Health Matters: Climate change already impacting Nebraskans' health
Like so many 8-year-old kids, Easton Gray loved being outside, so it was no surprise that a summer day last year found him doing what he loved: swimming in the Elkhorn River.
A Lincoln man collects his family's bags from a utility truck used by Lincoln Fire and Rescue teams to evacuate residents from the flooded South Bottoms in 2015.
The pandemic accelerated a shift to more outpatient or same-day surgeries and sped the expansion of telehealth, among other changes, Nebraska health care leaders say.
We all have our headaches — literal and figurative — but health care in the Heartland is something special. And it's something that's evolving all the time. That's why, starting today, we are pleased to launch Health Matters in the Heartland.
Suicide deaths in Nebraska dropped in the immediate wake of the pandemic. But, experts say rates often drop following major disasters, such as the 2019 floods in Nebraska, before experiencing an uptick.
Joanna Halbur of Project Harmony, a child advocacy center in Omaha, said noticeable changes in a child's behavior -- such as a normally outgoing child who is more reserved -- can be signs of anxiety or depression.
Just before the COVID pandemic broke out, the University of Nebraska Medical Center's Global Center for Health Security received a grant from the federal CDC to strengthen infection control training, education and tools.
The pandemic forced medical professionals, including Nebraska-based researchers and physicians, to innovate. Some innovations likely will be around for good.
Jeremy Nordquist, president of the Nebraska Hospital Association, said hospitals still are seeing a staff vacancy rate of somewhere between 10% and 15%, with some as high as 20%.
The percentage of visits still being done via telehealth is much lower than in the early months of the pandemic. Experts are evaluating its future applications.
Seven Nebraska organizations formed to take better care of their patients' health and reduce costs all performed better than the U.S. average on satisfaction and quality measures.
A Omaha mom who specializes in 3D imaging arranged to get a 3D rendering of the scans of her son's brain so her husband could see where the boy's tumor was situated.
A U.S. Department of Health and Human Services report found that the prices for more than 1,200 prescription medications increased an average of 31.6% from July 2021 to July 2022.
While patient surges linked to the pandemic have at times caused acute issues with hospital capacity, wider issues have exacerbated a more chronic problem that existed before COVID-19 hit.
Health Matters: Fewer COVID cases, but Nebraska hospitals are still 'bursting at the seams'
Patients with COVID-19 are filling only half the number of beds that they were at this time last year, which is good news for Nebraska's hospital systems and the health care workers who are nearing the end of their third year dealing with the pandemic.
What's not good news is that even with fewer COVID patients, hospitals in Lincoln and throughout Nebraska are still overflowing.
Melissa Ostiguin, a registration team leader at admissions, works at the transfer center where staff members coordinate hospital beds at Bryan East Campus.
Randy Olson, a maintenance technician, works to construct an expanded holding area for patients who go to the emergency department at Bryan East Campus.
Nancy Shook (left) and Sarah Vieth, house supervisors, work to manage the minute-to-minute puzzle of what beds are available at Bryan East Campus. Bryan Health set its all-time high for inpatients at its two Lincoln hospitals on Nov. 16, with 588.
Health Matters: Nebraskans continue to grapple with prescription drug costs, availability
When Bob Rauner goes to pick up a prescription, he often finds himself using a discount drug program rather than his own insurance.
“I’ll go to Hy-Vee and pick up one of my prescriptions, and when I use my insurance card it will be about $200 cash out of pocket, but if instead I show them a GoodRx coupon, it will be about $80,” said Rauner, who is a physician and chief medical officer of OneHealth Nebraska.
November Health Matters: High-tech simulators let Nebraska health professionals hone their skills
Technology allows health care providers to learn, practice in safe environment
When a cardiologist wanted to work with a manufacturer to develop and test a new type of stent for large heart arteries, a team of visualization experts at the University of Nebraska Medical Center's high-tech simulation center created a 3D model of an artery.
