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La Crosse, WI

Gundersen Health System1900 South AvenueLa Crosse, WI 54601

Volume 19, Number 18, May 1, 2014gundersenhealth.org

Now’s a good time to address advance care planning

The long-running national television news program, CBS Sunday Morning, aired a story last Sunday highlighting Gundersen’s patient-centered approach to advance care planning. Our advance care planning program, Respecting Choices®, has become an international model for care.

Journalist Dean Reynolds spent a couple of days at Gundersen talking to patients, family members and staff to learn what makes our program so different from traditional models of caring for those with advanced illnesses. Patients and family members allowed the CBS team to be part of very personal conversations and moments because they felt it’s important for everyone to understand the benefits of advance care planning.

Advance care planning is the process of coming to understand, discuss and plan for a time when you cannot make your own medical decisions. The process helps those closest to you and your physician(s) to provide you the best care when you cannot make your own decisions. Through this process you can create a plan, or advance directive, that

documents your choices.Getting startedFor most adults, the best way to

document your decisions is to use a Power of Attorney for Healthcare form. This document also allows you to appoint another person to be your decision-maker or healthcare agent when you are not able to make your own decisions.

A Power of Attorney for Healthcare document meeting the statutory requirements in Wisconsin, Iowa and Minnesota, along with a Planning Guide and Information Booklet, are available online at gundersenhealth.org/advance-care. But the document will only be helpful if you take time to understand the issues, reflect on your values and goals, and discuss your preferences with those closest to you.

To help you complete your Power of Attorney for Healthcare, there is a 20-minute tutorial that guides you through each part of the document.

For more information or help in completing an advance directive, contact Gundersen Pastoral Care at ext. 51347. l

Windows 7 upgrade planned for all Gundersen workstations

An Information Systems (IS) project is underway to upgrade all Gundersen Health System computers from Windows XP operating system to Windows 7. The upgrade, which is expected to be complete by July 2015, is required because Microsoft no longer supports Windows XP.

IS will use a phased-in approach and will work with managers to coordinate timing of the upgrade for their respective departments. Due to the scope of the project, some departments may not be contacted until late in 2014. About one week prior to the upgrade, IS will send end users an email, noting specific instructions to follow and who to contact with questions.

While the look and feel of Windows 7 is different than Windows XP, the basic functions are similar and very intuitive. A Quick Start Guide is available via Gladiator to familiarize staff with the new operating system. Click on Windows 7 Education in the Featured Links section.

As with any computer upgrade, some programs or network printers may need to be

manually installed and/or configured. IS staff will be available to help resolve these issues.

Staff who work from home and those with older computers (models 7800 and 7900) will not be upgraded. Someone from the IS Desktop Team will contact these users to schedule a time for a computer replacement and upgrade to Windows 7.

If you have questions, contact Belinda Klock, advanced training consultant, Clinical Systems, at ext. 50151. If any issues arise during the upgrade, contact the IS Help Desk at ext. 53070. l

Biking to work: You can’t beat the parkingWe all know that it is important for our

health and wellbeing to get regular exercise. So why not combine the need to work out with your need to get out and work?

Being active in your commute will provide you exercise, save you gas money and could even save you time. Imagine passing all those cars that are backed up in traffic as you walk by or ride your bicycle past? Better yet, you won’t need to spend time hunting for a parking spot!

The team at Gundersen Exercise Physiology connected all the dots some time ago. Take Sue Bramwell, registered clinical exercise physiologist and wellness coach. She rides her bike to the La Crosse Campus from the Holmen area when she can. It’s not every day by any means, but it beats driving.

“My drive is 35-40 minutes home to desk. To bike is not really much longer: 45 minutes and I get great parking!” Sue says. “You get your workout and don’t have to find another 45 minutes somewhere else in your day when you have a busy family.”

Sue says Blake Boyer walks each day; Eddie Stenger and Terresa Bubbers bike when they can; Michelle Dunlap and Brant Stevermer also use pedal power.

And then there is lead exercise physiologist Shannon Riley. She’s the department all-star when it comes to biking to work. The La Crosse native rides nearly every day from the Onalaska area to the La Crosse Campus. Only the harshest winter weather days stop her.

Oh … she’s also just about six months pregnant.

“Being active is a fun way to start the day,” Shannon says. “It gets the blood pumping and anytime I can spend outside is a bonus for me.”

Many days, Shannon gets to watch the sun rise. “It’s relaxing, too. You get ready mentally for the day on the way in and have time to tapper down on the way home.”

Gundersen Health System’s Walk, Ride, Share for Cleaner Air commuting challenge gives staff incentives for biking, car-pooling, taking the bus or walking to work. Each month—May, June, July and August—employees who participate in this challenge will have a chance to win gift cards and other great prizes.

To register, visit gundersenhealth.org/activecommute or call ext. 55442. When using the Wellness Portal to register, be sure to include your employee ID on your profile

Gundersen Exercise Physiology coworkers (L-R) Eddie Stenger, Blake Boyer, Sue Bramwell, Shannon Riley, Brant Stevermer and Michelle Dunlap are frequent active commuters—they get to work by foot and pedal power whenever they can.

page in order to be offered employee challenges. Participate in the challenge as much as you like by tracking your commuting activity. It’s OK if you are not able to actively or alternatively commute every day. Do it as often as you are able. l

2 May 1, 2014

BRIDGESBridges is published weekly to communicate news to Gundersen Health System employees, volunteers, retirees and Board members. Unless otherwise directed by your manager or supervisor, the educational meetings or conferences published in Bridges are voluntary, not mandatory. Hourly staff will not be compensated if they choose to attend this meeting or conference and their employment will not be adversely affected by nonattendance.

