HaysMed Welcomes “Hoss” the Pet Therapy Dog

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HAYS, KS – A new volunteer began his duties last week at HaysMed.  Hoss, a husky/German shepherd mix, started his new job as a therapy dog.

Hoss made his first appearance on the Acute Care Unit, visiting with approved patients, as well as Associates. Hoss is 10 years old and belongs to Andrea Coover, APRN, who works in the Pulmonology Clinic. Andrea and Hoss are a certified Pet Therapy Team through the Alliance of Therapy Dogs.

Pet Therapy provides a positive social interaction between the pet and a patient, family, or staff member. Pet therapy sessions at the hospital are a great way to help patients feel happy. Handlers and their dogs make short visits to the rooms of patients to help relieve stress, depression, and anxiety. Pet therapy is known for lifting spirits and lowering blood pressure when patients interact with the dog.  Patients and children who engage in pet therapy find it provides a comforting source for healing.

Hoss and Andrea will visit patients and staff on Wednesday afternoons! The program is currently being piloted on the Acute Care Unit, but plans are to expand our program to other units soon. 

The pet therapy program at HaysMed is sponsored by the HaysMed Volunteers.  If you are interested in the pet therapy program, please contact Nikki Mihm at Nikki.mihm@haysmed.com or 785-623-5890.  Each of our Pet Therapy Teams are certified through a national pet therapy organization.

HaysMed Nurse Earns Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Certifications

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HAYS, KS – Shaley Knickerbocker, BSN, RN recently earned board Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) certifications.  Knickerboacker earned the credential of SANE-A (Adult/Adolescent), and SANE-P (Pediatric).   She is a part of the Sexual Assault Forensic Nursing program at HaysMed.

Credentialing is issued through the Commission for Forensic Nursing Certification. The earned credentials of SANE-A® and SANE-P® designate that the recipient has achieved the highest standards of forensic nursing for sexual assault nurse examiners. Nurse examiners become certified by meeting the eligibility requirements, which include 300 practice hours in the specialty, and achieving a passing score on the certification examination.

A forensic nurse is a nurse who provides specialized care for patients who are victims and/or perpetrators of trauma (both intentional and unintentional).  Forensic Nurses are NURSES first and foremost. However, the specialized role of forensic nurses goes far beyond medical care; forensic nurses also have a specialized knowledge of the legal system and skills in injury identification, evaluation, and documentation.  After attending to a patient’s immediate medical needs, a forensic nurse often collects evidence, provides medical testimony in court, and consults with legal authorities. Forensic Nurses at HaysMed conduct medical-legal examinations for victims and perpetrators of sexual assault, child abuse and domestic violence victims.  Knickerbocker joins Jessica Albers and Trisha Haskell as having attained SANE-A and SANE-P certifications at HaysMed. 

Within the state of Kansas there are currently 24 SANE-A and 12 SANE-P certified nurses. HaysMed’s Forensic Nursing program was established in 2010 and was the first forensic SANE program in western Kansas.  If you are interested in joining the Forensic Nursing Program, please contact Cammie Townley cammie.townley@haysmed.com

HaysMed Clinics Announces New Providers

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HAYS, KS – Four HaysMed clinics have added new providers recently. 

Tiffany DeWitt, APRN has joined the Urology Clinic.  DeWitt graduated from Tabor College with a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing.  She obtained her Master’s of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner degree from United State University.

New to the Pediatric Clinic is Kaitlin Robben, APRN.  She graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from Fort Hays State University and a Masters in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner from Walden University, Minneapolis Minnesota.

Danielle Spencer is the new Physician Assistant in Cancer Clinic.  She received her Bachelor’s of Science degree from the University of Kansas, Lawrence and her Master’s of Science in Physician Studies from Wichita State University.

The Family Medicine Clinic welcomed Danielle VonFeldt, APRN on July 1.  She graduated from Fort Hays State University with a bachelor’s of science degree in nursing and a Master’s of science degree in Nursing and Family Nurse Practitioner Walden University, Minneapolis Minnesota.

HaysMed Awards Licensed Practical Nurse of the Year Award

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HAYS, KS – Karen Matal, LPN was recently recognized with the Lanita Smith LPN of the year award for her focus on quality patient care, compassion, service to others and willingness to do what is necessary to provide great customer service to those she works with and around.