After the so-called Megatron stent was approved by federal regulators, Dr. Yiannis Chatzizisis, chief of interventional cardiology at UNMC, used the 3D visualization and simulations plus artificial intelligence to plan procedures using the stent, finding the right size of device and determining the correct position for it.
October Health Matters: Nebraska seniors can review Medicare coverage during open enrollment
Rules for companies representing Medicare plans
Older Americans now can join, switch or drop a Medicare plan or change Medicare Part D drug coverage or Medicare Advantage plans for the coming year.
Because plans change each year, people should review what they have during this period, said Mike Carsey, a volunteer and board president for Volunteers Assisting Seniors.
October Health Matters: Medicare groups provide quality care, save money in high-cost Nebraska
Rules for companies representing Medicare plans
More than a half-dozen years ago, doctors and hospitals in Nebraska began forming groups with the goal of taking very good care of older adults enrolled in a federal Medicare program.
If they met the marks set by Medicare's shared savings program, the so-called accountable care organizations could not only improve their patients' health but also reduce costs.
September Health Matters: Availability, focus on COVID numbers shifted over time in Nebraska
Dr. Jana Broadhurst and her team developed a modified PCR saliva test at Emerging Pathogens Laboratory at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Photographed in Omaha on Tuesday, June 7, 2022.
Doug Rose has checked COVID-19 case counts and other data off and on during the pandemic, but he says he was never obsessed with it.
Rose
He has reviewed case counts for his destination when he planned to travel. Last year, the retired Omaha schoolteacher went to Galveston, Texas, instead of his usual spot in the Rio Grand Valley because of concerns about a potential for increased COVID cases there.
July Health Matters: Health care sector in Nebraska works to rebuild, bolster workforce
Internship program connects Latino students with careers in health care
As high school students, Camila Delgado Garcia and Joerdy Flores-Garcia both were interested in health care careers.
So the Omaha youths signed up for a health and wellness internship offered by the Latino Center of the Midlands and CHI Health. Their internships helped them decide what they wanted to do.
Camila Delgado Garcia’s exploration of careers in health care started with an internship program offered in Omaha by the Latino Center of the Midlands and CHI Health. Already a certified nursing assistant, she wants to become a dental hygienist.
Joerdy Flores-Garcia learns about medicinal uses for herbs grown in at-home gardens as part of a health and wellness internship offered by the Latino Center of the Midlands and CHI Health.
Selene Espinoza, a surgical assistant with CHI Health, said she wanted to make sure Latino students could see people like themselves in health care settings, so she got involved in a Latino Center/CHI Health program last year.
Selene Espinoza, left, a surgical assistant with CHI Health, instructs students in a hands-on surgery workshop. They are taking part in a health internship that CHI Health offers with the Latino Center of the Midlands.
June Health Matters: Nebraska researchers help develop portable isolation units
Dr. Jana Broadhurst and her team developed a modified PCR saliva test at Emerging Pathogens Laboratory at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Photographed in Omaha on Tuesday, June 7, 2022.
Just before the COVID pandemic broke out, the University of Nebraska Medical Center's Global Center for Health Security received a grant from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to strengthen infection control training, education and tools.
The program was targeted to small, rural hospitals across the country that face some of the most persistent challenges in infection prevention and control, said Dr. Jana Broadhurst, director of UNMC's emerging pathogens laboratory.
June Health Matters: Pandemic forced Nebraskans to innovate
Dr. Jana Broadhurst and her team developed a modified PCR saliva test at Emerging Pathogens Laboratory at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Photographed in Omaha on Tuesday, June 7, 2022.
In the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers, clinicians, businesspeople and everyday men and women spun out new ways to deal with the coronavirus.
The result was a host of innovations, including new designs for masks and face shields, intubation shields for COVID patients, ultraviolet disinfection methods for protective gear and 3D-printed nasal swabs. Along with those came a flurry of new tests for the virus, some treatments and highly effective vaccines brought to market in record time.
While protective gear was short early in the pandemic, Nebraska Medicine used ultraviolet light towers like this one to decontaminate masks so they could be used multiple times instead of just once.
