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2ECRUITER 3HOWCASE3EPTEMBER 6OL )SSUE )NFORMATION FOR THE /KLAHOMA .URSING (EALTH #ARE 0ROFESSIONALWWW OKNURSINGTIMES COM0UBLISHED 7EEKLY ,OCALLY /WNED AND /PERATED BY -ETRO 0UBLISHING , , # ’sLives OneDay at aTimeChris Weigel, BSN, Chief Nursing Officer, stays busy at Cedar Ridge Behavioral Hospital where theyspecialize in Behavioral Health Treatment.BY 6ICKIE *ENKINS 3TAFF 7RITERCedar Ridge Behavioral Hospital providesquality impatient treatment to help stabilizepatients struggling with mental health issues.The multidisciplinary treatment teams consist ofpsychiatrists, licensed therapist and specializednurse who collaborate to develop and implementcompassionate, individualized, evidence-basedtreatment plans for our patients.Cedar Ridge Behavioral Hospital is proud toserve our military families. We provide qualityacute and residential services to children andteens ages five to seventeen. This programis designed to address specific treatment issueswith psychiatric disorders in a secure and safeenvironment. -Cedar Ridge Behavioral HospitalWith Cedar Ridge Behavioral Hospital comesa very professional staff. One special nurse isChris Weigel, RN, Chief Nursing Officer. Chrisexplains that she has been a nurse for forty-twoyears. “I always wanted to be a nurse, ever sinceI could remember. I started out as candy striperin a hospital. At the time, I loved caring forpeople but didn’t have any experience in thenursing field at all. When I was growing up, mymom was in and out of the hospital quite a bitso I felt like I wanted to be a nurse too, like the3EE 7%)'%, 0AGE BY EBBIE AHL -3. 2.Infection Prevention is more than just handhygiene, covering your cough or getting a fluvaccine. Infection Preventionist save lives every dayby working with all disciplines within the healthcare setting to keep you healthy.You may know us as Infection Control, but wechanged our name in 2008 to more clearly defineour practice.The Epidemiologists and Preventionists inInfection Control (EPIC) organization began in 1974in Oklahoma City. The organization works toprovide a collective voice for epidemiologists and3EE #/.&%2%.#% 0AGE
0AGE 3EPTEMBER /KLAHOMA S .URSING 4IMES#/.&%2%.#%#ONTINUED FROM 0AGE preventionists for whom infectionprevention issues relate to improvingquality patient care and promotingpatient safety.Oklahoma EPIC members arenurses, physicians, public s,pharmacistsormedical technologists. The EPICmeetings are on the third Thursdayof each month at Pearl’s Crabtownin Bricktown, Oklahoma City. TheLuncheon Meeting begins at 11:30and includes educational speakers.Every November, EPIC host the“Oklahoma Educational Conferenceon Infection Prevention” where guestspeakers are brought in from aroundthe country for a full day of learning.This is our 38th annual conferenceand we are pleased to havepresentations on “Quick ObservationTools for Infection Prevention SurveyReadiness”, “Healthcare Laundryand Textiles”, “Update MRSA RiskMitigation Programs for MRSA/MSSA Infection Risks” and an“Overview of Infectious Diseases inOklahoma.Staying with the conferencetheme “Infection Prevention RoundUp” we want everyone to wearboots, jeans and hats as we“Lasso Infections Across Oklahoma”.A delicious Bar-B-Q luncheonwill be served with toe tappingentertainment from “Cactus PatchCloggers”. The conference isNovember 8, 2019 at EmbassySuites in Norman Oklahoma. Theconference includes 5 hours ofCEU’s, networking, and exhibitorswith current supplies to prevent thespread of infections.Registration for the conference isnow open on the EPIC website https://www.epicokla.com/ or by contactingDebbie Dahl at 405.623.9888 or Debbie Dahl, MSN, RN Debora.Dahl@uhsinc.comEPIC President
/KLAHOMA S .URSING 4IMES7%)'%,#ONTINUED FROM 0AGE ones that cared for my mom. That’swhen my journey began,” she said.“I have worked in many differentareas of the medical field, but Iespecially like working with children.I feel like I am making a differencewith the children here, helping themwith their mental health issues.”Chris added.Asking Chris what her favoritepart of her job is, she replied, “Ilike helping the nurses get rid ofany barriers that they might haveso they can give the best care in asafe and therapeutic way. I believemy strongest asset is leadership. Ihad quite a few mentors in the past,especially in administration here atCedar Ridge. We have a phenomenalCEO, believing in compassion andbelieving in the kids. I try to bethat same kind of person, helpingthe nurses with whatever they need.I want to be a mentor to others,”Chris said.How would you describe yourself?