A Quarterly Publication from Ridgecrest Regional Hospital
SUMMER 2022
CONNECTED A QUARTERLY PUBLICATION FROM RIDGECREST REGIONAL HOSPITAL
PREVENTING SUMMER INJURIES PAGE 4
SKIN CANCER 101 PAGE 6
UPCOMING EVENTS PAGE 10
Dear Friends,
The summer of 2022 has been marked by unusual weather patterns, commercial challenges and disruptions, continued economic and global uncertainty and a third year of fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic. We’ve observed a decreased volume with some of our services – such as the delivery of babies, which has been down from recent years. But the expansion of managed care has also reduced reimbursements that are a critical part of organizational sustainability. Like most businesses across the nation, RRH has also observed an increase in expenses as labor, transportation and material costs continue to rise. At the same time, we have maintained our commitment to keeping wages competitive for our highly trained staff. But the confluence of these two factors has yielded some financial challenges for RRH to overcome. This is reflective of the overall fiscal health observed in hospitals across California – half of which are experiencing significant revenue losses. A more sobering national trend that has surfaced in our community is patient violence against staff. In order to protect everyone at the hospital, including our providers, employees and other patients, we have installed metal detectors at the main entrance. However, none of these challenges are stopping RRH from expanding the services we know our community needs. We continue to recruit physicians – including two new OB/GYNs and two internists who will begin practicing with us this summer. Our Board of Directors also continues to approve new equipment, including a new fluoroscopy suite, new blood banking software and radiology equipment that will assist procedures in orthopedic and general surgery. Even with the significant obstacles and difficulties before us, RRH is undeterred in our mission to provide “world-class services close to home.”
JAMES A. SUVER, FACHE President/Chief Executive Officer
2022 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Shrooq Abu-Issa – Secretary Christopher Ellis – Director Margi Hannon – Treasurer George (Bud) Haslam – Chair Marti Hoppus – Director Dana Lyons – Vice Chair Walter Martin – Director Rita Read – Director James Rizzardini – Director
Paige Sorbo – Director Judy Tharp – Director
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RIDGECREST REGIONAL HOSPITAL SOCIAL MEDIA PHOTO ALBUM
Young professionals Hannah Espinoza and Lakana Panergo shared how the skilled nursing facility, Bella Sera, offered them a place to realize their long-held goals and career dreams.
Our Bella Sera activities staff helped make Skilled Nursing Home Week a treat!
Around 100 people released butterflies in memory and honor of their loved ones Saturday, May 14.
For Earth Day, a potting station was organized for our staff to decorate and pot their own flowers and herbs. Tyrone Ledford from the Ridgecrest Community Garden shared plant care tips.
On May 8-14, RRH celebrated National Hospital Week with lunches and activities. This year’s theme, “We are Health Care,” salutes our staff for taking on challenges and rising through obstacles.
Our laboratory professionals give the gift of health through their service. For #National- MedicalLaboratoryProfessionals- Week, we wanted to show our support and gratitude.
May was Oncology Nurses Month! We celebrated our Oncology Nurses and their continued dedication and compassion. They provide hope and comfort for those facing the unimaginable.
May the 4th be with you! Honestly, we aren’t surprised we have quite a few “Star Wars” lovers in the RRH family. We love seeing them showcase their enthusiasm for the franchise every year.
HOSPITAL MAIN LINE: (760) 446-3551 | TEXT APPOINTMENT TO 833-RRH-4YOU | COVID-19 INFORMATION CENTER: CALL OR TEXT (833) 216-6663
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Preventing Injury During Summer Months
TIPS ON HOW TO STAY SAFE AND INJURY FREE DURING HOT SUMMER MONTHS
HOT CARS With the weather warming up, it’s important to remember that the interior of a car can heat up quickly. Never leave your children alone in a car and always keep the doors locked to prevent children from entering alone. For people who have children in car seats in the backseats, it’s important to remember that you are traveling with a child. Keep your phone, laptop or purse in the backseat to remind you of your precious passenger. Pets are also very vulnerable to heatstroke from being left in hot cars. DROWNING The weather is warming up, bringing people to the water for recreation and picnicking. Although water sources like swimming pools, rivers and beaches are fun, there is also a risk for drowning. Drowning is the No. 1 cause of death for children ages 1-4, aside from birth defects, according to the Center for Disease Control. Keep yourself and your family safe by teaching your children how to swim and always having a designated person watching all children in and around water. Remember that open water can be cold with strong currents that easily overwhelm even strong swimmers. eBIKES eBike (electric bike) usage is on the rise! eBikes are motorized and can reach speeds up to 28 mph. Riders should be mindful that this speed requires extra stopping time and handling skill to negotiate obstacles and turns. Helmets are essential to prevent head injuries in the event of a crash.