The LPN of the Year award is named after Smith, a former nurse that took pride in her role as an LPN and her ability to positively impact a patient’s life as a nurse in many different roles at HaysMed.  This award honors an LPN who displays many of the same characteristics that Smith had including kindness, compassion, concern and friendliness all the while being a great member of the patient care team.  

Matal works in the Medical Specialists Clinic.

HaysMed Honors Nurses Completing the RN Residency Program

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HAYS, Kansas – Seventeen registered nurses at HaysMed were honored recently at a recognition ceremony and luncheon.  They completed the year-long RN Residency Program offered at HaysMed.

The program began a year ago in July 2021 with training focused on clinical experience, one on one mentorship with their preceptor, high-fidelity simulations and on the job training. Additionally, nurses received training from professionals in several departments, such as radiology, pharmacy, cardiac care, peri-op and others.

The RN Residency class from Hays included Alexis Clarke, RN, Lyric Dewey, RN, Yetunde Egundyti, RN, Amethyst Encarnacion, RN, Julia Gfeller, RN, Tina Ariano Kirton, RN, Lori Leiker, RN, Olubukola Ogunsakin, RN, Beverley Sammons, RN, Sarah Schaffer, RN, Cassie Schemm, RN, Sara Schippers, RN, Gannon Spresser, RN, Taylor Wade, RN, Jenna Wark, RN, Rystal Waldman, RN and Lee Ann Wilson, RN.

“It is so important for new nursing graduates to have a group of peers and mentors who assist them in enhancing their skills and becoming comfortable with the challenges of practice,” said Jennifer Peirano, RN Residency Coordinator. “Our program is evidence based, with positive clinical outcomes that will help not only the participating nurses, but also our patients.”

Currently there are 20 nurses scheduled in the next program which begins July 11, 2023.  The program is open to newly graduated RNs and RNs that have less than one year of acute care experience.

HaysMed Nurse Recognized with Daisy Award

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Hays, KS –Erin Bowers, RN, was recently recognized as a Daisy Award winner at HaysMed.  This award is presented to a nurse in deep appreciation of all that they do, who they are, and the incredible meaningful difference that they have made in the lives of so many people.  Bowers was nominated by a patient’s family member.

Bowers was selected from a group of blinded nominations voted on by the HaysMed Practice Committee.  The Practice Committee consists of nursing staff, supervisors, and directors from HaysMed.  Nominations are received from patients and family members, physicians, volunteers, and Associates for nurses in inpatient, outpatient, and clinic settings.

“We are proud to be among the hospitals participating in The DAISY Award program,” said Terry Siek, VP of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer at HaysMed.  “Nurses are heroes every day. It’s important that our nurses know their work is highly valued, and The DAISY Foundation provides another way for us to do that.”

The DAISY Award is an international program that rewards and celebrates the extraordinary clinical skill and compassionate care given by nurses every day. HaysMed is proud to be a DAISY Award Hospital Partner, recognizing one of our nurses with this special honor every quarter.

To nominate a HaysMed nurse for the DAISY Award online, go to www.haysmed.com/daisyaward.  If you have questions, you can call 785.623.2365.

HaysMed Celebrates Annual Service Awards

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Hays, KS – The annual HaysMed Service Awards celebration is being held today in Hays. For the second year a drive thru event will be held at the hospital honoring the Associates who have reached milestones in their service at HaysMed.

The highlight of the celebration is the presentation of the Norman W. Jeter Humanitarian Award, the Sister Mary J. Mollison Nurse of the Year Award, the Vic Eddy, MD, Physician of the Year Award and the Advanced Practice Provider (APP) of the Year award.  These awards are the highest level of recognition that an Associate of HaysMed can receive.

The Norman W. Jeter Humanitarian Award recognizes an individual’s human kindness and dedication to medical excellence.  The award is being presented to Rosie Hammerschmidt, Food Services.

Recipient of the Sr. Mary J. Mollison Nurse of the Year Award is Shanna Carrillo, RN.     This award honors a nurse who displays excellence in the areas of job knowledge and performance, quality improvements, self-development and participation in hospital and community affairs.  Carrillo is a nurse on the Surgical Unit.

