Monday, July 27, 2015
Merkel Observes Howard's Combat Medic Training
Marcus Howard is a registered nurse in the Critical Care Unit at Prairie Lakes Healthcare System. Every day he works to serve and nurse our patients. But that is not all that makes this individual so note worthy. Marcus is in the Army National Guard as a healthcare specialist, commonly known to civilians as a combat medic.
Camp Ripley in Little Falls, Minnesota invited a Prairie Lakes’ staff member to attend Bosslift; a two day event that allows bosses of Service Members to witness and interact with their annual training exercise. Megan Merkel, Critical Care Unit Resource Nurse, represented Prairie Lakes to witness and learn from this annual event.
Marcus, it’s an honor to have service men and women working at Prairie Lakes. How long have you worked here?
I've worked at Prairie Lakes for 4 years. I started as a Telemetry Technician, and I have worked as an RN in the Critical Care Unit for the last 2 years. I have an Associates and Bachelor's degree in nursing both from USD. The Army paid for the majority of my education along with the monthly GI bill. The army has really set me up for success.
And how long have you been in the Army National Guard?
I have been in the South Dakota Army National Guard for 8 years as a 68W which is a healthcare specialist aka combat medic. My training for the guard included basic combat training (3 months) at Fort Sill, OK and Advanced Individual Training (AIT) where I was taught how to be an Army Medic (4 months) at Fort Sam Houston, TX.
Megan, you represented Prairie Lakes at Bosslift July 15th and 16th. What did you witness?
We were able to get an inside look at the workings of the National Guard. I was able to see their medical simulation lab, virtual reality exercises, how the unmanned aircrafts worked, how the military uses technology in some of the most desolate areas of the world and I was able to witness all the guard members work together to “bridge the gap”, which was literally building a bridge across a body of water to move troops ahead.
What did you learn that you didn’t know before?
I actually learned quite a bit during the Bosslift, one of the most interesting thing that I learned was with the unmanned aircrafts, many times when air assaults are being done halfway across the world, pilots right here in the Midwest are piloting them. I was also amazed at the ability of all of the different companies to come together for a common goal which was witnessed in the bridging a gap exercise.
Is there an event or training exercise that really stood out?
The bridging the gap was very interesting because they really simulate a war. The troops have to work with enemy gunfire and bombs going off and still stay focused on the goal of finishing the bridge.
My favorite part was seeing their medical simulation lab. Their mannequins were completely life like and they had rooms that they would fill with smoke, strobe lights and war noises and the medics, which is what Marcus is, would have to go into these rooms, find the victim and treat then in that environment. Working in a hospital with all of our supplies and resources available in a relatively controlled environment, I couldn’t imagine working under that stress.
It sounds like you really witnessed some impressive training exercises. Marcus, what is your current role and how does it affect your daily life?
My rank is Specialist, and I deployed to Afghanistan in 2010. My job as a medic is to provide medical care to the soldiers of the 196th Maneuver Enhancement (MEB).
My enlistments are in 6 year increments. I'm currently on my 2nd enlistment. My obligation includes 1 weekend a month and 2 weeks during the summer. I work every third weekend at the hospital, so my weekends with my wife and son are limited. On the flip side, I feel the Army has taught me to stay calm in crisis situations, which helps me in the CCU. I have also made lasting relationships with my brothers and sisters in arms.
Thank you, Marcus and Megan, for sharing your stories to help civilians, like myself, understand the work Service Members do to keep us safe.
Published in
News and Announcements
Wednesday, July 22, 2015
Prairie Lakes Recognizes Life of Jeffrey Kowitz, MD
Dr. Jeffrey Kowitz, Prairie Lakes Pulmonologist, died Tuesday morning, July 21, 2015, in a motor vehicle accident.
Dr. Kowitz provided regional pulmonary services at the Prairie Lakes Pulmonology Clinic since August, 2013. He believed in patient education and empowering his patients to make healthy choices. He also served as a Deacon at Holy Name Church and provided inspirational homilies.
Dr. Kowitz had over 27 years of pulmonology experience and was board certified in Pulmonology and Internal Medicine. He also had extensive experience in critical care and sleep disorders. He received his medical degree from the University of Minnesota Medical School and completed both his internal medicine residency and pulmonology fellowship at the University of Wisconsin.
