colleagues May 12 at Busch Stadium for the 2018 American Heart Association Heart Walk. Barnes-Jewish Hospital president Bob Cannon is the event co-chair.

Sign up today to take part in the walk or make a donation to support the St. Charles County hospitals team, the “Heart Beaters.”

• Register to walk: Sign up by going to https:www2.heart.org, clicking Heart Walk and then entering “Heart Beaters” in the team page search bar. Walkers get a team T-shirt (with $25 in donations) and are eligible for fund-raising prizes from the AHA.
• Donate: To make a donation to support the Heart Beaters, go to http://www2.heart.org/site/TR?fr_id=3150&pg=team&team_id=383147 to make a donation to the team or to an individual member of the team.

Volunteers needed for Golf Classic

The fourth annual BJSPH/PWH Golf Classic May 7 has sold out, but volunteers are needed for the following times:

• Set up/registration: 7:30-10:30 a.m.
• On-course help: 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
• After-golf clean up: 4-7 p.m.

Contact Foundation director Kristin Williams, kristin.williams@bjc.org, to volunteer.

In addition, tickets to win a week in Ft. Myers, Fla., are on sale at both the BJSPH and PWH gift shops. Only 250 tickets will be sold at $25 a piece.

Scholarships available for employees pursuing RN or BSN

Through donations by the BJSPH and PWH medical staff, both hospitals are offering two $2,500 scholarships for employees pursuing either their RN or their BSN.

A $2,500 scholarship will be awarded to an RN at each hospital who is actively pursuing a bachelor of science degree 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 will be aligned with the BJC tuition reimbursement program.

Applications must be received by noon, April 27. Scholarship recipients will be announced in May, during Hospital Week.

Strike Out Cancer Night at the Rascals is May 27

Show support for Siteman Cancer Center at BJSPH by attending Strike Out Cancer Night at the Rascals, May 27. The game begins at 4:05 p.m. Cancer survivors will be honored on the field between the third and fourth innings.

Survivors, families and anyone impacted by cancer can pick up free tickets at Siteman or the Rascals ticket office at CarShield Field.

Donate used books to the Auxiliary’s book fair

The BJSPH/PWH Auxiliary is now collecting books for its book fair, scheduled for July 25 and 26 at PWH. Donate gently used books (except textbooks) at either gift shop or at Healthwise, BJSPH MOB 1, Ste. 117.

Students can apply now for Auxiliary scholarships

The application period is now open for the 2018-2019 BJSPH-PWH Auxiliary scholarship. This $2,000 continuing education scholarship is for students pursing a degree in the health science field.

Eligible students must be St. Charles County residents and must have completed 20 hours of credit in a human-health-related field at an approved U.S. college or university. Students who have been awarded this scholarship in the past are ineligible. Application deadline is July 7.

Grames, Stahl make national journal’s top 10 list for 2017

Lynn Grames and Mary Stahl made a national journal’s top 10 list.

They wrote a paper, “An Innovative Collaborative Treatment Model: The Community-Based Speech-Language Pathologist and Cleft Palate Team.” The American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association named it one of 10 must-read audiology and speech-language pathology articles for 2017.

Cleft lip and cleft palate refer to openings or splits in the roof of the mouth and lip. They are common birth defects. Children with these disorders often receive little or no speech therapy in the community due to lack of provider training.

A collaborative care program at SLCH helps community speech-language pathologists earn continuing education units for providing speech therapy. Instead of receiving credit in a classroom, community professionals receive it for real-world experience helping SLCH patients as part of the medical team.

This program is the first of its kind, according to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Continuing Education Board for Speech Pathology.

“Collaborative care visits are often the highlight of the day,” Grames says. “The Cleft Palate and Craniofacial Institute is an amazing team of professionals with whom I love working. To carry the collaboration into the community and share in the total care of the patient is exciting.”

