A dedication to nursing excellence in the Capital Region

Transcription

1 A dedication to nursing excellence in the Capital Region presented by also sponsored by A promotional supplement to the Times Union May 10, 2015

2 MAY 10, 2015 Page 2 A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO NURSES At St. Peter s Health Partners, nurses are at the heart of the people-centered care we provide every day. From our urgent care centers to our primary care offices... from our nursing homes to our visiting nurses... and from our emergency departments to our surgical suites nurses play a critical role in how health care is practiced and delivered. This year we are pleased to join the Times Union in sponsoring this Salute To Nurses. Built upon a proud tradition of caring, the profession of nursing is dedicated to implementing the best practices to deliver the highest quality care to those we serve. In recent years, our country has experienced unprecedented change in health care delivery, regulations and technologies. Nurses are stepping up to meet this challenge. At St. Peter s, we recognize that nursing is one of the most challenging careers... and one of the most rewarding. As a large and diverse health care organization, St. Peter s offers nurses a wide range of career opportunities... with nearly 3,500 nurses working in diverse clinical settings. As we celebrate National Nurses Week, the St. Peter s Health Partners community would like to take this time to recognize those nurses who have given so much to their profession, to their patients and to the community. Thank you for all you do. Sincerely, James K. Reed, MD, President & CEO sphp.com

3 Page 3 MAY 10, 2015 WE BELIEVE IN THE POWER OF NURSING. At St. Peter s Health Partners, we know the scientific knowledge, skill and expertise of nurses saves lives. But it is their compassion and caring that has the power to heal. We are honored to celebrate all the dedicated nurses in the Capital Region, and are especially proud to recognize our St. Peter s Health Partners nurses being saluted for nursing excellence NURSE OF THE YEAR Chris Martin, MS, RN, CNS, Albany Memorial Hospital and Samaritan Hospital Gay-Star McFarland, RN, Eddy SeniorCare Lisa Van Wormer, RN, OCN, CWCN, St. Peter s Hospital 2015 NURSE OF THE YEAR FINALISTS Kayla Bidwell, RN, Samaritan Hospital George Horn, RN, St. Peter s Hospital A Commitment to Excellence in Nursing At St. Peter s Health Partners, we foster an environment where nurses are supported and encouraged to take part in improving how health care is practiced and delivered. We offer opportunities to practice in the most diverse nursing settings in northeastern New York. We offer and encourage ongoing professional development opportunities while recognizing the need to build flexibility into the lives of our nurses and staff. To learn more about opportunities within our organization, please call us at (518) or visit our website at sphp.com

4 MAY 10, 2015 Page 4 Dedicated to Educating Nurses Around the World. Excelsior College is committed to local partnerships with hospitals and community colleges to offer special discounts on tuition and fees. As a leader in quality online nursing education, Excelsior College offers, associate, RN to BS, RN to MS, master s, and certificate nursing programs for nurses who need balance as they continue to work. To help position nurses to succeed in achieving their career and education goals, we offer: Support from academic advisors who help plan your degree path Mentoring for veterans seeking a bachelor s in Nursing Financial aid and special scholarships Personalized networking experience with nurses from diverse nursing backgrounds Saluting all nurses working at our local partnership hospitals including Albany Medical Center, Four Winds Saratoga, Saratoga, St. Mary s (Amsterdam), St. Peter s Health Partners, Ellis, Glens Falls, and Columbia Memorial! Call: ext. 2 Visit: excelsior.edu/nursing ACCREDITED NONPROFIT ONLINE

5 SPA DAY FOR THE WINNING NURSES The top 10 selected nurses were treated to a day at Complexions Spa for Beauty and Wellness in Colonie, and celebrated at the Salute to Nurses luncheon held on May 8 at the Albany Marriott. Page 5 MAY 10, 2015 With the concentration of hospitals, health care facilities and educational institutions in the area, the nursing profession is an important part of the Capital Region. This recognition of those area professionals is sponsored by St. Peter s Health Partners and Excelsior College. The selection process involved a panel of five health care, education and community relations judges who chose a representative sample of the nominations received in an attempt to highlight the variety of skills and areas in which Capital Region nurses excel. The nominating period ended March 6th. Out of more than 564 nominations by their patients, families, friends and peers, 25 were chosen to represent nursing excellence in the Capital Region in this Salute to Nurses but all deserve praise for the daily dedication they demonstrate to their patients and their profession. Salute to Nurses Top 10 Nurses Salute to Nurses Finalists The Changing Face of Nursing in the Capital Region Pathways to Nursing presented by also sponsored by This section was produced by the Times Union Design Group. The Times Union can be reached at Nurse Practitioners of the Capital Region 2014 Jeanne Millett, NP 2013 Alice Caton, NP 2012 Sarah Schoof, NP NP of the Year Recipients 2011 Patricia Reed, NP 2010 Regina Matties, NP Johanna Dooley, NP 50 Years of Caring 2009 Arlene Pericak, NP 2008 Julia Mason, NP 2007 Mary Ann Cresanti, NP When disaster strikes, your community needs you. Join the Albany County Medical Reserve Corps. Both clinical and non-clinical volunteers are needed! To register, visit: or call (518)

