Published Weekly for Associates & Volunteers of Penrose-St Francis Health Services
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A Look Inside
Note: Many associates do not regularly check their PSF e-mail. Please print this e-newsletter and make it available to your associates and co-workers. All past Penrose Pulse issues and other Centura Health newsletters can be accessed by visiting www.centuranews.org. Thank you.
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Star Associates
HLC Star Associate: Mike Campos, Prevention and Wellness Mike Campos is truly a star associate. He is authentic and sincere in his interactions with the clients/patients. He displays patience, understanding and compassion for all clients taking the time necessary to explain and walk them through the intake process and ongoing follow-up. Recently, Mike planned, organized in detail, and implemented an exercise incentive for our participants at the HLC fitness center. The theme was March Madness, the participants were in teams of four, scoring “exercise points” for their team. Many people participated in the incentive. The incentive created new friendships among HLC participants, increased socialization, camaraderie, teamwork, healthy competition, and healthier individuals due to an increase in exercise. We concluded the six-week incentive with a potluck and awards. It was a great success thanks to Mike’s enthusiasm and passion. More recently, Mike was featured live on KKTV channel 11 for the Workout Wednesday segment. _______________________________________________________________ Langstaff Brown Star Associate: Molly Smith, DPT, Colorado Sport & Spine Molly Smith is the perfect example of a Centura Star Associate. Molly exemplifies compassion with every patient that she treats in our physical therapy clinic. Every patient is treated as the most important person in her world for his/her time in the clinic. Molly cares about the patient a whole person, not just as “the one with the rotator cuff injury,” or “the one with the back pain.” There are many times when Molly will help those struggling with their injury by referring them to local support groups or by doing something as simple as offering to pray for them. She will go the extra mile in patient care by personally researching and talking with other providers that a patient may need to go to for various reasons (additional care, because they are moving, or based on insurance changes). It is so important to the patient that their therapist has taken that extra time to be sure that the next person who will care for him/her is a quality provider and has been informed of his/her specific situation. Molly listens to every concern the patient has and is diligent in educating the patient about his/her injury and the goals for therapy. The patient’s wants and needs are incorporated into the plan for treatment so the patient feels a part of the decisions that are made. She works long hours after the last patient has left to create personalized exercise routines and “homework” for each patient. Molly’s compassion and respect for each patient shows in the number of patients that return to her for care or advice, and the number of patients referred specifically to her from past patients. Many even stop by just to say hello and give an update on how well they are doing one they have graduated from therapy. I believe Molly Smith shows the true spirit of a Centura employee. PH Star Associate – Theresa Gregoire, Patient Chaplain, Spiritual Care Theresa has an extraordinary ability to sense one’s needs, offer to pray with an associate or patient right then, and put these needs into words. Regardless of the circumstances, her prayers accurately reflect the concern of the individual – often unspoken. Theresa was an ethics consultant for many years where she provided support to her fellow consultants during difficult cases. The patient and families for whom she was consulted received her compassionate prayers, listening and prayerful discussion. Theresa has found times to help me personally with family crises through her spontaneous prayers (even in the hallways), her calls and emails to help me. I know of many other staff who she has helped in similar ways. Although she is “patient chaplain,” she extends her care and concern to all the hospital staff as well. Theresa was instrumental in starting the Blessing of the Hands during Nurses Week. This is a very meaningful experience that is now included in new graduate orientation and Spiritual Care week. When our co-worker lay dying in CCU, Theresa came in daily to pray with her and us, even though this was not her assigned area. Following her death, Theresa would constantly check up on us to see how we were doing (not well) and offering words of comfort. SFMC Star Associate: Keila Dremstedt, ICU Compassion is defined as “A powerful, deep awareness of someone else’s suffering, making it so that you want them not to suffer. (Robert Longman Jr.) I was privileged to witness a true example of compassion in May of 2010 when I witnessed Keila caring for a young suicidal woman. Keila immediately showed her that she cared for her deeply, and