Morris Hospital celebrates National Nurses Week

• Reprints

Nurses at Morris Hosptial and Healthcare Centers serve in a variety of roles with their specialized backgrounds. | Submitted photo

Updated: September 29, 2011 12:33AM

MORRIS — Nursing is often described as both an art and a science.

That’s because the profession embraces dedicated people with varied interests, strengths and passions.

The same is true at Morris Hospital, where nurses work in a variety of roles throughout the organization.

Morris Hospital will join the nation in honoring its 316 nurses, licensed practical nurses and certified nursing assistants during National Nurses Week, May 6-12.

At Morris Hospital, nurses have dedicated their careers to taking care of patients on 2 South, 2 East/Peds, ICU, the Family Birthing Suites, Emergency Department, Ambulatory Care, Endoscopy, Vascular Lab, Surgery, Recovery Room and at the Healthcare Centers, Immediate Care and Radiation Therapy Center. Morris Hospital nurses also play integral roles in Education, Administration, Registration/Scheduling, Imaging, Cardiac Rehab, Cardiology, Trauma, Admitting, Employee Health, Information Technology, Infection Prevention, Performance Improvement and Case Management.

Throughout its 105-year history, Morris Hospital has enjoyed a reputation of having dedicated, qualified nurses.

The proof comes directly from the patients, whose ratings have earned Morris Hospital nurses distinguished recognition, including:

5-Star patient perception awards in 2011 for overall quality of care on 2 East, 2 South, Family Birthing Suites, Emergency Department, Outpatient Surgery, Endoscopy, and overall Nursing.

Studer Group’s 2010 Excellence in Patient Care award for exemplary “nurse communication” ratings on the HCAHPS patient survey.

Current ratings on the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services’ Hospital Compare website are higher than state and national averages, and higher than all surrounding hospitals, for nurse communication.

While an associate’s degree and nursing diploma is the basic requirement for registered nurses, many of the nurses at Morris Hospital have bachelor’s and even master’s degrees in nursing. Numerous Morris Hospital nurses have earned special certifications in critical care, emergency, medical/surgical, pediatrics, oncology, case management, obstetrics, diabetes and other areas. Achieving these certifications is optional and involves completing intense preparation courses and passing extensive exams.

“Achieving certifications and advancing their education is something many of our nurses choose to do on their own time because they want to increase their knowledge and enhance their profession,” says Carol Havel, Vice President of Patient Care at Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers. “It demonstrates their dedication to the profession. They want to make sure they’re the best nurses they can be.”

“Our nurses know the job they do every day makes a tremendous difference in people’s lives,” adds Havel. “The touch, the time we spend with patients, the comfort we provide…nursing really is as much an art as it is a science.”

Serving patients in 18 communities, Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers includes the 86-bed Morris Hospital, as well as the Braidwood, Channahon, Dwight, Gardner, Marseilles, Minooka, Morris and Newark Healthcare Centers. Through the services of over 1,600 healthcare professionals, physicians and volunteers, Morris Hospital provides a Level II trauma center, lifesaving cardiac care with angioplasty and stents, radiation therapy center for cancer patients, Level II perinatal care provider with an intermediate care nursery, a state-of-the-art intensive care unit, a dedicated pediatric unit, and immediate care services at two locations. Founded in 1906, Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers is the largest employer in Grundy County.

Free school physicals

MORRIS — It is spring and time to think about getting ready for the next school year. Many children will need health examinations and immunizations.

Physicals are required for students entering kindergarten, sixth and ninth-grades, and also for those wishing to participate in school sports. Certain immunizations are also required for kindergarten and 9th grade.

Sixth grade immunizations are recommended at this time.

The Grundy County Health Department will be holding a free sports and health examination clinic performed by Dr. Cho at the Health Department.

The clinic will be held on June 29. To be eligible for this clinic your children should not have Medicaid, All Kids or insurance that will pay for this health examination. Your child must also be a resident of Grundy County.

The Grundy County Health Department will also be offering immunization at these clinics. For each immunization the Health Department requests a $15 donation. No one will be denied immunizations because of inability to pay.

