Dietary Interns

Penrose-St. Francis Health Services provides a unique education experience to dietetic students. 

The Dietetic Internship Program at PSF is a 42-week generalist program offering foodservice management, clinical and community experiences for four to six people annually. 

PSF’s program, which began in 1981, is one of only four programs in Colorado and the only hospital participating.  

“The internship is supervised and administered by experienced, onsite registered dietitians within the Nutrition Services Department at PSF,” said Suzanne Logan, director of the program.  “The goal of this internship program is to provide the student with the experience and qualifications to become a competent, entry-level generalist registered dietitian and an active member of the American Dietetic Association.” 

The interns rotate through several community rotations, including Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) where they counsel pregnant women, local school lunch programs where they teach good nutrition in the classroom setting, and the Health Learning Center where they teach community classes on healthy cooking. They develop handouts and offer food samples of healthy foods, and are available to answer questions about a wide variety of nutrition topics. 

“Not only are we helping to train up-and-coming dieticians,” Suzanne said, “but the training goes well with our mission of excellence.  The program helps keep up the competency of current employees since they are the trainers.  It's also a morale booster.”

The program is currently granted accreditation status by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education of the American Dietetic Association.  PSF’s program is very competitive; typically 150 to 200 people apply for the four to six slots each year.  

Meet the Interns:

Erin McGinley is from Beaverton, Ore., and graduated from Saint Louis University.   She applied for the PSF Dietetic Intern program because she loves “the variety in the field of dietetics and this program offered so much to experience and I knew that with only four interns, I would learn more with one-on-one teaching. Not only that, but Colorado Springs is a beautiful and exciting place to live.”

Lindsey L. Tucker calls Hayward, Wis., home.  She attended the College of St. Benedict/St. John’s University in St. Joseph, MN.  “I have always wanted to live out West at some point in my life.  Growing up, I always heard great things about Colorado…the mountains, the mild climate, the amazing outdoor activities, etc...  So, when it came time to start applying for dietetic internships, I decided to visit the DI program at Penrose Hospital.  I fell in love with the area and the people instantly and I knew this is where I wanted to spend a year completing my internship!

Sherri Marie Kark hails from Clanton, Ala.  She wanted “the wide array of exposure to multiple settings including: clinical, food service, wellness, community, pediatrics, school lunch, etc. The internship provides a great deal of experience while remaining personal and extremely informative.” 

Christina Bortnem is from Great Falls, Mont., and graduated from Montana State University in Bozeman, MT. She joined the program because of the opportunities for a variety experiences. “This program has multiple locations and a wide range of rotations. This allows me to find an area I enjoy and then direct myself towards a future career. I also appreciated the location of the program. Finding an internship that was similar to Montana and not too far from home was ideal.”



Interns Erin McGinley and Lindsey Tucker, with program director Suzanne Logan, and interns Sherri Kark and Christina Bortnem at Penrose Hospital. (Courtesy photo)

News Briefs

PUMPKIN CARVING/DECORATING CONTEST
Penrose Hospital Nutrition Services will be hosting a hospital wide pumpkin carving/decorating contest. Everyone will have the choice of entering as a department or as an individual, but must supply their pumpkins.To submit your pumpkin, please bring it to the PH Diet Office located across from the cafeteria. There they will properly number and set it up for you in the cafeteria.Deadline for entering the pumpkins is Oct. 27. For questions, please contact lorenamangold@centura.org or marlakaufman@centura.org.

RONALD McDONALD FAMILY ROOM
The Ronald McDonald Family Room at St. Francis Medical Center will be opening in November, but still needs volunteers to staff the room.  If you're interested or would like more information, please contact Tina Dewar, Ronald McDonald Family Room manager, at: tina.ronhouse@yahoo.com or 243-3574.

NAME THE NEW CAFE    
Beginning today, Nutrition Services is accepting suggestions to name the "new" Penrose Hospital cafeteria. The finalist will be chosen by senior management. A suggestion box is located beside the cashiers.

