Two Alden North Shore Rehabilitation and Health Care Center nurses were recently recognized at the 2008 Illinois Health Care Association (IHCA) Convention in Peoria. Mary Horvath, LPN, was awarded the MDS Coordinator of the Year Award and Emilio Nicolasin, CNA, was recognized with the CNA of the Year Award. Alden North Shore Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in Skokie was the only health care facility throughout the state to receive two nursing awards. The rehabilitation center also recently achieved a deficiency-free survey from the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) for the third consecutive year.

 "These awards represent the ‘best of the best' in nursing and the long-term care profession," says David Voepel, executive director, IHCA. "We are honored to shine the spotlight on Alden North Shore Rehabilitation and Health Care Center and these hard-working, dedicated and outstanding individuals. Mary and Emilio really do make a difference in the lives of Alden North Shore residents and we are happy to honor them."

MDS COORDINATOR AWARD

Mary, who has worked in long-term care for 17 years, was recognized for making a tremendous impact on the quality of life at Alden North Shore and her commitment to serving the needs of the residents and families. She is credited with going ‘above and beyond' to assist residents and ensure their smooth transition back to home following rehabilitation at Alden North Shore; taking a hands-on approach to assessing and coordinating care; and monitoring the therapy team to make sure that rehabilitation patients are progressing and feeling comfortable with their newly regained skills.

Mary's co-workers say that she is a giant among her peers despite her small stature. "Mary brings boundless energy, a sense of humor, compassion and a positive attitude to a job that is critically important to residents and families," says Marek Charmniak, PTA, Alden North Shore Rehabilitation Supervisor. "When it comes to working with other staff, she is cooperative, willing and always ready to go the extra mile. In a team situation, she does not hesitate to assume the lion's share of the responsibilities."

"Mary truly deserves this honor, which recognizes her outstanding commitment and dedication," says Jennifer Illarde, Administrator, Alden North Shore. "She is a wonderful MDS Coordinator who is well respected and genuinely liked by all the residents and staff."

CNA AWARD

Emilio "Emil" Nicolasin recently received the CNA of the Year award at the 2008 IHCA Convention in Peoria. The award recognizes a nursing assistant who consistently works to positively influence patient care and exceed the needs of patients and their families. Emil is best known for his innate ability to touch lives. Residents who resist getting out of bed for activities or meals respond willingly when Emil politely and cheerfully asks them to get up. And those who are recovering from surgery and undergoing rehabilitation get more than prescribed therapies from Emil. They receive comforting words, encouragement and a gentle touch that goes well beyond his job description.

A talented musician, Emil uses his singing voice as a rehabilitation tool. He has helped countless residents improve their levels of physical, mental, social and emotional functioning through stimulation by his music, patient encouragement and his obvious affection for them. A resident's grateful daughter, noting that Emil learned conversational Greek to be able to communicate better with her mother, says of Emil, "we can count on a hug, a song, a happy story from Emil and we always have confidence that my mother is well cared for."

"Emil is an exceptional CNA and valuable member of the staff," says Jennifer Illarde, Administrator, Alden North Shore Rehabilitation and Health Care Center. "Over the past seven years, Emil has devoted his life to helping our residents by providing the highest quality care. He truly deserves to be recognized for his efforts."

Nursing Economic$ to Host Second Annual Summit for Nurse Faculty and Nurse Executives

Scottsdale meeting will provide a forum to develop long-term strategic partnerships, key to building the nursing profession.

Closing the communication gap between nurse faculty and nurse executives and building strategic partnerships is a proactive step for easing the health care challenges that lie ahead.

 Nursing Economic$, The Journal for Health Care Leaders, will provide a platform to build those partnerships at the 2^nd Annual Nurse Faculty/Nurse Executive Summit, December 4-6, 2008, at the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Gainey Ranch, Scottsdale, AZ.

 More than 400 nursing leaders, executives, educators, deans, administrators and other decision makers from hospitals and schools of nursing are expected to attend this innovative Summit. Building on the success of last year's Summit, additional dialogue time has been built into the three-day schedule to encourage open and provocative discussions.

 Attendees will hear from leading health care experts on such topics as the future of nursing, health care reform, sustaining partnerships, quality and safety education and practice development. In addition to education sessions, participants will network with colleagues during the dynamic poster sessions, earn continuing nursing education credits and meet with leading publishers, hospitals, schools of nursing and educators in the exhibit hall.

