Saint Anthony first region hospital to offer cord-blood donations
CROWN POINT A byproduct of birth will help give new life to patients who are suffering from serious illnesses.
Starting March 3, Saint Anthony will become the first hospital in the Northwest Indiana area to offer umbilical cord-blood donations, according to Terri Tibbot, president and chief executive officer of Fort Wayne-based Donor Services of Indiana, which is overseeing the program.
Non-embryonic stem cells in cord blood treat a variety of ailments, including cancer, leukemia, multiple sclerosis and anemia and can be used in place of bone marrow transplants. “Cord blood provides a one-in-20,000 match, while bone marrow offers a one-in-200,000 match,” Tibbot says.
Cord blood also helps grow bone and cartilage, skin and tissue and can be used to arrest Crohn’s and Parkinson’s diseases, Tibbot says. Donor Services is an 18-year-old nonprofit organization that provides life-saving and life-enhancing donor-tissue services.
Donor Services began its cord-blood program about two years ago. Indiana hospitals, besides Saint Anthony, that offer the service, are in Fort Wayne, South Bend and Noblesville, Tibbot says.
The Saint Anthony effort was sparked two years ago, when Sister M. Aline Shultz, corporate vice president of marketing and public relations for Sisters of Saint Francis Health Services Inc. (parent of Saint Anthony) , inquired of Tibbot.
“We were very pleased to learn, through partnering with Donor Services in this initiative, that we would be supporting so many life-saving services,” Shultz says, adding, “Through the miracle of birth and the generosity of our patients who decide to donate, we are able to be part of this wonderful, life-giving technology that is consistent with our mission and values.”
Donor Services is under the auspices of the National Marrow Donor Program and has been working since December in conjunction with Florida-based Cryobanks International, which coordinates blood processing and distribution.
Four Saint Anthony-based Donor Services technicians will provide the services locally.“We get the word out by leaving pamphlets at doctors’ offices and by talking with moms who come to the hospitals to have their babies,” Tibbot says. “We wait until they get settled in and then ask whether they are willing to participate. We give them time to think about it and 95 percent of the time they say, yes.”
When they hear about the stem cells, they often ask if we are planning to clone their baby. We, of course, tell them, no, and stress that these are not embryonic stem cells.” Cord blood is tested to make certain it is free of communicable diseases, such as HIV, hepatitis and West Nile virus.
A 70-question medical and social history also is compiled on mothers “to make sure for the well-being of the recipients,” Tibbot says.
Cord blood is collected about 15 minutes after a baby is delivered, according to Tibbot. It must be processed within 45 hours after it is retrieved, meaning it must swiftly be transported to the processing facility at Cryobanks in Florida. That agency relates information about its supplies to the National Marrow Donor Program.
Umbilical cord blood donation, which is termed a simple, painless procedure, has been in practice since the 1990s and cord blood stem cells have been used in more than 12,000 stem cell transplants worldwide.
Donor Services of Indiana has done about 1,200 collections, Tibbot says.The survival rate of cord blood transplant patients in the U.S. last year was 78 percent, she adds.
For more information about the program, call Donor Services of Indiana at (877) 749-9105. For more information about The Birth Place at Saint Anthony Medical Center, call Teresa Meece, clinical director, at (219) 755-6331.
Friday, February 27, 2009
The work place they call home - day-one employees celebrate Saint Anthony's 35th Anniversary
CROWN POINT It goes without saying that Saint Anthony Medical Center has grown by leaps and bounds in terms of size, scope of treatment and community outreach since its doors opened on March 1, 1974.
But its true foundation lies in the Franciscan values (respect for life, fidelity to mission, compassionate concern, joyful service and Christian stewardship) that are the cornerstone of its parent, Sisters of St. Francis Health Services Inc.
Those ideals are reflected in the approximately 350 Saint Anthony staff doctors and 1,450 employees. But the values are no better exemplified than in the approximately 25 workers who have been with the hospital since day one. While their duties may differ, they share a common thread of dedication to their jobs and to the work place they call home.
Hospital President David Ruskowski says, “I am very proud to have the privilege of working with this great hospital and physician staff. The fact that so many of our original employees still are with us is a testimony to our success and dedication to them and to our patients.”
Among the longtime employees are:
Dr. John King
King, vice president of medical affairs, was one of the original five physicians brought on at Saint Anthony Medical Center. He began as chairman of the obstetrics-gynecology department and after about 10 years, served as chief of staff. He has been in his current post since 1996. The growth he has witnessed at the hospital and in the community has been great. “We now have about 350 doctors who offer all the specialties and our buildings and facilities have increased greatly. Our Franciscan Physicians Network has expanded to 12 sites – from Schererville to the west, Valparaiso to the east, Roselawn to the south and 93rd and Broadway (Crown Point) to the north.” King says he enjoys his work, to which he refers as a vocation and a hobby. “There is nothing else I would rather be doing. Medicine is my life.” As to why he has been with Saint Anthony for so long, King says, “It’s the mission and vision – the five Franciscan values. The overall Catholic aspect and the involvement in health care. I enjoy my relationships with the medical staff, the hospital personnel and the Franciscan Sisters.”
Jill Andrews
Andrews is a computer technician who began her Saint Anthony career in the dietary department, where she worked as a baker for a while. She worked part time her first two years with the hospital and has been full time for 33 years. Andrews believes she has found a niche in her current job. “I enjoy helping people. I consider myself a people person and meeting new people all the time. I like the sense of making their day by fixing something. I like walking away knowing they were happy because of something I did.”
She also enjoys the challenges. “In Information Services, it never is boring and dull.”Among myriad changes the hospital has seen, Jill recalls the days when patients and guests were allowed to smoke in rooms, on balconies and in the cafeteria, when the hospital had but three floors, when males weren’t allowed to have beards and women’s dresses or skirts could be not be short. Times have changed, but, Jill says, “It’s always been a nice, clean environment. I always thought that if I got into the medical field, I could have a lifelong career. I plan to stay where I am until I retire.”
Mary Ashbaugh
Ashbaugh is office coordinator for Spiritual Care Services. She started her Saint Anthony career as an administrative communication control unit clerk in nursing. “This place is home. It’s the only hospital I’ve ever worked with or intend to work with. I feel such a sense of ownership in this hospital,” she says, adding, “Many (employees) have had their kids born here. The kids grew up here and now many of them have jobs here. We look at each other as an extended work family.” Ashbaugh says the department’s mission is one of reaching out to those in need, when they most need it. “We provide spiritual care for patients, families and for each other. I believe I was called by God to be here.”
But, times can get tough in her line of work, she says. “Sometimes, the (seven-member) staff can be broken by what they have witnessed. We give each other caring and protection – we ask how we can help each other.” Ashbaugh says she wouldn’t trade her work, or her place of business, for any other. “Workers here feel special, from top to bottom. It’s a blessed place to work. It really is.”
The Rev. Anthony Janik
“Father Tony,’’ as he is best known, is director of Spiritual Services. He started with Saint Anthony part-time as a fill-in for the then-director of pastoral services and has been in his present role since 1989. Janik has seen the department grow to five, full-time chaplains and two other full-time staff members, among them Mary Ashbaugh. “The more people we have available, the more we can meet spiritual needs,” Janik says. “We deal with everyone, regardless of whether they have had a faith-based upbringing. We deal with the spirituality of the patient.” Among the department’s services are dealing with patients’ anticipatory grief of losing their lives and helping their families cope. “We also help patients through the loss of babies. We bless children, animals, the throat. We offer a 24-hour TV station that televises all of our services, including daily Mass. We do end-of-life consultation, anointing of the sick – we see every person who comes into the hospital within 24 hours.”
