CARE Newsletter - December 2011

In this issue:

Page 3: Joint Camp Nursing Care Rates High with Patient

Page 5: VITAS Innovative Hospice Care of Kansas City

Page 7: Clinical Excellence Update

Page 10: From Combat Boots to High Heels

editor:Denise Charpentier VP, Marketing/PR

(816) [email protected]

layout/writer: Mike Ralston

Director, Marketing/PR(816) 276-9475

[email protected]

RESEARCH MEDICAl CENTER • A PUBlICATIoN FoR EMPloYEES • DECEMBER 2011

CARECoMPASSIoN. ATTITUDE. RESPECT. ExCEllENCE.

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@ResearchMed

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Matt Sogard Named Chief Operating Officer

Research Medical Center recently named Matt Sogard as its chief

operating officer effective February 1, 2012. Matt has extensive

experience in operations and healthcare administration that will

serve as a great asset in his new role at Research Medical Center

as he continues to develop and lead our operational excellence.

Since 2005, Matt has been in an administrative role with

Presbyterian/St. Luke’s Medical Center and Rocky Mountain

Hospital for Children, an HCA-HealthONE facility, in Denver,

Colorado. Since 2008, he has held the position of chief operating

officer. His enterprise-wide responsibilities have included

operational, clinical and financial performance for perioperative, imaging, laboratory and

other hospital services. He has led numerous capital improvement projects and drove the

completion of many operational improvement initiatives including leading the development

and construction of the $150M Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children. As the chief

administrator of the pediatric hospital within a hospital, he led the strategic planning and

medical staff development for pediatric and neonatal services.

Matt has also driven the hospital’s growth teams, led employee engagement and culture

refinement efforts such as leadership development teams, a hospital recycling program, 100

Fixes in 100 Days, employee appreciation lunches and formal leadership rounding.

Prior to Presbyterian/St. Luke’s Medical Center and Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children,

Matt was with the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, Iowa from 2004 to

2005.

Matt obtained a master of health administration and master of business administration from

the University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa. His bachelor of science in biology was obtained from

Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa. Matt is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare

Executives.

He is married with four children, and is an avid sports fan. Please join us in welcoming Matt

to our team.

Sogard to assume COO role on February 1

11

Midwest Hand Center Performs Intricate Surgeries to Treat Traumatic Injuries

By Kimberly SternLike many of us, Glen Moore took his hands for granted. They were there when he needed them—whether it was operating a large drill press at his manufacturing job, working on cars, creating one of his wooden wishing wells for family and friends, or playing video games on his PlayStation. The 56-year-old Grandview resident didn’t think much about his hands until one February morning when he was injured on the job.

Something went wrong with the drill press Moore has operated for decades. His left gloved hand was caught by the machine, which swung him around so that his right hand dragged across the press, cutting into tendons, tissue, and bone. Moore’s supervisor called 9-1-1, and Moore was quickly transported to Research Medical Center’s Emergency Department.

From the minute he was rolled into the ER, Moore knew he was in good hands.

“I sat in the examining room, trying not to think about my hand,” says Moore, who knew he had been severely injured. “The nurses and physicians kept me calm until Dr. Zadoo walked in and introduced himself.”

Vik P. Zadoo, MD, FACS, is medical director of the Midwest Hand Center at Research Medical Center and is only one of a few doctors in the Kansas City area who specializes in microvascular hand surgery. This premier hand center treats traumatic hand injuries—such as Moore’s—in addition to offering elective procedures and treating upper extremity injuries.

That day in the ER at Research Medical Center, Dr. Zadoo quickly determined that Moore’s injury had not only damaged some of his vital wrist bones, but also the link between his hand and wrist had been broken, destroying the tendons that raise fingers.

“Like many hand injuries, Glen required a series of surgeries to repair, restore and reconnect bones, tissue and tendons,” says Dr. Zadoo, who trained at the prestigious Christine Kleinart Institute in Louisville, Ky.

