IVER HEALTH SYSTEMS May 4, 2016

Great River Cardiology offers free online heart health assessment Great River Cardiology offers a free heart health assessment on its website to help people determine their risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Complete the assessment HERE. Cardiovascular disease affects the heart and blood vessels. It can cause heart attack, stroke, heart failure and peripheral vascular disease (poor blood circulation in the legs). The heart health assessment can: • Compare your actual age to your heart’s biological age • Determine your 10-year risk of developing cardiovascular disease • Identify your 30-year risk of cardiovascular disease if you are younger than 60 • Prioritize your most harmful cardiovascular risk factors When finished, the assessment provides a report that patients can print and share with their physicians.

The heart health assessment uses scoring systems developed from the Framingham Heart Study, one of the most important public health analyses in American medical history. The study’s goal is to learn why people get heart disease and how it evolves and results in death in the general population. This information has helped researchers find out, after years of study, how those who develop heart diseases differ from those who don’t. “In the United States, cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 cause of death. Most who die suddenly from cardiovascular disease have no previous symptoms. Because of this, it’s important to be aware of your heart health risks.”

Abdullah Alwahdani, M.D., medical director, Cardiology Services

For more information about heart disease or help in understanding your heart health assessment results, call Great River Cardiology at 319-768-1820.

No-interest loans help patients pay bills Great River Health Systems offers a Medical Expense Loan Program in conjunction with a local bank to help patients pay their bills. Besides giving patients more time to meet their obligations, the program can help them build credit scores with timely payments on interest-free loans. Two-year loans are provided by Two Rivers Bank and Trust. The bank pays the bill and borrowers make payments to the bank. At the end of the loan period, loans can be refinanced through the bank at a competitive interest rate. “Our expectation is that balances be paid in 12 months. Many people need a little more time, and the Medical Expense Loan Program provides that,” said Shannon Leffler, manager, Patient Financial Services-Patient Billing at Great River Health Systems. “Most people pay the loan in two years. It’s especially beneficial for people with high-deductible insurance plans.” Loan applications and approval without a credit check are completed at Great River Health Systems. To be eligible, borrowers must: • Be at least 18 years old. If they are not the patient, they must be the legal guardian or have power of attorney for the patient. • Have a consistent income • Meet minimum payment requirements • Have medical account balances of at least $1,000

“The loan program helps people establish or improve their credit ratings,” Leffler said. “It also helps build a relationship with a local bank.” To apply for a loan, complete the application HERE and take or mail it to Patient Financial Services-Patient Billing at Great River Health Systems. Candidates will meet with a Great River Health Systems financial counselor to discuss the program and complete loan documents. The health system also offers patients other types of help to pay for medical expenses: • Financial assistance to pay specific hospital expenses for people who are uninsured, underinsured, ineligible for government programs or otherwise can’t pay for medically necessary care based on their financial situations • Health Insurance Marketplace – Financial counselors help Iowans enroll in health coverage. The state-based marketplace gives consumers a single source to compare options, learn if they can get lower premiums or free coverage, and enroll in a plan. • Presumptive Medicaid – With basic information, financial counselors can enroll patients and family members likely to be eligible for Medicaid immediately, without waiting for an eligibility determination from the state. Medicaid will pay the hospital for the services provided as though the patient is already enrolled in Medicaid.

Casual days

Briefly

Employees purchase $2 stickers for the opportunity to wear jeans to work on designated Fridays. The next casual days and organizations they benefit are: • May 6 Great River Cancer Center Cancer Survivors’ Picnic • May 13 Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois

• Flu visitation guidelines have been lifted. • The next issue of Great News will be published one day late, Thursday, May 19, after the announcement of the Excellence in Practice award winners.

Clinical Excellence Award finalists Recognizes a clinician who provides outstanding clinical patient care

Excellence in Practice finalists named Ceremony at 2 p.m. Thursday, May 19, Cafeteria patio Three finalists have been named in each of six Excellence in Practice categories and the new Rookie of the Year category. The winners in all categories except Physician Excellence each will receive $500, and the finalists will receive $100. The Physician Excellence winner will receive a continuing medical education award.