Dr. Jana Broadhurst and her team developed a modified PCR saliva test that’s still used on the University of Nebraska Medical Center campus and by partners in the region where access to high-quality testing remains a challenge.
Staff at the University of Nebraska Medical Center's emerging pathogens laboratory developed this modified PCR saliva test to get around supply shortages that plagued the nasal swab and PCR-based testing early in the pandemic and meet the demand for screening programs in the community.
'The bigger pandemic' — Nebraska is in a mental health crisis, but many are struggling to find care
Camie Nitzel, the founder of Kindred Psychology, discusses the increase in mental health needs and the lack of providers.
The everyday grind of law school was beginning to wear on Andy Page.
The Omaha native was closing in on his law degree at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln when he began to feel overwhelmed. He was stressed and had trouble focusing. On top of his studies, Page volunteered at an immigration law clinic and worked part time, a combined commitment of 60-70 hours a week.
University of Nebraska-Lincoln law student Andy Page felt increasingly stressed and overwhelmed at school. But when he went looking for help, he found it difficult to get in to to see a therapist.
Angie Gaughen, BSN, RN, is a charge nurse for the children’s rehabilitation unit at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital. She was drawn to the profession when her older sister, Abby, was attending nursing school. “I always enjoyed talking to her about everything she was learning, and I found it all so interesting,” said Angie. Around the same period, she was involved in a serious car accident and spent a length of time in the hospital. It was after that experience that Angie knew for sure she wanted to be a nurse — so she could help others in the same way they had helped her. She earned her certified nursing assistant license in high school and ultimately received a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Nebraska Medical Center.
The opportunity to help others is Angie’s favorite part of nursing. “Each patient has their own story, and being able to witness and be part of their recovery is very rewarding,” she shared. For new nurses entering the field, Angie encourages patient-focused care and an understanding of how this care impacts a person’s life. She expressed that a simple smile can really make a patient’s day. “Through all of the changes we’ve faced over the past couple of years, Angie has led with positivity and encouragement,” her nominator said. “She takes joy in her patients’ accomplishments, especially when they meet and exceed their goals.”
Elaine Van Volkenburg
Elaine Van Volkenburg, RN, BSN, a retired nurse who worked for 41 years at Gateway Manor, said the most enjoyable part of her occupation was the people — the many nurses, staff and patients she met along the way. “It’s a good profession; there is always a need for nurses,” she commented. “You have to have empathy towards helping people. You have to go with the flow and be able to take whatever is thrown at you.” Elaine said two of the hardest things she ever did as a nurse were transitioning from manual charting to computers and giving up her nursing license after 60 years. For her, nursing was a way of life.
Nominated for the outstanding contributions she made to her profession, as well as to the health, welfare and happiness of so many, Elaine wants those nurses who are just starting out to know that while it’s hard work, it’s very rewarding. “She is an example worthy of emulation by those beginning a career in nursing,” her nominator said.
Teri Feit
Teri Feit, RNC-NIC, a nurse in the neonatal intensive care unit at Bryan Medical Center East, served as a hospital candy striper in high school after her dad encouraged her to start volunteering. She went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from South Dakota State University and has been working as a nurse for nearly 26 years. Teri started in the cardiac progressive care unit at Bryan, where she continued for more than 12 years before transitioning to the NICU. In her current role, Teri cares for the youngest and most vulnerable patients. “The babies are born sick or tiny, tiny, and I get to be a part of the journey with the families and teach them how to take care of their babies when they go home,” she said.
Teri’s nominator got to know the nurse during the 159 days her twin grandchildren spent in Bryan’s NICU. Working the night shift frequently throughout this time, Teri calmly explained the different procedures and encouraged the grandmother to read to the twins. “She made some of the hardest moments so much easier,” her nominator recalled. “I knew she was fighting for them as hard as we were.”
Vicki Coffin
Vicki Coffin, RN, BSN, a faculty member at Southeast Community College, originally wanted to be a teacher. But first she earned her licensed practical nursing diploma and began working as a nurse, with the intention to obtain her teaching degree at a later time. She fell in love with nursing. Now she works as a nurse who teaches and says she is living out her dream. Vicki’s favorite thing about nursing is the opportunity to advocate for patients when they can’t advocate for themselves and to care for them no matter their ages or circumstances. The person who nominated Vicki, describes her as being generous with her time and having a wonderful spirit.
