The Big Sandy Mountaineer -

This year's theme for Nursing home week is "Live Soulfully." There is no question that the Big Sandy Nursing Home lives up to the theme. They do everything that helps seniors to live fulfilled lives. What is important is the nursing care, activities, meals, physical therapy, a religious connection, and hospice care, or special care for dementia patients. They ask what makes them happy. They ask themselves how they can achieve "happy minds and healthy souls." Every day, staff at the nursing home assist our seniors live their happiest and best lives. Whether it's planting, crafts, cooking, reading or listening to music, and parties. The next party will be this Friday with a community ice cream social at 2:30 pm. Everyone is welcome. They hope the place will be packed.

They will be celebrating the week with five full days of fun activities. On Monday, they will be celebrating Cinco de May with 5th graders. Tuesday will be a hat day and bingo party with resident and staff. Wednesday will be a look alike day with a barbecue. Thursday is sports day and the Medical Guild will be hosting a pie social for staff and residents.

Besides everything already mentioned a top priority is respect for the residents. They work hard at making sure the residents are treated with respect, no matter what their physical or mental condition may be. The staff are friendly, caring and supportive while providing the required care. One of the most essential qualities is a variety of activities. A variety of social, physical, creative, activities that they try to individualize to all residents. They encourage interaction.

The staff work together to make it a great place to live, but having said that it is also Nurses Appreciation Week and it is hoped in some small way the nursing staff will clearly understand how much their work means to the whole community.

The week was established nationally because May 12 is Florence Nightingale's birthday. She is the founder of modern nursing. The Big Sandy nurses are: Samantha Potter, Billie Skelton, Codi Kawasaki Jensen, Bonnie O'Gorman, Cheryl Bekker, Peggy Wenger, Jessica Dooley, Lorraine Hanson Knudson, Pamela Gasvoda and Leah Grubb Griffith. It's important that these professionals are thanked. If you see them on the street say hi and thank them.

Krystyl Kulbeck, PA-C said, "I would like to say thank you, thank you, and thank you for everything that they do. Nurses, especially those at BSMC do so many wonderful things for this community and BSMC, much of which goes unnoticed. I would not be able to do my job without them and appreciate everything that they do."

Ashley Allderdice Director of Nursing, even after just giving birth took the time to say, "The staff right now is wonderful core staff. They are employees not travelling nurses. We all get along so well. There is a great atmosphere at work right not now"

Cheryl Bekker "I've been a nurse at BSMC for 17 years. I find that working in a rural community, a strong and varied experience base is crucial, as the population ranges from infants to the elderly. Therefore, a rural nurse must know about every stage of life. Working in Big Sandy has been both rewarding and enjoyable, as you develop close relationships with the patients."

Sam Potter started out as a CNA at BSMC. She went to school while working there and in November 2017 became a nurse. "I love the residence." "And they love her," said Lisa Sipler. Sam laughed and said, "There are some days I feel I shouldn't get paid."

Lisa continued, "It's not just about coming to work and leaving. We build deep relationships with the residence. We just have such amazing nurses right now"

When you asked the residence they all say something along these lines. "They are all good. Everyone of them. They are all my favorite."

I saw a picture of three nurses leaning against a wall with their hands covering their faces and underneath the picture were these words.

"Three nurses standing and leaning. These 3 nurses have spent the last 7 hours of their 12-hour shift on their feet.

And yes, she knows you want another cup of tea but, the man they brought in last night has just soiled himself for the 3rd time today, and his daughter is visiting him from out of town.

At the same time, another patient:

•2 families are calling for status updates.

•One patient is LOUDLY demanding pain meds.

•A doctor is making his rounds.

•3 heart monitors just got detached.

•The pizza just arrived and she's short $1.50 of her portion.

•She is underpaid.

•Overworked.

•The cafeteria is closed early today (hence the Pizza).

•She has washed her hands for the 197th time today.

•She just got called dumb by a person who didn't pass the 10th grade.

•She literally CAN'T get the IV pump to stop beeping.

•She just saved her 7 millionth patient from being prescribed the wrong medicine.

•And all 3 of them just lost their favorite patient.

Meanwhile, you're ringing the buzzer non-stop for a cup of tea...

Male and Female Nurses... We appreciate you." Author unknown