“We’ve lost a dear friend and a great physician,” said Jill Fuller, CEO. “Our hearts go out to his wife Lorraine, children, family, colleagues, friends, and his church family. He dedicated his life to serving others through medicine and faith. His impact on our community will endure through the lives he touched and the programs he started.”
Prairie Lakes Pulmonology Services will continue to serve Watertown area patients. Staff is currently evaluating physician coverage options for his patients. For immediate needs, we ask patients to contact your primary care physician.
Published in
News and Announcements
Monday, July 13, 2015
BASH 2015 was a “Sense-ational” Celebration!
The Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation hosted BASH (Building A Superior Hospital) on Saturday, May 9 at the Watertown Event Center. This annual gala event is a “friend”/ fund raiser for the Foundation. What a night! Three hundred eighty six guests were in attendance, an increase from last year.
The event netted $54,500. This year, the proceeds will be used to enhance ear, nose, throat & facial plastic surgical services at Prairie Lakes. Prairie Lakes introduced full-time ENT services to the region the fall of 2014 with the opening of the Prairie Lakes Ear, Nose, Throat & Facial Plastic Surgery Clinic in Watertown with the addition of Dr. Jered Mancell, otolaryngologist, to the medical staff.
Corporate sponsors of BASH donating $3,000 were Brown Clinic, Evident & TruBridge and Redlinger Bros. P&H. There were 20 corporate sponsors donating $1,000, in addition to smaller dollar donors. Those providing monetary donations, items for the auction/raffle and winning bids are greatly commended for their generosity. Special thanks to the BASH committee for their time and talents. There is no success without the donors, volunteers and attendees.
The mission of the Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation is: Healthcare is a vital component of a community’s quality of life. Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation exists to raise funds with which to support and advance the health services available to the Watertown area through Prairie Lakes Healthcare System.
If you wish to join the Foundation in its efforts to help more people, expand facilities, acquire cutting-edge equipment and attract top medical professionals, call the Foundation office at 882-7631. Your continued support will help us meet the healthcare challenges of tomorrow.
Published in
News and Announcements
Tuesday, July 07, 2015
Outreach Clinic Moving to Main Campus
The Outreach Clinic is moving from Mallard Pointe to Prairie Lakes Hospital at 401 9th Ave Northwest. Dr. Jered Mancell will continue the Ear, Nose, and Throat Clinic at Mallard Pointe downstairs and Mallard Pointe Surgical Services will continue upstairs.
Providers that are relocating to the 2nd Floor, West Wing of Prairie Lakes Hospital:
- Neurology – Dr. William Rossing and Denise Boraas CNP- Tuesday, July 7
- Asthma & Allergy – Dr. Thomas Luzier – Wednesday, July 8
- Midwest ENT – Dr. Tom Tamura- Monday, July 13
- Mobile Neurodiagnostic (moved June 16)
The patients for all of the above clinics may present to the main entrance of Prairie Lakes Hospital to receive further assistance and direction.
NOTE: exceptions of relocation to 2nd Floor, West Wing of the hospital:
- Dermatology Clinic – Dr. Brian Knudson – Location to be determined
- Orthotics & Prosthetics Clinic – Dr. Mark Piro – Location to be determined
- Plastic Surgery Clinic – Dr. Patrick Miller and Dr. Sanjay Mukerji - Date TBA.
The patients for the above clinics may contact their provider for further information on the move.
Published in
News and Announcements
Monday, June 15, 2015
2015 Hospital Hill Run Results & Photos
The 19th Annual Hospital Hill Run was held on Saturday, June 13th with 106 runners and 84 walkers participating in a 5k walk/run or a one-mile walk. Proceeds from this event will benefit the Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation’s Caring Club House.
Overall winners in the 5k run were Jesse Kroupa (male division) with a time of 19.37 and Leannah Tekrony (female division) with a time of 21.48.