 More information, online registration and a call for posters are available at www.nursingeconomics.net.

 Program

On Thursday, December 4, Peter Buerhaus, PhD, RN, FAAN, a Vanderbilt University professor and nursing work force researcher, will deliver the opening general session, "State of the State: The Latest Projections of Nursing's Future" and present the latest data on RN employment and earnings trends, future projections and the public's view of nursing.

 Later that morning, Mary Wakefield, PhD, RN, FAAN, will deliver the general session, "Health Care Reform: What's Next?" Dr. Wakefield will share what the near future holds for health care reform and what role nurses can and should play in framing the next generation of health care.

 Other speakers and topics on Thursday include:

• Margaret Ozan-Rafferty, MHA, MBA, RN - "Leveraging Strengths to Build Partnerships"
• Susan Hassmiller, PhD, RN, FAAN - "Getting Nurses on Boards: An Opportunity Not to Be Missed"

Participants will attend four general sessions on Friday, December 5. Glen Tecker, of Tecker Consultants, will deliver Friday's opening general session, "Planning to Build Partnerships." Tecker will illustrate how groups can identify critical strategic issues, develop solutions and build partnerships that advance health care policy.

 Other speakers and topics on Friday include:

• Margaret Calarco, PhD, RN; Kathleen Robertson, MSN, RN; and Judith Hallas, MA - "Creating Positive Practice Environments: The Emerging Theories of Positive Change"
• Pamela M. Ironside, PhD, RN, FAAN - "Quality and Safety Education in Nursing: Closing the Academic/Practice Gap"
• Cathy St. Pierre, PhD, APRN, BC, FNP, FAANP; and Lulu Cumberlander, MS, RN - "On the Journey to NERVANA: A Unique Academic-Hospital Partnership"

 On Saturday, December 6, Connie Curran, EdD, RN, FAAN, Editor Emerita, Nursing Economic$, will deliver the session, "Lead, Follow, or Get Out of the Way." Dr. Curran will analyze economic, political and health system issues and other key issues presented at the Summit.

 Continuing Nursing Education

This offering, sponsored by Anthony J. Jannetti, Inc., offers up to 16 contact hours.

 Anthony J. Jannetti, Inc. is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center Commission on Accreditation (ANCC-COA).

 Anthony J. Jannetti, Inc. is a provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, CEP5387.

 Registration

Complete conference registration information and online registration are available on the Nursing Economic$ Web site, www.nursingeconomics.net. For additional information, contact Nursing Economic$ at 856-256-2300 or e-mail nejrnl@ajj.com.

Lewis University has a number of upcoming continuing education opportunities. Here are the details:

September 30, 7-8:30pm Hickory Hills Campus-Lewis University:  Gestational Diabetes by Michelle Dignan MSN RN,free presentation with contact hours. Contact footeju@lewisu.edu for information.

October 10 and/or 11, Oakbrook Campus-Lewis University: Computer Literacy for Professional and Academic Success. Contact footeju@lewisu.edu for info or to register.

November 3, 7-8:30pm. Oakbrook Campus- Lewis University:  The Evolution of Neonatology: Big Changes for Little Patients with Dr. Daniel Robinson;free presentation with contact hours. For info, contact footeju@lewisu.edu.

Nursing Recognition at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital

The following Advocate Lutheran General Hospital nurses have received their CAPA (Certified Ambulatory Perianesthsia Nurse) certification:

 Nancy Badea, RN

Terri Mirow, RN

Judy Corrozza, RN

Melissa Gould, RN

Mary Higgins, RN

In addition, Carol Holzer, RN, received her CPAN (certified Post Anesthesia Nurse) certification.

These certifications will enhance the practice in the surgical arena within surgical services of Advocate Lutheran General Hospital.

Nurses' Lounge-Chicago's September issue is now available online. Just click here.

In this month's issue we're highlighting nurses who have gone above and beyond to help impact change in the field of nursing and patient care.