You will need an appointment to attend this clinic. Children must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

All physicals will be performed by Dr. Cho free of charge. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call the Grundy County Health Department at 815-941-3419.

If you are in need of additional services (immunizations, physicals, dental, vision) and school supplies, the Grundy County Back to School Fair will be held on July 30 at the First Christian Church in Morris. Certain income requirements are necessary for eligibility. Pre-registration is required. Applications will be available on May 27 at the Standard Bank in Morris, Gardner and Coal City. For more information call 815-941-0852.

Second Monday of month

Blood drives: 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. second Monday of each month, American Red Cross Grundy County Chapter, 117 W. Washington St., Morris will host a blood drive to support area hospitals. Appointments are recommended but walk-ins are welcome. To make an appointment call 1-800-448-3543 or 815-942-1046.

Wednesday

The carb counting class: 10-11 a.m. May 10 in Whitman Assembly Room 1 at the hospital. During the interactive class, a certified diabetes educator will explain how to keep track of carbohydrates in the diet, which is one of the meal planning techniques for managing blood glucose levels.

Participants will learn how to read labels, how different foods affect blood sugar in different ways, guidelines for serving sizes and portion control, and how to incorporate favorite foods into the diabetic diet. The class is free. Online registration is available at www.morrishospital.org or by calling 815-942-2932, ext. 7362.

Wednesdays through May 18

Prepared childbirth series: 7-9 p.m. Wednesdays, through May 18, Morris Hospital. 150 W. High St., Morris. Class consists of four sessions that focus more deeply on the knowledge, skills and support needed to give birth with confidence. Topics include the process of labor, comfort measures, relaxation skills, common medical interventions, pain management options, vaginal and cecarean birth, postpartum, newborn care, breastfeeding and a tour of the Family Birthing Suites. The registration fee is $60. To register call 815-942-2932, ext. 7367 or visit www.morrishospital.

May 21

A Super saturday childbirth class: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 21, Morris Hospital, 150 W. High St. This condensed class covers the basics of labor, birth and postpartum care. Education on newborn care and breastfeeding is not covered in this class but is available free of charge during a separate class. The cost is $60. To register call 815-942-2932, ext. 7304 or visit morrishospital.org

A new siblings class: 6-6:45 p.m. May 21 at Morris Hospital, 150 W. High St. This fun class is for children ages 3-7 who are preparing to welcome a new brother or sister. Siblings-to-be will learn how a newborn baby looks and acts and what happens while mom and baby are in the hospital. Activities, discussion and a tour of the birthing suites help children feel a part of the experience. Each child should bring a doll or stuffed animal. The cost is $10 per child. To register call 815-942-2932, ext. 7301 or visit morrishospital.org

May 26

Blood drive: 12:30-4:30 p.m. May 26, Morris Hospital is hosting a blood drive in cooperation with Heartland Blood Centers in Whitman Assembly Room 1 at the hospital, 150 W. High Str. in Morris. Every donor will receive two coupons, each good for a free pint of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream.

Donating one unit of blood can save the lives of up to three people. However, only about five percent of the eligible population donates. Appointments are recommended by calling Morris Hospital at 815-942-2932, ext. 7370 or 7130. Walk-ins are also welcome.

May 31

Free diabetes management workshop: 10-11 a.m. May 31 in Whitman Assembly Room 1 at Morris Hospital.

Presented by a registered nurse, dietitian and pharmacist, the workshop covers specific techniques for managing diabetes and controlling the disease process and is intended for individuals who are newly diagnosed with diabetes, as well as those who have had the disease for several years. Spanish translation is available upon request. Online registration is available for all programs at www.morrishospital.org or by calling 815-942-2932, ext. 7362.

Ongoing

Free colon cancer screening kits: Throughout the month of March. Beginning at age 50, individuals should begin regular colorectal screenings. Using the kit, you will collect a stool sample in your home and send it to the hospital’s Lab to be tested for blood. Results are mailed back for patients to share with their physician. To request a colon cancer kit, visit www.silvercross.org or call 1-888-660-HEAL (4325).

