Town of Fremont Honors Local Homeowners

Fremont town Council President Steve Brown along with Cameron Memorial Community Hospital announced the latest recipients of the Fremont First Beautification Award: John and Gwen Nigro. Mr. and Mrs. Nigro were awarded this honor for the outstanding exterior of their home at 206 Toledo St.

Pictured: (from left) John Nigro, Greg Burns, Steve Brown, and Gwen Nigro

Built in 1835, the house was purchased by Gwen Nigro’s parents, Okey & Madge Foster, approximately 16 years ago. The Nigros purchased the home from Gwen’s parents and have lived there since 2010 with their grandson, Zachary. The Nigros have been working on the home not just for the past three years, but completed much of work for the Foster’s 16 years ago. Since that time, the house has received new siding, windows, landscaping, all new plumbing and heating, remodeled kitchen and bathroom and most recently the Nigros have renovated the entire second floor. “My brother has helped with a lot of the work,” said Gwen Nigro. “The whole project has been a family affair.”

In working on the home, the Nigros found many interesting facts about the structure. “The house was originally two houses put together,” said Gwen Nigro. “We figured that out from the roof lines as we worked on the second floor.” Also, the porch was originally a wrap-around style. Even more interesting to local history buffs is the Underground Railroad pit located just inside the pantry in the kitchen. “I’d like to get it cleared out so we can show it to people who are interested,” said Gwen Nigro.

“We are so pleased to present this award to the Nigros,” said Greg Burns, Cameron Hospital President & CEO. “They have done beautiful work to their home and are most deserving of this honor.”

The purpose of the Fremont First Beautification Award is to promote and recognize the efforts of town residents who beautify their residential landscapes and the exterior of their residential properties. The award is being sponsored by Cameron Memorial Community Hospital as part of its commitment to promote wellness and a high quality of community life. This honor is awarded quarterly with two awards recognizing a home’s exterior and two honoring outstanding landscaping.

The public is invited to nominate themselves or another residence that is deserving of positive attention. Nominations must be located within the Fremont limits, and the area nominated must be visible from the public right of way. Nomination forms are available on Cameron Memorial Community Hospital’s website at http://www.cameronmch.com or at the Fremont Town Hall at 205 N. Tolford St.

Recipients of the award will receive a gift certificate provided by Cameron Hospital to a local home improvement/landscape nursery store and will be recognized with a sign in their yard.

For more information on the award, contact the Fremont Town Hall at (260) 495-2504.

National Nurses Week: Part Four

We’re celebrating the nursing staff here at Cameron Memorial Community Hospital all week long as part of National Nurses Week. This is the final part of several blog posts showcasing CMCH nurses.

Megan La Rue Carlin

Megan La Rue Carlin, RN-Case Manager and Swing Bed Specialist

Why did you get into nursing? Why did you feel drawn to this field? My mother was an LPN. I admired her ability to juggle her education, profession, and family responsibilities. I was drawn to nursing, as a whole, because of the wide range of job opportunities available. My original intent was to become an operating room nurse, but the closest I have come to that is participating as a labor and delivery nurse during c-sections. It’s a challenging job, and I have to give kudos to all of the OR nurses!

What is the most rewarding thing about your job? The most rewarding thing about my job is the working relationships I have established with the “Cameron Family and Cameron Families.” I have been employed at CMCH since 1999. Many of my co-workers have been here longer, which speaks volumes about our hospital as an employer. Further, I have established relationships with many of the families that have sought medical, surgical, skilled, and outpatient care in the past… and continue to let us serve their needs.

What’s one thing people might not know about what you do or understand about nursing as a profession in general? Many people jump to the conclusion that nurses “call the shots.” We are professionals who take our licensure seriously. However, we could not do what we do without all the other professionals and staff that make up our hospital. We attempt to provide the best patient care for the best patient outcome–as a TEAM effort.

Carla Houser

Carla Houser, RN/PRE-OP and PACU/ACU

Why did you get into nursing? Why did you feel drawn to this field? Growing up, I always wanted to be a nurse. When I was three or four years old, my grandfather had throat cancer. I helped my grandma take care of him, and that’s when the seed nursing was planted for me.

