Parish Nurse classes sponsored by our educational partners. - Parish Nurse Perspectives

United States, By State

Alabama

Mobile (On-line), Spring Hill College of Nursing,

Carol Harrison, 251-380-4492

Alaska

Anchorage Northwest Parish Nurse Ministries

at Providence Alaska Medical Center

Linda Shepard, 907-261-5053

Arizona

Scottsdale Beatitudes Center DOAR Nurse

and Health Ministries Network

Barbara Sage, 602-274-5022

California

Fullerton Evangelical Free Church of America,

Paula Lilja, 281-532-3060

Oakland Samuel Merritt College, July 11-14,

2008, Joan Bard, 510-869-6511

Florida

Boca Raton (On-line) Florida Atlantic University,

Susan Dyess, 561-297-3236

Orlando Florida Hospital, Center of Health

Ministry, Candace Huber, 407-303-7153

Venice Lee Memorial Health System, June 1-6,

2008. Rita Horvath, 239-432-3182

Georgia

Atlanta Gwinnett Hospital System, June 15-20,

2008, Linda Hughes, 678-312-2423

Hawaii

Kailua Castle Medical Center

Sue Pignataro, 808-263-0136

Idaho

Boise St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center,

November 6-9, 2008

Sr. Mary Alice Quintana, 208-367-6494

Illinois

Oak Brook Lewis University, May 5-9, 2008 or

Oct/Nov '08

Kathie Blanchfield, 708-448-9429

Quincy Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing

Sheila Capp, 217-228-5520

Rock Island Trinity Medical Center

Mary Slutz, 309-779-5122

Springfield St. John's Hospital

Kathleen Cross, 217-757-6620

Indiana

Evansville (On-line) USI School of Nursing,

Victoria Pigott, 877-874-4584

Ferdinand USI School of Nursing

Peggy Graul, 800-467-8600

Lafayette Greater Lafayette PN Development

Center, May 19, August, November, 2008

Susan Buchanan, 765-477-6150

Indianapolis Clarian Health Partners

Congregational Health Ministries

Cyndi Alte, 317-962-9330

Morgantown National Episcopal Health Ministries,

Inc., May 25-30, 2008

Diane Beyer, 317-253-1277

Valparaiso Valparaiso University

Janelle Fleck, 219-464-5289

Kansas

Wichita Spiritual Life Center, Kansas Parish

Nurse Ministry, July 13-19, 2008

JoVeta Wescott, 316-686-0111

Kentucky

Louisville (On-line) Bellarmine University

Margaret Miller, 502-452-8413

Paducah Lourdes & Western Baptist Hospitals

Carol Bradford, 270-217-9949

Louisiana

Monroe (On-line) University of Louisiana at

Monroe School of Nursing. Linda E. Sabin,

318-342-1517

New Orleans McFarland Institute

Congregational Wellness Program

Rebecca Harris-Smith, 504-593-2320

Maine

Biddeford St. Joseph's Hospital

Pamela Deres, 603-225-4888

Massachusetts

Fall River Saint Anne's Hospital, Congregational

Health Ministry PN Program

Kathleen Emerson, 508-674-5600, ext. 2064

Maryland

Baltimore Lutheran Intercity Network Coalition

Diane Kretzschmar, 443-777-7931

Takoma Park Columbia Union College

Bernice DeShay, 301-891-4157

Michigan

Clinton Township Henry Ford Macomb

Hospital, Mary Ann Stockwell, 586-263-2117

Grand Rapids Calvin College, Dept. of Nursing

Bethany Gordon, 616-526-7076

Kalamazoo, MI

Borgess Health, Paula White, 269-343-1396

Minnesota

Minneapolis United Theological

Seminary, Vicki Gustafson, 612-872-7400

Moorhead Concordia College

Jean Bokinskie, 218-299-3893

Missouri

Kansas City St. Luke's Hospital

Nancy Wagner, 816-932-3504

St. Louis International Parish Nurse Resource

Center, Spring and Fall Classes 314-918-2559

St. Louis (On-line with Nebraska Methodist

College) International Parish Nurse Resource

Center, Barbara Wehling, 314-918-2591

St. Louis (On-line) St. Louis University School

of Nursing, Sally Lehnert, 314-977-8919

Springfield St. John's Hospital

Mary Hansen, 417-820-2770

Montana

Helena Carroll College, The Parish Nurse

Center, Cynthia Gustafson, 406-447-4367

Nebraska

Omaha Alegent Health, Ronnette Sailors,

402-898-8350

Omaha (On-line with IPNRC) Nebraska Methodist

College, Susan Ward, 402-354-7063

New York

Buffalo Catholic Charities, 716-856-4494 ext.

3003

Buffalo/East Aurora Trocaire College & PN

Ministries of New York, Ann Marie MacIsaac,

716-566-1163

Troy Seton Health--St. Mary's Hospital

Angela Sheehan, 518-268-6062

North Carolina

Asheville (On-line) Supplemental Modules

Hospice Care Corp., Spring, Summer & Fall

Semesters, Robin Shepherd, 304-376-0546

Boiling Springs Gardner-Webb University

Shirley Toney, 704-406-4366 ext. 4360

Charlotte Queens University of Charlotte

Joan McGill, 704-337-2295

North Dakota

Fargo Concordia College, Parish Nurse

Center, May 5-9, 2008

Jean Bokinskie, 218-299-3893

Ohio

Cedarville Cedarville University, May 18-23,

2008, Judi Shrubsole, 937-766-7725

Kettering Kettering Health Network, Chris Van-Denburgh,

937-395-8021

Norwalk Congregational Nurse Project of NW

Ohio, Sept. 30, Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28, 2008.

Mary Jane Fulcher, 419-262-1462

Rocky River Fairview Hospital Wellness Center,

May 29-30, June 5-6, and 19-20, 2008.