Senior fit exercise class: 9-10 a.m. Mondays and Wednesdays at the Diagnostic and Rehabilitative Center of Morris Hospital located at 100 Gore Road, just north of Interstate 80 in Morris; 8:15-9:15 Tuesdays and Thursdays at the United Methodist annex in Minooka; 10-11 a.m. Mondays and Fridays Coal City Public Library; and 7:30-8:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, Mazon Grade School. Senior fit classes are provided free of charge to individuals ages 55 and older. To register, call 815-942-2932, ext. 7364.

TB Testing, Checking: Every Monday by appointment at The Grundy County Health Department, 1320 Union St. in Morris. Testing is required for new employees of healthcare, teachers and DCFS day care facilities. Cost is $15. Call 815-941-3419 to schedule an appointment.

H1N1 vaccination: 3-6 p.m. Wednesdays and 9 a.m. to noon Fridays, Grundy County Health Department is taking appointments for the H1N1 Vaccination, free at the Grundy County Administration Building 1320 Union St., Morris. Call 815-941-6130 to schedule. Walk-Ins welcome. Updates and more information are available on the Web site www.grundyhealth.com

Group fitness fall series: The Channahon Park District is now taking registrations for the group fitness fall series. The Park District is offering fitness classes that will fit most any schedule and for any age, from classes that include infants and toddlers with mom to senior classes that promote strength and fitness. Step, cardio, yoga and pilates classes are all offered on a variety of days and times. For more information, call the Channahon Park District at 815-467-PARK or go to www.channahonpark.org

TB testings/checkings: Mondays-Tuesdays TB testings; Wednesdays-Thursdays, The Grundy County Health Department, 1320 Union St., Morris. TB test checked by appointment only. Testing is required for teachers, day care workers and for day care admission, for college entrance, all health care workers and for others who are employed or do volunteer work in high risk settings. TB testing is recommended for people who have previously lived in another country where TB incidence remains high. To schedule an appointment, call 815-941-3419. Cost per TB test is $5 donation. TB test is for Grundy County residents only. Call 815-941-3419.

Hatha yoga: 5-6 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays, diagnostic and rehabilitative center of Morris Hospital, 100 Gore Road in Morris. Call 815-942-2932, ext. 7364.

The Fit for life circuit Class: 7-8:15 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays. Class incorporates music, energy and fun and is ideal for individuals who would like to increase their physical performance and regain youthful energy and flexibility while achieving cardiovascular and bone strengthening benefits. Limited openings are available. The cost is $2.50 per session. Call 815-942-2932, ext. 7364.

Pilates: 4:45-5:45 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, Diagnostic and Rehabilitative Center of Morris Hospital, 100 Gore Road in Morris. Designed to tone and sculpt the entire body while promoting weight loss. Cost is $2.50 per session. Call 815-942-2932, ext. 7364 to register.

Sunrise yoga: 5:45-6:30 a.m. Tuesdays, Heritage Crossing Field House, sponsored by Channahon Park District. You will stretch your mind and your body as you develop strength, flexibility and inner peace to carry you through your day. Call 815-467-7275.

Gentle yoga: 9:45-10:45 a.m. Wednesdays at the Diagnostic and Rehabilitative Center, Morris Hospital, 100 Gore Road, Morris. A modification of traditional yoga with seniors in mind. Each session involves exercise, breathing techniques, relaxation and meditation activities. Call 815-942-2932, ext. 7364 to register.

Child Immunization Clinic: Wednesdays, The Grundy County Health Department offers childhood immunizations to Grundy County residents by appointment. A $15 donations is requested. For more information, call 815-941-3419.

Deadline for submitting copy for Southwest Weekly is 10 days before the publication date. Mail to Southwest Weekly, The Herald News, 13543 S. Route 30, Plainfield, IL 60544-1100, fax to 815-439-7527, or e-mail information to jfeatures@stmedianetwork.com. Questions? Call Jean Edwards at 815-439-5312.