- Behavioral HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogWe’ve been living in a “state of survival” for some time. Life with COVID-19 has taken a toll on us, physically and mentally. Each phase of this pandemic has brought its own set of worries. Now, vaccines are widely available and society has continued to reopen. We don’t need to be in survival mode anymore. But its effects will linger for some time, possibly years. Coping with a traumatic event like a pandemic is hard on all of us, especially those with mental health conditions. That’s why, as we reenter the world after what we’ve experienced, it’s important to keep our bodies healthy, as well as our minds. Be empowered with your mental health Lowering our defenses takes time. The world has changed. So have we. Instead of trying to pick up where we left off before the pandemic, it’s helpful to approach our new normal with caution, positivity and grace. Here’s how you can strengthen your mental health: Find peace, understand that much of the recent challenges were out of your control. You are entitled to your feelings. Accept them. Cut yourself a break. Fuel your body Restrictions are loosening, and gyms are reopening. Take advantage. Physical activity is good for your body. It produces hormones (endorphins) that help you feel good. It also strengthens your mind, giving you a sense of accomplishment. Find an activity that gets you moving and motivated. And focus on eating well. The food you consume has a major impact on how you feel. Many of us turn to food for comfort during traumatic events. Now is the time to concentrate on shaping a diet that supports your mental and physical wellness. Connect with others Concert venues are again welcoming fans, and capacity limits are being lifted. There’s no substitute to physically being with family, friends and new acquaintances. So grab a coffee, play some tennis, or take a walk. Social experiences can help fill any voids you’ve been feeling. Go at your pace You’ve never gone through a global pandemic before. After restrictions, shutdowns and cautious activity, you’re now returning to what was once “irresponsible” or even “dangerous.” Identify your boundaries. Are you comfortable being masked in a movie theater? Are you ready to attend an indoor birthday party? Being truthful with yourself and planning when to draw the line is one way you give yourself control. There is no “right time.” There is only “your time.” And be mindful of others. You may be ready to enjoy an indoor concert, but your friend may not be. Accept that we all move at our own speed and comfort level. Make a list of things you want to do Chances are, you can do more now. Trying new things and going new places pushes you out of your comfort zone and confirms that you can overcome the unexpected. Revisiting your favorite restaurants and entertainment venues can also make you feel comforted and refreshed. Most public gathering places have measures in place for you to enjoy their services safely. Respecting these guidelines helps keep you protected. Limit your news Many people say they felt most powerless over the pandemic when they watched the news. Limiting how much time you spend reading or watching news reports can help you feel more in control. If you’d like to stay informed, check out the highlights, then move on. Ask for help We’ve gotten used to quarantine life, and resuming a more normal life is yet another adjustment to make. Change can be hard, but don’t let fear and anxiety consume you. We continue to process traumatic events after they are over. Reach out to friends and family or seek a trained mental health professional for help. More people are seeking mental health services today than ever. Whether you feel deeply affected by mental illness or you simply need someone to hear your concerns, licensed mental health specialists are committed to helping you process traumatic events and inspiring you to a more peaceful mental state. Authors Eshe Montague is the director of our behavioral health program at Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center.0
- Employee SpotlightGeneral Page Tier 3Blog“…People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” … Maya Angelou This is how patients feel about Arianna Graziadei as their nurse. When a daughter’s mother was in the hospital and nearing end of life, she knew her mom was in good hands – those of Arianna. The daughter framed the quote and presented it to Arianna. That’s the moment Arianna knew she made the right decision to be a nurse. Every day, she makes a difference. She cares for her patients physically and mentally, while also providing support to families. At Luminis Health, we’re delighted to share Arianna’s story during National Nurses Week, a time to pay tribute to the super-human work nurses perform for patients and families every day. It’s also important to acknowledge the vital role nurses play in society. Nurses are the heartbeat of healthcare, according to Arianna, BSN, RN, GERO-BC, MEDSURG-BC at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center, where she’s worked in the elderly unit since 2013. “Nursing is my passion,” says Arianna. “I put my entire soul into my work. I treat my patients as loved ones. I form connections with them, and I go above and beyond for them.” In 2017, Arianna received The Daisy Award for Extraordinary Nurses for compassionate care of her patients. She’s been nominated 20 times by patients, family members, other nurses, doctors and staff. She holds two board certifications in Gerontology and Medical-Surgical Nursing, as well as an expertise in Geriatrics. It’s all thanks to her grandmother When Arianna was 18 and determining what to do in life, her grandmother was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer. After