Submit news, story ideas or other materials to Neil Stilwell, Corporate Communications, mailstop NCA1-03, by noon Friday before publication.

Editor & Circulation: Neil StilwellGraphic Design: Zach Johnson

Gundersen Health System is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability or age in admission, treatment, or participation in its programs, services and activities, or in employment. Access to TTY (telephone teletype-writer), also known as TTD (telephone teletypewriter device), for people who are hearing impaired, is available through Great Rivers 2-1-1 by dialing 2-1-1 or (800) 362-8255.

Copyright 2014. Gundersen Health System. All Rights Reserved.

Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center, Inc. Gundersen Clinic, Ltd.

Gundersen volunteer named Jefferson Award ambassador to Washington, D.C.

April, as National Volunteer Month, gave us a chance to recognize all those who take time out of their lives to help others. One of Gundersen Health System’s very own volunteers, Karen Vogt, was recognized by WXOW News 19 for her public service at the third Jefferson Awards banquet in La Crosse.

Founded in 1972 by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Sen. Robert Taft, Jr. and Sam Beard, the Jefferson Awards are America’s highest honor for public service. In April, Karen was chosen out of the 12 local winners from 2013 to represent La Crosse in a national competition in Washington D.C., set for June.

She has logged more than 1,500 hours at Gundersen and also works with area children through the YWCA’s CASA for Kids program. Gale Kreibich, director of Service Excellence at Gundersen, says, “Karen is an outstanding volunteer and a huge asset to us in how we welcome patients, family members and visitors into our Clinic Lobby. Her warm, outgoing

and humor-laced personality is a perfect fit for assisting others. She rarely stands still, and accepts every task that comes her way. She deserves this national recognition!”

Lori Van Lin, director of Volunteer Services at Gundersen, agrees whole-heartedly with Gale.

“Karen is so deserving of this honor. She is truly committed to the patients and families at Gundersen. She is always willing to go above and beyond to take care of the needs of everyone who enters our medical center and faithfully volunteers three mornings each week.

She is a true ambassador for Gundersen, and is an excellent representative for volunteerism in La Crosse!”

Karen’s dedication to children and adults in our community brings her as much joy as she brings to others.

“I love being around people,” Karen says. “I love visiting with people and it’s just a pleasure for me to do this.” l Karen Vogt

Craig Bennett, MDAshley Wellness CenterMD: University of Minnesota-Duluth, Duluth, Minn.Residency: Franciscan Skemp Family Medicine, La Crosse, Wis.Medical Interests: Prenatal care, well-child exams and sports medicinePersonal Interests: Spending time with family, outdoor activities and helping with local youth and school sports teams

At Ashley Wellness Center (AWC), Dr. Bennett works with employee patients and their families on overall health and wellness, with an emphasis on prevention, along with pediatrics and women’s healthcare. “I am hoping to bring a full family medicine clinic atmosphere to Ashley. We hope that people will choose this clinic for not just their urgent care needs but also for their day-to-day healthcare needs, including prenatal and well-child care,” comments Dr. Bennett, a native of Esko, Minn.

To learn more, call AWC at (608) 323-3210. l

Welcome new leadersPlease take a moment to congratulate the following new leaders at Gundersen Health

System. Whether they recently joined the organization, expanded/modified their existing responsibilities, or were promoted, they have our full support and we wish them well:

Please join us in welcoming…

AchievementsCongratulations to Gundersen staff physician, Kyla

R. Lee, MD, for receiving one of the four 2013 Dean’s Teaching Awards from the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health (UW-SMPH).

These prestigious awards recognize excellence in teaching, curriculum development and educational leadership. Each nominee who is selected to receive one of these awards has a career distinguished by creativity and innovation in medical education, a demonstrated high level of teaching effectiveness and extraordinary and sustained dedication and effort on behalf of medical, graduate, professional or undergraduate student education in SMPH programs.

“This is a signal honor for Dr. Kyla Lee,” says David H. Chestnut, MD, Gundersen Foundation director of Medical Education. “Kyla is a highly effective teacher who

Kyla R. Lee, MD

consistently demonstrates an extraordinary commitment to medical student education. She richly deserves this award.”

The selection committee, composed of previous recipients of the teaching award, carefully reviews submitted information drawn from a variety of sources, including peer reviews, student evaluations, written course materials, publications and presentations. Dr. Lee will receive her award at Medical Education Day in Madison on Friday, May 2. l

James Bomkamp, supervisor, La Crosse Clinic Pharmacy (promotion to leadership role).

Jeremy Fejfar, clinic pharmacy director, Gundersen Health Plan (promotion to leadership role).

You make the differenceMay 4-10 is North American Occupational Safety & Health Professionals Week

Occupational safety, health and environmental professionals work to make sure millions of people worldwide continue to go to and return home from work every day.

Safety and health professionals follows a code of professional conduct and bring to bear technical knowledge, skills, expertise and management abilities developed through years of continued education and practical experience. Currently there are about 100,000 occupational safety, health and environmental practitioners in the U.S.

in this challenging and rewarding career field.To recognize and celebrate their ongoing commitment to

protecting people, property and environment, Wednesday May 7, has been designated Occupational Safety and Health Professionals Day.

