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We’ve all experienced a pesky health issue at one time or another that, while not an emergency, is annoying nonetheless. Whether it be a respiratory illness like the flu, a cold or a minor injury such as a cut or a sprain, you have likely felt the need to get seen promptly to start feeling better as soon as possible. So, where do you go? What care team can you turn to? Answer: Renown Urgent Care. This dynamic department of doctors, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, medical assistants, radiology technologists, practice site leaders, patient access representatives and more sees patients every day of the year both in-person and via telehealth for a diverse list of acute health conditions. For patients who need quick yet non-emergent care, the ease and convenience of walking into a practice just a short distance away is a result of our talented team at our Reno, Sparks, Carson City, Fernley and Fallon Urgent Care locations. Immediate Care for Immediate Needs We can all agree that virtually no one enjoys being sick. When you walk into a Renown Urgent Care location (or log onto a telehealth visit), you are there for one reason: to get well. Your entire care team shares that exact same goal, from start to finish.  First, you walk into one of our ten Urgent Care locations and are quickly greeted by our friendly patient access representatives, otherwise known as PARs.  “As a PAR, we greet our patients at the front and welcome them into the clinic,” said Gillian Kitchell, Patient Access Representative Lead at Renown Urgent Care – Ryland. “We make sure we communicate their symptoms effectively and privately, and we have financial conversations with them as well. Most importantly, we implement compassion and kindness in our conversations to ensure patients feel at ease when they are in our care.”  “My role in urgent care is being the first face patients encounter when they walk in the facility,” added Denise Mosqueira, Patient Access Representative at Renown Urgent Care – Fernley. “We check in patients, print out doctor’s notes and handle the clerical side. We collect copays and payments for visits and create estimates for those who do not have active insurance or are choosing to opt out of their insurance for the visit.”  “From the moment a patient walks in the door, I try to make them feel comfortable and cared for, regardless of if they are age 2 or 102,” added Elizabeth Kienas, Patient Access Representative at Renown Urgent Care – Damonte Ranch. “A greeting and a smile with accurate demographic and intake allowing patients to get quick healthcare is the full circle goal. We want to get them back home and resting.”  Once you’re checked in and called back into the exam area, a medical assistant will guide you through checking your vitals and getting more information about the health issue you’re experiencing.  “As a Medical Assistant, my day is spent rooming patients, running patient tests (swabs), assisting providers with procedures and providing excellent patient care,” said Aleassa Roberts, Certified Medical Assistant at Renown Urgent Care – Fernley. “We also scan documents into patient charts, record patient results, schedule imaging appointments and provide wound care. Most days we also perform drug screenings, EKGs and various other smaller duties throughout the day. We provide immediate first aid for emergency patients and have a working relationship with our local EMS providers. Medical Assistants wear lots of hats in Urgent Care!”  “In Urgent Care, every day is different; in one day, we will see a variety of patients with all different symptoms,” added Chrystal Hartley, Certified Medical Assistant at Renown Urgent Care – Los Altos. “We are always busy running tests, sending out orders, drawing blood and helping assist with lacerations and procedures. Urgent care is fast paced.”  “My day is filled with rooming patients, testing them for illness and helping providers in any way I can,” added Erin Del Porto, Certified Medical Assistant at Renown Urgent Care – Fernley. “Every day can be a little different; it just depends on the day and the patient load. Before patients arrive, a normal day starts with setting up the clinic if it hasn’t been done yet, including checking the temperatures log, unlocking doors and getting the room ready. After that, I go about my duties with checking tests and supplies; then, I huddle with the team before the day starts.”  Soon after, your provider will come in and examine you, focusing on your specific concern and giving you laser-focused attention. Their goal is the same as yours: to get you feeling better as quickly as possible. Like any other routine provider’s visit, they will give you the best possible plan of care for your health issue, which may include rest, medications, tests or imaging. And you’ll have peace of mind knowing that the provider caring for you loves and thrives in their role at Renown Urgent Care.  “I love working in Urgent Care because we get to provide care for patients that don’t need emergent care but also can’t get in to see their primary care provider,” said Sarah Gentile, APRN, Nurse Practitioner for Renown Urgent Care. “We have the BEST team – and sometimes we even get snacks.”  If you end up needing to get imaging done, such as X-rays, our radiology technologists then step in to provide those diagnostic services.   “When I get here, I do warm-ups on the X-ray equipment and ensure everything is working properly,” said Steph Hawley, Outpatient Radiology Technologist at Renown Urgent Care – Fernley. “I keep an eye on the Urgent Care patient list and take a guess on which patients will likely need imaging. I also keep an eye on walk-in patients for imaging as well as orders from our primary care office. I wait for imaging orders to be put in, and then I begin the exam on the computer and go set up the room for whatever the exam may be. I will go get the patient from their room and take them to X-ray to complete the exam. Sometimes exams aren't easy or there are obstacles. I roll with whatever happens. I am a big fan of getting the exams done as quickly as possible while still getting quality imaging. I try and keep an eye on the rooms to see if maybe they need to be cleaned for new patients. Our medical assistants are always busy, so sometimes just a little bit could help them out. I also like to fix technical things around here when they are broken, such as computers and printers. I like to work with everyone to get patient care moving.”  “I am the radiology technologist for our Urgent Care on USA Parkway, so I take those X-rays when patients need them,” added Patricia Slupski, Outpatient Radiology Technologist for Renown Urgent Care – USA Parkway. “When I’m not busy doing my main role, I assist the patient access representatives in any way I can, from checking in patients, scheduling Occupational Health appointments, answering phone calls and sending out workers compensation paperwork to the employers.”  Overseeing it all and helping make the magic happen are the Practice Site Leaders. Under their leadership, each Urgent Care location runs like a well-oiled machine.  “I lead the team and help them in different areas that are needed,” said Rachel Hayes, Practice Site Leader for Renown Urgent Care – Damonte Ranch. “I make sure I deliver them with the most up to date information from our other departments and make sure they have all the tools they need to succeed. I support them and listen to them and make sure that everything runs smoothly.”  As you can see, each member of the Urgent Care team has an important role to play during your entire visit. They are all here to Fight the Good Fight with you as you continue on your road to recovery.

