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Why I Give: Tami and Richard's Story
If you have the chance to meet Tami and Richard Dethmers, you will quickly discover a remarkable couple who embody a heartwarming spirit. Married for 44 years, they cherish family above all else. With five children and 10 grandchildren, their family is not just their priorityâit's their whole world. It is this love and their steadfast faith that led Tami and Richard to make a transformative donation to Renown Childrenâs Hospital. The Heart of Giving In 2023, Tami toured the construction of the new Wilbur D. May Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Renown Children's Hospital. She was touched by the idea of creating a special place for sick children and their families. That night, she talked with Richard about how they could help. Together, they both agreed to make a generous donation that could help ease the pain for families with children in the hospital. A Comforting Consultation Room Their donation established a consultation room in the Wilbur D. May NICU and PICU at Renown Children's Hospital. Tami and Richard's motivation stems from personal experience, having seen their grandson endure four open-heart surgeries. "I remember challenging conversations with doctors, surrounded by other families in the open PICU. It was difficult,â said Tami. In this new consultation room, families have a private space to learn about the next steps in their journey, gaining insights into the illnesses affecting their children. It is a dedicated space where doctors can discuss treatment plans and medical information with families. Designed to be a supportive and calming environment, the room features art on the walls, and a window bathes the space in beautiful, natural light, offering comfort to families in need. Tami and Richardâs donation ensures that families in the NICU and PICU can navigate difficult conversations with doctors in a thoughtfully designed space. Because We Love You and We Care In the new consultation room, a powerful message is printed and framed: 'Because we love you and we care.' This phrase is an important part of Tami and Richardâs donation, reflecting words they spoke to their children while they were growing up. For them, it symbolizes love, care, and a commitment to offering support. A Legacy of Comfort Tami and Richard, along with their family, are dedicated to an ongoing legacy of giving. Together, they also donated blankets to patients and families who use the consultation room. âI hope they provide an added layer of comfort,â said Tami. Each blanket includes a custom tag repeating those same words 'Because we love you and we care.' Richard echoes Tami's sentiments. âWe do what we can because we love children, and there is no greater pain than a child in distress,â Richard said, emphasizing their shared dedication to helping children in need. Together, with their children and grandchildren, they continue to make a difference, embodying the power of compassion and generosity in their family's legacy.
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Department Spotlight: Special Procedures
Chronic pain can be one of the most distressing feelings someone may encounter â and more likely than not, you know someone who is managing their pain as a part of their healthcare journey. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1 in 5 U.S. adults have experienced chronic pain in recent years. One of the most common methods of treating pain is through prescription pain medications; however, with the rise of the opioid epidemic across the country, leveraging other interventions to help patients manage their chronic pain has become increasingly more important. What if there was a way to treat pain directly without the automatic need for pain medication? Luckily for patients in northern Nevada, our Special Procedures department at Renown Rehabilitation Hospital specializes in exactly that: interventional pain mitigation sans painkillers. With nearly 95% of their patients who come in with pain-related mobility issues being able to physically walk out of the hospital after their treatment, much-needed relief is clearly in store. Tight-knit and forever-caring, the Special Procedures team knows how to transform the purpose of pain management. A Penchant for Pain Alleviation Renown's Special Procedures team offers a wide variety of pain management solutions that are uniquely tailored to each individual patientâs needs. With the help of a team of 14 attentive nurses, interventional radiology technologists and a surgical technician â plus a dedicated patient access representative ensuring everything goes smoothly behind-the-scenes â these lifechanging interventions include: Epidurals (including steroid epidurals) Nerve blocks Ablations Tenotomies Spinal cord stimulator trials Peripheral nerve stimulator trials The nurses on this specialized team guide patients before, during and after their procedures, making sure they are at ease throughout the entire process. Each nurse emulates both expertise and empathy to help light the path towards healing. âBefore each procedure, we get the patientâs vitals, health history and work with the doctor to answer any questions they may have about what is going to happen in the procedure room,â said Michon Edgington, RN. âAfter theyâre all done, they come back to me, and I make sure they are ready to go home by educating them on their discharge. Our goal is to get them back to their families very quickly.â âIn the actual procedure room, we perform safety checks, do charting, prepare the sterile tray for the doctor and give medication for conscious sedations, all while consistently monitoring the patient and helping the doctor out along the way to help the procedure go well,â added Shannon Boelow, RN. This teamâs dedicated imaging professionals harness expertise that goes beyond capturing images. Their skillful utilization of X-ray technology serves as a guide for doctors administering treatments for pain â and according to our own physicians, our imaging technologists are some of the best in the business. âOur X-ray skills here are specialized,â said Julie Smith, Imaging Lead. âVisually, the doctor needs to see whatâs going on inside the body so they can accurately place needles and steroids. We all work together collectively and work with each doctor to accommodate their preferences, helping the treatments go much faster and minimizing the patientâs exposure to radiation.