- 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.”
- 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.
- 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.
- NeurosurgeryGeneral Page Tier 3BlogMyths are stories we tell to explain things that we don’t understand, and it’s important to be able to separate fact from fiction — especially when it comes to medical conditions. Dr. Yu-Hung Kuo, the chief of neurosurgery at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center, explains a few myths about brain tumors below. About Brain Tumors Brain tumors are abnormal growths of cells that can start in the brain or spread from another part of the body. They can be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Although the causes aren’t fully understood, and there are no known ways to prevent a brain tumor, doctors have identified specific risk factors for brain tumors, including: Age. Anyone can develop a brain tumor, but they are more common in children and older adults. Smoking tobacco. Smoking greatly increases your risk for lung cancer, which can spread to the brain. Radiation exposure. Radiation exposure is the only confirmed environmental risk factor for brain tumors (and other cancers like leukemia, breast cancer and lung cancer). Myth: Artificial Sweeteners Cause Brain Tumors Can something so sweet cause brain cancer? The evidence says it can’t. While early studies showed high amounts of cyclamate and saccharin (artificial sweeteners) caused cancer in laboratory animals, later studies showed no clear evidence of artificial sweeteners causing cancer in humans. Myth: Brain Tumors Are Always Cancerous About 71 percent of tumors that start in the brain are noncancerous (benign). For example, meningiomas, the most common type of primary brain tumor, are mostly benign. Myth: Benign Primary Brain Tumors Aren’t Serious Even though they grow slowly and don’t usually spread to surrounding tissue, benign brain tumors can be dangerous and even life-threatening. And, unfortunately, symptoms often don’t present until the tumor grows big enough to press on the nearest area of the brain. Myth: Cell Phones Cause Brain Tumors You can rest easy if you’re worried about your cell phone giving you a brain tumor: They give electromagnetic radiation (like radio waves and microwaves), not X-ray radiation (the kind that causes cancer). Myth: Hair Dye Causes Brain Tumors There’s no evidence that using hair dye causes brain tumors. But studies do show that people who are exposed to large amounts of hair dye, daily, over many years — such as hairdressers and barbers — may have an increased risk for other cancers. There are several myths around brain tumors, but the truth is, brain tumors are very rare. According to the Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States (CBTRUS), a person in the U.S. has a 0.62% chance of ever being diagnosed with a primary malignant brain and other CNS tumor (excluding lymphomas, leukemias, tumors of pituitary and pineal glands, and olfactory tumors of the nasal cavity). Authors Yu-Hung Kuo MD, PhD, is the chief of neurosurgery at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center. Dr. Kuo is experienced in the treatment of complex neurosurgical cases. He provides treatment for brain conditions, neurologic cancers and brain tumors.
- WellnessGeneral Page Tier 3BlogGetting ready to welcome a new member of the family comes swaddled with so much joy, excitement and expectation. But as a mom-to-be, you’re likely having moments of stress with that anticipation, too. Let’s face it — pregnancy can feel overwhelming sometimes. Nurturing and helping a new life grow requires a lot from you — physically and mentally. Of course, you need to make your growing baby’s needs a priority, but to do that well, you need to make yourself a priority, too. Sound too indulgent? If you’re one of those women who aren’t used to putting yourself first, it probably does. But it’s a good-health habit that will help you mother well in the years ahead when family life pulls you in many directions and you need to recharge. Here are six tips to help you find a balance during pregnancy and beyond: 1. Feed yourself and your baby well When you’re pregnant, you and your baby need a double dose of good nutrition to help nourish all the changes your bodies are going through. But, if pregnancy has you feeling nauseous, eating anything may be at the bottom of your to-do list. Or, maybe the only thing that sounds even a little tempting doesn’t score many points when it comes to logging nutritious food. Thankfully, morning sickness usually fades away by the end of your first trimester, and you can focus on eating the “good stuff:” plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits, lean proteins, low-fat dairy and whole grains. Fuel yourself well and you’ll do the same for your baby. 2. Get plenty of rest Feeling tired during pregnancy, especially during the first trimester, is normal. Some days, all you can think about is bedtime. When fatigue hits, nap when you can. Of course, work schedules, other kids, and day-to-day tasks of keeping up with life can make it tough to catch 40 winks. Discover the joy of a power nap. Putting up your feet and shutting your eyes for a quick 5-15 minutes is often all the recharge you need. Do your best to shut down early enough at night to give yourself a solid 7-9 hours of sleep. 3. Get moving If you’re healthy and your pregnancy is on track, don’t let your expanding baby bump keep you from being active. Regular exercise during pregnancy is energizing, mood-lifting, and a great way to work out stress. The American College of Gynecologists recommends 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensive activity. That doesn’t mean training for a marathon. Thirty minutes five days a week of any activity — a brisk walk, raking leaves, bicycling — that raises your heart rate and works up a sweat does the job. Of course, talk with your doctor about exercising during pregnancy, even if you were active before. 4. Practice mindfulness Take time to tune in to your mind, body and baby. When you’re feeling stressed, tired or overwhelmed, shutting out the world and connecting with how you feel can be the reset you need. Journaling is one way to focus on how you’re feeling and track changes you and your growing baby are going through. You’ll also like having a record to look back on. 5. Drink up Making an effort to drink plenty of water may not seem like self-care when you’re making all those trips to the bathroom, but it takes more water to keep your system running for two when you’re pregnant. Your body needs water to: Build new tissue Carry and absorb nutrients Digest food Flush out wastes and toxins Form amniotic fluid Produce extra blood When you get in the recommended 64-96 ounces of water a day, you’re showing you and your baby lots of love. 6. Get the nest ready Creating order may be just what you need when you’re feeling and seeing so many changes in your body. Making lists of things you want to get done before you welcome your baby will help you feel more in control, which can help whittle away stress and anxiety. Don’t go crazy and overwhelm yourself with more to do than you can manage. Keep that list simple and top it with what’s most important. This was originally published in the Enquirer-Gazette. Authors Chasheryl Leslie, MD, is an obstetrician-gynecologist at Luminis Health Ob-Gyn Bowie.
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