September 1, 2023

In the news: GPHealth Ambassadors help ease hospital stay

In the North Platte Telegraph on August 29:

Great Plains Health initiated a new program in May to help patients with nonmedical concerns, which can ease some of the discomfort of a hospital stay.

The Patient Care Ambassador program currently has four volunteers who spend a few hours each day visiting with patients on the medical/surgical floor. Crystal Welch, director of volunteer and guest services, said the volunteers assist the nursing staff with improving the patient experience.

 “They go into the room, offer an item off our comfort cart,” Welch said. “The comfort cart has hygiene items, word searches, activities for them to do in their rooms.”

The volunteers are also acting as a sounding board if there is an issue that the patient needs to talk through or that the patient needs someone to visit about.

“A lot of the patients have been here for several days and might be very lonely,” Welch said, “so the volunteer’s smiling face helps and they can take the time to sit with the patient and talk.”

The nursing staff generally is busy taking care of the medical aspects of a patient’s care and the Ambassador program has eased the non-medical work load for them. The volunteers see every patient on the medical/surgical floor.

TJ Brede is one of the volunteers and has a unique view of what patients need to provide a positive experience in a sometimes difficult situation. Welch said she knew Brede was perfect for the position because of her personality and understanding of customer service.

“I’ve been dealing with my colon cancer since 2019, so I’ve been in and out of hospitals,” Brede said. “I’ve been in and out of the cancer center and the nurses are such a huge part of every stay. Especially during COVID, there is no way I would have made it through without my nurses.”

Read more about TJ's story and this unique volunteer opportunity in the North Platte Telegraph here.

Caring Kind Award: Abe Anderson, CRNA

Abe Anderson, CRNA, Great Plains Health Anesthesiology,

is the Great Plains Health Caring Kind Award recipient for 2023.

A longstanding tradition of the Nebraska Hospital Association (NHA), the award pays tribute to outstanding healthcare employees who have demonstrated compassion for patients, cooperation with coworkers and dedication to excellence in the role they play at their facility.

Here is what the nomination said about Abe:

"Abe is a solid and steady provider not only for the anesthesia department but the entire hospital. Abe is strong clinically and professionally and has a very inviting and friendly personality; you hardly ever see him without a smile. He remains positive even when workload is stressful and his calm gentle demeanor is also advantageous when in a crisis or trauma situation; others often look forward to working with him. He is genuine and always takes the time to listen to understand not only to his patients but also his team. He takes his time with patients to explain anesthesia and the plan of care in a way that patients and their loved ones understand. He has a way of connecting with people that puts them at ease. Abe receives the most requests from patients to provide anesthesia to them. Abe is an exceptional provider and an even better person."

Abe is pictured with his wife Sage, and two of his four children, when he was surprised with the award on Wednesday.

Each year, NHA member hospitals and health care systems select one person from their organization to be recognized at the NHA’s annual convention.

Nearly 2,700 caring, skilled and dedicated health care professionals have received this award since its inception in 1979. The award program showcases the exemplary work and care hospital employees provide every day throughout the year.

Employee birthday and anniversary lists

Please see attached for September birthday and anniversary lists.

New online store for branded apparel

You can now order GPHealth apparel and gear anytime by visiting the new online store through Whitetail Screen Print.

This store is a quick and convenient way for employees to buy logoed items that meet brand standards. Available items include polo shirts, pullovers, cardigans, water bottles and more. Items will be added as seasons change.

You can also find a link to the store on the Intranet. Simply go to the information tab, and search for "online store."

Hospital week vouchers are not eligible for an order online. To use the voucher, call in, stop in or email your orders to Whitetail and note that you are using your voucher. 

If you would like to place a bulk order, please contact Whitetail at 308.534.4437 or [email protected]​.

Join ANA and the Nebraska Nurses Association

Join the American Nurses Association (ANA) and the state nurses association for the professional support and growth that you won’t find anywhere else.

ANA is a friend and ally to four million registered nurses in the U.S., throughout all specialties and practice settings. Together, we have the power to advance the nursing profession and create a health care environment in which nurses can thrive.

By joining ANA, you’re a part of this national powerhouse - and it’s the best gift you can give to your career. ANA members have access to unparalleled professional development opportunities, the very latest in nursing news, and support from nurses across the nation.It’s time to show pride in the power of nursing, and become the best nurse that you can be.