â Serving as the ideal representation of both precision and support, the surgical technician on this team is an important collaborator in the procedure room, helping to ensure the success of every interventional procedure with a meticulous eye for detail. âAs the Special Procedures surgical technician, I get the room ready with all the necessary instruments, including making sure everything is sterile,â said Carrie Crow, Surgical Technician. âI enjoy keeping the team organized.â Overseeing it all are the physicians, who are eternally grateful for the team for the life-changing interventions they offer every day. âOur physicians are so phenomenal,â said Brittney Summerfield, Manager of Nursing. âThey are very supportive and collaborative, and they always do the right thing. They have total confidence in us.â Seeing patients walk out of the hospital happy and healthy is a driving motivator for this team. Whether they had significant experience in pain management or were ready for a completely new challenge, each team member comes to work every day inspired to move mountains. âI had worked in pain management in other facilities, and I was extremely excited to come here and solely focus on pain,â said Jodi Eldridge, Supervisor of Special Procedures. âI enjoy seeing the patients so happy when they leave no longer in pain. I feel immediate gratification, because you truly feel like youâre doing something big for the patient. Itâs very rewarding.â âI decided to come work here because I worked in the inpatient setting for a long time, and I was ready to see a different side of healthcare and provide a different type of care to our community; plus, my coworkers are the best,â added Lisa Dunnivant, RN. Thereâs no question that the realm of pain management is a delicate one â and there is no team better suited to take on that challenge than Special Procedures, working harmoniously to bring relief and a renewed sense of livelihood for every patient they serve. âSome people believe pain management is just all about pills, and that is simply not true,â said Carrie Crow. âOur procedures are yet another way to help them manage their pain and find relief.â
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The Impactful Role of Renown Health Foundation's Board of Directors
Above: Brian Cushard (left), Renown Health Foundation Board Chair, with his family At Renown Health Foundation, our mission is simple yet powerful â to raise funds that support Renown Health, the largest not-for-profit health system in northern Nevada. We are the driving force behind initiatives that bring state-of-the-art equipment, conduct groundbreaking research, enhance healthcare services, improve patient outcomes and contribute to the overall well-being of our community. Our Dedicated Board of Directors Our impactful work would not be possible without our Board of Directors â a fantastic team of 27 local volunteers. They bring diverse skills to the table, working together to create positive changes in healthcare for northern Nevada. Our board is at the core of our Foundation's success by guiding important decisions, sharing valuable insights and actively engaging in community relationships. Meet Brian Cushard â Renown Health Foundationâs Chair Brian Cushard took on the role of Foundation Board Chair at the beginning of 2024. Brian, who is the President of LP Insurance Services in Reno, will lead us for the next two years, bringing a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to community well-being. Since joining Renown Health Foundationâs Board in 2018, Brian has been instrumental in shaping our strategic direction. Brianâs Vision: Advocating for Renown Healthâs Mission and Making a Difference We had the opportunity to sit down with Brian and explore his passion for healthcare philanthropy and the positive changes he envisions. Brian's 'why' is firmly rooted in the belief that a robust health system serves as the backbone of the community. His vision extends beyond fundraising; it's about inspiring the community by sharing remarkable stories of care and championing Renown's impactful contributions. Q: Why does Renown's mission matter to you, and how do you see your role making a difference? A: Renown's mission matters deeply to me because, without a highly functioning healthcare system, the economic structure of the community can be impacted. At LP Insurance, where I work, we see ourselves as guardians of our clients' hopes and dreams. This translates to my role on the Board as stewards for the health of others. Advocating for a highly functioning health system is crucial in supporting community members and clients alike. Surrounding ourselves with a solid network is essential. As advocates, our voices are integral in ensuring that everyone's voices are heard. Q: Can you share a moment that made you want to support healthcare causes? A: There are those stop-in-your-tracks healthcare moments that make you reassess life's priorities. I've had moments where life comes to a standstill, and what you once thought was important takes a backseat to the basics of lifeâgetting better, one step at a time. In those vulnerable moments, you realize the importance of every person at the hospital. In desperate need, we rely on them. It's eye-opening and gives perspective on what's truly valuable in life. Q: Tell us about a time when you saw the positive impact of healthcare or philanthropy. How did that influence your decision to get involved? A: One impactful moment in philanthropy stands out â the Music and Miracles concert featuring the Beach Boys. LP Insurance was a major donor, contributing $100,000 to benefit Sophieâs Place, a music therapy room coming to Renown Children's Hospital. On the day of the event, my wife and I volunteered and saw the remarkable community support for Renown Childrenâs Hospital. The collective efforts that day raised over $1 million, specifically designated to establish Sophieâs Place. This experience inspired me to want to do more, as I recognized the profound positive impact that philanthropy can have on healthcare and the community. Note: Sophieâs Place, opening later this year, will offer vital care and healing experiences for young patients at Renown Childrenâs Hospital.
