Atrium Health Navicent

Last month, Atrium Health Navicent celebrated one year of welcoming regular therapy dog visits to teammates and patients in cooperation with the National Alliance of Therapy Dogs. Since then, visits from these furry friends have made an immeasurable impact on teammates and patients alike! “As pet therapy people, we cannot take away the pain, but we can visit and by sharing our beloved dogs with them, the patients get to smile for a minute, they get to focus on something other than the hospital or nursing home. And so, because of that, maybe we can’t make a huge change, but I still believe that we make a huge difference in recovery.” Michele, Sunni’s handler

Ask anyone who knows Kinsley, and they’ll tell you that she is summed up by poise and power. In February 2023, Kinsley was diagnosed with stage 2A Hodgkin lymphoma – a type of cancer that develops in the lymphatic system (part of the body’s immune system). The five-year old was quickly referred to Atrium Health Levine Children’s Beverly Knight Olson Children’s Hospital where she began chemotherapy treatment in addition to proton therapy – a type of radiation therapy that uses high-powered energy to treat cancer. In October that same year, Kinsley received a PET scan to assess how her body was responding to treatments. That scan showed something remarkable. Not only was her body responding well to the treatments – her body was now free of cancer! “They called that same day and told us she was cancer free,” Shameca, Kinsley’s mom, says. "We went crazy! Kinsley ran to me and started yelling ‘I’m cancer free!’ … She didn’t really understand what cancer was. But she was just so excited to see us all so happy.” Through the ups and downs of Kinsley’s treatment, her care team felt like an extended family. “When she was nervous about needles or uncomfortable from the treatments, Kinsley’s nurses really loved on her and did everything they could to make it easier for her,” Shameca says. “When it was time to access her port [a small implant under the skin that provides a less invasive way to give medications], a child life specialist gave Kinsley a bear so she could give her bear a port, too. They just took such good care of her. Their support cushioned the pain of being in the hospital.” Kinsley continues to go to Beverly Knight Olson Children’s Hospital for her follow-up visits and is currently awaiting her next scan to confirm that there is still no indication of cancer. Shameca says that if Kinsley’s next scan comes back clear, she can have her port removed. “In the times when your knees are buckling and you’re about to give up, think of this little girl and remember how strong she has been in the midst of some of the hardest days of her life,” Shameca says. “And as Kinsley says: You’ve got this.”

Temperatures continue to rise during the summer. That’s why it’s important to be able to be mindful of heat-related illnesses that can be prevented with proper caution and care, especially when exercising outside. Atrium Health Navicent physicians offer the following tips to prevent heat-related illnesses: Remain indoors during the hottest parts of the day, generally 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Stay hydrated by drinking water and sports drinks, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Wear proper clothing in the heat. Reduce outdoor exercise during high temperatures, and consider exercising during the early morning when temperatures are cooler. Take frequent breaks inside or in a shady spot. Wear sunscreen to prevent sunburns, which can raise body temperature. Don’t leave children or the elderly unattended in hot cars, even for short periods of time. Monitor yourself and your family for any signs of heat exhaustion. More heat safety tips: https://bit.ly/463USle

Nurses at Atrium Health Navicent go beyond what’s asked of them, even when they may not be working in a patient-care setting. Seth NeSmith, a registered nurse in the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit at Atrium Health Navicent The Medical Center exemplified that recently. As a result, we are thrilled to recognize him as Atrium Health Navicent’s latest DAISY Award winner! While on the way to work recently, Seth noticed that a vehicle had swerved into a deep ditch. Seth pulled the victim out of the water, assisting them with two other individuals prior to the arrival of Atrium Health Navicent EMS to provide further care. Seth then quickly returned home to get cleaned up and reported to his scheduled shift. Thank you, Seth, for going above and beyond for patients at all times!

Since April, Rory has been receiving injections as part of her chemotherapy treatment. She competed her 36th and final injection last week in the sweetest way! Since Rory loves playing “kitchen,” her care team at Atrium Health Levine Children’s Beverly Knight Olson Children’s Hospital surprised Rory with her very own ice cream shoppe set up for her to serve ice cream to her mom and our teammates until all of it ran out. And don’t worry, Rory also taste-tested the ice cream, too!

As our nation prepares to celebrate the Independence Day holiday with backyard barbeques and festive fireworks, Atrium Health Navicent physicians urge everyone to keep safety in mind by following these tips: Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks. Adults should supervise all fireworks activities. Never use fireworks while impaired by alcohol or drugs. Handle and use fireworks in strict accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and all warning labels. Light fireworks on smooth, flat surfaces, and aim them away from buildings, dry leaves, flammable materials and spectators. Do not try to relight fireworks that malfunction. Do not modify fireworks or use homemade fireworks. Light fireworks one at a time, then quickly move back. Keep a phone and a bucket of water or fire extinguisher within reach and know first aid for burns. Click for more safety tips: https://bit.ly/3zqqNA7

Atrium Health Navicent is buzzing with excitement to spotlight Vanetta Howard as its latest BEE Award recipient as a result of her going beyond exceptional expectations to support the care provided by our nurses! A unit secretary in the labor & delivery unit at Atrium Health Navicent The Medical Center, Vanetta makes the extra effort to get to know her patients and strives to make each of them feel special, even those that may not have family support. When one recent patient made mention of not having clean clothes, she took the patient’s clothes home with her and washed, dried and folded them herself. This in addition to other efforts such as picking up extra shifts when needed, are just a few of the ways that Vanetta helps foster an environment in which care is provided For All!

Atrium Health Navicent is excited to welcome the first participants in the new its Project REACH program! Funded by the Navicent Health Foundation, the Realizing and Encouraging Adolescents to pursue Careers in Healthcare (REACH) program is providing students with an opportunity to shadow health care workers, participate in hands-on training and educational field trips and more during a four-week session this summer. Program participants were welcomed with an orientation as well as basic life support training which included the demonstration of CPR and a chance to practice CPR on mannequins.

Akilah Griffin, Director of Talent Acquisition at Atrium Health Navicent was a guest of Alex Habersham on a recent edition of "A Call To Action." Check out the full segment: https://lnkd.in/g29UT7FM

Being in the wrong place at the wrong time – “it” happens. Make things right by choosing Atrium Health Navicent for urgent care. https://lnkd.in/gFeCUcmm