Equipment for OMC Cancer Treatment Center PurchasedFunds were raised through OMC’s Dice Run of the MillsOzarks Medical Center (OMC) recently received the Prone Breast Pad attachment for OMC’s 4D Linear Accelerator at OMC Cancer Treatment Center. The attachment is used during radiation treatments when the cancer tumor is located close to the heart and lungs.

The OMC Dice Run of the Mills fundraiser was held on June 10 and raised $7,800 for the purchase. The Dice Run had a total of 145 motorcycles and 17 cars that participated. The event was sponsored by Great Rivers Distributing, Outpost Motorsports, Q94, Bartlett Moving Services, and Lazy W Pallets.

Local resident Letty Parrott shared her story with OMC last year. She saw the need for OMC to have the Prone Breast Pad attachment. Parrott was diagnosed with Ductal Carcinoma In-Situ (DCIS) breast cancer in November 2015 after a routine mammogram. She had three surgeries to obtain clear margins then began radiation therapy on March 2, 2016 in St. Louis. She was fortunate to have a nephew that lived close to St. Louis and she was able to stay at his home during the week for treatments. She had 5 treatments per week for 7 weeks plus one extra. Her commute was 60 miles round trip per day and she finished her treatments on April 22, 2016. At her annual mammogram appointment in November 2016, her doctor pronounced her “cancer free.” Letty remains cancer free today.

OMCNewsThe right care, right here.

Growth

December 1, 2017

Mission To provide exceptional,

compassionate care to

all we serve.

VisionWe will change lives by

nurturing hope, improv-

ing health and encour-

aging wellness – every

person every time.

• Join the Chaplains

in Christmas Car-

oling. See page 3.

• PSR News, see

page 10.

• OMC You Rock!

See pages 6 & 7.

Nurse Residen-cy Open House held. See page 7

for photos.

Continued on page 4

28th Annual OMC Lights of Life Honor loved ones by sponsoring a lightThe 28th annual Lights of Life Christmas tree will light up Ozarks Medical Center (OMC) in a ceremony at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 5, in OMC’s main lobby. The event is free and open to the public.

The Christmas tree will be the focus of the newly decorated lobby of Ozarks Medical Center.

The OMC Foundation Lights of Life campaign gives area residents an opportunity to honor and remember their loved ones by sponsoring a tree light for $15. Continued on page 8

December 1, 2017 2

When death walks in and

tries his best to tear your world

apart He brings no gifts to

ease your hurt or mend your

broken heart but if you’ll open

wide the door, your Lord will

come in too, and bring His

gift of healing, especially for

you. He’ll also bring His gift

of tears to wash away the pain,

and best of all His gift of love

forever will remain to comfort

you and strenghthen you and

guide you day by day. With

love like His to lead you, you

can never lose your way. He

promised to always be near. All

you need to do is call. His lov-

ing arms will hold you, He will

lift you if you fall. His gentle

voice will whisper, “My child, I

will always care; I’ll carry your

sorrow for you when it’s more

than you can bear.” Amen.

Weekly Prayer brought to you

by the OMC

Chaplains

The OMC Cafeteria will be closed from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 6 for food and drink purchases. Patients’ families will be able to come through the food line.

The OMC Holiday Party will be held on Wednesday, December 6:11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Cafeteria10:30 p.m. to Midnight in the Cafeteria

Everyone will be able to pick up their Gift Card as you pick up your holiday meal.

December 1, 2017 3

People

MEET OUR PROVIDERS ENVIRONMENTALhealth& safetyAll of our coworkers here at OMC work tirelessly to provide the best care for our patients, and behind the scenes countless staff work to ensure our facilities are operating at top performance. Throughout our efforts, hazardous materials (HazMat) products are used to maintain our facilities and grounds.

It is the objective of our EH&S Program to ensure that Hazard Communication (HazCom) is routinely provided to our coworkers, so that they may work safely while using these HazMat products.

