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Judy Conkling
08/13/2004

 

Subject:

Via Christi This Week for 08/16/04

Category:

Via Christi This Week

Sub-Category:

News


For the week of Aug. 16, 2004


Editor: Judy Conkling, 268-6855 E-mail: Judy_Conkling@via-christi.org Fax: 264-4412

Health Academy influences career choices

St. Gianna Catholic Health Academy students in their classroom.

A survey of its recent graduates confirms that Via Christi-based St. Gianna Catholic Health Academy was "very influential" in helping them decide to pursue a health-related career. Program director and teacher Denise Clarke researched the effectiveness of the academy as part of her master's degree studies at Wichita State University.

Not surprisingly, 81 percent of the students surveyed expressed an interest in healthcare careers before enrollment. At the end of the semester that figure increased to 91 per-cent.

But Clarke discovered the program greatly increased the degree of interest expressed by students. Just over one-third described themselves as "very interested" in a healthcare career at the start of the semester. By the end, that percentage nearly doubled, to 61 percent.

Overall, 96 percent of academy grads now say they will pursue a healthcare career, compared to 60 percent at the start of the semester.

"That, of course, has always been our goal, to encourage young people to choose healthcare careers," Clarke said. "So it's especially gratifying to know we're hitting the mark we set for ourselves."

The program provides far more than an introduction to the wide variety of careers available in healthcare, said Clarke.

"Students become more dedicated and enthusiastic about their studies when they understand that their classes are designed to help them reach a career goal," she said. "This program helps them see that."

They also benefit from seeing how professionals use skills such as teamwork, critical thinking and problem solving in the work world.

"Those are the sorts of things you just can't learn in a book," Clarke added.

The partnership with Newman University reinforces students' decisions to enroll in a college-based healthcare studies program. By the end of the semester, all academy students said they planned to attend college.

Students also were almost twice as likely to consider working for Via-Christi after their academy experience as before. "There's amazing potential when an educational system and a corporate organization come together like this," Clarke said. "It gives students the best possible learning experience and prepares them for what is to come once they are out of school."

... About St. Gianna Catholic Health Academy

This innovative program was launched in January 2002 as the Wichita Catholic Health Academy with support from the Catholic Diocese of Wichita, Newman University, Via Christi Regional Medical Center, and ESSDACK, a regional staff development consortium. Its goal is to encourage young people to enter health careers.

Last year it was renamed for St. Gianna Beretta Molla, an Italian physician who viewed her profession as a mission of selfless giving.

The semester-long academy is open to students of Wichita's two Catholic high schools: Kapaun Mount Carmel and Bishop Carroll. The students spend a portion of each school day with Clarke in St. Francis Classroom 7164.Their activities include rotations in various Regional Medical Center units, including the Burn Center, NICU, Surgery, Emergency, Rehabilitation Services and Laboratory. They learn medical terminology and how to use medical equipment including the stethoscope, blood pressure cuff and reflex hammer. They also research and write reports on specific careers that interest them and attend lectures on healthcare careers at Newman University.

Students interested in joining the academy should contact their school guidance counselor.

Renovations continue at Medical Center

Continuing upgrades of staff and public areas are planned in the next few months on both the St. Francis and St. Joseph campuses.

First in line is an upgrade of the St. Joseph Campus main floor corridor from the staff entrance on the east to the Emergency Department. That work is expected to begin in mid to late September and include new flooring, wall covering and ceiling materials.

On St. Joseph Campus 5 Center, the nurses station, waiting room and corridor leading to the elevator will be upgraded in early fall. Renovations of patient rooms on the fifth floor are completed.

Another fall project is a floor-to-ceiling upgrade of St. Francis Campus 5SE, part of the continuing renovations of South Tower.

St. Joseph Inn is tops with its guests

St. Joseph Inn staff, from left, Patty Cooke, Mike Meier (Guest Lodging leader), Sue Muhlenbruch, Eugene Housdon, Arlene Flores and Jo Riley.