Vicki tells her nursing students who are close to completing the program to start a file with the notes, drawings and thank you cards they receive from patients. “When these nurses are having a tough day, they should open that file and it will remind them of the good they do and the good they have in their hearts,” she said. “It will reinforce that they are exactly where they need to be.”
Jennifer Smith
Jennifer Smith, RN, BSN, a nurse at Madonna Rehabilitation Specialty Hospital, became interested in nursing during high school. Her best friend’s parents were both nurses, and she was inspired after learning about their professions. Holding a bachelor’s degree in nursing and an associate’s degree in biotechnology, Jennifer likes the science of nursing and the fact that no two shifts are ever the same. “You really have to be able to roll with it. Things are constantly changing; your plan is always evolving,” she said. In her role at Madonna, Jennifer enjoys watching patients heal. “You see them later when they come back to visit and you’re like, ‘no way, you’re the same person?’”
Nominated for her strength and dedication, Jennifer continued to care for others as a bedside nurse while receiving intensive treatment for a rare form of leukemia. “When COVID hit hard and nurses were in short supply, she stepped up and enrolled in a staffing incentive to ensure patients continued to receive excellent care,” her nominator said. “She is an inspiration to all who know her.”
Jeanine Worley
Jeanine Worley, RN, is a nurse in the neuro trauma intensive care unit at Bryan Medical Center West. Always interested in medical TV shows, she originally hoped to become a paramedic. This led Jeanine to join the Ambulance Explorer program in Lincoln, and she began riding along in an ambulance once a week. Ultimately, though, she wanted to get to know her patients and decided on a career as a bedside nurse. Jeanine said she loves nursing because it’s a challenging and rewarding profession, and she can make a difference in someone’s life. “Sometimes it’s a happy ending and sometimes it’s a sad ending, but I feel like I can be a part of their journey,” she said. In her role as a nurse, she says, it’s important to be compassionate, empathetic and a good listener.
The person who nominated Jeanine received care from her after being critically injured in a car accident. “She went above and beyond the call of duty to keep me comfortable and content during the scariest time of my life, and when I was in the most indescribable amounts of pain,” her nominator said. “She also assisted my family in getting me to the next level of care when I was ready.”
The pandemic hit Nebraska children particularly hard. Here are ways to look after their mental health
Experts with Project Harmony, discuss the increase in mental health needs and the lack of providers.
As students emerge from a third COVID-disrupted school year, the impacts of the pandemic on children's brains -- from lost socialization to missed instruction -- are coming into greater focus.
From March to October of 2020, mental health-related visits to emergency rooms among children ages 5-11 nationwide increased 24%, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Angie Gaughen, BSN, RN, is a charge nurse for the children’s rehabilitation unit at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital. She was drawn to the profession when her older sister, Abby, was attending nursing school. “I always enjoyed talking to her about everything she was learning, and I found it all so interesting,” said Angie. Around the same period, she was involved in a serious car accident and spent a length of time in the hospital. It was after that experience that Angie knew for sure she wanted to be a nurse — so she could help others in the same way they had helped her. She earned her certified nursing assistant license in high school and ultimately received a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Nebraska Medical Center.
The opportunity to help others is Angie’s favorite part of nursing. “Each patient has their own story, and being able to witness and be part of their recovery is very rewarding,” she shared. For new nurses entering the field, Angie encourages patient-focused care and an understanding of how this care impacts a person’s life. She expressed that a simple smile can really make a patient’s day. “Through all of the changes we’ve faced over the past couple of years, Angie has led with positivity and encouragement,” her nominator said. “She takes joy in her patients’ accomplishments, especially when they meet and exceed their goals.”