Brenda Lanferman Home Health and Hospice

Amie Orth Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Andrew Rendoff Great River Orthpaedic Specialists Honorable mention: Julie Brooks, Heart and Vascular Center; Dennis Flowers, Diagnostic Imaging; Angie Willdrick, Laboratory

Community Excellence Award finalists Recognizes an employee for his or her voluntary contributions of time and effort to the community

Leadership Excellence Award finalists Recognizes an employee for his or her proven leadership skills

Craig Borchard Marketing and Public Relations

Sheena Abbott Great River Athletic and Performance Center

K.C. Fleming Medical Staff Office

Krystal Fedoris Respiratory Care Services

Becky Godfrey Great River Hospice

Janelle McGuire Hospice

Honorable mention: Trina Tucker, Medical Staff Office

Honorable mention: Angie Box, Nursing informatics; Marcia Carlson, Diabetes Edsucation Program; Misty Harris, Behavioral Health; Paulette Johnson, Rehabilitation Services; Chris Oleson, Home Health and Hospice; Jane Van Fleet, Great River Physicians and Clinics Business Services

Nursing Excellence Award finalists Recognizes a nurse who provides outstanding direct patient care

Physician Excellence Award finalists Recognizes a physician who provides outstanding patient care, and shows leadership, citizenship and respect to the medical staff and health system’s employees

Beth Peterson Hospice

Wilson Davis Jr., M.D. The Keokuk Clinic

Samantha Ripple Klein Center

John Rashid, M.D. Great River Medicine Specialists

Kristen Vorwerk Great River Nephrology

Peter Reynen, M.D. Great River Family Practice Clinic

Honorable mention: Teresa Ball, Nursing; Deb Dixon, Postanesthesia Care Unit; Dana Strawhacker, Rehabilitation Unit

Honorable mention: Souha Haydoura, M.D., Great River Medicine Specialists

Service Excellence Award finalists Recognizes an employee who does not provide direct patient care but plays an integral role in serving the health system’s needs

Rookie of the Year Award finalists Recognizes a new employee for exemplary work and adoption of the health system’s EXCEL and STEEEP values

Amy Buffington Heritage Medical Equipment and Supplies

Angie Deggendorf Great River Nephrology

Holly Newberry Human Resources

Ashley Bartenhagen Great River Hospice

Megan Woodard Hospice

Hannah O’Brien Patient Access

Honorable mention: Anne Abel, Great River Physicians and Clinics Business Services; Dianne Petersen, Kid Zone

Honorable mention: Sophia Bajwa, M.D., Hospitalist Program; Addylyn Joss, Laboratory

GS GREAT STORIES

Great River Gastroenterology Digestive Health Center A patient came from Fairfield, Iowa, came to Great River Gastroenterology complaining of food stuck in his throat. Realizing the patient was in distress and needed immediate care, clinic staff worked with Great River Medical Center’s Digestive Health Center to add the patient to the day’s schedule. Digestive Health Center staff volunteered to stay late to help the patient. The patient was admitted to the Digestive Health Center and gastroenterologist Daniel Peasley, D.O., performed the procedure. The patient was grateful for the quick and compassionate care.

Great River Women’s Health Great River Emergency Department At 8:21 a.m., Great River Women’s Health received a call from a patient who was 31 weeks pregnant. She called because she was not feeling “right.” The woman said she felt sudden weakness and numbness on her left side when she stepped into the shower. The clinic’s triage nurse recognized stroke symptoms and told the woman to go to the Emergency Department. The nurse called the Emergency Department to alert them about the patient, who was evaluated immediately when she arrived. By 9:21 a.m., the patient was being transferred by Med-Force emergency helicopter to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City for further evaluation. Fortunately, the patient didn’t have a stroke; the symptoms were attributed to stress. The high-risk obstetrics department at the university commended Great River Women’s Health and the Emergency Department for doing a great job in transferring the patient.

CAUGHT IN THE ACT

CIA

OF PROVIDING GREAT SERVICE

Kim Hake, Great River Women’s Health Kim was patient and helpful when training a new employee. Bruce Morrison, Nutrition Services Bruce took a birthday cake to a home-delivered meals client and sang “Happy Birthday” to her.

Carrie Richards, Great River Pulmonology A patient received a prescription for new inhaler that was expensive. Carrie called the patient’s insurance company to check on coverage for a generic version of the medicine, gave the patient the price and had the prescription changed to a less-expensive alternative. Taylor Toops, Patient Access Taylor covered a shift although she had other plans.

Events First Friday Share Friday, May 6 5:30 p.m. Great River Hospice House 1306 S. Washington Road, West Burlington

Books Are Fun Book and Gift Fair Wednesday, May 11 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Klein Center

A support program for people who have experienced the loss of a loved one. It includes a short presentation followed by visiting and sharing with others. Registration is not required. For more information: 319-768-3350 or tollfree 877-404-4766

Thursday, May 12 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mercy Plaza lobby

Free hearing screenings Wednesdays, May 11, 18, 25 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Great River Audiology Inside Heritage Medical Equipment and Supplies 624 S. Gear Ave., Burlington

Besides books, hundreds of items will be available at reduced prices. They include educational products, toys, music collections and stationery. The sale is sponsored by Great River Friends.

