Gunn takes on new responsibilities at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital

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As the new Outpatient Nursing Supervisor at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital (PVCH), Rosaline Gunn, RN, is using her nursing and administrative skills to oversee Special Nursing Services, Specialty Clinics, and the Operating Room.

Special Nursing involves outpatient care and treatment for those who need wound-care assistance; infusions/injections; catheter insertion; PICC line care and removal; port-a-cath maintenance; blood draws; and other services. “These special treatments enhance the quality of care, while improving the patient’s health and reducing the risk of hospitalization or re-admittance to a hospital,” Gunn noted.

Specialty Care Clinics include cardiology, general surgery, pain clinic, pulmonology, urology, and wound care. “The clinics allow local and area residents to seek treatment close to home. The community is fortunate to access these specialized services at our local hospital.”

The Operating Room provides outpatient surgeries, such as colonoscopies and endoscopies, as well as procedures associated with skin lesions, performed by general surgeon Dr. Brandon Cunningham from HaysMed’s Southwind Surgical clinic.

Gunn has cared for patients and families at PVCH since June 2022, serving as a floor nurse, and charge nurse for acute care before her recent promotion.

“I truly enjoy working at PVCH because of the variety of services offered here,” Gunn commented. “In addition, the patients and staff always have been welcoming, which I appreciate.”

Gunn earned her credentials as a licensed practical nurse at St. Mary’s School of Nursing in Richmond, Va., which is her hometown. Her nursing degree was awarded at Barton Community College.

Previously, Gunn served as a nursing assistant/LPN at Westminster Canterbury Retirement Community in Richmond for 10 years. Gunn moved to Great Bend in 2010 and worked for Angels Care Home Health for about four years.

Gunn and her husband, Richard Gavin Gunn, have two children – Josslyn, 13, and Adrian, 8.

Melanie Urban, PVCH Administrator, said Gunn “demonstrates the leadership skills required to coordinate, supervise and participate in clinical practice and resource management. We are excited she is serving in this new role; she will grow and excel with our exceptional nursing team at PVCH.”

Pawnee Valley Community Hospital hosts Health Fair Oct. 11

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Local and area residents are encouraged to take advantage of reduced-priced blood tests when Pawnee Valley Community Hospital sponsors its upcoming Fall Health Fair, said Kristi Engle, PVCH laboratory manager.

The event is set for 6:30 to 9 a.m. Friday, Oct. 11, at First Southern Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, 13th and Mann in Larned.

The lab tests include: Hemagram; Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP); Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH); Lipid Panel for triglycerides, cholesterol and direct HDL; Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA); Hemoglobin A1c; Free T4; Iron; and Vitamin D.

Other PVCH departments will be on site with information about the Sleep & Diagnostic Center, advanced directives, living wills, durable power of attorney and DNR/DNI, which stands for do not resuscitate/do not intubate.

The Pawnee County Health Department will be on hand to offer influenza vaccines, while Emergency Medical Services provides blood-pressure checks.

In addition, Gentiva Hospice representatives will provide information.

“My colleagues and I always look forward to the Health Fair because it allows us to meet more of our neighbors,” Engle said. “It also provides opportunities for other PVCH departments and outside local entities to provide services and share information in one convenient location.

“We are aware that not everyone is comfortable going to the doctor or they can’t find time for healthcare visits in their busy schedules,” she added. “Participating in the Health Fair offers a convenient way for them to get a quick glimpse of their health status.”

The PVCH Auxiliary will provide cinnamon rolls during the special event.

The hospital also hosts a Spring Health Fair in April.

Wassenberg shares OT information at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital

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Anyone who struggles to perform regular, daily tasks at home or on the job might want to consider the benefits of occupational therapy, said Camelle Wassenberg, OT at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital.

Wassenberg, Larned, wanted to share information about this type of therapy in observance of National Rehabilitation Awareness Week, which was this month, Sept. 16-22.