6 MAY 10, 2015 Page 6 Excelsior College s VBSN project helps veterans enter the healthcare field The Affordable Care Act is creating more opportunities for nurses outside of traditional roles. Additional nurses will be needed in the community to deliver care where patients live, work, pray and even play. As opportunities for nurses expand, there will be increased pressure on the nursing industry to meet this demand the Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts the number of RNs to increase by more than 526,800 by With military drawdowns bringing hundreds of thousands of veterans home from the frontlines, many experts are looking toward the military as one possible source of well qualified candidates and Excelsior is equipped to prepare them to meet this demand. The transition from the military to higher education can be difficult, especially for those in need of academic, career, financial, and/or mental health support. As the largest educator of nurses in the country, and an institution consistently ranked among the top military-friendly schools, Excelsior College is uniquely positioned to address these issues. The new Excelsior College Veteran to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (VBSN) project, funded by a $1 million grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), educates all nursing students on the unique needs of servicemembers and their families, and provides Excelsior s veteran students with the support they need to complete their RN to Bachelor of Science in nursing, including: n An academic advisor who specializes in veteran services n A dedicated faculty mentor, Patricia Klimkewicz, PhD, RN-BC. A commander in the Navy Nurse Corps. Reserves, Klimkewicz will assist veterans on academics, time management, career, and the transition from the military to a civilian nursing career n Financial, health and wellness, career, business, and academic services via the Center for Military Education and its Lt. Col. Bryant A. Murray Veterans Center For those veterans who do complete their degree, the career possibilities are limitless. Troy, New York s Joseph Santiago, a 2013 Excelsior graduate and U.S. Army veteran, is a shining example. Santiago is executive director for the Clifton Park & Halfmoon Emergency Corps, a community nonprofit with more than 100 employees and which 2013 Excelsior graduate Joseph Santiago responds to over 6,000 calls per year. It s a position that allows him to use his education and military training to give back to the community. Not that the one-time aspiring engineer could have predicted where life would lead him. At 17 years old, Joseph Santiago thought he had his career path figured out: Go away to college, earn his degree, start a family and pursue a lucrative career in the private sector. The trajectory of life, however, is rarely a straight line. One Sunday evening, with college just a few short months away, tragedy hit home as his beloved grandfather was struck with a heart attack. I was there when the first responders arrived, says Santiago. I came away impressed with how they handled the situation, how they conducted themselves during a tense situation. Santiago went away to school soon after but he couldn t shake the experience or the impact it left on him. In 1994, he enrolled in a part-time Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) night program and soon began working part-time as an EMT. Eventually, Santiago followed his heart, left engineering behind him, enrolled in nursing school, and soon pursued work as a Registered Nurse. In 1998, he joined the Clifton Park & Halfmoon Emergency Corps as paramedic. And, in 2001, the U.S. Army Reserves. My service in Afghanistan and in the Reserves was a unique opportunity, which not many health care providers have, said Santiago. It shaped who I am as an individual and who I am as a leader. Realizing he needed to further his education to advance in his career, Santiago enrolled in Excelsior College s Bachelor of Science in nursing program in 2007 and worked his way through his studies online over the next few years. He credits his academic advisors for providing the necessary support as he finished his degree while deployed to Afghanistan. After graduation, he re-enrolled in Excelsior and is close to finishing his MBA. Santiago believes his military and educational experiences transformed him into the leader he is today. As the head of the Clifton Park & Halfmoon Emergency Corps, he regularly discusses the value of a higher education to each of his employees. Nursing offers veterans so many different options, he says. Santiago is an inspiration to his fellow veterans and proving every day the value that a nursing degree can have wherever in the community that may be. 7 Columbia Cir, Albany, NY ext. 2 excelsior.edu/vbsn