Janik says he enjoys journeying with people during times of crisis. “It is a privilege to walk people to the foyer of eternal life … Everybody is called to something – this is my calling. I am staying here because God wants me here now. I enjoy what I do and am grateful that we have a place to work and service the community.”
Cynthia Nowicki
Nowicki, a registered staff nurse, actually started working at Saint Anthony in March 1975, but wishes she had been there a year earlier. “I worked at another hospital for four years before I came here and there is no comparison. There is no reason to go anywhere else,” she says of Saint Anthony. “The atmosphere here is so friendly and positive.” Nowicki credits that to the Franciscan values that are followed. “The people I work with seem to care more than they do at other places.” The changes at the hospital and in birthing procedures have been great since her early days at Saint Anthony, Nowicki says.
“Labor and delivery areas used to be separated. Mothers would be taken to the delivery table, then put back on the cart and taken back to their rooms. These days, labor and delivery all happen in the mother’s room.” Nowicki, who also has served as midnight charge nurse and patient care manager, recalls the days when fathers weren’t allowed to be in the delivery room and when babies only were taken out of the nursery for feedings, every four hours, and didn’t spend much time with their mothers. Now, babies and moms can stay in the same room. Among Nowicki’s fondest memories are hospital picnics that once took place at the now-defunct Sauzer’s Kiddieland in Schererville. These days, she enjoys the employee recognition dinners. “It’s so good to see how people are appreciated for what they do here,” Nowicki says.
But its true foundation lies in the Franciscan values (respect for life, fidelity to mission, compassionate concern, joyful service and Christian stewardship) that are the cornerstone of its parent, Sisters of St. Francis Health Services Inc.
Those ideals are reflected in the approximately 350 Saint Anthony staff doctors and 1,450 employees. But the values are no better exemplified than in the approximately 25 workers who have been with the hospital since day one. While their duties may differ, they share a common thread of dedication to their jobs and to the work place they call home.
Hospital President David Ruskowski says, “I am very proud to have the privilege of working with this great hospital and physician staff. The fact that so many of our original employees still are with us is a testimony to our success and dedication to them and to our patients.”
Among the longtime employees are:
Dr. John King
King, vice president of medical affairs, was one of the original five physicians brought on at Saint Anthony Medical Center. He began as chairman of the obstetrics-gynecology department and after about 10 years, served as chief of staff. He has been in his current post since 1996. The growth he has witnessed at the hospital and in the community has been great. “We now have about 350 doctors who offer all the specialties and our buildings and facilities have increased greatly. Our Franciscan Physicians Network has expanded to 12 sites – from Schererville to the west, Valparaiso to the east, Roselawn to the south and 93rd and Broadway (Crown Point) to the north.” King says he enjoys his work, to which he refers as a vocation and a hobby. “There is nothing else I would rather be doing. Medicine is my life.” As to why he has been with Saint Anthony for so long, King says, “It’s the mission and vision – the five Franciscan values. The overall Catholic aspect and the involvement in health care. I enjoy my relationships with the medical staff, the hospital personnel and the Franciscan Sisters.”
Jill Andrews
Andrews is a computer technician who began her Saint Anthony career in the dietary department, where she worked as a baker for a while. She worked part time her first two years with the hospital and has been full time for 33 years. Andrews believes she has found a niche in her current job. “I enjoy helping people. I consider myself a people person and meeting new people all the time. I like the sense of making their day by fixing something. I like walking away knowing they were happy because of something I did.”
She also enjoys the challenges. “In Information Services, it never is boring and dull.”Among myriad changes the hospital has seen, Jill recalls the days when patients and guests were allowed to smoke in rooms, on balconies and in the cafeteria, when the hospital had but three floors, when males weren’t allowed to have beards and women’s dresses or skirts could be not be short. Times have changed, but, Jill says, “It’s always been a nice, clean environment. I always thought that if I got into the medical field, I could have a lifelong career. I plan to stay where I am until I retire.”
Mary Ashbaugh
Ashbaugh is office coordinator for Spiritual Care Services. She started her Saint Anthony career as an administrative communication control unit clerk in nursing. “This place is home. It’s the only hospital I’ve ever worked with or intend to work with. I feel such a sense of ownership in this hospital,” she says, adding, “Many (employees) have had their kids born here. The kids grew up here and now many of them have jobs here. We look at each other as an extended work family.” Ashbaugh says the department’s mission is one of reaching out to those in need, when they most need it. “We provide spiritual care for patients, families and for each other. I believe I was called by God to be here.”
But, times can get tough in her line of work, she says. “Sometimes, the (seven-member) staff can be broken by what they have witnessed. We give each other caring and protection – we ask how we can help each other.” Ashbaugh says she wouldn’t trade her work, or her place of business, for any other. “Workers here feel special, from top to bottom. It’s a blessed place to work. It really is.”
The Rev. Anthony Janik
“Father Tony,’’ as he is best known, is director of Spiritual Services. He started with Saint Anthony part-time as a fill-in for the then-director of pastoral services and has been in his present role since 1989. Janik has seen the department grow to five, full-time chaplains and two other full-time staff members, among them Mary Ashbaugh. “The more people we have available, the more we can meet spiritual needs,” Janik says. “We deal with everyone, regardless of whether they have had a faith-based upbringing. We deal with the spirituality of the patient.” Among the department’s services are dealing with patients’ anticipatory grief of losing their lives and helping their families cope. “We also help patients through the loss of babies. We bless children, animals, the throat. We offer a 24-hour TV station that televises all of our services, including daily Mass. We do end-of-life consultation, anointing of the sick – we see every person who comes into the hospital within 24 hours.”
Janik says he enjoys journeying with people during times of crisis. “It is a privilege to walk people to the foyer of eternal life … Everybody is called to something – this is my calling. I am staying here because God wants me here now. I enjoy what I do and am grateful that we have a place to work and service the community.”
Cynthia Nowicki
Nowicki, a registered staff nurse, actually started working at Saint Anthony in March 1975, but wishes she had been there a year earlier. “I worked at another hospital for four years before I came here and there is no comparison. There is no reason to go anywhere else,” she says of Saint Anthony. “The atmosphere here is so friendly and positive.” Nowicki credits that to the Franciscan values that are followed. “The people I work with seem to care more than they do at other places.” The changes at the hospital and in birthing procedures have been great since her early days at Saint Anthony, Nowicki says.
“Labor and delivery areas used to be separated. Mothers would be taken to the delivery table, then put back on the cart and taken back to their rooms. These days, labor and delivery all happen in the mother’s room.” Nowicki, who also has served as midnight charge nurse and patient care manager, recalls the days when fathers weren’t allowed to be in the delivery room and when babies only were taken out of the nursery for feedings, every four hours, and didn’t spend much time with their mothers. Now, babies and moms can stay in the same room. Among Nowicki’s fondest memories are hospital picnics that once took place at the now-defunct Sauzer’s Kiddieland in Schererville. These days, she enjoys the employee recognition dinners. “It’s so good to see how people are appreciated for what they do here,” Nowicki says.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Upcoming programs at Saint Anthony Medical Center
Birth Doula Labor Support
Training Workshop
June 25 to 27 and Oct. 8 to 10
Interested in becoming a doula? Saint Anthony Medical Center is offering workshops lead by a certified DONA International trainer. Register at least two months in advance to complete preliminary training. For information and fees, contact Louise at (219) 757-5754.