The first surgery Moore underwent took four hours, and Dr. Zadoo was confident that his patient—whom he describes as tough and determined—would eventually return to the job and activities he loves.

“Glen has a motivation and drive that really helped him in

the recovery process from his four hand surgeries,” says Dr.

Zadoo. “He was willing to work hard in the rehabilitation

phase, collaborating with his physical therapist to transition

back into everyday life.”

The Hand Center uses advanced technology including the

LEICA OH4, a sophisticated microscope that combines Swiss

optics and Japanese robotics. This device, among others, was

used in Moore’s series of operations to restore the use of his

hand and fingers. “It’s similar to a big video game, and helps

us re-attach the complicated and microscopic network of

blood vessels,” says Dr. Zadoo.

Moore, who went through a six-month program of intensive

physical therapy at the Research Medical Center Brookside

Campus, appreciates the relationship he developed with

the straight-shooting surgeon who brought life back to his

damaged hand. “I told Dr. Zadoo it was important how

honest he was with me every step of the way,” he says.

Dr. Zadoo says the success of Glenn’s outcome is a two-way

relationship. “With Glen, it’s about the physician-patient

relationship and his remarkable attitude that contributed to a

successful outcome,” says Dr. Zadoo.

Moore, who has returned to his job doing light-duty work

and also can now play video games—has a few wishing wells

on his drawing board. These days, he doesn’t take his hands

for granted anymore. “They’re precious to me,” says Moore.

“I’m glad Dr. Zadoo thought so, too.”

For more information about the Midwest Hand Center at research Medical Center, visit www.midwesthandcenter.com.

Vik Zadoo, Md, FaCSMedical Director

Midwest Hand Center


11RESEARCH MEDICAl CENTER • A PUBlICATIoN FoR EMPloYEES • DECEMBER 2011 3

Whether she was playing basketball in high school or roller skating as a young adult, 43-year-old Theresa (Trecie) Piggee has always enjoyed an action-packed life. So when her left knee simply gave out on her at a baby shower she and her best friend were hosting, she wasn’t sure what to do. “I couldn’t put any pressure on my knee and almost dropped the cake,” she says. “It just wouldn’t hold up. You don’t realize how much you need your knees until something like that happens.”

After treatments with cortisone shots and arthroscopy, Trecie’s orthopaedic surgeon scheduled her for knee replacement surgery at Research’s Joint Camp in December 2010. “Joint Camp was the best experience for me,” Trecie says. “My nurses had me up and walking the next morning, and I enjoyed doing physical therapy with the other patients who had had surgery. It was just wonderful.”

In fact, Trecie did so well at Joint Camp, she returned in June 2011 for her other knee replacement. “They did such a good job of preparing me for what to expect once I returned home from the hospital the first time, that I knew I had to go back,” she says.

For Trecie, the nursing care she received while on the unit made all the difference in her recovery. “When I was talking to my doctor about where I should have my surgery done,

he recommended Research’s Joint Camp and he was right,” Trecie says. “Joint Camp was very beneficial to my recovery process. The epidural helped to manage my pain well—I’m not sure I would have made it without that.”

When she returned home from her first surgery in December 2010, the weather was bitterly cold and snowy. “One of the nurses even called to check up on me and told me it was too cold for me to go outside,” Trecie says. “I thought that was amazing!”

But what impressed her most was the staff’s ability to make her feel so special during her stay at Joint Camp. “I knew they had been through this hundreds of times, but they made me feel special. They also gave me a suite on the floor so that my son could stay with me and they took good care of him as well. They treated me like I was the only patient on that floor,” Trecie says. “The care I received was awesome! I would recommend Research’s Joint Camp 150 percent!”

Joint Camp Nursing Care Rates High with Patient

did You know?• 1 in 6 women has been the victim of a completed or

attempted rape• 60% of domestic violent survivors are also survivors of

sexual assault• 25-30% of rapes are completed by former husbands or

intimate partners

The Bridge and SANE program benefit from your generous support and referrals. The holidays are upon us but our work never stops. The following items help Research Medical Center continue to provide quality service to victims of domestic and sexual violence.

