Department Spotlight October 16, 2010
Rehabilitation! Who we are and what we do!
The Rewards and Recognition Committee is proud to salute the Inpatient Rehabilitation team for their compassion, dedication and living the PSF mission. Theresa Lutze RN Clinical Manager summarized the staff’s spirit by saying, “We all feel privileged to be part of the miracles taking place daily on the 8th floor!” Who are we? We are a circle of healers; physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, CNA’s, nurses, physicians and Rehab Buddies. We each have our place in the restoration of body, mind and spirit.”
Eleanor Capron Inpatient Rehabilitation began as a generous gift to the people of southern Colorado from Keith Capron in loving memory of his wife, Eleanor. The Caprons moved to Colorado Springs following Keith’s retirement as vice president with the Chicago Tribune. Eleanor had been a vivacious and intelligent woman – a reporter that had a deep interest in people and the problems they face each and every day. In her later years, she had Alzheimer’s disease and suffered many years of severe disability before dying in 1982. Her spirit is reflected by this dedicated staff of more than 30 nurses, a dozen-plus physical, occupational and speech/language therapists and technicians, along with counselors and case managers, with a belief in people and their potential to overcome obstacles and live as fully as possible. The team is lead by Charlie Stine, Director, Theresa Lutze, RN Clinical Manager and Pat Matela, Inpatient Rehab Therapy Manager. They are assisted by Admissions Coordinator, Kerri Tremaroli, PAI Coordinator, Janet Teusch, RN, Troy Pontello PT, Inpatient Rehab Therapy Coordinator, and Case Manager, Jack Towery, RN.
Rehabilitation is a process that promotes the recovery of function resulting from an injury or illness. The PSF Inpatient Rehabilitation unit is a combination of medical, rehab nursing and intensive rehabilitative services - working together as a team, to assist patients in achieving sufficient recovery to return home or to another community setting. Upon admission to Capron Rehab, a patient is evaluated and an individualized care plan is created. The department serves up to 19 patients for as long as six weeks of daily therapy treatments. Family participation in the patient’s daily care is also encouraged. The staff provides special teaching sessions for family in order to better prepare for the challenges faced upon discharge. In addition, the clinical staff is trained in Neuro Developmental Treatment (NDT), a distinction unparalleled in the field. This specialized training underscores a commitment to the neurological approach to care.
Another facet of continuing support is the opportunity for the patient to be partnered with a Rehab Buddy, who serves as a mentor. Buddies may also be family members of a former patient. They understand and have lived the challenges faced throughout recovery and rehabilitation. Buddies are referred to the program by the unit’s Medical Director, Dr. Glenn House or Dr. Pio Guerrero, and work with Connie Wallace, RN, Rehab Buddy Coordinator. They are part of the PSF Volunteer Services program and are matched with a patient having a similar rehabilitation profile. Buddies have an ability to listen and understand what the patient is experiencing, and offer the support and encouragement during the critical adjustment periods with “I’ve been there” and healing happens.
One of the patients said it well, “The staff comes to my room just full of confidence, and they give me confidence! We laugh together, they do what they do and I do what I do. It’s a dance!”
And a staff member’s description, “To work with these awesome and hardworking patients every day is amazing! It is great to see how teamwork between staff and patients helps reach the end goal.”
Capron Inpatient Team: Clinical Manager: Theresa Lutze, RN, BSN
Staff nurses
Joan Adkins, RN Georgina Ansah, RN Brenda Bove, RN, BSN
Gina Bruce, RN Judy Crenshaw, RN Julie Englert, RN, BSN
Marta Hart, RN, BSN Jillian Geoffrey, RN, BSN Cindy Huntley, RN
Mary Johnson, RN Heidi Likins, RN, BSN Jane Wilson, RN
Sue McQuade, RN Jacqueline Robinson, RN Joel Roseveare, RN
Krista Tande, RN, BSN Gwen Thompson, RN, BSN Kay Kay, RN
Laureen Wark, RN, BSN Michelle Trujillo, RN, BSN
Monique Cowley, CNA Mary Dana, CNA Angela Davis, CNA
Gerrod Groubert, CNA Izola Moody, CNA James Moody, CNA
Cynthia Nicandro, CNA Angela Renville, CNA Amber Simek, CNA
Beth Vigil, CNA
Rehab Coordinator, Troy Pontello. Physical Therapists: Cindy Brown, Kathy Graef, Courtney O’Rourke, Greg Vidro. Ocupational Therapists: Kathy Bellandi, Terri Cassidy, Melissa Chang, Sara Kaster. Speech Language Pathologists: Robin Cockerham, Kay Stohr
Tech’s: Beryle Frank, Karen Husman, Tahlia Ruschioni