Our Faces in the Crowd profile features Rosemary Meganck, APN, CNM, director of maternal and child services at Saint Anthony Hospital. Meganck has spent her 30-year nursing career advocating for nurses and patients alike. As a certified nurse midwife, she has delivered thousands of babies and in the early 2000s, she spearheaded a successful campaign to get a law passed for advanced practice nurses to be recognized with a separate license.

Our feature article about nurses who conduct research illustrates how nurses throughout Chicagoland can impact and change their daily work lives, while increasing quality patient care.

This month the Career Spotlight shines on Cardiac Nursing and we take a closer look at Forensic Nursing, a unique and growing nursing specialty.

We hope you enjoy the issue!

Our August issue is now available online. Just click here to check out all the exciting things going on in this month's issue.

This month's issue is focused on diversity in nursing. We took an in-depth look at what health care providers are doing to encourage and enhance diversity within their organizations. We uncovered some inspiring programs and talked to nurses who are doing their part to bring diversity to the forefront.

We also have an article that discusses the pressing need for bilingual nurses in the area and what nurses and health care providers are doing to meet this need.

Our career spotlight is shining on the ever-growing area of rehabilitation nurses.

And finally, our Faces in the Crowd nurse profile highlights Centegra Health Systems' Amy Druml, RN, who has dedicated her Master's research project to helping new nurses find satisfaction and success in nursing.

We hope you enjoy the issue as much as we enjoyed working on it. Drop us a line at chicagoeditor@nurseslounge.com to let us know your thoughts.

Centegra Sage Cancer Center expands treatment options, hosts open house

Residents of McHenry County now have local access an advanced cancer treatment system, TomoTherapy Hi-Art, through Centegra Health System's newly expanded and renovated Centegra Sage Cancer Center. The first anticipated patient treatment using the new delivery system is expected to be conducted by mid-September.

 To introduce the Centegra Sage Cancer Center's new technology and services, a multi-chamber mixer was conducted Tuesday, Aug. 19 at the center on the Centegra Hospital-McHenry campus. The participating Chambers of Commerce included McHenry, Crystal Lake, Richmond/Spring Grove and Woodstock.

 The cancer center reconstruction project totaled about $2.7 million and included more than 4,400 square feet of renovation and the addition of  3,850 square feet of space, totaling 8,250 square feet.  The construction began in December, 2007 and will be completed by late August, 2008.

 Those attending the open house were surprised by the array of quantum leaps in cancer care, medical imaging and laboratory services that Centegra Health System has to offer the entire McHenry County community. Tours were provided to showcase the new technology and expanded services.

New equipment introduced

TomoTherapy is a form of Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy, which provides a more direct, efficient dose of radiation for the treatment of cancer. The primary advantage of TomoTherapy is the delivery system, which allows for a precise dose of radiation to a cancerous tumor while helping to save the healthy tissue around it.  A 360 degree-treatment is delivered, which provides greater accuracy and precision to the treatment process. The TomoTherapy treatment system is also unique because it acts as a CT scanner and allows for the precise daily imaging and adjustment of the targeted region for treatment and access to how it is responding. This type of treatment is revolutionary because it allows physicians to treat certain areas of the body that other machines couldn't treat, such as the lining of the lung, without damaging the lung itself.

 "Bringing this innovative radiation delivery system to the greater McHenry County area is very valuable to our patients because it gives our already impressive treatment capabilities just one more state-of-the-art treatment option to help improve our community's health and capabilities in managing patient's cancer conditions," said Terrence Bugno, MD, radiation oncologist and medical director of the Centegra Sage Cancer Center. "We will be the first in the area to have such an advanced cancer treatment option and we are excited to be able to provide this innovative technology right here in our own community," he added.

 Amy Moerschbaecher, executive director of Centegra Health System oncology services, said, "Patients want a top caliber program with cancer doctors trained in academic medicine, oncology-certified nurses who understand their special needs, and the latest technology and treatment options to help them get better fast. Now there's really no need to leave McHenry County."

Also new to Centegra's radiology department is a state-of-the-art GE PET/CT scanner that allows full-time, on-site availability for detection, staging and monitoring of a patient's cancer.

"The results of this information can be directly fused into treatment planning scans in the creation of enhanced radiation delivery," Bugno said.