Cancer Screening Clinic
Take advantage of low-cost, comprehensive cancer screening programs at Burrell Cancer Institute’s Cancer Screening Clinic. For an appointment, call (219) 757-6407.
Emergency Medical Services
(EMS) Academy
The EMS Academy offers a variety of courses and recertification classes. To register, or for more information, call (219) 757-6368.
Lymphedema Seminar
Breast Care Center, located on the third floor of the Burrell Professional Center
Join us for Saint Anthony’s quarterly presentation of “Prevention and Management of Lymphedema.” Lorraine Skulk, a nationally certified lymph edema therapist, will discuss how lymph edema can occur anytime after lymph node dissection and how simple lifestyle changes can help prevent the onset of the disease. She also will explain self-management techniques. Register by calling (219) 757-6010.
Massages
Learn the art of relaxation, and take the first step to achieve balance in your life. The Breast Care Center at Saint Anthony offers one-hour, whole-body massages. A certified massage therapist will provide a therapeutic experience in a quiet, serene environment. For fee information and to make an appointment, call(219) 757-6010.
Mother and Daughter Puberty Class
9 a.m. to noon April 11, July 11 and Oct. 10.
Designed for young women (aged 9 to 12) and their mothers, the class will address the physical and emotional changes that occur during puberty. Early registration is required; class size is limited to 20 participants. Mother (or trusted adult female) and daughter only. Fee is $25. For more information, call (219) 757-6368.
Safe Sitter
9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. June 17, July 8 and 29.
Marian Education Center, 1201 S. Main St.
Participants will receive tips to make them more confident care-givers. Learn safety and security precautions, information about child development and age-appropriate activities, as well as business aspects of babysitting. Participants will need to pass tests to show they have necessary skills to handle emergencies. Fee is $55. To register, call (219) 757-6368.
School Physicals8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.1202 S. Main St., Crown Point. Call Working Well at (219) 757-5670.
Child Care Classes - Baby Care Class
Baby care classes for parents, grandparents and other care-givers from 7 to 9:30 p.m. March 12, April 9, May 14 and June 11. Topics will include bathing, diaper changing, home safety and advice on when to seek medical attention. Cost is $10. For more information, call (219) 757-6368.
The Birth Place Tours
Noon and at 1 p.m. April 18, May 16 and June 20.
To help parents-to-be become familiar with The Birth Place at Saint Anthony operations to make their stay more comfortable. Tour groups are limited to 10 couples. The program is offered free of charge. For more information, call (219) 757-6368.
Breastfeeding Class
7 to 9:30 p.m. on June 10.
The classes are for women and their support people. Topics include the role of the partner in breastfeeding, methods for feeding the baby while the mother is away and suggestions for when the mother returns to work. The class is included in the medical center’s childbirth series, but may be taken separately. Cost is $10 per family. For more information, call (219) 757-6368.
CPR for Babysitters8:30 a.m. to noon July 16, Aug. 6.Course teaches babysitters how to perform basic CPR on children. Fee is $50. For more information, call (219) 757-6368.
Infant CPR and Choking Class
5 and at 7 p.m. May 7, June 4 and July 16.
Course will include instruction and practice in infant (newborn to 1 year of age) CPR and obstructed airway training. Class size is limited. Cost is $10 perperson. For more information, call (219) 757-6368.
Preparing for Childbirth
7 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays through May and into June.
Classes also will be offered from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 6 and 13, as part of a two-weekend series offering. Classes will include discussions of labor, birth and postpartum recovery. Lamaze breathing and relaxation techniques, as well as other coping techniques, also are part of the training. Cost is $60; $20 for a refresher course. For more information, call (219) 757-6368.
Sibling Class10:30 to 11:30 a.m. May 16 and June 20 at the Marian Education Center. Children will be taught what it means to become a big brother or sister. A tour of The Birth Place will be included. Class is recommended for youngsters aged 3 years and older. Cost is $10 per family. For more information, call (219) 757-6368.
Support Groups
Breastfeeding mothers support group
10 a.m. to noon the third Tuesday of each month at the Marian Education Center. Mothers meet to discuss various topics in an open forum. For more information, call (219) 757-6368.
Pulmonary Support Group
1 p.m. the second Monday of each month at the Marian Education Center. The meeting provides support for adults who have chronic lung disease.For more information, call (219) 757-6141.
Shared Experience
A monthly program on Wednesday evenings to give women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer the chance to share experiences with others who are facing similar circumstances and to share methods of coping with the life-altering disease. The group provides a nonjudgmental environment to share concerns, as well as joys and triumphs. For more information, call (219) 757-6008.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Saint Anthony Offers Diabetes Management Classes
CROWN POINT Saint Anthony Medical Center conducts monthly diabetes management classes – during the afternoon or evening – for four consecutive weeks.
Participants learn all aspects of diabetes care, which are recognized by the American Diabetes Association. Individual appointments are available for glucose monitoring or insulin administration. Free blood glucose screenings are available by appointment.
For more information, including program times and fees, call (219) 757-6268.
Friday, February 20, 2009
The greening of Saint Anthony Medical Center
Environmental, patient welfare inspire ways to better preserve resources
CROWN POINT Saint Anthony Medical Center is “going green’’ these days in myriad ways.
“We are working more to conserve for the future and to help preserve the environment,” says Cathy Estes, director support services, who oversees food, nutrition, environmental and linen operations.
“Everybody is trying to become greener,” she says of the trend, which has become significant to hospitals nationwide in recent years.
Some methods Saint Anthony employs include:
- Using Green Seal-certified cleaning products, which are packaged in one-use portions that contain a premeasured amount of water to avoid wasting resources. Bottles are reusable and made of 40 percent recycled materials. “The housekeeper is supplied only what is needed for the shift. This limits waste of product, assures the product is mixed properly and limits exposure to the chemicals,” Estes says, adding, “Cardboard and paper used are recycled. Information-sensitive (items) are shredded and recycled.”
- A new dishwasher offers rinse technology that has the ability to cut water and energy costs and use in half compared to the previous machine. Grease used in kitchen fryers is picked up by a local company that recycles it into fuel. Also, the cafeteria recently provided the option of using china drinking mugs to reduce the use of disposable products.
Further recycling ideas are being studied for use in her areas in the near future, Estes says.
“We continue to investigate things we can do.”
Green in more ways than one
Other things are being done in different areas of the hospital, reports Steve Gyure, director of engineering and maintenance.
Gyure says his role is “to ensure that Christian stewardship is followed by improving the allocation of resources in my area through the implementation of projects that are efficient and cost-effective.”
Some ways in which that philosophy is followed include:
- Use of white, reflective roof coatings on black rubber flat roofs. That practice helps increase the reflectivity of solar radiation to help keep interior temperatures lower in summer months. It also protects the life of the roof system by reducing the stress of significant temperature changes and offering a barrier from ultraviolet light to prolong the system’s life.
- Using synthetic-resilient flooring made of chlorine-free polymer, which contains no volatile organic compounds and is highly resistant to bodily fluids, along with being odor -- and mildew --resistant. It’s 30-year life cycle is approximately one-fourth the cost per square foot of vinyl composition tile.