used words and a nurse’s touch by holding her hand to convey she totally accepted the patient for who she was and recognized her pain. I could see there was a connection that was made between Keila and her patient, a strong, trusted relationship formed very fast. Keila was able to convey to her patient that she recognized her suffering and she wanted to do everything she could do to help the person get some relief. When nurses care for patients, the connection we build is a sacred space in which compassion lays the foundation for a trusting and healing relationship. Keila is able to accomplish this quickly because of her respect for a person’s dignity and her desire to help people achieve optimal health and enjoy the beautiful gift of life. _______________________________________________________________ Brook Poe is an exceptional nurse. She goes way beyond when it comes to our fetal demise patients who have a perinatal loss. Brook heads and runs the perinatal loss committee in labor and delivery. She has for years been an advocate for our mom’s and dad’s who loose a child during pregnancy and if they loose a newborn in the NICU. She has so much compassion for these families who have such a tragic loss. Brook continues to educate our department and others on the mental, physical and emotions needs of the patient and family during this tough time. Whether it be a miscarriage, a still born, or a newborn death, she makes sure they are handled with care and dignity. She also keeps up on new updates for care of the fetal demise standards. She will help her colleagues during a fetal demise delivery with either paperwork, care and cleaning of the fetus or just listen to us about the tough time we are having with the loss of this child. As nurses in labor and delivery, we are considered the happy department, but as those who work in it know all too well, it is not always that way and thanks to Brook, we are all able to be more compassionate to our patients during their difficult time. She is a star in our eyes. Thanks Brook for thinking and caring for the many families who have a loss and need your TLC. Trojan Tarver is an example to all other associates. He is a delight to be around with his upbeat cheerful attitude. He role models compassion for the patients; going above and beyond in appropriately assisting with psychiatric patients when a Code Green is called. He follows the lead adding his own creativity in the moment. He respectively accepts all patients and staff where they are. He is a cheerleader without knowing it. Even when looking out for the welfare of all, he functions quickly and efficiently. Whatever he sets his mind to will be done with utmost attention. He embodies all values. As the site administrator, I had the opportunity to observe Trojan several times exhibiting compassion to “all walks of life” whether they be patients, visitors or associates. He has a sixth sense of compassion and willingly utilizes it wherever he is in the facility, even when he is running the floor machine; he will turn it off and offer his way of comforting anyone and offering to assist anyway – he does not ask – he just helps. Back to Top |
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PSF Art Show
Urban Legends and Urns: Uncovering the Truth For those of you who read this column each week, you know that I find a piece of artwork on one of our campuses and share a little bit of information about that piece, like who the artist is or an interesting fact. As I began to look at this week’s piece, a huge puzzle began to unfold. Being the inquisitive person that I am, I couldn’t let the mystery go untold so I took it upon myself to find out the truth. To understand this story, you have to know a little bit of history. I went right to the source – the Penrose Hospital 100th Anniversary book. Below is an excerpt from that book that introduces you to Margery Reed. (In case you are new to Penrose-St. Francis, Glockner was the original name of Penrose Hospital until 1959.)
In case you haven’t figured it out yet, the piece of artwork that started this is the large oil painting of Margery Reed located on the 1st floor of Penrose, just outside of Human Resources.
This led me to the other portrait of Margery, located on the third floor, just outside of the Foundation.
This is where the urban legend comes in. As I was asking around about the piece of artwork and who Margery was, an interesting story came up. I heard it from a number of people so I figured that it must be true. “These two portraits were lost for years and were just found a few years ago. They were rolled up and tucked in the rafters of the ceiling in the carpenter shop. I think Steve is the one who found them.” A good reporter knows that you can’t rely on third party speculation so I tracked down Steve Erickson in Facilities to get his perspective on this amazing discovery. “They were never lost,” said Steve. “When the library was torn down a few years ago, I took it upon myself to preserve these pieces of art. I took them over to Frame Works and had them professionally packaged. We did store them in the Carpenter Shop but they were never out of sight.”