 Imaging and lab services featured

Also featured in the multi-chamber mixer were imaging and laboratory services such as digital mammography and specialized scanning equipment that uses nuclear medicine, x-rays and computers to see inside various parts of the body; a small,  high-dose rate radioactive source under computerized remote control to treat localized cancer areas; chemotherapy and immunotherapy that use powerful drugs and immune system therapies to fight cancer and reduce its spread; infusion centers for transfusions, chemotherapies, biotherapies, hydration and intravenous therapies; and a highly trained staff that includes surgeons, oncologists, oncology-certified nurses, therapists, technicians and other specialists.

 Centegra Hospital - McHenry is recognized as having one of six cancer programs in the state to receive the 2007 Commission on Cancer (CoC) Outstanding Achievement Award from the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer.

Centegra's advanced cancer care services include: intensity modulated radiation therapy, High-Dose Rate Brachytherapy, on-site physician practices for chemotherapy, immunotherapy and biological response modifier therapy, clinical research protocols, a cancer resource library, cancer support services (massage therapy, stress management programs, mediation) and advanced equipment that allows radiation therapy treatment for 95 percent of cancer patients.

 For more information on Centegra Health System visit www.centegra.org or call 877-CENTEGRA.

Interactive health and safety children's fair planned for Aug. 6

School physicals, immunizations, dental exams available

The McHenry County Children's Fair Coalition presents the 18^th annual Children's Health and Safety Fair from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 6 at McHenry County College.

Mary Reid, chairperson, McHenry County Children's Fair Coalition, said the goal of the fair is to make sure that all McHenry County families have an opportunity to prepare their children for a safe and healthy school year.

Immunizations and dental exams will be provided for school-age children on a first-come first-serve basis. Parents must bring the child's updated immunization record in order to receive required immunizations. Each immunization will cost $12.  Dental exams will be offered at a reduced cost of $10.  

A limited number of reduced cost school physicals will also be available for qualifying children, by appointment only. Physical appointments can be scheduled by calling 815-338-8790.  Parents will be asked to provide proof of income.

Also during the event, children and their parents will have the opportunity to be educated in a creative and entertaining way by educators from more than 50 county programs and organizations. The fair will feature games, prizes and a host of enjoyable surprises, all stressing important aspects of childhood health and safety. For more information, call 815-338-8790.

Some of the fair coalition members are McHenry County Children's Health and Safety Fair: CAA/Head Start, Centegra Health System, C L Graphics, Family Health Partnership Clinic, Family Service & CMHC, Home State Bank, McHenry County Latino Coalition, League of Women Voters of Illinois Education Fund, McHenry County College, McHenry County Department of Health, McHenry County Mental Health Board, McHenry County Sheriff's Department, United Way of McHenry County Volunteer Center, STAR 105.5 and Youth Service Bureau.

Centegra Health System is committed to meeting the healthcare needs of the residents of greater McHenry County and to making services available in multiple and convenient locations, including hospitals in McHenry and Woodstock, Immediate and Primary Care centers, Health Bridge Fitness Centers and more. As the region's leading healthcare provider, Centegra Health System continues to bring the latest treatments and technology, along with the skills of nearly 4,000 medical professionals, to meet the needs of the growing McHenry County community. For more information on Centegra Health System visit www.centegra.org or call 877-CENTEGRA.

Nephrology Nurses, Managers and Advanced Practitioners to Gather at Fall Meeting

American Nephrology Nurses' Association (ANNA) Fall Meeting 2008

September 27-29, 2008 . Hyatt Regency Chicago . Chicago, IL

www.annanurse.org

 Nephrology nurses in all roles will come together for the American Nephrology Nurses' Association (ANNA) Fall Meeting for Nephrology Nurses, Managers, and Advanced Practice Nurses, September 27-29, 2008, at the Hyatt Regency Chicago, Chicago, IL.

The meeting is designed for nephrology nurses who practice in a wide variety of settings. Attendees will discover tools to tackle the challenges of providing care to patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Education sessions will address the latest trends in nephrology nursing practice and treatment options, including such hot topics as diabetes management, islet cell transplantation and infectious diseases. This year's program also incorporates topics requested by previous attendees, including transcultural issues, mental illness in CKD, pulmonary hypertension, legal issues and conflict resolution.

Participants will also network, attend special events and earn continuing nursing education credits. In the exhibit hall, attendees will meet with vendors displaying the industry's latest products, technologies and services.

