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2024
May 9 and 16, 2024 - Double Edition
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OUR MISSION:
To Enrich the Health and Lives
of the People We Serve
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Meet the New CEO
Welcome Kerry Herbine, CEO!
Kerry graduated from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania with a degree in Business Administration. He later earned his Master of Healthcare Administration from Oklahoma State University.
Kerry’s work history includes 20 years in the communications industry with Nextel/Sprint. He then worked for three years as the Chief Operating Officer for Kids Little Smiles Dentistry for Children in Kingman, Arizona. He then transitioned to Senior Director for Diagnostic Services for Kingman Regional Medical Center where he remained for 10 years. In 2021 he accepted the position of Chief Operating Officer for Lewis County Health System in Lowville, New York.
Kerry’s vision for CHCS is to honor our legacy of growth and innovation and continue to move our organization forward. He believes the tenure and quality of our providers, teammates, leaders, and board members are key to cultivating and continuing our legacy. More importantly, he wants to partner with each teammate to foster personal growth, engagement, achievement, and joy to further our mission of enriching the health and lives of the people we serve.
Kerry has been married to his wife and best friend, Jenise, for 29 years. Together they have four children Hannah, Will, Grace, and Jack and two grandchildren, Barrett and Sloane.
Kerry loves the outdoors, running and spending time with his wife. He has run numerous ultramarathons of 50 miles and 50ks. His motto is, Faith and Family first.
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Celebrating National Nurses Week! | |
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Every step a nurse takes leaves an imprint of care and compassion. At Community HealthCare System, the nurses work to show compassion as they care for the patients. We are so fortunate to have such skilled nurses caring for our patients. Their care and attention to details allow our patients to continue to receive care close to home. Below is a poem called “Footprints of Compassion”. This poem admires the journey of nurses, marked by footprints of kindness. I hope you can see like I can the tireless care and dedication the nurses give our patients and communities each day. They are there to support us in our time of need, providing both medical assistance and emotional support.
“Footprints of Compassion” author unknown
In corridors, both long and bright,
A journey unfolds, day and night.
Nurses walk, leaving behind,
Footprints of a special kind.
Steps of hope, strides of love,
Guiding hands, fitted like a glove.
In their path, worries dissolve,
Challenges met, mysteries solve.
Each step taken, large or small,
Leaves a mark, touching all.
In the footprints they compassionately fashion,
Resides the soul of their noble passion.
It is out of gratitude and appreciation that I wish the nurses at CHCS a happy and healthy Nurses' Week not only for their hard work and dedication but also to show them that their efforts are truly valued.
- Mindy Olberding CNO
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As the Director of Senior Services, I oversee Eastridge,
St. Marys Manor and Redbud Plaza. I am honored to be able to tell you why our nurses in Senior Services are so special and vital to meeting our residents’ needs!
Nursing Home and Assisted Living Nurses receive specialized on the job training to care for the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of older adults. They focus on conditions that are more common among seniors, such as Alzheimer’s Disease (and other types of dementia), Parkinson’s Disease, Diabetes, Heart Disease, COPD, infections, and more.
Our nurses know they must be vigilant and adaptable. They manage emergent situations, exercise professional judgment, and adapt their actions to meet the needs of each resident. Their sensitivity and insight are critical for providing high-quality care.
They also understand the importance of good communication, empathy and understanding. They are able to convey information clearly to patients, families, and other healthcare team members, while also educating residents about their illnesses, medications, and treatments.
Respecting our residents’ and their families wishes and so often walking through the final stages of life with them is not something our nurses take lightly. I am proud (and very grateful!) to be surrounded by a group of very talented, caring nurses. Their dedication and expertise contribute significantly to the quality of life for our residents.
Thank you to all of our Nurses!
Shannon Heim, LNHA
Director of Senior Services
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During last Thursday’s thunderstorms Stacy Esposito Kerr, Office Coordinator Home Care Equipment a.k.a. CHCE, noticed that water was coming in from under the dock doors. She stayed by the pool of water until EVS and Maintenance staff were informed, which helped to ensure no one accidentally slipped and fell.
Maintenance personnel later learned the pool of water was caused due to a clogged gutter. As soon as the storm cleared, maintenance personnel were able to unclog the gutter.
Shout-out to Stacy for ensuring staff, patients or visitors were safe! For her Great Catch, she will receive FREE CHCS T-shirt.