“I am very open-minded and I havestrong communication skills. I amcompassionate and make a hugeeffort to help others, whether it is3EPTEMBER one of the nurses or children,” sheanswered.Chris Weigel was the presidentof the Oklahoma Nursing Associationand has served on the board ofOklahoma Organization for NurseExecutives; Governor’s Clinical WorkForce Center and Chris continues tostay active in the community. “Iwant to make an impact on nursingand how it can change lives,” Chriscommented.Asking Chris what motivates her,she replied, “I love to see change inanything. I like to see the childrenhere change in their control andtheir temperament and I see such adifference when they get here andwhen they leave.”What advice would you give tosomeone going into the medical field?“I would tell them they need to havecompassion for others. If they don’thave compassion, they need to thinkabout a different profession. Theyhave to have an open-heart and alove for others. Nursing has manydifferent fields; find one that youfeel a desire for. Being a nurse isa tough job at times but certainly,the most rewarding job that you willever have.” Chris commented.On a personal note, Chris has0AGE “At one point, I enjoyed myself so much, Iwanted to be game warden and train thealligators. It was between being a teacher,nurse or game warden. I chose nursingbecause I didn’t think I would do verywell with the other two, besides that, itwas a lot safer.” Chris Weigel, BSN, ChiefNursing Officerlived in several different states.When growing up, her dad was anenvironmental engineer, working inthe everglades. Chris was alwaysrunning around with him. “At onepoint, I enjoyed myself so much,I wanted to be game warden andtrain the alligators.” she said witha laugh. “It was between being ateacher, nurse or game warden. Ichose nursing because I didn’t thinkI would do very well with the othertwo,” she added. “Besides that, itwas a lot safer.”Chris is married to her wonderfulhusband and has two grown childrenand one granddaughter, Minnie whois five years old. Their pets include aminiature schnauzer, Cricket, and willsoon be getting a second schnauzermid-October. Chris’s hobbies includegardening, walking, scrapbooking andreading.To sum up Chris’s life in oneword it didn’t take long for herto answer, “That word would beIMPACT. I like to think that I havea great impact on others, especiallythe children that are here at CedarRidge Behavioral Hospital,” she saidwith a smile.
0AGE 3EPTEMBER /KLAHOMA S .URSING 4IMESCAREERSIN NURSINGGOD OPENS DOORS: NURSING AND TEACHING IS A CALLINGBY 6ICKIE *ENKINS 7RITER 0HOTOGRAPHERFaculties of Southern NazareneUniversity School of Nursing as awhole represent a wide variety ofclinical expertise. SNU School ofNursing promotes Christian values inpatient interactions. All Nursing careis based on the sanctity and dignityof every human being. -SouthernNazarene UniversityMeet Saundra Medrano, RN,Certified Nurse Educator and AssociateProfessor in Nursing at SouthernNazarene University. Dr. Medranohas been a nurse for twenty-six yearsand has been teaching for sixteenyears.She taught at OSU, wasan Associate Director at RedlandsCommunity College in El Reno, OKand was the Dean at Brown MackieCollege. Dr. Medrano is working onher PhD now.Asking Dr. Medrano why she isa nurse and a professor, teachingstudents about nursing, she replied,“Nursing is definitely a calling. Iknow that God led me here. Ifeel like SNU is such a wonderfulenvironment and He led me hereto teach. It is amazing how Godopens and closes doors when we leastexpect it. I was content with nursingbut the door of teaching again wasopened for me, so that is whereI am,” she said with a smile. Istill travel around to different places,working in ICU and still get to teach.In fact, I have taught every semester.I enjoy it all.”Dr. Medrano grew up in Bethany,OK and never moved too far awayfrom Oklahoma City. She receivedher Masters from OU HealthScience Center, her Bachelor’sfrom OU and her Associatesat OSU where she taughtat the beginning. “I wasactually teaching with someof the students that I had taught inthe past,” she said with a laugh. “Itwas a nice experience for both of us,”she added.What is your favorite part aboutyour job of teaching? “I would say isseeing the students’ light bulbs comeon and seeing the growth of eachone. I have