The Domestic Violence Task Force humbly ask your assistance to donate new/unused wish list items:

• Women’s underwear (all sizes)• Bras• Shirts/T-shirts (all sizes)• Pants, sweatpants (all sizes)• Flip flops• Socks

Donations can be dropped off to Andrea Pantoja, bridge coordinator, located in Human Resources. The Domestic Violence Task Force meets the third Thursday of every month. For information, contact Andrea at 276-3186 or [email protected].

Bridge Holiday Wish List

11RESEARCH MEDICAl CENTER • A PUBlICATIoN FoR EMPloYEES • DECEMBER 20114

With the holiday season upon us, people may be thinking of ways to

honor loved ones or wanting to make a donation to a worthy cause.

Employees might also consider making a gift in honor of a physician

in lieu of a gift. The Research Foundation has numerous ways to

fulfill those requests.

Contributions to The Research Foundation strengthen the community

in a number of ways. You can make your contribution for a specific

purpose or you can provide an unrestricted gift that would:

• Allow an uninsured patient to receive vital diabetes education

at our Harmon Diabetes Center

• Help prevent traumatic injuries and deaths among youth by

providing our lifesaving ThinkFirst assembly for a school in the

area

• Provide a local nursing student with a scholarship

• Bring a national medical expert to Kansas City to provide continuing education to physicians, nurses and allied health

professionals at our medical symposiums

In addition, an engraved brick may be purchased for $100 that will be placed in the Tribute Garden to honor and remember the

special people in our lives. It is located on the northwest corner of Research Medical Center. Proceeds from the Tribute Garden

support The Research Foundation’s health education and scholarship programs.

To make a donation, or for more information, please visit www.theresearchfoundationkc.org or call (816) 276-4218.

Honor Someone Special with Charitable Donation

9th ReSeaRCh RoYal Rebound

Drs. Sam Hoeper and Lance Snyder, and event chairs Dr. Tom and Becky Samuelson enjoyed the 9th Research Royal Rebound at the College Basketball Experience last month.

The event is a benefit to support nursing scholarships for students attending the Research College of Nursing-Rockhurst University Joint Nursing Program.

If your paycheck is direct deposited and you accepted the statement to receive your W-2 electronically, your W-2 will be available for printing after it is uploaded to E-Stub sometime during the month of January.

If you currently receive a live check or you declined the statement in E-Stub to receive your W-2 electronically, your W-2 will be mailed by January 31, 2012 to the address Human Resources has on file as of Dec. 31, 2011. If the address on your paystub is incorrect, you will need to complete the Personal Information Change and the Federal and State W-4 Forms and turn them in to Human Resources no later than Dec. 21, 2011; otherwise this could cause a delay in receiving your W-2 forms.

You can still receive your paycheck direct deposited and get your W-2 online. All you have to do is complete a Direct Deposit Form, include a voided check or a letter from your

bank with savings account number and routing number, and turn in to Human Resources no later than Dec. 21, 2011. After your first direct deposit check, go to E-Stub and setup your account.

All the necessary forms can be found in the lobby of the Human Resources department on the B-level of the Main Campus, outside Nursing Operations on 2 North, outside the Human Resources department on the Research Brookside Campus, and on the Intranet at http://midwest.medcity.net/documentation/forms/rmc_hr_forms.asp.

all changes need to be in Human resources No later than dec. 21, 2011.

W-2 Time is Fast Approaching!

deCeMBer 6: “Assessing the Neurosurgery Patient” @ Research Medical Center Boardroom, 7:30-9 a.m.

deCeMBer 15: Fourth Quarter P.E.E.R. Awards Ceremony @ Research Medical Center cafeteria, 2:30-3:30 p.m.

deCeMBer 21: Employee Holiday lunch @ Research Medical Center cafeteria, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

FeBruary 18: Kansas City Heart & Stroke Ball @ Kansas City Convention Center, 6 p.m.

aPril 28: Fifth Annual Community Block Party & Health Fair @ Research Medical Center, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

May 19: Heart Walk @ Theis Park, 9 a.m.

