August 4, 2023

In the news: Accelerated BSN program

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. (KNOP) - In August of 2022 Great Plains Health and the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Nursing announced a collaboration to bring accelerated clinical in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program to North Platte. In the program, students complete their courses at the UNMC Kearney Campus while receiving exceptional clinical training at Great Plains Health.

“It’s helped in numerous ways,” said Jennifer Carillo, UNMC Accelerated BSN participant. “So, I still work downstairs, in our operating room as a surgical tech. It’s really advanced my knowledge and my practice. I work on the weekends still, and it’s really nice to see that everything I’m learning, I’m able to see first hand through work and also just my clinical here have just really expanded my knowledge.”

Lincoln County Native Jason Westman says the program is giving him an opportunity to give back to the Community that he grew up in and calls home.

”I thought healthcare sounded like a great way to go, I’m able to be here,” Westman said. “I was a Chaplin here for a little while, I just really enjoyed the environment. It’s just making it so I am able to move on further in the O.R. I’m wanting to work in an expanded role and be able to be the circulator in surgery because I was a surgical tech before. I wanted to be able to do more.”

While the program might only be a year old at Great Plains Health, Jennifer Carillo said she heard about a similar program from a colleague in Colorado.

”I heard about the program probably about seven years ago, right before I moved here,” Carillo said. “My best friend did a similar program in Colorado and she had talked to me about the opportunities in Nebraska and told me to really look into it when I decided to go to nursing school."

Both Westman and Carillo plan to continue their careers at Great Plains Health upon completing the program with UNMC, Carillo said she and her family moved to Lincoln County six years ago and fell in love with the area.

“I plan on continuing my education after a couple of years and getting my DNAP then coming back to practice as a CRNA here,” Carillo said.

Carillo and Westman encourage anyone interested in the nursing field to consider the unique program offered through the University of Nebraska Medical Center and Great Plains Health. Those interested in learning more about the program can reach out to Samantha Clark, ABSN Program Coordinator and Clinical Educator with Great Plains Health. Clark can be reached at 308-568-7290.

You can read the story at KNOP-TV here.

Community: International Bazaar

Are you passionate about your community and looking for a fun way to engage?

The North Platte International Bazaar is schedule for Sunday, August 20 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the D&N Event Center, 501 E. Walker Rd.

The event is free and will feature cultural displays, international food, a kids corner and more!

Visit this page to learn more about the many ways you can volunteer at the event.

With questions, you can contact Yoko Lawing at 308.765.2649 or NPinternationalbazaar@gmail.com. You can also learn more about the event, and various cultural activities throughout the year on Facebook.

East tower elevator renovations

• Starting August 7, renovations will start on the set of three elevators in the east tower.
• One elevator at a time will be out of service as the renovations take place.​
• The renovation will take approximately six weeks per elevator. 
• At least one elevator will be operable at all times.
• When possible, please use the stairs.

East employee entrance: temporarily closing

• Starting August 7, the east employee entrance and corridor will be closed for the next phase of lab construction.
• It will be closed for approximately two weeks.
• Please use other entrances during this timeframe.
• The east entrance by the brain and spine clinic will be open for extended hours from 4:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. You can also use the main entrance at the overhang, or employee entrance at the emergency department.
• Please plan to use timeclocks at other entrances, or your desktop, to clock in and out.
• Please see attached a map that shows the entrance and corridor that is closed.​​

Code of the month: Abduction/Elopement

This code is to be used for a suspected or actual abduction of an infant/child/adult.

Dial Ext. 5555, state “Abduction or elopement of infant/child/adult,” and provide a location and description of the abductor and abductee. Repeat to operator.

NOTE: Off-site locations call 911 prior to calling Ext. 5555.

The operator will announce “Attention-attention-attention, abduction or elopement of infant/child/adult” and the location overhead twice, along with a description of the abductor and abductee or a description of the eloper.

The operator will contact the administrator on call and the house supervisor, who will then contact law enforcement.

The operator will activate the mass notification system and alert all hospital employees, including the North Platte Health Pavilion and off-site clinics.

The nursing staff closest to the area of the abduction will protect the crime scene and move the abductee’s family to another patient room or safe location.

Employees will work together to ensure someone is standing at every exit. While there, they will monitor traffic and report any suspicious activity to Ext. 5555 until an “all clear” is called. Do not try to physically stop an abductor. This is the job of law enforcement.

All remaining employees not directly involved in patient care should report to the parking lots to report suspicious behavior and record and observe vehicles leaving the facility. They should record the make, model and license numbers of these vehicles.

Financial assistance reminder

When any patient has a balance with GPHealth or GPPN, we will work with those patients to help identify the best option to get that balance taken care of.

GPHealth offers the following financial assistance options to all patients:

• Prompt pay discounts
• Cash pay discounts
• Financial assistance for qualified individuals/families
• ​Payment plans

GPHealth also offers payroll deduction, a payment option exclusive to employees. Simply call the billing department for each visit that you need added to payroll deduction.

If you need to set up payment arrangements or payroll deductions, please contact Misty Durfee, PFS billing manager, at durfeem@gphealth.org or Ext. 8341.