To make an appointment: 319-768-4250 Great River Hospice flower sale Wednesday, May 11 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Zaiser’s Florist and Greenhouse 2400 Sunnyside Ave., Burlington A portion of the proceeds from annuals and perennials sold will be donated to Great River Hospice. • Free delivery is available. Place orders in person or call 319-752-6871. • Buy gift certificates for any denomination through May 11 at Zaiser’s or Great River Hospice House.

Friday, May 13 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mercy Plaza lobby

Buy Community Basket tickets Thursday, May 12 Thursday, May 26 Friday, May 27 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Hospital Cafeteria Great River Hospice will receive $1 for each $2 ticket it sells. One winner will receive $10,000 cash, rounds of golf, movie passes, a variety of food and beverages, and many other prizes. The drawing is scheduled Sunday, June 12, at Community Field during the 2 p.m. Burlington Bees vs. Quad Cities River Bandits baseball game. If the winner is at the game, he or she will receive an extra $1,000. Tickets also are available at Great River Hospice House and the health system’s Human Resources Department during weekday business hours.

For more information: 319-768-3350 or tollfree 877-404-4766

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Events– continued

Blood drive Thursday, May 12 7:30 to 11 a.m. 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oak-Walnut-Maple rooms, lower level Great River Medical Center Donors who last gave blood on or before March 17 are eligible. To prepare for donation, eat a snack before donating and drink plenty of fluids before and after giving blood. Donors may walk in or make an appointment by calling 319-768-3303. They also can register online: • Visit www.bloodcenterimpact.org. • Click Create My Account. • After logging on, click Donate Blood. • In Step 1 at the top of the screen, search for Great River Health Systems. • Click May 12. • Click Schedule next to the time you choose. Sleep Therapy Open House Wednesday, May 18 Thursday, May 19 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Heritage Medical Equipment and Supplies 624 S. Roosevelt Ave., Burlington. CPAP and BiPAP users should bring only their machine for a free maintenance check. Accessories including masks, foam and paper filters, and tubing will be available. Durable medical equipment and billing specialists will be available to discuss insurance coverage for sleep-therapy products and replacement parts, and to answer other questions. For more information: 319-768-4300 or tollfree 800-247-0762

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Why do I donate blood? Gina Anderson Public Relations Three gallons “I donate blood because there’s no substitute for it, and it must be available when patients need it. When my son needed transfusions of two types of blood products, I expected whole blood and frozen plasma to be ready for him – and they were because people chose to give.” Wanda Hunter Health Information Management Six gallons “I donate because there is a need. The blood I donate may help someone recover and feel better, or possibly save a life.” Janene Schneden Pre-Access Five gallons “As a nurse, I know how vital blood transfusions can be for patients in critical situations and for those with some types of extended illnesses. It’s a great way for me to give back.” Marda Smith Diagnostic Imaging Three gallons “I give blood because it is something I have time to do. I work a lot of hours and have family commitments that don’t allow me time to volunteer. Giving blood can help a lot of people.”

Events– continued

The Climb: A Workshop to Help Youth Overcome Loss Saturday, May 21 1 to 4:30 p.m. Great River Hospice House 1306 S. Washington Road, West Burlington

Cooking demonstration Wednesday, May 25 Noon to 1 p.m. Great River Healthy Living Clinic Suite 159, Mercy Plaza 1225 S. Gear Ave., West Burlington

A free program for youth ages 8 to 15 who have experienced a loss that has greatly affected their lives. While learning how to conquer emotional barriers, participants will: • Celebrate the lives of their loved ones • Connect with peers facing similar experiences • Climb the rock-climbing tower at Great River Wellness Gym and do an obstacle course • Create keepsakes in remembrance of their loved ones

Great River Health Systems Chef Christopher Morris will make roasted chicken and vegetables with almond pesto, and demonstrate how to make infused water. The cost is $10. Seating is limited; registration is required.