worked with foundationsto complex care and it is awesome tosee the growth that happens. Thestudents always seem excited to behere; so enthusiastic. They want tolearn everything and with technologythe way it is today, they are able toreach out even farther to learn,” Dr.Medrano replied. “It is great to seethe students so actively engaged intheir studies,” she added.What qualities do you think makea good nurse? “Oh, a good nursedefinitely needs to have great timemanagement. They also need to be avery caring and compassionate person,connecting to others, along with beingable to empathize with someone.That makes a big difference, not onlyto the nurse but to the patient,” Dr.Medrano commented.Asking Dr. Medrano what herbiggest asset at work was, she wasquick to answer. “It is by far, Dr.Susan Barnes. I can always count onher for anything; if I have questionsor problems, she is there. She has somuch experience behind her and sheis a big influence on my life.”When Dr. Medrano was a child,she knew that she would grow upto be a nurse.“I knew that Iwanted to be a teacher, a nurse ora police officer. I leaned towardsnursing or teaching when my dollswould get hurt while Iwas teaching them,” shesaid with a laugh. “I’mnot exactly sure wherepolice officer came intothe picture but I amglad I chose the other two. HereI am today, doing both and lovingevery minute of it,” she said. “I’mpretty sure that is why God openedthat door for me and now, I amhappy with nursing and teaching,”3EE -% 2!./ 0AGE
/KLAHOMA S .URSING 4IMES3EPTEMBER 0AGE OKC Hospitals andOklahoma CityCommunity FoundationPartner with TheSalvation ArmyDr. Saundra Medrano, PhD-C, RN and CNE knew that she had a calling to bea nurse and a professor at Southern Nazarene University.-% 2!./#ONTINUED FROM 0AGE she added. “I just hope police officerdoesn’t come up now!”When not working or teaching,Dr. Medrano enjoys spending timewith her husband, Wilford, and herfamily. “I have three grown childrenand my husband and I just adopted adaughter Londyn, thirteen-years old.She is such a blessing to us. We havethree dogs, two cats and Londyn hasher own lizard, Forrest. Forrest isher responsibility but that is okay;I don’t want any part of that,” shesaid.Motivation seems to come easyfor Dr. Medrano. “It’s like an internaldrive in me; I just want to keeplearning and going farther. Of course,my children and my student motivateme constantly.”Summing up Dr. Medrano’s life inone word ”that would be LOVING,”Dr. Medrano said with a smile.Throughout September, severallocal hospitals and the OklahomaCity Community Foundation arepartnering with The Salvation Armyof Central Oklahoma to feed hungryOklahomans. INTEGRIS, Mercy andOU Medicine have joined togetherwith the Community Foundation toprovide warm meals and volunteersupport at The Salvation ArmyRed Shield Diner & Kitchen eachThursday evening in an effort toaddress food insecurity throughoutthe Oklahoma City community.“We serve approximately 200diners each evening in our RedShield Diner,” said Major SusanEllis, area commander. “Our doorsopen each evening to our shelterguests first and then the communityat large. Anyone in need of a freemeal is welcome.”According to the most recentstudies, Oklahoma is one of thehungriest states in the country,leaving more than 120,000 OklahomaCounty residents without adequateaccess to food. Heightening thisfood crisis, 52 percent of individualsexperiencing food insecurity falljust shy of the poverty thresholdto qualify for SNAP benefits. InOklahoma County alone, the annualbudget would require an additional 63 million to solve the problem offood insecurity, estimates FeedingAmerica.The Red Shield Diner & Kitchenserves free meals 365 days a year toOklahoma County residents. Dinneris available to the public withoutdemonstration of need. In addition,breakfast and lunch are served toindividuals and families living inThe Salvation Army’s emergencyshelter. In 2018, the diner servedover 80,000 meals with an averageof 500-700 diners daily. The RedShield Diner & Kitchen is locatedat 1001 N. Pennsylvania, OklahomaCity, OK 73107.“Volunteering to serve in theRed Shield Diner & Kitchen is agreat way to give back to those inneed,” said Ellis. “There is such joyand appreciation on both sidesof the table and the volunteergroups continue to return to servein this most meaningful way.” Ifyou are interested in volunteering,please contact Liz Banks, volunteercoordinator, at 405-246-1107 orliz.banks@uss.salvationarmy.org.