The OSHA Hazard Communication (HazCom) Standard is composed of five key elements. These five key elements are:

1. HazMat/Product Inventory - A list of the HazMat/products present in your work area.2. Safety Data Sheets - A detailed description of each HazMat/product listed in the HazMat/Product Inventory.3. Labeling - Containers of HazMat must have labels which identify the material and warn of its potential hazard to employees.4. Training - All employees must be trained to identify and work safely with HazMat.5. Written Program - A written program must be developed which ties all of the above together.

For questions and/or assistance, contact Tom Morris at tom.morris@ozarksmedicalcenter.com.

Spreading Christmas CheerEveryone is invited to join the OMC Chaplains in caroling throughout the hospital and the Shaw building on Thursday, December 21.

Please meet in the Old ED lobby at 10 a.m.

We will be handing out candy canes and spreading Christmas cheer! Hope to see you there!

Because Parrott’s tumor was on the same side as her heart and deep within the breast toward back of the breast bone, a Prone Breast Pad was needed to safely treat with radiation. The Prone Breast Pad positions the breast in a way to protect the heart and lungs when a tumor is so deep. Ozarks Medical Center has the 4D Linear Accelerator that is used for radiation oncology, but did not have the Prone Breast Pad.

Parrott wanted to share her story in hopes that OMC could purchase the Prone Breast Pad so that others could be treated close-to-home if needed. The first OMC Dice Run was held and money raised was earmarked to purchase a Prone Breast Pad for the OMC Cancer Treatment Center.

“We were blessed with a beautiful day for riding our Ozarks during the Dice Run and we were also grateful to Letty Parrott for sharing her story,” said Melissa Smith, OMC Media Relations Specialist and Co-Chair of the Dice Run. “Because of Letty and everyone who came out and supported the Dice Run, OMC was able to purchase the Prone Breast Pad attachment. This will allow others to stay close to home for treatment when faced with a tumor that is located close to the heart and lungs.”

The Second Annual OMC Dice Run of the Mills will be held on June 9, 2018.

For more information about the OMC Cancer Treatment Center, contact 417-257-5900. For more information about the Dice Run, contact Melissa Smith, 417-257-6737 or Charlie Wharton, 417-505-9161, Dice Run Co-Chairs.

Coding NewsCoding accuracy is highly important to healthcare organizations, and has an impact on revenues and describing health outcomes. Tymber Thomason recently passed her certification exam to become a Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) in the HIM Coding department. Tymber sat for the exam on Monday, November 13th. The Certified Coding Specialist credential demonstrates a practitioner’s tested data quality and integrity skills and mastery of coding proficiency. In fact, certification has become an implicit industry standard.

Tymber joins our other certified coders: Reina Fierce, Certified Coding Specialist (CCS); Sandy Smith, CCS; Jill Hafner, CCS & Certified Hematology and Oncology Coder (CHONC); and Kathy Metcalf, Certified Professional Coder (CPC). Others in the department are preparing to take the same exam just after the new year. Congratulations, Tymber!

Jason Staggs, RHIT | HIM Director / Privacy Officer | Ozarks Medical Center | West Plains, MO 65775417-257-6782, ext 7014 | Jason.Staggs@ozarksmedicalcenter.com

December 1, 2017 4

OMC Offers Living and Hospice Support GroupOzarks Medical Center’s (OMC) monthly meeting of Living and Hospice Support Group will be held Thursday, December 21. Each group meeting is designed with a different monthly presentation of topics related to being a caregiver and the world of hospice. After a 15 minute presentation, a peer-to-peer bereavement support group is available for those interested. Light refreshments are provided.

The group meets monthly at the Willard Hunter Classroom in OMC Parkway Center, 1211 Porter Wagoner Blvd. in West Plains.

The next meeting will be held from 5 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, December 21. The presentation topic will be “Looking Ahead” and will focus on ways that we remember a loved one and the setbacks that may arise with grief. It will be followed by grief support group.

For more information or to RSVP, contact Krishana Overstreet at 417-256-3133, extension 3005.