- Using water-based paints throughout the hospital because their odor is less objectionable and cleanup is with soap and water, avoiding use of hazardous or flammable solvents.
- Compact fluorescent lighting helps reduce energy consumption as much as 75 percent.
Variable frequency drives are used on fans and pumps to ensure only the required amount of air or water is delivered, reducing wasted energy amounts. - A portion of the air handling units is equipped with economizers that use free cooling.
- The hospital’s high-pressure steam boiler is being replaced by a unit that will reduce natural gas consumption by 3 to 5 percent. Its controls will be equipped with a system that will optimize the air/fuel ratio used for combustion.Future efforts will continue to help reduce the hospital’s waste stream and implement energy conservation measures, Gyure says.
“The emphasis is on life-cycle cost rather than first cost,” he adds.
Paperless adds to greenness
Deb Halton, director of health information management and the medical staff office, estimates her departments save about $35,000 annually through “green initiative’’ methods.
Some of those measures, she says, “have saved lots of money and lots of trees” since implementation began in 2004-05.
Those include:
- Document Imaging, begun in 2006, which consists of scanning medical records at patient discharge, which has reduced paper consumption. “Many of the people who in the past would request copies of patients’ medical records now can view them online. We are also able to transmit our dictated transcribed reports director to our electronic medical record via an interface, rather than printing the paper.” Changes in physician and nursing documentation likewise have advanced the paperless record. “Our physicians are also able to online recording of progress notes, which someday may be transmitted, but we aren’t quite there yet.’’
- The elimination of chart folders.
- Document imaging systems on the corporate level to allow scanning and online viewing of physician files needed for credentialing.
- Implementation of the Indiana Health Information Exchange Doc for Doc Messaging System. Patient results that were printed on paper and filed in doctors’ mailboxes now are delivered electronically to offices, via fax or e-mail, resulting in better patient care through improved timeliness and efficient result reporting.
Halton, as director, co-chaired the hospital Electronic Medical Records Implementation Team.
“Lori Debs, health information management assistant director, was a primary lead for implementation of the electronic record. She was chiefly responsible for hospital form redesign, so that the forms would be image-friendly,” Halton says.
Future efforts include studying more ways to save on resources and supplies, including redesigning of forms, eliminating copies and getting more doctors involved in systems applications.
“We implemented a physician IT committee here last year through our Clinical Informatics Department, which also has made some positive changes,” Halton says.
Technology helps the cause
Jackie Katz, director of imaging, says technology changes, which began about five years ago, are helping to reduce the amount of paper and x-ray film the hospital uses.
Another change is the move away from use of cassettes in x-ray imaging equipment.
“The side benefit is that the exams are faster because we aren’t handling cassettes. As the cost goes down, we’d like to add more of these units in the future,” Katz says.
Other improvements have been the implementation of full, digital mammography services – the first hospital in the area to offer them. Saint Anthony also was the first locally to install an all-digital cardiovascular imaging system used to conduct a successful biventricular pacemaker procedure.
Katz says she regards greening efforts in her areas as successful, thanks to technology advances.
“The greening of radiology is an inherent part of the technology change,” she adds.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Palliative care a guiding hand for patients, families
SAMC program provides clearer understanding of treatment options
CROWN POINT Saint Anthony Medical Center offers patients and their families special treatment when it comes to facing tough decisions about care and quality-of-life issues.
Palliative care, a free program in place at Saint Anthony since 2005, is designed to guide patients and loved ones through what can be confusing and stressful times.
“We help them make treatment decisions by providing information and options, assessing patient and family goals for care and insuring their medical treatment dovetails with those goals,’’ says Julie Martinez, coordinator of the Saint Anthony program.
The staff also includes Dr. Rishi Sud, program medical director, and palliative care-certified nurse Trudy Corning.
Martinez says the national movement for palliative care began earlier this decade, following studies in which “baby boomers gave poor marks to hospitals around the country for how they handle patients at the end of life.’’
Palliative care seeks to bridge gaps in understanding by providing a clearer picture of what patients and families may face down the road.
Palliative care is not hospice careHospice is supportive, comfort care that begins after the decision is made to stop curative, aggressive treatment. It is provided outside of the hospital, either at a patient’s home, in a nursing home, or in a hospice care facility.
Palliative care offers support and decision-making assistance to patients who are treating a serious illness. It is provided to patients who are admitted to the hospital and does not require patients to give up current or future treatment. It is offered to patients who have ultimately life-limiting illnesses or conditions that may lead to permanently reduced quality of life.
“Fifty percent of our patients are aggressively treating their illnesses, while the other 50 percent feel that continuing to be in and out of the hospital system is not benefiting them. In those cases, the goals of care shift from treating the illness itself to treating the symptoms caused by the illness, and patients and their families often benefit from a referral to hospice at that time,” says Martinez, who spent five years at Saint Anthony Hospice before being appointed to her current position.
Last year, 250 to 300 Saint Anthony patients received palliative care, Martinez says, adding, “We continue to see patients and their families when a patient is readmitted, to provide continuity of care.”
The Saint Anthony program came on the heels of support from hospital administrators, who continue to back its efforts, Martinez says.
“Palliative care helps fulfill the hospital’s mission, reflected in the Franciscan values of respect for life, Christian stewardship and compassionate care. Offering this service to our patients and families is the right thing to do.”
The program also helps the hospital to run more efficiently by avoiding spending resources on treatment a patient does not want, Martinez points out.
The number of palliative care programs nationwide has doubled in the past five years and will continue to grow, Martinez says.
“Most people are extremely grateful for the information we provide. They appreciate what we do, even when we have to give a patient really bad news. They thank us for being honest and open,” she adds.
For more information on the palliative care program or to discuss a referral, call (219) 757-6339. Saint Anthony Medical Center is located at 1201 S. Main St.
CROWN POINT Saint Anthony Medical Center offers patients and their families special treatment when it comes to facing tough decisions about care and quality-of-life issues.
Palliative care, a free program in place at Saint Anthony since 2005, is designed to guide patients and loved ones through what can be confusing and stressful times.
“We help them make treatment decisions by providing information and options, assessing patient and family goals for care and insuring their medical treatment dovetails with those goals,’’ says Julie Martinez, coordinator of the Saint Anthony program.
The staff also includes Dr. Rishi Sud, program medical director, and palliative care-certified nurse Trudy Corning.
Martinez says the national movement for palliative care began earlier this decade, following studies in which “baby boomers gave poor marks to hospitals around the country for how they handle patients at the end of life.’’
Palliative care seeks to bridge gaps in understanding by providing a clearer picture of what patients and families may face down the road.
Palliative care is not hospice careHospice is supportive, comfort care that begins after the decision is made to stop curative, aggressive treatment. It is provided outside of the hospital, either at a patient’s home, in a nursing home, or in a hospice care facility.
Palliative care offers support and decision-making assistance to patients who are treating a serious illness. It is provided to patients who are admitted to the hospital and does not require patients to give up current or future treatment. It is offered to patients who have ultimately life-limiting illnesses or conditions that may lead to permanently reduced quality of life.
“Fifty percent of our patients are aggressively treating their illnesses, while the other 50 percent feel that continuing to be in and out of the hospital system is not benefiting them. In those cases, the goals of care shift from treating the illness itself to treating the symptoms caused by the illness, and patients and their families often benefit from a referral to hospice at that time,” says Martinez, who spent five years at Saint Anthony Hospice before being appointed to her current position.