assisting and watching the nurses, she was inspired by the kindness and empathy they shared with her grandma. “Seeing that, it was my calling. It was the end of her life, but that’s what I wanted to do. I knew I wanted to help other elderly people,” says Arianna, who became a Registered Nurse by age 20. “It’s very rewarding to take care of those who have paved the way for us, and to help them at this time in their lives,” Arianna continues. “My heart is at the bedside” It’s at the bedside where Arianna forms those special connections. She comforts, holds hands and peruses photo albums. “Listening, talking and getting to know my patients. It means the world to them,” says Arianna. “I will give the best care to my patients and ensure their needs are met.” It was at the bedside of a patient during COVID that she held his hand at the end of his life while his family stood outside. “It’s truly a blessing to touch someone at the end of their life. It’s one of the most intimate moments you can truly share with a person,” Arianna says. “It means so much to the families.” Arianna’s advice for aspiring nurses: “This is the best job, the best career. You will be so happy. You’ll never stop learning, and you’ll be glad you chose to be a nurse,” Arianna says. “I can’t imagine doing anything else in my life.” “I come to work every day happy and excited to care for people,” concludes Arianna. “It brings me so much joy.”0
- Employee SpotlightGeneral Page Tier 3BlogSince Kim Mahar was a young girl, she knew she wanted to work in the medical field and positively impact people. As a teenager, she explored medical technician classes, and she grew to love the clinical and personal aspects of connecting with patients. Today, Kim is our Nursing Care Coordinator at Luminis Health Ob-Gyn Annapolis. In recognition of National Nurses Week, we’re proud to honor Kim for her contributions to the medical field and Luminis Health. For Kim, the best part of being a nurse is the patients. She brings caring, compassion, kindness and understanding to her important role. “I just love patients to feel their best. As their nurse, I want to help them reach their healthcare goals,” she says. Kim’s nursing journey Kim started as a Nursing Assistant at a nursing home after high school. “I loved the patients, especially those with dementia or Alzheimer’s. They needed a caring face,” says Kim. “I had personal connections with them and their families. It was extremely rewarding.” While working, Kim studied for her Associate of Science in Nursing degree. A sign language class afforded her the opportunity to help a deaf patient. “We created a special kinship,” Kim recalls. “He made me want to get up and go to work so I could care for him. I was able to communicate small things and that helped him feel more comfortable.” In September 2005, she joined Luminis Health Ob-Gyn Annapolis, where she has worked in various aspects of nursing – Floor Nurse, Telephone Triage Nurse, Lead Triage Nurse, Office Procedure Nurse, New Patient Coordinator. “I started in Ob-Gyn and grew from there and never left,” she smiles. “I’ve made a family here. I’m so thankful for those who encouraged me along the way.” Kim currently enjoys her new role, where she helps her patients from start to finish and ensures a top-notch healthcare experience. She organizes treatment plans for her patients along with their providers for various needs like home healthcare, out-patient infusion and other community health needs. She focuses on both self-care and holistic care in helping her patients. “The most important thing is to get them well. I want to make them feel like they matter, and know that I care,” says Kim. “A big thing for me is self-care, especially for us nurses, too. We have to take care of ourselves, so we are well enough to take care of others,” Kim continues. Back in the classroom She is now a student at Notre Dame of Maryland University working on her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, a goal of hers. Kim, who will graduate in 2023, believes education is a big part of nursing. “It’s important to be knowledgeable on various aspects of nursing that can help patients and their families,” Kim says. “What can I teach my patients to take better care of themselves? What can we work on together to help them heal from their illness or medical issue?” Being there for her patients – and others Kim doesn’t hesitate to lend a helping hand. She once saved a choking child at a community Easter Egg hunt, and she helped a lady who experienced a diabetic episode while walking her dog. “Being a nurse is all about helping people,” says Kim. “There’s always a need for nurses. It’s amazing to see your patients be well, and give their families that peace of mind, too. It’s all about being there for the patients in every way you can.” “And it means the world to me to accomplish the patient’s goal,” Kim concludes. “Patients aren’t just a number or an illness, they’re people and they need our help.”0