7 Daniel Forget Parish Nurse, Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church ANDREA GRAFFEO Albany Medical Center, Obstetrics Page 7 MAY 10, 2015 Nominated by: The Parishioners of Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church, Castleton, NY Dan has been a member of our parish community since 1972 (43 years!). He retired in 2002 at the age of 55 from the NYS Office of Alcohol and Substance Abuse as Director of Criminal Justice. But Dan felt another calling; Nursing. Just a month after retiring, he enrolled in Maria College School of Nursing, graduating in 2004 with his RN. For nine years he worked at Albany Medical Center, Columbia-Greene County Hospice Home Care and The Hospice Inn at St. Peter s. In 2010, Dan enrolled in the Seton Health Faith Community Nursing Program and soon received his certification as a Faith Community Nurse. Faith Community Nursing weaves spirituality and faith into health. It is recognized by the American Nurses Association as a specialty nursing practice. In March of 2010, he began to minister as an FCN at Sacred Heart Church, Castleton, N.Y., where he continues to serve. Dan s passion and drive led him to establish a Parish Health Ministry Team consisting of 11 RNs (including himself), two pharmacists, one massage therapist, one Certified Nurse Practitioner, one consulting physician and several volunteers. As part of his ministry, he calls on parishioners in their homes and in health care facilities, both by phone and personal visits. He sends cards and notes to those who are having a rough time or in need of a kind word. He provides compassionate and caring assistance to the sick and elderly in our parish. And he also assists people who might have difficulty navigating the health care system. Dan even accompanies people to their doctors appointments, primarily to provide his professional expertise, but also to give comfort and reassurance. His work has resulted in a better quality of life and better health for both young and old. In addition to Dan s Parish Health Ministry work, he is a wonderful husband (married 45 years!) to his wife Jane, and father and grandfather to five children and eight grandchildren. Nominated by: Jennifer Graffeo and Sarah Degnan Andi is hands down one of the best nurses we ve ever come into contact with. We have watched her constantly strive to improve her skills, from obtaining her bachelor s degree while juggling life as a single parent to achieving her master s degree. Her myriad of experience from labor and delivery nurse, to nursing instructor, to nurse manager and more highlights her growth and flexibility in an ever-changing field. We would describe her as professional but, most importantly, compassionate and calm. No matter the medical situation, Andi is the individual who people turn to for support and guidance. Once I tell someone my last name, Jennifer Graffeo says, I more often than not get the Are you related to Andi? And then I learn they had her as their nursing instructor and how much they learned or that she was the nurse that helped them deliver their baby. Although I had lovely nurses, we would be hard-pressed to remember their names. But there is something about Andi that makes people remember their experiences with her we think that is pretty exceptional. We appreciate all you are & everything you do to help improve the health of our community. Thank you for all you do! Find us at Coccadotts.com or call us Albany Clifton Park Loudonville Myrtle Beach

8 MAY 10, 2015 Page 8 CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE NURSES OF THE YEAR! To all the Salute to Nurses winners, we thank you for your dedication and nursing excellence. Ann Lanoue SCHOOL NURSE, Algonquin Middle School, Averill Park Nominated by: Robert Messia Ann works tirelessly as the school nurse at Algonquin Middle School in Averill Park. With over 700 students and 100 staff members, Ann provides care, support, mentoring and friendship to all who she comes in contact with. Ann volunteers in many capacities not only in our school but in our community and with the New York State Association of School Nurses. Ann is an incredible nurse and such a compassionate person. Her knowledge is matched with a tremendous desire to continually grow, learn and support everyone at our school. Ann joined the Averill Park Central School District after a long career in nursing at a local hospital and brings a tremendous perspective and amount of knowledge to our school. Rare is the day that Ann takes a lunch break. Ann arrives to school early each day, works tirelessly without ever saying no to anyone, and regularly stays after school for several hours each day. Ann is so incredibly involved in our school community, gives selflessly to this cause and is perhaps one of the greatest champions of extracurricular and athletic activities in our community. Ann has led efforts to secure funding for our high school athletics program and modified athletics at the middle school, which were cut due to budget constraints. Each year, Ann coordinates giving hundreds of Christmas gifts and Thanksgiving meals to needy families in our community with the support of Kiwanis. Ann also makes sure that no student goes hungry, regularly connecting students and parents with resources to support them in difficult times. Ann has helped so many families that are in either crisis or struggling with what to do next as a result of major, catastrophic illnesses. Kathleen Malizia Community Nurse, Hometown Health Are you a healthcare employer that wants great nurses like these? Visit the Albany Times Union/ Monster to find them. Nominated by: Stephen Connelly Hard working, dedicated, compassionate, knowledgeable. Kathleen chooses to work in a community clinic setting, when she could work for more money in any number of less stressful settings such as a physician s office or suburban hospital. Kathleen truly enjoys serving low-income, underserved populations who often lack the advantages and privileges of the middle and upper classes including health insurance, access to healthy nutrition, etc. Kathleen treats each and every patient with dignity and respect, regardless of their race, social class, income level, social skills, or illness. She exemplifies a community nurse. Kathleen has fought for health/medical informational programming on waiting room televisions, replacing tabloid daytime television in an effort to educate her patients at every opportunity. At Hometown Health, Kathleen is the go-to RN for mental health situations that require tact, compassion and sometimes bravery. Quick thinking and unflappable in an emergency, Kathleen has been instrumental in the resolution of several emergency situations that could have resulted in violence and injury to patients and staff. Kathleen has earned the respect of her fellow nurses, physicians, support staff and patients. She is often requested by name by those patients who have had difficulties navigating the various health care systems that can be cold and dehumanizing. Relatively new to the field, Kathleen began her journey towards her RN later in life than the average student. She determinedly pursued her goal over seven years, overcoming every challenge, all while working full time to support herself. Kathleen has the skills, poise, and dedication of a nurse with many more years experience. She is a leader, a healer... a NURSE.

