SWSA Compliance Manager
As the SWSA Compliance Manager Sharon Cockrum ensures that the Integrity and Compliance Program generated by the System is implemented in the Southwest Washington Service Area.
An effective compliance program educates staff regarding compliance topics like patient privacy, appropriate billing for services, vendor relations, etc. The Providence Health & Services Integrity and Compliance program focuses on issues described in the Code of Conduct but is available to any staff member or physician.
Sharon is a resource to everyone. “If you have a question, or you’re not sure if we’re doing the right thing, you can contact me via phone, email, or the hotline,” Sharon explained. The “right thing” can apply to many different situations; questions that Sharon often works on include:
• Can we accept this from a vendor
• How do we get an interpreter
• Can we release this patient information
• What do we need to do in order to bill for these services
• Can we give this to a physician, etc.
Integrity and Compliance Training, which is mandatory for all staff, is just one aspect of the compliance program but also extremely important. “Staff and physicians are my contacts for how the organization is running on a daily basis,” says Sharon. “Training increases the effectiveness of the program by raising awareness about compliance issues. This helps staff identify potential situations and know where to go to get the issue addressed.”
Most Providence employees, PCH, PPN, and PSPH, will have additional HealthStream education assigned beginning May 17th, be sure to check your e-mail for your personal reminder.
Sharon Cockrum, SWSA Compliance Manager 360.493.7677
Integrity Hotline: 1.888.294.8455
Registered Nurse First Assistant
One of the lesser known Registered Nurse career opportunities is that of the Registered Nurse first Assistant (RNFA). Providence St. Peter Hospital is fortunate enough to employ seven RNFAs, two of whom are nationally certified (CRNFA), in the Cardio-vascular operating room (CVOR).
Providence St. Peter Hospital's active surgical RNFAs from left to right: Gideon Kua RNFA, Ken Eder CRNFA, Crystal Harris RNFA, Tracy Burton RNFA, Carolyn L’Amie RNFA, Cathy Miller RNFA, Jane Jenks CRNFA
Our RNFAs work under the direct supervision of the surgeon, assisting with Valve replacement or Coronary Artery bypass surgery. They harvest the greater saphenous vein, running from the foot to the groin, endoscopically. Four of our RNFAs have successfully completed additional training rendering them capable to harvest the Radial Artery, running from the elbow to the wrist, when requested from the surgeon. These vessels become the necessary conduit implanted by the cardiac surgeon during bypass surgery to bring new blood to the patient’s heart.
If a surgeon were to harvest the vein and artery independently, without utilizing the skills of an RNFA, the procedure would take up to three times as long. RNFAs further assist with surgical tasks including retracting, suturing, clamping and closing incisions. Outside of the operating room RNFAs are called on to perform pre- and post-operative tasks.
Considering that a team member of the CVOR is on call an average of 11 days a month, the decision to become an RNFA takes a great deal of initiative from the individual. You must have a minimum of two years current experience in the operating room, complete a nationally-accredited training program and earn certification as an operating room nurse (CNOR). After 2,000 documented hours working as a RNFA, they are eligible to sit for the national certification.
Individuals follow the path to RNFA because of the challenge and the personal rewards. If you are interested in learning more about this exciting role please contact Bill Sjolin, CRNFA, Assistant Manager Perioperative Services at x37100.
Lymphedema specialist
As Oncology services have expanded throughout Providence in recent years, so have secondary services, specifically our lymphedema program.
Chrissy French, PCH PT and rehab therapies supervisor, recently became certified by the Lymphedema Association of North America, or LANA.
“We’ve already had some great success stories,” said Chrissy French, who received final certification in December. “I’ve had lots of people who say we have turned their lives around.”
PCH has had a lymphedema program for about 15 years, but it was not until French’s advanced training in June of 2008 and subsequent certification in 2009 that it became full time.
What is lymphedema?
Lymphedema is the collection of excess fluid in an arm or leg (or surrounding areas) that results from trauma to or removal of lymph nodes or lymphatic vessels, leading to chronic swelling. The lymph nodes may be damaged from an injury, radiation treatment after cancer, or may be removed during cancer surgery. Lymphedema is progressive and needs to be treated to prevent worsening and further problems.
How do patients get to the lymphedema clinic?
Anyone seeking treatment for chronic swelling needs a referral from their physician to attend. We can assist patients obtain these referrals or get established with a primary care physician. Charity Care is also available to cover the cost of treatment for those who qualify. For more information on the program, please call the Rehab Therapies Department at 330-8720.
Wound Care
The expansion of the lymphedema program has already led to the revitalization of PCH’s Wound Care Clinic. Four physical therapists are currently scheduling wound care patients, relieving the need for the patients to continually come to the ED or their primary care provider for dressing changes.
