Student Nurses Learning at JCH&L

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In a partnership with Southeast Community College, Jefferson Community Health & Life will be a practicum site for four student nurses this fall.

Kiley Ernst, Rafaela Nunez, Desiree Port and Becky Bruce will spend 6 shifts at Jefferson Community Health & Life, with JCH&L RNs Ashlee Husa and Lacey Itzen serving as their instructors. The nursing students are in SCC’s RN program.

“We are excited to have nursing students in our facility again,” said Erin Smith, JCH&L chief nursing officer. “It is a chance for us to help the medical profession grow more skilled nurses, and allows them to see our excellent facility and staff.”

Smith said that with a current nursing shortage nationwide, it’s important for facilities like JCH&L to help. JCH&L welcomes being part of the educational process for students in all healthcare fields.

From left, instructors Ashley Husa, RN, and Lacey Itzen, RN, with SCC student nurses Kiley, Rafaela, Desiree, and Becky.

Influenza and COVID Vaccinations Available at JCH&L

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Influenza and COVID vaccinations will be available at special clinics Oct. 3 and 4 at Jefferson Community Health & Life Fairbury Clinic.

The CDC recommends influenza vaccinations for everyone 6 months and older. October is the optimal time to receive your vaccination.

The CDC recommends a dose of the updated 2024-2025 COVID vaccine. JCH&L will have the Moderna Spikevax vaccine available at vaccine clinics for those 12 years of age and older.

The flu and COVID vaccinations can be given on the same day.

Special influenza vaccination clinics will be offered at JCH&L Fairbury Clinic on Thursday, Oct. 3, and Friday, Oct. 4, from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Appointments are required and can be made by calling 402-587-5188. Please be prepared to leave your name, a phone number where you can be reached, and which day you would like to have an influenza and/or COVID vaccine appointment.

When you arrive for your appointment, please use JCH&L’s main entrance, accessible from H Street.  Vaccines will be given in the Clinic Conference room.

Influenza and COVID vaccines will also be available at JCH&L Fairbury Clinic at regular clinic appointments or at a vaccine appointment. Call 402-729-3361, option 1, for an appointment.

When you come to your appointment, please wear clothing which allows easy access to your arm. Bring your health insurance card and a photo ID. Most major insurances and Medicare cover the influenza and COVID vaccines. There will be a fee if you are a private pay patient.

Children 18 and under covered by Medicaid can’t get their influenza or COVID vaccines at these clinics. Please contact Blue Valley Community Action’s vaccination program at 402-826-2141, extension 3, for information on flu and/or COVID vaccinations at BVCA shot clinics.

If you have questions or need more information, please call JCH&L’s vaccination line at 402-587-5188.

Zimmerman Certified as Child Passenger Safety Technician

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Taylor Zimmerman, MOT, OTR/L, a pediatric occupational therapist at Jefferson Community Health & Life Sports Medicine and Rehab Services, has been certified as a Child Passenger Safety Technician. She will offer appointments for individual child seat safety inspections. Appointments can be made by calling 402-729-6840.

Zimmerman also attended the Safe Travel for All Children course to serve children with special needs.

“It is so important that children ride as safely as possible. Proper installation and use of safety seats can help to keep our children safe,” Zimmerman said. “Our goal is to help parents make the safest choices for their children.”

Nebraska law states:

  • Children ride rear-facing up to age 2 or until they reach the upper weight or height limit allowed by the car seat’s manufacturer.
  • All children up to age 8 must ride correctly secured in a federally approved child safety seat/belt positioning booster.
  • Children up to age 8 must ride in the back seat, as long as there is a back seat equipped with a seat belt and not occupied by other children under 8 years of age.
  • Children ages 8 to 18 must ride secured in a seat belt or child safety seat (belt positioning booster).

Statistics show that more than half (62 percent) of all car seats inspected by CPST are improperly installed or used, meaning the children who use them are not as safe as they could be. About 25 percent of children are moved from forward-facing car seats to booster seats too soon, and about 90 percent of children using lap-shoulder belts should still be in a forward facing seat or booster seat.

To schedule an appointment to have a seat checked, call JCH&L Sports Medicine and Rehab Services at 402-729-6840. It is recommended that the child be present at the time of the inspection. Expectant mothers are welcome!

Ohlde, Sutton Now Certified SHIP Counselors

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Lori Ohlde, RN, and Deb Sutton, RN, are now certified Nebraska State Health Insurance Assistance Program counselors.

The federal government, through the Administration on Community Living (ACL), funds a SHIP in every state. The Nebraska SHIP is a division of the Nebraska Department of Insurance. SHIP does not sell insurance, nor does it endorse any insurance company, product, or agent.

Nebraska SHIP has a statewide network of certified counselors and partner organizations. Counselors receive extensive training on Medicare and are available to meet for one-on-one counseling, to help with problem solving, provide support during decision making, and assist with identifying potential Medicare fraud, error, or abuse. SHIP counselors will not recommend policies, companies, or insurance agents, but will provide free, confidential, and unbiased assistance.

The Nebraska SHIP offers a toll-free hotline that any person eligible for Medicare, relatives, friends, or providers can call for answers to insurance questions, to report potential fraud or abuse, or to arrange a meeting with a SHIP counselor.

Deb Sutton, RN, Administrator

Deb Sutton RN

Lori Ohlde, RN

Lori Ohlde, RN

If you would like to speak to your local Nebraska SHIP office, call the hotline at 1.800.234.7119.

“Jefferson Community Health & Life is pleased to once again be able to offer SHIP counselors on our staff to help our patients and the public,” said Bill Welch, interim CEO at JCH&L.

JCH&L is planning a Medicare Part D and Advantage review event in late October, with details to come on making appointments.

 

2200 H St., PO Box 277, Fairbury, NE