Gayle Donahue, 216-476-7324

Toledo Congregational Nurse Project of NW

Ohio, Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28 & Nov. 4, 2008

Mary Jane Fulcher, 419-262-1462

Oklahoma

Guthrie Catholic Charities, May 15-17 & June

5-7, 2008, Marilyn Seiler, 405-523-3006

Guymon Catholic Charities, March 13-15, April

17-19, Marilyn Seiler, 405-523-3006

Oklahoma City Catholic Charities

Marilyn Seiler, 405-523-3006

Oregon

Albany Northwest Parish Nurse Ministries

Linn-Benton Community College

Rachel Hagfeldt, 541-812-4701

Portland Northwest Parish Nurse Ministries

Concordia University, June 9-14, 2008

Debbie Waring, 503-413-2341

Pennsylvania

Lewisburg Diakon Lutheran Social Ministries,

Debbie Best, 570-320-0520

Pittsburgh Mercy Parish/Congregational Nurse

& Health Ministry Program, June 15-21, 2008

Joyce Schumm, 412-232-5815

South Carolina

Charleston Medical University of S. Carolina,

College of Nursing, Parish Nurse Program

Ann Hollerbach, 843-792-4624

South Dakota

Mitchell, SD (On-line) Dakota Wesleyan

University, Gloria Thompson, 605-995-2889

Sioux Falls Augustana College, June 16-20,

2008, Mary Auterman, 605-274-4929

Tennessee

Newport Tennessee Wesleyan College

Lisa Kirkland or Gail Lambert, 865-777-5100

Texas

Abilene Rural Nurse Resource, Inc., St. Paul

United Methodist Church, April 30-May 3, 2008

Sharon Hinton, 806-983-8096

Austin Evangelical Free Church of America

Paula Lilja, 281-532-3060

Beaumont Memorial Hermann Baptist Hospital

Rebekah Seymour, 409-212-5648

Dallas/Fort Worth Dallas/Fort Worth Faith and

Health Collaborative, Debbie Sieder,

214-947-2476

San Antonio University of the Incarnate Word

Jean Deliganis, 210-224-7122

Slaton MHW Nursing Consultation and Health

Ministry of NW Texas, Mercy Center

Margaret Hiett Williams, 432-270-2144

Virginia

Harrisonburg (On-line) Eastern Mennonite

University, Tammy Kiser, 540-879-2638

Lowesville Women's Missionary Union of

Virginia, Rachel Cobb, 804-915-5000

Roanoke Jefferson College of Health Sciences

Linda Rickabaugh, 540-985-8297

Winchester Shenandoah University

540-665-5505

Washington

Bellingham Puget Sound Health Ministries, St.

Joseph Hospital, Donna Gustin, 360-715-6408

Seattle Puget Sound Health Ministries, Seattle

Pacific University, July 13-16, July 21-23, 2008

Emily Hitchens, 206-281-2964 (option 2)

Tacoma NW Parish Nurse Ministries, Pacific

Lutheran University, April 22-24, May 21-22,

2008, Terry Bennett, 253-535-7683

West Virginia

Arthurdale (On-line) Hospice Care Corp/West

Virginia Univ., Robin Shepherd, 304-864-0884

Wheeling Wheeling Jesuit University, Alma

Cunningham, 888-434-6237 ext. 369

Wisconsin

LaCrosse Viterbo University, PN Ministry Center,

Silvana Richardson, 608-796-3670

Madison, Edgewood College

Karen Stremihis, 608-663-2270

Milwaukee, Marquette University & Covenant

Healthcare, Patrice Olin, 414-550-8519

Wyoming

Cheyenne Wyoming Health Council with the

Parish Nurse Center, Carroll College, Helena,

MT, Call Carol Peterson, 307-632-3640

Canada

Toronto, Ontario (and other sites)

InterChurch Health Ministries

Location: Emmanuel College

Karen Marks, 416-225-7231

Coordinator's Preparation

Fort Myers, FL

Lee Memorial Health System, Parish Nurse

Program, Rita Horvath, 239-336-6721

St. Louis, MO

International Parish Nurse Resource Center,

314-918-2559

Portland, OR

Northwest PN Ministries, University of Portland

Debbie Waring, 503-413-2341

Winchester, VA

Shenandoah University, Oct. 8-12, 2008

Parish nurse classes sponsored by our educational partners.(Calendar) - Parish Nurse Perspectives

United States, By State

Alabama

Mobile (On-line), Spring Hill College of Nursing, Aug. 25-Nov. 14, 2008, Carol Harrison, 251-380-4492

Alaska

Anchorage Northwest Parish Nurse Ministries at Providence Alaska Medical Center Linda Shepard, 907-261-5053

Arizona

Scottsdale Beatitudes Center DOAR Nurse and Health Ministries Network Barbara Sage, 602-274-5022

California

Fullerton Evangelical Free Church of America, Paula Lilja, 281-532-3060

Oakland Samuel Merritt College Joan Bard, 510-869-6511

Delaware

Newark Christiana Care Health System Community Health Outreach and Education, LaVaida Owens-White, 302-765-4557

Florida

Boca Raton (On-line) 8/23-12/12, Florida Atlantic University, Susan Dyess, 561-297-3236

Orlando Florida Hospital Parish Nurse Inst., Oct. 17-24, Candace Huber, 407-303-7153

Tampa Baycare Health Systems, April 20-24, October 12-16, 2009, Barbara Mosser, 813310-7725

Venice Lee Memorial Health System Rita Horvath, 239-432-3182

Georgia

Atlanta Gwinnett Hospital System Linda Hughes, 678-312-2423

Hawaii

Kailua Castle Medical Center Sue Pignataro, 808-263-0136

Idaho

Boise St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center November 6-9, 2008 Sr. Mary Alice Quintana, 208-367-6494

Illinois

Oak Brook Lewis University, Oct. 21, 28, Nov. 4, 11, 18, 2008 OR May 4-8, 2009. Janice Smith, 630-752-0776

Quincy Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing Sheila Capp, 217-228-5520

Rock Island Trinity Medical Center Pamela Griffith, 309-779-5120

Springfield St. John's Hospital Kathleen Cross, 217-757-6620

Iowa

Bettendorf Genesis VNA and Hospice, Sept. 12, 13, 26, 27, and Oct. 11, 2008. Cinda Hathaway, 563-421-2423.

Indiana

Evansville (On-line) USI School of Nursing, Sept. 22-Nov. 3, Victoria Pigott, 877-874-4584

Ferdinand USI School of Nursing, Sept. 24-28 Peggy Graul, 800-467-8600

West Lafayette Greater Lafayette PN Development Center, Oct. 17, 18, Nov. 7, 8, 15, 2008 Susan Buchanan, 765-477-6150

Indianapolis Clarian Health Partners Congregational Health Ministries Cyndi Alte, 317-962-9330

Morgantown National Episcopal Health Ministries, Diane Beyer, 317-253-1277

Valparaiso Valparaiso University Janelle Fleck, 219-464-5289

Kansas

Wichita Spiritual Life Center, Kansas Parish Nurse Ministry, July 13-19, 2008 JoVeta Wescott, 316-686-0111

Kentucky

Crab Orchard Ephraim McDowell Regional Medical Center, Aug. 22, 23, Sept. 19, 20, 2008. Terry Casey 859-239-1619

Paducah Lourdes & Western Baptist Hospitals Carol Bradford, 270-217-9949

Louisiana

Monroe (On-line) University of Louisiana at Monroe School of Nursing. Linda E. Sabin, 318-342-1517

New Orleans McFarland Institute Congregational Wellness Program Rebecca Harris-Smith, 504-593-2320

Maine

Biddeford St. Joseph's Hospital Pamela Deres, 603-225-4888

Massachusetts

Fall River Saint Anne's Hospital, Congregational Health Ministry PN Program (14 classes) Kathleen Emerson, 508-674-5600, ext. 2064

Maryland

Baltimore Lutheran Intercity Network Coalition Nov. 13, 20, Dec. 4, 11, 13, 2008. Diane Kretzschmar, 443-777-7931

Buckeystown National Episcopal Health Ministries. Oct. 5-10. Diane Beyer, 317-253-1277

Takoma Park Columbia Union College Bernice DeShay, 301-891-4157

Michigan

Clinton Township Henry Ford Macomb Hospital, Mary Ann Stockwell, 586-263-2117

Grand Rapids Calvin College College of Nursing, Sept. 19-20, Oct. 17-18, Nov. 14-15, 2008, Bethany Gordon, 616-526-7076

Kalamazoo Borgess Health Paula White, 269-343-1396

Minnesota

Alexandria Concordia College, PN Center, Oct. 27-31, Jean Bokinskie, 218-299-3893.