0AGE 3EPTEMBER 140 GENERAL NURSING&ULL TIME AND 0ART TIME2EGISTERED .URSE.EEDED &OR ,OCAL(OME (EALTH /FlCE !LSO ,ICENSED0RACTICAL .URSE NEEDED&ULL !ND 0ART TIME /KLAHOMA S .URSING 4IMES140 GENERAL NURSING7E ARE CURRENTLY SEEKING2EGISTERED .URSES WHOHAVE A PASSION FORPROVIDING THE HIGHESTQUALITY CARE IN ANINSTITUTIONAL SETTING !T #ORE#IVIC WE DO MORE THANMANAGE INMATES WE CARE FORPEOPLE #ORE#IVIC IS CURRENTLY&ULL AND PART TIME DUTIES INCLUDESEEKING 2EGISTERED .URSES WHONURSING ASSESSMENTS MEDICATIONHAVE A PASSION FOR PROVIDING THEREVIEWS LAB DRAWS AND CASEHIGHEST QUALITY CARE IN ANMANAGEMENT !LSO ,0. NEEDED FULL INSTITUTIONAL SETTING 4HE 2EGISTEREDAND PART TIME DUTIES INCLUDED SKILLED.URSE 2. PLANS AND PROVIDESNURSING VISITS LAB DRAWS MEDICATIONCOMPREHENSIVE NURSING CAREPLANNERS ETC 3END RESUME TOINCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO OR BRING IN PERSONEXECUTING ,ICENSED )NDEPENDENTTO 0RECISE (OME (EALTH #ARE 0ROVIDER S ORDERS DISPENSING AND%AST (ARTFORD 0ONCA #ITY / ADMINISTERING MEDICATIONS ANDASSISTING ,ICENSED )NDEPENDENT0ROVIDER IN EXAMINATIONS AND7E ARE LOOKING FOR FULLTREATMENT OF PATIENTS !PPLIESNURSING AND SUPERVISORY TECHNIQUESTIME ,ICENSEDREQUIRED IN THE CARE TREATMENT0RACTICAL .URSES AND ANDREFERRALS OF INMATES RESIDENTS 0ERFORMS ALL TECHNICAL CLINICAL2EGISTERED .URSES TOPROCEDURES WITHIN THE SCOPE OF HIS WORK -ONDAY &RIDAY HER EDUCATION AND LICENSURE 3EMINOLE #ARE AND 2EHABILITATION%AST RD 2OAD (OLDENVILLE / #ENTER IS LOOKING FOR FULL TIME ,0. S AND 2. S TO WORK -ONDAY &RIDAY 0- TO 0- % 7RANGLER "LVD/PENINGS FOR IETARY #OOK3EMINOLE / 7E !RE 3EEKING.URSE !IDES #OOKSAND ,ICENSED0RACTICAL .URSES7E !RE 3EEKING .URSE !IDES#OOKS !ND ,ICENSED 0RACTICAL.URSES FOR "ROOKHAVEN %XTENSIVE#ARE IN .ORMAN 'REAT BENElTSAND COMPETITIVE PAY 0LEASE APPLYIN PERSON AT 2AMBLING /AKS RIVE .ORMAN / FOR WEEKENDS #ERTIlED-EDICAL !SSISTANT EVENINGSAND IMMEDIATE OPENINGS FOR#ERTIlED .URSE !SSISTANTS ,// ).' 4/ ()2% NEW STAFF THATHAVE A SERVANTS HEART AND AREDEPENDABLE /PENINGS FOR IETARY#OOK FOR WEEKENDS #-! EVENINGSAND IMMEDIATE OPENINGS FOR #.!SFOR DAY EVENING AND NIGHT HOURSHIFTS 3HIFT DIFFERENTIAL FOR EVENINGSAND NIGHTS !PPLY TODAY AT . TH !VE 0URCELL / 3UNSET %STATES %/% !2% 9/5 2%! ).' 4()3 3/ !2% -/2% 4(!. 2%')34%2% .523%3 !. ,)#%.3% 02!#4)#!,.523%3 #!,, !-!. ! -),,%2 !4 %84 4/ ! 6%24)3% 7)4( / ,!(/-! 3 .523).' 4)-%3
/KLAHOMA S .URSING 4IMES3EPTEMBER 0AGE 140 GENERAL NURSING7E ARE SEEKING &5,, 4)-% )2%#4/2 /&.523).'3%26)#%3)N CONJUNCTION WITH THE-EDICAL IRECTOR THE /.ENSURES THAT RESIDENT CAREOBJECTIVES ARE ESTABLISHEDAND MET AND THE STANDARDSPOLICIES AND PROCEDURES OFTHE EPARTMENT OF .URSING3ERVICES ARE CONSISTENT WITHTHE STANDARDS POLICIES ANDPROCEDURES OF THE FACILITY OUR0RINCIPALS OF 2ESPECT AND3TATEMENT OF #OMMITMENTAND CURRENT STANDARDS OFCARE AND PRACTICE 4HE /. S JOB IS MULTIFACETEDTO PROMOTE AND INCLUDE AFOCUS ON RESIDENT S QUALITYOF LIFE ISSUES WHILE ENSURINGOPTIMAL QUALITY OF CARE ISDELIVERED TOEACH RESIDENT 15!,)&)#!4)/.3 % 5#!4)/. q /KLAHOMA 3TATE 2.LICENSE REQUIREDq 4WO YEARS EXPERIENCE INDIRECT RESIDENT CARE PREFERRED&AIRMONT 3KILLED.URSING AND 4HERAPY .7 TH / # / %/%161 LICENSED PRACTICALNURSING7% !2%3%% ).' ,)#%.3% 02!#4)#!, .523%.523% 4%#(.)#)!.AT 0AULS 6ALLEY 'ENERAL (OSPITAL 6ALLEY R 0AULS 6ALLEY / 4HE ,0. .URSE 4ECHPARTICIPATES IN NURSING CARE FORPATIENTS PARTICIPATES IN FAMILYTEACHING AND PROVIDES LEADERSHIP BYWORKING COOPERATIVELY WITH ANCILLARYNURSING AND OTHER PATIENT TEAMPERSONNEL IN MAINTAINING STANDARDSFOR PROFESSIONAL NURSING PRACTICEIN THE CLINICAL SETTING ALL UNDERTHE SUP 2EQUIRED %DUCATION %XPERIENCE (IGH 3CHOOL DIPLOMAOR EQUIVALENT %DUCATION 'RADUATEOF AN ACCREDITED 3CHOOL OF .URSINGAND OR 0RACTICAL .URSING OR5NIVERSITY WITHINSIX MONTHS OF EMPLOYMENT 0)# ! #!2 /KLAHOMA S .URSING 4IMESNOW ACCEPTS !MERICAN %XPRESS 6ISA AND-ASTER #ARD WWW OKNURSINGTIMES COM