U P C o M I N g

Events

RESEARCH MEDICAl CENTER • A PUBlICATIoN FoR EMPloYEES • DECEMBER 2011 5

VITAS Innovative Hospice Care of Kansas City Begins Construction of

Inpatient Hospice Unit

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VITAS Innovative Hospice Care of Kansas City today announced the ground-breaking of construction this month of its first local inpatient hospice unit (IPU) at Research Medical Center (RMC), part of HCA Midwest Health System, in Kansas City, Mo. Designed to meet the community’s needs for hospice services for terminally ill patients with complex symptoms, the facility is slated to be completed and begin accepting patients in March 2012.

The project, located on the seventh floor of RMC at 2316 East Meyer Boulevard, will create in its first year approximately 25 new jobs at the VITAS IPU. Like all other VITAS IPUs, the 9,000-square-foot, 16-bed facility is being built to ensure maximum comfort for patients and their families, with amenities that are designed to feel like home and include kitchen, dining and sitting areas as well as a “serenity room” for quiet contemplation and meditation.

“We look forward to providing the high-quality, compassionate hospice care service for which VITAS is known and that our patients and their families expect,” said VITAS of Kansas City General Manager Julia Vandervelde, who has worked for VITAS for four years.

“Our community has an unmet need for inpatient hospice beds,” explains Susan Shreeve, chief financial officer at Research Medical Center. “We are very pleased to be able to work with VITAS to provide this service to our community. It is a great benefit to our patients and their families.”

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dale yiNgliNg, do, JoiNS MidweSt MaterNal Fetal MediCiNe PHySiCiaNSDale Yingling, DO, has joined the medical staff at Research Medical Center and Midwest Maternal Fetal Medicine Physicians. Dr. Yingling specializes in maternal-fetal medicine. He has extensive experience in caring for the special needs of women experiencing high-risk pregnancies. He received his doctor of osteopathy from the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine. He served his residency at Ingham Regional Medical Center in Lansing, Mich., and St. John Hospital and Medical Center in Detroit, Mich.

JoSePH roH, Md, HoNored duriNg SPeCial dediCatioN CereMoNy Tom Franey, MD, and Kevin Hicks, chief executive officer at Research Medical Center recently honored Joseph Roh, MD, and his family for his outstanding service to the hospital. A retired emeritus general surgeon for The Surgical Group of Kansas City, Joseph Roh, MD, FACS, had been in practice in the Kansas City and Johnson County area since 1990. Dr. Roh specialized in advanced laparoscopic surgery, including adrenolectomy, heller myotomy, donor nephrectomy, nissen fundoplication, splenectomy, liver resection, colon resection and gastric surgery. He pioneered many of these procedures at Research Medical Center. A special plaque honoring Dr. Joseph Roh will be mounted outside Operating Room 3.

News Briefs

Celebrating Nursing ExcellenceIn 2009 nurses at Research Medical Center developed the Professional Practice Model shown below. This is a framework that illustrates how we practice nursing and care for our patients. The Care Delivery System is the environment where patients are cared for. It varies from unit to unit and may include nurses, technicians, case managers, therapists, and others. In some cases, a patient may be here for only a few hours; in other cases for many days. In some hospital areas a nurse may care for only one patient at a time. In other areas a nurse may care for four or five patients during the course of a work shift.