Read More About Department Spotlight: Urgent Care

When Angela Seagraves was told she had kidney disease at the young age of 30-something, her health became even more center stage. After many unsuccessful attempts at getting care out-of-state in hopes of a transplant, the Renown Patient Access Representative would experience a “dream come true” with the establishment of the Renown Transplant Institute, Reno’s first-ever kidney transplant program. Angela tried many things to keep her kidneys in check after her diagnosis. However, getting COVID-19 four times would be what would accelerate her into stage five kidney failure by March 2023. With her kidneys operating at 12%, she began dialysis in June of that same year, going in three days a week for three hours of treatment each time. With no kidney transplant program in northern Nevada at the time, Angela was forced to look outside the area, without success. Feeling discouraged, she continued dialysis, hoping for an answer. That answer then came when she started seeing announcements on Renown’s intranet regarding the grand opening of the Renown Transplant Institute and the kidney transplant journey of Kirill Zelenin, the son Renown Clinical Application Specialist Masha Zelenin. After being referred to the Institute by her care team at DaVita Dialysis Center, Angela scheduled her evaluation appointment. Here’s a breakdown of what she experienced. Angela’s First Appointment at the Renown Transplant Institute Angela was excited to know that she would only have to wait a couple of weeks to be seen for her full-day appointment at the Renown Transplant Institute. She felt nothing but optimism when the day came. After she checked in at 7:30 a.m., her appointment started with a Transplant 101 education class, a detailed overview of the transplant process. She was then brought into the office to meet the multidisciplinary transplant team, including: Dr. Ernesto Molmenti, Executive Director of the Renown Transplant Institute and Chief of Transplantation at Renown Health Dr. Narisorn Atsava-Svate, Transplant Nephrologist for the Renown Transplant Institute Transplant nurse coordinators, a pharmacist, a dietician, a social worker and a financial coordinator Together, the team review her medical history, discussed what makes a good transplant candidate and explained the tests required as part of her evaluation. “These people were some of the kindest, most genuine people I’ve ever met,” she said. Following the team meet-and-greets, Angela was sent to the lab, where the phlebotomists took several blood samples. Then, she walked over from the lab to the imaging room, where she ended her full-day assessment with a chest X-ray and a CT scan of her abdomen and pelvis. Time of check-out: 3:30 p.m. Angela walked out of her appointment with restored hope, noting how “wonderful the support system is” at the Renown Transplant Institute.

Read More About A First-Hand Account of a Renown Health Kidney Transplant Evaluation Experience

Transition into the new year with our Transitional Care Coordinators at Renown Rehabilitation Hospital!  As a patient, your healthcare journey may seem overwhelming and confusing. Add a significant injury to the equation, and now you potentially have a rehabilitation detour on your road to recovery. Then you have to think about what happens next after you head home? In-home physical therapy? Home health? More rehab? There are many questions to answer about the next steps in your journey.  Enter: Renown Rehabilitation Hospital’s Transitional Care Coordinators (TCCs). As a rehab patient’s key support in the transition from hospital to home, this department ensures everyone on a patient's care team has the best information to deliver care after discharge while remaining in constant communication with the patient and family to meet their unique health needs.  At the Right Time, In the Right Place The role of our Transitional Care Coordinators at our rehab hospital is exactly what it sounds like: helping patients transition from a hospital or rehabilitation setting back to their home or a lower level of care. Every step of the way, these experts are laser-focused on making sure patients continue to receive the support they need during this key transition period.  "The main goal of the Transitional Care Coordinator is to get the patient to the appropriate level of care at the right time and the right place,” said Marty Ackerman, Senior Transitional Care Coordinator. “Our day involves collaborating between the inpatient physiatry team, consulting team and attending team at the acute level, as well as the discharge planning team. We work with the patient’s family to come up with the best plan of care, whether it’s home health, inpatient, outpatient or acute care. Day to day, we see about 20-25 patients.”  Once a patient is released to go home after rehab, our Transitional Care Coordinators ensure each patient is properly set up with physical, speech and occupational therapy in an outpatient setting or at home. Working closely in tandem with the TCCs, the Discharge Planning Assistant sets up transportation, equipment and more.  “I start by listening in on our morning meeting to see who we might bring in, what the doctors say and what the rest of the team thinks in regard to seeing if a patient is appropriate for care at Renown Rehabilitation Hospital,” said Emma Van Patten, Discharge Planning Assistant. “I work closely with case management, so if any patient needs discharge equipment to safely get around, such as a wheelchair or a walker, I will order it from a durable medical equipment (DME) company or home health if the patient needs more assistance at their house when they leave. I set up transport for all the hospital admits and make sure everyone gets their equipment on time before they leave.”  The reach of the TCCs goes beyond hospital walls. In fact, their reach even goes beyond state lines and country borders. If a member of our community is injured and wants to come back to Reno for treatment, our TCCs will work with teams around the world to make that a reality.  "Recently I was able to help a member of our community, who was injured in California, come back to Reno and undergo rehab here,” said Sharon Trimmer, Transitional Care Coordinator. “It was a collaborative effort with the team that we got the referral from in California, working closely with insurance companies, working with doctors here, coordinating the transfer back from California – it was all especially rewarding. The patient was so grateful to be back home.”  "I love it when we work with these externals and get them back home,” added Marty Ackerman. “It is really quite an accomplishment. A patient can be in Europe, Asia, anywhere – we will help them. I was able to admit someone from Latvia by working with a global travel insurance company. We got medical records transcribed from Russian to English, and the patient’s family was very helpful with the translation.”  Thanks to the above-and-beyond efforts of the entire team at Renown Rehab and the best-in-class level of care they provide, our rehab hospital has been nationally recognized. And this award will certainly not be the end of the accolades the hospital collects.  "Becker's Hospital Review recently ranked Renown Rehabilitation Hospital as a top rehab facility in the state of Nevada and the U.S.,” said Marty Ackerman. “This was a very proud moment for us.”  “Every day is different. Each day we continue to experience new situations and challenges,” added Sharon Trimmer. “I appreciate the help of the team members who each bring unique perspectives and experiences to problem solve for the best outcomes. I love the opportunity to continue learning on daily basis.”  Our Transitional Care Coordinators would like to emphasize to readers that anyone is more than welcome to come to Renown Rehabilitation Hospital for a tour. They look forward to sharing what they do with our growing community.

Read More About Department Spotlight: Transitional Care Coordinators

Our bodies hold a special elixir to life that keeps our brains thinking, our lungs thriving and our hearts ticking – blood. The bloodstream is key to making sure nutrients, hormones and oxygen all get to the right place and transport waste out of the body.  However, blood can be sensitive. Entering the bloodstream to help your veins, arteries and vessels function or give medication directly to your vascular system is a delicate process. It takes the careful hands and minds of compassionate healthcare professionals to make it all happen. At Renown Regional Medical Center, those professionals make up the Vascular Access department. Proud members of the region’s leading vascular care team, our Vascular Access nurses are each hospitalized patient’s bedside bloodstream companions.  Access for Life The nurses in our Vascular Access team do exactly what you’d expect: provide access to the bloodstream for medications and other medical interventions. These team members are specialists in assessing, placing and managing devices for patients needing IV treatments, blood draws, hemodialysis and more.  The devices they work with, otherwise referred to as vascular access devices (VADs), run the gamut of vascular excellence. These include: Peripheral inserted central catheters, also known as “PICC lines” Hemodialysis catheters Peripheral IV catheters (PIVs) Central venous catheters (CVCs) Long-term peripheral catheters, also known as “midlines” In Vascular Access, time is of the essence. Their daily life at work involves working quickly and accurately to ensure patients get the best possible outcomes.  “Our day starts off with prioritizing orders,” said Kimberly Wallace, Vascular Access RN. “It is important to us that patients get meaningful care in a timely manner so that they can proceed with discharges, receive important medications and proceed to exams. We juggle timelines to get patients’ access as quickly as possible.”  “You’ll find us rolling around the hospital with our ultrasound machines and placing PICC lines, midlines and PIVs, as well as helping out with dressing changes and line audits,” added Derek Zastre, Vascular Access RN.  When it comes to complex vascular procedures, providers around Renown feel confident that they can call upon our talented Vascular Access team to handle it with the utmost care.  “We receive orders from providers for central lines, midlines and difficult IVs,” said Kris Gregor, Vascular Access RN. “We prioritize and assess need by evaluating patients' charts and ensuring the correct line is ordered and subsequently placed.”  Even more PICC line experts can be found at Renown South Meadows Medical Center, where the Vascular Access department has five Imaging PICC Line nurses, nuclear medicine nurses and MRI nurses ready to serve with their careful hands as they precisely place these flexible catheters to administer life-saving medications. Stay tuned for their Department Spotlight in 2025!  