Minneapolis United Theological Seminary, Vicki Gustafson, 612-872-7400

St. Paul Concordia College, PN Center, Mar. 913, 2009, Jean Bokinskie, 218-299-3893

Missouri

Kansas City St. Luke's Hospital, Sept. 3, 10, Dec. 18, Nancy Wagner, 816-932-3504

Kirksville Missouri School for Religion, IPNRC. Oct. 14-18, Krystal Jacobs, 573-635-1187.

St. Louis IPNRC, Nov. 3-7, 2008 or Apr. 27-May 1, 2009. Maureen Daniels, 314-918-2559

St. Louis (On-line with Nebraska Methodist College) International Parish Nurse Resource Center, Barbara Wehling, 314-918-2591

St. Louis (On-line) St. Louis University School of Nursing, Sally Lehnert, 314-977-8919

Springfield St. John's Hospital Mary Hansen, 417-820-2770

Montana

Helena Carroll College, The Parish Nurse Center, Cynthia Gustafson, 406-447-4367

Nebraska

Omaha Alegent Health, Ronnette Sailors, 402-898-8350

Omaha (On-line with IPNRC) Nebraska Methodist College, Sept. 29-Dec. 1, Susan Ward, 402-354-7063

New York

Buffalo Catholic Charities, 716-856-4494 ext. 3003

Buffalo/East Aurora Trocaire College & PN Ministries of New York, Ann Marie MacIsaac, 716-566-1163

Troy Seton Health--St. Mary's Hospital Angela Sheehan, 518-268-6062

North Carolina

Asheville (On-line) Supplemental Modules Hospice Care Corp., Spring, Summer & Fall Semesters, Robin Shepherd, 304-376-0546

Boiling Springs Gardner-Webb University Shirley Toney, 704-406-4366 ext. 4360

Charlotte Queens University of Charlotte, Sept. 6, 20, Oct. 4, 18, Nov. 1, 15, 2008 Joan McGill, 704-337-2295

North Dakota

Fargo Concordia College, Parish Nurse Center, Jean Bokinskie, 218-299-3893

Ohio

Cedarville Cedarville University, Judi Shrubsole, 937-766-7725

Kettering Kettering Health Network, Chris Van-Denburgh, 937-395-8021

Norwalk Congregational Nurse Project of NW Ohio, Sept. 30, Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28, 2008. Mary Jane Fulcher, 419-262-1462

Rocky River Fairview Hospital Wellness Center, Gayle Donahue, 216-476-7324

Toledo Congregational Nurse Project of NW Ohio, Sept. 30, Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28, 2008 Mary Jane Fulcher, 419-262-1462

Oklahoma

Broken Arrow Catholic Charities, Sept. 18-20, Oct. 2-4, Marilyn Seiler, 405-523-3006

Oklahoma City Catholic Charities, Jan. 15, 16, 17, 29, 30, 31 OR May 14-16, June 4, 2009 Marilyn Seiler, 405-523-3006

Oregon

Albany Northwest Parish Nurse Ministries Linn-Benton Community College Rachel Hagfeldt, 541-812-4701

Portland Northwest Parish Nurse Ministries Debbie Waring, 503-413-2341

Pennsylvania

Lewisburg Diakon Lutheran Social Ministries, Debbie Best, 570-320-0520

Pittsburgh Mercy Parish/Cngl. Nurse & Health Ministry, Joyce Schumm, 412-232-5815

South Carolina

Charleston Medical University of S. Carolina, College of Nursing, Parish Nurse Program Ann Hollerbach, 843-792-4624

South Dakota Mitchell, SD (On-line) Dakota Wesleyan University, Gloria Thompson, 605-995-2889

Sioux Falls Augustana College Mary Auterman, 605-274-4929

Tennessee

Newport Tennessee Wesleyan College, Oct. 23-26, 2008, Lisa Kirkland, 865-777-5113

Texas

Amarillo Rural Nurse Resource, July 24, 25, 31, and Aug. 1, Sharon Hinton, 806-983-8096

Beaumont Memorial Hermann Baptist Hospital Rebekah Seymour, 409-212-5648

Dallas Baylor University, Aug-October, 2008 Linda Garner, 214-820-4185.

Dallas/Fort Worth Dallas/Fort Worth Faith and Health Collaborative, Debbie Sieder, 214-947-2476

San Antonio University of the Incarnate Word Jean Deliganis, 210-224-7122

Slaton MHW Nursing Consultation and Health Ministry of NW Texas, Mercy Center Margaret Hiett Williams, 432-270-2144

Virginia

Glen Allen Bon Secours Richmond Heatlh System, Inc., Yolonda Thompson, 804-627-5565

Harrisonburg (On-line) Eastern Mennonite University, Tammy Kiser, 540-879-2638

Lowesville Women's Missionary Union of Virginia, Rachel Cobb, 804-915-5000

Roanoke Jefferson College of Health Sciences Linda Rickabaugh, 540-985-8297

Winchester Shenandoah University, Oct. 8-11, 2008, Martha Erbach, 540-665-5505

Washington

Bellingham Puget Sound Health Ministries, St. Joseph Hospital, Donna Gustin, 360-715-6408

Seattle Puget Sound Health Ministries, Seattle Pacific University, July 13-16, July 21-23, 2008 Emily Hitchens, 206-281-2964 (option 2)

Tacoma NW Parish Nurse Ministries, Pacific Lutheran University, Terry Bennett, 253-535-7683

West Virginia

Arthurdale (On-line) Hospice Care Corp/West Virginia Univ., Robin Shepherd, 304-864-0884

Wheeling Wheeling Jesuit University, Alma Cunningham, 888-434-6237 ext. 369

Wisconsin

LaCrosse Viterbo University, PN Ministry Center, Oct. 26, 27, 28, and 29, 2008 OR April 3, 4, 17, 18, 24, and 25, 2009, Silvana Richardson, 608-796-3670