Last year, 250 to 300 Saint Anthony patients received palliative care, Martinez says, adding, “We continue to see patients and their families when a patient is readmitted, to provide continuity of care.”
The Saint Anthony program came on the heels of support from hospital administrators, who continue to back its efforts, Martinez says.
“Palliative care helps fulfill the hospital’s mission, reflected in the Franciscan values of respect for life, Christian stewardship and compassionate care. Offering this service to our patients and families is the right thing to do.”
The program also helps the hospital to run more efficiently by avoiding spending resources on treatment a patient does not want, Martinez points out.
The number of palliative care programs nationwide has doubled in the past five years and will continue to grow, Martinez says.
“Most people are extremely grateful for the information we provide. They appreciate what we do, even when we have to give a patient really bad news. They thank us for being honest and open,” she adds.
For more information on the palliative care program or to discuss a referral, call (219) 757-6339. Saint Anthony Medical Center is located at 1201 S. Main St.
More men are becoming diagnostic technicians
Mostly female role changes in face of job security, economy issues
CROWN POINT There was a time not long ago when it virtually was unheard of that a man would work in the traditionally female role of diagnostic technician in a medical center.
But the tide has changed with time, as it has in the nursing field and flight attendants and other positions.
Although there remains a greater ratio of women, the number of men in the diagnostic field is growing, as evidenced by Saint Anthony Medical Center, which now has 11 male technicians working in its radiology, ultrasound and nuclear medicine departments.
They have varying years of experience and stories to tell about their career choices, but all agree their decision to join the tech field was the right one.
Dave Stokoski
Stokoski, is his 30th year with Saint Anthony, can be regarded as a pioneer of sorts among male diagnostic technicians in the region. The ultrasound staff stenographer says he “probably was one of the only men” in the diagnostic technician field when he started and was the only one at Saint Anthony.
“When I took my boards (exams) in 1979 and ’80, males were in the minority and they are to this day. But now there are more.”Stokoski said he entered the profession out of an interest in health care and because “trade jobs were tough to get. “
“With health care, there always will be jobs somewhere – there are accounting, financial, clinical and patient care aspects.”
He adds that pay scales for his work are expected to increase and are up considerably since he started.
However, he adds, patient care isn’t always easy. “You show empathy, you care, and sometimes, it can be stressful.”
There also are times female patients are uncomfortable having a male technician.
“Most patients expect a female. With ultrasound though, women normally aren’t as concerned – they just want to see their baby.”
However, if a female patient is uncomfortable having a male tech, a female is brought in, if available. Likewise, male techs are provided, when possible, if a male so requests. Patients are able to call ahead to find out if a technician of a preferred gender will be available for their appointment.
“I enjoy my work; there is never a dull moment in ultrasound – there’s always something,” Stokoski says.
Paul Hill
Hill, on the other hand, has been a radiology technologist at Saint Anthony since last May. He began working in the department a year earlier.
“I like working in radiology because it is a growing field with advancement opportunities … It is a good place to work if you like to keep busy, because we go all over the hospital and work with everyone here.”
Hill says he was aware he was entering a mostly female field, “but it doesn’t bother me.”
“There are many patients who like having a guy tech … I normally don’t have any problems with women patients (because of my gender), although I am fortunate enough to stay out of exams that deal with the female reproductive system. Other women who might have reservations about me seem to lose them when they see their exam gets done fast and well.”
Hill believes more males will enter the profession.
“I am sure more men are getting tired of doing physical labor jobs, like I was, and are thinking of going to school. There is job security because people are always going to need food, shelter and health care.”
Stojan Trajkovski
Trajkovski, who has been a nuclear medicine technologist at Saint Anthony 10 years, started out wanting to be a doctor, but decided that career path wasn’t for him.
“But I wanted to stay in the health care field. I didn’t realize techs were mostly women until I got into a clinical rotation. I really noticed it when I got into a community setting. When I started working, I was one of three guys out of 100 employees.”
Trajkovski enjoys his work, knowing that what he might discover during an exam could save a life.
“We inject a bit of radioactive tracer material that goes to a certain organ and watch the function. We’re concerned with how it works, not how it looks. We also do body scans and watch for normal and abnormal uptakes of radioactive tracer. We do imaging through tissue and clothing; patients don’t have to disrobe,” Trajkovski says.
Trajkovski, who is the only male nuclear medicine tech at Saint Anthony and one of fewer than 10, he believes, in Lake County (compared to about 25 women), encourages men to join the ranks.
“There is job security and you can make a comfortable living at it. People are always going to be sick; we don’t want it that way, but that’s just life. You pretty much will always have a job and can go anywhere in the country and in the world. Health care offers flexibility and diversity.”
Tim Woolard
Woolard had worked 13 years in a wood fabrication plant and, after seeing the economy takes its toll on the business, he decided to enter the radiology tech field, one in which he had been interested “since middle school, when I broke my arm. I was enthralled with the whole process of being able to look into someone and see their bones.”
After receiving tech training while going to school and still working at his former job, he joined the health care profession about a year-and-a-half ago and has been with Saint Anthony for about six months.
While he enjoys meeting new people and making a difference in their lives, the downside is seeing patients who are in poor health.
“That can be hard at times. The job has its share of stress.”
As far as working in a mostly female profession, “I really haven’t noticed any gender issues … Generally, I feel like I am just treated as ‘one of the girls,’ for better or worse,” Woolard jests.
Woolard believes the economy will lead other men to his field.
“Male-dominated job markets, such as labor and factory-production, are not as lucrative or stable as they had been in the past. Many men are attempting to find better positions or going back to school in attempts to merely survive.”
Jerome La BudaLa Buda, who has been working in diagnostic imaging at Saint Anthony about three years, is “a fresh graduate of the medical sonography program at IUN (Indiana University Northwest in Gary).”
“I chose this career for the job security, for the ability to help people and to play a larger role in the diagnostic process, and, you can make a decent living doing it.”
The drawback has been the reluctance of some female patients to have him work with them.
“I think the fact that I’m both young and a man are the biggest issues. A large reason why I tried so hard to be hired at St. Anthony’s is because I knew there already were male technologists working here.”
He sees the number of males in his line of work growing.
“I think others are seeing it the same as I. It’s a growing, respectable profession that allows us to really feel like we’ve made a difference at the end of the day.”
Job security is another factor.
“People will always need people to take care of them and make them well. It’s not an easy job, but it is rewarding in that aspect. I think it’s important for patients to know that men in the field are professional and will always treat our patients with dignity and respect.”
Brian Markovich
Markovich is a registered diagnostic medical sonographer at Saint Anthony, where he has spent 13 years in ultrasound and three in radiology.
“I loved human anatomy and physiology in college; applied, and was accepted into a two-year radiological technology program. Out of 30 students, there were five males.
“During one of my clinical rotations in ultrasound, a male doctor (radiologist) told me he thought mine was the wrong profession for a man, that it would be very tough. About a year-and-a-half later, I ended up working with this doctor and abut two years into my job there, he apologized to me, saying he made a mistake saying those things after working with me and seeing how I handled myself in my everyday work environment,” Markovich adds.
The prospect of working in a mostly female profession didn’t faze him.
“It didn’t bother me a bit; in fact, it was exciting because I realized I had so many opportunities in front of me, given that often a woman has or will want to have kids and may not want to work full-time or overtime or take evening call.”
Markovich says he is seeing more males entering the profession.