The sponsors of the Hospital Hill Run include: Brown Clinic; Prairie Lakes Healthcare System; Glacial Lakes Orthopaedics; Consulting Radiology Ltd.; Dr. Dan, Dr. Sarah, Molly, Megan and Nick Reiffenberger; Sanford Clinic – Watertown; Community Blood Bank; The Public Opinion; and Innovative Pain Clinic.
Download: 2015 Results
Published in
News and Announcements
Tuesday, May 26, 2015
Welcome Karli, CNP to Cardiology
Jacklyn Karli, certified Nurse Practitioner, has joined the Prairie Lakes Cardiology Clinic. Karli will see patients along with Interventional Cardiologists Dr. Garcia, Dr. Maaliki, and Dr. Jones in the clinic and hospital settings.
Employed at Prairie Lakes Healthcare System since 2006; Karli first started as a nurse in the Emergency Department then transitioned to Cardiac Cathaterization Lab when it opened in 2007. The cardiology program continues to expand and Karli has played a role since its inception; most recently when Dr. Maaliki implanted the first CardioMEMS sensor, an innovative heart failure monitoring device, in late April. The sensor sends heart failure patients’ daily readings to the Prairie Lakes Cardiology Clinic, where Karli along with Dr. Maaliki monitor the patients.
Karli received her Associates Degree in nursing from the University of South Dakota, Bachelors of Science in nursing from South Dakota State University and graduated with honors from South University with her Masters of Science in nursing. She is a member of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and Sigma Theta Thau International Honor Society of Nursing.
Karli will see patients along with the Interventional Cardiologists at the Prairie Lakes Cardiology Clinic. Patients may schedule an appointment at the Prairie Lakes Cardiology Clinic by calling 605-882-7953.
Published in
News and Announcements
Thursday, May 14, 2015
Prairie Lakes 2015 Service Awards
FIVE YEARS Amy Gaikowski Admitting Clerk, Shauna VanDusseldorp Social Worker, Brenda Hoium Registered Nurse, Jessica Hermoe Transcriptionist, Beret Ohm Telemetry Technician, Bipin Amin Medical Oncologist, Michael Bevers Anesthetist, Brittany Brennan Registered Nurs,e Justine Deville Liaison/Recruiter, Caitlin Broek House Supervisor, Kari Holden Physical Therapist, Melissa Saxlund Section Technologist, Kasie Hendricks Registered Nurse, Emily Hilliard Registered Nurse, Haley Gossen Histotechnician, Kylie Steen Registered Nurse, Shannon Stark Clerk, Shalee Ahmann Adv Pharmacy Tech, Tyler Valsvig PACS Technologist, Christopher Adducci Urologist, Jeanne Schleusner Registered Nurse, Carrie Reppe Home Connections, Grace Kopman Home Connections, Janice VanVoorst Sodexo, Penny Boettcher Sodexo, Mariam Koroma Sodexo, Susan Mannie Sodexo
TEN YEARS Vicki Dahl Insurance Claims Clerk, Jennifer Pletan Director, Jannelle Olson Employment Rep, Cheryl Wasland Registered Nurse, Nathan Lake Vice President, Jacalynn Lake Physical Therapist, Johanna Fischer Registered Nurse, Shawn Block Registered Nurse, Jolene Comes Registered Nurse, Jennifer Carter Registered Nurse, Penney Whitlock Department Secretary, Amber Paysen Registered Nurse, Sheila Mohling Registered Nurse, Dr. Jeffrey Brindle Radiation Oncologist
FIFTEEN YEARS Sheryl Dean Registered Nurse, Michael Anderson Chief Investment Officer, Lori Hoffman Registered Nurse, Laura Bohls Documentation Specialist, Julie Kranz Registered Nurse, Ashley Morris Registered Nurse, Wendy Namken Registered Nurse, Christina Stemwedel Business Office Specialist, Alissa Iverson Registered Nurse, Jill Fuller CEO, Dawn Bundy Registered Nurse, Victoria Kranz Registered Nurse, Jodi LeBlanc Health Information Clerk, Kristi Osthus Director, Debra Moeller Manager
TWENTY YEARS Roberta Bach Cardiac Rehab Coordinator, Alyssa Koisti Department Secretary, Susan Konrady Registered Nurse, Rita Meseberg Rehab Assistant, Gaynell Johnson Registered Nurse, Rhonda Stangl Registered Nurse, Mary Petersen Director, Joann Rosenbaum Registered Nurse
TWENTY FIVE YEARS Darcy Raethz Cancer Center Clerk, Sara Lamb Registered Nurse, Carol Bullene CRCP, Janice Rudebusch Sterile Process Tech
THIRTY YEARS Robin Larson Registered Nurse, Iva Jane Rahlf Adv Pharmacy Tech, Tammy Rogness CRCP, Bradley Fishman Anesthetist
THIRTY FIVE YEARS Deborah Deis Pharmacist, Barbara Fjeldheim Registered Nurse, Katherine Iverson Registered Nurse, Leigh Schleusner Lab Technician, Connie Lundholm Registered Nurse, Janice Larsen LPN
FORTY YEARS Susan Beaudry LPN, Georgia Magee Accounting Assistant, LeeAnn Maag Registered Nurse, Karla Strege Registered Nurse, Debbie Meadows Pharmacist, Connie Schickedanz Manager, Rosemary Beck LPN
Published in
News and Announcements
Thursday, April 30, 2015
We Did It Again!