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Department Spotlight: Renown Health Foundation
Kick off 2024 with us as we celebrate the team behind our very own Renown Health Foundation! When you visit Renown Health, you take a look around and canât help but notice the robust programs in place. You look left and see our thriving Childrenâs Miracle Network Hospital at Renown, making a lasting impact on pediatric healthcare in our region. You look right and see the advanced William N. Pennington Cancer Institute, providing leading-edge treatments right here in our community. You look around you and notice an influx of smiling nurses from the Orvis School of Nursing at the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) who receive tuition assistance, thanks to generous donations to the Gerald âJerryâ Smith Academic Practice Partnership. Then, you think to yourself: âThese programs must need a lot of money and support. So, how on earth is this all possible?â What you may not know is that these programs are funded by the generosity of our community, all made possible by the work of Renown Health Foundation. As the largest not-for-profit health system in northern Nevada, our mission to make a genuine difference in the health and well-being of everyone we serve flourishes because of the donations, sponsorships, endowments and more that our Foundation brings in from philanthropists all over the region. Making It Happen The reach of Renown Health Foundation has proven to be virtually limitless, with a clear focus on supporting and raising funds for programs and initiatives that enhance the lives of our patients and their families, all for the betterment of our community for years to come. Under their growing umbrella, the dedicated team at the Foundation makes miracles happen through administering a wide range of philanthropic programs, including: Childrenâs Miracle Network Hospitals (CMNH), a nonprofit organization that supports the health of 10 million children in the U.S. and Canada every year. Renown Childrenâs Hospital is proudly recognized as a member of CMNH. Gerald "Jerry" Smith Academic Practice Partnership, a partnership between Renown Health and the UNR Orvis School of Nursing to provide 24 nursing students a year with full-ride tuition assistance and a guaranteed career in nursing at Renown. Fiannaâs Healing Garden, a healing garden bringing serenity to all at Renown Regional Medical Center, built from the vision of Fianna Dickson Combs. Miracles at Montreux Golf Tournament, an annual golf tournament that takes place at Montreux Golf & Country Club and consistently raises hundreds of thousands of dollars for Renown Childrenâs Hospital. A full slate of individual giving programs, including Legacy Giving, Employee Giving and Leadership Giving. But it doesnât stop there â the Foundation is helping our health system build more ways to care for our community by securing major gifts to fund advanced healthcare facilities and innovative healthcare solutions: William N. Pennington Cancer Institute, the premier oncology institute in the region providing a large array of personalized cancer care services, including Medical Oncology, Infusion Services, Clinical Research and more. Renown Institute for Robotic Surgery, offering the latest advancements in surgical technology with robotic-assisted surgeries, which ensure precision, faster recovery and improved outcomes. Sophieâs Place, a state-of-the-art music therapy room currently in construction at Renown Childrenâs Hospital. This new space will be specially designed for children and their loved ones to enjoy the healing power of music and engage in the arts. Conrad Breast Center, the latest addition to the planned Specialty Care Center at Renown South Meadows Medical Center which will include breast imaging, infusion and surgery services along with a wellness center. Jeanne and Raymond Conrad donated a $5 million lead gift to support this important project and the Foundation team is currently working to raise an additional $6 million in 2024. It may go without saying that a day-in-the-life of these spirited team members is never a dull one. Every day brings on a new challenge to face and a goal to meet. âA day at the Foundation is a day full of emails, calls and visits with friends of Renown,â said Abbey Stephenson, Planned Giving Officer. âOur main goal is to raise funds to support the mission of Renown, and most of our outreach efforts are to encourage philanthropy and donations. We have a very collaborative team, so we can often be found in each otherâs offices strategizing about fundraising initiatives, communications and next steps with specific supporters.â âFor me, a typical day involves making sure I have a donor scheduled for coffee or lunch, working on proposals that may need research and preparing presentations,â added Jerry Cail, Major Gifts Officer. âStaying connected, I send thank you notes for any donations-usually once a week and make at least three âGrateful Patientâ calls to set appointments. I always make sure I am ready to contribute to any meetings I have for the Foundation." While the scope of the Foundationâs charitable efforts goes beyond hospital walls, they also thrive right here in our own health system. Through our Grants Program, Renownâs departments and programs can leverage the connections and skills Renown Health Foundation has in order to secure funding from a multitude of grant sources. "Grant funds from foundations, and local, state and federal governments benefit the patients and communities we serve to further our mission, vision and values,â said Pam Citrynell, Development Officer. âPast grants have supported the purchase of state-of-the-art equipment, facility development, pandemic recovery, research and clinical trials, physician and researcher recruitment, community health programs and educational training for our healthcare professionals.â Every Foundation team member lives their passion every day while at work, frequently expressing gratitude for the immense impact they have the opportunity to make. âI love coming to work because I get a very real opportunity to make a genuine difference and meet some fantastic people who believe in and support our mission,â said Leah Nelson, Director of Community Giving. âI have had the honor of meeting donors and the families they support. I couldn't be prouder of what our team has accomplished over the years and am excited for what is to come.