9 ChrisTINE Martin Samaritan Hospital, CNS, ED Gay-Star McFarland Registered Nurse Case Manager, SPHP Eddy Senior Care Page 9 MAY 10, 2015 Nominated by: Deidre Dunn, Susan Sparacino, Anne M. Riley AND Linda D Arcangelis Chris is the Clinical Nurse Educator for the Emergency Department for Memorial and Samaritan. She works long hard hours to ensure staff are educated to provide the highest level of patient care. She coordinates Advanced Life Support Education for staff at both of these hospitals. Chris exhibits exemplary nursing practice working with the critically ill patient population and the nurses who care for them. She has been employed at Samaritan Hospital for 46 years and acts as a role model and mentor to the interdisciplinary team. She has created a dynamic and supportive learning environment for the ED and critical care nursing staff. Chris is constantly learning and encouraging others to do the same. She has an adventurous soul and loves the excitement of emergency nursing. She is always willing to go the extra mile to provide what is needed to support excellent nursing care. She has influenced generations of nurses over the course of her 45 years. She continually demonstrates tireless service to Samaritan and Albany Memorial Hospital, the staff and above all else the patients. Nominated by: Nancy Shultes, Linda Lemiszki, Sherri Wolken, Nancy Barkowski, MD, AND Bernadette Hallam Eddy Senior Care is a program that keeps nursing home eligible people in their homes, which alone is daunting. I have worked with Gay-Star for over 10 years. She carries a large caseload of challenging patients with efficiency and good humor. There has been a change in our nursing department and Gay is the rock that holds it together. She is approachable to her colleagues and is tireless in her care for our patients. Efficient, caring and intelligent, Gay-Star knows when something is not right with a patient, which is difficult in the field. She is approachable for other colleagues issues and is sympathetic to all. She always goes the extra 10 miles, not just a mile, to help her sister nurses, and all other staff at our program. She is a rock of consistency and stability for our staff and participants under constantly changing circumstances. When both staff and participants come in to our Day Center each day, the one thing we can count on is Gay-Star being there and being quietly wonderful. A proud tradition of nursing education. Providing the Capital Region with compassionate, knowledgeable, and professional nurses for 49 years. 700 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY mariacollege.edu

10 MAY 10, 2015 Page 10 Gary Miller RN, Ellis Medical Center of Clifton Park (Emergent Care) Maura Russo Saratoga Hospital, Medical/Surgical Nominated by: Lisa Peterson, Kellie Russo AND PAM IVES Gary is one of the finest nurses you will ever meet. He is always professional, an excellent team member, promotes teamwork, always communicates clearly and asks if everything is understood. He always demonstrates caring and compassion, addresses patient/family needs, demonstrates pride in his work and always thinks about patient safety. How do you describe a nurse who brings each of these qualities to the workplace every day for the past 30 years? As we went around our unit asking coworkers to describe Gary, they all had the same things to say, which is a reflection of his consistent behavior. Gary always goes out of his way to make patients feel comfortable and cared for. He uses a calm voice and manner along with humor to put them at ease. No matter the age of the patient, Gary shows respect, never taking their presence in the ED as consent for allowing us to do as we please. He will ask patients May I have your arm so I can check your blood pressure? Gary is a skilled and certified nurse with many credentials, but you will never hear him boasting; what you will hear is him telling others about the skill and expertise of his coworkers. Gary is a true team player. He recently had a case where an elderly patient had come in after being physically assaulted by a family member. Gary cared for her with the utmost compassion of any nurse. The patient did not want to report her loved one but Gary gently and respectfully explained that this would not be an isolated event and that we were bound by law to report to the authorities. There is no greater nurse that patient could have had the privilege of having case for them that day under those circumstances than Gary. Nominated by: Georgianne Marchione, Katie Mason, COURTNEY IRWIN AND Christine Gable Maura is a selfless, genuine, caring and professional nurse. Her number one priority at all times is her patients. She is an outstanding coworker. Always helping others and putting their needs before her own, Maura is an inspiration. Maura is the best bedside nurse we have met; she has a heart of gold and she spends all of her time with her patients. She gets to know everyone in the family and becomes a family member herself. Recently we had a patient who was very ill and only had a few days to live. Maura was there for the family every day that she worked. She spent time with every family member. The family did not leave the hospital for days. She made arrangements so they could shower, ordered food for them and got extra chairs and linen so they could sleep in the room. She made sure the patient was medicated and comfortable assuring the family she would control his pain. Her kindness and caring are incredible. We recently witnessed Maura making a connection with a family whose father/husband had been placed on Hospice care. Maura would spend as much time as she could with the family, holding their hands, bringing them whatever they needed to just give them some comfort. This family found such comfort with Maura in a time in their lives where they felt so lost. When the patient s health began to get worse, Maura went out of her way to spend the most time she could with the family. She made sure that they were comfortable, and made sure the patient stayed comfortable. When the patient did pass aware, Maura was there to help the family cope and get through the final hours. She is an angel in our eyes and in the eyes of her patients. Top Nurses Choose Albany Med. Special recognition: Andrea Graffeo, MS, RNC Connie Barber, RN, CCRN Colleen Umholtz, MS, RN Cheryl Clow, RN Albany Med attracts compassionate and expert nurses who offer a unique level of care to our patients. Congratulations to the four Albany Med nurses recognized as among the most exceptional nurses in the region, and thanks to our more than 2,000 nurses who provide excellent care every minute of every day.

