News and Community

Trap Shooters Raise $10,000 for Welch Cancer Center Patients

The Sheridan County Sportsmen’s Association (SCSA) presented a check for $10,000 to the Sheridan Memorial Hospital (SMH) Foundation

2022 Hole-in-One for Healthcare Golf Recap

Foundation Hosts Successful 2022 Golf Tournament

On Friday, July 1, over 120 golfers and hospital volunteers gathered at The Powder Horn Golf Club to raise awareness and funds for patient

Primary Care Welcomes Dr. Erica Rinker

Sheridan Memorial Hospital is proud to welcome Dr. Erica Rinker, board-certified family medicine physician, to our new Primary Care practice

A Holistic Approach to Healthcare

As an internist and primary care physician, I’m focused on delivering the highest level of care to all patients throughout their lives. I joined

Transitioning Home from Transitional Care

From changes to one's daily schedule to the adjustments necessary to return home – Sheridan Memorial Hospital's transitional care

Two Years in a Row, Sheridan Memorial Hospital Earns CMS 5-Star Rating

For the second year in a row, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that Sheridan Memorial Hospital (SMH)

A Hero at the Rodeo

Julie Boyd, RN and Emergency Department Manager, didn't plan to play the part of a hero at the Sheridan WYO Rodeo earlier this month. But

Hospital’s Trauma Squad at Third Thursday, July 21st!

Come see our hospital Trauma Squad at 3rd Thursday, July 21st beginning at 5 pm. We will be handing out important safety information,

We Welcome New OB/GYN Physician to our Women’s Clinic

Sheridan Memorial Hospital (SMH) is thrilled to welcome Rebecca Krzyminski, DO, a board-certified OB/GYN physician, to the Women’s Clinic

Preventing Dehydration

Summer weather calls many of us to spend more time outdoors. While this time of year brings a welcome respite from our cold Wyoming winters,

Dr. Kristopher Schamber is the Medical Director for the new SMH Primary Care practice located in the heart of downtown Sheridan.

SMH Primary Care Complements Current SMH Service Offerings

Sheridan Memorial Hospital announces the late summer opening of a new Primary Care practice to serve patients of all ages in downtown Sheridan

Cathy Bealer, New Chief Nursing Officer at Sheridan Memorial Hospital

Cathy Bealer, Chief Nursing Officer, has Strong Ties to Nursing and Sheridan Memorial Hospital

Cathy Bealer, Sheridan Memorial Hospital's new Chief Nursing Officer (CNO), had a deep desire to

NEW Transitional Care Unit Set to Open this Summer

Sheridan Memorial Hospital (SMH) strives to meet community and regional demand for patient care. In recent years we have become even more aware

Did you know? Patient Portal Explained

Sheridan Memorial Hospital (SMH) is pleased to offer convenient, secure, online access to your personal health information through our patient

Celebrating - Better Hearing & Speech Month

Better Hearing & Speech Month is an annual occasion designed to raise awareness of hearing loss and speech problems. The American Speech-

Prevention is Cure

On May 12, 2022 Governor Gordon signed a proclamation recognizing May as Trauma Awareness Month in Wyoming. Every year in May,

Sig's Story

For most people, Sheridan, WY is a place to come when you want to get away from the crowds yet still crave the comforts of a small town. For Sig

May – Stroke Awareness Month

What can you do? Know the risk factors. Free Drive-up Stroke Awareness Event May 24, 2022. Every 40 seconds in the United States, someone

Trap Shooters Raise Funds for Welch Cancer Center Patients

The Sheridan County Sportsmen’s Association is once again hosting its Cancer Benefit Trap Shoot with funds raised going to help patients at

Heartfelt Thanks

National Nurses Week is May 6-12, with the American Nurses Association recognizing and honoring nurses across the United States. Nurses

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The Sheridan County Sportsmen’s Association (SCSA) presented a check for $10,000 to the Sheridan Memorial Hospital (SMH) Foundation for the Welch Cancer Center. The funds are proceeds from the June 2022 Cancer Benefit Trap Shoot. Tracy Landeis, Trap Director at SCSA says, “The shoot was an enormous success with 70 shooters and many volunteers helping to make it all possible.”

According to Ada Kirven, SMH Foundation Director of Donor Relations, “This event was a huge success, and the funds raised will directly support our patient comfort care program at the Welch Cancer Center. This fund helps our patients and their families, and it’s designed to make the cancer journey more comfortable for those facing treatment and survivorship.”

With this latest donation, over the last several years, the Sportsmen’s Association has raised more than $26,000 for the Cancer Center. According to Landeis, “The hospital foundation partnered with the trap shooters. Without all the volunteers, shooters, and sponsors, we would never have been able to pull off this event. The committee members who coordinated the event include Tracy Landeis, Sally Labore, Jerry Reed, Lyle Brice, Trudy Brice, Ada Kirven, and Cecile Pattison. Many others joined in to help before, during, and after the event.”

Kirven also stressed that “Cancer Screening and Early Detection Saves Lives. Our medical team encourages everyone to visit their doctor and follow the recommended screening guidelines, and prevention lifestyle behaviors. Sheridan is quite fortunate to have the Welch Cancer Center available for our loved ones to access treatment and supportive care right here at home.”

Pictured left to right above: Tracy Landeis presents Ada Kirven with the $10,000 check. Cody Sinclair, Chief Development Officer; Cathy Bealer, Chief Nursing Officer; DaLisa Morrison, Welch Cancer Center Clinical Nurse Supervisor and Lori Karajanis, Welch Cancer Center Nurse Navigator.

To learn more about the Welch Cancer Center, click HERE.

On Friday, July 1, over 120 golfers and hospital volunteers gathered at The Powder Horn Golf Club to raise awareness and funds for patient care programs at Sheridan Memorial Hospital. The Foundation’s 13th Annual Golf Tournament focused on raising funds that will go toward Sheridan Memorial Hospital’s Patient GAP Fund, which helps ensure successful recovery for patients after a hospital stay. It’s thanks to generous contributions from the golfers and sponsors of the event that help Sheridan Memorial Hospital provide excellent patient-centered care for everyone.