I was already feeling better that we hadn’t lost these two priceless pieces of art. After the remodel of the building, they were re-hung for all to enjoy. What about all of Margery’s books? I started my search in the most logical place, the Webb Memorial Library, located in the basement of the Margery Reed building. Librarian Casey Welch was more than happy to show me the shelf with all of Margery’s books that the library had saved when the old building was torn down. I issued another sigh of relief that these historic pieces of literature had been saved. Margery’s career as an English professor is evident as you browse the titles in the collection. After all of this detective work, I was feeling pretty proud of myself. I felt good knowing that Margery Reed’s legacy was being preserved. As I was wrapping up a conversation with Steve, he said, “Her ashes were also in the old library, I think they are still here somewhere.” What? Her ashes? Could this be another urban legend? What started out as a simple question about an oil painting had turned into a search for the ashes of Margery Reed, which are reportedly somewhere in the building. Steve suggested that I might check with Spiritual Care. As I made my way over to Spiritual Care, I was trying to figure out how to ask the question. “Hello, do you know where the ashes are?” or “Hi, I’m looking for an urn.” I ended up just coming right out and asking if Leslie knew where Margery Reed’s ashes were. The instant smile and nod to “follow me” were all it took for me to know the end of my search was near. On a bookshelf in Larry Seidl’s office sit two urns that hold the remains of Margery Reed. Why two? No one knows. Why aren’t they buried? Again, no one knows. How did they end up on Larry’s shelf? We do know that. When the old Margery Reed Library was torn down, the urns were given to former CEO Rick O’Connell for safe keeping. On one of his final days here at Penrose, Rick gave these two urns to Larry because he was afraid someone would throw them out, not realizing what they were. Finally, the mystery was solved. Margery Reed, who died almost 90 years ago, remains a part of the Penrose-St. Francis history and her legacy continues. So, the next time you pass down the hall to Human Resources, or walk through the door to the Foundation, stop, admire the art and think how that wonderful lady’s life is still intertwined with who we are today. Back to Top |
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What would you do?
That is what Kathleen Black said after donating one of her kidneys to a stranger. Kathleen’s story starts three years ago when her mother found out she needed a kidney transplant. Kathleen, who works as a lab support technician here at Penrose, went through the screening process to see if she could donate for her mother. She found out that she was not a match. But going through the process made her realize that she could help someone else. “It was so neat to see my mom get excited over the possibility of a new life,” said Kathleen. “I wanted to give someone else that joy.” Through the screening process, she had been cleared to match someone who had been on the transplant list the longest. In April, her mother received a kidney. Only a few weeks later, Kathleen got the call that they had found a match. She met the person who was to receive her kidney on the day of the surgery as they waited in the pre-op area at Porter. He had been on the transplant list for 10 years. Kathleen will never forget June 2, and not just because the recipient and his family promised to send her flower every year on that anniversary date. “Not many people can say they changed someone’s life, especially that of a stranger,” said Kathleen. “If I could do it again, I would.” Kathleen proudly wears the pin in this photo on her name tag. She has one half and she gave the other half to the gentleman who now has her kidney. Back to Top |
Welcome Dr. Green
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Open House
The Penrose-St. Francis Foundation is hosting an open house to celebrate two new tools on Tuesday, Aug. 3 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. in the Cancer Center lobby. Come see how robotic-assisted surgery works with the new da Vinci System. Benefits include smaller incisions, less pain and a much faster recovery period. You’ll also get the opportunity to learn more about the new digital mammography equipment. Research shows that digital mammography may provide additional benefits, including improved patient comfort and convenience and more accurate results. If you’re curious or have questions, take a few minutes and come to the Cancer Center lobby on Aug. 3 to learn more about the latest technology Penrose-St. Francis has to offer. Back to Top |
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PSF Associate Art Show
The Penrose-St. Francis community is full of talented, creative, and artistic people. In order to showcase this group, the Rewards & Recognition Team has decided to revive the Associate Art Show! If you’re a photographer, painter or sculptor, we want to see your artwork. If you make jewelry, woodcarvings or other cool things, share your creations with us. The only things we won’t display are items with inappropriate context. Hospital visitors will be allowed to view the show so please choose carefully the art you wish to display. The Art Show will run from September 30th through October 2nd. We will have artwork on display at both Penrose Hospital and St. Francis Medical Center. You get to choose where you want to show your art. Each person can submit two items at each location. And even though the title says “Associate Art Show”, we welcome all PSF Physicians and Volunteers to participate. Registration forms are available on-site near the Rewards & Recognition posters. Downloadable forms can be obtained through My Virtual Workplace under Rewards & Recognition. Submission deadline is September 24th. If you have any questions, please contact Tracy Miles at 719-548-7085 or by email at tracymiles@catholichealth.net. Back to Top |