Members of the St. Joseph Inn staff earned a perfect overall score of 5 in its April-to-June Guest Satisfaction Survey.

The inn conducts its own survey each quarter, independent of the Jackson Organization surveys of Patient Satisfaction conducted for the Medical Center.

Guests of the facility rate staff courtesy and accessibility, kitchen and laundry accommodations, cleanliness, and transportation to and from the Medical Center by Security staff.

St. Joseph Inn, located on the St. Joseph West Campus, provides lodging on an ability-to-pay basis for out-of-town families of hospitalized patients. For more information about the inn, call Lodging Services at 261-8300.

Thanks, Riverside staff!
Brad Colburn, right, a certified surgical scrub technician, is greeted by Sister Anne Dolores LaPlante, vice president of Mission Services, left, and Val Gleason, vice president of Patient Services - Riverside Campus, at a recent Appreciation Tea for Riverside nursing and allied health staff.

Staff Appreciation Tea held at Riverside

Via Christi Riverside Medical Center Administration held an Appreciation Tea July 29 for its nursing and allied health staff.

Throughout the 2003-2004 academic year these employees have been busy mentoring, precepting and instructing more than 200 potential colleagues from area universities, colleges and high schools, said Debbie Kennedy, leader, Nursing Professional Development and Education for Via Christi Riverside.

"These health care professionals are committed to modeling exemplary, caring behaviors, and demonstrate that healing environments can be developed by simply being present with the patient and their families," she said. "They are living examples of the hospital's mission."

Along with the reception, the employees each received a specially designed pin as an expression of gratitude for their service.

Via Christi Teen Volunteers return to school

More than 150 teens have completed their volunteer commitments at Via Christi and headed back to school.

Teens actively volunteered at locations in the community including the St. Francis, St. Joseph and Riverside campuses, and a Via Christi Family Physician office on Maize Road. The Teen Volunteer Program provides high school students the opportunity to learn more about the medical field while they gain valuable job experience. Teen volunteers were placed in more than 40 departments in the Medical Center and contributed more than 7,100 hours of service.

Teens interested in being a Via Christi volunteer should call Volunteer Services at 268-5172. Applications for the school year program are accepted from September through April, and for the summer program starting in March or April.

Scholarship winners named

More than $15,000 in Via Christi scholarships has been awarded to eligible recipients for the 2004-2005 academic year.

The Lifework Scholarship was established in the fall 1989 as an endowment by the Via Christi Auxiliary. Other scholarships established as endowments are the Alexine Larson and various other Nursing Scholarships.

Interest from these endowments funds annual scholarships for Via Christi Regional Medical Center employees who continue their professional education. The application deadline for 2005-2006 academic year scholarships is July 1, 2005. For further information, contact Kim Frangenberg, VCSF, Education Services, 268-5526.

Via Christi teen volunteers also have the opportunity to apply for scholarships endowed by the Via Christi Auxiliary. Three $1,000 scholarships are available each year to graduating seniors who are current volunteers and have completed 250 hours of service.

The Riverside Auxiliary offers a $500 scholarship to a qualified high school senior.

