Donated cell phones translate to talk time for deployed soldiers and their families

Want to help our military today, but unsure how to do it?

Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Hurst-Euless-Bedford has collected more than 1,000 cell phones to donate to the nationwide non-profit Cell Phones for Soldiers. Spearheaded by Carol Speed in Education, Texas Health HEB serves as a collection site for old, unwanted cell phones. We donate them to Cell Phones for Soldiers, which then exchanges them for calling cards. The calling cards are then donated to our soldiers serving abroad, and their families, so they can stay in touch during a soldier’s deployment.

In less than two years, Texas Health HEB has donated enough cell phones to give more than 53,000 minutes of talk time for our soldiers and their families.

Community members are welcome to bring in their old cell phones to donate to Cell Phones for Soldiers. Drop off boxes are located in the main lobby at the Guest Services desk, Fitness Center and Education department on the second floor of the Springwood building. Donors wishing to designate calling cards for a specific serviceman or woman can contact Carol Speed at CarolSpeed@texashealth.org with details.

Tips to help keep children safe during the summer months

Now that the temperatures are rising and summer is approaching, the first images that come to mind are bar-b-ques, picnics, and swimming pools!

However, when you have little ones around (kids, grandchildren, nieces and nephews) it is important to be extra vigilant around the pool. Did you know that drowning is one of the top leading causes of death for children under 4? I worked for a couple of years as the Water Safety Educator for a local children’s hospital and enjoy the opportunity to share tips with the community.

According to Safe Kids USA, there are a few simple things you can do to keep your children safe around water.

1. Always make sure children are being ACTIVELY supervised. Would you believe that most drownings occur when a parent/guardian was “watching”? Active supervision involves being in close contact of the child/children and watching the child without distractions (i.e. no talking on the phone, reading a book, grilling hamburgers, etc.) In addition, if multiple adults are around, designate an adult to be the “water watcher”.
2. Door and pool gate alarms can help alert parents if a young child goes outside and attempts to enter the pool
3. Place kids who do not know how to swim in U.S. Coast Guard approved life jackets. Please remember inflatable tubes and water wings (floaties) are not sufficient to prevent a child from drowning. These products can puncture and/or deflate and can easily slip-off a small child.
4. Enroll your child in swimming lessons. Please remember though, if a child has been through swimming lessons, they are still not “drowning proof” and supervision is still of utmost importance.
5. Learn CPR. In case the worst does happen, it is best to be as prepared as possible. Texas Health HEB offers CPR classes.

While the swimming pool is where most drownings occur, caution must be used anytime children are around water. Very young children have drowned in bathtubs, toilets, and even something as small as an ice chest or bucket with standing water. It only takes about one inch of water to cause a drowning.

At Texas Health HEB we want our entire community to be safe. If you would like Texas Health HEB community health educator to come speak at your facility, please call 817-848-4881 or e-mail JessicaReading@texashealth.org.

Jessica Reading, MPH
Community Health Educator
Texas Health HEB

Grandmother in Waiting

Grandmother? When my daughter and son-in-law announced their pregnancy, all I could think about was GRANDMOTHER? I am too young? Are you sure? I knew this would happen? I am excited? Really weird emotions…. excitement…… denial…….. wait a minute, no one loves babies more than me? Why the weird feelings?

Anyway, after deciding I did not have to be called Grandmother, the idea of being a grandmother was quickly growing on me. I made sure I was the first to buy a baby gift. I calculated (on an iPhone app) when my little grandbaby would arrive, based on dates, and “who” would be the right person to help provide prenatal care to my daughter and her little one. Yes, iPhone app, “What to Expect” when you’re expecting. It has provided week to week information on the pregnancy and the baby’s growth and development. From week to week the baby’s size is compared to some type of fruit or vegetable…..we have grown from a grape to a plum, and now are the size of a small head of cabbage, (28weeks) 17 inches and 2 ½ lbs.