“It’s rewarding to help a child and family and decrease or eliminate hypernasality,” Stahl says, referring to abnormal resonance in a child’s voice due to increased airflow through the nose during speech. “Partnering with parents and local speech pathologists makes you feel part of a worthwhile group, the child’s team.”

A paper written by Mary Stahl, left, and Lynn Grames was named one of 10 must-read audiology and speech-language pathology articles for 2017 by a national journal. | Courtesy photo

Gary Wangler

Gary Wangler retires

Gary Wangler, horticulture manager and therapist, retired after 18 years at SLCH. He joined the hospital in 2000 as a horticulturalist and grounds supervisor.

Wangler’s colleagues in facility services wanted to honor him and approached the SLCH Foundation. The result: The Foundation honored Wangler with a tribute plaque in the Olson Family Garden.

In addition, a new “donor tree” in the garden will provide more tribute opportunities to increase funding for the garden.

Children’s Hospital named among leaders in health care equality

SLCH was named a leader in promoting equitable and inclusive care for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) patients and their families. The recognition accompanies the release of the latest annual Healthcare Equality Index (HEI) by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, the educational arm of the country’s largest civil rights organization.

“This recognition is so important to our hospital for our employees and our patients and families,” says Amy Hunter, diversity and inclusion manager. “Our goal is for everyone to be welcomed, and we are striving to be inclusive in every way and every day.”

Stephanie Cuendet receives honor

Charge nurse Stephanie Cuendet, emergency unit, received the monthly President’s Award from Joan Magruder, SLCH president.

Cuendet calmed an upset child and helped an exhausted parent by providing vital community and school resources.

“I’m lucky to work alongside such an amazing nurse who has this extensive knowledge to help this family,” says Angela Brown, RN, emergency unit, who nominated Cuendet. “She’s not only a role model for our charge group, but also for each and every co-worker we’re blessed to work with each day.”

From left are Stacy Herndon, Donna Coats, Sharron Higgs, Kathy Tinervia, Emily Sikorski, Jamie Kieffer, Stephanie Cuendet, Nick Schultz, Stacey Gray, Jessica Zurmuehlen, Sarah Goymerac and Haley Dieckgraefe, with Sheri Lawing in front. | Courtesy photo

The future is here: 3D printer makes body part models

The 3D Printing Center at Washington University Medical Campus opened March 9. The new service, part of SLCH radiology, operates three 3D printers. The team creates medical and surgical body part models for adult and pediatric patient care and research.

For example, the team creates prosthetic forearms, including hands. They also create three-dimensional models of organs used for planning surgeries or explaining conditions to patients and families.

The center is located in the BJC Institute of Health, Suite 4301.

3D Center co-director Dr. Kamlesh Patel, plastic and reconstructive surgery, with a skull model display used in surgical planning. | Courtesy photos

Robert Wesley, 3D printing engineer, shows some body part models crafted with 3D printing.

Mark Dwyer

Mark Dwyer named TRISL CEO

Mark Dwyer has been named chief executive officer of The Rehabilitation Institute of St. Louis, effective Oct. 11. Dwyer replaces Tara Diebling as she moves to her new role as CEO of HealthSouth’s Cardinal Hill Rehabilitation Hospital.

Dwyer, who began his career in rehabilitation as a physical therapist, has served in a variety of rehabilitation leadership roles throughout his 30-year career. Most recently, he served as the director of rehabilitation services and sports medicine at an acute care hospital in Kansas. On top of his responsibilities as a health care leader, Dwyer served as an adjunct instructor and lecturer for physical therapy students in the university setting.

“His strong rehabilitation leadership knowledge, coupled with his experience in direct patient care as a physical therapist, makes Mark a perfect fit to lead the staff at The Rehabilitation Hospital of St. Louis,” says Troy DeDecker, president of the central region for HealthSouth. “In addition, his commitment to patient care and achieving exceptional results will help our hospital return patients back to the community safely and at their most optimal levels of independence. We are grateful to have him as part of our team.”

Dwyer earned a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy and a master’s degree in health services administration with a concentration in outcomes from Kansas University. He is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.

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