Cheyenne Neagle Named to 2023 100 Great Iowa Nurses List

Cheyenne Neagle, RN, Clinic Lead and Health Coach for Davis County Medical Associates, was named to the 2023 100 Great Iowa Nurses list!

This prestigious award, established in 2004, annually recognizes outstanding nurses across Iowa whose actions go far beyond what is expected of a nurse within their normal duties. In order to qualify for this award, nominees must have a current Registered Nurse (RN) license, and must have made a significant contribution to their profession.

“I am thrilled to see Cheyenne receive this recognition,” commented Carleena Brown, Rural Health Clinic Director. “Cheyenne is a selfless leader to our patients and team members while focusing on bettering the health of our community. Her drive to continually enhance our level of care is admirable. She focuses on what patients need and when she finds a service we need to enhance she strives to learn what is needed to offer that care in rural Iowa.”

Nominations for this award opened last fall and awardees were selected in early winter. The awardees were honored during a virtual ceremony in February. Congratulations, Cheyenne, on this incredible achievement.

DCHC Welcomes Jessica Christen, DNP

Davis County Hospital & Clinics Welcomes New Family Practice Nurse Practitioner– Jessica Christen, DNP
DCHC is pleased to welcome Jessica Christen, Doctor of Nursing Practice, as an employed provider at DCHC. Jessica is a board-certified family nurse practitioner and has been practicing medicine for over 7 years in Memphis, Missouri. Jessica will be working in the DCHC Medical Associates primary care clinic, as well as assisting on the hospital side seeing Acute Care inpatients as needed.

“We are excited to welcome Jessica to our Davis County Medical Associates clinic provider team and the facility,” commented Veronica Fuhs, Chief Executive Officer at DCHC. “Jessica will be an incredible addition to our provider team allowing us to expand our services, and ultimately take care of more patients. Her certification in diabetes care and education will be a great asset for our patients as well.”

Jessica comes to DCHC from Scotland County Hospital in Missouri, where she was a family nurse practitioner. She worked in the outpatient and inpatient settings caring for patients, while specializing in chronic disease management, specifically diabetes. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Missouri and went on to receive her Doctorate in Nursing Practice from there as well.

“I am looking forward to joining the DCHC provider team,” commented Jessica. “I have a passion for working in a rural area because everyone deserves access to quality care, no matter their location. I am eager to meet and establish relationships within the community.”

As a nurse practitioner with a focus on rural health, she has worked in a variety of healthcare settings including three rural health departments in Missouri. At DCHC’s Medical Associates primary care clinic, Jessica will be providing care for routine illness in patients, as well as chronic disease management. She will also be available to assist patients with diabetes care and education.

Jessica and her husband live near Green City, MO with their 4 children. In her spare time, she enjoys hunting, drinking coffee, and cheering on the St. Louis Cardinals.

Jessica will begin to see patients within the Davis County Medical Associates Clinic in early 2023. To schedule an appointment with Jessica, please call the Davis County Medical Associates clinic at 641-664-3832 or go online to the MyDCHC patient portal at www.DCHC.org.

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DCHC Named a Iowa Top Workplace in 2022

September 25, 2022 – Davis County Hospital & Clinics (DCHC) has been awarded a Top Workplaces 2022 honor by Iowa Top Workplaces. The list is based solely on employee feedback gathered through a third-party survey administered by employee engagement technology partner Energage LLC. The anonymous survey uniquely measures 15 culture drivers that are critical to the success of any organization: including alignment, execution, and connection, just to name a few.

“I am extremely proud of our DCHC team for being named a Top 150 Workplace in Iowa, for the fifth time in six years,” commented Chief Executive Officer, Veronica Fuhs. “I am beyond proud of the dedication of every employee for their commitment to providing high-quality care to our patients. DCHC continues to be an amazing place to work, and a special place for our patients to receive care!”

“Earning a Top Workplaces award is a badge of honor for companies, especially because it comes authentically from their employees,” said Eric Rubino, Energage CEO. “That’s something to be proud of. In today’s market, leaders must ensure they’re allowing employees to have a voice and be heard. That’s paramount. Top Workplaces do this, and it pays dividends.”