This year’s event was hugely successful, raising over $20,000 for our hospital’s Gap Fund. Over its 13 years, the golf tournament has raised over $285,000 in support of excellent patient care for our community. Projects funded include the Transitional Care Expansion, COVID-19 Care Fund, Intensive Care Unit, Cardiac Care, The Cath Lab, and various other department projects.

GAP Funds from the 2022 tournament have been put to work through the diligent coordination between our Case Management team and department staff. Compression garments were recently purchased through the GAP Fund for a patient undergoing therapy treatments to make the transition back to everyday life more successful. This is just one example of the immediate patient-centered care provided to our community through this unique funding.

Winners of this year’s Tournament included:

1st Place Team – Team Eliason Financial: Erica, Mike, Troy, and Wendy May

Others who received recognition for their excellent play included Matt Ebzery, Garrett Dotson, Tiffani Mowry, and Erica May.

According to The Foundation, First Federal Bank and Trust, First Interstate Bank, Ebzery Family Foundation, O’Dell Construction, D.A. Davidson, Kennon, and SCL Health St. Vincent were this year’s major tournament sponsors.

Cody Sinclair, Chief Development Officer, wrapped up the event, “It was a great day of golf and philanthropy with funds raised to support continued care for the patients in our community. Thank you to all of our wonderful tournament sponsors, participants, and volunteers for helping make this a great event!”

To join The Foundation and support future events, visit https://www.sheridanhospital.org/foundation/

Sheridan Memorial Hospital is proud to welcome Dr. Erica Rinker, board-certified family medicine physician, to our new Primary Care practice at 61 South Gould Street in the heart of downtown Sheridan.

Originally from rural Montana, Dr. Rinker is happy to return to a small-town environment with her children.

Dr. Rinker was drawn to the medical profession growing up because it was the ideal blend of two passions. “I wanted to be a scientist, and I wanted to serve others. I shadowed people in many different professions, including a school nurse and a veterinarian, trying to decide what the best combination of science and service would be for me.”

She kept returning to medicine, eventually enrolling in WWAMI, a medical education program through universities in Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana, and Idaho committed to sending providers into rural communities. She completed her medical degree in 2011 and fulfilled her Family Medicine Residency in Des Moines, IA, the same year.

Dr. Rinker’s interest in family medicine developed during her work with an internist in Billings. “I watched how a particular physician interacted with not only the patients but with their families as well, and I realized that while I enjoyed every part of medical school, I am most passionate about working with people in a long-term, integrated way,” she says. “I want to develop relationships that grow over the years, and I want to be involved in every aspect of care; if they need a specialist, I want to be the one who connects them with the right person and who follows up with them along the way.” Dr. Rinker is excited to be part of the hospital’s Primary Care practice, where she can begin to develop these relationships with Sheridan residents.

Dr. Rinker and her children settled in Buffalo about a year ago; their favorite family activities are bike rides and movie nights with plenty of popcorn. She has formed close ties with current Buffalo and Sheridan physicians who also went through the WWAMI program and has been providing care to patients in Gillette and Buffalo for the past five years. Dr. Rinker’s dedication to providing compassionate, involved care will be the perfect addition to the downtown Primary Care practice.

To make an appointment with Dr. Rinker, call 307.675.2690, or to learn more about Sheridan Memorial Hospital’s new Primary Care practice, go to SheridanPrimaryCare.org. You can learn more about Dr. Rinker by visiting her provider profile HERE.

By Kristopher C. Schamber, MD, FACP, Medical Director at Sheridan Memorial Hospital Primary Care

As an internist and primary care physician, I’m focused on delivering the highest level of care to all patients throughout their lives. I joined Sheridan Memorial Hospital because they share and support this healthcare philosophy. Now, as the medical director of our new Primary Care practice downtown, I have the privilege of leading a team of seven – three physicians, one physician assistant and three nurse practitioners – who have been demonstrating this patient-centered, mission-driven style of practice for years.

The team serving you in our new Primary Care practice downtown includes:

Internal Medicine (Adults Only)

Family Medicine

Our goal with the new Primary Care clinic is to expand healthcare services for the entire community. In addition to providing traditional adult medical care with our internal medicine providers, our new practice is an opportunity to re-establish family medicine in Sheridan. Here, we strive for a holistic approach for families, where multiple generations can build relationships with the same provider to make the healthcare process easier to maintain over time. For instance, family members can make appointments together and even see the same provider. Building relationships with our physicians, physician assistants and nurse practitioners as a family unit can improve healthcare outcomes for each member of the family. Increased access, same-day appointments, and extensive online healthcare tools are all part of our new practice and are designed to exceed patient needs and expectations.

As a healthcare consumer, one of the most important steps you can take is establishing a Primary Care provider relationship. As we get to know you, your medical history, and your family’s medical history, we will provide timely, proactive, relevant healthcare. This relationship translates to major health benefits, including a decrease in hospital and emergency department visits, more effective management of chronic diseases throughout your life, lower overall healthcare costs, and improved quality of life.

In advance of your next appointment, and ongoing, I encourage you to take advantage of our patient portal (www.mysheridanhealth.org), also found on the Sheridan Memorial Hospital website. It offers 24-hour secure access to your personal health information as well as allowing you to:

View upcoming appointments
Communicate securely and privately with their provider
Request prescription refills
Conduct video telehealth visits
Access and complete forms necessary for upcoming appointments
View and print:
- Test results (including COVID-19 test results)
- Immunization records

Our new downtown practice is an important investment in Sheridan, a community that means so much to my family and me. We look forward to meeting you and your family, and of course, seeing familiar faces in our brand new space.