So 3 weeks ago, after a very frightening evening, it is determined that my daughter experienced a partial placental abruption (premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall). VERY scary. She and the baby did well through the events that followed, however this unfortunate complication landed her on strict bed rest for the remainder of this pregnancy. Like any concerned mother, whose daughter has just spent a week in the hospital, I talked her and her husband into moving back in with Mom until this baby arrives safely.

So now let’s talk not only about Mommies in Waiting (our program for hospitalized Mommies), but Grandmother’s / Families in Waiting. I have been very involved in the Texas Health HEB Mommies in Waiting. And although I thought I understood the needs of these families, now I realize how much more is going on for them than what we see or hear.

As an expectant Mom on bed rest, my daughter has lots of ups and downs. I find her “worrying” more than I have ever seen or noticed in the past. She is concerned for her baby, and will spend hours just looking at the TV and holding her tummy…daydreaming. Her husband is attentive, but seems confused on what she needs. She is bored, and you can tell she hates to ask for anything. I worry every minute I am away from her! It has been very stressful on everyone. My husband, the expectant grandfather, has had difficulty sleeping himself, and has been amazing. Yesterday he brought her king-size bed to our house so she could be comfortable. Her younger brother and sister live at home, so they are a nice distraction for her. It is great when they get her to play a video game or watch a movie.

We purchased a zero gravity lounge chair, and have encouraged some lounging outdoors for fresh air and sunshine, which she seems to enjoy.

11 more weeks and counting! I am excited to be a Grandmother and I know that learning through living the experience will make me a better nurse for our Mommies in Waiting and their families.


Laura Burnett, RN, BSN
International Board Certified Lactation Consultant
Nursing Supervisor, Women's Services
Texas Health HEB

Hospital staff, physicians on medical staff recognized for giving back to community

By definition, health care workers care for others each day.

But for many Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Hurst-Euless-Bedford employees and physicians on the medical staff, the service to the community doesn’t stop when they change out of their scrubs or clock out for the day.

That’s why each year Texas Health HEB honors an employee, department and a physician on the medical staff for their contributions outside of the hospital’s walls.

This year, the Texas Health HEB honorees are:

• Jenny Ellis, R.N., AOCN,: In her day job, Ellis works on the Oncology Care Unit at Texas Health HEB. She primarily educates patients and their families about chemotherapy, cancer treatments and what to expect. In addition, she works closely with the American Cancer Society on support groups and programs to help those living with cancer and serves as camp nurse for the Bluebonnet Retreat, an adult cancer camp. She also is very active with Special Olympics and Special Friends, a program that helps adult special needs athletes train and socialize.

• Dr. Rebeca Sharp is an internal medicine physician on the medical staff at Texas Health HEB. When not seeing patients in her practice, Sharp can frequently be found volunteering at Cornerstone Ministries in Fort Worth. She also mentors Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine students completing rotations with the Cornerstone clinic. She travels to Mexico for a week each year to treat indigent patients and serves as chairwoman of the board of directors of Women’s Choice Resource Center. In addition to being selected as an award winner for Texas Health HEB, she also has been recognized across the Texas Health Resources system.


• Texas Health Fitness Center HEB employees frequently can be found speaking at area community events and holding free, or low-cost, programs to improve the health of people in the area. The Fitness Center offers free memberships to military personnel on leave and gives free use of the facility to individuals needing a shower or place to go while a family member is in the hospital. The Fitness Center provides education and fitness services to breast cancer survivors and those who have suffered cardiac events.

“We are thrilled that so many of our team members actively serve their community,” said Debbie Paganelli, FACHE, hospital president. “Jenny, Dr. Sharp and all the staff of the Fitness Center are shining examples of the kinds of people at Texas Health HEB who pour their all into helping others each day. They don’t ask for praise or recognition, but I am honored to recognize the dedication and inspiration they provide to all around them.”

L&D staff solves the case of the mystery camera card

Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Hurst-Euless-Bedford labor and delivery nurses recently had an unusual task.

While doing some spring cleaning on the unit staff noticed a digital camera card in a desk drawer. One staff member recalled that it had been found in a hallway several years before, but never claimed.