Please take a moment to acknowledge Gundersen Health System’s Safety and Employee Health Services staff for providing a safe environment for Gundersen employees, patients and guests. l

May 1, 2014 3

Medical laboratory scientist Ryan Goede loved his work and counted his coworkers as his good friends. He was lightning-quick in mastering new methods and procedures at Gundersen and set an example of meticulousness and dedication.

But more than that, Ryan was fun to be around—a great guy who was relied on for a wonderful sense of humor as well as his strong work ethic. Laboratory Services team members are remembering and missing Ryan, who died unexpectedly April 12.

“He could light up a room with his smile and was loved by many of us who knew him,” says Keith Frye, administrative director, Laboratory Services. “He will forever be remembered by those of us who had the opportunity to get to know him in his time with us.

“I can say that I’ve lost a true friend and an irreplaceable co-worker.”Ryan graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point

in 2000 with a bachelor’s degree in biology. His career in the lab at Gundersen started in the fall of 2001 when he was hired as a support staff technician. While working in that role, Ryan fell in love with lab work and decided to go back to school at Western Technical College to pursue his associate’s degree as a clinical laboratory technician. He graduated from that program in the summer of 2004 and was

immediately hired as a medical laboratory technician in the Onalaska lab. He worked there for approximately one year and then transferred to the Hospital Lab in La Crosse as a medical laboratory scientist. His most recent achievements included working in the Flow Cytometry Lab and being an integral part of our Epic Beaker Implementation team.

“Ryan was an informal leader within the lab and was always willing to help out whenever anyone needed assistance. His technical abilities, willingness to be flexible wherever he was needed and desire to succeed were all qualities that I saw and admired in Ryan,” says Keith.

Chris Skinner, Laboratory clinical manager, watched Ryan grow greatly in his profession and become someone who one day would be a leader in the department.

“Because of his dedication to his daily and special project work, we were making very good progress in the Lab’s strategic plan,” Chris says. “He was a joy to work with and we will all miss him.”

Fellow medical scientist Karen Munns, Non-Automated Testing Lab, calls Ryan an extraordinary young man she had the privilege of helping train. She says he tackled the tasks of learning all new material diligently and swiftly.

“He put us in awe of how fast he learned very complex material,” Karen says. “He had a love of learning and was also fun to work with. He was always coming up with little things to make us laugh, chuckle or smile—and by little things, I mean actual small items he would display around the lab to make us smile, knowing that Ryan was behind them.

“Ryan, you will be missed terribly by all of us who worked with you. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. God bless.” l

SympathyGundersen Health System friends and co-workers express their deepest sympathies to:

Mary L. Ghelf, Revenue Cycle-Customer Service, on the death of her mother-in-law, Mary A. Ghelf;

Brenda S. Odeen, Neonatal Pediatric ICU, on the death of her brother, Jim Wagar;

Toni L. Wandling, Family Medicine-Decorah, on the death of her father, Roy Wandling;

Kristin D. Soland, Quality and Patient Safety, on the death of her grandmother, Velma Gerzema;

Nancy J. Russell, Emergency Services, on the death of her mother, Geneva Senior;

Wende R. Ghelf, Orthopaedics Surgery-Viroqua, on the death of her mother, Mary A. Ghelf;

Cassie R. Beseler, Medical and Oncology Unit, on the death of her uncle, Jim Beseler;

Caroline J. Flatten, Obstetrics and Nursery Unit, on the death of her father, Martin John Kleinschmidt; and

Rosanne M. Schulz, Hospital Float Pool, on the death of her mother-in-law, Aldean Schulz.

Ryan Goede

Use past projects to plan an improved future

The following are highlights of Gundersen Health System improvement projects that were presented in February. For associated PowerPoint presentations and complete details about the improvements that were featured, go to Gladiator and select the Internal Sites tab, then Dept. Web Sites and then Quality Improvement. From there, on the left side of the page, select Quality Improvement Recognition Events.

• Sarah Archer, administrative director, Operating Team III, and Jared Kast, program manager, Cancer Services, presented “Advance Care Planning Discussion Documentation.” The project’s purpose was to increase the number of advance care planning discussions initiated in the Center for Cancer & Blood Disorders and ultimately, to increase the number of healthcare power of attorney documents on file. The team used the A3 and Plan, Do, Study, Act problem-solving tools to meet their goals.

• Several staff members from Urology and a member of the team from Infection Control partnered for the Cystoscope Reprocessing Project, an effort to ensure Gundersen continues to meets infection control and Joint Commission requirements and follows manufacturer

Improvement projects by the Center for Cancer & Blood Disorders, Urology, Infection Control and Renal Dialysis were presented in February.

guidelines for cystoscopes. Development of a well-designed plan allowed the group to accomplish their goals without interrupting or decreasing patient care.

• Bridget Pfaff, administrative director, Shannon Walleser, Renal Dialysis quality specialist, and Nicole Nelson, patient liaison, shared their work on the Renal

Dialysis Charge Log Elimination project. With the initiative, a work redesign was created that saved time by eliminating use of the charge log. Lean principles were used to accomplish the team’s goal.

Improvement presentations are held 8 a.m. each Friday in the Rasmus Center. l

Remembrance in the Overholt Auditorium

Pastoral Care invites all employees to attend a Service of Remembrance on Thursday, May 8, at 3 p.m., in the Overholt Auditorium.