SANDWICH ORDERS
Also starting today, the Penrose Hospital Cafe is taking sandwiches orders via Fax.  The cut off time to submit orders is 9:45 a.m.  Use the attached form or pick up fax order sandwich slips by the deli counter to take back to the office. Sandwich fax order sheet

ASSOCIATE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Penrose-St. Francis Health Foundation’s Associate Financial Assistance Fund program guidelines are online at WWW.PSFFOUND.ORG.  Click on the link on the home page and you’ll be directed to the same information sheet that appears on the back of the assistance application. Please note that the application form itself is not available to complete online.  You must still complete the request process in person through the Foundation office located on the third floor of the Margery Reed Memorial Building, Penrose Hospital campus. For additional information or to schedule an appointment, please call 776-7760, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

TUITION REIMBURSEMENT
In an effort to save time and paper, Education will no longer distribute hard copies of applications and guidelines for tuition reimbursement.  Associates can access these documents via My Virtual Workplace.  For more information, please contact PSF Education at 776-5186.
     How to Access:
• Log into My Virtual Workplace
• Click on the Reference Tab
• Click on Docushare
• Click on PSF General Folders
• Click on Education Resources
• Click on Tuition Assistance Forms
• Click on Tuition Application (and print) AND click on Tuition Guidelines (and print)

HR AT PENROSE HOSPITAL
The PSF Human Resources Department is delayed in moving back to Penrose Hospital. In the meantime, HR is offering onsite support hours Mondays, 12:30 to 4:30 p.m., and Wednesdays, 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. HR representatives will be located in the PH Wellness Center in the E-Tower basement. For questions or more information, please contact Gary Morse at 776-4782 or Cecilia Peat at 776-4785.

ASSOCIATE REMINDERS
• HR forms and policies can be found on DocuShare through “My Virtual Workplace” web site.
• All job postings and applications are online at http://www.penrosestfrancis.org
• Associates who need a computer for compliance training purposes, may contact Education Resources at 776-5186. They have a computer located in a private area.

Lunch 'N' Learn

Librarian Month

Celebrate National Medical Librarian’s Month at Webb Library!   The month of October has been designated as National Medical Librarians month by the Medical Library Association.

This year’s theme is “Fishing for Quality Health Information? @sk Your Medical Librarian.” 

MLA created the NMLM observance to raise awareness of the important role of the health information professional. Physicians, nurses, patients, and those in the health community need the specialized services that medical librarians provide now more than ever before.

Visit Webb Library over the next two weeks, from Oct. 12-22, and get an overview of some of the resources. 

The Webb Memorial Library is located in the basement of the Margery Reed Building at Penrose Hospital.  We are open Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday, 7:30 – 2 p.m. and Tuesday, 7:30 – Noon. We are closed on Fridays.  If you visit the library, you can enter our drawing to win a $25 gift card to Barnes and Noble.

For more information or directions to Webb Library, call Casey Welch, the medical librarian, at 776-5288 or e-mail webblibrary@centura.org.   Webb Library will soon have its own Intranet site on MVW.  Look for more information in the Penrose Pulse to learn when this will be “live.”

PT Month

Penrose-St. Francis Health Services continues to celebrate National Physical Therapy Month during October. Physical therapists are experts in restoring and improving the motion that is crucial to a patient’s well-being.  

Penrose Hospital physical therapist Krista Bohlen works with Jason Schoch on muscle strengthening to help improve motion.  (Photo by Stacey Knott) 

Hyperglycemia Project

SHM’s Glycemic Control Mentored Implementation Targets Hyperglycemia
Society’s newest quality improvement project designed to reduce hyperglycemia in 30 hospitals nationwide

The Society of Hospital Medicine announced the launch of its new Glycemic Control Mentored Implementation (GCMI) project Oct. 5. Now in place in 30 hospitals across the country, including at Penrose-St. Francis Health Services, the new program will improve early detection and treatment of hyperglycemia in hospitalized patients. 