â The impact of the Foundation teamâs tireless efforts extends far into the future, securing Renownâs lasting legacy in contributing to the continued health and well-being of our community. âPhilanthropy is not only a financial science but a very specific methodology where connecting resources are paramount; it requires careful intelligent management coupled with lots of hard work, patience, and vision,â said Yvonne Murphy, Development Officer. âThe work that the foundation does every day makes resources available to enhance the healthcare experience for all those who seek care at Renown. Our work impacts not only this present moment but in fact is a legacy that will bless this community beyond our lifetime.â
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A Token of Appreciation: Renownâs Employee Giving Program
Pictured above from left to right: Jessica Bajwa, Nancy Bell, Laurie Goodman and Troy Fernandez As we approach the holidays and the season of giving, we reflect on the generosity and kindness that our employees here at Renown embody. Since 2007, Renown employees have donated $2,931,018 through Renownâs Employee Giving Program. This program provides our staff with the opportunity to make a difference by funding advanced equipment, research, community health initiatives, professional training and more. Regardless of the dollar amount, every contribution has a meaningful impact and remains entirely within Renown to support our mission. Employees can participate in the program at any time of the year by signing up for recurring payroll deductions or by making a one-time donation of any dollar amount. They can donate to one of Renownâs top priority areas of support or a different fund of their choice. Meet Jessica, Nancy, Laurie and Troy Renown employees Jessica Bajwa, Nancy Bell, Laurie Goodman and Troy Fernandez all have their own reasons for participating in the Employee Giving Program, but they all share the same goal: To give back to their community. Jessica Bajwa has been working at Renown for about seven years. She was at an employee event five years ago and found out about the Employee Giving Program through Renown Health Foundation. They explained the different areas she could donate to and how to get signed up. When Jessica looked back on the comforting care and healing her daughter had received at Renown Childrenâs Hospital, she felt empowered to give back to other children and families staying at Renown, so she enrolled in recurring payroll deductions to donate to Healing Arts. âItâs so easy and convenient to sign up,â said Jessica. âIt means a lot to me to give to this area where they provide a healing environment, especially for patients and families at Renown Childrenâs Hospital â My daughter still has a blanket they gave her when she was there,â Jessica said she likes that the Employee Giving Program allows employees to choose their area of support to donate to and donation amount.  Nancy Bell said sheâs proud to give back to Renown after having received a great amount of support from her coworkers during an incredibly difficult time when a family member of hers was being cared for in Renownâs ICU, just three weeks into her employment at Renown. âI had employees from not just my team but also across the organization reaching out to me and checking in to see how I was doing,â said Nancy. Nancy said she was positively impacted by that kind of support through her work family at Renown and decided to start giving back in 2011 by signing up for recurring payroll deductions to donate to the William N. Pennington Cancer Institute â to this day, she is still making donations to this area of support.  When Laurie Goodman began working at Renown in 2013, Renownâs Human Resources team offered her different ways to give back as an employee. âAt the time, I was often caring for foster children and seniors,â said Laurie. âMy family and I have always wanted to help others in need.â Laurie had been taking care of an elderly woman who was a patient at the old Renown Skilled Nursing Facility and decided to enroll in payroll deductions to donate to this facility. When that facility closed, she received a letter asking which area she wanted to transfer her donations to, and she decided to begin donating to Renown Childrenâs Hospital to give back to kids in the community. âIâm fortunate for not only my employment at Renown, but my husbandâs and daughterâs employment as well. As employees of Renown, we have such great jobs, benefits and opportunities, and I think we should all strive to give back to express our gratitude and appreciation.â At his employee orientation in 2012, Troy Fernandez heard about Renownâs Employee Giving Program and learned that funds were needed for individuals who needed financial support to pay for healthcare services at Renown. He knew his donations would go to a good cause and signed up for recurring payroll deductions to donate to the Greatest Need Fund. âIt feels good to be able to give back to those who are less fortunate than us,â said Troy. âIt was very easy to enroll in this program, and Iâve been donating to the same support area ever since.â
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Why I Give: Danâs Story
In the fall of 2020, Dan's world was suddenly shaken when he received a distressing call: his son, Jeremy, was admitted to Renown with complications from spinal meningitis. Without a second thought, Dan rushed from Southern California to be by Jeremy's side. For an agonizing 10 days, Dan remained in the ICU. He was overwhelmed with worry and helplessness as Jeremy fought for his life on a ventilator. During this time, Dan, an esteemed artist and professor, found comfort in the collection of artworks adorning the walls at Renown. With more than 2,000 pieces of original art, Renown has meticulously curated hospital rooms, hallways and various spaces to support those in need. Dan, who talks about art's magic every day as a professor, experienced its power in a new light.