This is an ecumenical service to remember and honor patients who have died in the hospital and in hospice within Gundersen Health System in the last two months as well the recently deceased loved ones of Gundersen employees. A list of the names of the persons being remembered is available on each hospital unit. l

Lab scientist worked hard while making friends smile

Graveside memorial serviceA burial and memorial service for

all parents (and their families) whose baby died through miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy or other early pregnancy loss, takes place each year on the third Thursday of May. The service includes babies who died the previous year.

This year it is Thursday, May 15, at 11 a.m. and will be held at the Mormon Coulee Memorial Park Cemetery, Highway 14/61 off Bloomer Mill Road, La Crosse (approximately 6.5 miles from Gundersen Health System). The gathering will be near the Cherub Planter.

Not everyone recognizes the death of an unborn baby as the loss of a life. However, this farewell ritual can help validate the grief that parents and families experience, which facilitates healing. The graveside memorial service and burial are offered by Gundersen Health System in collaboration with the Mormon Coulee Cemetery Association.

If you have any questions, call Carla Brott, RNC, CPLC, clinical manager, Obstetrics and Nursery, at ext. 54947, or Melissa Revels, BSN, RN, Hospital Bereavement coordinator, at ext. 50978. l

4 May 1, 2014

Job shadowing shines light on healthcare careers

Editor’s note: This story was written by Health Science Academy (HSA) senior student Karina Laufenberg. HSA began as a partnership in 2008 between the School District of La Crosse, Gundersen Health System and Western Technical College and now includes several more partnering organizations. The immersive education experiences let students decided if healthcare is right for them, and if so, helps them take the right career path.

As juniors and seniors in high school, we are constantly being asked what we want to do after high school, college and so on. The Health Science Academy (HSA) students have been given the opportunity to improve the answer to this question thanks to many professionals at Gundersen Health System.

HSA is a two-year program that helps prepare juniors and seniors for the healthcare professions. The preparation includes tours of different departments, guest speakers of specific occupations and job shadows. The job shadows definitely prepare us the most because we get to follow a professional who is currently doing what we hope to be doing one day.

Sometimes, students go in shadowing one occupation, but fall in love with another, like junior Andy Brown. “I job shadowed a surgical nurse in Orthopaedic Surgery. In the end I became more interested in what the surgical tech was doing. It was cool to see everything that went on in a surgery and what the surgeon’s process was throughout the procedure,” Andy says. This is such an important aspect because it gives us an edge in knowing what we like and dislike in a career setting.

Senior Katelyn Hines has also experienced something similar. “I was interested in nursing and doing something with kids. My

job shadow was in the NICU (Neonatal and Pediatric ICU) and it was a valuable experience because I realized that there are more careers in addition to nursing that involve children. I am now thinking of going into social work because I was exposed to a variety of careers.”

The job shadows also help us broaden our interests and give us new ideas of other shadows. On the other hand, a lot of students go on a job shadow and come back knowing that it is exactly what they want to do, which is what we like to call our “Ah-Ha” moment. The “Ah-Ha” moment is the most rewarding part of the job shadow, because nothing makes us feel like stellar high school students more than knowing exactly what we want to do with our futures.

The whole involvement of a job shadow teaches us so much about manners, being professional and helps us develop knowledge of what we like and dislike about a future occupation we may be interested in. Job shadows at Gundersen have provided the HSA students with a unique and valuable learning experience for which we will forever be grateful. l

Two Health Science Academy students getting ready to observe surgery are Andy Brown (left) and Kadie Weiss (right) with Jennifer Berendes, RN, (center).

Minutes in Motion wraps up Sunday

Minutes in Motion, the six-week Coulee Region physical activity challenge, winds up on Sunday, May 4.

With Minutes in Motion, you pick any physical activity that fits your lifestyle, whether it is hiking, walking, bicycling or going to the gym or exercise class, with the goal of logging 1,260-minutes of activity. This fun way to get and keep fit is sponsored in part each year by Gundersen Health System and Gundersen Medical Foundation.

So far this year, more than 2.6 million active minutes have been logged, and 4,725 people signed up for the challenge. If you are one of those people, remember that when you meet the 1,260-minute goal, you’ll be eligible to win valuable gift cards which you can be redeem at hundreds of businesses! Those prizes include:

• Grand prize of a $500 gift card sponsored by Ho-Chunk Nation

• Team captain prize, a $100 gift card • More drawings for $100, $50 and $25 gift

cards• Gundersen employees are eligible for five

additional drawings —one $50 and four $20 gift cards

Report your activityTo be eligible you must report your final

minutes by the end of Thursday, May 8. Prize winners will be announced Friday, May 9. Report your activity at gundersenhealth.org/min. You can report your minutes all at the end of the challenge.

Questions? Email wellness@gundersenhealth.org or call Gundersen Community & Preventive Care Services at ext. 54717. l

Minutes in Motion important dates:

May 4 – Challenge ends

May 8 – Final minutes due

May 9 – Prizes announced

Thank a nurse May 6 and support Oglala Lakota College nursing scholars

In recognition of National Nurses Week May 6-12, you are invited to give a Gundersen nurse a note of thanks and an appreciation gift, for only $5.

Your $5 donation will fund scholarships for Oglala Lakota College (OLC) nursing students from Pine Ridge Reservation. Gundersen Global Partners works in collaboration with a host of organizations in Pine Ridge, S.D., to improve the overall health and wellbeing of the Oglala Lakota people and their communities.

Give your note of thanks and small gift to a Gundersen nurse—including a donation to Global Partners’ OLC scholarship program—on Tuesday, May 6, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., in the Heritage Building Cafeteria, La Crosse Campus.