Kristopher C. Schamber, MD, FACP
Medical Director, SMH Primary Care

To Learn More – Click here or give us a call to make an appointment today – 307.675.2690

By Tiffany Sutton, PT, DPT, TCU Rehabilitation Coordinator at Sheridan Memorial Hospital

From changes to one’s daily schedule to the adjustments necessary to return home – Sheridan Memorial Hospital’s transitional care team of nurses, doctors, and therapists manage transitions and help you or your family member regain a level of independence for a safe return home following an injury, surgery, or serious illness. From daily rehabilitation to 24/7 nursing care, our multi-disciplinary team will work to keep you close to your community, friends, family, and the one place we plan to transition back to – home. After varying lengths of stay, patients are headed home, but how do we prepare them? Two invaluable tools our Transitional Care Team takes advantage of are our newly improved ADL Suite and Home Evaluations.

Activities for Daily Living Suite
Sheridan Memorial Hospital’s ADL (Activities for Daily Living) Suite is set up to emulate a home environment with a kitchen and bathroom where patients can practice skills before returning home. Simple tasks such as reaching for clothes in their closet, preparing a meal using various appliances, and taking a shower are practiced in our home-like suite with our care team’s guidance.

Completing sessions within the ADL Suite under the team’s guidance allows for “failure” in a safe environment. By putting our patients in real-life scenarios in a safe, controlled setting, we can motivate them toward their goals while quickly making modifications. Being in a hospital for an extended period can create a new set of habits because patients become used to delivered meals, showers without tubs, and a schedule made for them. The time with our therapy team in the suite allows one to better prepare for the transition back into their daily life and decision-making.

Tasks within ADL sessions allow for a collaborative and efficient approach among therapists. Cooking a patient’s favorite dish is one of the most common activities between therapist and patient, as it allows for observation of occupational, physical, and speech therapy progress. For example, physical therapists review one’s ability to stand at the stove and their overall balance and stability, occupational therapists watch for their ability to reach and turn things on/off, and speech therapists observe the ability to follow a recipe and swallow the food one makes.

Home Evaluations
The home evaluation is an invaluable tool for our team to ensure a safe and triumphant return to their living situation. The key to a successful transition is the personalization our team focuses on for each patient, their diagnosis, rehabilitation, and home environment. A vital part of patient care is meeting them where they’re at and keeping them safe. Sheridan Memorial Hospital prioritizes the home evaluation and is one of the few transitional care facilities in the area that takes the time to travel to the home with our patients to ensure it is in the best shape to transition back into the space.

A home evaluation isn’t a judgment of cleanliness or décor choices. This time is for a rehab therapist to evaluate the setup, the patient performing tasks, and their mobility throughout the home. This exercise helps to dispel the misconception that “when I go home, I will be able to do ______.” It presents a realistic picture of current levels of functioning and goal setting. A home evaluation is also a time for family members to learn about the adjustments needing to be made in the home, based on what is most important to our patients or additional services that might be required to provide proper care moving forward.

From simple adjustments like moving a rug and furniture which allows space for a walker to navigating life with a beloved pet that can be a tripping hazard, evaluations provide insight to the care team on how to serve our patients best. Home evaluations also decrease quick returns to TCU by eliminating dangers and determining issues a person might have when returning home.

Along with the visit within the home, there are discussions about daily living and the patient’s need for additional support. For patients who are alone in the home or only have a support system from afar, our team will familiarize them with community resources that specialize in providing these services. Home Care, Grocery Delivery, Goose Creek Transportation, and Home Delivered Meals through The Hub are just a few of the services our team familiarizes patients with, ensuring they’re able to return to a safe and fulfilling home life.

The newly improved ADL Suite, along with the many other amenities of the Transitional Care Expansion, will allow for enhanced care and even stronger transitions home for our patients. Our care team is looking forward to transitioning into the newly renovated space on the hospital’s 2^nd and 3^rd floors in the coming months, providing the opportunity to better serve our growing community with excellent patient-centered care.

Learn more about Transitional Care

For the second year in a row, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that Sheridan Memorial Hospital (SMH) earned an overall 5-Star rating putting the hospital in the top 13.73% of hospitals nationwide. This recognition illustrates the organization’s ongoing dedication to providing excellent healthcare for the Sheridan community. “We constantly strive for perfection, and we achieved this rating through continuous process and quality improvement initiatives. These initiatives have been successful because of the dedication and hard work of our employees,” said Liz Mahoney, Director of Quality Improvement.

The rating earned this year increased by 35% in the last year, due in large part to hospital-wide improvements which include daily staffing huddles at all levels. “We are committed to empowering our frontline staff to problem solve safety and process improvement issues,” said Mahoney. “Everything we do at Sheridan Memorial is driven by the desire to give the best possible care to our patients and encouraging all employees to collaborate and create positive change ensures we meet that goal.”

“We could not have achieved the 5-Star CMS ranking without a commitment to excellence from our physicians and staff along with the help of our community partners in healthcare. We are proud to work with multiple organizations in the Sheridan area to ensure excellent health and wellness for the people of Sheridan,” said Mike McCafferty, SMH CEO.

Mahoney also recognized the role community healthcare partners such as long-term care facilities and home healthcare agencies play in SMH’s high ranking. “Two of the quality measures in the CMS ranking system directly relate to patient outcomes within the first 30 days after discharge from the hospital. We are grateful to partner with Sheridan organizations who are equally as committed to patient care and safety as we are.”

This national award comes on the heels of SMH also earning full three-year accreditation from The Joint Commission, an accrediting body seeking to improve healthcare for the public. “Undertaking this extensive accreditation process ensures SMH continues to provide safe patient care as well as a safe environment for our employees,” Mahoney stated.

“This three-year accreditation is recognized nationally as the “Gold Seal of Approval” in healthcare, and we have earned it because of the outstanding work of our physicians and staff,” said McCafferty. “It demonstrates the commitment of all SMH employees to providing safe, excellent patient-centered care.”

Julie Boyd, RN and Emergency Department Manager, didn’t plan to play the part of a hero at the Sheridan WYO Rodeo earlier this month. But when there was a horse wreck during the Friday night Indian Relay Races – she sprang into action – literally.

