September 30, 2020 Issue, Page 2 of 24

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HOMETOWN HEROES |Wednesday, September 30, 2020 PG3. M] biggest barrier. Not is full of people who, even in dif- GPRMC employee i] only is it sometimes ficult situations, show kindness difficult to commu- and grace to me and the ER team nicate to the patient members,” he said. “This does not while both wearing masks, but I am now making trips to the go unnoticed and is deeply appre- ciated by all.” shines light on her parking lot to discuss patient history or up- To that end, he said, “This pan- demic has created a greater aware- ness for the healthcare community role as ‘gatekeeper’ date family members on their loved one’s and our dedication to leaving each condition.” individual healthier, especially Krajicek said be- team members who often work cause most individu- behind the scenes.” als who enter the Doing his job means dealing emergency room are with traumatic situations and stay- already under undue stress, they “some- ing calm and communicating as times forget that this clearly as possible . GREAT PLA Dr. Jacob Krajicek He wants the public to know “HEROES is my every day and my goal is purely to a key fact about health and CO- WORKHER protocols for care including staff help them.” VID-19. and patients wearing a mask and He finds joy in the work. “Now is your chance to get when necessary full PPE,” he “As a board certified physician, ANK YOU! healthy,” he said. “It is clear that said. “Besides enhanced cleaning the work opportunities seem end- regimens and procedures, we have an individual in generally good less, but I love the patient popula- designated rooms based on patient health has better outcomes in Heather Spence and Heather Thompson tion of this rural community and needs to lessen the risk of expo- fighting coronavirus. So don’t stop am committed to caring for each sure.” person I encounter,” he said. taking care of yourself, but instead By Don Munsch, Editor During this current time, he He appreciates the community’s invest in a better future for you Heather Spence works as the emergency room clerk supervisor at said, the “difficulties surround- kindness. and your family by making your Great Plains Regional Medical Center, where she has been for 12 ing communication have been our “As a whole, this community health a priority.” years. Anormal day for her departments is hectic. GPRMC nurse finds her calling “During this time, the Emergency Department is the only doors open to patients and visitors so we complete a health screening for in helping people each individual and ensure they are an approved visitor,” she said. “We take care ofregistering all ER patients, calling different provider offices to transfer patients, completing paperwork, labs, etc, By Don Munsch, Editor “As the only entrance, we really have to be mindful of the stress Theresa Page, a registered incoming patients and visitors carry with them,” she said. “Every day nurse and intensive care nurse at our goal is to be kind and helpful while ensuring that our COVID. GPRMC, has worked at the hos- pital for 10 years and said she was policies and procedures are upheld and remind individuals that these “born to be a nurse.” are in place to protect their health and ours.” “I specifically remember at She said the hospital added a window barrier at the registration around 5-years-old saying this is desk that has given the ED clerks a greater sense of protection. what I would do,” she said. “It is “Though we are all still wearing masks, this additional barrier not my greatest joy to take care of oth- only protects us, but gives incoming individuals a feeling of protec- tion, too, knowing that we are the hospital’s current ‘gate keepers,” Page said comforting patients, she said. whether through medicinal, men- Because of the nature of an emergency department, employees tal or emotional support, is her have to stay on an even keel. favorite aspect of my job, but as “The ED can be very stressful — we always try to remain calm and she gets older, the 12-hour shifts let everyone know that we are working our hardest to help them,” she do seem longer. said. “Showing kindness and just being nice can go a long ways.” “ICU can be hectic,” she said, As “gate keepers,” she said they would like the community to be “Every day our ICU team hits the reminded that their goal is to help them, so she hopes they in turn ground running. Our ICU team show kindness to hospital employees and be understanding of the works so well together — we are all team players and when our unit, new protocols that are in place to ensure everyone’s health.