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Coming up in this week's issue of The Focus you'll find:

Congratulations to August 2023’s FHN PRIDE Champions!

Michelle Witcik (Pharmacy) nominated by Renee Boshela-Siegner. Michelle was nominated for being patient-centered, showing respect, dignity, and compassion, being innovative, delivering excellence, and being engaged. Renee writes of a special circumstance with a patient in the emergency department in which the patient had several visits in a very short period of time. Michelle identified that several prescribers were prescribing several sedating medications for this patient, which was concerning for the patient’s well-being at home. Michelle checked into her concern further and was able to get the help of Adult Protective Services to ensure the patient was safe at home. Michelle was able to compile a list of prescribers to provide Adult Protective Services, and worked closely with case management and a guardian to develop a safe discharge plan for this patient. When the patient discharged from the Emergency Department, his home medication list was adjusted dramatically from his original list. The patient was monitored for a three-week time-frame to ensure his new medication regimen would be safe and work effectively.

Renee writes, “Michelle again went above and beyond and provided the current medication regime to allow the hospitalist to quickly provide discharge medication orders for a smooth transition to the patient’s new placement.”

Karen Hauser (Central Supply) nominated by Danielle Wittig & Jason Kornfeind. Karen and was nominated for being patient-centered, showing respect, dignity, and compassion, being innovative, delivering excellence, and being engaged. Jason writes that Karen has maintained the Cath Lab stock room for the past several years. When she was first assigned to their department, she helped to reorganize and streamline their supplies and always ensures they have the supplies needed to care for their patients. Jason said they recently identified an area where Karen’s help was needed. He reached out to Karen and she made time in her busy schedule to help. He writes that she went out of her way to utilize and find in-house resources and ordered what she was unable to find.

Jason writes, “Karen demonstrates PRIDE standards daily with excellent communication, a great work ethic and being conscious of regularly changing supply issues and our department needs. Karen is an asset to the FHN team.”

Danielle writes Karen recently encountered a young man who had a baby with him, and he told Karen they were struggling to find formula for the baby. She had an empty box of Enfamil AR and the baby’s dad asked Karen if she knew where he could find the formula. Karen returned to her department and found there were two boxes of formula on the shelf that she felt the hospital would not go through before the expiration date. She asked her leader if it was OK to give the formula to this young father to help alleviate one stressor in his life. Karen then brought it up to the family and informed them of the expiration date so they could use the formula before it expired.

Danielle writes, “Karen went above and beyond, thought outside the box, and utilized a resource for a family in need. Thank you, Karen!”

Mark Hunziker (FHN Hospice) nominated by Rebecca Rath. Mark was nominated for being patient-centered, showing respect, dignity, and compassion, being innovative, delivering excellence, and being engaged. Rebecca writes that Mark is the primary hospice nurse for a gentleman in the Freeport area. The man only had a fan in his apartment, and with the recent hot temperatures, his apartment would become very warm. He did not have funds for an air conditioner. Mark was very concerned for his safety with the upcoming heat warning, knowing heat and humidity would be dangerous for him. Mark checked into resources and found out the Senior Center could donate an air conditioner. The man lived alone and was unable to install the air conditioner, so with the man’s permission, Mark brought a friend and installed the air conditioner for him.

Rebecca writes, “Mark is very caring and compassionate to our hospice patients. He has been known to show up with edible treats or small plants/flowers to brighten a patient’s or family’s day. He has a great sense of humor and is fun to work with. He is always willing to jump in and help out wherever he’s needed.”

Others nominated this month include Teri Bland, Mary Jo Kerr, Cassandra White, Melissa Dickens, Tatum Christens, Beth Martin, Amy Mullens, Brenda Offerman, the Patient Service Representatives at the Ob/Gyn clinic, Vanessa Suggs, Abby Sadler, Pamela Neels, Penny Heckman, Penny Ludwig, Lois Stultz, Holly Schoch, Renee Westaby, Kristen Simpson, Jennifer Gitz, Tina Lingle, Autumn Seidemann, Lori Robieson, Barb Lloyd, Whitnee Jackson, Sarah Salazar, Roxanne Hare, Lisa Glass, James Merboth, Paige Haas, Shelby Rodriguez, Michael Spangler, Rebecca Holbert, Debby Mae Lyons, Marcy Babb, Carol Gray, Sara Patrick, Noelle Maher, Sally Holland.