“Occupational therapists use evidence-based interventions to help people do the things they want and need to do,” Wassenberg said. “We focus on independence with performing daily tasks, while promoting health, well-being and the ability to participate in the activities important to you.”

The main goal is to increase physical functioning and reduce pain after an illness, accident or other event. This can be accomplished by providing assistive devices or strategies, restoring strength and range of motion, and educating patients about ways to prevent further harm and improve quality of life.

The first step is an evaluation during which the OT gathers information on a patient’s history. “We learn about their experiences and interests so that we can determine a plan of care,” Wassenberg explained. “Then interventions are introduced to improve performance of tasks and allow you to reach your goals.

“Outcomes are assessed to ensure you make progress and eventually meet your goals. Helping patients improve their quality of life and regain their independence means so much to me. I can connect with them and celebrate their victories.”

A doctor’s referral is not necessary for OT services.

Wassenberg, a Kinsley native, earned an associate’s degree at Barton Community College; a bachelor’s of General Science from Fort Hays State University; and Entry Level Doctorate of Occupational Therapy from The University of Kansas.

Her professional background includes working as a licensed pharmacy technician for nine years. Wassenberg also has OT clinical experience in various settings such as home health, outpatient, memory care, mental health and acute care.

“I have been at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital for a little more than a year and have felt at home from the beginning,” Wassenberg commented. “My colleagues are supportive in every aspect of patient care and communicate well with one another. This creates a welcoming environment for patients and families.

“In addition, we have up-to-date OT equipment and services to meet our patients’ needs,” she added. “As a critical-access hospital, we are fortunate to have this professional team to create patient-centered, holistic healthcare plans.”

Jason Rath, rehab manager, said “Camelle is a great addition to the important OT side of our department. She and Angela Meitner, OT assistant, share a great passion for our patients’ well-being and strive to provide the best care possible.”

Pawnee Valley Community Hospital’s Jackie Guzman earns CT certification

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Jackie Guzman wanted to enhance her radiologic-technologist skills to better serve her patients at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital (PVCH).

The result is a new certification credential along with her title of Registered Radiologic Technologist.

“Although I had been performing CT scans at PVCH for more than two years, I wanted to further my education and expand my knowledge,” Guzman said. “This certification helps me apply new information to real-life scenarios, allowing for more efficiency.”

CT scans can help physicians diagnose various types of cancers, blood clots in the lungs, strokes, blood-vessel abnormalities and fractures.

“These are just some of the diseases and conditions that can be detected with a CT scan,” Guzman noted.

As part of her certification requirements, Guzman performed at least 125 procedures that had to be approved by a certified technologist.

“In addition, I completed coursework in physics, procedures, anatomy, pathology, safety and patient care,” she noted. “Next, I passed the national computed tomography exam administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.”

Guzman’s earlier education included an associate’s degree in Radiologic Technology and a bachelor’s in Medical Diagnostic Imaging at Fort Hays State University (FHSU) in 2022.

Her clinical rotation was performed in a FHSU x-ray program at Garden City where she worked as a student Radiologic Technologist.

“I came to PVCH immediately after graduating from FHSU,” she recalled. “I had met the Director of PVCH Imaging at a Fort Hays State career fair. Since that meeting, I knew where I wanted to work. PVCH is home to a professional, caring staff that serves patients and families in Pawnee and surrounding counties.”

Julie Robben, PVCH Director of Imaging, noted that many CT technologists are not certified “but it is something that we, as a team, feel is important to our community. Jackie’s certification illustrates her dedication to PVCH and her patients.

“Her willingness to go the extra mile, dedication to growing as a technologist and bilingual skills are great assets to our team,” Robben added. “Equally important, her kindness and gentleness demonstrate her compassion for patients. We are blessed to have Jackie as part of our team.”

Robben mentioned that the Imaging staff always looks for ways to improve skills, whether it be with certifications, continuing education or equipment updates.

“Imaging technology and procedures constantly change,” she noted. “It is important for our team to stay current with these changes at our Pat Young Imaging Center to provide the community with the quality care they deserve.”

