January 26, 2023
During the last week of January, National CRNA Week recognizes Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists and their commitment to patient safety.
 
Each year, CRNAs provide more than 49 million services across the country. They work in surgery centers, dental and ophthalmology offices, pain management facilities, and hospitals.
 
Some of the services nurse anesthetists provide include:
  • reviewing patients’ medical histories for allergies or illnesses, thus ensuring safe and effective pain management
  • administering anesthesia during procedures
  • monitoring patients’ vital signs during procedures
  • epidurals, spinal, and nerve blocks
  • ensuring patients understand the side effects of anesthesia

The services of a CRNA are invaluable to both patients and providers. In rural areas, CRNAs are the primary providers of anesthesia care. Thanks to our excellent team!
Kansas Newborn Screening Program
recognizes CHCS
When babies are born, parents and families want to make sure they are healthy. Crucial screenings done at the right moment are designed to identify problems that could lead to development disabilities or severe illness.

The Kansas Newborn Screening Program, a collaboration between public health, hospitals, providers, and the parents of newborns, has provided essential screenings at no cost to families since 1965. Community HealthCare System's Onaga Community Hospital was recognized for screening 100% of newborns for critical congenital heart defects and for collecting metabolic screening samples before babies reach 30 hours of age.

CHCS lab staff and providers work well with the Birth Center team to ensure that all tests take place in a timely fashion while avoiding disruptions in the family’s bonding experience with their new baby. Well done, all!
CHCS hosts K-State PA students
CHCS is currently hosting four Kansas State University Physician Assistant students for their Family Medicine rotation. The students are in the second and final year of the PA program. During rotations, they follow/assist their preceptor in the clinics to observe evaluation, management, and treatment within primary care for patients across the lifespan. They also observe procedures performed by their preceptor.

These students and several others will join CHCS for more Family Medicine and General Surgery rotations later this year.

Pictured below are (clockwise): Skylar Brand with Dr. David Allen; Eric Viles with Julia Ingwerson, APRN; Jonathan Uranga with Jeremy Brandt, PA; and Natalee Yochum with Annie Crumbaker, PA.

Thank you to our providers for mentoring these students!
Save the date: Centralia Clinic Open House
Thank you, Greater Giving!
CHCS Surgery nurses would like to thank the Greater Giving Committee and those who contribute funds to the Wish List! 

Surgery was awarded funds to purchase a Step2 Whisper Ride II Ride on Push Toy Car. The push toy will help pediatric patients have fun and be less fearful of the surgery environment. The nurses can't wait to show the new "toy" to the kids who need surgery!  
 
The photos show Collins (top) and Reese (bottom) Hiltibrand, children of Mollie Hiltibrand, Surgery RN, and her husband, Chad Hiltibrand. Collins and Reese enjoyed taking the car for a test drive!
Learn more about Greater Giving on the CHCS website.

Contact HR if you are ready to give!
Classroom to Career
CHCS completed the first of five Classroom to Career visits to USD 322 Onaga fourth graders this week to help them learn about healthcare careers!

Occupational Therapist Jill Nolte talked about her work and how she helps patients of all ages who need assistance with daily life activities because of injury or illness. She gave the students a chance to explore therapy putty, adaptive utensils, and a splint. Thank you, Jill!

The Classroom to Career program is sponsored by the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce and Pottawatomie County Economic Development Corporation, and its aim is to help students learn about jobs right here in northeast Kansas. In addition to visiting the class with different speakers, CHCS will also host the students for a field trip later in the spring.
Welcome
We are happy to have the following associates join us. Welcome to CHCS!

  • Anastasia Peek, EVS Tech, St. Marys Manor
  • Taylor Havenstein, APRN, Onaga
  • Abbigail Albritton, Onaga Registration
Community events and important reminders


  • The Onaga Historical Museum invites all to a Quilt Turning on January 28, 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. View a flyer with additional information on this Kansas Heritage Day celebration and to find the definition of a "quilt turning."

  • Community Home Care Equipment is curbside only until construction is complete! Patients should call 785-889-5018 for assistance, and CHCE staff will make items available for curbside pickup near the flag on the west side of the associate parking area. Hours are M-Th 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Here's to our associates with February birthdays. Join us in wishing them all the best as they celebrate! 

Sara Dirks, Martina Riccomini, JoAnne Myers, Mona Lisa Meade, Heather Sergent, Brock Wedman, Marcy Evans, Katherine Kufahl, Caroline Cain, Claire Blumer, Abraham Pierson, Jenna Sauer, Sheila Talley, Meranda Schmitz, Julia Mueting, Maria Landolfi, Jennifer Hutfles, Jeremy Brandt, Britney Hudon, Monica Holthaus, Anne-Marie Deters, Haley Bonilla, Krista Childs, Matthew Salerno, Lura Flentie, Laura Geist, Kelly Schmelzle, Joshua Daniels, Nikki Marten, Christy McDaris, David Allen, Mollie Hiltibrand, Suzanne Lundberg, Donald Leger
CHCS menus: Onaga and Eastridge
 
St. Marys menus are available each morning through the Activities chronicle.
Coffee and Gift Shop Delights
Special:
January 30 - February 3

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
  • Chocolate & cookie dough
  • 16 oz., $4
  • Hot, cold, or frappe
V-Day Popups

A Valentine's Day Popup Gift Shop may be coming to your location! Take a look at the list of dates at right.

It's not too late to request a popup! Email Sarah Hancock ASAP if you'd like to schedule.
Closeout sale!

We're saying goodbye to Round Top Collection home decor and Natural Inspirations skin care lines. Remaining items are 60% off while they last!
We have what you need for Valentine's Day!
The Gift Shop is stocked with goodies for your Valentine! Find handmade cards, helium balloons, candy (WE HAVE LOTS OF CANDY!), jewelry, and much more.

  • We will also offer FLOWERS for Valentine's Day! View the flyer and order form below--click to expand.
  • Need something special? Call the shop to arrange it at extension 5059.
Final funny
Did you miss your Connection?

Important information is relayed every week in the E-Connection. If you miss it in your email, an archive is available on our website. Visit the For Associates page, then click E-Connection Archive.
Send items for the E-Connection or for sharing with our broader social media audience to sarahhancock@chcsks.org. Please send items by close of business on Tuesdays when possible. Ideas are welcome!