August: Glenwood Springs Provider Team
Adam Hallin PA-C, Wynette Jackson RN, Nataly Meraz RN, and Ashli Costello RN
Adam had a tough patient who was scheduled as a covisit today, acutely. An 85 year old Female with a blood sugar of 500mg called to us as a critical result from a visit the day prior, on palliative care for dementia. Wynette triaged the patient and appropriately scheduled them as a covisit to avoid the ER which the family appreciated greatly. Adam was tapped to see the patient, who was thankfully stable and had improving blood sugar into the 400s today. Family again expressed their desire to continue with palliative efforts but not take patient to the ER, so our talented nursing team stepped in to work with Adam and find a plan that worked for the family. They decided to start her on insulin and were able to pick up the prescription and get teaching from Nataly and Ashli the same afternoon, and kept patient comfortable and safe. This is an excellent example of Team Based Care and the strength of our nursing team these days. Great work all!
September: Glenwood Springs Provider Team
McKenzie Rieder Ped NP, Lindsay Williams RDH, and Sara Jacobs LCSW
This team has simultaneously been running our rapid cycle PDSA demonstrating their ability to be nimble, adaptable, and thorough all at once. McKenzie’s vision for see what these teams are capable of has been realized in a short period of time allowing us to use discrete resources and implement true integrated care for each of their patients. Lindsay has risen to the occasion and taken advantage of every opportunity (even open, crying mouths) to ensure every family understands the importance of routine and early dental care. Meanwhile, Sara has been so thoughtful in her approach to highlight mental wellness and education in quickly learning about multiple developmental stages to ensure her time spent with families is worthwhile.
October: Cristina Andrade, LCSW
I would like to nominate Cristina Andrade, BHP for the exemplary care award. I recently had a patient come into the clinic in crisis, he was distraught, likely under the influence and has had multiple suicide attempts in the past. I sent a message to BH and Cristina offered to come in right away. She spent 2 hours talking to the patient, coordinating with West Springs Hospital, the Hope Center, Valley View ER and the police to get this patient to a safe place. We also have a mutual patient that recently lost her husband to cancer. The first person the patient wanted to speak to was Cristina as she knew she would get the support she needed. Cristina called her as soon as she found out and was able to do a one hour counseling session on the phone with multiple follow up sessions scheduled. Many patients tell me much they appreciate and depend on her. Cristina is trained in EMDR to help patients work through significant trauma which is a huge need in our community. And many patients are so happy that they are able to see a counselor that speaks Spanish, this is very hard to come by in our area and Cristina has been meeting a huge need. Thank you Cristina for all that you do!
November: Stephany Ortega RN
I would like to nominate Stephany Ortega, RN for the exemplary care award. Stephany is a compassionate, intelligent, and dedicated nurse who consistently goes above and beyond for our patients. Stephanie is excellent at identifying and addressing challenges that affect patient care. Through her conversations with patients, she often identifies underlying issues that may be contributing to noncompliance. She shares these insights and offers new ideas and perspective on patient care and treatment. Her forward-thinking approach and initiative are invaluable. Stephany is also a wonderful advocate for our patients. Stephany is very helpful with calling patients on labs and other follow-ups and going through treatment options with them. Stephany has written a few extensive appeals for expensive diabetes medications which have been approved when previously denied. This makes a huge difference in the lives of our patients and their control of diabetes. Stephany has also been able to figure out a few long-standing issues with the oxygen company for several patients ensuring they received the care and equipment they need. In addition, patients love Stephany, there are some that will request their INR or hypertension follow up appointments with her specifically. She is always willing to go above and beyond. Thank you. We appreciate you!
–Megan Voss, PA-C