What is the most rewarding thing about your job? When my patients smile at me and tell me “thank you,” all the challenges and hard work that go into this job are completely worth it.

What’s one thing people might not know about what you do or understand about nursing as a profession in general? We’re not just nurses. Our jobs extend far beyond taking care of patients and helping them become well. Some people might be surprised to learn about the incredible amount of patient advocacy that nurses do day in and day out.

Pamela Schaadt*, RN/Surgery

Why did you get into nursing? Why did you feel drawn to this field? I started as a nurses aide when I was 16. It was then that I discovered how much joy and satisfaction there is in meeting the different needs of patients. As a result, I pursued a degree as an LPN and graduated with honors. Thirty years ago this June, I accepted a position here at Cameron Hospital. With some generous help from CMCH, I went back to school to pursue a career as an RN about 20 years ago. I can’t imagine being anywhere else today!

What is the most rewarding thing about your job? As you can see, nursing has been my life! Helping my patients feel more comfortable by meeting their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs before they go in for surgery is the most rewarding aspect of my job.

What’s one thing people might not know about what you do or understand about nursing as a profession in general? Nursing not only involves your patient, it also involves their family. We don’t always have the answer for every question that we are asked. However, I do know there is a greater power that does have those answers: Jesus Christ, our Lord. I encourage patients and their families to put their faith in Him during times of uncertainty.

(*photo not available)

National Nurses Week: Part Three

We’re celebrating the nursing staff here at Cameron Memorial Community Hospital all week long as part of National Nurses Week. This is part three of several blog posts showcasing CMCH nurses.

Abigail Getz

Abigail Getz, RN

Why did you get into nursing? Why did you feel drawn to this field? I love to help people. Really, that’s what being a nurse is all about. I also wanted to use and hone my skills for missions work.

What is the most rewarding thing about your job? One of the most rewarding aspects of being an RN here at Cameron Memorial Community Hospital is being able to help other people feel better and get back on their feet.

What’s one thing people might not know about what you do or understand about nursing as a profession in general? Nursing is a quick moving profession. It takes good organization skills and the ability to multi-task in order to do this job well.

Sharon Maggert

Sharon Maggert, M/S RN

Why did you get into nursing? Why did you feel drawn to this field? I feel that nursing is a very well-respected, positive field. I enjoy feeling needed, and there is an abundance of that in this profession. It was a natural fit for me.

What is the most rewarding thing about your job? The most rewarding aspect of being a registered nurse is being part of a patient’s recovery process. It is awesome to see them advance and get better. You get the chance to make a real difference here.

What’s one thing people might not know about what you do or understand about nursing as a profession in general? You must be able to critically think–sometimes very quickly in fast-paced situations.

Dawn R. Wright

Dawn R. Wright, Clinical Charging Specialist

Why did you get into nursing? Why did you feel drawn to this field? The reason I became a nurse was to care for those that were temporarily incapable to care for themselves. The reason I was drawn to the field is to care for others. I always take into consideration how I would want to be treated or have my family member treated–with respect, love, and dignity. I live by the motto: you truly reap what you sow.

What is the most rewarding thing about your job? The most rewarding thing I have found in my career as a nurse is the appreciation of the people I care for. If one truly cares, it comes through, even to the most difficult of patients. When out in the community there are many people I run into that remember who I am and the care I gave to their loved one. It is more than just a job.

What’s one thing people might not know about what you do or understand about nursing as a profession in general? As a nursing professional, and the profession in general, the hardest thing I have had to learn is to show I care, and care for the patient as my family, but continue to have that professional distance. The ability to connect emotionally with my patients and their families is vital but so is the very fine line between being a professional and a friend.

National Nurses Week: Part Two

We’re celebrating the nursing staff here at Cameron Memorial Community Hospital all week long as part of National Nurses Week. This is part two of several blog posts showcasing CMCH nurses.

Brenda Franzman

Brenda Franzman, RN/Surgery

Why did you get into nursing? Why did you feel drawn to this field? When I was 15, my cousin was paralyzed in a swimming accident. I spent a lot of time in the hospital taking care of him as he recuperated. He always told me I was good at that job–taking care of others–and that I should be a nurse. Forty years later, I’ve never once regretted my career choice.