11 Lisa VanWormer Glens Falls Hospital, Emergency Preparedness St. Peter s Hospital, Cancer Care Center/Outpatient Infusion Nominated by: Nancy H. Huntington aura Stebbins is a leader at Glens Falls Hospital and frankly across our state in Emergency Preparedness. She recently demonstrated her command of preparedness yet again by providing our Glens Fall Hospital staff with emergency preparedness knowledge and the proper high-level attire required for ebola care and training, well before formal guidance was issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Laura s monthly table top exercises are comprehensive and always include a thought and scenario which considers the unique needs of our children. Her work at our organization promotes optimal communication and coordination with and between public, private and other health care sectors, permitting Glens Falls Hospital to be ready to respond within a minute s notice to any emergency situation. Essentially, Laura Stebbins embodies and exemplifies emergency preparedness best practice on behalf of our community. Laura is a expert leader who is dedicated, passionate and caring. She possesses expert Emergency Preparedness skills, ability and understanding with which she directs and coordinates Glens Falls Hospital s Emergency Preparedness Program with regulatory, public, private and other health care resources tirelessly on behalf of the community we serve. L Nominated by: VIRGINIA MILNE met Lisa at a time that was very difficult and scary for me. I was diagnosed with lung cancer and a brain tumor. I really didn t know what to expect as I entered the infusion suite for my chemotherapy for lung cancer. Lisa approached me and my husband and explained what would happen during each session. After her explanation, she settled me in a comfortable chair and started my treatment. I knew I was in good hands. Lisa is a nurse who treats her patients with great compassion and is very knowledgeable about every thing having to do with the infusion unit. She took the time at all my sessions last year making sure everything went smoothly. She made me feel good even though my body was weak and my hair was gone. She was always understanding and upbeat, which helped me keep my spirits up. Lisa always demonstrated a positive attitude and professionalism when I was being treated. She also made sure I had warm blankets when the air conditioning made the room cold and water, juice or snacks for nourishment. These little things made my sessions much easier. I realize that working in the infusion unit is tough when you know that the patients are dealing with life threatening issues, but Lisa is a special person that can deal with that on a daily basis while remaining upbeat and professional. I Page 11 MAY 10, 2015 Laura Stebbins

12 MAY 10, 2015 Page 12 THE CHANGING FACE OF NURSING IN THE CAPITAL REGION By Laurie Lynn Fischer Special to the Times Union Yesterday, she wore white, from her cap on down. Today, colorful scrubs and protective gloves are standard attire and she is more likely to be a he than ever before. Of 37,124 students enrolled in New York baccalaureate and graduate nursing programs in 2014, 12 percent were men, according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. Men comprised just over nine percent of the 2.8 million registered professional nurses in the U.S. between 2008 and 2010, according to government figures. The nursing profession is constantly adjusting to shifting technology, lifestyles and demographics, say longtime nurses from the Capital Region. Nurses nowadays cope with increased complexity due to scientific advances, said Lynne Longtin, a nurse for 34 years who works as Patient Care Service Director of Critical Care & Cardiovascular Services at Albany Medical Center. There are more options for patients than we used to have available in terms of equipment, medications and procedures, she said. The patient population has become much sicker than it was in the past, said registered nurse Karla Duffy, Department Chair of Practical Nursing at the Albany campus of The Mildred Elley School. The patients that we find in a typical floor in the hospital the ones in ICUs likely wouldn t have survived before, she said. People are living longer because we have better treatments for diseases and illnesses. Many of the life threatening diseases that nurses confront in the 21st century differ from the maladies they once faced, she said. We didn t have fast food, convenience foods, highly processed foods. We had whole foods. We ve become a very sedentary population. We drive as opposed to taking a walk somewhere. There are so many jobs where Happy Nurses Week you sit in chairs all day. Lifestyles definitely have changed. Nursing has changed because of those lifestyle changes. Albany Medical Center nurse clinician Patty Flanagan agrees. We re seeing more chronic conditions, particularly in the field of obesity, she said. We re starting to see some of the patients with cardiovascular disease come in younger with complications relating to obesity, such as diabetes. Another contrast between nursing today and yesterday is a return to home-based care. We re seeing more outpatient procedures, things that used to be inpatient procedures, said Flanagan. What once were big operations, now they re in and out the same day. There is a larger need for home health care because patients are going home sooner. Nursing is less generalized than it formerly was, area nurses observe. Everything s specialized now, said Cynthia Althouse, a registered nurse in Albany Medical Center s Medical Intensive Care Unit. Each nurse becomes specialized in their own way to meet patients needs. In addition to following doctor s orders, we re also coordinating care for our patients, and in many cases, they Please see CHANGING on page 19 We consider every nurse a winner. Thank you for everything you do every day. Congratulations to the GFH Nurses honored in the Times Union Salute to Nurses: Laura Stebbins, RN, Emergency Preparedness and Patient Safety Director Cathy Fisher, RN, Nurse Specialist W/O/C Come join our amazing team! Visit our website for a job that fits your life. Apply today: GlensFallsHospital.org/employment Dawn Scalisi, LPN Our Times Union 2015 Salute to Nurses Recipient. Thank you to all our Nursing Staff who make Teresian House a great place to be. We have great opportunities available for motivated nurses.