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About Energage

Making the world a better place to work together.TM

Energage is a purpose-driven company that helps organizations turn employee feedback into useful business intelligence and credible employer recognition through Top Workplaces. Built on 16 years of culture research and the results from 27 million employees surveyed across more than 70,000 organizations,  Energage delivers the most accurate competitive benchmark available. With access to a unique combination of patented analytic tools and expert guidance, Energage customers lead the competition with an engaged workforce and an opportunity to gain recognition for their people-first approach to culture. For more information or to nominate your organization, visit energage.com or topworkplaces.com.

DCHC Announces 2022 DAISY & ROSE Award Recipients

Bloomfield, IA  – Melissa Frederick, LPN has been named Davis County Hospital & Clinic’s 2022 DAISY Award recipient, and Shelly Kloppenburg was named the 2022 ROSE Award recipient at a ceremony held on Thursday, May 12th.

Nominations for Davis County Hospital & Clinics’ (DCHC) DAISY & ROSE Awards were submitted by patients and their families, colleagues, managers, physicians and community members, and then a small committee of DCHC front line team members chose this year’s honorees through a blinded nomination process.

There were 8 DCHC nurses nominated this year for the DAISY Award: Beth Saner, Eric Bates, Julie Baker, Melissa Frederick, Paige Helton, Susan Fox, Sydney Thordarson, and Whitney Rigdon.

There were 5 DCHC individuals nominated for the ROSE Award: Chelsey Jones, Megan Bassett, Shawna Huggins, Shelly Kloppenburg, and Wendy Barker

Melissa, winner of the 2022 DAISY Award, is an Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in the Medical Associates primary care clinic department at DCHC. Melissa received two nominations, one of which a colleague submitted “Melissa is an excellent nurse who wears her title proudly. She continues to work hard on a daily basis to care for patients. She stays late to ensure that all needs are met. If she does not know the answer she will research the information to answer it for her patients. I am proud to have her apart of a team at DCHC and look forward to continue to work with her in the future.”

Shelly, winner of the 2022 ROSE Award, is a Surgical Tech in the Surgery department at DCHC, nominated be a peer with the following “Shelly is always great to Jump in and help me at any given minute, as we have been short staffed lately with a staff member leaving, She will always stop by the desk and ask if I need any help with anything, she has graciously helped me with putting charts together whether for surgery or epidurals, Shelly consistently always has a smile on her face and a good attitude with being a team player, Thanks Shelly”

“Melissa and Shelly are incredibly deserving of this year’s 2022 DAISY and ROSE Awards,” commented Chief Nursing Officer, Nikki Thordarson. “As you can tell through their nominations, they are both truly dedicated to their patients, as well as committed to being an excellent team member. We are proud to have Melissa and Shelly on our team!”

About the DAISY Award

A signature program of the DAISY Foundation, the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses recognizes individual nurses throughout the year for their extraordinary, compassionate care. More than 3,600 health care facilities and nursing schools across the US and in 21 other countries participate every year.

“The DAISY Awards were created to express gratitude to nurses around the world for their compassion,” said Bonnie Barnes, FAAN, Co-Founder and CEO of the DAISY Foundation. “This year’s honorees exemplify the professionalism and humanity that are hallmarks of outstanding nursing care.”

DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System. The DAISY Award was established by the DAISY Foundation in memory of J. Patrick Barnes who died at 33 of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenia Purpura (ITP), an auto-immune disease. The Barnes Family was awestruck by the clinical skills, caring and compassion of the nurses who cared for Barnes, so they created this international award to say thank you to nurses everywhere.

For more information about the DAISY Award and Foundation, visit www.daisyfoundation.org.

About the ROSE Award

The ROSE Award was new this year for DCHC. We wanted to offer the ROSE recognition program to recognize allied healthcare staff from all non-nursing, clinical team members who personify the remarkable patient experience for those we serve. For someone to be nominated for the ROSE Award, they are a role model for others living their expertise and compassionate care, and for all who enter our doors – patient, family member or visitor. ROSE stands for Recognizing Outstanding Service Excellence.