The L&D staff decided to look on the card and see if they could solve the mystery. They found a photo of the baby’s crib card showing and another with the wristband. They zoomed in on those parts of the images and then printed the photos out.

Once printed, the staff could see the last name and date of birth. They were able to search through their delivery book and find the patient’s whole name and then search through the hospital’s electronic record system to find the patient’s number.

When they talked to the former patient she confirmed that her husband had lost the camera card and that they were heartbroken to have lost the only photos of their daughter, now two years, as a newborn.

Super sleuths Leanne Perry, RN, Yvonne Collett, RN, Dee Freeman, PCT, and Tracy Green, PCT, solved the case and an hour later she picked up the camera card and photos.

What’s a woman to do? Mammography debate continues

Most of us heard through the news or a friend, that in November 2009, the US Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) released new recommendations for routine mammography screening. They recommend that routine mammography begin at age 50 (previously it was age 40) and occur once every two years until age 74 (as opposed to every year). Their recommendations were based on studies that revealed that mammograms in 40-50 year old women led to many false positives and invasive testing that was unnecessary – meaning patients would have an abnormal mammogram, undergo biopsy, and find out there was no malignancy. Furthermore, the USPSTF believes that eliminating mammography in this age group would be cost effective and would prevent unnecessary biopsies and anxiety. Lastly, the USPSTF recommends against clinicians teaching women how to perform breast self-exams (BSE).

As a practicing physician these types of new recommendations can be frustrating! And I hear frustration from patients each day that they don’t know what to make of the changes.

First off, there are conflicting recommendations from different reputable organizations. The American College of Ob/Gyn (ACOG) “maintains its current advice that women in their 40s continue mammography screening every one to two years and women age 50 or older continue annual screening. . . . At this time, ACOG's position is that ob-gyns should continue to counsel women that BSE have the potential to detect palpable breast cancer and can be performed.”

Secondly, we worry how insurance companies will respond – will they stop covering the mammograms for 40-50 year olds and only cover one mammogram every 2 years after age 50? This essentially means patients will be angry if their doctor sends them for a mammogram and they have to pay out of pocket!

Do you see the dilemma that this puts us in as physicians and patient advocates?

Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of death in women. The risk that a woman will develop breast cancer during her lifetime is 1.5 % – this means 1 out of every 8 women will develop breast cancer. Yes, this number is much lower in women aged 40-50, about 1.44% or 1 in 69. However, breast cancer is still one of the leading causes of death in this age group!

What have I decided to do?

• Most importantly, high risk patients will still be recommended mammography at an early age (the exact age depends on the situation). High risk patients include those with BRCA1, BRCA2, and family history of breast cancer.

• I continue to teach patients how and when to do their monthly self breast exams. Mammograms are not perfect. . . every doctor (and many women) know of a patient, family member, or friend that had a normal mammogram earlier in the year only to discover a breast lump a few months later – and a cancerous one at that! My thought? What’s the harm in doing the self exams? And there is so much to gain – you could diagnose a cancer months to years earlier! An early diagnosis can make the difference of life and death.

• So far, I have continued to offer my patients aged 40-50 mammograms every 1-2 years and most everyone has decided to undergo the screening – even if it may mean additional testing or biopsies in the future. Those patients that opted not to get the mammogram were because insurance would not pay for the test. So what this boils down to is that the insurance company essentially is making the decision for the patient! In my opinion that is just way too much power for an insurance company to have!

If you are having a tough time deciding whether routine mammography screening is right for you, talk with your doctor. The Australian Screening Mammogram Decision Trial has a web based tool that also aids in making the decision.

Manisha Parikh, M.D., FACOG
OB/GYN on the medical staff at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Hurst-Euless-Bedford

Chief nursing officer recognized by Great 100 program she helped create

For Lucy Norris, MS, RN, being named a Great 100 Nurse was a bit of coming full circle in her career.

That’s because she was part of the group that created the program.

The Texas Nurses Association and the Dallas/Fort Worth Nurse Executives annually sponsor the “Great 100 Nurses,” which honors registered nurses in the D/FW area who exemplify excellence in the art and science of nursing. Nurses are nominated by their peers, and may only be named to the list once in their career.