Naturally, a procedure that involves entering the bloodstream can be quite intimidating for any patient. Luckily for them, empathy comes easily for the Vascular Access care team.  “We walk our patients through the process, explaining the reasons why we are placing the lines and how it is going to feel,” said Kris Gregor. “We try our best to alleviate fears and anxiety by maintaining professionalism and showing empathy. Generally, patients relax while we place [the lines] and report that it was not as scary or as bad as they had thought it would be.”  “We explain the procedure to the patients, discuss pain control that will be given during the procedure and help the patient find a comfortable position,” added Kimberly Wallace. “We ask them about themselves and get to know them. Some patients want to listen to music while the line is being placed, so we facilitate these types of comforts for them. We provide them with opportunities to ask questions.”  Each patient’s hopes and wishes about their care are always top of mind for the Vascular Access team, every step of the way.  “We place a lot of PICCs and midlines to better our patients' outcomes all over the hospital,” said Kris Gregor. “We always have our patients' best interest at heart.”  Up for the Challenge Being a Vascular Access nurse is not for the faint of heart. A steady hand, a careful approach and precise attention to detail are all musts. The Vascular Access team is not only up for the challenge, but they are also masters of the challenge. It’s a badge of honor for them.  “I am honored to be a part of a crew that takes infection prevention seriously, has no reported central line associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) from the line placement and takes peer education seriously,” said Derek Zastre. “We inform everyone of the vascular access policy for line placement.”   “I am also very proud of our team and the work we are doing to reduce CLABSIs in the hospital,” added Kimberly Wallace.  One of the many benefits of this team is their diverse array of experience prior to becoming Vascular Access RNs, from the ER and ICUs to the lab.  “I am an ER trauma nurse who has worked in the Cath lab, post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) and flight nursing. Vascular Access seemed like a great way to specialize in accessing difficult veins and placing lines,” said Kris Gregor.  “I have an extensive history as a phlebotomist before becoming a nurse, and Vascular Access just sounded right up my alley,” added Derek Zastre. “I have loved every minute since joining the team.”  A common theme among this team is the appreciation they have for the opportunity to help both patients and their fellow nurses and providers. They are true advocates for both their patients and coworkers.  “I have worked at Renown for 15 years. I started in the general surgical unit (GSU) and became an ultrasound trained RN after three years,” said Kimberly Wallace. “Vascular access is very important to both patients and care providers. I have always found myself drawn to vascular access and not only helping other nurses on my unit gain meaningful access but also [nurses] on other units. It can be a big source of anxiety for both. I joined this team in 2020 and have loved it ever since.”  No matter the case, our Vascular Access professionals will never falter in their passion for their work. Regardless of how challenging the procedure may be, they are proud to rise to the occasion.  The Renown Promise Working for a hospital or health system can be one of the most fulfilling career paths someone can take, especially for those who are passionate about helping people. Working for Renown, however, takes fulfilling careers to a whole new level.  But don’t just take our word for it – take it from our Vascular Access department.  “I have worked at Renown my entire nursing career, and I continue to work here because I love my coworkers and the opportunity to make a genuine difference every day I come to work,” said Kimberly Wallace.  Many of these team members were inspired to continue serving at Renown after completing a nurse apprenticeship or new graduate nurse position, especially after receiving such strong support from their coworkers and leaders, both personally and professionally. Landing in Vascular Access was the cherry on top of an overall great experience working for Renown.  “I really enjoyed my nurse apprenticeship in the ICU and my first year working in ICU. I enjoy the culture of learning and the teamwork here at Renown,” said Derek Zastre. “When I had issues in my personal life and needed to change directions in my nursing career, my supervisors, educators and directors were awesome and so gracious in helping me find something that fit my needs. I ultimately landed in Vascular Access  with an awesome crew and leadership that provides flexibility and support.”  “I was a new grad here in the ER and have moved away from the region several times, but I always come back,” said Kris Gregor. “I really like the camaraderie and how the doctors are so amiable to work with.”  With strong sense of unity, unique patient care opportunities and engaging challenges that inspire, it’s not a matter of “why” the Vascular Access team wants to work in their department – it's more so a matter of “why not?”  “Vascular Access is the BEST,” closes Derek Zastre.

