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the valir
JULY/AUGUST 2017

Valir Hospice Nurses Embrace Their Work

Featured in Oklahomas Nursing Times

It does not take long to see that the nurses serving Valir Hospice are passionate about the work they do. Laura Trammell,
vice president of Valir Hospice, has been with the company since 2008. She enjoys working with Valir because of the
support of management. They are visionaries who want to grow, she said, but they want to grow the right way.

We want to be the best in every division that we have, Trammell said. We dont necessarily care about being the largest
hospice. We want to be the best hospice. Thats something Ive taken a lot of pride in. Weve grown over the years since Ive
been with Valir. Part of this slow and steady growth has been due to the nursing staff. I sit back in awe every day with our
nurses. I really do because we have some nurses that have over 20 years of hospice experience, Trammell said.
Knowing the skill set Valir Hospice employs impresses Trammell while
knowing that hospice nursing is a specialty field of care. The nurses are
working with terminally ill patients and their family member on a daily
basis, she continued. It is very challenging, and it is very hard work to deal
with death and dying, Trammell said. And they take such pride in their
work.

Helping to get patients and their families through their final journey is
demanding work when making sure everybody understands what is
happening. Nurses offer comfort to both patients and their loved ones
when their world is changing. Education is a key part of the process.

Valir Health as a whole includes inpatient rehab, outpatient rehab, and a

workforce health division for an all-inclusive health care system. Patients Laura Trammell, Vice President of Valir Hospice
have learned to trust Valir. So oftentimes they chose Valir Hospice when
there becomes a need.
Trammell said Valir Hospice nurses not only have the skill set required for the work, but they must have a true passion.
(Continued)
I want nurses that are really wanting to work in hospice and not be
there for a paycheck, Trammell said. It takes a specific skill set to
work in hospice. You have to have a huge heart. You have to have
strong shoulders to deal with everything your patients and families
are going through. Veteran Focus
Nurses who have a history of various types of nursing will do well Valir Hospice is honored to serve our Veterans. We
in hospice care, she continued. New nurses generally are not the
primary applicants. Most of them get into nursing so they can
provide a Veteran Pinning Ceremony to publicly
provide curative type skills like in an ICU, pediatrics or something acknowledge the military service and sacrifices
like that, Trammell said. Hospice does not focus on curative methods made by our Veterans. We plan a ceremony so
of care. It is on comfort methods, she said. The beauty of hospice is
holistic care. It is distinct from any other health care division with its friends and family can attend; we encourage
attention to patients and their families. many of our staff to attend as well. We provided
Valir has physicians, nurses, chaplains, social workers, massage
the veteran and family with the reading of a
therapists, volunteers and pet therapist to meet all the needs of its special military poem, music, signed certificate
clients. of recognition and a patriotic pin. This is our time
Many of the nurses with Valir have had personal experiences with to thank our veteran for the sacrifices made and
hospice before joining this realm of care. willingness to serve our country. We recognize the
I think the majority of all of our hospice staff have at some point
many hardships that were endured and willingness
dealt with a death in their life and a hospice experience, Trammell to risk life to maintain freedom. We want our
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said. I know for myself, that is true as well. And I really didnt patients and families to know that service to our
understand hospice until my grandmother was put in hospice years
ago. nation is deeply appreciated.
The nurses empathize about what it is like to be a true family
member in grief. They can put themselves in the shoes of their
patients families because theyve been there. Trammell said the
nurses are good listeners and are much like counselors, too. This
is something that she always talks to the Valir Hospice staff about.
Its so important to listen to your patients and families, she said.
I remind my staff at all times, Just go in and ask what is it that you
want from my visit?

In-turn, nurses get an understanding of what is transpiring with

family dynamics and the patient. They definitely have to be a
multitasker with big ears at the bedside, she said.

In hospice burnout is very strong and it can happen very quickly,

she said of the feedback she understands from nurses. Hospice just
doesnt stop at 5 p.m. It is 24/7. Even though nurses are rotated on
and off call, some of them become very attached to their patients
and their families. And if theyre not on call, some of them go out
anyway just because they have that true calling to do the right thing.
They want to be there with that patient and family.

