Bartlett Regional | House Calls | Winter 2019

New infusion therapy nurse hails from Texas Jennifer Gutirrez, RN, is the new nurse for the infusion therapy department, which administers intravenous chemotherapy to cancer patients and immunotherapy to patients with autoimmune disorders. She, her husband and two middle school- age sons moved to Juneau last summer from southern Texas. “I really enjoy helping people who have cancer,” Jennifer says. “You really build a relationship with the patients because you see them once a week or every two weeks. You get to know each other on a personal level, which is very rewarding. I have seen the value of the infusion department, as patients don’t have to travel out of state. Bartlett Regional Hospital is a tight-knit community. Everybody's willing to help each other. So I really enjoy working here. “Where I lived, it was very flat and hot. It snowed one time in the 20 years we lived there. You didn't always want to be outside. Here I feel like I'm a visitor in Mother Nature—the clouds, the rain and snow, the mountains, seeing bald eagles on the way to work, or a bear if you want to. It’s just gorgeous.” Patient feedback Thank you! Ambulatory surgery w w Nurse Joan Janes was exceptionally friendly and helpful. w w Five stars for THE entire facility and staff. I am very pleased with the entire experience. Very professional, had my total confidence in the entire team. Emergency department w w Best experience I’ve ever had at a hospital, best doctor care I’ve ever had. w w Fantastic hospital! Inpatient w w Dr. Anderson was great. Inpatient behavioral health w w Excellent care! w w The staff at Bartlett Hospital is very kind, and they are there to tend to your needs. Very good psychiatrist. Very good hospital. Outpatient services w w I never mark excellent or very good , but the staff in cardiac rehab is stellar. w w The best it’s been for years +40. w w I would highly recommend your facility to others seeking sleep studies! # Peopleof BRH Nurse of the year Surgical Services nurse Rhonda Ward, RN, received one of the most coveted nursing awards: a 2018 March of Dimes Nurse of the Year award for excellence. She was nominated by her colleagues, who say she demonstrates “the highest standards of nursing care by continually elevating and enhancing the nursing profession through constant education of staff and patients. Rhonda has an extensive nursing background and a love for teaching. Rhonda does pre-op assessments for endoscopy patients and develops a rapport with them. She spends time explaining the procedures and dietary needs for colonoscopy cases. Rhonda is also very active in volunteering at the community health fairs. She creates her own booth and educates the public with information on colon cancer and awareness.” “Thank you to my co-workers in many departments who support my efforts to provide compassionate, high-quality nursing care,” Rhonda says. “Without a great team it could not happen. We all want the best outcomes for our patients and community.” A March of Dimes Alaska Nurse of the Year Award is presented to Surgical Services nurse Rhonda Ward, RN (middle), by (from left) fellow nominee Ariel Thorsteinson, RN; CEO Chuck Bill; Operating Room Director James Jurrens; and OR Manager Beth Stroud. www.bartletthospital.org 3