Read More About Department Spotlight: Vascular Access at Renown Regional Medical Center

Every 8 minutes, someone is added to the national kidney transplant list – in Nevada, 575 people are waiting for their new lease on life. On average, transplant hopefuls are waiting for three to five years before they are matched with a new kidney.  One of those 575 Nevadans on the list is Kirill Zelenin, the son of an employee who has been with Renown for over 10 years, Masha Zelenin, Application Analyst.    As the recipient of Masha’s living kidney donation at 8 years old, Kirill’s life changed for the better at a young age. His new kidney reignited his energy, and according to Masha, it was as though “a light had turned back on” for Kirill.   Now, Kirill is 22 years old. Since transplanted kidneys last anywhere between 8 to 20 years on average, the need for a new kidney has returned. This year, Kirill was placed back on the kidney transplant list, awaiting another life-saving organ to, as Masha says, “bring the light back.” The mother-son duo is hoping for a match any day now. And thanks to the soon-to-be-opened Renown Transplant Institute, their hope gets a little closer to reality. A Mother’s Love, A Son’s Courage When Kirill was first diagnosed with kidney failure after his providers discovered a concerning level of hemoglobin in his blood, he was put on the transplant list and started on dialysis at home. While the dialysis was successful in absorbing and pulling out toxins, the side effects were grueling on Kirill. His appetite suffered, he had little energy, missed a lot of school days and didn’t feel “normal.” Masha, a single mom of two kids, was his primary caretaker.  The Zelenins knew that dialysis was never going to be a permanent solution for Kirill. The best possible solution for his failing kidneys was to give him a new one. So, Masha decided to get tested to see if she was a match. “Most donors can live a normal life with just one kidney without any restrictions,” she said.  The good news arrived in 2010: Masha was a match for her son.  Masha and Kirill headed to a transplant center, where the procedure went off without a hitch. Masha was proud to have had the opportunity to give her son the most precious gift of all – life. After the surgery, Kirill lived as a happy, healthy child and teenager. His appetite increased, he played sports and excelled in school. Masha felt the same – she went back to work as normal and continued to be the loving, involved mother of her two children. Even though Kirill has to be on immunosuppressants and be especially wary of infections, which can strongly affect transplant patients, both Kirill and Masha were able to live an otherwise normal life.  When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Masha was working in the ICU at Carson Tahoe Health and in the Neurosurgery unit at Renown, and she knew she could be a contact risk for her immuno-compromised son. She made the difficult decision to separate from Kirill for six months, a loving action to protect his health while continuing to care for others.  And in the spring of 2020, at 18 years of age, Kirill received his high school diploma, excited to start college at the University of British Columbia that fall. New Kid(ney)s on the Block Masha’s generous organ donation proved to work wonders for Kirill for over a decade. At the 10-year mark, as the Zelenins expected, the kidney was ready to retire from its job as life saver and pass the baton onto a new kidney. This also meant Kirill had to go back on dialysis and begin the process of being placed back onto the national transplant list all over again. Due to the pandemic, the dialysis and the side effects he experienced, he began his college career online. This year, he successfully graduated with a double-major in History and Psychology.  “It broke my heart that he didn’t have a regular college experience,” Masha reflected. “The 10 medications he has to take daily for his kidney disease make him sleepy, have high blood pressure and feel unwell overall. But he is very determined and has a lot of dreams for the future.”  Currently, Kirill is taking computer science courses at Truckee Meadows Community College while he’s at home. Masha continues to care for him while the family waits for another life-saving organ. They remain optimistic about the future.  “Kirill has dreams of going to Europe for his master’s degree in history or architecture,” said Masha. “He wants to travel and experience as many places as possible.”  Kirill is now about four years away from receiving a match from a donor on the national kidney transplant waiting list.Filling the Need in Northern Nevada The establishment of the Renown Transplant Institute means a lot to many members of our community. Masha and Kirill are no different. To have access to advanced kidney treatment and transplantation right in their own backyard without having to travel out-of-the-area, according to Masha, “is a huge deal financially and emotionally.”  As Masha and Kirill have both experienced, kidney donors and recipients can live a full, healthy life with only one kidney. And once the Renown Transplant Institute officially opens, world-class transplant care for both the donor and the recipient will be closer to home. All donors are kept confidential; no donor is required to reveal their identity to the recipient unless they decide otherwise. If you or someone you know is interested in becoming an organ donor like Masha, join the 1.6 million Nevadans who have already done so. We strongly encourage you to learn more about the possibilities of organ donation from our partners at the Nevada Donor Network. Any questions about our transplant program or inquiries about kidney donation at Renown can be directed to the Renown Transplant Institute at 833-746-4684.  “Renown is a huge organization, and I have always felt a culture of support and understanding here. Everyone is compassionate and supportive. From the bottom of my heart, I believe we can find our hero within the Renown community,” Masha closes.

Read More About A Kidney for Kirill