Diabetes is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States and the fourth most common co-morbid condition complicating all hospital discharges. Hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, in hospitalized patients complicates a variety of illnesses and is an independent risk factor for adverse outcomes. 

GCMI, supported by funding from sanofi-aventis, US, LLC, utilizes mentors, glycemic control and quality improvement experts, to provide direct support to hospitalist-led healthcare teams. Each team enrolled in the two-year project receives a dedicated mentor, as well as web-based and print resources on glycemic control.  

This project will address the use of both subcutaneous and intravenous administration of insulin, the two most common methods for managing glycemic levels in the hospital. Specific topics include:
• Access to subcutaneous insulin on the general medical/surgical floor
• Intravenous insulin infusion in the intensive care unit
• Transitioning patients from intravenous to subcutaneous insulin
• Transitioning patients home on insulin therapy

“Glycemic control is an important quality and patient safety issue that should be addressed in every hospital,” said Jane Kelly-Cummings, RN, CPHQ, Senior Director of Quality Improvement for SHM. “GCMI addresses the pertinent clinical and system issues which will assist hospitals to improve the care of diabetic patients to decrease the incidences of hyper and hypoglycemia, whereby reducing the number of complications associated with this condition.”

The following sites have been selected to participate in the new project:
• Abbott Northwestern Hospital- Minneapolis, MN
• Alexian Brothers Medical Center- Elk Grove Village, IL
• Baptist Hospital Saint Thomas Health Systems- Brentwood, TN
• Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital Medical Center- Plattsburgh, NY
• Cooper University Hospital- Camden, NJ
• Duke Raleigh Hospital- Raleigh, NC
• Emory University Hospital- Snellville, GA
• Exeter Hospital- Exeter, NH
• Healthcare Authority for Medical West- Bessemer, AL
• John C. Lincoln Hospital North Mountain- Phoenix, AZ
• Kaiser Sunnyside Medical Center- Clackamas, OR
• Kentfield Rehabilitation and Specialty Hospital- Kentfield, CA
• Kootenai Medical Center- Coeur d’Alene, ID
• Lakeland Regional Medical Center- Lakeland, FL
• Luther Hospital- Eau Claire, WI
• Memorial Medical Center- Springfield, IL
• Mercy Iowa City- Iowa City, IA
• Morton Plant Hospital- Clearwater, FL
• Multicare Health System Tacoma General Hospital- Tacoma, WA
• Oneida Healthcare Center- Oneida, NY
• Penrose-St. Francis Health Services- Main Campus- Colorado Springs, CO
• Portland Veterans Affairs Medical Center- Portland, OR
• Poudre Valley Health System- Fort Collins, CO
• Providence Portland Medical Center- Portland, OR
• Sacramento Sutter Medical Center- Sacramento, CA
• St. Mary’s Hospital- San Francisco, CA
• St. John's Mercy Medical Center- St. Louis, MO
• The George Washington University Medical Center- Washington, DC
• Thomas Jefferson University Hospital- Philadelphia, PA
• University of Virginia Medical Center- Charlottesville, VA

For more information on the Glycemic Control Mentored Implementation Program, please contact Ann Finlay at afinlay@hospitalmedicine.org or 267-702-2674.

ABOUT SHM
SHM is the premier medical society representing hospitalists. Over the past decade, studies have shown that hospitalists decrease patient lengths of stay, reduce hospital costs and readmission rates, all while increasing patient satisfaction. Hospital medicine is the fastest-growing specialty in modern healthcare, with over 31,000 hospitalists currently practicing and an upward growth trajectory in full force. For more information about SHM, visit www.hospitalmedicine.org.

Hiking Club

Oncology Art

Lilly Oncology On Canvas, an art exhibition honoring the physical and emotional journeys people face when confronted by a cancer diagnosis, will be on display in the Penrose Cancer Center during the month of October.  This free public exhibit, which is touring communities nationwide, will showcase several select pieces of art from the 2008 Oncology On Canvas competition.