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We also had a great catch in our surgery department in March of 2024. We have all heard the phrase communication is key! In surgery we had a great catch associated with double checking the time out process to ensure we had the proper procedure. Hannah Karn, LPN/surgical tech assisting the surgeon on this operation, had the great catch with her effective and appropriate communication. Great job by Hannah. She is eligible for a free t-shirt from the Onaga coffee shop.
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Heather Meyers, APRN in Holton, shared this story of wonderful care and compassion extended to a patient recently.
I wanted to pass on compliments to any staff with contact with a patient who spent one night at CHCS for observation after a fall. I saw the patient on May 2 and she had a wonderful experience; she was overwhelmed by how kind and respectful everyone who worked with her was during her overnight stay. She mentioned the wonderful nursing staff, she loved the food, she said she had a fantastic piece of quiche, both Elaine Rethman who got her admitted and Elaine (transportation) who brought her home the next day. Now our wonderful Home Care nurses and physical therapy staff are working with her. Thanks! We certainly have a great team! "I just wanted everyone to know. And she also enjoyed her latest birthday too!"
Heather M.
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April Babies
Three babies were delivered in
April and we have two adorable photos to share!
As always, a big THANK YOU to a Lani Bresler for taking the
pictures!
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May is Stroke Awareness Month
Good cardiovascular health can
lower the risk of stroke.
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Did you know women face higher risk of stroke? | |
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May is Mental Health Awareness Month
Do you need help with your mental health? If you don't know where to start, this infographic may help guide you.
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Mental Health Services
A number of mental health resources are available in northeast Kansas. Click here for a list of resources.
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LEAN Tools in Action—5s
SORT—Get rid of unneeded items. Remove what you don’t need and keep what you do.
TIP: Ask yourself “Do I need this everyday in my work space?” If Yes, keep it! If No, put it aside with a red tag. LOOK OUT FOR: Excessive inventory, junk, obsolete items/equipment, expired supplies.
STRAIGHTEN—Organize and label the location for items that are needed in the area. “Set in order” Give everything a place and a place for any object.
TIP: Classify by Hot objects: things that are used daily/weekly. And Cold objects: things used monthly/rarely. Put hot objects in the easiest places to reach, Cold objects in other places.
SHINE— Clean the workspace, equipment clean and prep for use.
STANDARDIZE—Develop cleaning methods and cleanliness standards to maintain the first 3 S’s .
TIP: Place a schedule in SQSS or on your calendar so you remember every week/month/3months that you want to do a task. For example every 3 months clean the Pyxis Machines to keep them from over heating.
Use reorder cards to help staff know when to reorder supplies.
“Make it a habit”
SUSTAIN—Review the workplace regularly. “Establish norms and respect them” TIP: Ideas to help sustain 5S—Last 15 min of your day, “Tidy Friday”, Audits, Area Ownership.
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Before: Onaga Clinic Storage Closet | After: Onaga Clinic Storage Closet | |
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LEAN Tools in Action—Visual Controls
Visual controls create a system that facilitates production flow, standardizes operation, and identifies problems instantly -- even to the casual observer.
Visual controls can be signs, information displays, layouts, material storage and handling tools, color-coding, or mistake-proofing devices. These controls help illustrate the adage “a place for everything and everything in its place” by:
¨ Showing status, such as through indicator lights;
¨ Directing people and locating things, such as road signs;
¨ Indicating action, such as traffic lights; and
¨ Showing what is right or wrong, such as lines in parking lots.
Examples of visual controls here at CHCS:
Where does this envelope go?? Check out the signs in the Mail Room! These visual controls help staff know where to file/place mail to be processed!
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In the Pharmacy- How do you alert staff to slow down and double check HIGHLY POTENT MEDICATION for our patients safety? These stickers help remind the staff “something is different” or “I need to double check for my patient’s safety.” | |
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Watch out for outdates!!! How do we keep track of all the emergency kits in the system? When you need to check for outdates every month in multiple areas and have kits set up for multiple areas, how can this be done efficiently?
These visual controls help the pharmacy staff quickly look by location to see where they need to check for upcoming outdates and prepare to restock these medications before they do expire.
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Watch out for outdates!!! How do we keep track of all the emergency kits in the system? When you need to check for outdates every month in multiple areas and have kits set up for multiple areas, how can this be done efficiently? | | |
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Visual Controls can improve patient care because they can convey at a glance the status of the work process, make waste easier to identify, and help to standardize work.
Share with us any LEAN projects, PDSA, 5S you are doing in your area or ask us a question.