18 year-old Bryson Rogers, a rider for the SM Express Relay team out of Lodge Grass, Montana had a horse fall on him and was unresponsive – so Julie jumped over fences and into the arena to help. She helped get him stabilized and put on a backboard so he could be taken to the hospital via ambulance. Then she made a call to Dr. Borg in the Emergency Department to let him know that Bryson was coming and relayed all necessary situational information.

The good news is that Bryson came out of it all ok. An athlete, he is set to go off to college this fall on scholarship to run cross country and play basketball in Lawrence, Kansas.

Bryson’s mother, Patricia Rogers, is thankful to Julie, noting that the “Trauma Nurse” made sure she and her husband could get down in the arena to be near their son. Then Julie kept the parents apprised of each step taken in their son’s care. “I thank God she let us be close to our son.”

In addition to high praise for Julie, Patricia also commended the Emergency Department on the care her son received. “They were so nice to our family and let us all come in and see Bryson. I am so happy about that. The doctors and nurses kept us informed on what they were going to do.”

“I am so surprised at how well he is doing – he has no broken bones, and I thought he would be more sore. Bryson is a very tough young man. We are so thankful to everyone.”

Would you like to leave a message of gratitude to a Sheridan Memorial Hospital employee(s)? If so, follow the link to Heartwarming Messages or visit https://www.sheridanhospital.org/community/heartwarming-messages/ to thank the Sheridan Memorial Hospital employee(s) who has made an impact on your life.

Come see our hospital Trauma Squad at 3rd Thursday, July 21^st beginning at 5 pm. We will be handing out important safety information, including Top Tips for Kids and Bicycle Safety advice. Join us for fun interactive games and awesome giveaways!

SMH Trauma Squad at Third Thursday Lynn Grady fitting a life jacket on child

Sheridan Memorial Hospital (SMH) is thrilled to welcome Rebecca Krzyminski, DO, a board-certified OB/GYN physician, to the Women’s Clinic team. Dr. Krzyminski found Sheridan by way of a mutual colleague of the Women’s Clinic OB/GYN staff and started working for SMH on July 1.

Dr. Krzyminski has always wanted to be a doctor, from the time she was a little girl. “I was fortunate to grow up in a family that always supported my dream of going to medical school,” she says, “I am the first in my family to become a doctor.”

Dr. Krzyminski’s expertise includes the full scope of OB/GYN care in both inpatient and outpatient settings as well as being a skilled robotic surgeon. She chose OB/GYN because she enjoys providing the range of care given to women in this field of practice, from primary to preventative to procedures. “I want to care for women in all phases of their lives and support them as needed no matter what stage they are in currently.”

She grew up and completed all of her schooling and residency in Michigan and brings over 6 years of experience to Sheridan. Dr. Krzyminski and her husband decided to relocate to Sheridan because they are ready to settle down and become a permanent part of a community as they raise their two children. “We were drawn to Sheridan because of the group at the hospital and because of the area itself. I am thrilled to work with the other women in the office, and this town seems like a good fit for our family.”

Dr. Krzyminski and her husband were college athletes, playing volleyball and basketball respectively. She adds, “I am a proud Spartan and cheer for Michigan State with no qualms to cheer for the Cowboys since they are not in the big 10.” The couple enjoys spending time outside during every season of the year with their nine-year-old daughter and six-year-old son. They enjoy swimming, hiking, and skiing with their children and are looking forward to the first soccer season.

More than anything, Dr. Krzyminski and her family are excited to settle into Sheridan and become part of the community in as many ways as possible.

According to Holly Zajic, SMH Chief Ambulatory Officer, “Dr. Krzyminski will be a fabulous addition to the Women’s Clinic team and will continue the tradition of providing excellent patient-centered care to women of all ages.”

To make an appointment with Dr. Krzyminski or learn more about Sheridan Memorial Hospital’s Women’s Clinic, go to https://www.sheridanhospital.org/medical-services/clinics/womens-clinic/ or call 307.672.2522.

By David Nickerson, MD – Medical Director of Sheridan Memorial Hospital’s Urgent Care

Summer weather calls many of us to spend more time outdoors. While this time of year brings a welcome respite from our cold Wyoming winters, it also brings higher temperatures and a greater risk of dehydration. Dehydration is the loss of too much water from the body and can disrupt its normal processes. While mild dehydration is easily treated by drinking fluids, severe dehydration can lead to organ dysfunction and is a medical emergency that requires prompt treatment.

Although dehydration can also occur with increased fluid loss from vomiting, diarrhea, fever, or certain medications, an additional risk in the summer comes from warmer outdoor temperatures. Heat-related dehydration is a risk for any age group. For example, infants do not have the ability to move themselves to a cooler environment or increase their fluid intake. High school football players, who sometimes practice twice a day in the intense August heat, are also at risk. Working adults such as roofers and firefighters exert themselves in hot environments. In fact, with physical exertion in hot, dry conditions, the human body can lose 1-2 liters of fluid per hour.

Dehydration can be prevented or treated with self-monitoring and oral rehydration. Early symptoms to watch for include increased thirst and dry mouth, lips, or eyes. Additional fluid loss can progress to fatigue, confusion, dizziness, and organ dysfunction. The well-hydrated body produces pale to clear urine, which becomes progressively darker to yellow and then brown with increasing dehydration.

You can avoid dehydration by drinking plenty of fluids such as water or sports drinks and avoiding caffeine and alcohol. Keep in mind that diarrhea, vomiting, and fever all increase your water loss and can also predispose you to dehydration and heat-related illnesses. Hydrate to the point that your urine is pale yellow or clear.

As an additional preventative measure, be mindful of the weather forecast and be willing to adjust your plans for the day. If it is going to be hot, don’t make big plans for exertion, and be sure to bring plenty of water. Plan any exercise, hikes, or outdoor work earlier in the day, when it is not as hot and you will lose less fluid through sweating.

However, if you or someone else begin to experience dark urine, fatigue, confusion, or dizziness despite attempts to rehydrate orally, seek medical attention immediately. Our emergency department or urgent care can quickly check your hydration status, electrolytes, and organ function and give IV fluids if necessary. Enjoy the summer weather, but do so safely!