Elaine Van Volkenburg
Elaine Van Volkenburg, RN, BSN, a retired nurse who worked for 41 years at Gateway Manor, said the most enjoyable part of her occupation was the people — the many nurses, staff and patients she met along the way. “It’s a good profession; there is always a need for nurses,” she commented. “You have to have empathy towards helping people. You have to go with the flow and be able to take whatever is thrown at you.” Elaine said two of the hardest things she ever did as a nurse were transitioning from manual charting to computers and giving up her nursing license after 60 years. For her, nursing was a way of life.
Nominated for the outstanding contributions she made to her profession, as well as to the health, welfare and happiness of so many, Elaine wants those nurses who are just starting out to know that while it’s hard work, it’s very rewarding. “She is an example worthy of emulation by those beginning a career in nursing,” her nominator said.
Teri Feit
Teri Feit, RNC-NIC, a nurse in the neonatal intensive care unit at Bryan Medical Center East, served as a hospital candy striper in high school after her dad encouraged her to start volunteering. She went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from South Dakota State University and has been working as a nurse for nearly 26 years. Teri started in the cardiac progressive care unit at Bryan, where she continued for more than 12 years before transitioning to the NICU. In her current role, Teri cares for the youngest and most vulnerable patients. “The babies are born sick or tiny, tiny, and I get to be a part of the journey with the families and teach them how to take care of their babies when they go home,” she said.
Teri’s nominator got to know the nurse during the 159 days her twin grandchildren spent in Bryan’s NICU. Working the night shift frequently throughout this time, Teri calmly explained the different procedures and encouraged the grandmother to read to the twins. “She made some of the hardest moments so much easier,” her nominator recalled. “I knew she was fighting for them as hard as we were.”
Vicki Coffin
Vicki Coffin, RN, BSN, a faculty member at Southeast Community College, originally wanted to be a teacher. But first she earned her licensed practical nursing diploma and began working as a nurse, with the intention to obtain her teaching degree at a later time. She fell in love with nursing. Now she works as a nurse who teaches and says she is living out her dream. Vicki’s favorite thing about nursing is the opportunity to advocate for patients when they can’t advocate for themselves and to care for them no matter their ages or circumstances. The person who nominated Vicki, describes her as being generous with her time and having a wonderful spirit.
Vicki tells her nursing students who are close to completing the program to start a file with the notes, drawings and thank you cards they receive from patients. “When these nurses are having a tough day, they should open that file and it will remind them of the good they do and the good they have in their hearts,” she said. “It will reinforce that they are exactly where they need to be.”
Jennifer Smith
Jennifer Smith, RN, BSN, a nurse at Madonna Rehabilitation Specialty Hospital, became interested in nursing during high school. Her best friend’s parents were both nurses, and she was inspired after learning about their professions. Holding a bachelor’s degree in nursing and an associate’s degree in biotechnology, Jennifer likes the science of nursing and the fact that no two shifts are ever the same. “You really have to be able to roll with it. Things are constantly changing; your plan is always evolving,” she said. In her role at Madonna, Jennifer enjoys watching patients heal. “You see them later when they come back to visit and you’re like, ‘no way, you’re the same person?’”
Nominated for her strength and dedication, Jennifer continued to care for others as a bedside nurse while receiving intensive treatment for a rare form of leukemia. “When COVID hit hard and nurses were in short supply, she stepped up and enrolled in a staffing incentive to ensure patients continued to receive excellent care,” her nominator said. “She is an inspiration to all who know her.”
Jeanine Worley
Jeanine Worley, RN, is a nurse in the neuro trauma intensive care unit at Bryan Medical Center West. Always interested in medical TV shows, she originally hoped to become a paramedic. This led Jeanine to join the Ambulance Explorer program in Lincoln, and she began riding along in an ambulance once a week. Ultimately, though, she wanted to get to know her patients and decided on a career as a bedside nurse. Jeanine said she loves nursing because it’s a challenging and rewarding profession, and she can make a difference in someone’s life. “Sometimes it’s a happy ending and sometimes it’s a sad ending, but I feel like I can be a part of their journey,” she said. In her role as a nurse, she says, it’s important to be compassionate, empathetic and a good listener.