The program will be led by Great River Hospice social workers and nurses, and a chaplain. An optional parent session from 1 to 2 p.m. will include a discussion on children’s reactions to grief and loss, and ways to support them. It will be led by a Great River Hospice social worker and Kim Rector, a teacher who guided her young children through the loss of their father. “The goal of this program is to let youth know they are not alone and there are other children going through the same thing. The Climb was developed after we surveyed grief services in the area and discovered there were few resources for youth. Schools do a good job of supporting youth who have lost loved ones, but sometimes other resources are needed to support moms, dads and kids.” —Ashley Bartenhagen Social Worker and Program Coordinator For more information or to register: 319-768-3350 or toll-free 877-404-4766

Register: [email protected] Red Hot Mamas: Dry Eye Syndrome Thursday, May 26 5:30 p.m. Black Hawk Room, lower level, Wellness Plaza 1401 W. Agency Road, West Burlington The program will be presented by Mariannette Miller-Meeks, M.D., Great River Eye Specialists. A light supper and door prizes will be available at the free program. Registration is preferred. Red Hot Mamas is an education and support program that educates women about physical and psychological changes as they age, and helps them make informed health care decisions. It has been educating and engaging women, and health care providers, since 1991. For more information, please visit www.redhotmamas.org. Register: HERE

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Hands of Nurses

May 6 to 12 is National Nurses Week Nurses focus on safety

Great River Health Systems follows the National Patient Safety Goals established by The Joint Commission, an independent, not-for-profit organization that accredits and certifies health care organizations and programs. The goals focus on problems in health care safety and how to solve them. The safety goals program was established in 2002, and goals are reviewed and updated yearly. A panel of nurses, physicians, pharmacists, risk managers, clinical engineers and other professionals works with The Joint Commission staff to identify emerging patient safety issues and advises how to address them. The 2016 National Patient Safety Goals and some of the procedures Great River Health Systems clinical staff follow are:

Identify patients correctly • Use two ways to identify patients – name and birth date – before collecting specimens, giving medicine or blood, and beginning a procedure. • Blood transfusions require a two-person check at the bedside before they begin. Identify patient-safety risks • Conduct suicide-risk assessments • Provide at-risk patients with information about community resources when they are discharged. Improve staff communication • To confirm verbal orders and critical test results, staff write the information received, read it back to the person giving the information and receive confirmation that it is correct. • Report critical test results to physicians and other health care providers immediately. Continued on next page

Focus on safety– continued

Prevent infection • Follow hand-washing guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. • Follow guidelines for interacting with patients in isolation. • Use proven guidelines for preventing infections that are difficult to treat, blood infections from central lines, infection after surgery and urinary-tract infections caused by catheters. Prevent mistakes in surgery • Ensure the correct surgery is done on the correct patient at the correct place on the patient’s body. • Mark the correct place on the patient’s body where the surgery is to be done. • Pause before the surgery to ensure that a mistake is not being made. Use alarms safely Make improvements to ensure alarms on medical equipment are heard and responded to on time. Examples include alarms on oxygen and cardiac monitors, IV infusion pumps and ventilators.

Blessing nurses’ hands provides renewal, strength

For more than a decade, Great River Health Systems has offered blessings of caregivers’ hands ceremonies during National Nurses Week. Blessing caregivers’ hands symbolizes renewal of healing, wellness and strength as caregivers heal others. The simple, minute-long act of health-system chaplains washing hands while saying a blessing has great significance. “It’s proven that there is healing power in touch,” said Randy Gearhart, director, Spiritual Care. “Touching hands and bathing them in water can be very meaningful and powerful.” Ceremonies will be offered several times and in several locations. “The blessing of the hands is a time for nurses and other caregivers to pause and nourish themselves spiritually because they give a lot to patients and their families,” said Vice President of Nursing Teresa Colgan. “It’s a meaningful part of our National Nurses Week celebration.”

Use medicines safely • Learn what medicines the patient is taking. Compare those medicines to new medicines given to the patient. Ensure the patient knows which medicines to take after going home. • Take extra care with patients who take blood-thinning medicines. • Tell patients it is important to bring an up-todate list of medicines every time they visit a physician or other health care provider. • Watch for drugs that look similar or have similar-sounding names. • When drawing or pouring medicine that won’t be used immediately, label it with the name of the medicine, strength, date and time of expiration, and staff member’s initials. Cortney Reed, R.N., shares a smile with her patient, Terry Phillips.