If you or someone you love needs medical attention, we can help! Visit SheridanUrgentCare.com or click HERE to save your spot online at Sheridan Memorial Hospital’s Urgent Care or call us at 307.675.5850.

Sheridan Memorial Hospital announces the late summer opening of a new Primary Care practice to serve patients of all ages in downtown Sheridan at 61 South Gould Street. The office will open with six providers who are currently part of the SMH staff in the Internal Medicine clinic, including Dr. Kristopher Schamber, Dr. Chris Prior, Diana Charlson FNP-BC, Jeffrey Shideman FNP-C DNP, Jessica Neau PA-C, and Rebekah Montgomery FNP-C DNP. Two additional providers are scheduled to start by September- Dr. Erica Rinker, a family physician currently working in Buffalo, and Dr. Derek Redinger, an internist who will be returning home from Idaho.

"Primary care is not a specific specialty, but rather a style of medical practice with a focus on addressing a majority of personal health care needs, through long-term relationships with patients and their families, and practicing in the context of family and community." Dr. Kristopher Schamber Dr. Hannah Hall, Dr. Juli Ackerman, Dr. Sierra Gross, Dr. David Walker, Erin Strahan PA-C, and Jason Otto PA-C will remain with SMH Internal Medicine and continue to see patients in their current location in the Outpatient Center.

According to Dr. Kristopher Schamber, Medical Director for SMH’s new Primary Care practice, “Primary care is not a specific specialty, but rather a style of medical practice with a focus on addressing a majority of personal health care needs, through long-term relationships with patients and their families, and practicing in the context of family and community. This includes initial diagnosis of acute and chronic problems, management of chronic illness, health and wellness promotion, disease prevention, and appropriate referral to specialists as needed. Primary care practices generally serve all age groups, often caring for multiple generations of the same family, from grandparents, to grandchildren.”

Primary Care ideally serves as the entry point to the health system. “In essence, primary care providers are the first responders for the community’s non-emergent medical needs. They create strong, holistic patient relationships which provide access to the information and resources required for optimal health outcomes for our patients,” says Holly Zajic, Chief Ambulatory Officer.

Traditionally, Primary Care practice includes Family Practice (caring for all ages), Internal Medicine (caring for adults only), and Pediatrics (caring for children only). Sheridan Memorial Hospital Primary Care will focus on Family Practice, supported by our own Internal medicine providers caring for adults with more complex medical problems, and in collaboration with Northeast Wyoming Pediatric Associates for children with more complex medical problems.

If your current provider is moving to the new Primary Care clinic, you will simply have your appointments downtown going forward. Prior to any upcoming appointments at the new location, you will be reminded of this change.

Patients with immediate questions about this transition can contact Tyler Crossley, Primary Care Manager, at 307.672.1162. You may also visit the SMH Primary Care webpage at SheridanPrimaryCare.org for additional information. SMH anticipates scheduling in the downtown Primary Care practice to begin early August.

“We are excited to bring the new Primary Care practice to the community and provide a critical resource to gain access to care quickly and efficiently,” Zajic said.

Learn more at SheridanPrimaryCare.org

Cathy Bealer, Sheridan Memorial Hospital’s new Chief Nursing Officer (CNO), had a deep desire to go into nursing since early childhood. It stemmed from watching and learning from her mother, Esther Kawulok, who was a nurse at Sheridan Memorial Hospital (SMH) for over 40 years.

Cathy remembers, “As a little girl, I would watch my mom get ready putting on her all-white uniform – including stockings and white cap. She even had one of those navy blue nurse’s cloaks. My mom worked all those years on the night shift on the second floor of our hospital. She was the best nurse and the doctors loved her. I always wanted to be just like her and have always been so proud of her and how she loved her patients.”

Following her heart, Cathy earned her Associate Nursing degree from Casper College, a Bachelor of Nursing degree from the University of Wyoming, a Master of Healthcare Administration from Montana State University, and a Fellowship from the American College of Medical Practice Executives.

She and her husband, Greg, lived in Casper for 8 years and Billings for 25 years, where Cathy served in different roles, including an Emergency Department charge nurse at St. Vincent’s Healthcare and Chief Executive Officer for Frontier Cancer Center Clinics in Wyoming and MT.

She loved her jobs in Montana, but in 2015, as her mother aged and her father needed help, Cathy decided to return to Sheridan and pursue the Director of Professional Services position at SMH. She and Greg relocated to Sheridan and went about helping her parents. “I was able to be with my mother for the last year of her life. A few years later my father passed away. I’m so thankful to have spent those last years with them.”

Speaking about her new position, Cathy says, “I love Sheridan Memorial Hospital and I love what I do. We have excellent medical care here locally. When the CNO position was announced, I knew I wanted to pursue it. We have new nursing managers here with so much enthusiasm and such potential to grow – I get caught up in the excitement. I love to help caregivers grow.”

“My goal for the remainder of my career is to mentor the next generation of leaders and to showcase our talented nursing staff. I like to bring out the best in people when actually, they already have it in them. I feel so blessed and honored and humbled to be here,” Cathy adds.

Cathy’s leadership covers multiple areas within the hospital, including ICU, Medical/ Surgical Units, Women’s Health, Homecare, Hospice, Respiratory Therapy, Surgical Services, Cath Lab, Welch Cancer Center, Transitional Care Unit and Employee Health. Cathy’s husband, Greg, also works at SMH in Grounds keeping.

More about Esther Kawulok
For those of you who might remember Cathy’s mother, Esther Kawulok, she graduated from nursing school in Montana in the early 1950s. Esther was the first and only child in her family to earn a college degree and she did so because she didn’t want her children to struggle as she had: growing up in a two-room home with a dirt floor. After graduating, Esther and two other single nurses moved to Sheridan to work at the hospital. Cathy’s mom married her dad and the couple worked tirelessly to raise Cathy and her 5 siblings. Esther worked for over 40 years at Sheridan Memorial Hospital while her dad worked two jobs. Her parents’ strong work ethic and compassion for others have been driving forces in Cathy’s life.