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Department Spotlight: Renown Transfer and Operations Center
Stepping into the Renown Transfer and Operations Center (RTOC) means stepping into a transformative hub of excellence where lives are saved and healthcare is reimagined. As a cornerstone of Renown Health's commitment to exceptional patient care, the RTOC serves as a dynamic nerve center that seamlessly coordinates medical resources, ambulance rides, hospital bed space, remote home systems, hospital transfers and emergency preparedness. In this best-in-class facility, the boundaries of what is possible in healthcare are constantly pushed, and new horizons of patient care are discovered.  Staffed with a dedicated team of skilled professionals, the RTOC harnesses the power of advanced technology and compassionate expertise to ensure that patients receive the highest level of care and support, no matter where they are. Through a synchronized network of communication, coordination, and compassionate care, the RTOC team ensures that patients receive the critical support they need when it matters most, working tirelessly to redefine what it means to deliver world-class healthcare.  A National Standard Charged with the goal of overseeing the placement and transportation for every patient, the RTOC officially launched in 2021 as northern Nevadaâs first and only transfer center of its kind and a nationally celebrated facility. As Renownâs highly coordinated care logistics system, this team uses the cutting-edge technology at their fingertips to customize healthcare to the needs of every patient, manage patient flow and drive healthcare innovation. âCompared to where weâve started to where we are now, itâs a 180-degree difference,â said Kelli McDonnell, Manager of RTOC. âWhen we first started building our facility right before the pandemic happened, we took what was six conference rooms and classrooms and turned it into a command center that organizations across the country admire and come to Reno to see what we do. Mel Morris, the Director of RTOC, was recruited exclusively to build our facility with her history of building successful hospital command centers. Many people didnât realize what a transfer center was or that Renown was the only center in the region â and we only continue to grow.â This best-in-class facility, and the masterful team behind it, handles: Coordinating all incoming patients transferred from neighboring hospitals and 27 counties across northern Nevada, Lake Tahoe, northeast California and neighboring states. Matching patients to the most appropriate bed placement using diagnostic, triage and Epic electronic medical record clinical information in conjunction with medical staff expertise to outline a plan of care that determines the best bed assignment given the patientâs needs. Coordinating video-enabled Telehealth monitoring capabilities for Renownâs four Intensive Care Units (ICUs), as well as Renown patient Telehealth and virtual visits. Monitoring Remote Home systems with Masimo during the COVID-19 pandemic, where some patients received hospital-level care in the comfort of their own homes while Renown clinicians monitored and evaluated their data and plan of care. Serving emergency and disaster management for area hospitals, first-responders and the community with local, regional and statewide emergency and disaster management for sudden-onset emergencies. The RTOC is home to many different critical roles for our health system, including Transfer Center Nurses, Ride Line Coordinators, RTOC Coordinators and more, many duties of which each team member cross-trains on to be able to fill in whenever needed. While their roles may differ, their commitment to their patients remains the same â and they all work together to achieve the same outcome: delivering the right care, at the right time and place. âAs an RTOC Coordinator, we do a variety of different things,â said Anna Schaffer, RTOC Coordinator. âWe do triage coordination to help our nurses and hospitalists get patients in the emergency department admitted, and we also do bed control to find patients appropriate bed placement. Communication is important, so we always make sure to stay closely connected with the charge nurses on those floors.â âWe start with a basic âneed to knowâ and place patients accordingly,â added Karly Brown, RTOC Coordinator. âWe get surgery numbers, ICU capacity and discharges and find beds for all patients as quickly as possible. We have the advantage of being able to see the entire hospital.â âI primarily schedule transportation for patients at the hospital who are either going home or going to a skilled nursing facility,â said Sarah Clark, Ride Line Coordinator. âI get requests from case managers to schedule rides, and I work with REMSA and other ambulance services to schedule them. It relies a lot on appropriate and efficient communication and critical thinking.â Patients in facilities across northern Nevada and northeastern California, especially the rural communities, look to the RTOC to help guide ambulances, bed coordinators and hospital staff in finding care for our rural patients. âAs a transfer center nurse, I facilitate incoming patients from rural facilities in Nevada and surrounding areas in California,â added Meg Myles, Transfer Center Nurse Specialist. âThere are days we may take up to 30 direct admissions from these areas.â âWe are the point of contact for inter-facility transfers, whether we are sending patients out or bringing them into Renown,â said Lisa Lac, Transfer Center Nurse Specialist. âWe take phone calls from those rural areas, identify what services are needed, connect them to the appropriate provider and coordinate any transfers.â âSimply put, we are the bed wizards,â said Addison Rittenhouse, RTOC Coordinator. The RTOC team continues to break barriers and push the boundaries of medical excellence through leveraging the technology at their fingertips and their unwavering dedication to the health of our community. Inspiring a new era of medical possibilities, these team members have achieved a multitude of accomplishments for both their department and their patients since the birth of the center. âWe have significantly reduced the time it takes to get patient admit orders in, thanks in part to the new Triage Coordinator role, and we provide easier access for patients to transfer to us from other facilities,â said Beth Rios, RTOC Coordinator. âWe have taken a bigger role in helping the smaller hospitals in our area in caring for patients and improve patient throughput.â âAs a team, weâve done a lot of work in creating an engaging and positive environment, and our internal morale committee has been a huge help with that,â said Kelli McDonnell. âWeâve been working tremendously over the last year and taking all the feedback that we received from the Employee Engagement Survey to make improvements. We had 100 percent survey participation within five days, which is incredible.â âI am so proud of our escalation and problem-solving skills,â said Becca Dietrich, RTOC Coordinator. âWhen an issue is raised to us, we will always find a timely solution on our end so our care teams can focus on the issue in front of them. We are the eyes in the sky, seeing movement everywhere.â Each day in the life of our RTOC team members is a testament to their commitment, resilience and timework, making a profound impact on countless lives.