Global Partners established a scholarship in 2012 to support the education of a nursing student enrolled in the OLC nursing program. Following graduation, many of the nursing students are able to work for the federal Indian Health Service agency (IHS), allowing them to provide a needed

service for their own communities. Current donations support a $500 nursing scholarship each semester, but Global Partners has hopes of expanding to two $500 scholarships beginning in fall of this year.

“As a young Lakota woman from a family of nurses, it means a lot to me to be in the OLC nursing program, which also allows me to be so close to home,” says Ariel Blacksmith, fall 2013 scholarship recipient. “College can be difficult at times and very expensive. This will help in many ways. I would like to express my gratitude and say thank you for this opportunity.”

Can’t stop by on May 6? Visit gundersenhealth.org/global-partners/events to download a donation form. Send your completed form with payment to the Global Partners office, mailstop C03-006. If you have questions, contact Global Partners at ext. 51903.

All notes and gifts will be inter-department mailed the week of May 12.

Gundersen Global Partners is a program of Gundersen Medical Foundation. l

Child Care Center offering summer day camp for school-aged children

Gundersen’s Child Care Center is excited to announce its fourth annual summer day camp. The Child Care Center allows students to use their creativity through play and real-life experiences in the community.

Each week will be theme-based to offer variety and something for everyone. Plans for field trips this summer include hiking, the planetarium, the splash park, Niagara Cave and many more! Outdoor exploration is emphasized and enhanced through water play and many outdoor discoveries. This year, the children will also design and cultivate their own garden.

This is an all-day summer camp program appropriate for school-aged children, ages 5 to 12, conveniently located on the La Crosse Campus at the Child Care Center. It begins at the end of the school year (June 11) and runs the duration of the summer. Summer camp hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. with breakfast, lunch and a snack included. Additional childcare is available before and after summer camp.

Call ext. 54714 to sign up or for more information. l

May 1, 2014 5

Reserve your booth for Wellness Fest 2014 today

Gundersen Health System’s annual community event, Wellness Fest, will be Saturday, July 26, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the La Crosse Center. Wellness Fest is for people of all ages. It incorporates various elements of wellness through education, demonstrations and fun activities for the whole family.

Gundersen and local businesses will highlight products, services and programs available in our area that support all dimensions of wellness.

If your department attends and presents at just one event a year, this is the one! This is a free opportunity to educate our broader community and showcase your department’s services. In addition, Gundersen employees can reserve a vendor booth at a discounted rate of $250 for their personal at-home businesses.

“With more than 1,500 in attendance in 2013, we are excited to have an even greater event this year. The day will be filled with fun and entertainment while also offering people the opportunity to learn more about good health, food, fashion, fitness, home, family and emotional wellness,” says Christie Harris, wellness education specialist, Community

& Preventive Care Services.Here are just a few activities which await you at this year’s Wellness

Fest:• Health screenings and displays• The Home Depot project demonstration• Kid’s Zone with The Parenting Place and a Home Depot kids

workshop• Newborn behavioral observations provided by The Parenting Place• Fashion show by Macy’s• Car seat safety check by Safe Kids Coalition (preregistration

encouraged)• Bikes Limited fitting and safety inspections• Free bike helmets and fittings for kids (while supplies last)• Floral displays provided by Floral VisionsAll booths must be reserved no later than Monday, June 2, by

contacting Christie at ext. 56861. Departments are strongly encouraged to show our communities the great care and services we provide. l

Busy schedule doesn’t hold teen volunteer back

High school volunteer, Nancy Puent, is involved in French Club, German Club, Quiz Bowl, Forensics, Academic Decathlon, French Concours and is a peer tutor. On top of all that she is preparing for AP tests, graduation and is getting ready to attend the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse in the fall to major in nuclear medicine technology. She is just one of many teens who take time out of their busy schedules and dedicate it to volunteering at Gundersen Health System.

Nancy’s volunteer role involves delivering cards and flowers to hospitalized patients. “It is one of my favorite parts of volunteering—visiting with the patients,” says Nancy. The patients are happy to have someone to talk to after their families and friends have left. In addition, Nancy assists visitors at the Clinic Information Desk and completes other tasks, such as paperwork and folding table tents. “It’s work they need done and we are happy to do it,” says Nancy.

Karol Fox, program coordinator of Volunteer Services at Gundersen, says volunteerism numbers are down slightly across the U.S. “We’re proud to offer opportunities to give back and help instill values of volunteerism in our local youth.”

“I’m very grateful for the 140 teen and high school volunteers who give so generously of their time and show true dedication to our patients. They will be our next generation of volunteers,” adds Karol.

Nancy thinks that volunteering is a great way to learn how to work

with other people and make a difference. “If you want to volunteer, Gundersen is the place to do it. I enjoy it, the people are exceptionally friendly, and it has also allowed me to make connections with people from other cultures.” In fact, Nancy has enjoyed her experience as a volunteer at Gundersen so much that she hopes to one day be an employee herself. l

High school student Nancy Puent takes time from her busy schedule to volunteer at Gundersen. Here, she is pictured delivering flowers to a hospitalized patient.

Global Partners Pine Ridge Noon Conference presentation set

Pine Ridge volunteers will share exciting updates from the March and April 2014 Global Partners trips on Friday, May 2, from 12:15 to 1 p.m., in the Overholt Auditorium.

Projects which will be highlighted during this presentation include:

• First aid training provided by School District of La Crosse and Gundersen volunteers.