Madison, Edgewood College Karen Stremihis, 608-663-2270

Milwaukee, Marquette University & Covenant Healthcare, Patrice Olin, 414-550-8519

Wyoming

Cheyenne Wyoming Health Council with the Parish Nurse Center, Carroll College, Helena, MT, Call Carol Peterson, 307-632-3640

Canada

Toronto, Ontario (and other sites) InterChurch Health Ministries Location: Emmanuel College Oct. 18, 25, Nov. 1, 8, 15, 22, 2008 Karen Marks, 416-225-7231

Coordinator's Preparation

Fort Myers, FL

Lee Memorial Health System, Parish Nurse Program, Rita Horvath, 239-336-6721

St. Louis, MO

International Parish Nurse Resource Center, March 10-13, 2009, 314-918-2559

Portland, OR

Northwest PN Ministries, University of Portland Debbie Waring, 503-413-2341

Winchester, VA

PEOPLE.(Executive and administrative hirings in the health care industry) - Modern Healthcare

Presidents, CEOs

* Scott Beacham has been named president of the Utica-Watertown division at Excellus Health Plan, Syracuse, N.Y. He will continue as president of the Central New York division.

Administrators

* Robert Krenitsky has been named chief administrative officer of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Central New York, Syracuse. He will continue as vice president of information technology.

* Scott Ziskin has been named administrator and executive vice president of Jewish Nursing Home of Western Massachusetts, Longmeadow. He had been administrator of Salmon Brook Center, Glastonbury, Conn.

CFOs, CIOs, COOs

* Nancy Hellyer has been named executive vice president and chief operations officer of Alexian Brothers Medical Center, Elk Grove Village, Ill. She had been president and chief executive officer of LaGrange (Ill.) Memorial Hospital.

* David Yeager has been named chief financial officer at Saint Joseph Hospital, Omaha, Neb. He had been regional director of finance for Orange County at Tenet HealthSystems, San Diego.

VPs, associates, assistants

* David Budke has been named senior vice president of operations at Physicians Surgical Care, Houston. He had been senior vice president at Mariner Post-Acute Network, Houston.

* Robert Bycer has been named vice president of medical group administration at Fletcher Allen Health Care, Burlington, Vt. He had been chief operating officer of Medical Faculty Associates at George Washington University Medical Center, Washington.

* Rick Faulise has been named senior vice president of claims operations at Physicians Health Services, Shelton, Conn. He had been vice president of claims management.

* Kathy Longworth-Gentry has been named senior vice president of customer service and the provider call unit at Physicians Health Services, Shelton, Conn. She had been senior vice president of commercial customer service at First Union National Bank, Charlotte, N.C.

* Dawn Sorenson has been named vice president of value management and education at Methodist Hospitals of Dallas. She had been manager of management and leadership development at North Memorial Health Care, Robbinsdale, Minn.

* Nancy Whitelaw has been named vice president of research and demonstrations at the National Council on the Aging, Washington. She had been program director at the Center for Health Services Research at Henry Ford Health System, Detroit.

Kids missing out on sleep face serious health risks. - Omaha World-Herald (Omaha, NE)

Byline: Julie Anderson

Mar. 11--If you snooze, you don't lose -- especially if you're a kid.

Kids need their sleep. Sleep deprivation can affect children's overall health, school performance and behavior.

To help meet a growing demand, Children's Hospital is expanding its sleep-related services, a move that will include construction of a freestanding sleep center by the end of 2007. The hospital also will double, from two to four, the number of beds for sleep studies used to diagnose sleep disorders.

The move coincides with expansions of sleep study capacity at a number of hospitals in the Omaha and Lincoln areas, driven by a growing awareness of sleep disorders and the problems they can cause.

Many children, according to the National Sleep Foundation, aren't getting required amounts of nightly sleep.

Dr. Hari Bandla, director of the Children's sleep disorders program, said parents may not be aware of how much sleep kids need. A variety of social and cultural factors -- from too much late-night computer and cell phone time to early school start times -- also may keep them from getting it.

Sleep deprivation is more common among teenagers than in preschool children, he said. As they enter puberty, their biological sleep patterns shift toward later times for sleeping and waking.

Most often, children can make up for lost sleep on weekends. But if they're involved in a lot of activities, they may not get that chance. Sleep deprivation also can make teens vulnerable to accidents, namely by falling asleep behind the wheel.

'Everyone should be aware of these things because it's really a public health problem,' said Bandla, who joined Children's in January. He is one of a few pediatric board certified sleep specialists in the United States.

Bandla recommended that parents set limits for teens when it comes to computers and other electronic gadgets and that gadgets be kept out of bedrooms. Computer time should be kept to early evening because exposure to the light from the computer screen inhibits onset of sleep.

Parents also should make sure kids don't overload with activities on weekends so they have time to catch up on sleep, he said. One to two hours of extra sleep a day is best on weekends. More than four can compromise nighttime sleep during the week.

Sleep disturbances, he said, typically can be classified as behavioral or medical. Behavioral sleep problems are more common among the preschool set, from ages 1 to 5, and typically can be addressed by adjusting sleep routines and behaviors.

The medical category includes sleep apnea. Tissues of the upper airway relax and block the airway. The sleeper rouses, begins breathing again and drifts back to sleep.

In adults as well as children, the condition can have serious health consequences, including cardiovascular disease. In very young children, it can lead to a failure to gain weight.

In children, the most common cause of snoring and sleep apnea is enlarged tonsils and adenoids, Bandla said. Nearly 10 percent of children snore. Of those, about 2 percent have sleep apnea. But just as the condition is linked to obesity in adults, that connection also is increasingly showing up in children.

In addition to more sleep study beds, the hospital's expansion of sleep services will include assembling a team that includes an ear, nose and throat specialist; nutritionists; and home health care services. That approach also will help with the treatment of children with developmental disabilities, who have a high prevalence of sleep disorders.

Other area hospitals have increased their sleep services. Alegent Health has 22 beds at four hospitals, up from 10 beds at two hospitals in 2005 and sees patients as young as 5. BryanLGH Medical Center West in Lincoln, which also sees children, has increased from six to 11 beds.

Creighton University Medical Center has doubled its beds from two to four. Methodist Health System is planning to go from two beds to six, and the Nebraska Medical Center has four beds.

Copyright (c) 2007, Omaha World-Herald, Neb.

Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Business

News.

Contracts Update.(Contracts of health care information technology companies) - Health Data Management

The Contracts Update section includes announcements of contracts that health care information technology companies have signed with customers in recent weeks. Contract news can be sent to Health Data Management by electronic mail to: rebecca.kelly-schuerenbergsourcemedia.com.

A4Health Systems

Emergency department information system

Athens (Ga.) Regional Medical Center

Allscripts Healthcare Solutions

Electronic medical records system

University Physicians Healthcare, Tucson, Ariz.