To learn more about career opportunities in nursing, go to www.sheridanhospital.org/careers or reach out to Sheridan Memorial Hospital’s Human Resources Recruiter Holly Hofer at 307.673.4296 or by email at recruiting@sheridanhospital.org

By Cathy Bealer, RN, MHA, FACMPE, Chief Nursing Officer

Sheridan Memorial Hospital (SMH) strives to meet community and regional demand for patient care. In recent years we have become even more aware of the importance of growing and adapting in ways that add value for our patients and appropriately meet the needs of the Sheridan community and region. Providing care close to home ensures people are able to stay near their family and friends when health issues arise.

One area where care close to home is especially important is Transitional Care. Having a comfortable, private environment to heal and regain strength and confidence for a safe return home following a serious illness, injury, or surgery is critical.

SMH’s Transitional Care service began in 2005. Since then, our patients’ needs have continually grown. Today, the hospital averages eight to ten Transitional Care patients per day; however, we have had requests locally and regionally that surpass our ability to accept patients in the current space.

The good news is that over the last two and one-half years, the hospital and the SMH Foundation have been working toward the Transitional Care Expansion – repurposing the 2nd and 3rd floors of the original 1954 hospital building into a place where patients can recuperate and receive the rehabilitation services they need to regain a level of independence to safely return home or transition to a different level of care.

Our new Transitional Care Unit (TCU) is set to open in late summer and we are excited to expand our capacity to serve our community. The new unit has 20 comfortable private suites, each with its own bathroom. Complete with a private dining area and spacious therapy gym with striking views of the Big Horn Mountains, the 15,600 square feet space is a welcome expansion from our current 8-bed unit.

Tommi Ritterbusch, our new Transitional Care Manager, has played a pivotal role in the expansion. She says, “The TCU opening is an exciting time for our community as we now can offer 20 private rooms to patients who are working towards recovering and regaining strength to get them back home with their families. Having this new dedicated unit means patients have accessibility to these recuperative services in a beautiful setting with professionals who are dedicated to ensuring they have great experiences close to home.”

With a physician’s referral, our TCU is designed to help our patients meet their healthcare goals by providing rehabilitation and skilled nursing care. It provides coordination and continuity between various providers, services and settings. Our outstanding team of professionals serving these patients include physical, occupational, speech, pulmonary and respiratory therapists; nurses; case management and social workers; dietitians; pharmacists; and physicians.

This interdisciplinary team is one of the services most beneficial to any person’s successful transition from a hospital stay to home. The team meets regularly with each patient and/or their families and caregivers throughout their stay to ensure the TCU care provided is on track with individualized and established goals. After a serious illness or injury, it can be challenging to transition back to normal life, especially if the “new normal” is different. That’s where TCU care also steps in. It allows patients to take their time adjusting to a new quality of life, emotionally and physically. Days of care in the TCU range anywhere from 3 to 100 days, depending on individual patient circumstances and healthcare guidelines.

Our hospital’s case managers assist patients and their families when needed to determine the most appropriate setting for the next step or level of care. Individual needs are reviewed, discussed and assessed by the team in conjunction with each patient. This process may often include a visit to the patient’s home to ensure it is safe and set up correctly for success. Or it may be an opportunity to connect and introduce patients to other support services available in our area.

NEW Transitional Care Unit

The expansion of our hospital’s TCU combines this unique care and the patient experience, ensuring a quality stay for patients in a separate environment. Patient goals vary but may include learning new skills, participating in activities, and socialization. This daily routine is also a significant component in preparing for the transition back home. Some of the activities include: cooking and baking in the TCU kitchen, completing laundry tasks, improving mobility through exercise either in the therapy gym or outside on the beautiful SMH campus, practicing entering and exiting a vehicle, and a beautiful group dining and activity area.

Every member of our SMH team desires to provide excellent care close to home for our Sheridan community. The TCU Expansion greatly enhances our ability to meet the needs of the patients we serve every day to ensure quality, safe care and help patients return to daily environments with the highest level of strength and functionality possible.

Learn more about Transitional Care

By Brady Shoemaker, Information Services Manager at Sheridan Memorial Hospital

Sheridan Memorial Hospital (SMH) is pleased to offer convenient, secure, online access to your personal health information through our patient portal: MySheridanHealth. Once enrolled, patients can easily access their medical information 24 hours a day via an app on their cell phone or via computer at sheridanhospital.org.

MySheridanHealth is available to all patients at no cost. Originally implemented at the hospital in 2014,over the last year our team has been working to optimize the portal to make even more information available to our patients.

Patients of SMH, and its affiliated clinics, including Big Horn Surgical; Ear, Nose & Throat; Heart Center; Internal Medicine, Rheumatology; and the Women’s Clinic, can view appointments, request medication refills, communicate with healthcare providers and much more from MySheridanHealth.

Many options are available to our patients to access their medical records, including viewing lab results, medication lists, allergies and immunization records. In today’s world, MySheridanHealth can even be considered a mobile COVID-19 Vaccination card. When you have a COVID-19 or influenza test through the hospital – those lab results are posted in the patient portal as soon as testing is completed.

Patients can review summaries of recent office or hospital visits, surgeries or procedures. For example, patients can easily view the dates, history and results of tests and procedures, including colonoscopy, mammography, x-rays, provider visits, and more.

Other conveniences of MySheridanHealth include communication with staff via secure messaging, requesting an appointment, conducting a scheduled video visit or appointment with a provider, accessing forms needed for an upcoming appointment, tracking health conditions and wellness goals, and much more.

Granting access to others

Under certain conditions, you may grant access to your MySheridanHealth account, as in the case of a caregiver needing access in order to manage a patient’s care. This would also apply to parents or legal guardians of children under the age of 18 or those who care for individuals with mental or physical impairments. Or if an individual gives their permission for another person to have access to their medical records.

