North Kansas City Hospital

I feel like I may not have made it without her. We’re recognizing Michelle Butterfield, RN, with our May DAISY Award. Michelle stayed late with a patient to ensure she was taken care of. She took the best care of me and probably saved my life by noticing some things that weren’t quite right. Her smile and personality are infectious. It spreads to others, and for me, helped make me happy and feel better. Thanks, Michelle, for #makingadifference.

Santa and Mrs. Claus visited staff to share treats, read handmade cards from kids and wish everyone a Merry Christmas. #merrychristmas #webelieve

Technology has been a blessing during COVID-19. Platforms such as FaceTime allow family members to connect with their hospitalized loved ones, including in their final moments. For patients who don’t have access to a device, NKCH staff helps them stay in touch via iPads. We appreciate the staff connecting us with my grandma, said Whitney Heinze, whose grandmother, Beverly, passed away from COVID on September 4. Even though we couldn’t be with her [in person], we saw the nurse holding her hand when she took her last breath, just like we would have done. She was not alone. In honor of Beverly, her family recently donated an iPad and two portable chargers so more families can connect with their loved ones. We wanted to take the blessing we were given and help another family, Whitney said. My grandma would be proud.

Security and Safety Supervisor Carl Zornes played a little holiday music for us, including some of our favorites like Frosty the Snowman, Hallelujah, Jingle Bell Rock, Joy to the World, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and Silent Night. He’ll even take requests!

Jennifer recently submitted these comments about Jodi after she came to NKCH for a chest X-ray when she began to have difficulty breathing. As a newcomer on campus, the kindness of a stranger immediately put her at ease. Jennifer thanks NKCH and employees like Jodi Dyer for making her day a bit brighter. #makingadifference

Come out to see Santa in Zona Rosa and visit us at the NKCH Wellness Corner for your hot chocolate until 7:30. Be sure to bring Mac n Cheese cups for Feed Northland Kids.

It is safe to donate blood, and we encourage healthy individuals to donate so that blood is available for patients who need it. Your GIFT can help save up to three lives! Learn more about the donation process and find a center near you: https://www.nkch.org///community-blood-center-partnership/

More than ever, NKCH and Meritas Health believe it’s important to care for staff. That’s why we’re launching Uplift, a new employee support program. To raise awareness about this initiative, leadership spent last week surprising staff with random acts of kindness. This is just the start of our next chapter stay tuned for updates!

The holidays are right around the corner. Get tips for healthy (and delicious) side dishes.

Congratulations to the 38 registered nurses who completed our nurse residency program, joining over 550 other nurses who have graduated from the program. Through the curriculum, nurses enhance their professional development and receive support from nurse mentors as they prepare for various clinical practice roles. Great job and thank you for choosing to do this amazing work!

Stress can cause glucose levels to climb. Get tips on reducing stress and controlling your diabetes.

Happy Voting Day! More than 100 patients were able to vote today, despite being in the hospital. Surrounding counties sent representatives from their election boards, and staff helped facilitate the ballot completions. Thank you everyone for making this happen! #vote2020

Lindsey cried with us. She was human with us and real. And, that’s something that isn’t taught in nursing school. Congratulations to Lindsey Owens, RN, Oncology, our Oct DAISY Award winner. Lindsey cared for my father-in-law after his brain cancer diagnosis. She provided extraordinary care and was a shining light during our journey. He once told me ‘Lindsey is good. Really good.’ Lindsey cared for him when he was dying with compassion, empathy and tenderness. It must have been difficult for Lindsey to see this process and watch us grieve, but she never once lost that smile or bright spirit! Thank you Lindsey for #makingadifference.

If you missed Dr. Christopher Formen, a radiologist at NKCH, on FOX4 News Kansas City you have to hear his answers to FAQs about breast cancer screenings, then request an appointment for your mammogram: nkch.org/mammo #mammograms

Healthcare employment is expected to grow 15% through 2029. This rate is faster than the average for all occupations, equating to about 4.2 million new jobs. With that anticipated demand, we thought it’s time to start recruiting. We reached out to some future NKCH employees and physicians, and it looks like they will be ready to take over for their parents in about 20 years!

Our breast care nurse navigator, Debbie Ball, RN, talks about the four most common questions she gets from women about breast health, cancer risks and mammograms. #mammogram #breastcancer #prevention

One mini candy bar here and there won’t haunt you. But, if you’re not careful, those BLTs (bites, licks and tastes) can spook your diet. If you decide to indulge, the rule of thumb is limit four. That’s how many fun size bars are in a full-size candy bar. #halloweencandy

Tips for riding the elevator and escalator while at the hospital. #etiquette

Although it may seem like most Halloween festivities are off the table this year, there is plenty of room for creativity. We got some helpful resources and tips for a fun, festive night. #halloween #trickortreat