Manda Thompson – mandathompson@chcsks.org
Lacey Niehues – laceyniehues@chcsks.org
Jes Hipp – jessicahipp@chcsks.org
For more information or to receive a PowerPoint with instructions on how to complete a 5S Lean project, email Manda Thompson at: mandathompson@chcsks.org.
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Eastridge was awarded grant monies from the Nemaha County STEP Foundation to purchase a Geriatric Complete Nursing Skills Mankin for their annual skills and CNA training. They received $1,631.00 from the STEP General Endowment and $750.00 from the Glen J. Meyer Advisory Fund.
Eastridge is very appreciative of this grant as it allows staff to train in the facility and to do it on a as needed basis.
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Shown with our manikin from left to right: Trevor Shuler, DON, Abraham Peirson, CNA/Activity Director, Marsha Isaman, CNA, Michelle Koch, CNA/CMA and River Shuler, CNA. | | | |
We are extending the food drive for the Westmoreland Food Bank through Monday, May 13.
Please help our community members in need!
Below are a few items in need:
- Soups. ravioli, ramen noodles
- Gatorade/Powerade
- Canned tuna and chicken
- Peanut Butter
Non-Food Items:
- Underwear - All sizes
- Plastic totes w/lids
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Marsha Isaman -Eastridge:5/10
Nicholas Cahoj, MD - Westmoreland Clinic :5/11
Jason McKinsey - Onaga-Radiology Manager :5/11
Emma Monteleone -St. Marys Manor CMA:: 5/11
Jenna VanDonge Onaga - RN Surgery: 5/11
Amanda Rempe, APRN - Westmoreland Clinic: 5/12
Roger McAsey -St. Marys -Maintenance Manager:5/13
Taylor Havenstein, APRN - Onaga-Provider Clinic: 5/13
Jorden Donoho -Onaga-Housekeeping: 5/14
Annette Engell -St. Marys Manor -Administration: 5/15
Isabel Haverkamp - Redbud Assisted Living: 5/15
Brenda Rosine - Home Health: 5/16
Maria Gil Maradona - St. Marys Manor: 5/17
Leah Ferris - Onaga-Business Office: 5/17
Nancy Bosse, APRN - Westmoreland Clinic 5/18
Elaine Rethman - Onaga-Acute Nursing: 5/18
Stephanie Carter- Onaga-Acute Nursing: 5/20
Katelyn VanDonge - Redbud Assisted Living: 5/21
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Upcoming Employee Events
Next week is Hospital Week! Join in on all of the fun!!
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BINGO Instructions:
- Numbers will be emailed hourly, Monday-Friday from 9am-3pm.
- A list of all numbers will be kept and emailed daily so that all shifts can participate.
- When you have a BINGO, please email Pam Holaday at: pamelaholaday@chcsks.org. Your prize will be delivered.
- Only 1 BINGO per associate for the week.
- BINGO Cards will be sent to locations on Friday.
- If you have any questions, reach out to Pam Holaday.
We are sorry to inform everyone that the Gold Nugget Bars have been discontinued. The order was placed a few weeks ago yet we were just informed today they are no longer available. We will be offering another ice cream treat instead.
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Coffee Shop Specials:
Week of May 13-17: Amaretto Mocha: Chocolate and Amaretto
Week of May 20-24: Caramel Mocha: Caramel and Chocolate
$4.25: Hot or Cold
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Gift Shop
Check out the fun new purses, t-shirts and other apparel available in the gift shop; plus, so much more!
Shop online and we will courier the items to your locations!
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UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS
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Passenger Tire and Refrigeration Appliance Amnesty
The Pottawatomie County Transfer Station will be holding a "Passenger Tire & Refrigeration Appliance Amnesty" during the month of May.
From May 1 to May 31, Pottawatomie County residents can drop off passenger tires and refrigeration appliances at no cost. There will be a fee of 50% of the normal rate for all other non-passenger vehicle tires. All loads must be secured or tarped.
Transfer Station hours are 8:30 am - 4:15 pm Monday through Saturday, excluding holidays.
Business and commercial haulers are excluded from the amnesty program.
Please call 785-456-9706 with questions.
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Glory Days Car Show - Downtown Holton Square - Saturday, May 25
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Did you miss your Connection?
Important information is relayed every week in the E-Connection. If you miss it in your email, an archive is available on our website. Visit the For Associates page, then click E-Connection Archive.
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Send items for the E-Connection or for sharing with our broader social media audience to news@chcsks.org. Please send items by close of business on Tuesdays when possible. Ideas are welcome! | | | | |