Nursing jobs are in demand Employment of nurses, nurse anesthetists and nurse practitioners is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2024, according to the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics. Nurse education programs offer diplomas, and associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees. Classes include anatomy, physiology, microbiology, chemistry, nutrition and psychology. Students also complete supervised clinical experience. Nurses must pass a licensure examination. Nurses may specialize in different areas, such as cardiovascular care, diabetes, intensive care, orthopedics, pediatrics and oncology (cancer). At Great River Health Systems, a growing number of nurses work in the Information Systems and Nursing Informatics departments to help manage the use of electronic medical records. Great River Health Systems has more than 30 advanced-practice registered nurses with master’s or doctorate-level degrees who provide diagnosis and treatment. They work in clinics, the Emergency Department and Surgical Services. Registered Nurse Growth rate: 16 percent What they do: • Coordinate patient care with other health care professionals • Direct and supervise care delivered by other health care personnel such as licensed practical nurses and certified nurse aides • Give medicines • Interpret patient information and make critical decisions about needed actions • Perform physical examinations • Provide health education and counseling • Provide wound care and other care Education: Diploma, or associate’s or bachelor’s degree

Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner and Doctor of Nursing Practice Growth rate: 31 percent What they do: • Conduct physical examinations • Diagnose illnesses • Make rounds in hospitals and nursing homes, but not in place of physicians • Order and interpret diagnostic tests • Perform some procedures • Prescribe medicine • Provide patient education and counseling • Refer patients to physicians when required • Treat minor illnesses and injuries Education: A minimum of a master’s degree Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist Growth rate: 31 percent What they do: • Perform physical assessments • Participate in preoperative teaching • Administer anesthesia • Oversee recovery from anesthesia • Follow patients from the Postanesthesia Care Unit to Day Surgery or inpatient units Education: A minimum of a master’s degree

Find a nurse at Great River Health Systems Nurses work in 59 Great River Health Systems departments, clinics and programs: Acute Care Center Behavioral Health Unit Burlington Area Family Practice Center Cardiac Rehabilitation Cardiovascular Care Unit Case Management Clinical Documentation Corporate Education Day Hospital Day Surgery Diabetes Education Program Diagnostic Imaging Digestive Health Center Emergency Department Employee Health Great River Anesthesia Great River Business Health Great River Cancer Center Great River Cardiology Great River Clinic, Mediapolis Great River Clinic, Wapello Great River Family Practice Clinic Great River Gastroenterology Great River Medicine Specialists Great River Mental Health Great River Nephrology Great River Orthopaedic Specialists Great River Pulmonology Great River QuickCare Great River Surgeons Great River Urology Great River Women’s Health Great River Wound and Hyperbaric Clinic Heart and Vascular Center Heritage Medical Equipment and Supplies Home Health and Hospice Hospitalist Program Information Systems Inpatient Dialysis Intensive Care Unit Klein Center

Medical Care Unit Medical Staff Office Nursing Administration Nursing Informatics Obstetrics Unit Operating Room Palliative Care Patient Access Pediatrics Unit Pharmacy Population Health Management Postanesthesia Care Unit Pre-access Preadmission and Scheduling Quality Resources Rehabilitation Unit Surgical Services Swing Unit The Keokuk Clinic

Kamden Tisor listens to the heartbeat of his nurse, Dani Stauffer, R.N.

EMPLOYEEPROFILE Vickie Hull

Readmission Prevention Coordinator Case Management

Start date: June 1975 What does a typical day look like for you? I meet with case managers and social workers to discuss discharge plans for patients at high-risk for readmission. We identify barriers that could affect patients’ success throughout the continuum of their care. I follow up with telephone calls to patients and care facilities to clarify information and answer questions. What I wanted to be when I grew up: Rich. I wanted to live on a yacht and travel the world. Hometown / Where I live now: Burlington

If you could choose anyone, whom would you pick to be your mentor? Ann Fedler, a former nursing instructor at Southeastern Community College. She never accepted anything less than your best. Great River Health Systems connections: My niece April Geiger works at Burlington Area Family Practice Center, and my cousin Lucy Wyatt works in Environmental Services.

Family • Husband: Tom • Son: Dillon • Daughters: Amy and Ann • Stepsons: Nick and Kris • Eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild

What is your motto or personal mantra? Do not resist change.

Things I enjoy: Gardening and fishing

What is your biggest achievement? One of my most-treasured moments was seeing my maternal grandmother hold my first grandchild. I will never forget how I felt.

Given a chance, who would you like to be for a day? Queen of England

PROVIDERPROFILE Craig Bottke, M.D. Great River Orthopaedic Specialists

Start date: Jan. 16 What I wanted to be when I grew up: I have always loved motorcycles. In high school, I thought I would like to be involved in motorcycle research and development. Hometown / Where I live now: Cedar Falls, Iowa /Burlington Family: My father and brother, along with his family, still live in Cedar Falls. Things I enjoy: Fitness and church activities