2004-2005 academic year scholarship winners

Nursing/Alexine Larson Scholarship

Carolyn Jones Alisa Klick-Davis Sheila Kocher

Kelly Love Elena Nebrat Jennifer Peters

Christian Taylor Shirley Breth Teresa Burns

Lisa Barnes Mary Creasser Jacqueline Cole-Blasi

Morghan Chambers Sara Friesen Ruth Hommertzheim

Jeanne Henson

Lifework Scholarship

Erin S. Kirby Benita Lane-Criman

Gayla Large Amy Mitchel Tanya S. Merritt

Sandra Ott Nikki Pence Dana Paxson

Cassandra Presley Stephanie Ricke Cindy Roeder

Kelly Rowland Sherry Sandberg Nordilla Teter

Jenni Thimesch Laurie Vickery Connie J. Wilson

Yolando Wilcoxson Loretta Williams Kimberly K. Ware

Emily R. Walston Hai-Ngoc Ho Bismil Ahmad

Kenny Bornholdt Pamela K. Barrientos

Alfred J. Barrientos Lizzie Bishop Gretchen Blake

Denisa Clark Jessica Davis Sherri Debbrecht

Terri L. Devore Michele Erickson Jude Eustache

Chandra Espinoza Rebecca Espinosa

Debra Golden Shane Gorges Connie Gallardo

Rev Strother Gross Lindsay Holman Dianna Harris

Jocelyn Hillsdale Tandra Hessman Rebekah S. Heath

Via Christi Auxiliary Teen Volunteer Scholarship

Tina Hoang Linda Phan Amanda White

Riverside Auxiliary Scholarship

Sara Putnam

Did you know ...

Aug. 23 is National Health Unit Coordinator Day. Take a minute to say "thanks" to our HUCs for all they do!

Certified Angus cookouts, Aug. 18-19

Via Christi Nutrition Services will serve outdoor-grilled Certified Angus steaks and burgers at two special campus cookouts this week:

· 11 a.m to 1:30 p.m. Wed., Aug. 18,
Outside the MRI Center, VCSF

· 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Thur., Aug. 19,
Down Under Moat, VCSJ

An 8-ounce Certified Angus Beef steak meal is just $5.50. A thick and juicy Certified Angus Beef burger meal is $4. Meals include baked beans and potato salad. Bottles of Coca-Cola products also are available for $1 each.

To purchase a meal, pay cashiers by cash, check or slide-a-badge at the Down Under Café or Garden Market. Bring the receipt or meal ticket to servers outside to claim a meal. On the St. Francis Campus, meals may be purchased outdoors at the barbecue by cash or check, but not slide-a-badge.

Note: Because of the outstanding value of these meals, no additional employee discount will be offered.

With each meal purchase, enter a drawing for a free barbecue grill from Certified Angus Beef producers!

NSC Defensive Driving Course

Become a better driver by learning ways to prevent collisions and develop an attitude of mutual understanding, courtesy and cooperation on the road. And here's a bonus: With completion of this eight-hour course, you may be eligible for auto insurance discounts. Contact your insurance agent for details. Instructor: Steve Rust, safety coordinator, certified instructor, Kansas Turnpike Authority. Class meets twice, cost: $20, payable at the first class (covers course materials and a donation to purchase child safety seats). Location: Via Christi-Riverside, 2622 W. Central, McGraw Auditorium. Dates and times: Sept. 14 & 16, 5:45-10 p.m., or Oct. 19 & 21, 5:45-10 p.m.

To register, call Health Connection at 689-5700.

Did you know

Your United Way donation works here in our community. Since 1922, Sedgwick and surrounding counties have cared for their most pressing needs through United Way of the Plains. This year's United Way campaign is just around the corner. Watch Via Christi This Week to learn how you can help.

Cornerstone

Lord, keep Your grace in my heart. Live in me so that Your grace be mine. Make it that I may bear every day some flowers and new fruit.


— St. Gianna Beretta Molla


Condolence

To: Nora Abraham, VCSJ Women's Health, on the death of her mother, Nora Stewart, July 28.

Thanks!

The Respiratory Care department would like to thank everyone who gave so generously at the ice cream socials July 30 to raise money for former employee Gary Reynolds. More than $900 was raised to help Gary with medical expenses.


— Brenda Olmstead, Respiratory Care


Coming up

Monday - Great West Retirement Services seminar, "Approaching Retirement," for those approximately 10 years from retirement. St. Francis Campus 9 a.m. and noon, Room 2039.

Wednesday - Breakfast Goodie Sale, 7-11 a.m., VCSF Room 2066. Panera bagels, Krispy Kreme doughnuts, coffee, juice and more. Proceeds benefit Patient Care Support Christmas Angel Family Fund.

Aug. 22 - TenderHearts Memorial Service for families of recently deceased children, 2 p.m., McNamara Center, St. Joseph. Employees are welcome to attend to provide prayers and support.