“It is a humbling experience for me,” said Norris, who is chief nursing officer at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Hurst-Euless-Bedford. “I was nominated by a nurse and recognized by nurses, which makes this a very special honor to me. I can think of hundreds of nurses that are more deserving. Having been a part of the group that developed the Great 100 program years ago has made this recognition even more special. It’s just amazing to me how the Great 100 program has grown and I’m just honored to be a part of it.”

In all, Texas Health nurses won 35 of the 100 spots on the coveted list, accounting for more than one-third of the top nurses in the Metroplex — more than any other hospital or health system in the area.

Norris originally got into nursing because she loved science and knew of many relatives who were doctors and nurses. “I just fell in love with it,” she said. “I loved the ability to impact someone’s life so profoundly on a daily basis. The need that people had was never-ending. I felt like if I could improve their life just a little bit then it was worth it to me. “

With more than 25 years of experience in the health care industry, including 19 years as a chief nursing officer, Lucy is the epitome of the professional nurse, her nominator said. She consistently encourages her staff to pursue advanced learning and enhance their career development paths.

“She has implemented quality improvement programs and has a strong working knowledge of hospital operations, cost controls, and productivity measurements,” her nominator said. “Lucy identifies problems, provides realistic solutions and builds patient care divisions capable of functioning in today’s challenging health care environment.”

An accidental calling

Sue Robertson, R.N., didn’t take a traditional path into nursing.

“I never thought about becoming a nurse until I was in my thirties and was hospitalized for two weeks,” she said. “The nurses took such great care of me while I was there and it was then that I decided to become a nurse.”

After 34 years in the profession, Robertson said that “no other job could be so fulfilling and so much fun. I work with some of the best people on the planet.”

Robertson works at Texas Health Springwood Hospital. She was named to this year’s Great 100 Nurses list. The Texas Nurses Association and the Dallas/Fort Worth Nurse Executives annually sponsor the “Great 100 Nurses,” which honors registered nurses in the D/FW area who exemplify excellence in the art and science of nursing. Nurses are nominated by their peers, and may only be named to the list once in their career.

In all, Texas Health nurses won 35 of the 100 spots on the coveted list, accounting for more than one-third of the top nurses in the Metroplex — more than any other hospital or health system in the area.

Robertson’s nominator said that she “leads by example through her work ethic, her flexibility to work different units, different shifts.” In addition, Robertson is an encourager with an even temperament. “She is self-sacrificing, compassionate, and patient in her care of others,” her nominator said. “In my 27 years of nursing, I hold Sue Robertson’s nursing talent in highest regard.”

Putting into words what being named a Great 100 Nurse means to her is difficult, Robertson said. “I feel so very blessed!” she said. “At first it was surreal. Then I found myself wanting to do even better. I will continue to do my very best and hope to always be worthy of such an honor.”

Making the most of menopause

What young woman hasn’t heard her mother or family friend complain about menopause? Older women frequently commiserate about the negative effects of menopause, hot flashes usually being the main shared complaint.

Every day, an estimated 6,000 U.S. women reach menopause, according to the North American Menopause Society (NAMS).

The impending physical, emotional and social changes associated with menopause might cause some women to wish they could avoid making the transition, but it can also become a gateway to better health.

“Women begin focusing on what’s happening to their bodies,” said Dr. Linda Prentice, an obstetrician/gynecologist on the medical staff at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Hurst-Euless-Bedford (pictured on right). “That attention to their bodies tends to lead women to take the time to think more about issues related to their overall health, which can be very beneficial for women who have spent years focusing on the health of others first.”

Symptoms of menopause, ranging from mild to severe and spanning up to five years or more, can include:

• Hot flashes
• Sleep disturbances
• Memory and concentration changes
• Mood swings, depression and anxiety
• Heart Palpitations
• Joint pain
• Changes in skin, hair and eyes
• Headaches

For some women, hormone therapy can be prescribed to help alleviate menopausal symptoms and potentially provide additional health benefits later in life. However, hormone therapy is not a one-size-fits-all approach. According to some studies, hormone therapy can adversely affect health for some women by contributing to such diseases as breast cancer, uterine cancer and hypertension.

