Claxton-Hepburn

Joint Camp, Joint Success The Claxton Defenders Brawler. Snoop. Loudmouth. Renegade. Warrior. While you wouldn't typically use these words to describe hospital employees, Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center's new employee recognition program, "Claxton Defenders," shows these are good characteristics to ensure the best care is provided to patients. The following awards were made during a recent awards ceremony. A Brawler effectively manages challenge and hardship; is strong and confident; and empowers others. Kandy Simmons, RN, manager of the Dr. Ravinder N. Agarwal Renal Center's CAPD program for over 30 years, is recognized as a Brawler. A Snoop seeks answers and follows through; provides comprehensive, compassionate, and When you need joint replacement Surgery, extra education can help prepare you for the procedure. AFTER LIVING WITH the pain of arthritis for years, a joint replacement can provide much-needed relief. Even when you know joint replacement is your best option, preparing for major surgery can make you anxious and leave you with many questions. Designed to help relieve your fears and answer your questions, Joint Camp at Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center is for anyone who plans to have a knee or hip replacement. "Joint Camp provides an orientation as to what to expect before, during, and after surgery," says Thomas Herzog, MD, orthopedic surgeon with Claxton-Hepburn. "We want patients to have a good experience when they go in for surgery—and that's why we organized this program and started it this winter." Joint Camp is also designed to optimize your physical condition before surgery. Research has shown that taking these steps prior to a joint replacement can increase your chances of success: • Losing weight • Quitting smoking • Strengthening muscles "We have nurses, physical therapists, social workers, and physicians working together to make this program successful," Left to right: Lou-Ann McNally, director of HR; Kay Zimmer, Kathy White, Kandy Simmons, Jeff Green, Jennifer Soper, and Nate Howell. Dr. Herzog says. "We expect patients to experience a signicantly improved quality of life after surgery, and Joint Camp helps them reach that goal." TOTAL LOCAL CARE Before, during, and after the surgery, your medical team is involved in ensuring quality outcomes. By providing a holistic approach that considers every dimension of care, joint replacement at Claxton-Hepburn brings high levels of care to the North Country. "The basic premise of Joint Camp is that although the actual surgery performed by the orthopedic surgeon is of tantamount importance, there are other factors which can and should play a role in the total joint experience," says Richard D. Tombler, MD, FRCS(c), orthopedic surgeon at Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center. "It is for this reason that the preoperative assessment and teaching, the actual hospital experience, and the postoperative management are all brought together in Joint Camp. " To learn more about joint replacement at Claxton-Hepburn, call 315-393-3600. caring service by going the extra mile; and is an observant and good listener. Kay Zimmer, LMSW/CBPN-C, social worker and patient navigator at the Richard E. Winter Cancer Center since 2007, was recognized as a Snoop. A Loudmouth is a patient advocate; an effective communicator; and promotes safety and quality. Jennifer Soper, RN, an employee of the intensive care unit since 2001, was recognized as a Loudmouth. A Renegade is a troubleshooter and problem solver; an innovator; and continuously seeks improvement. Kathleen White, an electro cardio lab technician in the cardiology department since 2003, was recognized as a Renegade. A Warrior is a team player; is fully engaged in his or her role; is dependable; and has the power to endure. Jeff Green, RPh, a pharmacist in the Richard E. Winter Cancer Center since 2005, was recognized as a Warrior. Each winner received flowers, a recognition certificate, gift cards, a special parking space, and lunch with CEO Nate Howell at a restaurant of their choice. New Claxton Defenders will be recognized each quarter. Employees can be nominated by co-workers and supervisors. 4 L I V I N G W E L L www.claxtonhepburn.org

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