More information about the ANNA Fall Meeting and a complete registration brochure are available on ANNA's Web site, www.annanurse.org.

 Program

Two optional pre-conference workshops will be offered on Saturday, September 27. In Autoimmune Disease, participants will learn how autoimmune diseases affect renal function, implications for treatment options and long-term prognosis for these patients. Tactical Planning for a State of Readiness will describe practice tools for meeting guidelines issued by the Joint Commission and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). 

Sonya Hardin, PhD, RN, CCRN, will open the conference later that day with the session, "Empowerment Through Caring and Self-Advocacy." Hardin will describe how to create a nurturing environment that empowers patients, staff and caregivers.

Concurrent sessions are organized by tracks (Advanced Practice, Clinical Practice, Management/Leadership and Hot Topics) and are scheduled for Sunday, September 28, and Monday, September 29. Sessions include the following topics:

Evidence-Based Principles for Optimizing the Management of Diabetes (preventing long-term diabetes complications with intensive glucose management)

HIV and Hepatitis C in Transplantation (effects of the diseases on renal function)

Cardiovascular Agents to Decrease Renal Disease (appropriate cardiovascular treatments for renal patients)

Treatment of Mental Illness in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease (prevalence and treatment options)

Spirituality: Concerns in Chronic Disease (incorporating spirituality into the treatment plan)

 On Monday, September 29, Mary Ann Djonne, MEd, RN, will present the closing session "Emotional Intelligence: Increasing Your Leadership and Clinical Effectiveness," an in-depth look at emotional intelligence and implications for clinical practice.

Special Events

The conference will feature several breakfast, lunch and dinner symposia sponsored by Amgen, Abbott Laboratories, Genzyme and Ortho Biotech Products, L.P.

Continuing Education

Attendees can earn up to 18.75 contact hours of continuing nursing education credit, plus an additional 3.0 contact hours for each of the optional pre-conference sessions.

ANNA is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center-Commission on Accreditation (ANCC-COA).

Certification Exams

On Friday, September 26, the Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission (NNCC) will offer the Certified Nephrology Nurse (CNN) exam, the Certified Dialysis Nurse (CDN) exam, the Certified Nephrology Nurse-Nurse Practitioner (CNN-NP) exam, and the Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician (CCHT) exam. A separate registration fee and form are required for each exam. For more information, contact the NNCC National Office at 888-884-6622 or 856-256-2321. Applications may also be downloaded on the NNCC Web site, www.nncc-exam.org.

Registration

Complete information and an online registration brochure are available on ANNA's Web site, www.annanurse.org. For additional information, contact the ANNA National Office, East Holly Avenue, Box 56, Pitman, NJ, 08071-0056; phone: 888-600-2662 or 856-256-2320; fax: 856-589-7493; e-mail: anna@ajj.com.

Fairmont Care Centre Hosts Open House to Celebrate New Town Square

Fairmont Care Centre, a skilled care and rehabilitation provider has opened Town Square an engaging living and social center located inside the facility. The purpose of this 3,500 square foot addition is to provide a comfortable setting for patients to visit with families, socialize with others and enjoy a wide-range of activities and rehabilitation programs. 

Town Square includes a café', movie theatre, computer corner, library, ice cream shop, flower shop and game room.  Town Square's café' looks out on a beautifully landscaped interior garden which features an outdoor fireplace.  Decorated in rich warm colors The Square creates a peaceful and meditative setting to relax, recoup and connect.

Town Square is another example of Fairmont's visionary CHOICE program (Choosing, How, Our, Individualized, Care, Evolves).  The relaxed home-like setting of Town Square allows family members and patients to enjoy a very comfortable setting, where they can make choices to relax in the café' or library with a beverage and a good book, check e-mail on the computer or participate in a spirited game of skill in the game room. 

To celebrate the opening of the Town Square, Fairmont will host an open house on Thursday July 24, 2008 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.  The event will feature delicious foods prepared by Executive Chef Michael Ridler, ribbon cutting and raffle prize giveaway. 

Fairmont Care Centre, is located on Chicago's Northwest side.  Fairmont provides short-term rehabilitation, respite services and traditional long-term care. 

For more information contact Kimberly Clawson 708.431.0702.