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CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR EMPLOYEE OF THE QUARTER WINNER (4th Quarter 2021) MARIANA GOINS – CARDIOLOGY RESPIRATORY THERAPIST During the past year, Mariana has covered more than 45 additional shifts in the Respiratory Department, helping with our short staffing. Mariana has been performing the stress portion of the stress echocardiograms in Cardiology. She has written and edited many of the policies and forms in the department. She has volunteered and became the respiratory intubation instructor. She has quickly become a trusted resource and acts as the cardiopulmonary manager when needed. She is an amazing and versatile employee. Thank you for being a team leader; we appreciate you! RIDGECREST REGIONAL HOSPITAL STAFF SHOUT-OUTS!
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR EMPLOYEE OF THE QUARTER WINNER (1st Quarter 2022) COURTNEY ROLAND – SURGERY SCHEDULER
Courtney is known for consistently going above and beyond in her role, as well as for her positive attitude, which makes everyone she interacts with feel welcome. She willingly volunteers to take on additional tasks, and her keen attention to detail has helped scheduling cases run smoothly. She was nominated by staff both in the Surgery and Sterile Processing Departments, who agreed her dedication and readiness to help others whenever possible makes her a pleasure to work with. Without a doubt, Courtney is a true team player and invaluable employee to RRH.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR EMPLOYEE OF THE QUARTER WINNER (2nd Quarter 2022) AUDRI ARNDT – REGISTERED NURSE III
With over 10 years of service in the nursing field, Audri is known for being hardworking, resourceful and, most importantly, professional in every aspect of her job. She was recognized by her peers for her helpful demeanor and her ability to share her knowledge with new staff, as well as her commitment to her colleagues when staffing is low. In spite of having a busy workload, Audri is always polite and compassionate with patients and staff. Her work ethic and dedication to Ridgecrest Regional Hospital and the community are, without a doubt, admirable. She is most definitely an asset to our organization. CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR EMPLOYEE OF THE QUARTER WINNER (3rd Quarter 2022) THOMAS MOREHEAD – NETWORK PBX TECHNICIAN, INFORMATION SYSTEMS DEPARTMENT Tommy works tirelessly to keep all of RRH’s phones, faxes and overhead speakers in proper working order. He works nonstop to get any issues resolved quickly and efficiently – often working with outside carriers to ensure minimal downtime in our facilities. He always exhibits a positive attitude and remains calm during high-pressure situations. He is an excellent team player, and his IT department appreciates how hard he works to provide the best support he can.
RRH is proud to recognize Thomas Morehead as the 2021 Employee of the Year! The number of votes we received during the nomination period was enormous, so thank you to everyone who participated.
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Skin Cancer 101: PREVENTION IS KEY TO MITIGATING RISK
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. That translates to an estimated 9,500 people in the U.S. being diagnosed with skin cancer every day. The best way to mitigate your personal risk is to be informed. Chelsea Trask, Dermatology Physician Assistant at Ridgecrest Regional Hospital, provides important information surrounding this pervasive disease. TYPES OF SKIN CANCER Multiple types of skin cancers exist. The three primary types are basal cell, squamous cell and melanoma. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is by far the most common type. This type often occurs in individuals with fair complexions, but any person of any complexion may develop BCC. For most people, BCC is not life threatening and very treatable when caught early. These cancers are typically found on the head, neck and arms but may appear anywhere on the body — including the chest, abdomen and legs. A common sign to look for is a slow-growing, non-healing spot that may bleed. “People will often come in, and I’ll see something on their arm. They’ll say, ‘It’s been there for several months, and I don’t know what it is, but it just doesn’t go away.’ That’s usually a cue we should biopsy it, especially if it’s been there longer than four weeks; that’s something we get a bit more concerned about,” states Trask. With squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), the warning sign is something called an actinic keratosis – a dry, scaly patch on the skin caused by too much sun exposure. Studies have shown the conversion of these spots to SCC is about 10% over the course of 10 years. “This is why we try to treat these as soon as we can. We want to prevent them from progressing,” explains Trask.
Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer. While sun exposure has an influence on melanoma, genetics is also a significant component. It can appear suddenly as a dark spot that looks different from other skin lesions on the body. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical for melanoma, as it tends to spread to different parts of the body. PREVENTION TIPS Reducing sun exposure — or protecting against it — is an important way for people to prevent skin cancer from ever developing. However, many individuals don’t realize how much they’re being exposed to UV rays. “Even just driving in our cars or going into work daily, you’re getting a little bit of exposure. Making a habit of putting on skin protectant daily, such as mineral-based sunscreen, is crucial for preventing skin cancer,” urges Trask. She recommends sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or above which contains zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, as well as wearing UV-protectant clothing. Trask also encourages individuals to take an overall healthy approach to life, such as eating a healthy diet with plenty of antioxidants and making an annual dermatology visit a part of that healthy lifestyle. “I recommend getting a full body check at least yearly. And, depending on what your dermatologist finds during the exam, you may need to come more frequently,” she shares. “For baseline, it is important to just get that initial visit in and make sure you don’t have anything concerning. As patients, we often don’t recognize things that might be more concerning on our skin, but we may notice something that is completely benign, and we’re not concerned with at all. So, it’s nice to also have that education during our visit.”
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DO YOU HAVE A PRIMARY CARE PROVIDER? Usually when people go to the doctor, something is “wrong.” But there are plenty of reasons to see a physician in a proactive manner. Forming a relationship with a primary care provider (PCP) means that, when something does arise, you’ll feel comfortable discussing your concerns. “You have someone to turn to that you’re already familiar with, someone you trust. You know you’re going to get the information you need and the response you’re looking for. It is so important to have that relationship before the time of crisis,” states Dr. Kevin Flanigan, Medical Director for Ridgecrest Rural Health Clinic (RHC). CAN’T I JUST GO TO URGENT CARE? Emergency departments and urgent care centers serve an important role in healthcare. Yet, it’s still optimal to also have a primary care provider who understands your health history. For example, if you visit with three different physicians through urgent care, on three separate occasions, it’s more difficult to get the “whole picture” of what might be going on. Again, trust becomes a central factor in this patient-provider relationship. Dr. Flanigan mentions the pandemic as a good example. “If people had a chance to have a relationship with a primary care provider, they would have known where to turn to get accurate, valid information up front from someone they trusted. A lot of angst might have been avoided.” WHAT TYPE OF PROVIDER IS RIGHT FOR YOU? Frequency of visits really depends on where a person is in their stage of life. For example, newborns need consistent attention throughout the first few months. Young adults might only need an annual appointment. As individuals age, they may have specific conditions that require regular check-ins. Various types of providers exist, such as medical doctors (MDs), nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs). There are also different specialties that individuals can choose from based on their needs. For instance, family medicine focuses on care for the entire span of the family unit — from children to adults to elderly. Internists specialize in adult medicine, while pediatricians care for newborns through late adolescence. Referrals and recommendations are a great way to find a PCP, especially if the recommending person shares your same health goals. However, you should never feel “stuck” with a PCP who isn’t a good fit. It’s crucial to form a solid provider-patient connection. “No one is going to be upset. As providers, we all know we’re not the perfect match for every patient,” notes Dr. Flanigan. “It’s the relationship that allows for the best possible desired health outcome. Please, find a primary care provider you can relate with, get that relationship started, and then keep it going for the decades to come.” PRIMARY CARE PROVIDERS THE IMPORTANCE OF
**To listen to an in-depth conversation on this topic with Dr. Kevin Flanigan, Medical Director for Ridgecrest Rural Health Clinic (RHC), please follow this link: https://radiomd.com/ridgecrest/item/47028
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JOINING THE RRH TEAM NEW PROVIDERS
SHAHRYAR AHMADI, MD SPECIALTIES: Orthopedic Surgery BOARD CERTIFICATIONS: Orthopedic Surgery
BREANNA ROSOFF, RN, BSN, PHN SPECIALTIES: Childbirth Lactation Educator RRH would like to formally introduce our new Patient & Lactation Support Educator, Breanna Rosoff, RN, BSN, PHN. From a young age, Breanna always knew she wanted to be a nurse and spend her life taking care of others. Breanna had the opportunity to begin her career in labor and delivery and now has over six years of experience. After having children of her own, she struggled with breastfeeding. Thankfully, she had support from her wonderful lactation consultant, who met with her during a raw time in her life and saved her breastfeeding journey. At that moment, she knew she would want to help others with lactation at some point in her career. She didn’t imagine it would come so soon, but she is very grateful for the opportunity to serve our beautiful community with childbirth education and lactation! Additionally, she has the greatest support. The skill level, encouragement and experience that the Maternal Child nurses have will benefit our patients tremendously and will ultimately make this service successful, as our new families come full circle. Breanna is more than excited and is looking forward to working with individuals from this community. For appointments, call (760) 499-3831.