The person who nominated Jeanine received care from her after being critically injured in a car accident. “She went above and beyond the call of duty to keep me comfortable and content during the scariest time of my life, and when I was in the most indescribable amounts of pain,” her nominator said. “She also assisted my family in getting me to the next level of care when I was ready.”
Suicide deaths in Nebraska dropped during pandemic, but experts keeping eye on trends
Quinn Lewandowski, president of the Nebraska State Suicide Prevention Coalition, discusses the increase in mental health needs and lack of providers.
Quinn Lewandowski's graduating class at Aurora High School was relatively small — just under 100 students.
But in the years that followed, loss seemed to define the class of 2005. Three of Lewandowski's classmates died by suicide, including one of his good friends.
In February the Nebraska State Suicide Prevention Coalition rolled out a new app called My Companion, designed to help young people manage their mental health and prevent suicide.
Angie Gaughen, BSN, RN, is a charge nurse for the children’s rehabilitation unit at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital. She was drawn to the profession when her older sister, Abby, was attending nursing school. “I always enjoyed talking to her about everything she was learning, and I found it all so interesting,” said Angie. Around the same period, she was involved in a serious car accident and spent a length of time in the hospital. It was after that experience that Angie knew for sure she wanted to be a nurse — so she could help others in the same way they had helped her. She earned her certified nursing assistant license in high school and ultimately received a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Nebraska Medical Center.
The opportunity to help others is Angie’s favorite part of nursing. “Each patient has their own story, and being able to witness and be part of their recovery is very rewarding,” she shared. For new nurses entering the field, Angie encourages patient-focused care and an understanding of how this care impacts a person’s life. She expressed that a simple smile can really make a patient’s day. “Through all of the changes we’ve faced over the past couple of years, Angie has led with positivity and encouragement,” her nominator said. “She takes joy in her patients’ accomplishments, especially when they meet and exceed their goals.”
Elaine Van Volkenburg
Elaine Van Volkenburg, RN, BSN, a retired nurse who worked for 41 years at Gateway Manor, said the most enjoyable part of her occupation was the people — the many nurses, staff and patients she met along the way. “It’s a good profession; there is always a need for nurses,” she commented. “You have to have empathy towards helping people. You have to go with the flow and be able to take whatever is thrown at you.” Elaine said two of the hardest things she ever did as a nurse were transitioning from manual charting to computers and giving up her nursing license after 60 years. For her, nursing was a way of life.
Nominated for the outstanding contributions she made to her profession, as well as to the health, welfare and happiness of so many, Elaine wants those nurses who are just starting out to know that while it’s hard work, it’s very rewarding. “She is an example worthy of emulation by those beginning a career in nursing,” her nominator said.
Teri Feit
Teri Feit, RNC-NIC, a nurse in the neonatal intensive care unit at Bryan Medical Center East, served as a hospital candy striper in high school after her dad encouraged her to start volunteering. She went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from South Dakota State University and has been working as a nurse for nearly 26 years. Teri started in the cardiac progressive care unit at Bryan, where she continued for more than 12 years before transitioning to the NICU. In her current role, Teri cares for the youngest and most vulnerable patients. “The babies are born sick or tiny, tiny, and I get to be a part of the journey with the families and teach them how to take care of their babies when they go home,” she said.
Teri’s nominator got to know the nurse during the 159 days her twin grandchildren spent in Bryan’s NICU. Working the night shift frequently throughout this time, Teri calmly explained the different procedures and encouraged the grandmother to read to the twins. “She made some of the hardest moments so much easier,” her nominator recalled. “I knew she was fighting for them as hard as we were.”
Vicki Coffin
Vicki Coffin, RN, BSN, a faculty member at Southeast Community College, originally wanted to be a teacher. But first she earned her licensed practical nursing diploma and began working as a nurse, with the intention to obtain her teaching degree at a later time. She fell in love with nursing. Now she works as a nurse who teaches and says she is living out her dream. Vicki’s favorite thing about nursing is the opportunity to advocate for patients when they can’t advocate for themselves and to care for them no matter their ages or circumstances. The person who nominated Vicki, describes her as being generous with her time and having a wonderful spirit.