Amicore Inc.

Electronic medical records system

Waterbury (Conn.) Health Access Program

Captiva Software Corp.

Document capture software

Lahey Clinic Medical Center, Burlington, Mass.

Companion Technologies

Claims software

Concho County Hospital, Eden, Texas

North Runnels Hospital, Winter, Texas

COPAN Systems

Disaster recovery system

Baptist Memorial Health Care, Memphis, Tenn.

Courian Corp.

Identity management software

The Health Alliance of Greater Cincinnati

Craneware Inc.

Revenue cycle software

VHA Inc., Irving, Texas

DeJarnette Research Systems Inc.

Medical imaging interface software

Inova Fairfax Hospital, Falls Church, Va.

Morristown (N.J.) Memorial Hospital

Eclipsys Corp.

Clinical information system

Community General Hospital, Syracuse, N.Y.

New York Hospital Queens, Flushing, N.Y.

EMC Corp.

Network storage technology

Providence (Ore.) Health System

FormFast Inc.

Document automation software

Baptist Memorial Healthcare System, Memphis, Tenn.

Hays (Kan.) Regional Medical Center

Memorial Medical Center of Las Cruces, N.M.

Northfield (Minn.) Hospital

Physicians Hospital, El Paso, Texas

Rochester (N.Y.) General Hospital

Galvanon Inc.

Patient self-service kiosks

University of Pittsburgh Medical

Center

Health Care Software Inc.

Health care information system

Gulf States Health Services Inc., New Orleans

IDX Systems Corp.

Health care information system

PeaceHealth, Bellevue, Wash.

Stanford (Calif.) Hospital & Clinics

IM-Age Software Inc.

Security software

The Methodist Hospital System, Houston

Kryptiq Corp.

Clinical messaging technology

Inland Northwest Health Services, Spokane, Wash.

McKesson Corp.

Health care information system

WestCare Health System, Sylva, N.C.

MEDai Inc.

Cost prediction software

State of Florida Agency for Health Care

Administration, Tallahassee

Medical Present Value Inc.

Contract modeling system

Cedar Valley Medical Specialists, Waterloo, Iowa

UCI University Physicians & Surgeons, Irvine, Calif.

UConn Medical Group, Hartford

Mediware Information Systems

Transfusion information system

Yale-New Haven (Conn.) Hospital

MedSeek

Web-based consumer portal technology

Martin's Point Health Care, Portland, Maine

Mary Greeley Medical Center, Ames, Iowa

Parkview (Ind.) Health System

Russell Medical Center, Alexander City, Ala.

St. Vincent's Catholic Medical Center, Jamaica, N.Y.

Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle

Misys Healthcare Systems

Home care information system

Metropolitan Jewish Health System, Brooklyn, N.Y.

Laboratory information systems

University of South Alabama Health System, Mobile

Nightingale Informatix Corp.

Practice management and electronic medical records systems

Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto

Optio Software

Medical records automation software

Wray (Colo.) Community Hospital

Picis

Perioperative information system

University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston

Plexis Healthcare Systems Inc.

Claims administration software

Clear Choice Health Plans, Bend, Ore.

Weyco Inc., Okemos, Mich.

Premier Healthcare Informatics

Performance improvement software

Spectrum Health System, Grand Rapids, Mich.

Provation Medical Inc.

Documentation and coding compliance software

Trinity Mother Frances Health System, Tyler, Texas

QuadraMed Corp.

Pharmacy information system

St. Claire Regional Medical Center, Morehead, Ky.

Quest Diagnostics Inc.

Electronic medical records system

The Health Alliance of Greater Cincinnati

Radiologix Inc.

Integrated radiology information system and picture archiving and communication system

Ide Imaging Partners, Rochester, N.Y.

Mid Rockland Imaging Partners, New City, N.Y.

RelayHealth Corp.

Web-based doctor-patient communication services

Hill Physicians Medical Group, San Ramon, Calif.

Research Triangle Software

E-mail application

Lahey Clinic, Burlington, Mass.

Secure Computing Corp.

Security software

Kindred Healthcare Inc., Louisville, Ky.

Surgical Information Systems

Surgical information system

Medcenter One, Bismarck, N.D.

Talisma Corp.

Customer relationship management system

Midlands Choice, Omaha, Neb.

TheraDoc Inc.

Clinical decision support software

VA Salt Lake City Healthcare System

VIASANT

Service request management system

Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago

VISICU Inc.

Intensive care unit monitoring software

MaineHealth, Portland

XactiMed

Revenue cycle software

Jefferson Health System Inc., Radnor, Pa.

Montgomery Hospital Medical Center, Norristown, Pa.

Zix Corp.

Secure e-mail services

Charlotte (N.C.) Radiology

Langlade Memorial Hospital, Antigo, Wis.

Northeast Georgia Health System, Gainesville

Zynx Health Inc.

Evidence-based medical content

MemorialCare Health System, Aneheim, Calif.

Salem (Ore.) Hospital Regional Health Services

Contracts Update.(signed by health care information technology companies with customers) - Health Data Management

The Contracts Update section includes announcements of contracts that health care information technology companies have signed with customers in recent weeks. Contract news can be sent to Health Data Management by e-mail to: rebecca.kelly-schuerenbergsourcemedia.com

Agfa

Clinical nursing module application

Sampson Regional Medical Center,

Clinton, N.C.

Api Software Inc.

Payroll and staffing systems

Evergreen Healthcare, Kirkland, Wash.

Arrendale Associates Inc.

Integrated dictation system

Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, N.H.

Brocade

Storage area network technology

New York-Presbyterian Hospital

Carefx Corp.

Single-sign-on software

Alegent Health, Omaha, Neb.

Inova Health System, Falls Church, Va.

CPU Medical Management Systems Inc.

Practice management software

MAG Mutual Healthcare Solutions Inc.,

Atlanta

eClinicalWorks

Integrated electronic medical records/ practice management system

Community Care Network of Virginia Inc., Alexandria

Eclipsys Corp.

Clinical information system

SUNY Downstate Medical Center's

University Hospital of Brooklyn, N.Y.

EHealth Global

Technologies Inc.

Medical records and imaging collection services

Penn State Milton Hershey (Pa.) Medical Center

Encentuate

Single-sign-on software

Children's Hospital Boston

First Consulting Group

I.T. outsourcing services

New York Blood Center

First DataBank

Medication database software

Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston

Freedom Profit Recovery Inc.

Document output services

INTEGRIS Health, Oklahoma City

Henry Schein Medical Systems

Electronic medical records software

Ohio Valley Surgeons, St. Clairsville, Ohio

Sport Medicine and Rehabilitation, Forest Hills, N.Y.

Integrated practice management and electronic medical records software

Beaver (Pa.) Valley Urology

HTP Inc.