Story by OK Nursing Times Reporter, James Cobern

Groundbreaking Ceremony Planned to
Kick Off Red Andrews Park Revitalization
Project
After years of imagining, a major community enhancement
project is possible thanks to collaboration between many
Oklahoma City entities, including Valir. The project will
convert parking spaces into a community green space in
Midtown Oklahoma City.
The $1M space conversion is now approved and underway at
historic Red Andrews Park. The park revitalization is finally
feasible thanks to an unorthodox funding approach that brought
together civic, corporate and community entities. This park redesign
has been an aspirational project for Brian Fitzsimmons of Fitzsimmons
Architects and Mickey Clagg of Midtown Renaissance for several years. Five
years ago, the two envisioned a community gathering space where the
underused park and parking lot exist. The resources and timing were not
feasible then but they hoped it would someday manifest.
The outpouring of public and private support for Red Andrews Park exemplifies its importance to the Midtown neighborhood. I am grateful for that support
and for being able to play a role in such an impactful project. Mickey Clagg, Midtown Renaissance

Thanks to the hybrid funding partnership among corporate sponsors, neighboring businesses, the City of Oklahoma City, The Alliance for Economic
Development and a Parks and Public Spaces grant from the Oklahoma City Community Foundation, the project is set to break ground next week.

Red Andrews Park is located between NW 7th and NW 8th Streets between Shartel Ave and Lee Ave. in downtown Oklahoma City. Renovations will increase
the parks ability to serve the neighborhood and downtown community visitors, by replacing a large parking lot with much needed gathering green space
in Midtown. Enhancements also include extensive landscaping, walking paths, lighting and pedestrian facilities coupled with new programming plans by
Oklahoma City Parks Department and contributing sponsor Downtown OKC Inc.

Collaborating partners in the project include Valir Health, St. Anthony Hospital, Midtown Renaissance, The City of Oklahoma City Parks and Recreation
Department, The City of Oklahoma City Planning Department, The Alliance for Economic Development of Oklahoma City, Bob Moore Auto Group, SOSA
Neighborhood Association, and Downtown Oklahoma City, Inc.

In the spirit of collaboration that inspired this project, supporters are invited to attend the groundbreaking
ceremony on Tuesday, August 1 at 4 p.m.
Valir PACE Uses Team Approach to Patient Care
Valir utilizes a team approach that puts patient care at the center of all we do. This team is called
the Interdisciplinary Team (IDT). It is the purest form of patient-centered care. No decision is made
unilaterally, but as a team with the patient and their best health interests in mind. The Valir PACE IDT
meets every morning, Monday Friday to discuss concerns, requests and updates on PACE participants
to ensure that those on the program are receiving the highest level of care possible. The Valir PACE team
wants to have the very best PACE program and our participants drive that result.

Who is Eligibie to Enroll?

Eligible participants must:
Be 55 years of age or older Live
within a 30 mile radius of Valir
PACE (in qualifying zip codes)
Be deemed nursing home level
of care by state designated
nurse
Be able to live safely in the
community with the help of
PACE without jeopardizing your
health and safety

If eligible, you must agree to

receive all medical and community
services from Valir PACEs staff and
network of providers.

For help determining if someone

you care about is eligible for PACE,
please call us at: (405) 609-3688

Food Pantry Donation

PACE is currently accepting non-perishable food donations for the
participant food pantry. The pantry gives to those that do not qualify for
the food commodity program, but still need assistance.

Suggested items: low or no sodium vegetables, Hormel shelf meals, fruit

Non-perishable in natural juices, pasta products and sauces, peanut butter, beans, chili,
Food Donations etc.

All donations are tax deductible.

