Starnes Most Appreciative for Nurse s Compassion

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1 October 6, 2017 Volume 27 Number 23 Volunteer of the Year...2 Cooking Demo...2 Bariatrics...3 New Benefit...3 Sanders EOM...4 Urolift...5 Rehab Physician of the Year...5 Iuka NPs...6 Pontotoc EOQ...6 Baldwyn New Service...6 inside A PUBLICATION FOR NORTH MISSISSIPPI MEDICAL CENTER EMPLOYEES CHECKUP What connected feels like Starnes Most Appreciative for Nurse s Compassion Alfreida Starnes says words can t adequately express her gratitude to Kim Bagwell, a registered nurse with NMMC s Population Health Department. Bagwell, who is based at IMA- Tupelo, has been an invaluable resource for the Starnes family. Marcus Starnes, Alfreida s husband, suffered from several chronic health conditions before he passed away Sept. 3, two days before his 62nd birthday. His blood pressure was bad about going up sky high, Starnes said. He suffered four mini-strokes. They really worked with him, trying different medications to get his blood pressure under control. Marcus Starnes also battled congestive heart failure, which caused extreme swelling. For over two years we had equipment at home so he could weigh himself and take his blood pressure, and it would automatically transmit the results to IMA-Tupelo, his wife said. If Kim didn t receive his results for some reason, she would always call to check on him. Continued on next page Alfreida Starnes of Pathology (left) is grateful for Population Health nurse Kim Bagwell.

2 Starnes (continued) Starnes said having Dr. Dustin Markle and Bagwell on their team was a godsend. I would call Kim and report any symptoms Marcus was having, and she would get with Dr. Markle about them, she said. If needed, she would work to get him an appointment really soon, or she would work to get him the medication he needed for those particular symptoms. She could get things done faster than I could. Kim just stayed on top of everything. She did an awesome job. Population Health nurses help people monitor chronic conditions, recognize signs that the condition may be worsening, understand the benefits of diet and exercise, adhere to prescriptions and know when to contact a provider. They also help patients transition home from an acute or rehab hospital stay. Kim is very caring and loving. She s there for her patients, Starnes said. When you start connecting with people, you feel like a family. When they created that (Population Health) department, they did something special. For more information, call (662) or (662) Collins Named Volunteer of the Year North Mississippi Medical Center has named Margret Collins as Volunteer of the Year. Collins will represent NMMC at the Mississippi Hospital Association Volunteer Awards program in Jackson, Oct. 20. Averaging around 15 hours each week, Collins has logged more than 7,400 volunteer hours at NMMC since she started in 2007, shortly after moving back to this area. Following graduation from Saltillo High School, she enlisted in the Army in 1962 and served at Ft. Sam Houston in Texas. After leaving the military and a brief stint in Plainfield, Ill., she moved to Joliet, Ill., where she retired from the U.S. Postal Service with 30 years of service. She then worked for three years at Red Wing Shoes in Joliet and was an active member of the American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary. She moved to Newton, Kansas, for a short time before relocating to Mississippi. NMMC is the third hospital Collins has volunteered with she previously served at the Cancer Center of St. Joseph Medical Center in Joliet, Ill., and at Newton Medical Center in Kansas. In addition to her desire to help others, I just like being in a hospital, I guess, she said, as long as I m not on a bed. During her 10 years at NMMC, Collins has volunteered in the Pharmacy, Marketing Department, Education Department, Environmental Services Department, Business Services, Sleep Disorders Center and Human Resources, as well as assisting with special projects as needed. Margret is kind-hearted, compassionate and extremely dedicated, her nomination states. She always has a smile for everyone she meets, and the Pharmacy staff praises her attention to detail and devotion to her work. Collins has two daughters Kelly Collins of Massachusetts and Patricia Keister of Virginia. When not volunteering, she enjoys spending time with her friends, West Jackson Street Baptist Church family and cats, Abby and Sam. Wellness Center to Host Cooking Demo North Mississippi Medical Center-West Point Wellness Center will host a cooking demonstration presented by Chef Mike Campbell at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 17. The free demonstration will feature Peach and Farro Salad, made with farro, peaches, pineapple, cilantro, sweet onion and citrus vinaigrette; and a Greek Power Bowl, made with quinoa, seared onglet (hanger steak), cucumber, tomato, onion, feta and Tzatziki sauce, a cream sauce made with yogurt and cucumbers. The Wellness Center is located at 185 Medical Center Circle. For more information, call (662) 495-WELL (9355) or THE DESK ( ). October 6, 2017 Page 2