Dr. Ahmadi is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon. He specializes in shoulder, elbow and trauma surgery. Dr. Ahmadi received his medical degree at the University of Tehran. He completed residency at the University of Toronto and was then trained by world-renowned shoulder and elbow surgeons during his fellowship at Mayo Clinic. He pursued an academic position as director of shoulder and elbow surgery at the University of Arkansas for over 10 years; he was a faculty member in shoulder, elbow and trauma services. Dr. Ahmadi has extensive experience in shoulder and elbow surgery in arthroscopy, reconstruction and trauma. With about 300 shoulder arthroplasties and 30 elbow arthroplasties performed a year, he is one of the most experienced surgeons in this field. For appointments, call (760) 446-8692.
JACQUELINE BELL, FNP SPECIALTIES: Rural Health – Adult Primary Care
Jacqueline Bell is a Family Nurse Practitioner certified through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board. She began her career in healthcare after graduating as a registered nurse from California State University, Bakersfield, in 2014. She has worked as a charge nurse and floor nurse on a medical-surgical and
telemetry unit for over six years and earned her Master of Science in Nursing through Walden University. She has completed training in Adult Primary Care, Women’s Health and Pediatric Primary Care for over 700 clinical hours. She is a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success, the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing and the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. Jacqueline is from Ridgecrest and feels a special connection and obligation to care for the community. She is married with three children and enjoys active involvement in her kids’ school, church and sports activities. In her relaxation time, she enjoys hiking, camping and reading. For appointments, call (760) 499-3855.
EDGAR SOLORIO, FNP SPECIALTIES: Internal Medicine Edgar Solorio is a Family Nurse Practitioner certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. He attended Chamberlain University, where he earned his Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner. Edgar did his residency at Ridgecrest Regional Hospital Primary Care Clinic. During his free time, he enjoys weightlifting, hiking, swimming, snowboarding and skiing. For appointments, call (760) 446-0121.
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Latest News & Updates A NOTE FROM THE FOUNDATION DIRECTOR
KIMBERLY METCALF RRH Foundation Director
HELLO SUMMER! Having spent my entire life in Ridgecrest, I always welcome summer a bit apprehensively. While I love the idea of “summer” – barbecues, sunny days on the beach, etc. – the reality is we are living in the middle of a huge barbecue right next door to a dry lake! That being said, I can’t imagine living anywhere else. As you all know, I love my job, and despite the pitfalls of the excruciatingly hot summers, there are simply so many wonderful things happening in this community as a result of the people who call this valley home. Through the Foundation, I see it every single day. Not only do we receive monetary donations that make it possible for the Foundation to do such great things, but we also have so many wonderful volunteers who give of themselves. Did you know that the Butterfly Boutique is run solely by a group of dedicated volunteers? This feisty group is responsible for maintaining and keeping the shop up and running, making it possible to support RRH’s Hospice Services financially every year. Did you know that our Cancer Center van is also in service as the result of a dedicated volunteer who makes sure our patients travel back and forth to their radiation treatments safely? If you have spare time and are interested in volunteering, please contact the Foundation, as there are always openings for volunteers. Looking to the future, and I don’t mean just fall and cooler weather, we have so many big things happening. Our annual Gala is set for September 24, and this year promises to be a unique and fun “Wild West” adventure. In October, we have our Women’s Tea and Expo, set to begin again after two years of being unable to meet in person. Mark your calendar for October 22, and watch for more details. Also in October, the hospital will be hosting an event celebrating 60 years of serving and caring for this community. And, of course, our Fifth Annual Christmas Tree Village will be held on December 10.