• Physical exams held in reservation schools and Head Start.• Specialty clinics and training offered at Indian Health Service

and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Health Administration office. l

Global Partners’ Ethiopia story is subject of TV segments, special

When Gundersen Global Partners traveled to Ethiopia on Feb. 27, a local television news reporter and photographer went along to learn what was happening at Project Mercy. They are now spreading the word about the great work being done in the Yetebon Region.

Emmy Award winning WXOW News 19 journalist Amy DuPont and News 19 photographer Mark Bronson traveled to Ethiopia, documenting the work done by Global Partners and Project Mercy. Programing developed by the WXOW News 19 team airs this week

through Friday, May 2, with stories during the 6:30 to 7 a.m. portion of the Daybreak program, and again at 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. A special half-hour report will air 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 3.

In 2013, Global Partners, a program of Gundersen Medical Foundation, established a partnership with Project Mercy, a nongovernmental organization founded by Ethiopians that leads community development projects in the Yetebon Region. l

Beat the financial squeezeAll of us feel the financial squeeze from time to time. Whether

you are feeling the pressure of funding an unexpected expense or looking at how you are going to pay that college tuition, we all have financial challenges.

From noon to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, May 6, join Majel Olson from the Consumer Credit Counseling Service of La Crosse in the Rasmus Center to learn how to beat the financial squeeze. The educational event is sponsored by Gundersen Health System’s Employee Assistance Program.

Majel will talk about:• What the problem is when it comes to spending• The basics of analyzing your financial situation• The Power-Pay method of paying off debt• The basics of SMART Goal Setting l

6 May 1, 2014

Communication disorders, hearing loss impact millions of Americans; cost billions

In recognition of May as Better Hearing and Speech Month, Gundersen Health System’s Speech Pathology department, which is part of Neurology, is seeking to promote awareness of communication disorders.

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), the national credentialing agency for speech-language pathologists and audiologists, has launched a campaign called “Identify the Signs” as a way to increase awareness of the prevalence and cost associated with communication disorders. Irrespective of your area of expertise, you will encounter adults and/or children with communication disorders.

According to ASHA, one study revealed that approximately 40 million Americans have communication disorders, costing the U.S. an estimated $154 billion to $186 billion annually. Intervention is likely to be much more effective and much less costly when it is provided earlier in life rather than later, the ASHA reports.

Prevalence of communication disordersSpeech: • Approximately 7.5 million people in the U.S. have trouble using

their voices. • By the first grade, roughly 5 percent of children have noticeable

speech disorders. • More than 3 million Americans stutter.Language: • Between 6 and 8 million people in the U.S. have some form of

language impairment.

• Roughly 1 million people in the U.S. suffer from aphasia (the inability to use or understand language).

Hearing: • 31.5 million Americans have hearing loss. • According to an AARP/ASHA 2011 poll of AARP members,

47 percent of respondents reported having untreated hearing loss. • One in five Americans (48 million people) has hearing loss in at

least one ear. • Roughly 26 million Americans ages 20-69 have high frequency

hearing loss due to exposure to loud noises.

Cost of communication disordersThe Centers for Disease Control estimates that the lifetime costs

for all people with hearing loss born in 2000 will total $2.1 billion. Most of these costs will come from lost wages due to inability or limited ability to work.

Five studies on early detection and intervention have shown that future benefits exceed treatment costs at a ratio as high as 7 to 1.

To learn more about the “Identify the Signs” campaign, visit asha.org. Consultation services for Speech Pathology can be arranged through Neurosciences at ext. 59000. For Audiology services, contact Otolaryngology at ext. 52201. Visit asha.org for the specific reference citations as well. l

Cake pop sales pop

Carmen Sibley, ophthalmic assistant, Ophthalmology, helps sell cake pops to customers at Gundersen Global Partners’ recent fundraiser to support the upcoming vision team trip to Nicaragua. The event raised more than $1,650 and sold 712 cake pops plus 67 table centerpieces. You can follow the Global Partners-Nicaragua team blog at gpnica.wordpress.com. To learn more about Global Partners, call ext. 51903 or visit online at gundersenhealth.org/global-partners. To stay current with all of the Global Partners teams, follow them on Facebook from your home computer or mobile device. Global Partners is a program of Gundersen Medical Foundation.

Turn off that TV, tablet May 5-11 is Screen Free Week. Challenge yourself as well as your friends and family to take the pledge to:

• Watch no TV or DVDs.

• Play no video or mobile games.

• Only use computers if required for work or school.

• Encourage others to go screen-free.

• Explore screen-free activities such as, reading, doing a puzzle, trivia games, crafts, riding a bike, swimming, dancing and more.

• Have fun!

For more information on Screen Free Week, visit screenfree.org.

Reminder: Car Seat Round Up is this Saturday

Gundersen Health System is partnering with Safe Kids La Crosse to sponsor Car Seat Round Up Day on Saturday, May 3. For this free event, parents are encouraged to drop off car seats and/or booster seats that:

• Are older than six years• Have been recalled • Have been in an accident• Were purchased second-hand and/or have an

unknown history• Have broken or missing parts• Are no longer in useDrop off your old car seat—free of charge—

from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 3, at any of these locations:

• La Crosse Fire Station No. 3, 1710 Losey Blvd., La Crosse

• Onalaska City Hall, 415 Main St., Onalaska• Gundersen La Crescent Clinic, 226 N 2nd

St., La Crescent, Minn.• Brice Prairie 1st Responders Building,

W7886 County Road ZN, Brice PrairieThe seats will be dismantled to be recycled and

disposed of properly. To learn more, contact Kim Lombard,

Gundersen trauma injury prevention coordinator, at ext. 52011, or visit safekidswi.org. l

Celebrate the caring work performed by your hands

Help us to honor the attentive, caring and meticulous work of your hands here at Gundersen Health System. During Healthcare Week, May 11-17, you are invited to share in one of several brief, special “blessing of the hands” services.

