Subtle though Evident
September, 2019
By Sue Gehlsen, Executive Director
One of my favorite times of the day is the early evening as dusk approaches. I often walk in the evenings and we have many beautiful trails that wind through wooded areas, prairie fields, ponds and quiet places. Walking gives me a chance to gather my thoughts, unwind and appreciate the beauty that surrounds us.
One thing that has been particularly striking to me in recent months is that every day when I walk, there are some noticeable things that have changed. Nature is not quite the same as the day before.
I start my outside walks in late spring when greening begins and stroll well into the late fall. Every day, I notice changes with the plants, flowers, foliage, water, groundcover, etc. Even though changes may be subtle, they seem to stand out to me. It might be a new leaf, a bud on a plant, a flower that wasn’t there the previous day, a new growth. These changes may go unnoticed by some, but they are present and a response to the environment, and reinforce the fact that change is perpetual.
So it is with our daily lives. Subtle though they may be, changes are continuous and ever present. As we move forward with our RN/CHW partnerships in the clinics, the changes may seem more evident. What does this require of us? Just as the plants and trees adapt to their environment and changes, we do the same. Focusing on moving forward, thinking of possibilities and how best to respond helps move us through transitions.
Thank you to all for your patience and willingness to move forward with our RN/CHW partnership, helping weave a new role into our care team. While it may be a change, our CHW is an additional strength and team member who will enhance the level of excellence for patients. Our families will only benefit from the attention and presence of the CHW. Their consistent presence at the clinic supports a trusting and safe presence, promotes relationships.
Walk together, notice the changes, offer feedback and suggestions while moving forward. Change is ever present and calls us to respond and adapt.
Opportunity
Help wanted! We are looking for your participation as we re-establish our Quality Committee, dedicated to patient safety and quality care.
At a recent board meeting it was agreed that this important group would begin meeting regularly, on a monthly basis to start. We are looking for representatives from our volunteers and our employed staff. If you can spare an hour or two a month and are passionate about quality and safety, contact Sue Gehlsen at 651-287-7712 or
[email protected]. Ideally we’d welcome at least one volunteer RN and one volunteer provider. Meetings will have a standing day/time and can be done face:face or over the phone, and possibly online. Your expertise is appreciated!
Save the Date
For nurses and those needing a phlebotomy refresher, please save the date of
October 31 for an educational update session. The session will be held in the morning. Details of time and location will be forthcoming!
Welcome and Thank You
Welcome to Carla Scheider, RN, and Ariadna Diaz, CHW, our newest team members!
Carla started at St. Mary’s in July and will be working at the Olivet and Fridley clinics. Carla was previously a school nurse for the Columbia Heights school district .
Ariadna (Ary) is a certified community health worker and worked with
Ready, Set, Smile prior to joining St. Mary’s. Ary will be working with the Shakopee clinics.
Also welcome to Kayla Hanzsek-Brill
- Social Work intern working with Cathy Luiken.
Thanks to Carol O’Connor who leaves St. Mary’s for other opportunities in St. Paul, and to Alfredo Lorente as he begins a new journey. Good luck to Rachel Sarrocco who returns to school this fall!
Special Thanks!
Special thanks to our on call nurses who helped with coverage during the past year. As you remember, the model of care that was anticipated for fiscal year 2019 was not implemented, though there had been staff reductions to accommodate that proposed change. As a result, we actually had more patient visits in FY 2019 than in 2018, and our on call nurses truly helped carry the load! Thanks to:
Janis Ollwerther, Ann Fox, Sue Peterson, Jeanne Hannah-White, Molly Ortega, and Karen Kinsella! These nurses provided care in the clinics and helped with care coordination functions in the office.