Member benefits

• Nursing requires dedication, and ANA membership rewards your commitment. From certification discounts to networking opportunities, membership benefits your career and your lifestyle. And because ANA champions nursing at state and federal level, you can rest assured that your interests are always protected.
• Advance your career with free development resources and webinars;
• Stay current with the most up-to-date nursing news;
• Save money with big discounts on CE, certification, publications and more;
• Network and connect with Registered Nurses (RN) for support and advice;
• Make your voice heard with opportunities to tell policymakers what you think; and
• Receive state nurse association member benefits.​

To become a member, visit here.

Congratulations, Debbie Sweet, on retirement

Congratulations to Debbie Sweet, Great Plains Health Orthopaedics patient access tech, on her retirement! She is retiring on September 1, 2023.​

Debbie has worked for Great Plains Health since 2016. She started out as a communication specialist and then moved into the patient access tech position that she has held since. 

Debbie will be missed by the ortho team. She has had many great compliments from past managers, but one particularly stated that she was always able to work through obstacles thrown her way and still have a smile on her face.​​

HERO 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 [email protected] 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​.​​​​

Labor Day: Payroll week deadlines

Human resources and payroll changes submitted for processing, deadline is Friday, September 1, by 12 p.m.

• Human resources changes include status/transfers/changes.
• Payroll changes include any additional pay, corrections to Kronos timecards in prior pay periods, changes to W-4 elections, and any payroll deduction changes.

Timecard approval completed by Tuesday, September 5 at 10 a.m., no exceptions please.

• Timecard approval: Please have all timecards error-free and approved by the deadline.
• If you are going to be out of the office, please make arrangements with your backup to meet the approval deadline.
• Employees please make sure to review your timecard and get any changes to your manager or supervisor as quickly as possible throughout the pay period.

Please respect deadlines for payroll processing during the holiday week.​

Labor Day: Department closures

• Labor Day is on Monday, September 4.
• Please see attached for a list of department closures.

Community: City of North Platte's 150th birthday

Come celebrate the 150th birthday of the City of North Platte!

Head to Cody Park on Wednesday, September 13 from 4 to 8 p.m. for family fun!

• 4 to 8 p.m.: Free rides for all, concessions open and city department displays open
• 5 to 7 p.m.: Hot dogs, chips and drink dinner served for $1.50 (cash only).
• 5:30 p.m.: Performance from the NPHS Bulldog Marching Band
• 6 p.m.: Remarks from Mayor Brandon Kelliher & former North Platte mayors
• 7 p.m.: Performance from the Canteen Legacy Jazz Ensemble

Plus, a limited number of commemorative coins will be for sale at the event!

Healthy habits: night owl to early bird

If you're a night owl, waking up early can feel like a daunting task. But it's never too late to try new habits to transform into more of an early bird.

Feeling energized, clear-headed and ready to take on whatever comes your way is the best way to start your day. And, according to the American Psychiatric Association (APA), being an early riser is also associated with better mental health.

According to the APA, your sleep patterns and preferences can change throughout your life. They're affected by your age, environment and activity level. So making gradual changes to more smoothly manage your mornings can make a real difference. Get started today with these research-based strategies from the American Heart Association, the Sleep Foundation and other experts.

The night before

• Most adults need about 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night, so the path to a productive morning starts well before your morning alarm. If you're an evening person, make the most of that late-day energy to prep for success in the morning.
• Prep breakfast, or stock your pantry and fridge with healthy "grab and go" items such as yogurt, instant oatmeal and fruit.
• Set out your clothes or workout gear to make it easier to get moving.
• Set a bedtime alarm or phone reminder that signals you to start winding down in the evening—and try to stick to a consistent schedule.
• Limit caffeine, screen time and light exposure in the hours leading up to bedtime.
• When you set your morning alarm, place it out of reach of your bed.

In the morning

• A morning routine can help you feel focused throughout the day. A gradual change may be easier to stick with than a harsh wake-up call. Start with one positive behavior and add new routines gradually.
• Here are a few ideas to start with:
• Don't hit the snooze button—it will likely make you feel groggier.
• Set up your bedroom so natural sunlight wakes you up first thing, or open your blinds right after you wake up to get the benefits of exposure to sunlight.
• Take 10 minutes to focus on your mental well-being—it may help ward off stress and anxiety throughout the day. Stretch in bed and take mindful breaths.
• Wake up your body with exercise.

A recent patient called and wanted to thank everyone for our great care at Great Plains Health. He emphasized the outstanding care from the whole team, including providers, nurses, lab, EVS and more. The patient had five dozen donuts delivered for the day shift and another five dozen delivered for the night shift.

The patient also shared a thank you note that read, "Thank you for my recent, wonderful care and helping me to keep me hope alive and well."

The patient share a quote by Emily Dickinson, "Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul and sings the songs without words and never stops at all."

Never doubt that you are making a difference each and every day!