Administrative and clinical data exchange software

HealthLink RHIO, Dayton, Ohio

iDashboards

Data visualization software

Affinity Health System, Menasha, Wis.

Initiate Systems Inc.

Master patient index software

Providence (Ore.) Health System

InteGreat

Electronic medical records system

Great Falls (Mont.) Clinic

InterSystems Corp.

Integration software

Long Island (N.Y.) Patient Information eXchange

Pathology Medical Services and Nebraska LabLinc, Lincoln

JJWild

Disaster system implementation and services

Huntington Hospital, Pasadena, Calif.

Keane Inc.

Revenue cycle management system

NorthBay Healthcare, Fairfield, N.C.

Kryptiq Corp.

Contract management software

Regence, Portland, Ore.

Language Access Network Inc.

Video interpretation services

Mercy Hospital, Miami

LingoLogix

Coding and translation software

Johns Hopkins Health System Corp., Baltimore

McKesson Corp.

Home care information system

Intermountain Healthcare, Salt Lake City

Medical Present Value Inc.

Financial software

Conemaugh Health Initiatives, Johnstown, Pa.

Mediware Information Systems

Transfusion/donor blood management system

Arkansas Heart Hospital, Little Rock

Lennox Hill Hospital, New York

Louisiana Heart Hospital, Lacombe

Nassau (N.Y.) University Medical Center

Medsphere Systems Corp.

Electronic medical records system

Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County, Rock Springs, Wyo.

Meru Networks

Wireless local area network technology

Sun Health, Phoenix, Ariz.

Microsoft Corp.

Integration software

New York-Presbyterian Hospital

Navicure

Revenue cycle management system

Methodist Medical Group, Peoria, Ill.

Orthocrat

Orthopedic surgical planning system

Fletcher Allen Health Care of

Burlington, Vt.

Picis Inc.

Emergency department information system

Saints Memorial Medical Center,

Lowell, Mass.

Surgical department information system

Burdette Tomlin Memorial Hospital,

Cape May Court House, N.J.

Radianse Inc.

Radio frequency identification-based tracking software

Providence Health Center, Waco, Texas

SDS

Medical records conversion services

Bon Secours Richmond (Va.) Health System

ShiftWise

Staffing technology

Resurrection Health Care, Chicago

SRS Software Inc.

Chart management software

OrthoMaryland, Baltimore

Wellogic

Health care information exchange systems

AtlantiCare, Atlantic City, N.J.

Wyngate Technologies

Transfusion management system

Caldwell Memorial Hospital, Lenoir, N.C.*

ECRI Institute Announces Winner of Third Annual Health Devices Achievement Award - US Fed News Service, Including US State News

The Emergency Care Research Institute issued the following news release:

ECRI Institute, an independent nonprofit that researches the best approaches to improving patient care, has granted Children's Hospital of Omaha in Omaha, Nebraska the third annual Health Devices Achievement Award for excellence in health technology management. The Health Devices Achievement Award recognizes an outstanding initiative undertaken by an ECRI Institute member healthcare facility that improves patient safety, reduces costs, or otherwise facilitates better strategic management of health technology.

The application submitted by Children's Hospital of Omaha, Nebraska, is a superb example of how steadfast commitment to improving operational performance can lead to enhanced procedures and patient care. The application, 'See-through' Process: Improving Effectiveness, Efficiency and Patient Safety Related to Chest and Abdominal x-rays in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, describes a priority improvement focus for the hospital that aimed to reduce unnecessary x-ray exposures and decrease errors in x-ray order entry. By implementing evidence-based indicators within their x-ray order process, Children's Hospital reduced the number of x-rays for pediatric patients, decreased order changes, and reduced radiology technician time spent on follow-up and modification--thereby streamlining and re-prioritizing the x-ray order process to enhance patient care.

This teaching institution's residents have also greatly benefitted from the initiative by receiving concrete direction when ordering radiology tests.

In judging this submission, ECRI Institute staff and members of the Health Devices Group's external advisory board were particularly impressed by the joint impact on patient safety and the efficiency of operations for the hospital's pediatric intensive care patients.

'One of the goals for this award is to give us a way to honor our member hospitals' commitment to technology management by achieving high standards of safety, quality, and cost-effectiveness in healthcare,' says James P. Keller, Jr., vice president, health technology evaluation and safety, ECRI Institute. 'This project helped to significantly decrease unnecessary x-rays in a patient population where it is so important to minimize radiation dose while allowing clinical staff to spend more time on the high-quality care patients need. Children's Hospital of Omaha should be commended for its fine work on this project.'

'We are absolutely thrilled to have been selected for this award,' said Mel Hall, performance improvement and patient safety manager, Children's Hospital, Omaha, Nebraska. 'The acknowledgment helps to underscore our continuous effort to improve patient care through our quality and safety initiatives. I am delighted that this project has improved internal processes and most importantly, the level of care we provide to our patients.'

The winner will be featured in ECRI Institute's Health Devices journal and on the ECRI Institute Web site. A formal presentation will also be made by ECRI Institute staff at Children's Hospital later this year.

This year's finalists are Beaumont Commercialization of Center Royal Oak, Michigan; Hamilton Health Sciences of Ontario, Canada; Memorial Sloane-Kettering Cancer Center of New York, New York; The Methodist Hospital System of Houston, Texas; and Virtua Health of Gibbsboro, New Jersey. To learn more about this year's finalists, visit www.ecri.org/Health_Devices_Finalists08.

ECRI Institute, a nonprofit organization, dedicates itself to bringing the discipline of applied scientific research to healthcare to uncover the best approaches to improving patient care. As a pioneer in this science for 40 years, ECRI Institute marries experience and independence with the objectivity of evidence-based research. ECRI Institute is designated a Collaborating Center of the World Health Organization and an Evidence-based Practice Center by the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. For more information, please visit www.ecri.org.

About Children's Hospital of Omaha, Nebraska

Proudly serving children since 1948, Children's Hospital is the only full-service, pediatric health care center in Nebraska. Located in Omaha, it provides expertise in more than 30 pediatric specialty services to children and families across a five-state region and beyond. The 151-bed, non-profit hospital houses the only dedicated pediatric emergency department in the region and offers 24-hour, in-house services by pediatric critical care specialists. Children's Hospital has achieved the Magnet designation for nursing excellence and is an InfoWorld 100 award winner for innovation in information technology. A pediatric affiliation established between Children's Hospital and the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) College of Medicine supports enhancements in pediatric education, research and clinical care. Children's Hospital is also the primary teaching site for the family practice and joint pediatric residency programs at Creighton University and UNMC. For more information on Children's Hospital, visit www.ChildrensOmaha.org.