We also have a few other exciting things on the horizon for 2022. In August, we will be awarding our first semi-annual Fred Hawkins EMT Memorial Scholarship. The Foundation will be awarding two scholarships each year, and needless to say, we are very proud of this program. Next, we are nearing completion of the hospice house (Butterfly House) and hope to present it to the community in late fall, another great goal realized and made possible by our donors. So, as we navigate through the heat of the Mojave summer, we will continue to look to the future with great excitement and anticipation – not just for the cooler weather but for the great things that are coming to our community as a result of your continued support of the RRH Foundation. As always, with great humility and gratitude, I thank you for your consistent generosity. If you have questions with regards to the Foundation and our campaigns, please feel free to
contact me. Thank you, Kim Metcalf Director, RRH Foundation
“IF YOU CAN DREAM IT, YOU CAN DO IT.” – WALT DISNEY
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UPCOMING EVENTS
FRED HAWKINS SCHOLARSHIP The RRHF has established this scholarship in honor of all the work Fred Hawkins has done in support of EMT programs across our city, county, state and beyond. The Foundation seeks to strengthen and build a better future for our community through EMT education.
6TH ANNUAL GALA – AN EVENING UNDER THE STARS September 24th, 2022, at 6:00 p.m.
This year’s Gala promises to be a “Wild West” roundup with gourmet foods, wine, music and fun. Contact the Foundation for additional information.
THE BUTTERFLY BOUTIQUE Open Wednesday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 253 Balsam Street, Ridgecrest, CA 93555 For information on making donations and becoming a volunteer, please contact the Foundation office.
WOMEN’S HEALTH FALL TEA EXPO October 22, 2022, 10:30 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Tickets will go on sale in September. $30.00 per person and space is limited. Contact the Foundation for additional information.
BUTTERFLY HOUSE COMING SOON We are looking forward to the opening of The Butterfly House in the near future.
5TH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS TREE VILLAGE Saturday, December 10th, 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Contact the Foundation for additional information.
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DIABETES EMPOWERMENT EDUCATION PROGRAM™ (DEEP™) This quarterly program is an evidence-based diabetes self-management education program for people with pre-diabetes or diabetes. The program covers what diabetes is, how it can affect your body and how you can make changes to prevent complications from diabetes. GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP 6-7 p.m., first Tuesday of the month This group will provide educational information about loss and grief, encourage healthy coping and adapting skills and offer emotional support through mutual sharing. ALZHEIMER’S CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP 1-2:30 p.m., first Wednesday of the month The Alzheimer’s Association caregiver support group is conducted by trained facilitators and provides a safe place for caregivers, family and friends of persons with dementia to develop a support system, talk through issues and ways of coping and more.
ONGOING GROUPS AND PROGRAMS All Wellness Programs are now being offered in person and online. CHF SUPPORT GROUP 6 p.m., third Tuesday of the month Learn more about congestive heart failure – education and tips, eating for a healthy heart, how to monitor signs and symptoms, stress reduction and more. For more information, contact Ravneet.Sohal@rrh.org or call (760) 499-3835.
JOURNEY TO HAPPINESS SENIORS GROUP 10-11:30 a.m., every Wednesday No-cost opportunity for seniors to come together on a journey of maintaining happiness, joy and quality of life.
SILVERSNEAKERS AND GENTLE CHAIR YOGA 8 a.m.-12 p.m., Monday-Thursday
JOURNEY TO HAPPINESS CAREGIVER GROUP 6-7:30 p.m., second and fourth Tuesday This group provides a place for caregivers to talk, recharge, smile and learn.
ROCK STEADY BOXING Times vary depending on level, Monday-Thursday. This is a non-contact, boxing-inspired exercise program for those with Parkinson’s disease that focuses on balance, muscle power, hand-eye coordination and more. TYPE 2 DIABETES SUPPORT GROUP 5:30-6:30 p.m., fourth Thursday of the month This support group is for those with Type 2 diabetes or loved ones of those with Type 2 diabetes. Learn more about diabetes and how it affects your body, learn problem-solving techniques and share day-to-day struggles.
STRESS REDUCTION CLINIC This program covers mindfulness-based behavioral change, self-reflection, finding purpose and lifestyle medicine. Visit rrh.org/stressreductionclinic for more info or to request an application.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT OUTREACH CLASSES, PLEASE CALL (760) 499-3825.
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PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID MADISON, WI PERMIT NO. 2010
1081 N. China Lake Blvd. | Ridgecrest, CA 93555
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