Order in the (healthcare) court! Being a transparent and accountable healthcare organization is in our roots and is a commitment we at Renown Health take seriously. In order to uphold that promise, a lot of legal work must be done behind-the-scenes. Contracts, subpoenas, trials, depositions, arbitrations and mediations, service and provider agreements, immigration processes, powers of attorney – the list goes on.  So, who brings that order to Renown? Answer: Renown’s Legal department. With a small-but-mighty team of attorneys, contract administrators, immigration specialists, paralegals and assistants, these professionals tackle the intricate balance between the law and the care our teams provide every day. Their dedicated work allows our health system to focus on what matters most – bringing healing to our community. Protecting the Protectors The Legal department at Renown serves as the backbone of our health system, ensuring that both patients and employees are protected within the complex web of regulations, standards and more. This team is immensely talented in guarding the integrity of the community-minded care we provide.  No matter what problem comes across their desk, the Legal team will step in to find a solution. In fact, problem-solving is a fundamental part of their everyday work.  “We are a support department; we support the people who do the important hands-on work with our patients,” said Paul Harris, Chief Legal Officer. “Most on the legal team are skilled problem solvers, so we often get questions that are not quintessentially legal but require us to help someone solve the puzzle. It is very gratifying work when we help the greater Renown team address complicated situations.”  Resolution is at the foundation of their role within our health system, so you, as the reader, can probably imagine how busy their day-to-day lives at work get. But never fear – this team thrives on overseeing many different aspects of the law when it comes to the patients and employees at Renown.  “What I love about my job is that every single day I feel like I solve a problem or help a patient, health plan member or internal ‘client’ at the organization,” said Jamie Winter, Deputy Chief Legal Officer. “I also love that every day is different.  On any given day I can be attending a committee meeting either as a member or as the legal advisor, attending an administrative law hearings,  appearing at a mediation or arbitration,  reviewing and negotiating contracts, overseeing litigation in coordination with outside counsel,  assisting with Hometown Health member appeals, assisting the Medical Staff Services team and medical staff leadership and committee chairs, reviewing  powers of attorney, guardianship orders and records requests . No two days are the same, which keeps my work interesting, fun, and exciting!”  “A day in the life of the Legal department is always different,” added Mary Ann Ellis, Associate General Counsel. “We handle many different areas of law, including issues from across all the departments as they arise. I work on drafting, revising, reviewing, negotiating or analyzing contracts, including non-disclosure agreements; business associate agreements; supply chain agreements, and physician or other professional service agreements. I also advise on employment matters and assist in responding to subpoenas or other government requests. I help draft or review different policies across the organization.”  Before Renown brings on any new physician or vendor, there is one key part of the process they all must take part in: contracts. Contract structure, negotiations and signings are all part of the onboarding process. And the Legal team has contracting down to a science.  “I work primarily on independent (physician) contracts; these contracts include call coverage, professional services agreements, medical director agreements and medical staff officer agreements,” added Adam Harris, Staff Attorney. “It is important to have these agreements in place so that our community physicians can legally and compliantly provide patient care."  “I maintain relationships with our community partners around their service contracts which allow them to treat patients at Renown,” added Jackie Johnston, Contract Administrator. “I also oversee our contract management software, working with multiple departments in maintaining a compliant contract structure for all contracts within Renown. I am proud of how we established a new policy around contract management and are assisting departments with onboarding the new system.”  In alignment with our commitment to employing a diverse workforce, Renown excitedly welcomes providers from across the world. This past year, our Human Resources and Legal teams saw a crucial need for a role that focuses exclusively on facilitating the processes for international hires: the Immigration Specialist.  “The Immigration Specialist position at Renown, which is a new role in the organization, is an excellent fit for my professional background and experience,” said Derrick Lacey, Immigration Specialist. “A day in the life involves interfacing with the Renown Medical Group's Provider Recruitment team, HR Operations and other departments which partner on behalf of physicians and nurses who require immigration sponsorship and support. Since joining Renown, I have been able to contribute the necessary technical skills and knowledge required for the role, while taking on the unique challenges and responsibilities associated with expanding Renown's existing footprint in the realm of employment-based immigration sponsorship.”  No matter the need, the Legal team is proud to support our many departments and has an open-door policy for any employee to come to them with any concern. “I am proud that people feel empowered to come to the Legal department and trust we will partner with them to find solutions to any problems,” said Mary Ann Ellis. “We work closely with various leaders on a regular basis to check in and make sure we meet their needs and keep everyone on track on meeting various contracting deadlines or other needs.”  Even if you don’t physically see the Legal team every day, the work they do is incredibly important to keep our health system running. After all, there is no order without law.  “The work we do in the Legal department may not always be front and center, but it’s critical to ensuring that patient care is provided safely, ethically and efficiently,” said Michelle Gibbons, Paralegal. “By ensuring compliance with laws, protecting patient privacy, mitigating risks and facilitating access to care, we create a legal framework that allows clinical teams to focus on what they do best: providing outstanding patient care.”  The Journey to Healthcare Law  Employment law, civil rights law, family law, criminal law, real estate law, corporate law...there are many fields of law an aspiring legal professional can delve into. So, what inspired our Legal department employees to enter into healthcare law?  