Enrollment

Signing up for the patient portal is easy. We are offering online enrollment to the patient portal by visiting MySheridanHealth.org on the internet – Required information includes:

Full Name
Date of Birth
Medical Record Number (This can be found on a copy of a recent hospital bill, or by contacting SMH Health Information department at 307-672-1070)
Your Email Address

An invitation email will be sent to the patient after online enrollment has been completed.

Those who want to access MySheridanHealth on their mobile phone can download the Heathelife app to obtain quick access.

Privacy

SMH takes great care to protect your health information. MySheridanHealth is completely confidential and meets all federal HIPAA guidelines designed to protect your personal health information.

For more information, go to MySheridanHealth or call the hospital at 307.672.1000.

Better Hearing & Speech Month is an annual occasion designed to raise awareness of hearing loss and speech problems. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) created Better Hearing & Speech Month in 1927, and President Reagan issued a formal proclamation designating May as the official month in 1986. The goal of Better Hearing & Speech Month is to encourage people to take action if they believe there might be a problem with their hearing or speech.

Hearing loss is common. An estimated 48 million Americans suffer from it and this is a number that continues to grow as the condition increasingly affects a younger demographic. One out of three adults 65 and older experiences some degree of hearing loss; by 75, that number jumps to one out of two. Other factors that contribute to hearing loss include ear infections, impacted earwax and ototoxic medications.

Hearing evaluations are the best way to detect hearing loss early. It is important to identify problems before they worsen and recommend treatment to those who might otherwise suffer debilitating social and emotional effects of hearing loss, including depression, isolation, memory loss and cognitive decline.

Hearing loss is not just a condition that affects older people. Hearing is the cornerstone of a child’s language and social skills; any degree of hearing loss can result in developmental delays. Early detection can ensure a child develops at a normal rate alongside their peers.

At Sheridan Memorial Hospital’s Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Clinic, our Audiology team provides comprehensive hearing evaluations for patients of all ages and they can also monitor patients’ hearing and investigate the need for hearing devices. The team includes audiologists: Pattie Visscher, Au.D., CCC-A, our newest addition, Shayln Ballew, Au.D., CCC-A and our audiology office coordinator, Sonia Coleman, who all work closely with Dr. Cheryl Varner, the otolaryngologist at the ENT clinic. Please join us in raising awareness and promoting healthy hearing!

To find out more about our Ear, Nose and Throat practice and Audiology services, click here. https://www.sheridanhospital.org/medical-services/clinics/ear-nose-throat/

By Toni Schoonover, BSN, RN – Trauma Coordinator at Sheridan Memorial Hospital

On May 12, 2022 Governor Gordon signed a proclamation recognizing May as Trauma Awareness Month in Wyoming. Every year in May, the American Trauma Society (ATS) and Society of Trauma Nurses (STN) join with other trauma organizations to celebrate National Trauma Awareness month by sharing injury prevention and education to highlight and prevent major causes of injury and death from trauma. This all started in 1988 when Ronald Reagan acknowledged the need for better trauma awareness and designated this month to focus time and resources into increasing education and prevention activities.

This year Sheridan Memorial Hospital (SMH) is doing its part to help raise awareness and provide education to our community. During May, you will see Emergency Department Staff wearing Trauma Awareness shirts with the quote “Prevention is Cure.” Trauma Awareness is all about prevention: 94% of trauma patients seen at SMH in 2021 were due to blunt injuries such as falls and motor vehicle crashes. Many of these injuries could have been prevented with simple interventions such as wearing a seatbelt, not driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, fall prevention including home safety and eliminating fall hazards in your home, and maintaining good physical health.

This year’s theme for Trauma Awareness Month is “Safe Surroundings: Preventing Violence and Promoting Peace Community by Community.” Topics for prevention are: intimate partner violence, firearm injury prevention, mental health awareness and community violence intervention. To find free webinars related to these topics, go to sheridanhospital.org and click on the Emergency Department page.

SMH has been an Area Trauma Hospital (ATH) since 2001. An ATH, by definition, is an acute care facility with the commitment, medical staff, personnel, and specialty training necessary to provide primary care to the trauma patient. An ATH provides initial resuscitation, immediate operative intervention and ensures stabilization prior to transferring a patient to a higher level of care if indicated. In order for SMH to maintain this designation, we go through an extensive Wyoming Trauma Facility Site Review every 3 years. Our review, which takes place this week, ensures our hospital is providing the best possible care to our trauma patients. We are continually reassessing the care we are providing and implementing performance improvement processes as needed. Maintaining trauma designation holds several benefits for our hospital, patients and community. Research has shown it leads to better patient outcomes with decreased incidence of death. Maintaining the designation holds us to a higher standard of care, helps keep care local, and ultimately it can save lives.

To learn more about our Emergency Department and access the Trauma Awareness Month webinars click HERE or visit: https://www.sheridanhospital.org/medical-services/emergency/

For most people, Sheridan, WY is a place to come when you want to get away from the crowds yet still crave the comforts of a small town. For Sig Palm, the deciding factor to come to Sheridan was having local access to exceptional healthcare.

Sig’s first introduction to Sheridan came in 1967, while on a trip to meet with the forest supervisor and his primary staff. Sig was a newlywed, freshly off active duty in the Army, and brand new to the Forest Service. That day kicked off a pivotal Forest Service career spanning fifty-eight years and numerous states. While the bulk of his working years took him far away from Sheridan, he never forgot how at home he felt there. Unforeseen to him at the time, Sheridan would become the place he relied on to manage numerous health concerns ranging from minor to extensive.

Sig is no stranger to heart problems – both his maternal grandfather and his mother died of congestive heart failure. Around the age of 11, Sig realized he had inherited the same heart trouble. “I knew about it because I didn’t have the stamina that other kids did, like in PE.” So, it was of little shock to Sig when in 2012, on a Boy Scout trip to Yellowstone with his grandson, he went into congestive heart failure.