Patient-Nurse Synergy occurs when nursing skills and competencies match patient needs. These needs vary from simple to complex. One person might be in the hospital for a diagnostic test; another might be here to deliver a baby; and another might be here for major surgery. Nurses develop skills, and refine them over time, so that patients receive excellent care in whatever hospital unit they are in. Nurses, as Transformational Leaders, assist in creating an environment that works to constantly improve care delivery systems and processes. Surrounding and supporting these key characteristics are Research

Medical Center’s values of Compassion, Attitude, Respect, and Excellence. Together, these components result in excellent outcomes for patients and families. An example of how the Professional Practice Model relates to actual situations comes from the sixth floor. The nurses on the Neuro/Ortho unit identified a need for improved pain management in their orthopedic patients. It is important for these patients to fully participate in their therapy in order to be ready to go home. The nurses needed a process to ensure adequate pain management in order for this to occur. So the sixth floor Unit Practice Council nurses used their knowledge of medications to address an identified patient need. Then, using a performance improvement process they demonstrated transformational leadership by developing and implementing Pain Management Standards of Care. They were implemented earlier this year on a select group of patients, resulting in improved pain control and tolerance of therapy. The Unit Practice Council is now re-evaluating the standards with plans to roll them out to the entire sixth floor.


Joint Camp is Where Molly garcia is Supposed to Be!For Molly Garcia, RN, BSN, motivation is important in both her personal life, and in working with her Joint Camp patients. “When I first started college, I had no intention of doing anything related to healthcare, but after my first couple of years, I still wasn’t sure what I wanted to do with my career,” Garcia admits.

After talking with her aunts who are nurses, she decided to try taking some classes in nursing, and felt right at home. “They really motivated me to pursue nursing,” Garcia says. “I know it sounds like a cliché, but I believe it’s my calling.” After Garcia graduated with her bachelor of science in nursing degree from the Research College of Nursing, she began working on the hospital’s sixth floor, where she’s assigned to the Joint Camp’s patients.

“I love working with our Joint Camp patients,” Garcia says. “They’re very motivated to get up and get moving right after surgery and are terrific to work with.”

But Garcia also enjoys getting to know her patients during their brief stay at the hospital. “Typically, I work with the same patients from the time they come to the unit, to the time they go home,” she says. “I think that continuity of care puts their minds at ease to know I will be taking care of them every day. I have the opportunity to motivate them as well.”

When patients return home, Garcia makes follow up phone calls to be certain they continue to improve. “It’s good to reconnect with our patients and very satisfying to know how well they are doing. I feel like I am right where I am supposed to be!”

Garcia, who was recently married and has a four-year-old stepdaughter, spends time with her family when she’s away from Joint Camp, and also runs for exercise.


legal doCuMentation ClaSS

There will be a two-hour required Legal Documentation Class on Dec. 13 from 8-10 a.m. in Classrooms J/K. This is required of PRECEPTORS to maintain their preceptor status. This is also mandatory for all charge nurses, clinical nurse managers and directors. The class will be open to all other staff as seating is available. This is the LAST opportunity to attend this event! To register for the course, call Stacie Underwood at (816) 276-4108 or [email protected]. You will need to provide Stacie your name, unit and role (i.e. preceptor, charge nurse, etc).

aSSeSSing the neuRoSuRgeRY Patient PoSt-oPeRatiVelY: what You Should know

Dec. 6 • 7:30-9 a.m. • BoardroomPresented by: Dr. Peter Basta and Susan Hale, RN, FNP-BC Midwest Neuroscience Institute1.5 continuous education hours will be issued

CliniCal exCellenCe YeaR in ReView

This year the Clinical Excellence department worked with other departments, councils and organizations to offer a wide variety of educational opportunities. There were 24 MONA educational offerings including symposiums

for trauma care, stroke, domestic violence, heart failure, and neuro surgery. There have been monthly Listen and Learns with approximately 150 people attending. Four sessions of basic dysrhythmia and orientation to critical care were offered with approximately 75 in attendance. Approximately 180 new patient care employees were oriented in patient services orientation. There were three graduating classes of the Graduate Nurse Residency for a total of 78 graduates. Our fourth School at Work® class graduated this year with five graduates.

Due to our involvement in local consortiums, we are also able to offer free critical care and medical/surgical review courses along with other educational opportunities within the Kansas City area. In addition to continuing educational opportunities, a number of in-services were completed this year, including the annual competency fair, the implementation of the Gemstar epidural pumps and the mandatory suicide training.