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How to Treat a Sprain or Strain
Injuries happen to everyone. They are caused by participating in sports, recreational activities like hiking, and even by accidentally stepping off a curb wrong. If you experience a sprain or strain, the first few days are often the most painful. Renown Sports Medicine physicians Luis Palacio, MD and Brandon Hockenberry, MD walked us through what to do after an injury. Listen to Your Body See a medical professional right away if: You know or suspect that a bone is broken You are having difficulties putting full weight on a joint of the leg Pain or swelling is severe There is a sign of an infection, such as redness and warmth in the joint The First 24-72 Hours Joint sprains tend to swell more than muscle strains. You can use ice as needed for comfort and to relieve any pain, but do not use ice for more than 15-20 minutes at a time. Ice and NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen) can help prevent excessive swelling and mask the pain, but they do not speed recovery. Some research shows that overuse of ice actually delays recovery.  During the first 24-72 hours, your injury will go through an inflammation phase. Inflammation is your bodyâs natural way to dispose of dead tissue cells, build new healthy structures, and hopefully heal even stronger than before.
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How to Manage and Prevent Tendonitis
Tendonitis occurs when a tendon in your body is inflamed or irritated. This painful condition can impact your day-to-day activities, but can be managed and prevented. Luis Palacio, MD, shared some insights into how to manage tendonitis. Overuse and Repetitive Motion Tendons are complex tissues in our body that connect muscles to bones, allowing us to move. Unfortunately, sometimes these tendons become inflamed, worn down or injured, a condition called tendonitis. Symptoms of tendonitis include pain or dull ache, tenderness and mild swelling at the site. While tendonitis can be caused by a sudden injury, it is more commonly seen in frequent motions, including: Repetitive motions in exercise, work or other physical activities. Awkward positions in a movement, including poor posture. Forced movements that strain your body. Sudden increase in frequency of movement or level of difficulty, including little to no recover time between new activity. Shoes without proper support or hard surfaces, such as concrete floors. Evaluation is Key If you suspect that you have tendonitis and it does not resolve on its own after a few days, you should get it evaluated by a primary care or sports medicine doctor. They can make recommendations to aid your recovery and refer you to the right sub-specialist if needed. With some intentional actions, you can help reduce the risk of tendonitis with the following suggestions: Add variety: Mixing up the type of exercise you do will help prevent repetitive motions that can result in overuse. Stretch and condition: Make sure the keep up with proper stretching and muscle strengthening to support your physical activities. Do it right: Make sure that the way you are completing exercise or work-related physical activities is correct. Seek out a professional for lessons or guidance if you are unsure.
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A Q&A with Dr. Brian Erling, CEO & President of Renown Health
On behalf of Renownâs more than 7,000 employees, we are thrilled to introduce our healthcare systemâs next CEO and President, Brian Erling, MD, MBA. Dr. Erling joins Renown after working for more than 20 years in Colorado, most recently as the CEO and President of Penrose-St. Francis Health System in Colorado Springs for Centura Health. âI am so excited to join Renown Health at this important time. Healthcare and our economy are amid a major transformation, and Renown Health is very well positioned for the future,â Dr. Erling said. âOur ongoing success will hinge on our ability to establish positive and productive relationships, maintain high-quality patient clinical outcomes and experiences, reduce healthcare costs, encourage innovation and improve access and affordability for patients and members.â Q: Letâs start at the beginning. When did your interest in healthcare first begin? A: Believe it or not, I started my healthcare career during high school in Minnesota when I worked as a nursing assistant. I then worked as a monitor tech while pursuing my undergraduate degree in biology from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. Q: Where did you go to medical school, and what was your first job after training? A: After graduating from The John Hopkins University School of Medicine and spending three years at the University of Virginia for my residency, I spent more than a decade in the emergency department at a level 1 trauma center. Q: Does your experience as a physician impact your approach to healthcare leadership? A: Yes, absolutely. I have worked my fair share of nights, weekends and holidays, and I know the sacrifices healthcare workers â and their families â make to care for our communities. I will never take it for granted. I also understand how complex healthcare organizations are, and I have experienced these complexities from both the clinical and non-clinical sides. I have provided clinical leadership for a large, regional health system and understand that quality, safety and innovation come from the people doing the work, not from a corporate office. But you also need strong managers and leaders to facilitate and prioritize the work while providing support and coaching. Q: What is the key to a successful healthcare system? A: Teamwork. In fact, being part of a high-performing, mission-driven team is my number one motivation. Itâs what gets me up in the morning and why I work in healthcare. I view our greatest resource to be our people, meaning Renownâs more than 7,000 employees. Modern technologies â such as fancy robots and imaging equipment â are essential and pretty cool, but they are not why our patients choose us. They come for trusted care in their hometown. Q: Renown Health is going through a lot of exciting changes right now. What is one thing that excites you about joining this healthcare system in a rapidly expanding area of the country? A: I am very excited about the new partnership with Renown and the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine. While still in its infancy, it provides the platform for us to be the center for training, research and tertiary care for the region and beyond. Q: What is something you have learned from working with CEOs at other healthcare systems? A: Healthcare leaders often have a short half-life, but that is not me. I believe it is difficult to create and move an organization toward a unified vision when your leader changes every few years. As my track record will support, this is not my style. I have been in Colorado for over twenty years and now look forward to making Reno and Renown my home for years to come. Q: As you know, Hometown Health is Renownâs health insurance arm. How does equitable access to insurance fit into a personâs and a communityâs overall well-being? A: Most health systems would love to have their own health plan. The reality is that you cannot meaningfully improve the health of the population without managing value and risk. We are fortunate to have Hometown Health as part of Renown Health, and in our community, and I am excited to work with Bethany and the team to fulfill the mission of the organization. Q: What does working at a not-for-profit healthcare system mean to you? How does it differ from the for-profit sector? A: I have worked in for-profit and not-for-profit healthcare. Renown is unique as the only not-for-profit health system in the market. What that means is that we invest every penny earned back into caring for our community. We donât send money to shareholders in California or Pennsylvania, we invest it right here in Nevada. Not only is a not-for-profit healthcare organization where I want to work for, but it is where my family and I want to go for care. Q: What do you like to do for fun? A: I love spending time with my wife and three adult children. I met my wife, Jessica, while attending medical school in Baltimore. She was working as a nurse in the surgical ICU, and I was smitten. I offered to help her with a 3 a.m. bed linen change and bath for our trauma patient, and the rest was history. I also love exploring the outdoors, especially snowboarding!
