A South Dakota Department of Health COVID-19 initiative to review infectious disease precautions at congregate living facilities brought together Stephanie Hanson, BSN, RN, program manager for the South Dakota Foundation for Medical Care (SDFMC), and Eric Weber, chief executive officer for the Union Gospel Mission (UGM) in Sioux Falls. The two never imagined their phoneContinue reading “Access to Narcan at Union Gospel Mission Saves a Life “
Author Archives: eliseheesch
Raising Awareness about Post-Partum Depression
Having a baby means many changes, and any new mom can experience postpartum depression (PPD). It can develop after the birth of any child, not just the first. For half of women diagnosed with PPD, it is their first time to have depression. Emily Carlson, RN, Bright Start home visiting nurse, emphasized, “When working withContinue reading “Raising Awareness about Post-Partum Depression “
September 13 PFL Office Hour: Germs Live on Dry Surfaces
Dry surfaces like door handles, light switches, and handrails are commonly touched. Proper cleaning and disinfection of surfaces helps reduce the spread of germs and the potential risk for infection. The upcoming South Dakota Project Firstline (SD PFL) Office Hour will review how to reduce the risk of infection on dry surfaces. SD PFL OfficeContinue reading “September 13 PFL Office Hour: Germs Live on Dry Surfaces”
Connecting with Baby through Skin to Skin
Following the birth of a child, many new experiences occur when a mother meets her child for the first time and welcomes the newborn into the world. While it may seem chaotic during this time, Bright Start nurses advocate for skin-to-skin contact whenever possible, including immediately following delivery and as much thereafter as possible. CarolContinue reading “Connecting with Baby through Skin to Skin “
Sturgis Mobile Response Team Links Patients and Providers
Most people believe health care services happen within clinics and hospitals, but the need for health care reaches beyond those walls into the community. Community health workers (CHW) bridge the gap by coordinating care and addressing social determinants of health. The Sturgis Mobile Response Team (SMRT), funded by the South Dakota Department of Health (SDContinue reading “Sturgis Mobile Response Team Links Patients and Providers”
Schuch Aims to Improve South Dakotans Quality of Life
As a lifelong citizen of South Dakota, Cindy Schuch’s, MS, RN, CPHQ, goal as a nurse has always been to improve the quality of life for individuals and communities. Schuch has capitalized on the vast varieties of nursing positions throughout her 30 plus years in healthcare. The South Dakota Foundation for Medical Care (SDFMC) isContinue reading “Schuch Aims to Improve South Dakotans Quality of Life “
Project Firstline August Office Hours
South Dakota Project Firstline (PFL) Office Hours provides an opportunity to listen to a new educational topic each month. PFL office hours allow participants to join a Q&A discussion on topics of interest and relevance to the attendees. Additionally, new office hours now include Cheri Fast, BSN, RN, CIC, LTC- CIP, and her healthcare acquiredContinue reading “Project Firstline August Office Hours”
Playing it Safe with Children’s Toys
Living room floors and backyards are strewn with toys and games throughout the summer months as kids enjoy the freedom and warm weather. Checking the safety of toys, especially in homes with children of different ages, is an important step to prevent injury. Separating toys intended for older children protects little ones from the dangersContinue reading “Playing it Safe with Children’s Toys “
Sime Strengthens Infection Prevention Team
Building bridges, literally and figuratively, paved the way for Rebecca Sime, RN, to become the newest program manager for the South Dakota Foundation for Medical Care (SDFMC). Her journey from civil engineering to registered nurse has given Sime a unique perspective and skill set in both project management and quality improvement. As a member ofContinue reading “Sime Strengthens Infection Prevention Team”
Infection Lurks at Every Tooth
Oral care goes beyond maintaining teeth. The mouth tells a story about a person’s overall health, including revealing infection. Infection prevention and control practices in the dental setting are important for protecting those receiving and providing care. When working in the oral cavity, the body’s defense mechanisms are bypassed. Ensuring processes provide the highest levelContinue reading “Infection Lurks at Every Tooth “