0AGE 3EPTEMBER /KLAHOMA S .URSING 4IMESOMRF receives 3.6 million to studyskeletal disorders, vessel functionThe Oklahoma Medical ResearchFoundation has received two grantsfrom the National Institutes ofHealth totaling 3.6 million.The federal funding will supportinvestigations into cellular mutationslinked to rare skeletal diseases andvessel function. Both grants wereawarded to scientists in OMRF’sCardiovascular Biology ResearchProgram.The National Institute of Arthritisand Musculoskeletal and SkinDiseases has awarded OMRF scientistLorin Olson, Ph.D., a five-year, 1.9million grant to study mutations thatcause defects in skeletal growth.Olson is specifically lookingat cellular mutations in tworare skeletal conditions: Penttinensyndrome and Kosaki overgrowthsyndrome. Both diseases have fewerthan 10 known cases globally.Although the mutations are differentin each disease, both can be tracedto one specific gene, a protein calledPDGF receptor beta.“When they find several peoplewith a new disease and they allhave the same mutation, that’s apretty good correlation to suggestthat the mutation causes the disease,”said Olson. “But it isn’t proof.”Olson’s lab hopes to confirm thisover the next five years and willconduct experiments to see whatthis particular mutation does and itsconsequences.“We need to learn why thesemutations occur, prove that they leadto these diseases and understandhow they do what they do,” he said.“In humans, the mutations occur inevery cell in the body, so you don’tknow where to identify the originalculprit. We can test this to zero inon the causes.”Olson joined OMRF in 2010 fromthe Mt. Sinai School of Medicine inNew York.OMRF scientist Ray Rezaie,Ph.D., received a four-year, 1.75Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation scientist Lorin Olson, Ph.D.million grant from the NationalHeart, Lung, and Blood Instituteto investigate the mechanisms bywhich blood coagulation factorsgenerate cellular signaling responsesthat help maintain healthy bloodvessels.“When these signaling systemsaren’t properly regulated, it canimpair vascular function,” saidRezaie, who joined OMRF’s scientificstaff in 2017 from the St. LouisUniversity School of Medicine.“A lot happens in the case of aninjury, the enzymatic and signalingfunctions of coagulation factors areneeded to initiate blood clotting,to stop blood clotting and then toinitiate the repair mechanism all atthe right time and right location.When this system goes wrong, itcan lead to debilitating disorderslike heart attack and stroke.”Researchers must gain a betterunderstanding of these signalingmechanisms in order to developnew drugs for these life-threateningdisorders, Rezaie said.Olson’s grant, R01 AR073828, isfunded by NIAMS, and Rezaie’sgrant, R01 HL101917, is funded bythe NHLBI. Both are parts of theNational Institutes of Health.