3 Lollar s Journey Leads to 100 Pound Loss Lindsey Lollar, an MRI technologist with NMMC- Tupelo, has lost 100 pounds since having weight loss surgery here in April Lollar, who lives in Mooreville, says she was always overweight, but topped the scales after giving birth to triplets almost eight years ago. I would diet, but I just never could get my pregnancy weight off, she said. At 234 pounds, Lollar knew the odds were stacked against her. High blood pressure and diabetes are extensive throughout my family, she said. I knew if I didn t do something, I was headed there. She completed the educational seminar and attended several Weight Loss Support Group meetings before her appointment with Terry Pinson, M.D., a general and bariatric surgeon who serves as medical director for NMMC s Bariatric Center. There she learned about the three types of bariatric (weight loss) procedures laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, laparoscopic adjustable gastric band surgery and laparoscopic vertical sleeve gastrectomy. After talking with Dr. Pinson, Lollar opted to have laparoscopic vertical sleeve gastrectomy, which generates weight loss by restricting the amount of food that may be consumed without bypassing the stomach or a portion of the small intestine. A portion of the stomach is removed and a new stomach pouch is formed. This procedure helps to reduce the sensation of hunger by possibly eliminating some of the gastrointestinal hormones responsible NMHS Offers New Benefit The NMHS Health Plan is offering a new benefit to North Mississippi Health Services employees and their covered family members free nutrition counseling. A covered employee, spouse or dependent can receive up to three nutrition counseling sessions with a registered dietitian at no cost. Appointments may be made by calling (662) between 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. Monday-Friday. One-on-one sessions will be held at the NMMC Wellness Center in Tupelo or by phone, whichever is more convenient. The initial session will start with a basic nutrition assessment, and the goal is to formulate a customized for the hunger pains. While the stomach is reduced in volume, it functions normally so most food items can be consumed but in smaller portions. Now that she has lost 100 pounds, Lollar has newfound energy to work full time and still keep up with her triplets. The Bariatric Center staff is always there to answer questions, and they are always encouraging, she says. Many of them have had surgery, so they can speak from personal experience about what works for them. NMMC Bariatric Center has been helping area residents lose weight for 10 years. It s not the easy way out, it s still work, she says. If you are willing to work at it and follow their guidelines, the results will be fantastic! To start your own Journey to a New You, visit bariatric_center. nutrition plan that will work for you, said Emily Littlejohn, MS, RD, LD, who joined the Population Health staff in July. Sessions can focus on diabetes or other disease-specific nutrition needs, as well as weight loss. Population Health also hopes to add nutrition classes in the near future. Littlejohn holds bachelor s and master s degrees in food and nutrition services from the University of Mississippi. She completed a rotating internship, gaining experience at several different facilities, and most recently worked at the Mississippi State Veterans Home in Oxford. Page 3 October 6, 2017

4 Sanders Named NMMC s EOM North Mississippi Medical Center has named nurse practitioner Holli Sanders as August s Employee of the Month. Sanders joined NMMC in She worked for 11 years as a registered nurse in the Emergency Department and one year as a flight nurse. From , she served as a nurse practitioner at the Primary Care Clinic in Ripley, also seeing nursing home patients and working part time in the ER. She worked in the Skilled Nursing Facility from 2008 until September. She is a graduate of Pine Grove in Tippah County. Sanders earned a bachelor s degree in nursing from the University of North Alabama and a master s degree and Acute Care Nurse Practitioner certification from the University of Alabama in Huntsville. She added a family nurse practitioner certification from the University of Mississippi Medical Center. The best part of my job is having the opportunity to make a difference in my patients lives and just getting to help others, Sanders said. I love being a support and resource for older patients and their families who have to make difficult decisions that are often life-changing. Everyone wants to go back to their home but that is not always possible or safe. I just want our patients to feel like they are not alone and that we truly want what is best for them and their families. Coworkers praised Sanders as a good listener and a compassionate caregiver. Employee of the Month Holli Sanders (second from right) was joined at her presentation by NMMC administrators, coworkers and her husband Sandy (third from right). Holli goes above and beyond spending quality time getting to know her patients and their needs and goals, one coworker wrote in her nomination. She truly listens and her patients feel heard and important. Holli is always considering the patients well-being, first and foremost. Holli is very knowledgeable in terms of appropriate care for the patient and in terms of guidelines for the unit, another coworker wrote. However, what stands out most is her true dedication and compassion she shows to those we serve. Holli spends time with the patient and their families and gets to know them. This not only helps her develop appropriate treatment plans but provides the patients with confidence that they are being provided excellent care. Sanders husband, Fred A. (Sandy) Sanders Jr., has been a paramedic at NMMC for more than 25 years. She has three children Drake, 23; Emilie 22; and 12- year-old Eli. The family attends Chesterville Calvary Baptist Church. October 6, 2017 Page 4