“There is at least one male in ultrasound in most of the hospitals in Northwest Indiana – we have three. The rewards are providing a service to a customer, who sometimes is surprised that a male is doing ultrasound, and then we get the patient surveys back and they say it was the best ultrasound ever, or that they had a very caring technologist.”
Jim Campagna
Campagna truly is a pioneer in the male diagnostic technician radiology field, having started in the business 39 years ago. He has spent the last 25 years at Saint Anthony.
“I was the only one (in the area) when I started,” he says, adding he became interested in the profession after seeing relatives go in for tests and wanting to learn more.
“I never gave a thought to it being a mostly female profession,” he says, adding provisions are made for women patients who feel uncomfortable having a male examining them.
These days, Campagna is not alone in his role as a male tech and believes more men will gravitate to the field.
“More men are coming in – many from mill jobs that were lost because of the economy. It is a stable profession that offers flexibility.”
Director likes the optionsJackie Katz, Saint Anthony’s director of imaging, calls the increase in male techs “a great benefit to our department,” adding having both male and females on staff gives patients options.
“Some patients prefer the staff member to be the same gender, so we want to accommodate that.”
Katz believes the bump in the number of men entering the field also reflects the state of society.
“First, we saw women entering traditionally male professions. Now, we are seeing men entering into traditionally female professions. Also, as occupations held by men dry up -- such as factory, laborer, or other skilled professions -- men are looking to careers that can offer them a good living. I think the stories our staff members told indicates that very strongly.”
CROWN POINT There was a time not long ago when it virtually was unheard of that a man would work in the traditionally female role of diagnostic technician in a medical center.
But the tide has changed with time, as it has in the nursing field and flight attendants and other positions.
Although there remains a greater ratio of women, the number of men in the diagnostic field is growing, as evidenced by Saint Anthony Medical Center, which now has 11 male technicians working in its radiology, ultrasound and nuclear medicine departments.
They have varying years of experience and stories to tell about their career choices, but all agree their decision to join the tech field was the right one.
Dave Stokoski
Stokoski, is his 30th year with Saint Anthony, can be regarded as a pioneer of sorts among male diagnostic technicians in the region. The ultrasound staff stenographer says he “probably was one of the only men” in the diagnostic technician field when he started and was the only one at Saint Anthony.
“When I took my boards (exams) in 1979 and ’80, males were in the minority and they are to this day. But now there are more.”Stokoski said he entered the profession out of an interest in health care and because “trade jobs were tough to get. “
“With health care, there always will be jobs somewhere – there are accounting, financial, clinical and patient care aspects.”
He adds that pay scales for his work are expected to increase and are up considerably since he started.
However, he adds, patient care isn’t always easy. “You show empathy, you care, and sometimes, it can be stressful.”
There also are times female patients are uncomfortable having a male technician.
“Most patients expect a female. With ultrasound though, women normally aren’t as concerned – they just want to see their baby.”
However, if a female patient is uncomfortable having a male tech, a female is brought in, if available. Likewise, male techs are provided, when possible, if a male so requests. Patients are able to call ahead to find out if a technician of a preferred gender will be available for their appointment.
“I enjoy my work; there is never a dull moment in ultrasound – there’s always something,” Stokoski says.
Paul Hill
Hill, on the other hand, has been a radiology technologist at Saint Anthony since last May. He began working in the department a year earlier.
“I like working in radiology because it is a growing field with advancement opportunities … It is a good place to work if you like to keep busy, because we go all over the hospital and work with everyone here.”
Hill says he was aware he was entering a mostly female field, “but it doesn’t bother me.”
“There are many patients who like having a guy tech … I normally don’t have any problems with women patients (because of my gender), although I am fortunate enough to stay out of exams that deal with the female reproductive system. Other women who might have reservations about me seem to lose them when they see their exam gets done fast and well.”
Hill believes more males will enter the profession.
“I am sure more men are getting tired of doing physical labor jobs, like I was, and are thinking of going to school. There is job security because people are always going to need food, shelter and health care.”
Stojan Trajkovski
Trajkovski, who has been a nuclear medicine technologist at Saint Anthony 10 years, started out wanting to be a doctor, but decided that career path wasn’t for him.
“But I wanted to stay in the health care field. I didn’t realize techs were mostly women until I got into a clinical rotation. I really noticed it when I got into a community setting. When I started working, I was one of three guys out of 100 employees.”
Trajkovski enjoys his work, knowing that what he might discover during an exam could save a life.
“We inject a bit of radioactive tracer material that goes to a certain organ and watch the function. We’re concerned with how it works, not how it looks. We also do body scans and watch for normal and abnormal uptakes of radioactive tracer. We do imaging through tissue and clothing; patients don’t have to disrobe,” Trajkovski says.
Trajkovski, who is the only male nuclear medicine tech at Saint Anthony and one of fewer than 10, he believes, in Lake County (compared to about 25 women), encourages men to join the ranks.
“There is job security and you can make a comfortable living at it. People are always going to be sick; we don’t want it that way, but that’s just life. You pretty much will always have a job and can go anywhere in the country and in the world. Health care offers flexibility and diversity.”
Tim Woolard
Woolard had worked 13 years in a wood fabrication plant and, after seeing the economy takes its toll on the business, he decided to enter the radiology tech field, one in which he had been interested “since middle school, when I broke my arm. I was enthralled with the whole process of being able to look into someone and see their bones.”
After receiving tech training while going to school and still working at his former job, he joined the health care profession about a year-and-a-half ago and has been with Saint Anthony for about six months.
While he enjoys meeting new people and making a difference in their lives, the downside is seeing patients who are in poor health.
“That can be hard at times. The job has its share of stress.”
As far as working in a mostly female profession, “I really haven’t noticed any gender issues … Generally, I feel like I am just treated as ‘one of the girls,’ for better or worse,” Woolard jests.
Woolard believes the economy will lead other men to his field.
“Male-dominated job markets, such as labor and factory-production, are not as lucrative or stable as they had been in the past. Many men are attempting to find better positions or going back to school in attempts to merely survive.”
Jerome La BudaLa Buda, who has been working in diagnostic imaging at Saint Anthony about three years, is “a fresh graduate of the medical sonography program at IUN (Indiana University Northwest in Gary).”
“I chose this career for the job security, for the ability to help people and to play a larger role in the diagnostic process, and, you can make a decent living doing it.”
The drawback has been the reluctance of some female patients to have him work with them.
“I think the fact that I’m both young and a man are the biggest issues. A large reason why I tried so hard to be hired at St. Anthony’s is because I knew there already were male technologists working here.”
He sees the number of males in his line of work growing.
“I think others are seeing it the same as I. It’s a growing, respectable profession that allows us to really feel like we’ve made a difference at the end of the day.”
Job security is another factor.
“People will always need people to take care of them and make them well. It’s not an easy job, but it is rewarding in that aspect. I think it’s important for patients to know that men in the field are professional and will always treat our patients with dignity and respect.”
Brian Markovich
Markovich is a registered diagnostic medical sonographer at Saint Anthony, where he has spent 13 years in ultrasound and three in radiology.
“I loved human anatomy and physiology in college; applied, and was accepted into a two-year radiological technology program. Out of 30 students, there were five males.
“During one of my clinical rotations in ultrasound, a male doctor (radiologist) told me he thought mine was the wrong profession for a man, that it would be very tough. About a year-and-a-half later, I ended up working with this doctor and abut two years into my job there, he apologized to me, saying he made a mistake saying those things after working with me and seeing how I handled myself in my everyday work environment,” Markovich adds.