/KLAHOMA S .URSING 4IMES3EPTEMBER 0AGE (AS PUBLISHED IN THE 2019 EDUCATION GUIDE TO NURSING)Saint Francis Health System Provides LearningOpportunities for Nurses at Every LevelSaint Francis Health System actively encourages its nurses to grow professionallySaint Francis Health System,Oklahoma’s largest healthcare provider,has more than 10,000 employees atmore than 90 locations throughouteastern Oklahoma. Nurses in the SaintFrancis Health System network—whichincludes Warren Clinic, the state’slargest physician group—can pursuecareers in large communities (Tulsa,Broken Arrow, McAlester, Muskogee)and small (Vinita, Glenpool, Coweta,Owasso, Sand Springs).Wherever they choose towork, nurses can enjoy the benefitsof a locally owned, locally operated,not-for-profit health system that isdedicated to high-quality, patientcentered care. To this end, SaintFrancis Health System has establisheda wide range of programs andservices to help its nurses growprofessionally, which ultimately servesto help maintain the health system’shigh standards of clinical excellence.In short, the success of SaintFrancis Health System and the qualityof its nursing program go hand inhand.The Pursuit of ExcellenceNurses can take advantage of SaintFrancis Health System opportunitieseven while they’re still pursuing adegree.The health system offers aregistered nurse scholarship that fundsup to 8,000 of education at anaccredited school of nursing. There isalso the Saint Francis Extern Program,a nine-week shadow program designedfor students in their final year of anaccredited RN program. Both the RNscholarship and the extern programare great ways for aspiring nurses toget their foot inside the door.Making the Transition from School toVocationOnce accepted into the SaintFrancis Health System nursing program,new nurses embark on a yearlongnurse residency program (NRP), asophisticated program that is designedto help recent graduates transitionfrom the classroom environment toclinical bedside experiences and realworld professional nursing practice. TheNRP consists of professional nursingorientation, unit-specific orientationwith a preceptor, specialty classes anda variety of nurse residency seminars.The NRP is tailored specifically tothe education needs of newly licensednurses, and is based upon Quality andSafety Education for Nurses (QSEN)competencies. During orientation, newnurses become familiar with SaintFrancis Health System policies,procedures and equipment, andparticipate in specialty classes specificto the patient population they will becaring for.Help Along the WayOnce an RN position is accepted,Saint Francis Health System offersa free NCLEX (National CouncilLicensure Exam) review course, as wellas: specialty classes offering patientfocused content that emphasizesapplication of clinical knowledgeand principles relevant to individualspecialties (e.g., pediatric, ICU andcardiac classes); nurse residencyseminars that focus on communicationand teamwork, critical thinking,patient/family-centered care, casemanagement and discharge planning,plan for self-development, evidencebasedpracticeandqualityimprovement; continuing educationclasses, including both baccalaureateand graduate-level courses; and awide range of national certificationprograms, including IABP, CRRT,LVAD and ECMO.Saint Francis Health Systeminvests heavily in its nursesand encourages them to growprofessionally in order to fulfill itsmission: To extend the presence andhealing ministry of Christ in all wedo.