What is the most rewarding thing about your job? Taking good care of my patients!

What’s one thing people might not know about what you do or understand about nursing as a profession in general? That it isn’t always recognized as the wonderful and rewarding profession that it is.

Christy Hunt

Christy Hunt, 2nd shift House Supervisor

Why did you get into nursing? Why did you feel drawn to this field? Since I was very young, I felt the need to help people and always wanted to do something in healthcare. As I got older and was thinking about what I really wanted to do in life, I decided nursing was for me. I love helping people and seeing the impact you make!

What is the most rewarding thing about your job? I think the most rewarding thing about my job is knowing that I have the ability to help people and the gratitude that they express. I also love the ability to interact with all the people that come through the hospital. I cannot tell you how much I have learned from some of my patients and their families.

What’s one thing people might not know about what you do or understand about nursing as a profession in general? Nursing isn’t only about passing medications or assessing patients. It’s about being a patient advocate, and doing everything you can to make a patient feel better. Sometimes all you need to do for a patient is take 5 minutes and have a pleasant conversation with them, asking about family, or what they used to do for a living. I feel like most patients appreciate the time you spend with them more than anything.

Lisa Lewin

Lisa Lewin, RN/Med-Surg

Why did you get into nursing? Why did you feel drawn to this field? I started nursing to help people and feel like a made some sort of difference in their life.

What is the most rewarding thing about your job? When patients are dying, I feel honored to be a part of the last journey in life. This includes the patient and family, I want to try to help make good memories of what time is left between them.

What’s one thing people might not know about what you do or understand about nursing as a profession in general? People think that being a nurse is an easy job and we don’t do much. What people don’t understand is that it can be a stressful job, but also rewarding. A nurse doesn’t just deal with the patient, she deals with the family too. Making the patient and family satisfied is my goal.

National Nurses Week: Part One

We’re celebrating the nursing staff here at Cameron Memorial Community Hospital all week long as part of National Nurses Week. This is part one of several blog posts showcasing CMCH nurses.

Judy Johnston

Judy Johnston, CMSRN

Why did you get into nursing? Why did you feel drawn to this field? I started as a Candy Striper in the mid-60′s when a friend suggested that it would be fun. I have worked in bedside care ever since. My first paying job was as a nurse assistant, then an LPN, and eventually an RN.

What is the most rewarding thing about your job? Facilitating understanding for patients and their loved ones.

What’s one thing people might not know about what you do or understand about nursing as a profession in general? The constant need for ongoing education.

Shannon King

Shannon King, RN, BSN, CIC, Infection Prevention Coordinator

Why did you get into nursing? Why did you feel drawn to this field? I have always been drawn to people and a caregiver at heart. When I was young, I would raise orphaned or sick animals until they were old enough to be turned back into the wild; so that played a large part in my natural transition into nursing.

What is the most rewarding thing about your job? I get to teach the staff how to protect patients and themselves against the transmission of harmful organisms. It is rewarding to know that I still get to do patient care from behind the scenes.

What’s one thing people might not know about what you do or understand about nursing as a profession in general? The nursing profession is one of the most versatile fields available, and there are never two days alike. In sixteen years, I have been able to work Med/Surg, Education, Home Health & Hospice, and now Infection Prevention. Infection Prevention is so much more than most people realize because it touches almost every area of the hospital. I get to oversee or participate in hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette, the prevention of surgical site infections as well as hospital associated infections, education, temperature regulation, product selection, emergency preparedness, and even construction.

Peggy Schreiber

Peggy Schreiber, Director of Surgery

Why did you get into nursing? Why did you feel drawn to this field? I knew I wanted to be a nurse after working in my dad’s family practice office at age 12. I had the opportunity to job shadow with him, making rounds on hospital patients and observing procedures in endoscopy and surgery. I never really thought about being anything else. It just felt like that was what I was meant to do.

What is the most rewarding thing about your job? I feel honored to be a part of peoples lives in a way that most do not understand… unless you are a nurse.

Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month

May is National Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month. These 31 days are dedicated to increasing public awareness of skin cancer: what it is and looks like, how it affects the body, and how to prevent it.

Over 3.5 million skin cancers are diagnosed each year in more than 2 million people. Melanoma in particular can be quite dangerous. Some wrongly believe it affects mostly older people or those who spend a lot of time in the sun. Wrong! If you have skin, you’re at risk for developing melanoma.

The good news is that most types of skin cancer are curable when detected early. That’s why it’s crucial to inspect your body for any changes in your skin’s appearance. For example, patients with melanoma who detect it in the early stages (before the tumor has penetrated the skin) have a survival rate of about 97%. Once the cancer has progressed into an advanced state, that number falls to 15%.

What can you do to make sure you stay cancer-free? Inspect your body head-to-toe each month for any changes in your skin. This includes the size, shape, and color of moles. Take note of and monitor any new moles or growths. Discuss these with your primary care physician or dermatologist at annual appointments. To give you an idea of what you’re looking for when inspecting for suspicious spots, reference the chart below. See a dermatologist immediately if you notice any of these changes, itching, or bleeding around these spots.

What to watch for when inspecting for skin cancer.

Everyday prevention measures include applying a sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher; reapplying every 2 hours (more often if you’re sweating a lot or are in water); seeking shade during peak sun hours between 10 am and 4 pm; taking care not to burn when in the sun; and avoiding indoor tanning devices. If you usually head to the tanning bed each spring to “get some color” for shorts/tank top season, keep this in mind: studies have found a 75% increase in the risk of melanoma in those who have been exposed to UV radiation from indoor tanning. Is bronze skin for a few months really worth that risk?

The skin is the body’s largest organ. It is the barrier that keeps good things in and bad things out. It is the face we present to the world each day. Take care of your skin like you would your heart or brain. While many skin cancers are curable when caught early, they are all preventable by taking a little extra care.

Spring is Lyme Disease Season

Lyme disease risk map

Lyme disease is fairly rare in northeast Indiana, but it’s still something to take seriously–especially if you find yourself vacationing in an area where it’s more prevalent. Lyme disease is a tick-borne illness that can induce symptoms ranging from a rash and fever to long-term neurological effects. It is spread through the tick’s bite when bacteria travels from the tick into the bite victim. This includes humans and their furry companions.

Research has shown that the red areas (those at a high risk) on the map to the right are growing larger–especially during mild winters like the one we just had. Without a good, long freezing spell, the tick population explodes.

One good thing about Lyme disease is that you’ll likely know fairly quickly if you’ve been affected by it. In the early stages, the disease typically presents itself as a localized, outward expanding rash (called erythema migrans) that radiates in a bulls-eye pattern. An estimated 80% of people who contract Lyme disease experience this rash, which can grow up to 12 inches in length. The rash may be warm to the touch but is rarely painful or itchy.

This rash is your sign to get treatment right away. If the Lyme disease bacteria is left untreated, you run the risk of further, more serious symptoms: neck stiffness/headaches due to a swelling of the spinal cord, swelling in large joints such as the knees, facial palsy, and irregular heartbeat. Those who never treat the disease run the risk of serious, long-term neurological and joint disorders. And approximately 10-20% of patients with Lyme disease have symptoms that last months to years after treatment, making prevention imperative.

The best way to prevent Lyme disease is to avoid areas where deer ticks live, especially heavily wooded, bushy areas with long grass. If you choose to frequent these areas anyway, wear long sleeves and pants that can be tucked into your socks. Keep excess brush cleared away from your property to discourage them from invading your yard. Check animals, children, and your own person after being in at-risk areas. Remove ticks immediately. The Mayo Clinic recommends the following steps for tick removal: Gently grasp the tick near its head or mouth with tweezers. Don’t squeeze or crush the tick, but pull carefully and steadily. Once you’ve removed the entire tick, dispose of it and apply antiseptic to the bite area.

And don’t assume you or your pet is immune if you’ve had Lyme disease in the past. It is caused by three different types of bacteria, and re-infection is possible.