- News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogLuminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center has received an “A” Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade for spring 2022. This national distinction recognizes Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center’s achievements in protecting patients from preventable harm and error in the hospital. “Thank you to our team of caregivers and volunteers for putting our patients first, with safety always at the forefront,” said Sherry Perkins, president of Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center. “To receive ‘Straight A’s’ for every grading cycle since 2018 demonstrates our continuing commitment to providing an outstanding patient experience.” The Leapfrog Group, an independent national watchdog organization, assigns an “A,” “B,” “C,” “D,” or “F” grade to hospitals across the country based on more than 30 national performance measures reflecting errors, accidents, injuries and infections, as well as systems hospitals have in place to prevent harm. “As our health care system continues to feel the strain of the pandemic, I thank the workforce and leadership of Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center for sustained commitment to patient safety, day in and day out,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. “An ‘A’ Safety Grade is an outstanding achievement, and one that is not possible without a 24/7 effort by the entire health care workforce to protect patients from harm. This community should be proud.” The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade is the only hospital ratings program based exclusively on hospital prevention of medical errors and harms to patients. The grading system is peer-reviewed, fully transparent and free to the public. Grades are updated twice annually, in the fall and spring. “I am proud of this team for keeping patients safe from preventable harm and medical errors,” said Dr. Stephen Cattaeno, president of the medical staff at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center. “The fact we receive this recognition year after year shows our neighbors that we always provide high quality care when they need us.” To see Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center’s full grade details and to access patient tips for staying safe in the hospital, visit HospitalSafetyGrade.org. ### About The Leapfrog Group Founded in 2000 by large employers and other purchasers, The Leapfrog Group is a national nonprofit organization driving a movement for giant leaps forward for patient safety. The flagship Leapfrog Hospital Survey and new Leapfrog Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) Survey collect and transparently report hospital and ASC performance, empowering purchasers to find the highest-value care and giving consumers the lifesaving information they need to make informed decisions. The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade, Leapfrog’s other main initiative, assigns letter grades to hospitals based on their record of patient safety, helping consumers protect themselves and their families from errors, injuries, accidents, and infections. For more, follow us on Twitter and Facebook, and sign up for our newsletter.0
- Employee SpotlightGeneral Page Tier 3BlogLuminis Health is proud to recognize our nurses during National Nurses Week – a time to celebrate nurses and acknowledge their crucial role in healthcare – for their highly specialized knowledge, skillsets and compassion they bring to their jobs. We recently asked Claudette Bailey-Fagan, Registered Nurse at Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center, to talk about her nursing journey. She loves being a nurse, she enjoys helping other nurses, and she’s passionate about her patients. When asked if she would do it again, her answer is an unequivocal ‘yes.’ “Yes, I would. I love it!” smiles Claudette, who celebrates 20 years in nursing in 2023. Claudette joined Luminis Health in 2019, and prior to emigrating to the United States in 2017, she worked in an ICU in Jamaica. “Nursing is where I’m supposed to be,” Claudette says. “Nursing is more than being a caregiver. It’s ensuring your patients feel safe and letting them know you’re in their corner. You’re their advocate, and you give them peace of mind.” We’re thrilled to share Claudette’s story. Here’s a glimpse into the passion and extraordinary service Claudette provides every day. Why is National Nurses Week Important? It’s good for nurses universally to be recognized for what we do, and to highlight our profession. People are not aware of the various aspects of nursing. It’s an extremely rewarding career. We play a big part in the health profession. Most people see the doctor on the health care team, but the nurse spends the most time with patients. We’re there for the patient’s every need. What Do You Like Most About Being a Nurse? Seeing your patients come in and go home safely, and knowing I did my job to the best of my ability. Also, I like identifying things before they get to a critical point. It’s also being appreciated by my patients. At the end of the day, it’s great to hear your patient say, “thank you.” They’re confident in your care, and they look forward to seeing you the next day. What Was The Moment You Knew You Found The Right Calling As A Nurse? When I found myself wanting to know more, and I wanted to become the best nurse I could be. I found my passion. And I love telemetry. I enjoy identifying the steps to take and determining what is going to make the patient remain safe. What Does It Mean to You To Be a Nurse? Being a nurse, and being a part of a health team, contributes to changing a person or aspect of a person’s live for the better. In nursing, we wear different hats – advocate and protector. And we ensure everything the patient needs is done. I don’t see myself doing anything else. I love being part of a society that keeps people going and helps them get better. What Do You Bring to Your Patients? I give my patients 100 percent at all times. I ensure they feel safe, comfortable and confident. My strongest skill is education. I like to share my knowledge with my colleagues and help guide them so they can be confident in what they do. What’s Next or You? Specialization. I love telemetry, so I’d like to go for my certification. Also, to be a progressive care nurse, and maybe go into education to share my knowledge.0
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