5 NMMC Using New System To Treat Enlarged Prostate Urologists at North Mississippi Medical Center recently treated their 100th patient with the UroLift System, a minimally invasive technology to treat men suffering from symptoms associated with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, or BPH. This new technology is designed to relieve symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate, while preserving sexual function. Not to be confused with prostate cancer, BPH occurs when the prostate gland that surrounds the male urethra becomes enlarged with advancing age and begins to obstruct the urinary system. Symptoms of BPH often include interrupted sleep and urinary problems, and can cause loss of productivity, depression and decreased quality of life. Placed during a minimally-invasive procedure, these permanent implants act like window curtain tie-backs to hold the lobes of an enlarged prostate open. Patients recover from the procedure quickly, and return to their normal routines with minimal downtime. UroLift has an excellent safety profile and provides men suffering from an enlarged prostate an excellent treatment alternative to drug therapy or more invasive surgery, said Jonathan Kalish, M.D., of Urologic in Tupelo. The UroLift System provides fast and meaningful relief from BPH symptoms, improving overall quality of life for our patients. Medication is often the first line therapy for an enlarged prostate, but relief can be inadequate and temporary. Side effects can include sexual dysfunction, dizziness and headaches, prompting many patients to quit using the drugs. Five-year data from a randomized study shows the UroLift System offers not only rapid improvement, but also lasting relief for patients with BPH. After five years, patients treated with the UroLift System continue to experience symptom relief with minimal side effects, with few patients requiring additional treatment for relief. A second randomized clinical trial called BPH6 demonstrated that the minimally invasive UroLift System compares very well to the gold standard surgery, transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), with regard to efficacy, and is superior to TURP at preserving sexual function and offering a more rapid recovery. For more information, call Urologic at (662) or THE DESK ( ). Physician of the Year David Friloux (left), a physical therapist and senior director in North Mississippi Medical Center s Acute Rehabilitation Services, and Wade Henley (right), a physical therapist and Acute Rehabilitation clinical coordinator, present their department s Physician of the Year award to Bradley Boldizar, M.D., a hospitalist at NMMC. Each year the team votes on a physician who has been most appreciated by the staff for expertise in their field, professionalism, communication, approachability and patient care skills, Henley said. The winning physician is one who has demonstrated an appreciation for therapy and inpatient wound care services over the last year. Page 5 October 6, 2017

6 Iuka Clinic Welcomes New Nurse Practitioners Iuka Medical Clinic recently welcomed two nurse practitioners, Chelsea Wells, NP-C, and Brent McKay, ACNPC-AG. Wells holds an associate degree from Itawamba Community College, a bachelor s degree in nursing from Mississippi University for Women in Columbus, and a master s degree in nursing/nurse practitioner certification from the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson. She is board certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. McKay holds an associate degree in nursing from Mississippi University for Women in Columbus and a master s degree in nursing and nurse practitioner certification from the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson. Iuka Medical Clinic is located at 1771 Curtis Drive in Iuka and is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. For more information, call (662) or visit Blansett Named EOQ at NMMC-Pontotoc Donna Blansett, RN, has been named Employee of the Quarter at North Mississippi Medical Center-Pontotoc. Blansett joined NMMC in 1989 at age 18 as a secretary on 2 West. She also worked as a support secretary for Home Health before transferring to NMMC- Pontotoc in She graduated high school at Bethlehem Christian School in Potts Camp. Blansett earned an associate degree in nursing from Itawamba Community College while working full-time as an EKG tech in the NMMC Heart and Vascular Institute in Tupelo. I love meeting new patients and getting to know them, Blansett said. I like making them feel special while they are in my care. I like that many of my patients are from here in Pontotoc, so I am actually meeting many members of my own community. I really enjoy my coworkers and appreciate our teamwork. Donna provides excellent patient care, a coworker noted in her nomination. You can feel comfortable knowing the patients are well cared for at night when she is on duty. She demonstrates excellent judgment in her decisions for care. Donna goes way beyond the call of duty, another coworker wrote. Not only is she an exceptional nurse, she pours her heart into caring for the patient s personal needs. Blansett resides in Pontotoc and has two sons Ryan, age 25, and Hunter, 23. In her spare time, she enjoys travel, fishing and home improvement projects. BNF Adds Weekend Therapy Baldwyn Nursing Facility recently added weekend rehabilitative care, including physical and occupational therapy, for short-term and skilled care residents. Adding weekends allows the staff to provide the same excellent service seven days per week to facilitate patients return home or to their prior level of function. A six-or seven-day per week therapy plan of care is available to patients with orthopedic, neurologic or certain medical conditions which would respond to an aggressive rehab program to speed recovery and allow for discharge in the shortest amount of time. The rehab staff at Baldwyn Nursing Facility has an average of 14 years of experience providing quality rehab care, with several employees holding specialty certifications. Contact Mary Beth Tate, rehab case manager, at (662) to make a referral. Visit for more information. October 6, 2017 Page 6