For information on the Lilly Oncology On Canvas, or, beginning in the fall of 2009, information on how to enter the 2010 competition, please call (800) 734-4131 or visit www.LillyOncologyOnCanvas.com.  To learn more about NCCS, please visit www.canceradvocacy.org.

Health Learning Center

Check out these community health and wellness classes at the Health Learning Center.

All classes require pre-registration / cancellation a minimum of 24 hours prior. A $20 no show fee will be billed to the participant if registration not cancelled 24 hours in advance. To register or for more information, please call the Penrose Health Learning Center at 776-3600.

T’ai Chi – A form of ancient Chinese martial arts that works to improve body awareness, strength and coordination. Offered monthly, Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning the first Tuesday of each month, 9 to 10 a.m. Nov. 3-24 (seven sessions), Dec. 1-17 (three weeks only). The cost is $40 for the 4-week session (or discounted session rate as applicable).

Basic Weight Training For All Ages - A wonderful strength and conditioning class for the entire family.  This class will challenge all fitness levels with its varied class format of circuits, resistance training, and core stability training. One hour twice per week for 4-weeks.  Mondays and Wednesdays,  5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Oct. 19-Nov. 11.  The cost is $40 for the 4-week session.

New!  Creating Healthy Food Gifts – Healthy food is always a great gift idea. Join us in creating items such as soups, teas, basket ideas, cookies or other treats to personalize your holiday giving.  An economic way to please even the most difficult person on your list.  5:45 p.m. – 7:15 p.m.,  Tuesday, Dec. 1. The cost is $30.       

Essential Core Training - Core strength and stability is essential in maintaining functional ability for activities of daily living.  Core training is not just sit ups and crunches but incorporates stability muscles from your chest to your knees to create a foundation for all movement.  Come and join us for great workouts and “take home” information. Mondays, Nov. 16 – Dec. 7, 5:30 – 6:15 p.m.  The cost is $30.

New! YoChi - This unique class will incorporate exercise components of both seated Yoga and Tai Chi to promote relaxation and stress reduction. Thursdays, Oct. 29-Nov. 19, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. The cost is $30 for the 4-week session.
  
Join The Health Learning Center Gym – Did you know that a one month membership at the HLC gym is equal to one class option through Colorado Springs Utilities?  Join us for one or more months and get your workouts kick started under the guidance of our fitness experts.  Call the registration number for an exercise intake appointment.  By appointment only. Contact 776-4761 to schedule your intake to initiate your membership. The cost is $46 per month / no contracts – month to month membership.

NEW! Portion Distortion – Learn about correct portion sizes verses restaurant portion sizes. Bigger is not always better.  How do you deal with our “upsized” world without becoming “upsized” yourself.  A great visual aid to your nutrition plan. Tuesday, Oct. 13, 5:45 – 7 p.m. The cost is $20.

NEW! Stress Management and Emotional Eating – Learn to identify and combat emotional eating. Discussion will include emotional and physical hunger and explore alternative methods of handling stress and other emotions.  Discover possible emotional connections to commonly craved foods. Thursday, Oct. 22, 5:45 – 7 p.m. The cost is $20.

NEW! Balancing Your Fat and Fiber for the Health of Your Heart / Incorporating Exercise – Discuss types of fats and their impact on your cholesterol levels. Understand how to comfortably add fiber to help lower your cholesterol. We will also discuss how to effectively incorporate exercise and movement into your lifestyle. Tuesday, Nov. 3, 5:45 – 7:15 p.m. The cost is $20.

NEW! Cooking Demo and Tasting – Cooking with healthy grains, beans, vegetables and spicy sauces to improve heart health. Lower your risk of heart disease by incorporating some of these great recipes and easy suggestions into your own home cooked meals.  Thursday, Nov. 5, 5:45 – 7:15 p.m.  The cost is $25.