How to know when to seek help: common signs, symptoms, and risk factors of mental health

Davis County Hospital & Clinic’s Senior Life Solutions Program Focuses on Common Signs of Mental Health

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and Davis County Hospital & Clinics’ (DCHC) Senior Life Solutions program raises awareness about the signs, symptoms, and risk factors regarding mental health and how to know when to seek help. Over the past couple of years, mental health has moved to the forefront for many. An increasing number of folks are beginning to see it for what it is: a vital component of your overall health and well-being, just as important as your physical health. At the same time, mental health conditions, resources, and conversations can still feel complicated and out of reach.

Many people are learning about mental health topics for the first time. Having a widespread understanding of the topic can help you be more informed if you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health condition or crisis.

Around half of the people in the U.S. will meet the criteria for a diagnosable mental health condition at some point in their life. This understanding can help us to be more empathetic to the mental health of our families, friends, and community members.

There are signs and symptoms to be aware of and specific factors that can lead to mental health conditions or crises. What resources are out there – and how do I know if they’re right for me?

By becoming acquainted with the common signs of mental health issues, we can be more prepared, confident, and less afraid of where to start when addressing our mental health.

“Understanding the signs and symptoms of a mental health condition is the first step to a happier, healthier life.” says DCHC Senior Life Solutions Director, Rhonda Roberts, RN. “Understanding that mental health conditions are common and treatable is the next. We must keep working to break down the stigma against mental health to ensure people receive the help they need.”

There’s often no single cause for a mental health condition. Instead, many possible risk factors can influence how likely a person is to experience a mental health condition or how severe the symptoms may be. Some risk factors for mental health conditions include “trauma,” which can be a one-time event or ongoing. And “environment or social determinants” impact health and quality of life (i.e., financial stability and health care access); genetics; brain chemistry; and habits/lifestyle, such as a lack of sleep.

Everyone should have the support needed to thrive. Communities that have experienced oppression, historically or presently, face a more profound mental health burden because of the impact of trauma, injustice, and harm.

Of course, understanding the risk factors for a mental health condition can be more problematic when it’s your mental health. It’s hard to see the changes. Take time to ask yourself about any changes in your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors to see if this is part of a pattern caused by a situation affecting the health of your mind. Here some questions to get you started:

  • Have things that used to feel easy started feeling difficult?
  • Does the idea of doing daily tasks like making your bed now feel really, really hard?
  • Have you lost interest in activities and hobbies you once enjoyed?
  • Do you feel irritated, possibly to the point of lashing out at those close to you?

Our society focuses much more on physical health than mental health, but both are equally important. If you are concerned about your mental health, several options are available. You are not alone – help is out there, and recovery is possible.

It may be hard to talk about your concerns, but simply acknowledging that you’re struggling is a huge step.

You may not need this information today, yet understanding the basics of mental health will mean you will be more prepared if you ever need it. Go to mhanational.org/may to learn more.

Senior Life Solutions is Davis County Hospital & Clinics’ program, designed to meet the unique needs of individuals typically 65 and older experiencing depression and/or anxiety related to life changes that are often associated with aging. If you or someone you know is struggling with a recent heart-related diagnosis or a decline in emotional health, our program wants you to know we are here to help. Whether through our program, or another service, our team works to identify and address the emotional needs of those in our community and provide support.

If you need more information, education, or would like to discuss support, please call 641-664-3851 or visit www.DCHC.org/services/senior-life-solutions.

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Davis County Back to School Resource Fair 2022 Registration Available

Pre-Register your students today for a free backpack and school supplies!

Bloomfield, IA – Mark your calendars! The 2022 Davis County Back to School Resource Fair will be held as a drive-thru style event again this year on Tuesday, August 2nd at the Davis County Fairgrounds. In its seventh year, the Davis County Back to School Resource Fair helps alleviate the financial strain for parents and guardians with the costs associated to sending students back to school. The event provides Davis County students a free backpack and school supplies to start the year prepared.