Vicki tells her nursing students who are close to completing the program to start a file with the notes, drawings and thank you cards they receive from patients. “When these nurses are having a tough day, they should open that file and it will remind them of the good they do and the good they have in their hearts,” she said. “It will reinforce that they are exactly where they need to be.”
Jennifer Smith
Jennifer Smith, RN, BSN, a nurse at Madonna Rehabilitation Specialty Hospital, became interested in nursing during high school. Her best friend’s parents were both nurses, and she was inspired after learning about their professions. Holding a bachelor’s degree in nursing and an associate’s degree in biotechnology, Jennifer likes the science of nursing and the fact that no two shifts are ever the same. “You really have to be able to roll with it. Things are constantly changing; your plan is always evolving,” she said. In her role at Madonna, Jennifer enjoys watching patients heal. “You see them later when they come back to visit and you’re like, ‘no way, you’re the same person?’”
Nominated for her strength and dedication, Jennifer continued to care for others as a bedside nurse while receiving intensive treatment for a rare form of leukemia. “When COVID hit hard and nurses were in short supply, she stepped up and enrolled in a staffing incentive to ensure patients continued to receive excellent care,” her nominator said. “She is an inspiration to all who know her.”
Jeanine Worley
Jeanine Worley, RN, is a nurse in the neuro trauma intensive care unit at Bryan Medical Center West. Always interested in medical TV shows, she originally hoped to become a paramedic. This led Jeanine to join the Ambulance Explorer program in Lincoln, and she began riding along in an ambulance once a week. Ultimately, though, she wanted to get to know her patients and decided on a career as a bedside nurse. Jeanine said she loves nursing because it’s a challenging and rewarding profession, and she can make a difference in someone’s life. “Sometimes it’s a happy ending and sometimes it’s a sad ending, but I feel like I can be a part of their journey,” she said. In her role as a nurse, she says, it’s important to be compassionate, empathetic and a good listener.
The person who nominated Jeanine received care from her after being critically injured in a car accident. “She went above and beyond the call of duty to keep me comfortable and content during the scariest time of my life, and when I was in the most indescribable amounts of pain,” her nominator said. “She also assisted my family in getting me to the next level of care when I was ready.”
April Health Matters: Nebraska health care providers adapted during pandemic
Over 1,100 registered dietitians took part in a survey to reveal the top food and nutrition trends of 2022.
Freddie Warner Jr. couldn’t take it anymore.
His hip hurt, which caused him to put more pressure on his knee. That made his back hurt. He couldn’t sit or stand for long periods. The 51-year-old Omaha man gave up his job in lawn care, his occupation since high school.
Allen Gaspers, a control tech with Control Services, consults with Kenny Walters, Methodist Health System’s facilities director, and Morgan Hankins, Methodist construction project manager, during the installation of additional negative airflow systems at Methodist Women’s Hospital in April 2020. Hospitals quickly converted entire floors to negative air pressure during the pandemic to house infected patients.
Dr. Clayton Thor, an orthopedic surgeon with CHI Health, said most of his hip and knee replacement patients before the pandemic spent at least one night in the hospital. Now, roughly 80% to 85% go home the same day.
Consumer Health: Is emotional eating sabotaging your weight-loss efforts?
You know losing that extra weight would be good for your health. Your health care team talked with you about how obesity increases your risk of other health issues, such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and certain types of cancer. They even worked out a healthy eating plan, and you want to stick to it. And you do well for many days, but then something upsetting happens, and your first thought is food.
Emotional eating is eating to suppress or soothe negative emotions, such as stress, anger, fear, boredom, sadness and loneliness. Food also can be a distraction. If you're worried about an upcoming event or stewing over a conflict, for instance, you may focus on eating comfort food instead of dealing with the painful situation.
A number of technologies incorporating various forms of artificial intelligence are already working behind the scenes in Nebraska hospitals and clinics.