“Each woman’s experience with menopause, her medical history and health are unique,” Prentice said. “All are factors that need to be considered to determine the best treatment for women during this stage of life.”

Staying informed about health issues associated with menopause and later stages of life for women is one way women can make the most out of menopause. Many of the decisions a woman makes during menopause will have an effect on her health for the rest of her life.

The bottom line is being informed and taking time to survey your overall health can make the most of the menopause experience.

Blessing of healing hands

Celebrating the care and healing which happens in our hospital is what National Hospital Week is all about.

As we care for the whole person -- body, mind and spirit -- it is evident that every employee at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Hurst-Euless-Bedford, no matter what their job function, impacts the high quality of care we provide. The healing hands and caring hearts of every employee is celebrated this week as chaplains bless the hands of employees throughout the hospital.

The Blessing of the Hands is an annual ritual which affirms the work of each Texas Health HEB team member acknowledging the sacred work they do every day. This blessing is ecumenical in nature and provided for all employees who find this symbolic ritual meaningful. Chaplains visiting units on every shift have blessed the hands of hundreds of employees this week. Chaplains provided a copy of the prayer for employees to be reminded throughout the year how much their daily work contributes to touching the whole experience of those receiving care in our hospital.

The blessing says “May the work of your hands be a blessing to you and all those around you; May the God who formed these hands use them to bring grace and life to this Community; God bless these hands to be instruments of your care and healing.”

For employees who missed the chaplain on their unit, Blessing of the Hands will be available in the chapel on Friday, May 14th between 11 am and 2 pm. or can be given at any time by request.

Linda White
Chaplain
Texas Health HEB

Cardiac rehab nurse named Hometown Hero

She is a nurse, educator, pastor, cheerleader, coach and friend. And now she has been named a Hometown Hero by the Northeast Tarrant Chamber of Commerce.

Pat Paprocki is the clinical nurse coordinator of the Cardiac Rehabilitation Program at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Hurst-Euless-Bedford. She obtained her nursing degree from Sisters of Charity School of Nursing in Buffalo, New York. During her 33-year career span, Pat has worked in various areas of critical care, ultimately specializing in coronary care.

Pat joined the North East Tarrant County American Heart Association Board of Directors in 1997. The following year she was named its “Rookie of the Year.” In 2000 she was recognized by her peers and named a Great 100 Nurse by the Texas Nursing Association. She is active in several professional organizations.

Under her leadership, the Cardiac Rehab Program at Texas Health HEB was recognized as an “Outstanding Program” with the Texas Cardiovascular Health Promotion reward from the Texas Department of Health in 2002. She was integral in getting the program nationally certified. Pat also received the “Living the Mission” award for her dedication to patient care from the Texas Health Resources, the parent organization of Texas Health HEB. Pat also was honored by Colleyville City Council in 2007 for her outstanding contributions to advancing heart health in Northeast Tarrant County.

Her commitment and compassion for each of the cardiac rehab patients is endless. Her patients truly come first. For many of the cardiac rehab patients this is their first brush with mortality and Pat helps them work their way back to health.

Outside of her role to improve the health of people in the community, Pat is a wife, a mother and a nana.

Photograph: Recently the Northeast Tarrant Chamber of Commerce presented Pat Paprocki with a Hometown Hero award. Photographed at the chamber event are, from left, Texas State Senator Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound; Pat Paprocki, and Cheri Walker, event chairwoman.

Differences in babies eating styles may depend on how they are fed

When you look at the information available on growth for breast and formula fed infants, it is quite different. So much so, that the World Health Organization did extensive work to develop growth charts appropriate for exclusively breastfed babies. Most of the research in the development of growth charts was on formula-fed infants. Generally breastfed babies grow quickly, and then slow down significantly, and are often very lean toddlers. Breastfed babies regulate their feedings, and nursing mothers feed based on cues from their babies.