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System has been named a recipient of the Women’s Choice Award® as one of America’s Best Hospitals for Emergency Care for a second consecutive year. This coveted award recognizes Prairie Lakes Healthcare Systemas a top performer in emergency services along with 373 other hospitals in the nation. There were 3,800 hospitals eligible for this award. The award is based on performance on publically reported quality data and outcomes of care that are important to women.
“This award recognizes the dedication of the emergency care team to providing patients with a positive experience during what is often a stressful time,” said Jill Fuller, CEO. “Prairie Lakes is proud of our staff and their commitment to the high standards of quality and service required for the Women’s Choice Award.”
There are more than 125 million emergency department visits annually in the United States. Emergency department clinicians must have expertise in caring for patients across their life span often in times when their healthcare needs are urgent and unplanned. Unlike other hospital departments that interact with the same patient and families for an extended period, emergency department staff may have only a single patient encounter and when anxiety and fear are at a peak.
Hospitals earning this award consistently rank in the top 25 percent of the hospitals reporting their emergency department’s performance to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The eight measures publically reported by CMS publicly relateprimarily to the amount of time it takes to obtain a diagnosis, pain medication, or be admitted to the hospital. The results are weighted according to the priorities of women surveyed.
Of the eight measures reported by emergency departments to the CMS, women rate “door to doctor” time” and “door to diagnostic time” (how long before tests are done) as the most important criteria for an emergency department visit.
“Providing the best in Emergency Care is the combined effort of hospitals, physicians, nurses and EMS Practitioners and we commend those recognized for striving for extraordinary care,” remarked Conrad “Chuck” Kearns, President of the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians, serving EMS Practitioners in 50 countries around the world.
Year after year, the Women’s Choice Award® is the only credential that identifies the nation’s best healthcare institutions by measuring against the needs and preferences of women, when it comes to treatment and a quality hospital experience. This credential signifies Prairie Lakes Healthcare System’s commitment and passion towards an extraordinary healthcare experience not only for women, but for all patients.
“We have found that recommendations are an important consideration used by women in selecting a hospital for themselves and their family. By helping women know which hospitals in their area provide the best care, we are able to help them make better decisions, especially when it comes to emergency situations,” said Delia Passi, CEO & Founder of Women’s Choice Award®.
Published in
News and Announcements
Wednesday, April 29, 2015
New Heart Failure Monitoring Solution
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System is one of the first facilities in South Dakota to implant a new miniaturized, wireless monitoring sensor to manage heart failure (HF). The CardioMEMS HF System is the first and only FDA-approved heart failure monitoring device that has been proven to significantly reduce hospital admissions when used by physicians to manage heart failure.
Dr. Maaliki, Interventional Cardiologist, implanted the first CardioMEMS sensor on Wednesday, April 29th in a patient’s pulmonary artery (PA) during a non-surgical procedure to directly measure PA pressure. Increased PA pressures appear before weight and blood pressure changes, which are often used as indirect measures of worsening heart failure. The new system allows patients to transmit daily sensor readings from their homes to Prairie Lakes, allowing for personalized and proactive management to reduce the likelihood of hospitalization.