Let’s hear from a few of these team members on how and why they ended up in this intense-yet-rewarding career field:  “I was a political science major as an undergraduate student in Washington, DC, and, during that time, I worked on Capitol Hill for a Nevada Senator and Nevada Governor. The natural progression for many political science students is to go to law school and I did just that. After law school, I worked as a litigator for 11 years and then came to Renown. Although I joined Renown after becoming an attorney, I started with Renown as the Hometown Health Compliance Officer to not only learn compliance, a fast-growing area at the time, but to also “get my foot in the door” in hopes of ultimately becoming an in-house attorney for Renown. Years later, I took a position as in-house counsel for the health plan and later moved to the larger Renown Health Legal Department to broaden my healthcare law practice.” - Jamie Winter “My life has always revolved around the legal field. My father was a District Judge in Douglas County for 25 years. He is currently serving as the Chief Justice of the Appellate Court of Nevada. My childhood involved campaigning and spending many hours at the Courthouse with my dad. It was a natural progression for me into the field of law after graduating college.” - Michelle Gibbons “My career background is in the area of global mobility, which involves the management of international employee populations and their movements, including immigration, relocation logistics, and international tax requirements, processes and compliance matters." - Derrick Lacey “I went to school for Retail Merchandising to further my career with a major retailer in Minnesota. After transferring to Reno and working in retail for many years, I wanted to explore new and rewarding challenges. I found the opportunity in the Renown Legal Department where I am now assisting in managing contracts and communicating with multiple providers to assist them with compliance metrics and payments.” - Jackie Johnston “Before attending law school, I worked in healthcare. It was a natural transition for me to apply my education in an industry with which I was already familiar, and Renown was an easy choice as the top hospital in the area.” - Adam Harris Our Legal team enjoys a reputation of being powerful yet personable in the office, the hospital and the courtroom. Many departments across our health system know they can rely on this team to provide the best possible solutions for them.  “I am most proud of growing my team to better assist the organization in multiple areas such as immigration, litigation and contract negotiation management,” said Bekah Riley, Manager of Legal Department & Board Liaison. “We have established a department recognized for its accessibility to other leaders and its role as problem solvers.”  “Our team's biggest accomplishments are generally associated with successful outcomes in litigation, or long-running projects that have, after much effort, been completed,” added Adam Harris.  As the old saying states, “the proof is in the pudding.” Our Legal team members are excited to share a few notable success stories of which they played a large role in.  "One success story that comes to mind is when the lab was being overwhelmed by law enforcement demands for legal blood draws and the resulting subpoenas,” said Mary Ann Ellis. “We worked with the district attorney, law enforcement and city leadership to develop some action plans for reducing that burden. Eventually, many of the law enforcement agencies reached a solution to get legal blood draws done by an outside organization, helping to reduce the burden on our teams. The district attorneys also agreed to various methods to try to make physical appearances in court less onerous.”  “As the newest member of the Legal team, I recently learned that an immigration sponsorship project I was asked to lead on my third day at Renown, which involved consulting on case strategy, as well as authorship of enhanced immigration support letter documentation, had been a resounding success,” added Derrick Lacey.  “We were able to make a big push on managing the many contracts entered into by the organization and help to maintain access and accountability,” added Paul Harris.  All in all, our Legal team’s commitment to legal excellence – from the start of their careers to today – not only safeguards the interests of our health system but also fosters an environment where quality of care can thrive.  “We are a dedicated team working behind the scenes to enhance the organization's overall productivity and support its strategic vision for the future,” said Bekah Riley. It’s All About the People At Renown, all our teams are committed to leaving a positive impact on our patients, fellow team members and community. The Legal department is no different. In a world where the intensities of both the healthcare space and legal space collide, they find support and solidarity in each other.  “I wanted to work somewhere that I felt I could make a difference in the community,” said Mary Ann Ellis. “Instead of working in a field that can traditionally be very adversarial, at Renown, I can use my skills in collaborative and positive ways to help the organization and the people in it. What keeps me here are the amazing people I get to work with every day. We have a small team that genuinely enjoys working together and have become friends over the years.”  Their commitment to giving back to their community aligned with Renown’s same commitment and was a defining reason for why they joined Team Renown. When values align, everything else can fall into the right place.  “I chose to work for Renown because of its reputation in the community and my desire to work as in-house counsel at a respected, local organization,” said Jamie Winter. “My mom worked as a nurse at Renown for many years and it is wonderful to now be working for the same organization where my mom provided patient care. What keeps me here is my amazing team and the people I work with throughout the organization. The individuals on my small legal team are very collaborative and supportive of one another. We work closely with the Risk, Compliance, and Payer Contracting teams, and we all work really well together.”  “I was drawn to Renown Health because of its strong commitment to providing high-quality, compassionate care to the community,” added Michelle Gibbons. “I really resonate with the organization's mission to improve the health and well-being of northern Nevada and beyond. Renown provides a collaborative and supportive work environment where I feel encouraged to grow and continue learning. The leadership and my colleagues are invested in my development, and there's a culture of teamwork that makes coming to work each day a positive experience.”  There is never a dull moment in healthcare – there is always something new to explore and discover. Our Legal team not only finds their work rewarding, but they also find it incredibly exciting.  “I had an opportunity early in my career to work with healthcare clients and professionals, and in my experience, there is not a more exciting job than sorting through the complexities of healthcare and hospital legal work,” said Paul Harris. “It's challenging every day, but I've been able to work with smart, innovative and motivated people. Renown has a great culture and working with dedicated people keeps me excited about my work here and Renown's future.”  Behind-the-scenes and above-the-standard, our Legal department consistently blows expectations out of the water. Anyone who walks through Renown’s doors can rest assured they are in the best of hands with this best-in-class team.  “We are a dedicated team working behind the scenes to enhance the organization's overall productivity and support its strategic vision for the future,” closes Bekah Riley.