13 We Celebrate Nurses! Page 13 MAY 10, 2015 During National Nurses Week and throughout the year, Saratoga Hospital celebrates and thanks our nurses for their extraordinary commitment to our patients and Community. Congratulations to all our Salute to Nurses nominees and finalists! Our nurses make a difference for every patient, every day. Saratoga Hospital was the Capital Region s first Magnet hospital, the most prestigious distinction for nursing excellence. Join our team of highly skilled, highly credentialed nurses and put your expertise and education to work in our patient-centered environment. To learn more about nursing opportunities at Saratoga Hospital, visit our Careers section on SaratogaHospital.org. SARATOGA HOSPITAL people you trust. care you deserve. OGAHOSPITAL.ORG

14 MAY 10, 2015 Page 14 PATHWAY TO NURSING ENTERING THE FIELD IN THE CAPITAL REGION By Laurie Lynn Fischer Special to the Times Union It s America s most trusted occupation, according to Gallup polls. What does it take to become a nurse? Which Capital District schools offer nursing programs? How great is the demand? Here s what area educators say. Students need to have strong performance in the sciences, said Victoria Callagan, director of the Associate s Degree in Nursing Program at Maria College. That s one of the best predictors of success in nursing school. Candidates must be 18 or older, have a high school diploma and pass a standardized entrance exam. Grade point averages and SAT scores are both considered. Nursing is in high demand and sometimes there are wait lists for nursing students, said Glenda Kelman, Chair of Nursing at The Sage Colleges. They re realizing that it s becoming a competitive field. They often apply to multiple programs. The Belanger School of Nursing at Ellis Medicine accepts about 30 perent percent of applicants, said Ellis Medicine spokesperson Jenny Susko. Funding is available through scholarships, state grants, the Julia O. Wells Foundation and other private foundations. The Belanger School offers scholarships through the Foundation for Ellis Medicine as well as tuition assistance for regular fulltime RNs who are continuing their education. EDUCATIONAL ALTERNATIVES Aspiring nurses have a range of educational alternatives. Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) undergo 9 to 18 months of training, often through a technical program, said Gertrude Hutchinson, archivist for the Guilderland-based Foundation of New York State Nurses. They do not practice independently. They are always under the auspices of a physician, podiatrist or registered nurse. LPN courses are available through BOCES, Maria College, the Mildred Elley School and the Samaritan Hospital School of Nursing, according to the New York State Education Department (NYSED). They re very task oriented very good at vital signs, medications, taking a health history doing treatments on wounds and things like that, said Karla Duffy, Department Chair of Practical Nursing at Mildred Elley s Albany campus. They used to be utilized in all sectors of healthcare. They really don t work in hospitals anymore. A lot of treatment modalities are not things that LPNs are educated enough to perform. Registered nurses (RNs) need more education. In New York state, they must pass the NCLEX licensing exam after completing a two-year associate s degree program, a three-year diploma program or a baccalaureate program, Hutchinson said. CLINICAL TRAINING Typically, the nursing curriculum involves training at clinical sites throughout the Capital Region. At Maria College, RN candidates practice in a simulation laboratory with mannequins that can breath and cough. Maria is also pioneering a computer program that lets students interact with virtual patients. Daytime and evening RN associate s programs are available at Maria, Hudson Valley Community College, Adirondack Community College, Excelsior College, the Memorial Hospital School of Nursing and The Belanger School of Nursing at Ellis Medicine, according to NYSED. The Belanger School awards about 50 associate s degrees per year, said Director Marilyn Stapleton. In this area, our graduates have never had any difficulty finding jobs upon graduation, she said. It s different for big city hospitals where they won t even interview you if you don t have a bachelor s degree. Please see PATHWAYS on page 19 ELLIS MEDICINE SALUTES Gary Miller, RN-BC NURSE OF THE YEAR WINNER Debbie Purcell, BSN, RN,CEN, SANE NURSE OF THE YEAR FINALIST Ellis is proud of our talented team of skilled nurses who provide compassionate care to our patients and their families!