“Being one of the first facilities in the state to introduce this new heart failure monitoring technology demonstrates Prairie Lakes’ progressive vision to provide state-of-the-art care in our region,” said Jill Fuller, CEO. “Our cardiology team is committed to providing innovative new technology that is proven to improve patient outcomes.”
Prairie Lakes brought the CardioMEMS HF System to the region in response to the high rate of heart failure patients that require medical attention. Heart failure occurs when the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body’s demands. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 5.1 million Americans have heart failure, with 670,000 new cases diagnosed each year. Patients with heart failure are frequently hospitalized, have a reduced quality of life and face a higher risk of death. According to the American Heart Association, the estimated direct and indirect cost of heart failure in the U.S. for 2012 was $31 billion and that number is expected to more than double by 2030.
“The CardioMEMS sensor is designed to last the lifetime of the patient and doesn’t require a battery. Data from a clinical trial showed that the CardioMEMS technology reduces heart failure hospital admissions by up to 37 percent,” said Leah Lê, Cardiology and Cath Lab Director. “The remote monitoring reduces the patients’ chances of being readmitted to the hospital, but most importantly improves their quality of life.”
*Photo above is Dr. Maaliki holding the CardioMEMS sensor in the Prairie Lakes Cath Lab.*
Published in
News and Announcements
Tuesday, April 28, 2015
Act of Kindness for Cancer Center Patients
Watertown native Amy Rambow is more than a personalized bag consultant, she is a caring mother and wife who returned to Watertown to raise her family in a community she loves. Her love for the community and compassion inspired her to donate 108 comfort bags that carried a blanket, lip balm, hand sanitizer, lotion, a puzzle book, candy and more to cancer patients.
The Prairie Lakes Cancer Center provides care to local radiation and chemotherapy cancer patients, which makes it the right avenue for Amy’s giving as she hopes to uplift the their spirits. “I am blessed and hope that they feel the same!” said Amy. “I look forward to continuing this project in the future with the amazing community support that I have received.”
Like many, Amy’s life has been touched by the emotional affects of cancer. She has lost many close family members and friends to cancer during her life. “Everyone has a story on how cancer has touched their lives,” said Amy. “This is my little way of making a person that is going through one of the hardest journeys in their lives smile or feel better.”
Amy’s comfort bags have warmed the hearts and souls of the patients who have received them. Her gift is more than a warm blanket or a bag to carry their things to appointments, it’s a message. “I hope that this brings you some comfort as you go through this journey,” said Amy. “You are not alone and you are loved!”
Published in
News and Announcements
More...
Wednesday, April 22, 2015
Local Therapist Joins Prairie Lakes
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System welcomes Occupational Therapist, Michelle Stark to the Prairie Lakes Rehabilitation Staff. She serves In and Outpatient rehabilitative and therapeutic services to persons of all ages with a variety of disabilities. She demonstrates compassion and a solid knowledge for hand therapy and lymphedema management.
Michelle Stark has lived and worked as an Occupational Therapist for the last 17 years in Watertown. She has extensive experience in treating all ages with orthopedic conditions, cancer-related debility, and neurological conditions.
As a Certified Lymphedema Therapist, Michelle Stark has 12 years experience of providing skilled therapy services in treating the difficulties that can be present after surgeries or other needed medical interventions. “It gives me great pleasure to be able to help my patients manage their condition, like lymphedema, and improve their quality of life,” said Michelle Stark.
The Prairie Lakes Rehabilitation Services are located in the lower level of Prairie Lakes Healthcare System’s Medical Office Building on the main campus. Patients can make appointments by calling the clinic at 605-882-7700.
Published in
News and Announcements
Monday, April 13, 2015
The Dynamic Duo
Did you know that in the year 2014, Prairie Lakes volunteers generously donated 8,167 hours of their own time and energy? Our gracious volunteers donate time at the Information Desk, Gift Shop, clinics, laundry, hospice and so much more. The warm sincerity from volunteers cannot be replicated by anything else, as they are here for the community; they donate their time for you.