“Our therapists are more advanced then most people think,” French said.
For a patient with a burn, diabetic wound, venous ulcers, open surgical wounds or ‘road rash’, they made need professional dressing changes, wound vacs or sharp debridment (cleaning dead tissue) a few times a week, or even daily, for a few days or up to several weeks.
“We can schedule appoints for those patients Monday-Friday and even on weekends if necessary,” French said. “The physicians and patients can feel comfortable working with someone who has the resources and skills to properly assess and treat their injuries.”
The therapists also work with inpatients and confirm all patients who come to PCH with a stage 3 or 4 pressure ulcer.
“We can help save patients and physicians time,” said French. “And we are given the freedom to order anything we need to meet the patient’s need thanks to our wonderful materials department.”
Clinical Researchers
What is the Clinical Research Department?
The Clinical Research Department at Providence St. Peter Hospital may be physically located in the basement of the hospital but their work transcends SWSA. Pat Corkrey, Pharm D. and Mary Ann Kovarik, Clinical Research Coordinator, make up the small but productive core that ensures all research and clinical trials occurring at PCH, PSPH, and PPN adhere to strict ethical and behavioral standards. While they insure the safety of the patient, they are also passionately committed to protecting the safety of Providence employees.
What are you working on now?
Pat and Mary Ann are especially excited about a study that is yet to be named on diabetes. Working with Dr. Michael Shannon, Endocrinologist, they will examine a new class of Type II anti-diabetes drugs in cardiology patients. Scheduled to take just 18 months the study represents a short period in the world of a clinical researcher. Another study in its preliminary phase, labeled the “TopCat Trial” will examine how to stabilize the progression of congestive heart failure by using an old medication in a new way. This trial, sponsored by the National Institute of Health, is expected to last at least five years.
What is it like to work on clinical trials?
Working in the clinical research department “requires an individual to be highly accountable for their actions, Subject / Patient oriented, and possess an extreme attention to details,” offers Pat. While working within the department, the Study Coordinators must be mindful that the welfare of the Subject comes before reportable results for a study. Although the field is both demanding and stressful, both Pat and Mary Ann are always eager to do more. When asked what the one item they wanted people to respond to when reading about their department Mary Ann easily offered, “If you are interested in doing a research project yourself or you have a clinical trial you are interested in participating in, contact us. We are here to help, from planning to implementation we will stay by your side.”
To contact the Clinical Research Department call Pat at 486.6445 or Mary Ann at 486.6461.
Workers Compensation Case Manager
PCH, PPN and SoundHomeCare and Hospice now have a dedicated Worker’s Compensation Case Manager in Kendra McGranahan.
The 0.7 position was created to act as a liaison for injured employees.
“I can help them follow up with injury or incident reports, file claims for medical treatment and make sure people get modified duty if appropriate,” McGranahan said. “I’m also available to do ergonomic assessments if needed.”
She comes to Providence with 20 years experience of providing injury prevention and management services in the public and private section, recently working for Good Samaritan Hospital.
McGranahan will also help fill the Wellness void at PCH.
“She’ll work with Stephanie Kerr to get the Wellness word out,” said SWSA Director of Health and Wellness Dan Donahue. “Kendra will be a great help since she’s seated there at PCH.”
McGranahan is a fan of most things outdoors – skiing, hiking, biking, snowshoeing and motorcycle riding. “All the high-risk stuff,” she joked.
For more information about injury reports or prevention, or wellness, contact McGranahan at ext. 77887. Her office is on the second floor of the Providence Professional Center.
Clinical Documentation Specialist
PSPH is committed to ensuring patient safety through while providing quality. When a patient walks through the doors of our hospital, we commit to offer them highly effective, excellent care. Clinical Documentation Specialists (CDS) help us achieve this goal.
PSPH has successfully implemented a Clinical Documentation Management Program utilizing five highly experienced RNs: Lenna Lizberg, Gina Eichelberger, Andrea Crittenden, Suzanne Cline and Jamie Schneider. After completing an intense six-week training course in November and December 2009 the RNs were released onto the floors.
Clinical Documentation Specialists review relevant physician documentation in order to capture the complexity and severity of the patient’s condition. By weighing each patient’s information for coexisting contributors, including any chronic illnesses, the care team pursues all potential existing care factors unique to that patient. Encouraging specificity in diagnosis means the hospital can provide the most appropriate level of care.
“It’s a way for RNs to keep their clinical skills sharp while challenging themselves to grow in a different way,” says Pam May, Director of Quality/ Accreditation, “Being a Clinical Documentation Specialist is not a special project…it’s a job.”
For more information about Clinical Documentation Specialists contact Pam May, 37647.