These individual hand blessings will be offered in the East Building Sanctuary and the Heritage Building Worship Center throughout the week (see schedule at right). Blessing of the Hands will also be offered on individual Hospital units by unit chaplains.

Regardless of the work you do, at Gundersen we share in a common mission of compassion and we express our caring through the work of our hands. Our hands teach, care for premature babies, prepare meals, answer phones, transport patients, administer medications, change light bulbs, sell greeting cards, check temperatures, perform operations —sometimes in the middle of the night—supply oxygen, test blood samples, clean floors and pay bills.

Through the power of touch, we distinguish ourselves as healthcare workers with compassion, respect and integrity. Blessing

and anointing of hands dates back thousands of years and signifies a call to serve and heal. The ritual transcends all religious, political and economic differences and recognizes our oneness. These services are opportunities to share a collaborative spirit, openness to partnership and a grateful heart.

Schedule for the blessing of the hands:East Building Sanctuary: • Tuesday, May 13 and Friday, May 16, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.• Wednesday, May 14 and Thursday, May 15, 7 to 8 a.m. Heritage Building Worship Center: • Monday, May 12 and Thursday, May 15, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.• Tuesday, May 13, 2:30 to 5:30 p.m.• Friday, May 16, 6:30 to 8:30 a.m.If you are unable to attend a blessing, check with your department

manager about chaplain visits, or call Pastoral Care to schedule an individual blessing at ext. 53620. l

May 1, 2014 7

Welcome new employees and volunteers

Morgan Armstrong Diet aideDietary

Kiley Barton CNANeuroscience Unit

Lindsey Bottem Medical communications specialistMedical Communications

Kayla Breuer Dental assistantDental

Katrina Butterfield Telephone service assistantTelecommunications

Tina Duerkop Patient service specialistPatient Liaison Services

Tisha Earle Certified surgical technicianSurgery

David Kish Admitting counselor/regulatory clerkRevenue Cycle Admitting and Registration

Andrea Linder RNHospital Float Pool

Darcy Manske Dental assistantOral Surgery

Shannon Nyhus Dental assistantPediatric Dentistry

Jennifer Putman Medical lab technicianLaboratory

Mae Randle RNOrthopaedic Unit

Elizabeth Scheck Environmental assistantEnvironmental Services

Audrey Schmitt Diet aideDietary

Hans Severson Surgical support technicianSurgery

Ka Thao Lab support technicianPhlebotomy Services Laboratory

Michael Towles Environmental assistantEnvironmental Services

Annette Urbanek Dispensing opticianOptical Dispensing

Kristin Wing Patient service specialistPatient Liaison Services

Carly Bach VolunteerVolunteer Services

Evan Chaney VolunteerVolunteer Services

Jessica Davidson VolunteerVolunteer Services

Dung Ly VolunteerVolunteer Services

Alliyah Steele VolunteerVolunteer Services

Chelsea Thao VolunteerVolunteer Services

Brie Favaro VolunteerVolunteer Services

Amy McAulay VolunteerVolunteer Services

Amber Saathoff VolunteerVolunteer Services

Maddy Smith VolunteerVolunteer Services

Working together to help feed our communities

Gundersen Health System is launching a new effort to help feed local communities throughout our service area. The first of these food drives will be May 11-17, in conjunction with Healthcare Week. A drive is also planned for the July 26 Wellness Fest.

Please join us in contributing to the food drives. Bring nonperishable items such as canned goods and boxed food to work with you during Healthcare Week. Convenient drop-off stations will be available. Your donations will help stock local food pantries.

Donation sitesFood donations for this first drive will be given to: WAFER,

Hamilton Elementary School, Onalaska Food Pantry and Place of Grace.Suggested donationsFood items in need include: Canned fruits, canned vegetables,

canned meats, soups, pastas and sauces; Hamburger Helper and boxed items that could make meals; and water flavoring items such as Kool-Aid, MiO, powdered lemonade, etc.

At the picnics Vehicles will be available on-site to take donations at both Healthcare

Week picnics, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, May 13, in Onalaska; and

10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 14, on the La Crosse Campus.Anytime during Healthcare WeekIn La Crosse and Onalaska, there will be barrels with Food Drive

signage so employees will be able to easily identify drop-off locations. Onalaska Clinic: Glassed in area in the lower level in front of the

MyHealth Room.Onalaska Support Services Building: First floor lobby.La Crosse Campus: Legacy employee entrance, Clinic Lobby, and

the 9th and Redfield Street entrance.Regional Clinics: Regional clinics may

choose to host their own food drives to donate to their community food pantries. They will determine where the drop-off location will be at their site as well as where their food donations will go within their communities. l

Hours for all food service options in La Crosse CafeteriaWeekdays and weekends:

• Café Too: Full menu, 2 p.m.–10 p.m.

• Hot Entrée Area: 6:30 a.m.–2 p.m.

Adolf’s Grille, Founders Building Weekdays: 6:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. with lunch specials from 11 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Grill items are available until 2 p.m.

1900 Perk Ave, Clinic Lobby Weekdays: 6:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Serving gourmet coffee, baked goods and juices.