“Although it still isn’t our ‘normal’ in-person Back to School style event, we are excited to still provide our Davis County Kindergarten – 6th grade students with a free backpack and school supplies to kick off the upcoming school year,” commented Devyn Pitlick, Public Relations Coordinator at Davis County Hospital & Clinics. “The drive-thru style event has worked really well for us under the circumstances the last couple of years; we hope to have a great turnout again this year!”

For parents interested in signing their student(s) up for school supplies and a backpack, the committee is requesting they pre-register their students online at: https://forms.office.com/r/2i5uZfBihV. They have availability to provide 300 students with supplies and backpacks, first come, first serve. The pre-registration deadline is Friday, May 27th. The committee asks parents/guardians to fill out a form for each individual student K-6th grade. The first 150 students to be registered will also get a FREE pair of shoes; don’t wait to sign-up!

“We ask that everyone use the online registration form to sign-up. If you don’t have access to the internet to register your student(s), please call 641-664-7083,” said Pitlick. “We want everyone to participate that is interested, no matter their financial status. All students deserve the chance to start the school year off with the necessary supplies to succeed.”

For those who pre-register by May 27th, they will be directed to pick up their children’s supplies on Tuesday, August 2nd from 5pm – 6pm at the Davis County Fairgrounds.

The Back to School Resource Fair is completely funded by private donations and in-kind contributions including a grant from the Davis County Community Foundation.

An additional thank you goes out to the Davis County Fairgrounds for use of their building, to help make the event possible as a ‘drive-thru’ style event for the Davis County community.

Questions about the event can be directed to Devyn Pitlick at Davis County Hospital & Clinics (641-664-7083).

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Veronica Fuhs

Veronica Fuhs Recognized Nationally as Rural Hospital CEO to Know

Clive, Iowa; February 25, 2022 – MercyOne is proud to share three CEOs of MercyOne member hospitals are being recognized as 67 rural hospital CEOs to know by Becker’s Hospital Review. MercyOne CEOs earning recognition include:

  • Dar Elbert of Kossuth Regional Health Center in Algona has been with the hospital since 1987. As Chief Nursing Officer and CEO her leadership is focused on making patients and their families the top priority. Her engagement with providers and colleagues maximizes care coordination and personalized care for each patient.
  • Veronica Fuhs of Monroe County Hospital & Clinics in Albia and Davis County Hospital & Clinics in Bloomfield has led the team at Monroe County Hospital & Clinics as CEO since March 2015 and Davis County Hospital & Clinics since 2018. She is focused on providing unparalleled service, unwavering commitment to safety and a relentless pursuit of value.
  • Brooke Kensinger of MercyOne Elkader Medical Center has led the 25-bed critical access hospital for more than five years. Ms. Kensinger’s steadfast dedication and unwavering commitment to healthcare during her time leading MercyOne Elkader Medical Center earned her the Iowa Hospital Association’s 2021 Young Executive Achievement Award.

“We are extremely proud of these three leaders,” said MercyOne Mike Trachta, MercyOne Vice President of Network Affiliates. “Each CEO knows the needs of their communities deeply and is devoted to delivering that care. Their service has helped these hospitals thrive during a challenging time in health care.”

Rural hospitals are the lifeblood of communities in Iowa. Providers and colleagues work tirelessly to deliver safe, quality care to meet rural resident’s health care needs. Rural hospitals also are a key player in the economic health of their regions – providing jobs, community services and economic stability. We hope you will join us in recognizing the contributions of these leaders and dedication to the health of Iowans.

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DCHC Health Services Scholarship

Health Services Education Scholarship Application Available

Bloomfield, IA – Davis County Hospital & Clinics (DCHC) is excited to share the 2022 Health Services Education scholarship opportunity for individuals pursuing a career in a healthcare related field is now open for applications.

DCHC will be awarding at least two $500 scholarships to two or more applicants in 2022.  The applicants are preferred to reside in Davis County but those living outside of Davis County will be considered as well. This scholarship is designed to assist individuals pursuing a career in a healthcare related field, which could include Nursing, Radiology, Laboratory, Respiratory Therapy, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, Pharmacy, Medicine, Health Information Management etc.