15 W WWW Four Winds SARATOGA Page 15 MAY 10, 2015 Tracey Brayton, Nurse on the Freshwater Adolescent Unit and FWS Director of Nursing, James Colamaria. Clinical Excellence in a Caring Environment Congratulations Tracey Brayton on being selected as one of the Top 25 Nurses in the Capital Region! As a leading provider of mental health services, Four Winds is dedicated to providing state-of-the-art treatment and excellent patient care. It is our privilege to care for others. The nursing department at Four Winds Saratoga has helped make us one of the premier psychiatric hospitals in the country. They value teamwork and are an important part of our multidisciplinary treatment approach. In return for their hard work and dedication, Four Winds Saratoga offers our nursing staff a friendly work environment, as well as: One of the Best Nurse to Patient Ratios in the Area Flexible Schedule Employer Funded Pension Plan Employer Paid Life Insurance Excellent Shift Differentials 401k Investment Plan Competitive Salary Flexible Spending Plan Health & Dental Insurance Education Assistance Generous Vacation and Holiday Package Comprehensive Nursing Orientation Every day our nurses and staff show respect, express compassion, and provide safety for those in need. They create an environment that promotes healing and wellness. They make a difference in the lives of others. 30 Crescent Avenue Saratoga Springs, NY (800)

16 MAY 10, 2015 Page 16 PHONE and MAIL ORDERS WELCOME HOURS: 9:00 TO 5:25 MON.-SAT. ESTABLISHED IN 1867 IT S BETTER THAN EVER LODGE S SALUTE TO NURSES ELASTIC WAIST CARGO POCKET SCRUB PANTS All $7.99-$9.99 SCRUB TOPS Sizes XS-5X All $7.99-$9.99 OVER 11 PATTERNS IN STOCK 2 PIECE SETS Sizes XS-5X All $16.99-$18.99 per set OVER 10 COLORS IN STOCK FROM ALL OF US AT B. LODGE & CO. In addition to the top 10 nurses selected by the the judges, 15 finalists were chosen out of more than 564 nominations. Below are the Salute to Nurses finalists, along with quotes from those who nominated them. Ann Marie Cruz Saratoga Hospital/U.S. Air Force Ann Marie has an ability to make everyone feel that they are very important to her. Audrey Sherman CDPHP Audrey brings her naturally compassionate and caring attitude to her work. She focuses on helping her patients achieve the best health care outcome, and is a strong advocate for them in presenting their needs for treatment and coverage. Cathy Fisher Glens Falls Hospital Cathy is an exceptional nurse who is helping to lead the way in our organization s journey to create a professional practice culture. Cheryl Clow Albany Medical Center Cherly s patients love, respect and genuinely enjoy her company. She both educates and uplifts them. Colleen Umholtz Albany Medical Center Colleen is a great role model and provides me with an example what kind of nurse I want to become. Connie Barber Albany Medical Center Connie gives hope to patients and their families when they are hopeless, she gives them strength when they are week and need assurance, and she always listens when they need to talk. Dawn Scalisi Teresian House Dawn s commitment to the residents, their families and other staff showed she was able to face any situation with thoughtfulness, kindness, fairness and intelligence. Deborah Purcell Ellis Medicine Besides being so attentive to all her patients Debbie is a great resource to all her coworkers. Debra Amsinger St. Mary s Hospital (Amsterdam) On a daily basis, Debra demonstrates incredible compassion and genuine kindness to a population that is highly vulnerable and often overlooked by other medical professionals. Diane Springer Clifton Park Family Medicine Diane is a positive and encouraging presence in the office, always striving to do her best and elevate those around her. She acts selflessly, while always remaining a part of the team. George Horn St. Peter s Hospital George has been the keystone and the safety net that keeps Neurosurgery at SPH efficient and effective for more than a decade. Kathleen Kelly The Sage Colleges Kathleen has decades of clinical, academic and scholarship achievements that demonstrate a committment to improving both individual and public health. Kayla Bidwell Samaritan Hospital Kayla comes to work everyday with a smile and ready to work. She is extremely hard working and knowlegable. Rachel McCrae Albany Stratton VA Medical Center Rachel is a blessing to her coworkers and patients. She serves with a smile that can heal the world. Tracey Brayton Four Winds Tracey works with the young adults in a caring and respectful manner that superecedes her responsibilities. she loves these young people and helps them achieve their lifelong goals.

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18 MAY 10, 2015 Page 18 Thank You to our Sponsors PRESENTING SPONSOR Mr. Fuji white management B. LODGE & CO. "It's not a profession. It's a lifestyle." - DIANE SPRINGER, LPN CONGRATULATIONS, SALUTE TO NURSES FINALIST Kathleen Kelly, PhD, MPH, MS, FNP Associate Professor & Director, Doctor of Nursing Science Program, The Sage Colleges Sage has a strong legacy of providing exceptional nursing education for 93 years, and continues to prepare outstanding nurses, nurse educators and nursing leaders for the 21st century health care landscape. sage.edu/nursing Community Care Physicians, P.C. Congratulates Diane Springer, LPN Nurse of the Year Finalist. We are proud of the dedication all our nurses have to our patients and our mission. Our ability to deliver great care begins with the passion of our team. From our nurses to our greeters, physicians to our support staff, all of us strive to make a difference in the health and happiness of our patients. Thank you to all of those who help care for our community. Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady Counties