For more information, contact ECRI Institute by telephone at (610) 825-6000, ext. 5891; by e-mail at communications@ecri.org; by fax at (610) 834-1275; by mail at 5200 Butler Pike, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462-1298, USA; or by visiting www.ecri.org.Contact: Kristen Campbell, +1-610/825-6000, ext. 5377, kcampbell@ecri.org

TNS mv45-jf78-080905-1814656 18MASHJofrey

Parish nurse classes sponsored by our educational partners.(Directory) - Parish Nurse Perspectives

United States, By State

Alabama

Mobile (On-line), Spring Hill College of Nursing, Cathy Whelton, 251-633-1578

Alaska

Anchorage Northwest Parish Nurse Ministries at Providence Alaska Medical Center Linda Shepard, 907-261-5053

Arizona

Scottsdale Beatitudes Center DOAR Nurse and Health Ministries Network Barbara Sage, 602-274-5022

California

Burlingame Samuel Merritt University June 7-10, 2009, Joan Bard, 510-869-6511

Fullerton Evangelical Free Church of America, Paula Lilja, 281-532-3060

Florida

Boca Raton (On-line) Florida Atlantic University, Susan Dyess, 561-297-3236

Fort Myers Lee Memorial Health System, May 26-30 and June 1-3, 2009 Rita Horvath, 239-432-3182

Orlando Florida Hospital, Center for Community Health Ministry/Parish Nurse Institute, Oct. 16-23, 2009 Candace Huber, 407-303-7153

Tampa BayCare Health Systems, St. Joseph's Hospital, Oct. 12-16, 2009 Susie Prescott, 813-757-8006

Georgia

Atlanta Gwinnett Hospital System, June 14-19, 2009, Linda Hughes, 678-312-2423

Hawaii

Kailua Castle Medical Center Sue Pignataro, 808-263-0136

Idaho

Boise St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center, Sr. Mary Alice Quintana, 208-367-6494

Illinois

Oak Brook Lewis University, May 4-8, 2009 Kathie Blanchfield, 708-448-9429

Rock Island Trinity Medical Center Pamela Griffith, 309-779-5120

Quincy Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing Sheila Capp, 217-228-5520

Springfield St. John's Hospital Kathleen Cross, 217-757-6620

Indiana

Evansville (On-line) USI School of Nursing, Victoria Pigott, 877-874-4584

Ferdinand USI School of Nursing Peggy Graul, 800-467-8600

Lafayette Greater Lafayette PN Development April 3, 4, 24, and 25, 2009 Susan Buchanan, 765-477-6150

Indianapolis Clarian Health Partners Cyndi Alte, 317-962-9330

Morgantown National Episcopal Health Ministries, Inc., Diane Beyer, 317-253-1277

Valparaiso Valparaiso University Janelle Fleck, 219-464-5289

Kansas

Wichita Spiritual Life Center, Kansas Parish Nurse Ministry, JoVeta Wescott, 316-686-0111

Kentucky Louisville(On-line) Bellarmine University Margaret Miller, 502-452-8413

Paducah Lourdes & Western Baptist Hospitals Carol Bradford, 270-217-9949

Louisiana

Monroe (On-line) University of Louisiana at Monroe School of Nursing. Linda E. Sabin, 318-342-1517

New Orleans McFarland Institute Congregational Wellness Program Rebecca Harris-Smith, 504-593-2320

Maine

Biddeford St. Joseph's Hospital Pamela Deres, 603-225-4888

Massachusetts

Fall River Saint Anne's Hospital, Congregational Health Ministry PN Program Kathleen Emerson, 508-674-5600, ext. 2064

Maryland

Baltimore Lutheran Intercity Network Coalition Diane Kretzschmar, 443-777-7931

Takoma Park Washington Adventist Hospital July 25-30, 2009, Katia Reinert, 301-891-6102

Michigan

Clinton Township Henry Ford Macomb Hospital, Mary Ann Stockwell, 586-263-2117

Grand Rapids Calvin College, Dept. of Nursing Bethany Gordon, 616-526-7076

Kalamazoo, MI Borgess Health, June 5-6, July 10-11, and August 14-15, 2009 Paula White, 269-343-1396

St. Joseph Kettering Health Network, Aug. 9-15, 2009, Chris VenDenburgh, 937-395-8021

Minnesota

Minneapolis United Theological Seminary, Vicki Gustafson, 612-872-7400

Moorhead Concordia College Jean Bokinskie, 218-299-3893

St. Paul Luther Seminary, Mar. 9-13, 2009 Jean Bokinskie, 218-399-3893

Missouri

Kansas City St. Luke's Hospital Nancy Wagner, 816-932-3504

Liberty Liberty Hospital, May 18-21, 2009 Joyce Bouyear, 816-792-7085

St. Louis International Parish Nurse Resource Center, April 27-May 1 OR Oct. 19-23, 2009 Maureen Daniels, 314-918-2632

St. Louis (On-line) St. Louis University School of Nursing, Sally Lehnert, 314-977-8919

Springfield St. John's Hospital Mary Hansen, 417-820-2770

Montana

Helena Carroll College, Parish Nurse Center, May 14-17, 2009 Cynthia Gustafson, 406-447-4367

Nebraska

Omaha Alegent Health, Ronnette Sailors, 402-898-8350

Omaha (On-line) Nebraska Methodist College, Susan Ward, 402-354-7063

New York

Buffalo Trocaire College, Parish Nurse Ministries of NY, Ann Marie MacIsaac 716-566-1163

Troy Seton Health-St. Mary's Hospital Angela Sheehan, 518-268-6062

Vestal Lourdes Hospice, April 23, 24, 25, & May 14, 16, and 23, 2009 Kathy Medovich, 607-321-2633

North Carolina

Asheville (On-line) Hospice Care Corp. Robin Shepherd, 304-376-0546

Boiling Springs Gardner-Webb University Shirley Toney, 704-406-4366 ext. 4360

Charlotte Queens University of Charlotte Joan McGill, 704-337-2295

Concord CMC Northeast, Parish Nursing & Health Ministry, May 12-16, 2009, Pam Hurley, 704-403-4009

North Dakota

Fargo Concordia College, Parish Nurse Center, May 18-22, 2009 Jean Bokinskie, 218-299-3893

Ohio

Cedarville Cedarville University Judi Shrubsole, 937-766-7725

Kettering Kettering Health Network, Chris VanDenburgh, 937-395-8021

Norwalk Congregational Nurse Project of NW Ohio, Mary Jane Fulcher, 419-262-1462

Rocky River Fairview Hospital Wellness Center, Gayle Donahue, 216-476-7324

Toledo Congregational Nurse Project of NW Ohio, Mary Jane Fulcher, 419-262-1462

Oklahoma

Oklahoma City Catholic Charities May 14-16, June 4-6, 2009 Marilyn Seiler, 405-523-3006

Oregon

Albany Northwest Parish Nurse Ministries Linn-Benton Community College Rachel Hagfeldt, 541-812-4701