It has been a busy and successful year and we look forward to another great year in 2012.

Clinical Excellence Update

‘Future of Nursing’ AwardsThe March of Dimes Future of Nursing Awards recognizes nurses from a variety of fields whose strength, courage, and perseverance advances the entire profession. The March of Dimes has a rich history of partnering with the healthcare industry from its successful eradication of polio to searching for the root causes of prematurity. Research Medical Center recognized 11 nominees, including Chris Duncan, Anthony Knisley, Rebecca Wright, Elizabeth Blake, Erin Bartling, Tricia Crain, Linda Dunalewicz, Ina Harrison, Sherry Potts, Linda Richards, Mark Rotert and Katherine Smith. Chris Duncan was selected as a finalist. Research Medical Center would like to applaud all of the nurses for their tireless efforts and superior care they provide to our patients every day.


Comprised of members of various departments, the Healthy Habits Committee’s goal is to support and encourage employees who want to live healthier and happier lives through physical, emotional, social, and intellectual growth. Healthy Habits has championed many grassroots initiatives since its inception in 2008. Research Medical Center was awarded the American Heart Association’s Gold Fit-Friendly Company award in 2009, 2010, and 2011 which recognized Research Medical Center for providing physical fitness and healthy eating options for employees, and for promoting a culture of wellness. biggeSt loSeR Challenge In January 2012, we will repeat our 12-week competition. We had over 120 participants in 2011. Our goal is to keep our weight loss and healthy lifestyle goals going for the entire year. Contact Susan Hendrickson if you are interested in forming a team or have a team that wants to participate in this session.

healthY habitS CoMMittee PRoMoteS PhYSiCal aCtiVitY

The Healthy Habits committee encourages 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week as part of the American Heart Association’s (AHA) Physical Activity Guidelines. Below is a tip from the AHA that is displayed on

one of the signs on the outdoor Walking Path at Research Medical Center.

“Walking is the simplest positive change individuals can make to effectively improve their health.”

bRookSide FitneSS Club Cardio 1000 is coming! It’s a fun incentive program to help keep you in shape over the holidays. The goal is to complete 1,000 minutes of cardiovascular exercise between November 27 and January 7. This six-week program averages out to 166 minutes of cardio per week. Cardiovascular exercise is any type of exercise that elevates your heart rate and keeps it up for an extended amount of time (e.g. walking, running, stairmaster, elliptical trainer, water aerobics or an aerobics class such as low impact, Step It Up, Cardio training. The goal of Cardio 1000 is to stay consistent with your exercise over the holiday, a time when

it is easy to neglect exercise routines. The program is open to all members of the Brookside Health and Fitness Center and all 1,000 minutes must be completed at the Center. All participants who have a total of 1,000 or more minutes of cardio will be entered into a drawing for a FREE six-month health club membership. Call (816) 276-4147 for membership information.

ZuMba ClaSS

In early January, LaGayle Braden, RN (4 West) will teach a Zumba class on Monday and Wednesday mornings in the Home Base area on the Research Brookside Campus. Zumba is aerobic dancing that infuses basic Latin dance steps. Details will be provided in the next newsletter.

Food SeRViCe uPdate

Be on the lookout for monthly displays in the cafeteria featuring food offerings considered to be healthy and/or environmentally responsible. The purpose of these displays is to call attention to some of the nutritious alternatives available in the café. Dillon Dreher, Research Medical Center dietitian, will be organizing these displays and will be available on display days to answer questions, offer samples, etc. The displays will most often be near the fresh fruit display on the café floor. So far, Greek yogurt, hummus, and cage free eggs have been featured, along with other items. Upcoming promotions include healthy items on the new cafeteria menu cycle and healthy holiday eating.

the wellneSS gaRden

Gardening season is over, but it is not too early to sign up for a garden bed for next spring before they are all taken.Several new beds have been built by Plant Operations. For more information and questions about the Wellness Gardens, contact Sue Funk. The Healthy Habits Committee would like to thank Jackie DeSouza for her support of Healthy Habits and wish her well in her new position!