 Employee Spotlight
Name: Kim Farris

Position: Director of Operations, The Addiction Recovery Center

Years with Valir: I started in October of 2015

Hometown: I was born in Elk City and moved to Weatherford, OK

when I was two years old. I grew up in Weatherford and eventually
moved away when I was 22 yrs. old.
What do you enjoy most about your job? I enjoy inspiring hope in our guests. Witnessing their realization that
recovery is a reality if they put forth the work it takes to maintain sobriety is priceless. I love doing morning
meditation with them and watching their growth in just a few short days. Most of all, I love the people I work
with! I have a fantastic team at The ARC! I am super proud of all of them.

Furthest youve been from home? I spent over a month on a biological field station in Bocas del Toro, Panama.
It was my plan to be a Marine Biologist and after I graduated with my Bachelors in Biology, I was selected to be
part of a team that met up in Panama to do research on the coral reefs. We ended up discovering an amazing
survival skill utilized by a plant in the ocean. My team was published in the Journal of Marine Biology for the
research we conducted. It was challenging living without electricity or running water. Since I was there with
a group of environmentalists, we were not allowed to use bug spray with DEET either. I think everyone should
experience life on a biological field station in the middle of a jungle at some point in their lives!

Whats something people dont know about you? I named

my wedding dress Petals and had a viewing for her prior to
my wedding. I put her on display for people to come by and
see a few weeks before I got married.

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, call The ARC at
405.553.1ARC or visit www.thearc.care.
Valir Physical Therapists Complete OCS Certification

Valir Midwest City physical therapists, Joy Kincannon and Kristin

Schumpert have advanced their education by successfully completing
the Orthopedic Clinical Specialist Certification, which includes 2,000
hours of direct patient care in orthopedics and a written exam.

The OCS certification allows physical therapists to provide recognized

credentials to patients. OCS credentialing is administered by the
American Board of Physical Therapy Specialists, a division of American
Physical Therapy Association (APTA).

Spend Your Summer in the Sun, Not the ER

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With Teladoc, 92% of medical issues are resolved in the first visit. And prescriptions can be sent to any
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Valir Physical Therapy Invites
You to an Open House
We are excited to announce that Valir Physical Therapy at
Northpark has moved to Memorial Springs, the state-of-the-art
medical complex located near Western and Memorial Ave in N
OKC.
Join us on August 3 from 4-6 p.m. as we celebrate our relocation
with an open house. Come meet our providers, tour the facility,
enjoy hors doeuvres, and take in the view. Well have prizes and
giveaways too - dont miss the fun!
P. 405.749.6420 | 13100 N Western, STE 302, OKC 73114
Social Reviews
Hands down the best facility! Every single person
you walk by or meet, nurse, tech, dietary, PT, OT,
receptionist etc.. is absolutely the nicest most
respectful people! Highly recommend to anyone!
All smiles! Every person working in this facility we
have come in contact with over the past month
has been amazing! They are absolutely amazing
in their care for patients! They take such good care
of their patients and the patients family/friends!
Haven't had even one slightest bit of negative or
doubt in choosing the right place!
- Jessie Douglas
I had a complete knee replacement on May 19th,
2017. I chose Valir in Midwest City for my physical
therapy. From the onset I have felt as if I was with
a group of friends. The staff is warm, friendly and
very encouraging. I attribute my speedy recovery
to the exceptional care and targeted treatment
I receive from the staff members at Valir. Id like
to extend a special acknowledgement to Kristen,
Brittany, and Joy. Thanks ladies, youre the best!
- Yvonna Claridge
Join The ARC on National
Overdose Awarenss Day
August 31 is International Overdose Awareness
Day. Nearly everyone knows someone who knows
someone who has overdosed. As the epidemic
spreads and the rate of overdose continues to
overwhelm families near and far, we need a safe
place to unite as a community. We invite you to join
The ARC on Thursday, August 31st at the Myriad
Gardens; East Lower Lake (side closest to West
Sheridan Ave.) to celebrate the lives that were cut
short by addiction and overdose with a flower
release ceremony in their memory, and to rally in our
commitment to prevent future deaths.

So that we may provide flowers to all that plan to

attend, we ask that you kindly RSVP by visiting
www.valir.com/events. The first 50 attendees will
enjoy free coffee and a donut from Holey Rollers
Food Truck.

Employees will earn 1 Wellness Point ($10).