The prospect of working in a mostly female profession didn’t faze him.
“It didn’t bother me a bit; in fact, it was exciting because I realized I had so many opportunities in front of me, given that often a woman has or will want to have kids and may not want to work full-time or overtime or take evening call.”
Markovich says he is seeing more males entering the profession.
“There is at least one male in ultrasound in most of the hospitals in Northwest Indiana – we have three. The rewards are providing a service to a customer, who sometimes is surprised that a male is doing ultrasound, and then we get the patient surveys back and they say it was the best ultrasound ever, or that they had a very caring technologist.”
Jim Campagna
Campagna truly is a pioneer in the male diagnostic technician radiology field, having started in the business 39 years ago. He has spent the last 25 years at Saint Anthony.
“I was the only one (in the area) when I started,” he says, adding he became interested in the profession after seeing relatives go in for tests and wanting to learn more.
“I never gave a thought to it being a mostly female profession,” he says, adding provisions are made for women patients who feel uncomfortable having a male examining them.
These days, Campagna is not alone in his role as a male tech and believes more men will gravitate to the field.
“More men are coming in – many from mill jobs that were lost because of the economy. It is a stable profession that offers flexibility.”
Director likes the optionsJackie Katz, Saint Anthony’s director of imaging, calls the increase in male techs “a great benefit to our department,” adding having both male and females on staff gives patients options.
“Some patients prefer the staff member to be the same gender, so we want to accommodate that.”
Katz believes the bump in the number of men entering the field also reflects the state of society.
“First, we saw women entering traditionally male professions. Now, we are seeing men entering into traditionally female professions. Also, as occupations held by men dry up -- such as factory, laborer, or other skilled professions -- men are looking to careers that can offer them a good living. I think the stories our staff members told indicates that very strongly.”
Road of choice for nurses a matter of degrees
University of Saint Francis, Saint Anthony Medical Center, join forces
CROWN POINT Nursing and education go hand in hand on the path to quality healthcare.
That philosophy is prevalent in a partnership formed by Fort Wayne-based University of Saint Francis and Saint Anthony Medical Center, where a renowned nursing education program that has branched to the hospital campus has taken root and is flourishing.
The university’s nursing education effort at Saint Anthony graduated its first class Dec. 10 last year. Those eight students began taking courses in 2006. About 70 nurses currently are in the program, a number expected to more than double by 2012-13.
Degree offerings include:
“I had a vision that the university could be doing more for health facilities and hospitals, as far as education. Sister Aline had the same idea that maybe we could bring our successful program to Saint Anthony. She contacted the dean of the school of health sciences, and, after a market survey and working through details and issues, we went gung-ho,” Kriss said.
Shultz added, “What a wonderful collaboration this is between the university and health systems ministries of the Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration.”
Kriss pointed out that only one other Northwest Indiana college offers such programs.
“There are few options for nursing students there and we thought we could help with that. We figured there would be room for us. There have been growing pains, but it has been well worth the effort. The hospital and the community have made us feel welcome.”
She added the university’s nursing numbers are strong and growing each semester.
The Saint Anthony program, which has two full-time and five part-time instructors, is overseen by Janet Weirick, site director, and Margaret Stoffregen-DeYoung, nursing program director. The administrative staff includes three full-timers and one part-timer, all of whom have been hired since 2007.
Weirick said the courses, currently offered twice weekly, have student convenience and finances in mind.
“They can work while they go to school. We gain students because of that factor. We also rely a lot on technology to succeed and are constantly trying to be creative to improve our offerings.”
Stoffregen-DeYoung, who has been a nurse since 1980, sees other advantages.
“We empower nurses. Sometimes, going back to school helps them do things smarter and better. We help them direct their practice – to make sure they are reaching conclusions based on proof. These days, more front-line nurses are involved in gathering evidence to decide on treatments.”
As the demands on nurses grow, “we need to get them trained in the proper manner with the skills needed to do proper work,” Stoffregen-DeYoung said, adding, “Every step taken in education opens the mind more and opens more doors. Once they get their master’s (degree), the sky’s the limit.”
She and Sister Kriss agree applying Franciscan values to the program provides a boost.
“It’s about learning, leadership and service. We focus on faith, reason and spirituality,” Sister Kriss said. “USF nursing students somehow stand out – we hear that from the community. That goes back to the faculty and to the values-based philosophy we integrate into the nursing program.”
Future plans call for a USF School of Nursing to be built on 10 acres south of Franciscan Point, Saint Anthony’s new outpatient health complex, also in Crown Point.
For more information on USF programs, call (219) 681-6800.
CROWN POINT Nursing and education go hand in hand on the path to quality healthcare.
That philosophy is prevalent in a partnership formed by Fort Wayne-based University of Saint Francis and Saint Anthony Medical Center, where a renowned nursing education program that has branched to the hospital campus has taken root and is flourishing.
The university’s nursing education effort at Saint Anthony graduated its first class Dec. 10 last year. Those eight students began taking courses in 2006. About 70 nurses currently are in the program, a number expected to more than double by 2012-13.
Degree offerings include:
- Licensed Practical Nurse to Associate of Science in Nursing.
- Associate of Science in Nursing – Slated for fall 2009 (pending final approval).
- Registered Nurse to Master of Science (Nursing Transition Sequence).
- Master of Science in Healthcare Administration.
- Master of Science in Nursing (Family Nurse Practitioner).
- Master of Science in Nursing (Community Health and Education).
“I had a vision that the university could be doing more for health facilities and hospitals, as far as education. Sister Aline had the same idea that maybe we could bring our successful program to Saint Anthony. She contacted the dean of the school of health sciences, and, after a market survey and working through details and issues, we went gung-ho,” Kriss said.
Shultz added, “What a wonderful collaboration this is between the university and health systems ministries of the Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration.”
Kriss pointed out that only one other Northwest Indiana college offers such programs.
“There are few options for nursing students there and we thought we could help with that. We figured there would be room for us. There have been growing pains, but it has been well worth the effort. The hospital and the community have made us feel welcome.”
She added the university’s nursing numbers are strong and growing each semester.
The Saint Anthony program, which has two full-time and five part-time instructors, is overseen by Janet Weirick, site director, and Margaret Stoffregen-DeYoung, nursing program director. The administrative staff includes three full-timers and one part-timer, all of whom have been hired since 2007.
Weirick said the courses, currently offered twice weekly, have student convenience and finances in mind.
“They can work while they go to school. We gain students because of that factor. We also rely a lot on technology to succeed and are constantly trying to be creative to improve our offerings.”
Stoffregen-DeYoung, who has been a nurse since 1980, sees other advantages.
“We empower nurses. Sometimes, going back to school helps them do things smarter and better. We help them direct their practice – to make sure they are reaching conclusions based on proof. These days, more front-line nurses are involved in gathering evidence to decide on treatments.”
As the demands on nurses grow, “we need to get them trained in the proper manner with the skills needed to do proper work,” Stoffregen-DeYoung said, adding, “Every step taken in education opens the mind more and opens more doors. Once they get their master’s (degree), the sky’s the limit.”
She and Sister Kriss agree applying Franciscan values to the program provides a boost.
“It’s about learning, leadership and service. We focus on faith, reason and spirituality,” Sister Kriss said. “USF nursing students somehow stand out – we hear that from the community. That goes back to the faculty and to the values-based philosophy we integrate into the nursing program.”