Submitted by: Jan Horton, Sue Funk, Susan Hendrickson, Cheri

Hampton, Dillon Dreher and Bonnie Witt

Healthy Habits Corner


HCA is currently developing an enterprise-wide Electronic Health Record (EHR) called hCare. A

key component of hCare is having a comprehensive, single view of a patient’s clinical data.

The hCare Clinician Portal is an electronic access point for physicians and necessary clinical

staff to view integrated patient information, clinical data, and access clinical information systems

through a user-friendly, intuitive interface. It is the entry point to our EHR.

At this time we are excited to announce the upcoming implementation of Horizon Patient Folder (HPF) and its integration with the

hCare Clinician Portal. HPF is a computer system that contains multiple functions and will house the patient medical record post

discharge.

Once in place, HPF will be the electronic permanent legal medical record post-discharge. From within the clinician portal

physicians and clinical staff will be able to manage incomplete records, electronically sign documents, and access post-discharge

documentation using HPF. The paper medical record will still exist prior to discharge.

what You need to do

Staff Train the Trainer sessions will begin in early January 2012. Physician training sessions will begin the week of January 23,

2012. For access to Horizon Patient Folder (HPF) via the portal, you will need to have a user account set up and participate in an

introductory training session.

To learn more about training opportunities and user set-up sessions, contact Midwest IT&S, Physician Support coordinators at

(816) 276-4357 or [email protected] or [email protected].

Horizon Patient Folder Coming Soon!

Employee of the Month

Congratulations to Keith Trammell, RN, Radiology, for being selected Employee of the Month for

November. Nomination comments by his co-workers include:

• “Very calming to patients with anxiety issues and gets down on their level and holds their hand.”

• “Reliable and flexible with his work schedule.”

• “Very knowledgeable in several modalities of radiology.”

• “Great advocate of Research Medical Center.”

• “Doctors are always commenting that he is ‘on top of things.’

• “Receives many comment cards from patients.”

• “Volunteers with the Harvesters drive, active in church and as a wrestling coach.”

Keith trammell, rN • radiology


From Combat Boots to High Heels

By Kimberly SternAs the EMS relations director for HCA Midwest Health System and the reigning Mrs. Missouri America 2012, Tina York, NREMT-P, sports some footwear she only used to slip on for date night with her husband: high heels.

York, a Lee’s Summit resident, worked as an emergency medical technician (EMT)-paramedic for

15 years with the Kansas City Fire Department—on the streets, as she likes to say, where her everyday shoes were sturdy, lace-up boots. A self-professed adrenaline junkie, the vivacious 35-year-old mother of three is passionate about helping people in crisis situations. Nearly two years ago, York traded in her paramedic’s uniform in favor of a corporate dress code when she accepted the position with HCA Midwest.

It was a tough decision for York to leave her EMT-paramedic job where every shift involved real-time action and response—sometimes in an ambulance, as a flight medic, as an emergency room paramedic and as a supervisor.

“A paramedic is usually the first one on the scene of a 9-1-1 call,” says York. “Critical thinking skills, compassion and sense of humor that’s sometimes required to balance the negativity or pressure of a situation are essential tools for an EMT.”

York pauses to smile when she talks about the stereotype of an EMT—a mold she and her partner, another female, shattered. “Frequently we answered calls where someone needed transport to the hospital from their home,” says York. “Even in the middle of a medical emergency, people were concerned as to whether or not we could carry them out,” says York. “I’m stronger than I look.”

York now has weekends free to spend with her husband, Dave, and 14- and 12-year-old daughters and 9-year-old son. As EMS relations director for HCA Midwest—Kansas City’s largest healthcare network—York works on the flip side of patient care, conducting education for paramedics and EMTs.

“I also help promote positive relationships with EMS providers,” says York. “I get to interact in a different way and work with the people who still work the streets as first responders. I empathize with them—being a paramedic can be tough on your body and psyche.”