Resistance Training with Bands – Resistance band training is a unique resistance training method that may easily be accomplished at home or work with very little space and just a few varied tensions of bands.  Join us for this creative class that will provide exercises and direction for your mobile training system.  Thursday, Oct. 15, 5:45 – 7:15 p.m.  The cost is $20.

New!  Individual Fitness Assessment – Measure your fitness levels against the national averages and note areas in which you excel and potential areas of need. A sub-max VO2 treadmill test as well as evaluations for flexibility, strength and strength endurance will be performed.  Results will be reviewed and discussed with a fitness expert to help direct you in your future fitness goals.  By appointment only; contact 776-3600 to schedule your appointment .  The cost is $50. 

Aquatics Classes – The Penrose Health Learning Center in cooperation with Colorado Sports and Spine. A structured class two to three times per week, concentrating on range of motion, overall strengthening and general cardiovascular conditioning.  All Aquatics classes are located at 1625 Medical Center Point (Union and Templeton Gap).  The cost is $46 per month for 2x / week or $66 per month for 3x / week.
- Monday/Wednesday/Friday: 10:30–11:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
- Monday/Wednesday: 5-6 p.m.
- Monday/Friday: 12:30-1:30 p.m
- Tuesday/Thursday: 8:30-9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 12:30-1:30 p.m.

HIIP News

OCTOBER LUNCH ‘N’ LEARN: “EAT THIS NOT THAT”
As the saying goes, “We are what we eat.” Every day we are faced with numerous food choices! Should I eat fresh or frozen veggies? Should I spend more for organic fruit? Should I eat natural granola or ice cream? Should I choose taco salad or a hamburger? Michelle Somers, RD will share how to understand the food label and compare food choices, which will give you skills to make food swaps. Come learn how it is possible to make smart food choices that will help you become Healthy, Happy and Fit! Get prepared for the upcoming holiday season!
Oct. 14, SFMC/North Care Building, Julie Penrose Center 2nd Floor, 12:05 - 12:35 p.m.
Oct. 15, PH/E-Tower Basement Gala Room, 12:05 - 12:35 p.m.

HIKING CLUB
Oct. 17 at 8:30 a.m., Red Rocks Canyon
Directions:  From I-25 take the Cimarron Street exit west. Cimarron Street will turn into Highway 24. After the 31st Street light, turn left onto Ridge Road. Red Rock Canyon will be on the south side of the street. The parking lot is located at the end of Ridge Road. 
For more info contact hike leader: Luke Smith at 964-5337. Family members and pets (on a leash) are welcome! The trail is rated easy and is about 2-3 miles long!

FY10 HIIP EDUCATION CLASSES
Hypertension Intervention: Oct. 21 from 12:15-1 p.m. at ASC/1st Floor Skyline Room
FISH: Fatty Acids in Seafood Are Healthy: tbd.

SELF CARE CLASS
Oct. 6 from noon-12:45 p.m. at ASC/1st Floor Skyline Room

BIKING OUTING
SFMC Duathlon Bike Ride
Oct. 24 at 9:30 a.m., sign in at 9:15 a.m.
Is everyone ready to go outside and enjoy the great outdoors and also earn miles for the Duathlon Challenge! Come join in the fun with Nancetta Williams, Director of Medical Staff Services, who will lead this biking extravaganza. We will plan to meet at 9:15a.m. at St. Francis Medical Center. We will ride out to Black Forest and back to SFMC. All ability levels are welcome.
We will leave PROMPTLY at 9:30a.m., so show up at 9:15a.m. to sign in.  Please make sure your tires are pumped up and your bike is ready to ride before showing up. You can ride as far and as long as you want. All of the following distances are ONE-WAY APPROXIMATIONS.  The estimated travel distance is about 21 miles so come prepared.
• From SFMC, turn right on Woodmen, take left on Black Forest Rd.  – with a couple of turns – to Burgess Road (6.14 miles)
• From Burgess Road, turn right at Pine Cone Road, then take right at Herring Road. Continue and take right back onto Burgess Road (9 miles)
• From Burgess, take left at Black Forest, follow back to Woodmen and take Woodmen back to SFMC (5 miles)
Remember to WEAR A HELMET (required to participate), BRING WATER and some FOOD, as you will get thirsty and hungry along the way.  Bring your family, friends, and of course YOUR BIKE!  See you then? 
*You will receive HIIP fitness activity credit for this event!
If you have any questions, please call Nancetta Williams at 776-5114.