Portland Northwest Parish Nurse Ministries Providence, St. Vincent Medical Center April 28, 29 and May 5-7, 2009 OR Concordia University, June 8-12, 2009 Debbie Waring, 503-413-2341

Pennsylvania

Immaculata Immaculata University, Sr. Paula Jameson, IHM, 610-647-4400

Lewisburg Diakon Lutheran Social Ministries April 4, May 2, June 6, Sept. 19, Oct. 3, Nov. 7, and Dec. 5, 2009 at Upper Susquahanna Synod, ELCA; OR Apr. 11, May 9, June 13, Sept. 12, Oct. 10, Nov. 14, Dec. 12, 2009, Highland Presbyterian Church, Debbie Best, 570-320-0520

Pittsburgh Mercy Parish/Congregational Nurse & Health Ministry Program, June 15-20, 2009 Joyce Schumm, 412-232-5815

South Carolina

Charleston Medical University of S. Carolina, College of Nursing, Parish Nurse Program, Ann Hollerbach, 843-792-4624

South Dakota

Mitchell, SD (On-line) Dakota Wesleyan University, Gloria Thompson, 605-995-2889

Sioux Falls Augustana College, June 15-19, 2009, Mary Auterman, 605-274-4929

Tennessee

Newport Tennessee Wesleyan College Lisa Kirkland or Gail Lambert, 865-777-5100

Texas

Abilene Rural Nurse Resource, Inc., St. Paul United Methodist Church Sharon Hinton, 806-983-8096

Austin Evangelical Free Church of America Paula Lilja, 281-532-3060

Beaumont Memorial Hermann Baptist Hospital, Rebekah Seymour, 409-212-5648

Dallas/Fort Worth Dallas/Fort Worth Faith and Health Collaborative, Debbie Sieder, 214-947-2476

Midland MHW Nursing Consultation and Health Ministry of NW Texas Margaret Williams, 432-270-2144

San Angelo MHW Nursing Consultation and Health Ministry of NW Texas, Apr. 5-8, 2009 Margaret Williams, 432-270-2144

San Antonio University of the Incarnate Word Jean Deliganis, 210-224-7122

Slaton MHW Nursing Consultation and Health Ministry of NW Texas, Mercy Center Margaret Hiett Williams, 432-270-2144

Virginia

Harrisonburg (On-line) Eastern Mennonite University, Tammy Kiser, 540-879-2638

Lowesville Women's Missionary Union of Virginia, Rachel Cobb, 804-915-5000

Roanoke Jefferson College of Health Sciences Linda Rickabaugh, 540-985-8297

Winchester Shenandoah University Vickie Morley, 540-535-3565

Washington

Bellingham, Donna Gustin, 360-305-1795

West Virginia

Arthurdale (On-line) Hospice Care Corp/West Virginia Univ., Robin Shepherd, 304-864-0884

Wheeling Wheeling Jesuit University, Alma Cunningham, 888-434-6237 ext. 369

Wisconsin

LaCrosse Viterbo University, Parish Nurse Ministry Center, Apr. 3-4, 17-18, 24-25, 2009 Silvana Richardson, 608-796-3670

Madison, Edgewood College Karen Stremihis, 608-663-2270

Milwaukee, Marquette University & Covenant Healthcare, Patrice Olin, 414-550-8519

Wyoming

Cheyenne Wyoming Health Council with the Parish Nurse Center, Carroll College, Helena, MT, Call Carol Peterson, 307-632-3640

Canada

Toronto, Ontario (and other sites) InterChurch Health Ministries, at Emmanuel College, Oct. 17, 24, 31, Nov. 7, 14, 21, 2009. Karen Marks, 416-225-7231

Coordinator's Preparation

Fort Myers, FL Lee Memorial Health System, Parish Nurse Program, Rita Horvath, 239-336-6721

St. Louis, MO International Parish Nurse Resource Center, 314-918-2559

Portland, OR Northwest PN Ministries, University of Portland Debbie Waring, 503-413-2341

PUBLICATION LISTS 'FRIENDLY' HOSPITALS.(NEWS) - The Cincinnati Post (Cincinnati, OH)

Byline: Associated Press

WINDBER, Pa. -- The smell of antiseptics, bright fluorescent lights and plain furnishings are hospital stereotypes that don't apply to Windber Medical Center.

Patients at this 102-bed hospital enjoy bedside lamps, original artwork, fresh flowers and aromatherapy, along with live entertainment, helpful workers and room service.

''They just spoil you here,'' said patient Mary McGuire, 79, of Johnstown.

Attention to detail - like fresh-baked bread and in-room massages - is earning national attention for the hospital about 65 miles southeast of Pittsburgh. The July/August issue of AARP's Modern Maturity magazine lists Windber Medical Center and 14 other institutions as America's most friendly hospitals.

''When I entered this field, I found that everywhere I looked, I asked, 'Why did they run it like that?' '' said Windber President F. Nicholas Jacobs, who became the head of the hospital four years ago. ''We wanted to create a place were you don't have to leave your dignity behind at the door.''

Windber Medical, an affiliate of the Conemaugh Health System, is a full-service hospital located in a town of 4,500 people. It has been the center of town and the biggest employer since it opened in 1906, when Windber was a coal-company town, said medical center spokeswoman Lesa Skotnicki.

Its hospice, health club, research institute and medical arts building attract patients from as far away as Baltimore. It even offers cooking, yoga and other classes.

Windber started out about four years ago to become a ''patient-centered'' hospital.

It started with liberalized visiting hours. Family members can visit as long as they want, and can bring the family dog. Patients also have full access to their charts and can wear their own pajamas, for example.

Windber became affiliated in 1998 with Planetree, a nonprofit organization that helps hospitals brainstorm new ways to provide and improve care.

Many of the hospitals on Modern Maturity magazine's ''most friendly'' list are Planetree affiliates, said Margaret Guroff, the magazine's features editor.

Each hospital on the list was selected for details that make patients feel more comfortable and empowered, Guroff said.

Text of fax box follows:

The top 15

AARP's Modern Maturity magazine featured the following institutions as ''Hospitals With Heart:''

Bergan Mercy Medical Center, Omaha, Neb.

Bronson Methodist Hospital, Kalamazoo, Mich.

Children's Hospital and Health Center, San Diego

Griffin Hospital, Derby, Conn.

Highline Community Hospital, Burien, Wash.

Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit

Longmont United Hospital, Longmont, Colo.

Mid-Columbia Medical Center, The Dalles, Ore.

Midwestern Regional Medical Center, Zion, Ill.

North Hawaii Community Hospital, Kamuela, Hawaii.

St. Charles Medical Center, Bend, Ore.

Shawano Medical Center, Shawano, Wis.

Warren Memorial Hospital, Front Royal, Va.

Windber Medical Center, Windber, Pa.