The Vic Eddy, MD, Physician of the Year Award is being presented to Dr. Ross Buckles. The award recognizes a physician who displays a high level of clinical experience and an extraordinary dedication to improving healthcare delivery in the community. Buckles is a physician in the Pediatric Clinic.

Tara Roa, PA is receiving the Advanced Practice Provider of the Year award.  This award recognizes an advanced practice provider that supports the vison, mission and goals of HaysMed and serves as a role model and mentor encouraging productive relationships. Roa works at Medical Specialists.

Other Associates recognized for years of service include:

40 Year
Kim Dechant

Linda Pfeifer

LeAnn Stoppel

35 Year

Gayla Binder

Carol Dreiling

Lisa Marcotte

Lance Smith

30 Year

Vonda Ackerman

Lisa Gagnon

25 Year

Joannah Applequist

Shalise Cochran

Brenda Dechant

Julie Fischer

Melissa Ginther

Jaci Gottschalk

Brandy Huser

Myrna Jordan

Jeremy Martinson

Brenda McMillin

Jay Moore

Bobbie Murphy

Joyce Rupp

20 Year

Virginia Basgall

Amanda Breinig

Lisa Brening

Bertha Brungardt

Danielle Fisher

Jeff Geaslin

Amanda Gittinger

Paula Gnad

Mary Jo Gubitoso

Kathleen Huser

Amber Irvin

Connie Linenberger

Blake Matzke

Shawna North

Marlis Norton

Mindy Pickering

Larry Plante

Jill Rozean

Lea Staab

Ryan Staab

Robert Wickham

Myra Younger

15 Year

Ashley Bauck

Stephanie Carlin

Melissa Conley

Rhonda Dopita

Marshall Dover

Alaina Dresslar

Amy Feldt

Jana Fross

Emily Gottschalk

Sandra Jacobs

Tammy Klaus

Andrea Legleiter

Barbara Lewis

Kurtis Linenberger

Faye Miller

Dr. Charles Schultz

Julieta Somers

Samantha Sramek

Blake Urban

Tanna Vine

Cameron Williby

10 Year

Ann Arnold

Alicia Bahr

Lori Bogart

Diana Budke

Ashley Campbell

Dr. Gulraiz Cheema

Dr. Bed Chhatkuli

Leslie Engel

Brian Feldt

Lauren Finger

Brian Forinash

Danna Gabel

Shawn Giess

Sam Gottschalk

Juliet Johns

Leitha King

Christina Lawver

Sarah Leiker

Zachary Long

Janna Manning

TJ Miller

Christy Moeder

Nicole Moos

Katerina Pabst

Connie Potts

Tracy Ream

Jane Rorstrom

Danielle Still

Tami Thomas

Danielle Weigel

Michelle Weigel

Jana Wickham

5 Year

Jenna Alvarez

Sarah Balthazor

Sierra Bell

Jessica Boyce

Autumn Braun

Gabrielle Chittenden

Dr. Shari Claude

Aubrey Darnall

Mark Darnall

Ken Dinges

Shelby Falcon

Megan Gerber

Amie Gibson

Treva Goodman

Abby Hammerschmidt

Veronica Hartman

Dar Hickert

Jen Howard

Cole Jacobsen

Leigh Jamison

Anna Marie Johnson

Erin Klaus

Roxie Korbe

Cheryl Kreutzer

Kirstyn Latham

Sarah Leiker

Cody Long

Linda Lukens

Danielle Lummus

Shania McCormick

Marla McGann

Mallory McQueen

Lina Miller

Christine Numrich

Taylor Ottley

Martha Plotner

Kay Rietcheck

Harold Robinson

Lisa Ruda

Raena Rudzik

Jordon Schneider

Anna-Lena Schneider

Rachel Sennett

Laura Staab

Christi Steinle

Brittney Stewart

Kim Thomason

Kilie Unrein

Dr. Wally Walstrom

Michelle Wiesner

Brad Willer

LeeAnn Wilson

Visitor Guidelines Effective April 1, 2022

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No visitor restrictions

MASKS still required by visitors/staff

Social distancing practices encouraged to control spread of diseases

Birthing Center Visitor Policy

Posted visiting hours: 8:30 am – 1:00 pm and 3:00pm – 8:30 pm.