GPHealth does not charge interest on outstanding balances, and our goal is to minimize the financial burden that our patients encounter as a result of their individual healthcare journeys.​

H.E.R.O. of the month

Congratulations to Lori Riewe for being selected as our July H.E.R.O of the Month!

Lori was nominated by Michelle Roethemeyer. Here is what Michelle submitted about Lori: “While going through the process of building the new Great Plains Health Oak Street Medical Building, Lori has been an integral part of the team. Without her help and organizational skills, we would not be as far along in the process. She is tenacious and keeps us all on the same page and going in the same direction.”

Here is your chance to get to know Lori:

Why are you a H.E.R.O club member? I was so excited when I was asked to be a part of the committee before it even had a name! The basis of what the H.E.R.O. club stands for and does has been so fulfilling to be a part of from the very beginning.

What would tell new employees about the H.E.R.O club? I love sharing with people what the H.E.R.O. club has accomplished over the years. Helping other employees, purchasing items for departments and being a part of the GPH growth.

What do you like most about the H.E.R.O club? It is rewarding to be a part of a team that has a common goal of helping others and supporting our Hospital in ways other than just our daily routines. And we have great shirts!

What project or activity is your favorite that the H.E.R.O club does and supports? I can’t really say that I have a favorite, I just know that I am proud of being a part of all of them!

H.E.R.O. of the month: nominations

• If you want to recognize a colleague who is doing amazing work, this is your chance! Nominate your colleague as HERO of the month.
• The nominee and nominator must be a current HERO club member. If you aren’t sure of the HERO club status, contact the Foundation office at trustyb@gphealth.org or ext. 7410. 
• The nominee and nominator both get a swag gift.
• All nominations must be submitted by the tenth of the month. 
• Use the attached nomination form, which can be found on policy manager under the Foundation manual​.​​​​

Ivan Mitchell, CEO, recognized for service to healthcare profession

Ivan Mitchell, CEO, achieved the ACHE Exemplary Service Award as a member of the ACHE of Nebraska and Western Iowa Chapter.

The recognition acknowledges his contribution to healthcare management excellence through volunteer service to his chapter, ACHE and profession.

His service includes Nebraska ACHE chapter president, ACHE of Nebraska and Western Iowa board of directors, conference presenter, forum speaker and other volunteer activities.

Healthy habits: flexibility with aging

Have you been feeling more stiff and sore than usual? If you have noticed everyday activities are more difficult than they used to be, don’t be alarmed — these are normal signs of aging. As we get older, our flexibility declines because our muscles gradually get stiffer over time. But don’t worry! Here are some helpful ways to maintain your flexibility.

Stretch. Stretching is a fairly simple way to maintain your flexibility and reduce soreness. When you stretch, you extend the tissue to its full length. If you hold that tension long enough, the muscle will be longer after it relaxes again. Regular stretching will help increase your range of motion, reduce your risk of muscle and joint injuries, help alleviate back pain, improve your posture, and help your balance, which also reduces your risk of falling. It is important to stretch correctly. Be sure to warm up for about 10 minutes before stretching by taking a walk, bike riding or other activity. Don’t push too hard too fast to avoid overextending yourself.

Try yoga or tai chi. Alternate forms of exercise that are slow paced and gentle, like yoga or tai chi, are also good ways to maintain your flexibility. Yoga can help keep your muscles agile, and there are various styles and types you can try depending on your skill level. As with any new type of activity, be patient with yourself. You may not feel flexible or able to do all the postures at first, but as you continue to practice, you’ll find that the postures and poses come more easily. Keep at it.

Get in the water. It might sound silly, but moving in water is a great way to maintain your flexibility. Exercising in water is gentle on your body, and it’s fun, whether you're outdoors or indoors. Try water aerobics or go for a swim. The buoyancy of the water makes it low impact and helps take the pressure off of your joints. The cool water is also good for your muscles, and it naturally soothes any sore or strained muscles. Feeling sore? You’d be surprised how much better your muscles feel after a dip in the pool.

Regular exercise and movement are key to maintaining flexibility as you age. Don’t be discouraged, just get started. Finding an activity that you enjoy and a workout buddy are also helpful to maintaining an exercise routine.

"I am writing to express my heartfelt appreciation for the exceptional care provided by your doctors, nurses, and staff during my mother’s recent stay at your hospital. The promptness, professionalism, and compassion displayed by your team was truly remarkable and made a significant impact on our lives.

From the emergency room to the 3rd floor admission, the quality of care was outstanding. My mother was quickly stabilized, and the nurses and staff provided exceptional care throughout her stay.

I would like to acknowledge the entire team at Great Plains Health for their genuine care and support. From the administrative staff to the round-the-clock nursing care, everyone played a crucial role in my mother’s recovery. Their kindness, attentiveness, and professionalism created a comforting environment during a challenging time.

The exceptional quality of care we experienced at Great Plains Health exceeded our expectations. Please convey my heartfelt appreciation to all the doctors, nurses, and staff members involved in my mother’s care. Each individual’s contribution was invaluable, and we are forever grateful for their dedication." - Patient letter