Read More About A Q&A with Dr. Brian Erling, CEO & President of Renown Health
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Department Spotlight: Clinical Engineering
Renown Health strongly supports and advocates for innovative medical technology. Our diverse lineup of medical equipment enables our care leaders to provide quality care to every patient. But what if a piece of technology breaks down? What happens when our care teams are ready for technological upgrades? Where do employees go when they have a question about a complicated piece of equipment? Enter the Clinical Engineering department. This sophisticated team is staffed with intelligent, science-minded individuals who are ready to jump in and help at any given second. From newborn incubators to robots that clean the hospital floors, these team members are the med-tech masters that keep our health system running. Equipment Experts Upon entering the Clinical Engineering departmentâs workshop, you are welcomed with an abundance of high-tech equipment undergoing repairs and upgrades. The department takes care of more than 26,000 pieces of equipment throughout the entire healthcare network, including the technologies at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, which they just took over this past year. To the average person, this may seem overwhelming; however, for this team, this is the exact environment they thrive in to make the technology magic happen. âI am motivated and engaged every day at work,â said Tony Martinez, Supervisor of Clinical Engineering for Renown. âOur department is fast-paced and rewarding, and thatâs a big plus.â While some team members enter the department as equipment generalists, this team offers training to develop their skills on certain pieces of equipment, eventually becoming specialists.  âEvery month, we encourage our colleagues to undergo specific training on more delicate equipment,â said Tony. âOnce we get to that point in their training, we assign different equipment to our team members every month. They pick up the experience very quickly.â As a Clinical Engineering Technician for Renown, Rylie Nickerson took advantage of the training and educational opportunities offered to her and is now a ventilator specialist especially for Renownâs neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). âRegardless of whether Iâm working on ventilators or on another piece of equipment Iâm assigned to, Iâm always thinking about how I can help the patients, nurses and doctors,â said Rylie. Raul Hernandez, a Clinical Engineering Specialist for Renown, is the go-to person for anesthesia, heart-lung bypass, red cell saver and life support equipment. He embraces the fact that, regardless of whether you are a specialist or a generalist, there is no typical day working in this department. âEvery day brings different challenges,â said Raul. âI really enjoy the mental exercises I do every day. They keep me grounded and focused.â On top of their day-to-day work and any special projects or emergencies that come up, the team is on an ongoing preventative maintenance schedule. Think of this work like your carâs oil change â routine maintenance to prevent something from breaking down in the future. âAt any point, we might have 100-200 extra pieces of equipment to handle during preventative maintenance,â said Taylor Gray, a Clinical Engineering Technician for Renown. âWe are always helping each other through any issues.â Our Clinical Engineering team shows exactly what it means to be collaborative. Even though their to-do lists are ever-growing, this team never feels alone. They know they can always lean on each other for support, regardless of the workload. âWe always have each otherâs backs,â said Taylor. âI feel so happy and satisfied in my job, and my coworkers are a large part of that.â Celebrating the Genuine Difference The Clinical Engineering department is driven by their desire to help and take care of the entire health system, and in turn, make a genuine difference for the communities we serve, from the medical staff to the patients.  âThe satisfaction you get in our field when we impact patientsâ lives and their healing process is so motivating and engaging,â said Tony Martinez. âItâs a great feeling.â The team knows the common saying âWalk a mile in someoneâs shoesâ very well; so well, in fact, that they take it to the next level, doing everything they can to prevent frustrations and extended down times. âWe try to walk a mile in someoneâs shoes before they get angry,â said Reagan Jordan, Director of Clinical Engineering for Renown. âYour satisfaction is our mission, and our team continually works to improve their outcomes every day.â This department is where the entrepreneurial spirit and science-focused mind meet. For people like Raul Hernandez, who came from a business background as well as decades of medical technology experience, Renown helps him bring both his personal and business skills into focus. âThis environment is very beneficial for Renown, me, and of course, the patients,â added Raul. Being members of a team that is committed to excellence and purpose inspires them to reach new heights in patient care. âI am constantly reminded of the positive impact we have by witnessing the individual experiences we have and hearing the enthusiasm and thankfulness in their voices,â said Raul. âIt gives me a great sense of pride to work at Renown.â "There is a strong feeling of mutual respect here,â added Ed Trejo, a Clinical Engineering Technician at Renown. âWe are always here to help.â The proof is in the data. The Clinical Engineering team scored as one of the top departments in the recent Renown employee engagement survey, with their results sitting at more than 94 percent.  âThis speaks to not only our department leadership but also the team as a whole,â said Reagan. âI am extremely proud of them. Despite the pandemic, they are knocking it out of the park.â For this department, coming to Renown is easy; staying at Renown is even easier. âStaying at Renown is the easy choice,â said Raul. âAnd this team is only going to grow.