Future plans call for a USF School of Nursing to be built on 10 acres south of Franciscan Point, Saint Anthony’s new outpatient health complex, also in Crown Point.
For more information on USF programs, call (219) 681-6800.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Unique community wellness program kicks off April 1
Saint Anthony Medical Center offers service to help with disabilities
CROWN POINT Saint Anthony Medical Center Rehabilitation Institute therapists have gone above and beyond the call of their normal duties.
Recognizing a need for further education and support for people who no longer require medical care, but who still have one or more disabilities, the therapists designed a Community Wellness Program specially formulated for them.
The result is an eight-week program that kicks off from 11 a.m. to noon April 1, in cooperation with the Southlake YMCA, 1450 S. Court St. Subsequent sessions are scheduled to begin July 1 and Oct. 7.
A weekly fitness class will include stretching, strengthening and cardiovascular exercise. The goal is to assist people with new or longstanding medical conditions who want to improve their physical, emotional, environmental and social well-being.
Classes will incorporate physical fitness, health education and peer support to enable participants to gain confidence and function for their home and community lives. Participants must bring someone with them to assist during exercises.
“We are excited to address the health and wellness needs for people with new or longstanding medical conditions who want to improve their general well-being,” said Brooke Nack, one of five therapists involved in the effort.
“However, this (program) should not be taken as a “therapeutic” program. It is simply a community wellness program, comparable to other public exercise or wellness classes,” she added.
“The YMCA was chosen because both the YMCA and SAMC Wellness Committee are focused on promoting health outside of a medical setting,” Nack said.
Carl Zurbiggen, YMCA wellness director, coordinated use of the facilities, including a multi-purpose room that contains fitness equipment, a private weight room and access to cardio/cybex rooms.
The program will guide participants through progressive levels, including:
Participants need to complete registration forms, a health surveyand obtain a physician’s consent.
Fee is $75, payable to Saint Anthony Medical Center, before the first class. Registration should be completed as soon as possible to be in time for the session.
For more information and to register, call (219) 757-6029.
CROWN POINT Saint Anthony Medical Center Rehabilitation Institute therapists have gone above and beyond the call of their normal duties.
Recognizing a need for further education and support for people who no longer require medical care, but who still have one or more disabilities, the therapists designed a Community Wellness Program specially formulated for them.
The result is an eight-week program that kicks off from 11 a.m. to noon April 1, in cooperation with the Southlake YMCA, 1450 S. Court St. Subsequent sessions are scheduled to begin July 1 and Oct. 7.
A weekly fitness class will include stretching, strengthening and cardiovascular exercise. The goal is to assist people with new or longstanding medical conditions who want to improve their physical, emotional, environmental and social well-being.
Classes will incorporate physical fitness, health education and peer support to enable participants to gain confidence and function for their home and community lives. Participants must bring someone with them to assist during exercises.
“We are excited to address the health and wellness needs for people with new or longstanding medical conditions who want to improve their general well-being,” said Brooke Nack, one of five therapists involved in the effort.
“However, this (program) should not be taken as a “therapeutic” program. It is simply a community wellness program, comparable to other public exercise or wellness classes,” she added.
“The YMCA was chosen because both the YMCA and SAMC Wellness Committee are focused on promoting health outside of a medical setting,” Nack said.
Carl Zurbiggen, YMCA wellness director, coordinated use of the facilities, including a multi-purpose room that contains fitness equipment, a private weight room and access to cardio/cybex rooms.
The program will guide participants through progressive levels, including:
- Level One – Guided group fitness class.
- Level Two – Supervised use of private training rooms.
- Level Three – Independent use of the community fitness center.
Participants need to complete registration forms, a health surveyand obtain a physician’s consent.
Fee is $75, payable to Saint Anthony Medical Center, before the first class. Registration should be completed as soon as possible to be in time for the session.
For more information and to register, call (219) 757-6029.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Circle of care serves community health services
Restaurant raises funds for Saint Anthony Capital Campaign
From left, Joe Allegretti, Saint Anthony Medical Center Capital Campaign chairman; Dave Ruskowski, medical center president; John and Ronda Dessauer; and Warren Johnson, Sisters of St. Francis Health Services Northern Indiana Region director of development, show off a check for $1,500 that was donated by the Dessauers to the Capital Campaign.
John and Ronda Dessauer, owners, stand before a packed house at Circle Restaurant and Bar in Crown Point on Jan. 27. They said the number of customers was about double the normal amount, due to the restaurant's announcement it planned to donate half of the proceeds from that day to the Saint Anthony Medical Center Capital Campaign.
CROWN POINT Circle Restaurant and Bar cooked up a combination platter of fine cuisine and community support that raised $1,500 to support the Saint Anthony Medical Center Capital Campaign.
From left, Joe Allegretti, Saint Anthony Medical Center Capital Campaign chairman; Dave Ruskowski, medical center president; John and Ronda Dessauer; and Warren Johnson, Sisters of St. Francis Health Services Northern Indiana Region director of development, show off a check for $1,500 that was donated by the Dessauers to the Capital Campaign. The Dessauers, owners of Circle Restaurant and Bar in Crown Point, contributed half of the proceeds the restaurant realized on Jan. 27 to benefit the campaign. The amount will be matched by an anonymous donor.
Owners John and Ronda Dessauer donated half of the restaurant’s Jan. 27 proceeds to the campaign, which has a goal of raising $4.5 million (half of which will be matched by anonymous donor) to help fund this year’s relocation of St. Clare Clinic and a renovation of its Pre-Natal Center, both of which provide services for the underprivileged.
Funds also will be used to enhance services at Franciscan Point, Saint Anthony’s recently opened outpatient health complex.
So far, the campaign has raised about $1.8 million, including the matching funds, since it was launched a year ago. It is the first such campaign since Saint Anthony opened in 1974.
John Dessauer said the restaurant’s total $3,000 proceeds the day of the fund-raiser, a Tuesday, were at least double those of a normal Tuesday.
“The fund drive absolutely was the reason (for the increase in business). Normally, we take in $1,200 to $1,500. People I never saw here before came in. A couple from Highland said they saw the article (publicizing the event) and came in to support the program. Other customers said the same.”
Dessauer said Saint Anthony is a worthwhile cause because it “always has played a role in the community as a cornerstone for people seeking medical attention and who are concerned about health.”
He said the partnership also helps the restaurant, which opened in 2005, because “people take notice of our giving, which helps advertising and the community.”
David Ruskowski, Saint Anthony Medical Center president, agreed.“We are most grateful to John and Ronda for their generosity. This was a true win-win and a unique fund-raising activity that provided great food and camaraderie.”
Warren Johnson, director of development for Saint Anthony’s parent, Sisters of St. Francis Health Services Northern Indiana Region, also expressed gratitude.
John and Ronda Dessauer, owners, stand before a packed house at Circle Restaurant and Bar in Crown Point on Jan. 27. They said the number of customers was about double the normal amount, due to the restaurant's announcement it planned to donate half of the proceeds from that day to the Saint Anthony Medical Center Capital Campaign.“Our heartfelt thanks go to John and Ronda Dessauer and their Circle restaurant staff for making our first business fund-raiser a huge success. People from throughout the area turned out to fill the restaurant for great food, drinks and a fun time,” Johnson said.
Circle Restaurant and Bar is located at 110 S. Court St. For more information, call (219) 661-0101.
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