Rath named rehab manager at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital

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Jason Rath began his physical-therapy career caring for patients in 2013 at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital (PVCH) where he was recently promoted to Rehabilitation Manager.

“I feel privileged to have been given the opportunity to step up to the rehab-manager position,” said Rath, a Larned resident. “We have a great group of associates who have the knowledge to guide our patients toward achieving their goals, along with a deep sense of compassion and desire to enhance their lives.

“As physical therapists, we help patients regain optimal function and reduce pain with activities of daily living and work duties. We also guide the rehabilitation and healing process after surgical interventions such as joint replacements and tendon/ligament repairs, just to name a few.”

In general, anyone with acute or chronic pain that affects their lifestyle and employment responsibilities “would be a great candidate for physical therapy,” Rath said, noting a doctor’s referral is not necessary. “We design a regimen that provides the best opportunity for them to get back to their hobbies and careers as soon as possible.”

Rath also uses his education and sports-medicine experience at Larned High School football games, along with all other USD 495 athletics, where he can offer his physical-therapy skills when necessary.

“I still have a passion for sports medicine, and working with young athletes and helping them succeed,” Rath commented.

This passion was evident throughout Rath’s academic background. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training at Fort Hays State University “and was lucky enough to have earned an internship with the Denver Broncos.”

His next stop was Tennessee Technological University where he earned a Master’s in Exercise Science; he then graduated from Tennessee State University with his Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2013. While in Nashville, he was also chosen for an athletic-training internship with the Tennessee Titans for two summers.

Rath and his wife have two sons who are very active in sports; he also enjoys golf, hunting, and “believe it or not, mowing and landscaping.”

Theresa Roe, Interim Director of Rehabilitation Services at PVCH, said “Jason has been a dedicated physical therapist at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital for more than 11 years. During that time, he has acquired solid leadership skills.

“We are excited for Jason to assume a more formalized leadership role as the rehabilitation department continues to grow and expand services for our community.”

 

Pawnee Valley Community Hospital Launches Streamlined Bill Pay Services to Enhance Patient Experience

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Pawnee Valley Community Hospital (PVCH) is excited to announce the implementation of an innovative service aimed at simplifying the patient experience and enhancing efficiency. Patients will now be able to enjoy the experience of a streamlined online payment system for their medical bills.

PVCH is rolling out new billing statements designed with patients in mind. These updated statements will make it easier for patients to understand their bills, track their payments, and manage their expenses online. The new billing system, launching in August 2024, focuses on user-friendliness and efficiency, ensuring that patients can handle their medical payments more smoothly and with greater clarity.

Another exciting feature is the launch of a Live Chat option, designed to provide patients with quick and efficient online support. The Live Chat feature, available during standard business hours of 8:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. CT, allows patients to get their billing and invoice questions answered in real-time by our knowledgeable team, ensuring they receive the information they need without the wait.

To enhance the convenience and timeliness of managing your statements, you will now receive a text message notification before your statement is dispatched via mail. This proactive notification system is designed to give you the flexibility to review and pay your bills directly from your mobile device as soon as the statement is ready.

Please ensure that your mobile phone number is up-to-date in our records to benefit from this service. If you prefer not to receive these text message alerts, you have the option to opt out at any time. Opting out will not affect the delivery of your paper statements and other important communications from PVCH.

Commitment to Patient Care and Satisfaction

“At PVCH, our priority has always been to provide high-quality services  and the best experience possible for all our patients,” said Melanie Urban, PVCH Administrator. “With the introduction of these new statements, we are taking significant steps to enhance our operational efficiency and, more importantly, our patient satisfaction.”

PVCH invites all patients to utilize these new features and benefit from their enhanced convenience and efficiency. For more information on the new billing features, please visit our website at pawneevalleyhospital.com/payment.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s Changing?

Starting in August 2024, our statements will feature a refreshed, modern design to enhance your experience and simplify payment management.