I think in looking at the results of the study, it makes sense that infants who are mainly bottle fed are more likely to finish the whole bottle as they grow. We want our babies to finish their bottles and expect our children to clean their plates. Self regulation of food intake based on hunger is something breastfed babies are programmed to do. They must communicate with their mother via feeding cues, to ensure adequate intake. Not all mothers have the same storage capacity or ability to produce breast milk, and their success is dependent on the baby communicating its needs.

The risk of obesity is lower in breastfed infant and you have to speculate this ability to self-regulate feeding volumes may contribute to this. They eat when they are hungry. Lots about breastfeeding seems very inter-related. The research outcomes seem to overlap and really emphasize the benefits as being cumulative in many, many ways, which is why Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Hurst-Euless-Bedford sought accreditation from the World Health Organization as a Baby-Friendly hospital.

Laura Burnett, RN, BSN
International Board Certified Lactation Consultant
Nursing Supervisor, Women's Services
Texas Health HEB

Do you know how to correctly dispose of medicines?

The last time I moved, as I started packing my bathroom drawers, I discovered several bottles of decongestants and other medicines left over from the previous year’s sinus infection. At the time, I just threw them in the trash. Now that I know more about the effects the incorrect disposal of medication can have on our environment, I’m glad I chose the trash.

According to the U.S. Office of National Drug Control Policy, when we flush old antibiotics, hormones, painkillers, antidepressants and other medications down the toilet or drain, these substances then enter our water supply. And once they do, it’s near impossible to remove them.

It’s pretty scary to think every time I take a sip of water or brush my teeth, I could be getting a dose of someone else’s prescription.

But what if you’re not comfortable throwing that old bottle of medications in the trash as is? How should you properly dispose of it? Here are a few tips, courtesy of the City of Arlington.

• First, dissolve any pills in salt water.

• Mix the salt water and/or any liquid medications with kitty litter or used coffee grounds to help prevent them from being ingested or taken out of the trash.

• Leave the prescription in the original packaging so it can be identified in case it’s accidently consumed by a child or pet. For privacy, scratch or mark out your name, physician and prescription number. Finally, use duct or packing tape to close up the bottle before putting it in the trash.

Another option is to participate in a drug take-back program. Locally, the city of Fort Worth offers medication disposal at its Environmental Collection Center, located at 6400 Bridge Street. Fort Worth partners with most cities in Tarrant County to share this resource, including Hurst, Euless, Bedford, Colleyville, Roanoke, Grapevine, Keller, North Richland Hills, Richland Hills, Haltom City, Watauga and more.

Proof of residency and a voucher may be required to use the collection center, so be sure to check with the city you live in for more information before you go. You may also call the Environmental Collection Center at 817-871-5257 for more information. The center is open Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Lisa Starnes, MBA, APR
Business Development Specialist
Texas Health HEB

Texas Health HEB oncology care unit named 2010 Best Nursing Team

Stepping onto the oncology care unit at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Hurst-Euless-Bedford it is immediately clear that the unit is different. While one might expect the unit to be a sad place, there is more a sense of a welcoming spirit that is almost like entering a family’s home.

And it’s because of that spirit that the nurses on the oncology care unit create each day, the nurses have been named the 2010 Best Nursing Team by ADVANCE for Nurses magazine. The unit was recognized in the Texas region and was featured on the cover of the magazine. (To watch a webcast about the unit, click here.)

The Texas Health HEB oncology care unit prides itself on the way nurses, patient care technicians and physicians on the medical staff care for patients. Each member of the staff frequently can be found lending their expertise to others on the team. This collaborative approach enables staff to take extra time with patients who need special attention or needs addressed.

“When most people think of oncology care they imagine the sadness and difficulties, but the staff in our oncology care unit see a blessed role to improve the lives of each patient and their family,” said Deborah Paganelli, FACHE, hospital president. “The oncology care unit staff consistently work together care for the whole patient and family unit - mind, body and spirit - instead of just treating the cancer.”