0AGE 3EPTEMBER /KLAHOMA S .URSING 4IMESGRANT FOCUSESON FALLSPREVENTIONTheAdministrationforCommunity Living (ACL) recentlyawarded a three-year grant to theOklahoma Healthy Aging Initiative,part of the Donald W. ReynoldsDepartment of Geriatric Medicine.ACL is part of the United StatesDepartment of Health and HumanServices.The grant will help fundimplementation of a statewideprogram for falls prevention.Lee Jennings, M.D., geriatricmedicine specialist, will coordinatethe program, which integratescomplimentary components: Tai ChiQuan: Moving for Better Balance(TCQ: MBB), and Stay Active andIndependent for Life (SAIL) in aneffort to decrease the likelihood offalls and improve mobility amongolder Oklahomans and those withdisabilities.“In addition, OHAI will trainvolunteer class leaders to enhanceprogramsustainability.Ourobjective is to build sustainablepartnerships with organizations,such as hospital systems, longterm care facilities and insuranceproviders,” Jennings said. She isalso principle investigator on astudy related to the ss Day, Monday, Sept. 23,is about preventing fall-relatedinjuries. Among older adults, fallsare the leading cause of fatal andnon-fatal injuries, posing a threatto life and quality of life.In connection with the nationalemphasis, OHAI will host aFacebook live event from 9 a.m.until 2 p.m. The event willinclude healthcare professionals ina discussion of the adverse impactof falls, how to prevent them aswell as practical tips for creatinga more secure environment. Theevent will also feature videodemonstrations of TCQ and SAILclasses.KeithKleszynski,Ph.D.,Lee Jennings, M.D., geriatricmedicine specialistassociatedirectorofOHAI,explained that the SAIL programis new to OHAI and relativelynew to Oklahoma. “We selectedthis program for its emphasis onphysical activity and its appealto those inclined toward morerigorous exercise,” he said. “Itrepresents a strategic move to reachmore male participants.”Currently, 79 percent of OHAItai chi participants are female;however, the risks associated withfalls and injuries are not limitedby gender.SAIL was developed to improvestrength, balance and fitness – allcritical components in one’s abilityto remain physically active andreduce the risk of falls. It can bedone seated or standing. Tai chiincorporates slow and controlledmovements that also increasebalance and flexibility.
/KLAHOMA S .URSING 4IMES3EPTEMBER 0AGE .523% 4!, Anything fried.Natasha Mayson, CNAI’ve never hadState Fair food.Alex Conatser, ProjectSearchWhat’s yourfavoriteState Fairtype food?IntegrisCanadianValley Hospital- Medical/Surgical UnitI’m a basic corndog girl and it hasto be the big onewith ketchup andmustard.My favorite lasttime was the friedSnickers.Fallishia Peters, RNCory Williamson, RN
Meet Saundra Medrano, RN, Certiefid Nurse Educaotr and Associae t Professor in Nursing at Southern Nazarene University. Dr. Medrano has been a nurse for twenty-six years and has been teaching for sixteen years. She taught at OSU, was an Associate Director at Redlands Community College in El Reno, OK and was the Dean at Brown Mackie College. Dr.