Continue Delivering Excellence: Every Patient, Every Time! Take PRIDE in what you do at FHN! Please keep your eyes open for others demonstrating our PRIDE standards and nominate them for PRIDE Champion or our Golden Globe recognition program for leaders! Be sure to include details in your nomination to ensure their excellence is portrayed as you have witnessed it. Thank you!

FHN Offering Two Drive-Through Flu Shot Clinics

FHN is offering two easy, convenient drive-through seasonal flu shot clinics in October.

“If your last flu shot was before June 1, 2023, you need a new one for the coming season,” said FHN Infection Preventionist Margie Kochsmier, MSN, RN, CMSRN, CIC.

This year’s public drive-through flu shot clinics are:
Oct. 11, 3 - 6 p.m. FHN Family Healthcare Center - Burchard Hills
Oct. 14, 8 - 10:30 a.m. FHN Family Healthcare Center - Burchard Hills

At this year’s public flu shot clinics, adults under 65 years of age will get a quadrivalent vaccine that protects against four strains of influenza for $32. Persons 65 and over will receive a high-dose version of the four-strain vaccine ($70).

COVID-19 booster vaccines will NOT be available at this event.

Immunizations may be paid for by cash, credit card, or check payable to FHN. Per government regulations, no Medicaid cards can be accepted at these events. Receipts will be available to submit to individuals’ healthcare insurance provider for reimbursement.

There will be no out-of-pocket expense if you are covered by Medicare Part B (please present Medicare card) or a Medicare HMO accepted by FHN (list available at each location – covered persons MUST present the Medicare HMO card instead of the Medicare card for the billing process).

Please note that these prices are only available at these flu shot clinics; other rates may apply in FHN offices.

Children cannot receive their flu shot at any of the drive-through clinics, but FHN provider offices will have appropriate dosages for pediatric patients as well as for adults. Because of federal guidelines to prevent identity theft, everyone must present a photo ID to receive an immunization. Participants are asked to wear a shirt or top that makes their upper arm easily accessible.

Persons with allergy to eggs or the flu vaccine, those with an illness accompanied by a fever or depressed immune system should not receive the flu immunization at these locations. For more information, call FHN Community Services at 815-599-7437.

For more information on FHN’s flu shot clinics, visit fhn.org/flu2023.

FHN Flu Shot Clinics Scheduled Throughout Northwest Illinois

FHN has announced a schedule of walk-up flu shot clinics at locations throughout northwest Illinois.

All events are open to the public. Adults under 65 years of age will get a quadrivalent vaccine that protects against 4 strains of influenza for $32. Adults 65 and over will receive a high-dose version of the vaccine ($70). There is no out-of-pocket expense for those covered by Medicare Part B (please present Medicare card) or a Medicare HMO accepted by FHN (list available at each location – covered persons MUST present the Medicare HMO card instead of the Medicare card for the billing process). COVID-19 booster vaccines will NOT be available at this event.

Immunizations may be paid for by cash or check payable to FHN (no credit or debit cards will be accepted). Please note that these prices are only available at these flu shot clinics; other rates may apply in FHN offices. No other insurance coverage can be accepted at these flu shot clinics, and per government regulations, no Medicaid cards can be accepted at these locations. Because of federal guidelines to prevent identity theft, everyone must present a photo ID to receive an immunization.

For their own safety, children should be immunized at their regular healthcare provider’s office. Persons with allergy to eggs or the flu vaccine, those with an illness accompanied by a fever or depressed immune system should not receive the flu immunization at these locations. For more information, call FHN Community Services at 815-599-7437.

For more information and a schedule of FHN’s flu shot clinics, visit fhn.org/flu2023.

FHN Career Corner

There are many career opportunities within FHN. If you or someone you know is interested in new challenges go to our Career page, displaying the latest open positions.

Help Spread the News: We’re Here, For You!

We have a lot to be proud of at FHN, from our talented, dedicated staff to the many advanced capabilities we offer our patients. We’re working hard every day to be sure we provide excellent care to our patients.

Each week, look to the Focus for good news to share about FHN in the form of downloadable flyers you can print and post or hand out to patients who may be interested. Also look for links to our most recent radio interviews and past interviews to listen to and recommend to others. Don’t forget to Like us on Facebook! Please encourage patients, friends, and family to also take advantage of these FHN information resources. Thanks for your help in promoting FHN!