Stroll by the PLHS Volunteer Information Desk at the hospital main entrance and you feel a new surge of power emanating from the duo behind the desk. That energy you feel is a new duo volunteer system. As PLHS continues to offer expanded services to our communities, we see an increase in the number of patients and visitors that pass through our doors. This duo volunteer system will allow a volunteer to be present at the Information Desk to assist patients and families as the secondary volunteer provides patient transport, delivers paperwork, newspapers and flowers. The duo system is here to better serve you!
Interested in volunteering? Click here.
Published in
News and Announcements
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
Diabetes Alert Day 2015
Over 32 million people have diabetes. More than a quarter of people with diabetes.. don’t know they have it.
American Diabetes Association Alert Day® is a "wake-up call" asking the American public to take the Diabetes Risk Test to find out if they are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes, the most common type. It's time to learn your risk for type 2 diabetes. Take the Diabetes Risk Test now at http://diabetes.org/takethetest.
A healthy life style can help prevent diabetes. The US Department of Health and Human Services recommends 2.5 hours of physical activity for adults each week and 1 hour of physical activity for children each day. Nutrition is important as well. A healthy diet contributes to a healthy body inside and out. To learn about food choices that help prevent or manage diabetes, click here.
If you or someone you know was just diagnosed or needs support in managing their diabetes, Prairie Lakes offers a free Diabetes Support Group. All are welcome, but issues addressed are more targeted for people with type 1 diabetes. The next session at Prairie Lakes is April 9th at 6 p.m.; it will cover cardiac and pulmonary health. Children, families, and adults are welcome to attend. Pre-register here.
What do the different types of diabetes mean?
Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children and young adults, and was previously known as juvenile diabetes. Only 5% of people with diabetes have this form of the disease. In type 1 diabetes, the body does not produce insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life. With the help of insulin therapy and other treatments, even young children can learn to manage their condition and live long, healthy lives.
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. If you have type 2 diabetes your body does not use insulin properly. This is called insulin resistance. At first, your pancreas makes extra insulin to make up for it. But, over time it isn't able to keep up and can't make enough insulin to keep your blood glucose at normal levels.
Published in
News and Announcements
Friday, March 13, 2015
What is Pulmonary Rehab?
We celebrate Pulmonary Rehab week March 8 – 14, 2015 by honoring both the patients who participate in our program and the healthcare professionals who support, educate, and guide them every day. Do you or someone you know have a chronic lung disease? Learn about Pulmonary Rehab and if it's right fit with this Q& A with Bobbie Bach.
Q: What is pulmonary rehabilitation?
A: Pulmonary rehabilitation is a program designed for people who have chronic lung disease. Its primary goal is to enable people to achieve and maintain their maximum level of independence and functioning. Although most pulmonary rehabilitation programs focus on people who have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), people with other types of lung disease may benefit as well. People in all age groups can benefit, including those older than 70.
Q: When did PLHS introduce the program?
A: Prairie Lakes Healthcare Systems was able to re-introduce the Pulmonary Rehabilitation program in the fall of 2013 after the Pulmonology Clinic opened with Dr. Kowitz. Since then we have had over 50 patients go through the program, which consists of them meeting twice a week for six weeks at time.
Q: How can pulmonary rehabilitation improve life’s daily functions?
A: Pulmonary rehabilitation can’t cure chronic lung disease, but it’s programs may improve quality of life by reducing shortness of breath, increasing exercise tolerance, promoting a sense of well-being, and, to a lesser extent, decreasing the number of hospitalizations.
Q: What does pulmonary rehabilitation consist of?
A: The team will create a plan specific for each individual's case. It is important to understand that there is much more to lung health than focusing on the lungs themselves. Patients must also incorporate the healthy lifestyles learned in class for the best results. Pulmonary rehabilitation can consist of:
- Breathing strategies
- Exercise
- Nutritional education
- Psychological counseling and support for dealing with chronic disease issues and stress
- Education on their disease
- Meeting with a pharmacist for medication compliance
- Meeting with Occupational Therapy for energy conservation tips
- Meeting with Physical Therapy for good body mechanics review
To learn more about pulmonary rehab click here.
Published in
News and Announcements
We can help you find a doctor. Call 605-882-7000 or search online.