The unit places a high priority on education. Of all nurses that are eligible, nearly all have passed a rigorous oncology certified nurse exam. Each nurse on the unit also is certified through the Oncology Nursing Society in chemotherapy and biotherapy prior to administering chemotherapy. And Jenny Ellis, RN, MS, AOCN, oncology nurse specialist, provides education and opportunities for professional development to staff on the unit.

It isn’t just within the hospital’s walls that the unit’s nurses make a difference. Twice a year they help to run the Bluebonnet Retreat, which is the only adult cancer camp in Texas. They also are involved in various local organizations.

“Our nurses and patient care technicians do an amazing job working together and drawing off of each other’s strengths to improve the patients’ care,” said Lori Krogman, R.N., B.S.N, unit manager. “The unit really operates like a family and I think our patients recognize and appreciate that atmosphere.”

Congratulations to the nurses and patient care technicians who work in the oncology care unit for being named the 2010 Best Nursing Team by ADVANCE for Nurses.

Great 100 Nurse serves as the calm during the storm

Larry Wong, RN, CCRN, CNRN, is known for taking things in stride.

He recalls one chaotic day working as an orderly in an emergency department that was at capacity. Once the busy shift ended, he recalls, the staff paused and took a moment to reflect on how the overall team came together to meet the challenge. “On that day I decided this was the career I wished to pursue,” he said.

One area that piqued his interest was how working together as a multidisciplinary team and using rapid assessment tools along with employing medical interventions can help a patient’s recovery.

Now after more than 24 years as a nurse, Wong has been named a Great 100 Nurse. The Texas Nurses Association and the Dallas/Fort Worth Nurse Executives annually sponsor the “Great 100 Nurses,” which honors registered nurses in the D/FW area who exemplify excellence in the art and science of nursing. Nurses are nominated by their peers, and may only be named to the list once in their career.

In all, Texas Health nurses won 35 of the 100 spots on the coveted list, accounting for more than one-third of the top nurses in the Metroplex — more than any other hospital or health system in the area.

His co-workers say that Wong’s natural leadership abilities are on full display as he manages the role of charge nurse. He easily handles his own patient load while helping staff and doing both jobs well.

“Having a charge nurse who can keep their composure when you are losing yours makes all the difference,” one co-worker said. “Working the night shift we don’t have the luxury of having doctors around all the time and Wong is one to take charge and lead us through difficult situations. His flexibility in assuming many roles and performing them impeccably is an invaluable asset to our unit. Admired and respected by new and seasoned staff, he is definitely one nurse I emulate.”

Focused on the patients

Patti Joliet, RNC, went into nursing more than three decades ago to help people in need. Today as a staff nurse in labor and delivery at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Hurst-Euless-Bedford she’s still fulfilling that mission and helping a new generation.

Though medical practice has evolved and technology has changed both care at the bedside and non-patient care functions, the bottom line for Joliet is treating the patient. “The need remains to keep nursing on a personal level with people taking care of people,” she said. “Just as it was 30 years ago, it is gratifying to make a difference in someone’s life in their time of need.”

Her managers cite her consistent leadership ability as a trait that helps Joliet stand out among the nursing staff. Joliet also works closely with individuals with a loss along with the happier stories out of the neonatal intensive care unit and labor and delivery unit. Because of Joliet’s natural abilities and training, co-workers frequently look to her for guidance.

That recognition among her peers is one of the greatest parts of being named a Great 100 Nurse for Joliet who said that “being recognized for doing the work I love is special, particularly since it comes from my peers.”

The Texas Nurses Association and the Dallas/Fort Worth Nurse Executives annually sponsor the “Great 100 Nurses,” which honors registered nurses in the D/FW area who exemplify excellence in the art and science of nursing. Nurses are nominated by their peers, and may only be named to the list once in their career.

In all, Texas Health nurses won 35 of the 100 spots on the coveted list, accounting for more than one-third of the top nurses in the Metroplex — more than any other hospital or health system in the area.

Even more than outside recognition, Joliet says she appreciates the day-to-day work with her patients the most. “To me the greatest reward is taking care of my patients and seeing the impact I make in their lives,” she said.