Toys for Tots Donations NeededThe deadline for Toys for Tots is December 7. Drop off locations are found at the hospital in:• Admissions• Rehab• Public Relations (Parkway)• Out-Patient Surgery

Equipment for OMC Cancer Treatment Center Purchased, Continued from page 1

Pictured left to right: Donald Laughary, EDCaretta Strayhorn, Med/SurgMary Duke, RehabJordan Lange, ICU

New Coworkers at Ozarks Medical Center!

Meet the Latest New Hires to Come Through Orientation

People

December 1, 2017 5

Pictured left to right: State Farm employees Kate Daffron, Abbey Hicks, Morgan Cook, and Rachel Stewart; State Farm Agent Ramona Heiney; and

Vice President for Advancement of the OMC Foundation Carol Silvey.

State Farm-Ramona Heiney Donates to OMC FoundationEach month State Farm Insurance Agent Ramona Heiney donates money to charity. During their tenth month, in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness, they published breast cancer facts on their Facebook page and selected Ozarks Medical Center (OMC) Cancer Treatment Center for a $500 donation.

“This contribution represents another example of Ozark philanthropy and neighbors helping neighbors,” said Carol Silvey, Vice President for Advancement of the OMC Foundation. “I am pleased to accept this contribution for OMC’s Cancer Treatment Center.”

December 1, 2017 6

You Rock! These individuals’ You Rock cards were shared with Public Relations:

Christy- Lab“She helped clean a sticker off of a toilet paper dispenser. She took time out of her day like it was no problem. Thanks a

lot. She always says “good morning” to me as well.” ~From a Coworker

Patsy & Heather- Nutrition“We called Patsy and Heather to see if they could gather some food to send with a patient who was going to be on a

Greyhound bus for 3 days before he got home. He had very little money left to spend on food after getting his bus ticket. These kind ladies brought down a box full of snacks to send with him, including a meal for him to eat that night for

dinner. They truly went above and beyond to help this patient out. We were so impressed by their effort and compassion!” ~From a Coworker

Ray Price- Med/Surg“Ray floated to ICU as a sitter. He was so much help on a crazy night. He even bathed the patient he was sitting!

Couldn’t have made it through the shift without him!! Thank you!” ~From a Coworker

Julie Baird- ICU“Julie always pays such great attention to the monitors. It allows for great comfort in our patients care. She does an excel-

lent job. OMC is lucky to have her and the dedication she brings to ICU.” ~From a Coworker

Katie- ER“She came to ICU to show us how to set up patients personal dialysis machine. I wouldn’t have gotten it together that

night without her! Thank you so much!” ~From a Coworker

Dr. Pendergrass- Urgent Care“She is just awesome. She is so caring and compassionate. She takes the time to explain.” ~From a Patient

Crystal- Urgent Care“She is just a sweet heart. She is also caring and compassionate.” ~From a Patient

Wanda Ryan- UCC“One of our patients was unable to cook for their family post-surgery. Wanda purchased a gift card for food (family

meal) and delivered to them! Thank you, Wanda, for your compassion to our patients and their families!” ~From a Coworker

Christina- Nutrition“Christina was so pleasant on the phone when we had a mix up on a patient meal tray. She was so helpful in making a

resolution. All NPU staff tell me that she always displays top customer service. Thank you.” ~From a Coworker

Peggy- House Keeping“You always keep a smile on your face. Thank you for all you do.” ~From a Coworker

Amber Reynolds- Med/Surg“Thank you so much for doing an excellent job as unit secretary. You rocked it girl!” ~From a Coworker

Sara Pettyjohn- Med/Surg“Sara is such a great nurse! She is full of knowledge and Med/Surg is blessed to have her!” ~From a Coworker

Jenni St. Clair- Med/Surg“Jenni is always smiling and never complains. She is a great resource to our new nurses and we’re lucky to have her.”

~From a Coworker

Heather Shelton- Med/Surg“Thank you so much for coming in on your day off and helping with the best attitude. You are fantastic!!.”