New Live Chat option, offering patients real-time, efficient online billing and invoice support from our knowledgeable team.

You will now receive a text message notification before your statement is mailed to you. This allows you the option to pay directly from your mobile device.

Why the Change?

We’ve redesigned our statements with your convenience in mind, aiming to make them easier to read and quicker to understand. This update also includes better organization of information and a cleaner layout, enabling you to find important details like payment terms and due dates at a glance.

 

What’s Not Changing?

While the look is new, please rest assured that this change is purely aesthetic. The process for making payments remains the same, and all your current agreements and terms continue as they are.

 

How to Recognize the New Statements:

Our Pawnee Valley Community Hospital logo remains prominently displayed.

The color scheme aligns with our Pawnee Valley Community Hospital brand’s colors, though refreshed for clarity.

 

Security Note:

These statements are sent directly from our secure system. However, please remain vigilant against phishing attempts. Always verify the sender’s address, and feel free to contact us directly through our official channels if anything looks unusual.

 

Need Assistance?

If you have any questions about the new statement format or need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact our support team at 620-285-8650. We’re here to help!

Pawnee Valley Community Hospital offers expanded Imaging hours

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Pawnee Valley Community Hospital (PVCH) is honoring the request of the local and area community for more convenient hours of operation in the Imaging Department.

“The majority of our imaging services are now available beginning at 7:30 a.m., depending on the test involved,” said Julie Robben, Director of Imaging. “Now they can schedule Imaging appointments for earlier in the morning before their workday begins.

“This is just one more example of how our hospital responds to the needs of the community whenever possible.”

While x-rays and CT scans are available 24/7 for emergencies, the regular weekday schedule offers x-ray, CT, dexa scans, nuclear medicine and mammography starting at 7:30 a.m. Ultrasound and MRI start at 8 a.m.

“We have been offering these expanded hours for only a short time but are already hearing good feedback from patients and families,” Robben commented.

She also noted that “Pawnee Valley Community Hospital prides itself on having state-of-the-art equipment that allows us to provide the same high quality imaging locally that you would receive at a larger facility.”

Because this high-tech equipment is available locally and patients don’t have to travel, physicians can offer a diagnosis in a timelier manner, Robben added.

“When you need an imaging service, you don’t need the added stress of having to travel,” Robben continued. “Pawnee Valley Community Hospital is so pleased to offer

our comprehensive list of Imaging services for residents of Pawnee and surrounding counties who can trust in our professional and compassionate Imaging staff.”

Pawnee Valley Megan Mawhirter Elected Director for State Association

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Megan Mawhirter has been involved in health-information management locally for more than a decade and now her reach extends to the state level.

Mawhirter is Director of Health Information Management & Admissions at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital (PVCH). She was recently elected to a director position at the Kansas Health Information Management Association (KHIMA).

“Every healthcare encounter involves health information,” Mawhirter said. “There are so many pieces involved.

“Health information entails everything from the moment you check-in to the final invoice being sent,” she explained. “It encompasses the record of why a patient is here. There are so many moving parts to a patient visit.

“This is why a hospital or other healthcare facility needs to have someone trained to oversee the process. We must ensure we comply with all state and federal regulations.”

Mawhirter also works with PVCH Admissions to ensure all records are up-to-date. Other responsibilities include auditing records, and collaborating with attorneys, insurance companies and patients.

“The billing office and our health-information-management staff work together to assure accurate assignment of billing codes,” she noted.

KHIMA members are nurses, medical coders, billers, privacy officers and data specialists – anyone involved in the medical field.

“Members include so many different people, with so many skills and specialties,” said Mawhirter, who joined KHIMA in 2008 as a student. “The knowledge I have gained as part of this organization is incredible and my new contacts around the state are instrumental in expanding my knowledge base.”

Mawhirter advises the board of directors, while serving as chair of the KHIMA Audit Subcommittee and liaison to the Information Integrity Committee.