â Workflow Whizzes and Kindness Champions âRolling with the punches,â as Tony Martinez says, comes naturally to the Clinical Engineering team. With the constant workflow of equipment coming into the shop, every team member has learned how to be experts at prioritizing, especially based on the needs of our organization. Even though their jobs can bring a lot of intensity, this departmentâs positive attitude radiates throughout the hospital. Upon entering the workshop, everyone is greeted with a smile from every team member, along with an immediate willingness to dive into the complex world of engineering. âThe experience of helping other people with their unique needs is invaluable,â said Taylor Gray. If this work environment sounds enticing, great news â the Clinical Engineering team is growing. Motivated, aspiring engineers with a passion for healthcare and an associateâs degree in a related field are welcome.  Military experience is also valued very highly in this team. As many of our military servicemen and servicewomen gain specialized engineering experience while enlisted, the military-to-engineer career ladder at Renown is especially strong. In fact, according to Paul Joseph, a Clinical Engineering Technician at Renown, the majority of their teammates come from a military background.  Above all, being capable of prioritizing on the fly, thinking critically, having an open-mined outlook and being self-driven are the top skills that this department values. As Ed Trejo states, âIf youâre willing to wear different hats, you will do very well here." âGo with the flow, and expect the unexpected,â added Rylie Nickerson. Those who join this team feel at home. The warm embrace of the teamâs kind nature and the supportive environment they all foster inspires an efficient workflow that helps our entire hospital system function at the top of its game. At the end of the day, everyone who joins the team, or anyone who even interacts with the team in any capacity, will be in good hands. Mandy Noriega, a Clinical Engineering Technician for Renown, closes these thoughts with a great reminder to each and every one of us: âAfter all, teamwork makes the dream work.â
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Kindly Care for Those Who Care for You
Over the past year, the safety of healthcare providers has received more public attention than ever before. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic â and particularly in the early days â the public learned about the vital role of personal protective equipment (PPE) and other important processes that keep healthcare workers safe and healthy. However, people may be surprised to learn that germs and viruses are just one of the many risks that healthcare professionals face every day. Many people are fortunate enough not to have to worry for their physical and mental well-being when they go to work. Unfortunately, this is not the case for countless healthcare workers across the nation, for whom workplace violence is a daily concern. According to the American Hospital Association, healthcare workers are four times more likely to experience serious workplace violence than people in other industries. This is particularly troubling knowing that healthcare workers have dedicated their careers to serving others, putting their communities first- day in and day out. What is Considered Workplace Violence? The World Health Organization (WHO) defines workplace violence as, âIncidents where staff are abused, threatened, or assaulted in circumstances related to their work, including commuting to and from work, involving an explicit or implicit challenge to their safety, well-being, or health.â WHO considers both physical and psychological harm, including attacks, verbal abuse, bullying, and both sexual and racial harassment, to be workplace violence. Responding to the Challenge of Workplace Violence At Renown Health, we have no tolerance for abuse against our employees. As an organization, we have several systems in place to support and protect our staff. During staff orientation, we provide classes to prepare employees to prevent and de-escalate verbal or physical abuse. We also offer ongoing education to train our staff to respond to violent situations. If an incident does occur, our Violence Prevention Task Force reviews incidents and ensures the impacted employees receive resources and counseling to help them process what has occurred. We are among the first in the nation to have instituted a Zero Tolerance policy on workplace violence. This policy is in place to let our employees know that we have their backs in preventing workforce violence and we will address it assertively if the environment becomes unsafe. As a leader, I am continually impressed by our teamâs desire and ability to support one another. However, I know that it is my responsibility to protect our team. No one should have to face harassment or abuse â in any form â in his or her workplace. I believe so much in this cause that I volunteer as Chair of the American Hospital Associationâs Hospitals Against Violence steering committee, which works to understand the causes behind violence against healthcare workers and develops tools and processes to prevent these incidents from occurring. Violence was already a concern facing health care organization leaders prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, the ongoing health crisis has elevated tensions. Health care is an industry like no other, with our most precious resource being our employees. As a community, as patients and family members, we have an obligation to ensure that all healthcare workers are safe while they go about their work. This starts with understanding, communication and unequivocal support for the profession. This month we launched the Be Kind campaign across Renown, a reminder to all of the importance of values like patience, kindness and gratitude. If you would like to join us in recognizing a healthcare hero, please submit your thoughts here. Thank you for working with us, and all healthcare providers, to create and maintain places of health and healing for all â and for kindly caring for those who care for you.