At that time, Sig and his wife Judi were living in Colorado Springs but contemplating a return move to Sheridan. “Sheridan is where we felt most at home. Our kids were born around here, and we kept in touch with our friends.” But for Sig and Judi, they couldn’t base their decision to move back solely on feelings – the scare on that Yellowstone Boy Scout trip made proximity to specialized healthcare the number one determinant in where they would live. Armed with a list of Sheridan doctors suggested by his physician in Colorado Springs, Sig set to work researching. “The most important thing to me at the time was the heart center and what it offered. I told them what I had going on, and Dr. Brennan came highly recommended.” What he found in researching Sheridan Memorial Hospital Heart Center sealed the deal – after decades away, they were coming home to Sheridan.

Since their move back to Sheridan, Sig has run the gamut with hospital specialties. From Cardiology, Orthopedics, and Wyoming Rehab to Internal Medicine and The Welch Cancer Center – he has been a patient of each. Sig recalls a conversation he had with Dr. Megan Ratterman, Oncologist at the Welch Cancer Center, when he was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma. She said, “I won’t feel offended if you want a second opinion.” Sig thought about it and decided, “Nah. You know, I want to stick with the Sheridan team. I trust their counsel.”

Sig understands he has options for care. He has chosen to stay here at SMH. For Sig, the ability to receive the care he needs locally made all the difference. “Everyone I have ever came in contact with at the hospital has been just beyond wonderful.”

For more information about the many exceptional services offered at Sheridan Memorial Hospital, visit our website at www.SheridanHospital.org.

What can you do? Know the risk factors. Free Drive-up Stroke Awareness Event on May 24^th

Every 40 seconds in the United States, someone experiences a stroke. Stroke is a debilitating and deadly injury to the brain that causes a death every 3.5 minutes in this country. Often the death follows a lengthy illness that limits a person’s participation in the daily activities of life.

Fortunately, there are several things you can do to minimize the risk factors of experiencing a stroke. Managing health conditions such as atrial fibrillation, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and eliminating lifestyle risk factors such as smoking can significantly decrease your risk of experiencing a stroke. Other lifestyle changes one can make to decrease the risk of stroke include maintaining a healthy weight by eating a healthy diet and engaging in regular exercise regimens, minimizing alcohol consumption, reducing personal stress levels, and maintaining regular appointments with one’s healthcare provider.

If you do experience signs and symptoms of a stroke, such as sudden numbness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body, or sudden confusion, difficulty speaking, or loss of coordination, call 911 immediately or immediately get to the Emergency Department. If someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, a quick and easy way to determine if this person may be experiencing a stroke is the F.A.S.T. mnemonic.

F – Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?

A – Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

S – Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is the speech slurred or strange?

T – Time: If you see any of these signs, call 911 right away.

Stroke Awareness Drive-Up

You can find out more at the hospital’s Stroke Awareness Education Drive-Up on Tuesday, May 24^th, from 9 to 11 am. Just come to the parking lot on the north side of the hospital, near the cafeteria entrance. Look for the tent and be sure to wear a face covering. Healthcare professionals will be there with more information on F.A.S.T. and lifestyle changes you can make to help prevent a stroke. They will also provide education on healthy habits to protect your heart and understand heart failure symptoms.

If you have any questions regarding your potential stroke risk factors, you are highly encouraged to schedule an appointment with your primary care provider to address these concerns. If you don’t have one, check out Sheridan Memorial Hospital’s Internal Medicine practice or call: 307.675.2650

The Sheridan County Sportsmen’s Association is once again hosting its Cancer Benefit Trap Shoot with funds raised going to help patients at Sheridan Memorial Hospital’s Welch Cancer Center.

After a 2-year break, this year’s event will be held on Saturday, June 18 at the Sportsmen’s Club, located east of Sheridan at 89 Keystone Road.

The event will feature 50 non-registered targets: 25 Singles & 25 Handicap based on the team’s score. Cost is $40 per person or $200 for a 5-person team and includes lunch and an event T-shirt. Shooters can register by going to “Events” at sheridanhospital.org or by contacting Tracy Landeis at 307-763-0207.

According to Landeis, one of the event organizers, “Cancer is an important cause that touches us all. We are happy to host this shoot and our volunteers make it all happen. It’s a fun day for a great cause. All who attend are welcome to join in the fun and enter raffles to win additional prizes.”

Committee members Sally Labore, Tracy Landeis, Trudy Brice, Lyle Brice, Jerry Reed, Ada Kirven and Cecile Pattison plan and coordinate the event. Over the years, the Sportsmen’s Club has raised over $16,000 for the Cancer Center.

The Sheridan Memorial Hospital Foundation partners with the group to put on the event and according to Ada Kirven, Director of Donor Relations, “This is a great event with shooters coming from all over the region. Our patients and their families are so grateful to this committee and all of the incredible volunteers involved.”

To find out more about the event click here or call Tracy Landeis at 307-763-0207.

By Cathy Bealer, RN, MHA, FACMPE – Chief Nursing Officer at Sheridan Memorial Hospital
National Nurses Week is May 6-12, with the American Nurses Association recognizing and honoring nurses across the United States. Nurses have faced challenging times, especially over the past two years during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our organization was not immune to these unprecedented challenges. I want first to emphasize how proud I am of our nursing teams and the way they responded to these challenges. We exceeded our community’s expectations by providing outstanding care to patients and their families throughout the pandemic. And through it all, our nursing teams stepped up to care for each other.

As we reflect upon the past year, we are proud of our nurses’ commitment, compassion and resilience in caring for our patients, their families, and our community. I extend my genuine gratitude to each of them for the kindness and strength they have shown and the excellent care they have provided to our patients. Their work through the challenges, triumphs and losses over this past year has been remarkable, and they have worked tirelessly to ensure our patients and community have been cared for.

Reflecting on the past is helpful to realize just what our nursing team has achieved and what lies before us. We honor their contributions, and we thank them for the healing they bring. Organizational excellence begins with people, and our nursing professionals are an integral part of supporting our community.
Looking toward the future, our nurses are an inspiration, and their efforts make a difference in patients’ lives. Thank you to all nurses for their efforts and sacrifices as we work together to meet the needs of our community.
Happy Nurses week!!

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