500 Club Bistro Weekdays: 10 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. Serving signature and made to order sandwiches, salads and soup of the day.

View Nutrition Services menus on Gladiator under Quick Links/Dining Room.

Contains up to 30 percent recycled content.

8 May 1, 2014

Keep safe by avoiding the helipad

The Legacy Building’s rooftop helipad is a restricted area and Gundersen Health System employees should not visit the site unless they have a work-related reason (medical, maintenance, cleaning) to do so.

Despite limited access to the helipad, unauthorized staff have been observed on the rooftop. This raises safety concerns for the employees, the helicopter crew and our patients.

As outside temperatures rise this spring, you may be curious about the rooftop location. That said, please avoid the area unless it relates directly to your work.

Questions? Contact Security at ext. 54422. l

There’s still time to participate in the 2014 EPS

Thank you to everyone who has completed the 2014 Employee Perspective Survey. If you would still like to participate, the survey is open through Monday, May 5.

A link to the survey is available on Gladiator and in the email you received with your personal access code on April 21 from Advisory Board Employee Engagement. As a reminder the survey is open to all employees with the exception of on-call, contract or temporary employees, as well as medical and associate staff (providers will be surveyed this fall).

If you have any questions or need assistance in completing the survey, talk with your manager or contact Bridget Arens-Jones at ext. 56862. l

Bunny hug

Amber Bell, media technician, Medical Media, won the big plush bunny in conjunction with the Gundersen Gift Shop’s Easter merchandise sale.

Sign up for Winning Weighs®

Develop healthy eating behaviors that will last a lifetime with Gundersen Health System’s registered dietitians through the Winning Weighs 14-session program and the principles of intuitive eating.

Winning Weighs costs only $21.07 per class and also includes three individual visits with a dietitian, body composition analysis, online access to materials for one year and numerous educational resources.

For Gundersen employees, it’s an even better deal—only $10.53 per class after qualifying rebates. That’s half price!

A payment plan is now also available as an option to avoid any upfront costs, five installments of $60.

Throughout the five-month program, you’ll learn to:

• Identify and trust hunger and fullness cues

• Utilize foods as a good fuel source• Make healthy choices when planning

meals and eating out• Identify obstacles and work through

challengesEnroll in Winning Weighs as many times

as you like. For those who have participated in the program within the last six months, Nutrition Therapy is offering a discounted price to take it again - the whole program for only $125!

Winning Weighs classes begin soon• Tuesdays, starting May 13 – La Crosse,

5:30 p.m.To register for an upcoming session or

for more information, visit gundersenhealth.org/lose-it or call ext. 56021. l

Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals® May calendar

Proceeds from these events benefit Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, a service of Gundersen Medical Foundation.

May 1-June 11 – Walmart and Sam’s Club Miracle Balloon Campaign

Stop by your local Walmart and purchase a Miracle Balloon. Donate your change or round up your bill when checking out at the register.

May 1-31 – MC Sports Miracle Balloon CampaignHelp make this year’s fundraising campaign a success by purchasing a

Miracle Balloon icon at the register.May 1-31 – Chicos, White House Black Market, Boston Proper

and Soma IntimatesPurchase a fashionable CMN Hospitals necklace for $20 at stores

and online at chicos.com. Supply your zip code at checkout and proceeds from your sale will be directed to CMN Hospitals at Gundersen.

May 2 and 3 Knitcraft – St. Croix Foundation Spring Collection Charitable Sale

This semi-annual sales event at Signatures in Winona is May 2 from 2 to 8 p.m. and May 3 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, call (507) 454-1163.

May 4-31 – Carmike Cinemas Miracle Balloon CampaignDuring May, moviegoers will have a chance to make a donation by

buying a Miracle Balloon icon. The theater will also show a 60-second CMN Hospitals trailer before every movie in May.

May 8-10 – Walmart Golf TournamentThe Menomonie Walmart Distribution Center will host its annual

golf tournament at Mill Run Golf Course. Cost is $50 and includes golf, food and door prizes. To register call Mike Branter at (715) 232-9240.

May 12 – All Glazed UpCome in and create a unique piece of pottery for a gift or yourself.

During this night only, 50 percent of all purchases will be donated. The event is 5 to 8 p.m. All items are food-safe and can be picked up 10-12 days after you make them.

May 17 – Third annual Avery’s Wish 5K Run/Walk/RollWhen you pre-register, which ends May 3, the cost is just $20 per

person or $65 for family pack of four when registration is mailed. Sign up online at RunSignUp.com or Active.com. Day of registration starts at 8:30 a.m. and costs $25 (T-shirt not guaranteed). Race starts at 10 a.m. at Old Hickory Park in La Crescent, Minn. There will be food, silent auction, music and children’s activities. For more information, go to averyswish.com.

May 17-20 – Walmart Fishing ContestWalmart Distribution Center in Menomonie, Wis., is having a

summer fishing contest at Dunn County Fish and Game. Please call Mike at (715) 232-9420 for more information and registration. l

Note temporary food service hour changes for May 1-2To accommodate the Heritage Society Celebration’s 40th anniversary events, it is necessary to make some very temporary changes to food service hours.

Hours for Thursday, May 1, and Friday, May 2, will be as follows:

• 1900 Perk Ave will close at 1 p.m.

• 500 Club® Bistro will close at 4 p.m.

• Cafeteria will close at 1 p.m.

Food service will be available in the 1st floor Heritage vending room from 1 to 10 p.m. with a limited menu.

There are no changes in hours for Adolf’s Grille.