19 PATHWAYS TO NURSING CHANGING Continued from page 14 life in some way, shape or form profoundly not Continued from page 12 In striving to meet Magnet program quality just the patient the families, too. You don t even are complex cases, which demands a colaborative requirements for nursing, hospitals like Ellis, know this person one minute and the next minute approach with many caregivers across the spectrum. Saratoga and St. Peter s incrementally increase the you are doing everything in your power to keep number of baccalaureate prepared nurses on staff. them alive. What does the future hold for Capital Region Even though our associate s degree graduates are ADVANCING IN THE FIELD nurses? For one thing, there won t be enough of finding jobs, the hospitals are asking them at their Registered nurses who wish to advance their them, according to industry predictions. earliest convenience to start working toward a careers can continue their education at the master s Many of the RNs are aging out.we are in the bachelor s degree. and doctoral level to become Nurse Practitioners, midst of a nursing shortage right now. According to The Institute of Medicine recommends that 80 Certified Nurse-Midwives, Certified Registered the American Nurses Association, 1.1 million new percent of the nation s nurses have baccalaureate Nurse Anesthetists and Clinical Nurse Specialists nurses will be needed by the year degrees by 2020, said Maria College RN BSN Completion Program Director Ellen Argust. According ing education is available through Excelsior and and Nurse Educators. Locally, such advanced nurs- The average age of New York state nurses is 47 or 48, said Glenda Kelman, Nursing Department to IOM, this will reduce both the morbidity and the The Sage Colleges. Albany Medical College educates Chairperson at the Sage Colleges in Albany and Troy. mortality rate and will improve patient outcomes. master s-prepared advanced practice nurses with an Within the next 10 years, there s going to be this There are acute care hospitals that will not hire anesthesiology specialty. mass exodus and retirement from nursing, she said. nurses without a baccalaureate degree. Nurse practitioners are specialized advanced It s not just nurses and nursing instructors who are Local baccalaureate options include Maria College, Excelsior Collage, SUNY Empire State College and prescribe, Hutchinson said. They work in pri- practice nurses who have the authority to diagnose aging; the American public is greying overall. We have a changing demographic, Hutchinson said. in Saratoga and the Sage Colleges, according to mary care and physician practice settings, hospitals, Not only is our lifespan longer; people are living NYSED. Sage also offers a five-semester, accelerated full-time baccalaureate program geared toward At the highest level of scholarship are nurses who prisons and clinics, she said. with chronic diseases longer. The care that those individuals will need is great. When we talk about the people seeking a second degree, Kelman said. earn doctorates. They usually find employment in future, although the settings are shifting and changing, registered nurses are going to continue to be Of our undergraduates, about 40 percent are academia, research, or as chief officers of hospital coming to us with a degree in biology, she said. systems, Hutchinson said. They have gone through needed and be needed more. They get out, they don t find a job and they want the ranks. Most have worked as staff nurses. Despite all the differences between nursing then to go back to school and go a little bit faster. Nursing isn t just a job; it s a calling, said Patty and now, one thing remains the same, said Victoria Callagan, director of the Associate s Degree in Cynthia Althouse was a math and science teacher Flanagan, Nurse Clinician of Vascular surgery at before returning to academia to become a registered nurse. This has been an eye-opening experi- me than I feel I ll ever be able to give back, person- Albany Medical Center. Nursing has given more to Nursing Program at Maria College. Healthcare and technology and practice are ever changing, she ence, said Althouse, who works at Albany Medical ally and professionally, she said. Many people said. The passion and compassion that we have Center. Every single day, you know you ve made all choose nursing as a career. I like to think that it that doesn t change. the difference in the world touching somebody s chooses us. Page 19 MAY 10, 2015 We Salute All Nurses Thank you for working tirelessly both day and night to save lives, for providing a high level of comfort and for teaching us how to take care of ourselves and the ones we love. Stuyvesant Plaza 1475 Western Ave., Albany, NY (518) Follow us on Facebook at Cold Stone Creamery: Stuyvesant Plaza, Albany, NY

20 MAY 10, 2015 Page 20 Trained. Focused. Passionate. Mildred Elley LPN graduates are ready for the field. Mildred Elley practical nurse graduates receive complete extensive clinical training from well educated and experienced instructors at a variety of Capital Region healthcare facilities. Mildred Elley is so proud of all our LPN Graduates. Thank you to all the great Nurses of the Capital Region! Our LPN graduate employers find the high quality hands-on experience from Mildred Elley very desirable. In fact 80.6% of our LPN students have been placed into positions after passing their licensure exam. Free Job Posting available on our Career Services Page! Contact: tkirk@mildred-elley.edu or Visit mildred-elley.edu Our students receive a well-rounded comprehensive education including courses in the sciences, English and psychology prior to beginning the nursing courses.