~From a Coworker

Lexie H.- Med/Surg“Thank you for being a wonderful coworker and loving friend. You have a big heart and we all love you so much!”

~From a Coworker

Lindsay- Med/Surg“You are such a down to earth nurse. Thank you for being so helpful to everyone.” ~From a Coworker

December 1, 2017 7

Nurse Residency Open House HeldThank you to all the attendees and participants in the recent Nurse Residency Open House. It was such an exciting night. I sat there for a moment and took it all in. In my reflection I noticed booths full of information, amazing stories of nursing excellence, compassionate care and history of OMC. I saw an extraordinary group of nurses who stood OMC strong, who truly love not only OMC but the profession of nursing. I am so thankful and proud to be a part of your work family.

We had 27 attendees, 12 booths with 21 OMC Co-Workers, numerous door prizes, and great food. The booth participants did an amazing job and left a huge impression on the nursing students that attended. Officially, MedSurg had the most votes as the favorite booth….for the second year in a row and there were many honorable mentions. I cannot thank you enough for your participation. Your creativity is an inspiration to our profession.

Sincerely, Kimberly T. Shaw, RN, MSN, CCRN Clinical Educator/Nurse Residency Program Coordinator

Growth

Community

December 1, 2017 8

While sponsorships are in honor of special people, the contributions will be placed in funds that, in some cases, continue to help others in perpetuity.

“Join us in kicking off the Christmas season at Ozarks Medical Center,” said Carol Silvey, Vice President for Advancement of the OMC Foundation. “Individuals may place lights on the tree to honor someone important, to recognize an addition to their family, or to remember someone special. The tree will shine throughout the holidays. We hope you will join us for this special holiday tradition that also supports a wonderful cause, local health care.”

Funds raised during the Lights of Light campaign benefit several programs and services, including the OMC Foundation Endowment, the OMC Cancer Treatment Center, OMC Hospice, OMC Heart Care Services, or OMC Women and Children Services. Donors may designate which services or programs he or she wishes to benefit. Acknowledgement cards will be sent to each donor and to the designated honorees.

The ceremony will feature guest speaker Jennifer Moore. There will also be a musical performance by members of the West Plains High School Choir and Harpist Mariam Zeidan, daughter of Jennifer Moore.

For information or to request a donation form, call 417-853-5200. Donation forms are available at the visitors’ information desk in the main lobby of the medical center, at the OMC Foundation office, located at No. 12 Parkway Center.

28th Annual OMC Lights of Life, continued from page 1

Every Two Seconds, Someone Needs BloodOMC and Community Blood Center of the Ozarks Blood Drive December 27OMC and the Community Blood Center of the Ozarks will host a blood drive Wednesday, December 27, from noon until 6 p.m., at the Willard Hunter Classroom in the OMC Parkway Center. When you roll up your sleeve to share your good health with someone in need, you begin a unique story that can only be told with your selfless act of giving. Whether it’s the story of what prompted you to begin giving blood, what motivates you to continue, or the story of the patient on the other side ... every drop tells a story.

If you have never given blood before, here’s what to expect: Before the Donation A donor registration form is completed each time you donate blood. The form includes personal information and a health history. A confidential screening with a CBCO Donor Room Services professional includes a blood pressure check, pulse, temperature, and hemoglobin (iron level) are checked.

The Donation You will be asked to lie back and relax on a donor bed. The arm from which you will donate is cleansed with an antiseptic and a sterile, single use needle is inserted to begin the actual blood donation. During the donation process (5-10 minutes) you will give about one pint of blood.

After the Donation Following your donation, you will receive refreshments to help replace the fluids lost during the donation process. When you donate at OMC, you may schedule your next donation appointment before you leave. Appointments are not necessary, but they help us manage our daily blood supply and blood center staffing. They’ll also help us keep your donation time to a minimum.Some additional tips to help ensure a great experience:• Eat well for the next 24 hours;• Increase your fluid intake for the next 24 – 48 hours;• Do not use tobacco products for 30 minutes;• Do not lift heavy objects or engage in strenuous activity for at least 2 – 4 hours;• Leave your bandage on for about two hours.