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Komen Race for the Cure
Come out and Race for the Cure – Sunday, September, 12, 2010! How to sign up for a team: 2. Click on the gray Register box on the right hand side of the screen 3. Then, click on the gray Join a Team box on the right hand of the screen 4. Scroll down and enter the information for the team you want to join Team name: Team Penrose-St. Francis Team Company: Penrose-St. Francis Health services Team Captain: Gail Decker – 776-6621 Team Company: Penrose Cancer Center 5. Then, click on Search for a team. 6. Double click on the team name and then click on Join Team. Additional instructions on how to officially join your team will appear on the screen. Also, join us for a Fundraiser BBQ on August 27 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at PH and SFMC. More details and additional activities to come so look to the Pulse for updates. Back to Top |
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Laughter is the best medicine
This is a weekly series of fun stories and jokes to help brighten your day and put a smile on your face. First Grade Proverbs Better to be safe than - punch a 5th grader. Strike while - the bug is close. It's always darkest before - Daylight Saving Time. Never underestimate the power of - termites. You can lead a horse to water but - how? Don't bite the hand that - looks dirty. No news is - impossible. A miss is as good as a - Mr. You can't teach an old dog new - math. If you lie down with dogs, you'll - stink in the morning. Love all, trust - me. The pen is mightier than the - pigs. An idle mind is - the best way to relax. Where there's smoke there's - pollution. Happy the bride who - gets all the presents. A penny saved is - not much. Two's company, three's - the Musketeers. Don't put off till tomorrow what - you put on to go to bed. Laugh and the whole world laughs with you, cry and..... you have to blow your nose. There are none so blind as - Stevie Wonder. Children should be seen and not - spanked or grounded. If at first you don't succeed - get new batteries. You get out of something only what you - see in the picture on the box. When the blind leadeth the blind - get out of the way. Back to Top |
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News Briefs
____________________________________________________________________ Join us on Friday, August 27 in Cancer Center Rms A & B beginning at 6 p.m. ____________________________________________________________________
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HIIP News
HIIP News AUGUST 2010 LUNCH 'N LEARN WEIGHT WATCHERS FREE INFORMATION SESSION PSF EXTENDED FITNESS CLASSES WELLNESS CENTER ORIENTATIONS WALKING CLUBS Back to Top |
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HLC Third Quarter Classes
SCHEDULE OF HEALTH IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM CLASSES Please call the following number for additional information or to register for any of the classes listed below. All classes require pre-registration / cancellation a minimum of 24 hours prior. All Wellness classes held at Penrose Health Learning Center, 1644 Medical Center Point (Union and Templeton Gap) unless otherwise noted. Exercising with the Physioball Level I – This four-week class will focus on core stability and strength, toning abdominals, lower back strengthening and stretching, upper and lower body musculature. A physioball will be given to each participant to encourage completion of weekly homework assignments. Class meets for 45-minutes once per week for four-weeks. Date/Time: Mondays, September 6 through 27, 5:15 – 6 pm T’ai Chi – A form of ancient Chinese martial arts that works to improve body awareness, strength and coordination. Date/Time: Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning the first Tuesday of the month 9 – 10 am NEW! Emotional Eating Sabotaging Your Weight Loss Attempts? – Come to this two-part series to gain some understanding and insight with your eating issues and get on a healthy path to a thinner, happier you! Date/Time: Tuesdays 5:30 – 7 pm Date/Time: By appointment only Date/Time: By appointment only Date/Time: Fridays 7 – 7:45 am Aquatics Classes – The Penrose Health Learning Center in cooperation with Colorado Sports and Spine. A structured lass 2-3 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). Date/Time: Back to Top |
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Cafeteria Menu
PENROSE HOSPITAL Breakfast & Lunch Menu (for more choices including Dinner, call # 776-5408) For SFMC menu, please call menu line at # 571-1001 MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY Back to Top |
Deadline for submissions is Wednesday of each week. Please send submissions to Chris Valentine at christophervalentine@centura.org. For questions or more information, email or call Chris at 776-5250.