PSF EXTENDED FITNESS CLASSES
Pick up a schedule at HIIP Wall pockets at all sites for registration form
Penrose Hospital
Belly Dancing: Session 2: Starts Oct. 12 from 5-6 p.m. in the PH/E-Tower Aerobics Room for 6 weeks
NIA: Session 3: Starts Oct. 20 from 4-5 p.m. in the PH/E-Tower Aerobics Room for 6 weeks
Yoga: Session 3: Starts Oct. 22 from 5:15-6:30 p.m. in the PH/E-Tower Aerobics Room for 6 weeks
Yoga for a Healthy Back: Session 2: Starts Oct. 27 from 5:15-6:45 p.m. in the PH/E-Tower Aerobics Room for 6 weeks

WELLNESS CENTER ORIENTATIONS
Please register for orientations via HealthCalc on My Virtual Workplace or call 776-5839, ext 2.
SFMC Wellness Center- Oct. 14 at 1 p.m.
PH Wellness Center- Oct. 20 at 4 p.m.
SFMC Wellness Center- Oct. 22 at 5 p.m.
Anyone over 40 years old must have a physician’s form signed giving permission to use Wellness Centers. *SFMC Wellness Center Orientations: Please note that if you used to have access to the PCH Wellness Center, you must attend an orientation at SFMC in order to gain access to that facility.

WALKING CLUBS
PH Walking Club: Every Thursday at 7:15-7:50 a.m. outside of valet. Contact Michelle Somers x5034
SFHC Walking Club:  Every Monday at 11:30 a.m. outside of the Foundation building. Contact Tracy x7085
SFMC Walking Club:  Every Tuesday at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. meet outside 1st floor/valet entrance- Winter season- the group will walk the stairs indoors. Contact Rox x11064

Cafeteria Menu

For the SFMC menu, please call the daily menu phone line 571-1001.

Penrose Hospital daily breakfast and lunch menu.

TODAY
Breakfast: Eggs Florentine & Mornay Sauce; Lunch: Baked Potato Bar, Garlic Crumb Halibut, BBQ Baby Back Pork Ribs, Cherry Pineapple White Cake

TUESDAY
Breakfast: Sausage, Egg & Cheese McMuffin; Lunch: Beef Taco Bowl, Tri-Pepper Chicken Fajitas, Roast Turkey, Warm Blueberry Crunch

WEDNESDAY
Breakfast: Breakfast Burritos; Lunch: Bourbon Glazed Salmon, Curry Chicken Breast, BBQ Beef Brisket, Homemade Apple Strudel

THURSDAY
Breakfast: Sausage Biscuits & Gravy; Lunch: Beer Battered Cod, Beef Pepper Steak over Rice, Country Fried Chicken, Triple Berry Granola Crisp

FRIDAY
Breakfast: Green Chili Cheese Omelet; Lunch: English Breaded Orange Roughy, Spaghetti & Meat Sauce, Sweet Potatoes & Broccoli

SATURDAY
Breakfast: Minnesota Egg Casserole; Lunch: Red Hook Fried Shrimp, Turkey Pot Pie, Meat Lasagna & Garlic Bread, Blueberry Cherry Cobbler

SUNDAY
Breakfast: Pancakes; Lunch: Country Fried Chicken, Meatball Hoagie, Macaroni & Cheese, Apple Dumplings