For more information, visit www.cbco.org, or call the OMC Public Relations Department at 417-257-6735.

Thank You Received from Face-bookI want to let you know the last week has been a rough one for my son, but we couldn’t

have asked for better care than what we received at OMC and all the WONDERFUL staff that cared for our son! From the Physicians, Nurses, Surgery Dept. Staff, and CNA’s to the Dietary Services staff, we couldn’t have asked for more! Each and everyone of them cared so much and did more than they had to and it made a huge difference to us and we appreciate it more then you will ever realize. Thank you ALL for treating my baby boy like your own and making him feel comfortable in a scary situation. And a special thanks to his favorite nurse, Mrs. Katie Bonds! I just wanted to write a quick note letting you know that your staff has made such a great impact in our lives and we thank you so much!

OMC CaresA very elderly patient living in the trailer (pictured below) had been in the Emergency Department recently. She was brought in by EMS with chest pain. While here in our care, one of our RN’s, Kassie Roe, convinced her to at least give her a sponge bath as she has not had a bath in we don’t know how long. The other nurses and administration that were here at that time took it upon themselves to buy her some clothes and shoes so she would not be going home in dirty clothes. They also wanted to ensure she would be warm, so they purchased her a coat.

The following Saturday, Dona Fuller and I went in search of the patient’s home to check on her well-being and to take her much needed food. It took us several hours to find her home, but when we did, we were shocked to see the conditions that she was living in. Dona and I promised that we would be back to her home on Monday and that we would bring some people with us to help clean her trailer.

That following Monday, a crew of 6, Dona Fuller, RN; Jerry Fuller, RN at AirEvac; Glenna Birk, RN and Clinical Nursing Supervisor of ED; Andy Birk, RN at AirEvac; Rick Leita, Emergency Preparedness Coordinator; and myself, Administrative Assistant to the Director of Emergency Services, descended upon the patient’s home to help her with some work she could not get done on her own. We repaired her front steps and cleaned part of her house. The crew tore out the steps and replaced them with a ramp and added a hand rail to the ramp so it was easier for her to get in and out of her home. To say the least it was a task that we took upon ourselves because we care about the well-being of our patients.

We were not able to get the patient’s entire house clean, but she was extremely thankful for what we got accomplished. I think she was a little shocked that we did what we did. I am so very proud to be a member of this team. The six of us represented Ozarks Medical Center by lending a hand to a person in desperate need.

Tonya Leita, Administrative Assistant to the Director of Emergency Services

Service

December 1, 2017 9

December 1, 2017 10

PSR NEWS

December 2017

What’s been going on??? PSR , is the Psychosocial Center at BHC. Most employees don’t even know we are here!! Everyday mentally ill clients attend our groups to learn about, job skills, boundaries, self esteem and coping skills. This program helps individuals who maybe grew up without any support or encouragement learn to like themselves and in return become a better person. Someone who is a better parent, spouse and employee!! For many that attend, we are the only family they have. Help me give them a good Christmas by donating or purchasing items from us!!

.

Csd

HElP US!!

*Socks *Knit hats *Scarfs *Gloves • Sweat Shirts for

men sizes XL & 2XL

* Gel pens

The Holidays are a struggle for a lot of people. Imagine being mentally ill, broke and estranged from your family. Everyday I teach our clients about positive thinking. I teach them that people do care, and if they just hold on..keep doing what is right, what is right will catch up with them. From now until the first of the year is my most challenging time in getting them to buy into this motto. So many have had horrible experiences during the holidays as children that they hate Christmas. Last year I had a client tell me that his Christmas at PSR was the best he had experienced in 30 years! Help me change our clients minds about Christmas, and themselves! Donate, buy or eat a Chili dog this month!!

Starting to look a lot like Christmas!

Items needed to help our clients have a great Christmas Party on the 21st and stay warm!! Box for donations is in BHC mail room, or I will come pick up any donations your office makes!!