Aug. 23 - Great West Retirement Services seminar, "Approaching Retirement," for those approximately 10 years from retirement. 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., St. Francis Campus, Holt Conf. Rm.

New to you

Classified ads for miscellaneous items, vehicles and giveaways are free to Via Christi employees, physicians and volunteers. No ads are accepted for garage sales, real estate, apartment rentals, mobile homes, pets for sale, weapons or outside businesses. The same ad may run once a month. Submit brief ads by 5 p.m. Monday for the next Monday's issue. E-mail to Judy_Conkling@Via-Christi.org or fax to 264-4412. No phone calls, please.

FOR SALE

Scrubs, 2X-3X, tops $10-12, bottoms $5-7. Call Kari 260-3051, lv msg.

Navy and plaid Bjorn carrier in excellent condition, x-large straps for those who wear L, XL or XXL shirts, $35. Safety 1st Exersaucer car, $20. Nursery scale, weighs to 30 lbs, $25. Call 683-5834.

King headboard, solid maple, med stain, colonial style, great shape. $125 OBO. Call 268-6855/773-5422.

Home ent center, 54"w by 49"h, solid wood w/lt oak finish, one lrg sliding drawer & 2 cabinet doors (1 w/leaded glass), $200 OBO. Call 729-7464.

Corner computer desk plus matching storage cabinet, lt wood finish, $50 OBO. Call 268-6855 or 773-5422.

Four lamps, large framed picture, glider rocker, antique oak chest of drawers, artificial dogwood and ficus trees 6-ft. Call 775-7501.

B/W Video Now w/7 Video Now discs, $50. Call 268-5040 work, 263-5647 home.

Large box electric heater for garage. Call 651-0978.

Skateboard half pike 8x4x20, $200 OBO. Coca-Cola table/4 chairs, $300 OBO. Coke golf bag collectors item, never used, $400, excellent cond. Call 831-0111.

Self-propelled (non-motorized) treadmill, burns more calories as you control the pace, heavy duty, for walking or running, includes electronic timer, distance tracker, excellent condition, $50 OBO. Call 773-5422 or 268-6855.

Whirlpool microwave hood combo, black, used 8 mos, $150 OBO. Call 312-9772.

Jupiter alto sax, excellent condition, $900. Conn trumpet $400. Artley clarinet, $300. Call 253-6133.

Two stethoscopes: Littman lite & Littman cardiology 2, $30 each. Call 734-9894.

1979 Chevy short bus w/wheelchair lift. Action Ranger X Storm Series electric wheelchair w/charger, Jay Med-ical wheelchair pad, Hoyer lift, 9 cases of underpads. Will sell all for $4,000. Call 682-1166.

1988 4 x 4 GMC Blazer, new engine & tires, A/C , FM/AM cassette radio. Great work or school vehicle, $1,600. Call Gary lv msg.

2001 Honda Accord, 80k mi, V-6, black 2D, leather int, $13,500. Call 620-727-4615.

New Midwest Flash moped, 49cc, automatic transm, 4-stroke, street legal, $1,150. Call 785-650-4029.

Metal swing set, $100. Call 773-5179.

2002 Chrysler Town & Country LXI, inferno red, PS/PL/PW& trunk, gray cloth int, 56k mi, excellent condition, $18,500. Call Jeri 775-1670/858-4935 w.

2003 Nissan 350Z, 14k miles, white, black leather interior, touring model, tint, like new, garaged, never abused, $25,999, 612-0437.

2003 Ford Mustang GT, power everything, 5 spd, leather, $18,500 OBO. Call 316-535-8925.

1999 Olds Alero GLS white, 4D, V6, automatic, cruise, air, leather, spoiler, 101K miles, $5,000. Call 316-650-7628.

FREE

Golden hamster babies. Call 644-5437 or 722-9821.

Upright piano, some keys not working, good practice piano, needs tuning. Must be willing to pick up. Call 708-2651.


When can this document be deleted from the database? : 08/20/2005

Additional Editors for this document :
Judy Conkling/VCHS

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