In addition to York’s role at HCA Midwest, she is a pageant winner. On Sept. 3, York achieved a goal she set for herself four years ago: she was crowned Mrs. Missouri America at the competition in Branson, Mo. The crown, sash and opportunity to create a platform for breast cancer awareness with the Susan G. Komen Foundation are exciting byproducts of York’s win. But what this mother relishes more than the title, media appearances or representing the state of Missouri on the televised Mrs. America Pageant in April 2012 is the example she sets for her children.

“Regardless of the outcome of that competition, I’ve followed through with a goal I set for myself; I’ve demonstrated perseverance to my kids,” says York. “That’s a priceless lesson.”

York has chosen breast cancer as a rallying point during her year as Mrs. Missouri America. She lost a grandmother to the disease, and participates in walks and other activities to shine a light on the importance of early detection. In August 2011, York joined friends for the 60-mile 3 Days for a Cure walk in Chicago.

“It was an amazing experience,” says York, who personally raised $2,300 for the walk. “Humbling, exciting, inspiring, emotional.”

She continues to make public appearances on the topic of breast cancer. “When you have a title or a crown it’s bigger than a microphone—it’s a bullhorn,” says York. “People will stop, look and listen. Though Mrs. Missouri America goes away in April—unless I win the crown in the national competition—I am still Tina, with a commitment to raising awareness about breast cancer.”

York’s voice has added volume for her cause because of her pageant win. She has a fierce dedication to her profession and touches lives along the way. She loves her family. And though her choice of shoes these days is usually a fashionable pair of heels, those lace-up boots still have a place of honor in her closet.

Tina York went from the front lines as a first responder to a woman with two new titles -- and a tiara.


Cristo Rey High School Students Partner with Research Medical Center in Work-Study Program

In January 2011 Kevin Hicks, Research Medical Center’s chief executive officer, initiated a partnership with the Cristo Rey Jesuit High School in Kansas City. Cristo Rey is a private co-educational Roman Catholic college-prep school affiliated with the Little Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth, Kansas. Cristo Rey is shaped and energized by the educational vision of the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth in the Vincentian spirit of service to the poor and partnership with those of means. Education through Cristo Rey includes cultivating core values in its students. Cristo Ray students are encouraged to develop and embody integrity. This means being honest and showing character. They are taught to respect the dignity and worth of all persons and to be personally responsible and accountable in work and relationships. Their education emphasizes the wisdom of entering partnerships with others to promote cooperation and generate new possibilities. Being religious based, an education at Cristo Rey calls attention to the value of faith, divine guidance, and the love, support, and presence of God in all situations.

Research Medical Center’s unique partnership with Cristo Rey includes the inaugural placement of five students in various positions at Research Medical Center for a semester. To our delight, four of our first five students participating last semester returned to Research Medical Center this fall. Currently, Anissa Ortiz and Tyshea Reese serve in the Transportation

department, while Jervon Parham and Hector Martinez serve in the Food Services department. These students are involved in a work-study format. Each is paid an hourly wage and receives academic credit for learning from emergent curriculum in their areas of placement.

Our Cristo Rey student partners are integrally involved with Research Medical Center’s Volunteer department. Like all volunteers, our students are oriented to CARE behaviors and policies such as “Foam in and Foam Out” and “No Pass Zone.” They learn about EMTALA right to emergency treatment law, HIPAA privacy law and protocols, patient safety practices, and ways to make referrals to staff from their own observations. Our students are co-jointly supervised by Sonjya Ownbey (Human Resources) and Rev. Dr. Chuck Robertson (Pastoral Care).

We are pleased and honored to participate in preparation of these students for possible healthcare careers in the future. Young persons need positive role models and hands-on experience to gain useful knowledge. What one learns in any formal education remains thin unless it is mixed with real life experience. Join us in welcoming our Cristo Rey partners to the Research Medical Center family.

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Documents

CARE Newsletter - December 2011