A broad-based criterion is used in the selection process. The main criteria is a demonstrated commitment to post-secondary education in a healthcare related field. An applicants’ academic record, communication skills, community involvement, and instructor recommendations are also considered.

The scholarship fund is made possible with funding provided by the Davis County Hospital Foundation and Davis County Hospital & Clinics Board of Trustees.

Anyone who feels they meet the criteria for eligibility are encouraged to apply. A copy of the application may be obtained from the Davis County Hospital & Clinics Human Resources Department or online at DCHC Health Services Education Scholarship – Davis County Hospital & Clinics.  Applications must be received or postmarked no later than March 31st, 2022 for the application and supporting materials to be considered by the committee. From all scholarships received, the scholarship committee will select the number of scholarships given. Eligible individuals are encouraged to apply each year.

Questions about the scholarship opportunity should be directed to the Davis County Hospital & Clinics Human Resource department at 641-664-2145.

If an individual is selected, they will be notified by DCHC Human Resources and arrangements can be made for the scholarship to be awarded. A list of scholarship recipients can be found on the DCHC website after June 1st.

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Community Wellness Screenings Event Cancelled

Davis County Hospital & Clinics (DCHC) annual Community Wellness Screenings event has unfortunately been canceled, due to the current laboratory supply shortage.

“Ultimately, we didn’t want to make this decision, but with the critical shortage of laboratory supplies affecting healthcare facilities, it was the decision we had to make,” commented Devyn Pitlick, Marketing and Public Relations Coordinator at DCHC.

While DCHC is unable to host the Community Wellness Screenings this year, we encourage individuals to ensure they have their annual exams scheduled. No matter your age or stage of life, annual physical exams are essential to your ongoing health. Visiting your primary care provider (PCP) for regular preventive care is one of the best ways to identify and treat health issues before they worsen. Depending on your exam, risk factors, age, lifestyle, and family history, your PCP may order a variety of blood tests and other screenings during your annual physical exam.

If you are concerned about your wellness exam coverage, we encourage you to contact your insurance company directly. If you are under-insured, or uninsured, the DCHC Financial Services office (641-664-7144) is a great resource and can work through financial assistance possibilities. Financial Assistance Policy Information can also be found online here.

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Kincart Physical Therapy Services Offers Lymphedema Treatment

Jacqueline Wells, DPT, CLT, Completes Lymphedema Certification

Bloomfield, Iowa— Jacqueline Wells, DPT, CLT, with Kincart Physical Therapy Services in Bloomfield completed a Lymphedema Certification through the Academy of Lymphatic Studies to become a Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT). Through this certification, Wells has a thorough understanding of all aspects of Complete Decongestive Therapy, which is considered the “Gold Standard” treatment for lymphedema. Wells can establish and execute a treatment plan for individuals in the various stages of lymphedema as well as patients with possible complications arising from this condition.

“After serving as a Physical Therapist at Kincart Physical Therapy Services for the past four years, it became clear to me the community and department would benefit greatly from a Certified Lymphedema Therapist,” said Jacqueline Wells, DPT, CLT. “I completed comprehensive training through the Academy of Lymphatic Studies and am eager to begin treatment.”

The Academy of Lymphatic Studies is the leading school in the United States providing comprehensive lymphedema training and certification of healthcare professionals in Lymphedema Management.

Kincart Physical Therapy Services is proud to offer high-quality care for those with musculoskeletal and neuromuscular conditions and diseases in Bloomfield, Davis County, and surrounding areas. Kincart Physical Therapy Services includes physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, direct access, aquatic therapy, inpatient and skilled rehab services. With a Certified Lymphedema Therapist we can expand upon these offerings and treat additional conditions including lymphedema, chronic venous insufficiency, lipedema and more.

Kincart Physical Therapy Services is located in Bloomfield within the Davis County Hospital & Clinics building. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact Kincart Physical Therapy Services at 641-664-7086.

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