“I plan to share the knowledge I gain with the staff at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital and other facilities,” Mawhirter commented. “The more information I have the better we can serve our patients and staff.

“Also, I encourage students and professionals to join this great statewide organization.”

Hospital Honors Jeannie Kolb With Daisy Award

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Jeannie Kolb “loves” having the opportunity to care for patients and believes the best place to share her passion for nursing is Pawnee Valley Community Hospital (PVCH).

Kolb recently was recognized for her nursing skills by earning the DAISY Award, which honors extraordinary nurses locally, nationally and internationally.

“I am in the right place because after every shift, I feel a sense of gratitude from my patients,” Kolb said. “I have a drive to improve a patient’s situation. Oftentimes, it is the little things that make a significant difference; a simple touch or smile means a lot.

“I love to see that our care here at the hospital can make a positive change in someone’s life. This is what keeps me going every day.”

Kolb, long-time Larned resident, has more than 25 years of nursing experience and cares for patients in Special Nursing Services. This includes treatments such as IV therapy, wound care, blood transfusions, catheter management and assessing central lines for blood draws.

When she is needed, Kolb also works in pre-op and fills in for the charge nurse, which involves Acute Care and the Emergency Department.

Kolb acknowledged she was surprised by the DAISY nomination, which came from a patient who was receiving long-term antibiotics and daily dressing changes for many weeks.

“I am honored and grateful for the nomination and the award,” Kolb commented. “It is gratifying to know that our patient care is appreciated. It is what we do every day.

The whole nursing team deserves the DAISY Award. To work alongside these compassionate and professional nurses, doctors and other staff at PVCH is incredibly rewarding.

“As a team, we do make a difference and take pride in our patient-centered care,” she continued. “I love being part of this skilled team that has one goal in mind – to collaborate with one another to provide high-quality healthcare.”

The PVCH Family Advisory Council sponsors the DAISY Award each year.

Pawnee Valley Community Hospital Welcomes Local Providers to Emergency Department

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Pawnee Valley Community Hospital is thrilled to announce the latest additions to our esteemed Emergency Department team: Sarah Christopherson, APRN, and Peter Mick, APRN. Both providers bring a wealth of experience and knowledge that enhance the level of care we offer to our community.

Introducing Sarah Christopherson, APRN

Sarah Christopherson, APRN, brings her extensive expertise and compassionate care to our Emergency Department. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Fort Hays State University and furthered her education by earning a Master of Science in Nurse Family Nurse Practitioner from Maryville University in St. Louis, MO. Her commitment to excellence was evident early in her career, and she quickly became known for her patient-centered approach and clinical acumen. Sarah’s dedication to continuous learning and her passion for providing high-quality care make her an invaluable addition to our team.

Introducing Peter Mick, APRN

Peter Mick, APRN, joins us with a distinguished medical career. He completed his Bachelors in Nursing at Wichita State University and his Masters in Science in Nursing at Georgetown University, Washington, D.C. His dedication to patient care and innovative approach to emergency medicine make him a valuable asset to Pawnee Valley Community Hospital.

A Warm Welcome

The addition of Peter Mick and Sarah Christopherson represents our ongoing commitment to expanding and enhancing our medical team to meet the growing needs of our patients. We are confident that their presence will further strengthen our Emergency Department and ensure our community receives the best possible care during their critical moments.

Pawnee Valley Community Hospital stands out among Critical Access Hospitals, boasting a remarkable advantage in emergency care. Our Emergency Department is overseen by a board-certified emergency department physician, Dr. Derek Yarmer, ensuring that every critical case is handled with the utmost expertise and care.

“We are incredibly honored to have Sarah and Peter join our Emergency Department. Their combined expertise and commitment to patient care align perfectly with our hospital’s mission to provide exceptional healthcare services to our community.” Dr. Derek Yarmer commented. Please join us in welcoming them to the Pawnee Valley Community Hospital family. We look forward to the positive impact they will have on our patients and the community as a whole.

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923 Carroll Avenue
Larned, KS 67550

620-285-3161

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