*Christmas candy *Adult Coloring books *Chapstick *Girly stuff : lotion, nail polish, perfume *Boy stuff: cologne..and whatever else guys like *blankets *fuzzy socks Or if you don’t wanna shop..we accept Cash as well

Tell a co-worker how much you appreciate them!! PSR will delivery chocolate covered pretzels with a special note from you! $3 a bag, preorder by Dec 15th for Dec 20th delivery!!

December 1, 2017 11

12

Click here for the complete meetings calendar and calendar of events

What’s Happening at OMCDecember 5-Lights of Life • 5:30 p.m. in the OMC Main Lobby, 1100 Kentucky Ave., West PlainsThe OMC Foundation will celebrate the 26th annual lighting of the “Lights of Life” Christmas tree. The event is open to the public and will include holiday music. Individuals may sponsor a light on the tree for $15 in honor, in recognition or in memory of someone. For more information, contact the OMC Foundation at 417-853-5200.

December 5-Preparing for Breastfeeding Class • 6:00 p.m., Ozarks Medical Center, West PlainsProvides the expectant mother with important infor-mation she will need to breastfeed her new baby. Call 417-256-9111, extension 6440 to register or for more information.

December 8-Heartsaver® CPR AED • 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon, Ozarks Medical Center, Parkway CenterThis course is video-based, instructor-led course that teaches adult and child CPR and AED use, infant CPR, and how to relieve choking in adults, children, and infants. This course teaches skills with the AHA’s research-proven practice-while-watching technique, which allows instructors to observe the students, provide feedback, and guide the students’ learning of skills. Cost is $35. Call 417-257-6793 to register or for more information.

December 8-Heartsaver® First Aid • 1-3:00 p.m., Ozarks Medical Center, Parkway Center, West Plainsis a video-based, instructor-led course that teaches stu-dents critical skills to respond to and manage an emer-gency in the first few minutes until emergency medical services arrives. Students learn duties and responsibil-ities of first aid rescuers; first aid actions for medical emergencies, including severe choking, heart attack, and stroke; and skills for handling injury and environmental emergencies, including external bleeding, broken bones and sprains, and bites and stings. Cost is $25. Call 417-257-6793 to register or for more information.

December 14-Health Screening • 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Thayer Medical Clinic, 300 Warmfork Road, ThayerOMC Laboratory Services will conduct low-cost lab health screenings. No appointment necessary. For more information, call 417-264-7136.

Click here for local gym & fitness information

December 1, 2017

OMC Cafeteria HoursMonday-FridayBreakfast: 7:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.Lunch: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.Snack Bar: 1:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.Dinner: 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.Holidays & WeekendsBreakfast: 7:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.Lunch: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.Employees receive a 20% discount on most items in the cafeteria. (Menu subject to change without notice.)

LUNCH MENU SNACK BAR

CAFE

Taco SaladsChicken FajitasBeef EnchiladasSpanish RiceMexican CornBlack Bean BurgersMinestrone

Herbed Arctic CharPenne Chicken AlfredoParmesean Roasted PotatoesItalian Blend VegetablesHamburgersBaked Potato Soup

Chicken FajitasTortilla Crusted TilapiaSpanish RiceMexican CornChicken TendersChicken Tortilla Soup

Baked Pork ChopsGreek Marinated ChickenRosemary PotatoesGreen Bean CasseroleFish SandwichBroccoli Cheese Soup

DEC4

DEC5

DEC6

DEC7

DEC8

Fried ShrimpBBQ Beef BrisketGarlic Mashed PotatoesStewed TomatoesGrilled Chicken SandwichTomato Bisque

Daily: Salad Bar, Sandwich Bar, Pizza, Desserts

Warm Soft Pretzels with cheese sauce &

mustard

Tacos Bar with shredded lettuce,

cheddar cheese, pico, diced onion & salsa

6 ChickenWings

for $3.00

$1.00 Hot Dogswith chili, cheese

sauce & 25¢ fountain

drinks

BBQChicken

Sliders$1.00 each