We encourage visitors to follow these hours to allow rest periods for new mothers. There is limited visitation from 1:00 – 3:00 pm daily at the nurse’s discretion.

Labor patient can designate 2 or 3 people as her labor support person (s).

Medical/Surgical Intensive Care Unit Visitor Policy

  1. Visiting hours are from 8:00 am to 10:00
  2. The unit is closed for report from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
  3. No more than two (2) visitors are allowed to visit at one time.
  4. No children under age 13 are permitted to
  5. Rules are provided to the family members by the MSICU staff.
  6. These guidelines are subject to change at the discretion of Charge Nurse, based on individual patient’s condition, and/or needs.

HaysMed Receives High 5 for Mom & Baby Premier Recognition

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Hays, KS – HaysMed has continued its commitment to improving infant and maternal health by earning recognition through High 5 for Mom & Baby Premier, a program developed by the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund to increase breastfeeding initiation and duration rates in Kansas.

 High 5 for Mom & Baby Premier provides resources and a framework to help Kansas hospitals and birth facilities implement ten evidence-based practices proven to support successful breastfeeding, improving maternal and infant health outcomes while also reducing racial and ethnic health disparities.

 To obtain High 5 for Mom & Baby Premier recognition, each facility is asked to complete a voluntary and self-reported evaluation and to follow all ten evidence-based practices to successful breastfeeding. 

 “Breastfeeding plays a crucial role in the overall health of babies and mothers,” stated Katie Schoenhoff, Director of Programs at the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund. “Following the ten High 5 for Mom & Baby practices demonstrates HaysMed’s commitment to infant and maternal health by helping moms successfully initiate and maintain breastfeeding.”

 According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), 60% of mothers stopped breastfeeding sooner than they planned. Some factors that influence how long or if a baby is breastfed include: hospital practices, education and encouragement, policies or support in the workplace, and access to community support – which is why High 5 for Mom & Baby facilities are committed to helping women breastfeed successfully, through staff trained in breastfeeding best practices and policies to help mothers meet their breastfeeding goals.

 Along with the recognition of being named a High 5 for Mom & Baby Premier facility, HaysMed also receives ongoing education and training opportunities, support and resources through a community of delivery centers, and scholarship opportunities to further staff education.

 “Breastfeeding provides numerous health benefits for both infants and mothers, and we’re honored to receive this recognition from the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund for our efforts to support successful breastfeeding initiation and maintenance. As a facility committed to providing the very highest quality of care, we have found the High 5 practices and resources to not only improve health outcomes but also increase patient satisfaction,” said Terry Seik, VP of Patient Care.

For more information on High 5 for Mom & Baby Premier, contact Cara Gerhardt, Program Coordinator: coordinator@high5kansas.org, or visit the website at https://www.high5kansas.org/.

HaysMed Named Top 20 Rural and Community Hospital

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Hays, KS – HaysMed was recently named one of the top 20 rural and community hospitals in the country.  HaysMed was the only hospital in Kansas to earn this designation.

The National Rural Health Association (NRHA) has announced the 20 highest-ranked prospective payment system hospitals in the country based on an evaluation by the Chartis Center for Rural Health. The hospitals are identified using the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX, the most comprehensive and objective assessment of rural PPS hospital performance. These hospitals will be recognized May 12 during NRHA’s Rural Hospital Innovation Summit in Albuquerque, N.M.

The determining factors for the top 20 rural and community hospitals are based on eight indices: inpatient market share, outpatient market share, quality, outcomes, patient perspective, cost, charge, and financial efficiency.

“HaysMed is proud of the efforts of its physicians and Associates who have contributed to our hospital achieving this designation,” said Eddie Herrman, President and CEO. “Our recognition as a top health care provider proves our community can count on us to deliver the services they need now and in the future.”

ADDRESS

2220 Canterbury
Hays, KS 67601

855-429-7633

CONVENIENT CARE

3216 Vine, Suite 20
Hays, KS 67601

785-261-7065

NURSE HOTLINE

M-F 4:30PM – 8AM
Weekends & Holidays 24 hrs

1-855-Haysmed

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