Celebrating Diversity and Inclusion and Worldwide Health

September is …

Blood Cancer Awareness Month

Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

Food Safety Education Month

Healthy Aging® Month

National Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Month

National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month

National Cholesterol Education Month

National ITP (Platelet Disorder) Awareness Month

National Pediculosis Prevention Month/Head Lice Prevention Month

National Recovery Month

National Sickle Cell Month

National Yoga Awareness Month

Newborn Screening Awareness Month

Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

Pain Awareness Month

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Month

Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

Sepsis Awareness Month

Sexual Health Awareness Month

Sports Eye Safety Awareness Month

World Alzheimer’s Month

Weeks to Note:

Global ITP Awareness Week  September 25-30

World Rabies Day September 28
Sport Purple for Platelets Day September 29
World Heart Day September 29

October is …
Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Eye Injury Prevention Month
Health Literacy Month
Healthy Lung Month
Home Eye Safety Month
Medical Ultrasound Awareness Month
National ADHD Awareness Month
National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
National Bullying Prevention Month
National Dental Hygiene Month
National Down Syndrome Awareness Month
National Physical Therapy Month
Prenatal-onset GBS Disease Recognition Month
Spina Bifida Awareness Month
Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Awareness Month

Weeks to Note:
Mental Illness Awareness Week October 1-7
National Primary Care Week October 1-7

September is National Hispanic Heritage Month in the United States. Initiated in 1968 as “National Hispanic Heritage Week,” it was established in 1988 by the U.S. Congress and includes the days between September 15 and October 15. Hispanic Heritage Month begins September 15 because this day marks the anniversary of independence for five Hispanic countries – Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, and Nicaragua.

The United States observes Disability Employment Awareness Month in October. In 1945, in an effort to assist disabled veterans, Congress designated the first week of October as National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week. In the 1970s, a historic shift of disability public policy occurred. For the first time, the exclusion of people with disabilities was viewed as discrimination. The efforts of disability activists led to significant changes in laws, such as the passage of the Americans With Disabilities Act in 1990 and the designation of a full month to recognize the potential of America’s millions of working-age people with disabilities.

October is Women’s History Month in Canada. Established in 1992 by the government, this special month provides an opportunity to learn more about women’s historic accomplishments and their contributions to Canadian society.

Britain observes Black History Month in October. In Britain, Black History Month was first celebrated in October 1987 as part of African Jubilee Year. The decision to make this an annual event was endorsed by the Association of London Authorities. It has since grown to recognize and embrace the contributions and traditions of other black communities.

In Canada, October also is Latin American Heritage Month. Proclaimed by the Parliament of Canada on June 21, 2018, this month is an opportunity for Canadians to recognize the valuable contributions of members of the Latin American community to the country’s social, economic, political, and cultural fabric.

The people of Mexico celebrate Fiesta San Miguel on September 28. The festival of the archangel San Miguel is in honor of the patron saint of the city of San Miguel. Cultural, social, artistic, and sporting events are held throughout the city, along with bullfights.

September 28 is observed as Eid-Maulad-un-Nabi by people of the Islamic faith. It is the anniversary of the birth of the Prophet Muhammad. Some Muslims mark this occasion with special prayers; others may dedicate more time to reading the Koran.

Buddhists observe Pavarana on September 28. Buddha went into intensive practice during the rainy season – this marks the end of the retreat.

September 29 is the Harvest Moon Festival for the people of China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. The festival is celebrated with family reunions, moon gazing and eating of moon cakes. In Vietnam, it is called Trung Thu. On that night, children form a procession and travel through the streets with bright lanterns, singing and dancing to the beat of drums.

New Hires

Classified Ads

CHICAGO DAY OF SHOPPING AND FUN - Saturday, December 2, 2023. Charter bus departs from Pecatonica High School at 8:30 a.m. and returns at 7 p.m. You will be dropped off near Michigan Avenue, downtown Chicago, and the day is yours to do as you choose! $40 per person reserves your seat. Contact Kristin Kloepping 815-990-6373 or Tammy Wichman 815-275-7346. **Trip is not affiliated with FHN**

Classic 1983 Olds Toronado Brougham – opera lights, original wire hub caps, tinted power moonroof. No rust, garage kept, 124,000 miles. Asking $5,000. Call 815-291-2911 and leave message.

The deadline to submit ads for each Focus is 10 a.m. the Thursday before publication. Please submit your classified ad information to Tammy Edler, and send your donation to the Foundation.

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