Read More About Department Spotlight: Legal

Pain is a top reason that Americans seek access to healthcare. In fact, according to the U.S. Pain Foundation, chronic pain affects nearly 50 million people across the country.  More than likely, you know someone who has been impacted by chronic or acute pain. Fortunately, there is a talented team of healthcare professionals committed to rehabilitating and enhancing the life of any patient living with pain.  At Renown Health, these team members represent the Physiatry department, who are charged with a goal of maximizing physical function, managing pain and nurturing independence. Headquartered at Renown South Meadows Medical Center, patients suffering with a disability, chronic pain and physical impairments can rest assured that they have the most caring and compassionate physiatry experts on their side throughout the entire physical rehabilitation process.  What is Physiatry? Physiatry (also known as physical medicine and rehabilitation, or PM&R), is a medical specialty that helps diagnose and treat conditions related to the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. Unlike other medical fields that often use surgery or medication, physiatry emphasizes non-invasive techniques, therapies and interventional procedures to help with pain and improve physical function.  Renown’s physiatry team has a holistic approach to care, combining medical expertise with personalized rehabilitation strategies to support long-term health and independence. Physiatry is hyper-focused on diagnosing, managing and treating conditions that affect physical function and quality of life.  The Physiatry Philosophy Our Physiatry team’s treatment philosophy centers around a multidisciplinary approach that combines medical care with rehabilitation and healthy lifestyle changes. They offer a variety of programs and services, including: Home Exercise Programs: Customized exercises designed to strengthen muscles, improve flexibility and support recovery. Physical Therapy: Hands-on care from skilled therapists who guide patients through techniques to restore function and reduce pain. Well-Being and Lifestyle Support: Emphasizing overall health and encouraging lifestyle changes that support physical and mental well-being.  At Renown, the Physiatry department is full of friendly faces, including: PM&R and pain medicine physicians (also known as physiatrists) Medical assistants Physician scheduling coordinators Patient access representatives Practice site leaders Physiatrists set each patient up for success with education, treatment planning and management. They take advantage of cutting-edge technologies and interventions for pain, such as:  Epidural Steroid Injections (ESIs) Facet Joint Injections Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) Trigger Point Injections Joint Injections (Knee, Shoulder, Hip)  Physiatrists are also masters of multidisciplinary care, coordinating with members of a patient’s healthcare team (including physical therapists) to ensure they have the best treatment plan possible.  Playing a crucial supportive role, physiatry medical assistants (MAs) assist our physiatrists in caring for patients on both a clinical and administrative level. From helping during procedures to providing education and guidance, these medical professionals are key in ensuring each patient’s visit – and as a result, their rehabilitation journey – is successful. “My normal day in Physiatry is very smooth,” said Rosita Gans, Medical Assistant. “I make sure my schedule is at 100% to prioritize patient needs. It helps that everyone is so respectful and friendly.”  Our patient access representatives (PARs) and physician scheduling coordinators are the front faces of physiatry. They serve as a patient’s first line of communication when checking in, making an appointment, handling insurance verifications and several aspects of follow-up – all with a smile on their faces.  “My job as a PAR involves checking patients in and out, verifying their insurance and demographic information, scheduling and following up on appointments, referrals to Special Procedures and more,” said Andrea Ruiz, Patient Access Representative. “I am in contact with patients on a daily basis.”  “It’s all about making sure every patient is taken care of in a timely manner,” added Kasey Sinfellow, Physician Scheduling Coordinator.  At the core of keeping things running, you’ll find Antonio Quintana, Practice Site Leader. Thanks to his expert leadership skills and can-do attitude, his department has been able to reach new heights. A large part of this team’s success lies in their approach to the practice of physiatry. For them, there is no such thing as a “cookie cutter” treatment plan.  Dr. Casey Keating, a pain management physician working with the Physiatry team states, “We understand that there is no ‘one size fits all’ when it comes recovery. We come up with a plan of action customized to meet your needs.”

Read More About Department Spotlight: Physiatry

In the book of life, everyone eventually reaches the final chapter. End-of-life isn’t often something a patient or loved one wants to think about. The end of someone’s life isn’t a final option – it's a privilege. At Renown Health, we have a compassionate team prepared to approach this privilege with kindness and care.    The Hospice & Palliative Care department at Renown is the best of the best. Their efforts go far beyond simply addressing physical pain; they also bring emotional and spiritual solace to patients and family members navigating the complexities of serious illness and end-of-life. This team provides crucial guidance and expert knowledge, comfort and care when it is most needed.  Bringing Dignity to the Final Days Contrary to popular belief, hospice and palliative care is not a “last resort” option for families. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. These caring professionals work hard to ensure a patient’s final days are free of pain and full of peace, rather than focused on the end. This type of care isn’t a death sentence – it's a living gift.  Each patient is involved in his or her own end-of-life process. They have a huge role in deciding on their own and with their family members how they want to live out their remaining days.  “Every team member’s daily work focuses on how to facilitate a good death for each patient,” said Tanya Prosch, Hospice Supervisor. “Ultimately, it is up to each patient’s family to be involved in this process. Every day, there is a lot of communication among team members as we prioritize the needs of our patients. As patients decline and their symptoms change, we continuously assess what topics we will discuss. This creates a beautiful back-and-forth dynamic among the team, patients and families.”  “Together, we come as a team to provide what they need, ensuring individualized care for each patient and family based on their safety and specific needs,” added Rachel Schneider, Transitional Care Specialist. “Our care plans are not cookie-cutter; they are tailored to fit each unique situation.”  The hospice team provides comfort and support to those in the final stages of a terminal illness. Hospice is focused on one main goal, which is enhancing quality of life for patients and their families.  “In general, hospice staff conduct home visits to see our hospice patients,” said Amy Nieminen, Manager of Home Health & Hospice. “We have an interdisciplinary team that includes nurses, aides, chaplains, social workers and volunteers. Together, we address both the physical and emotional, spiritual and social needs of our patients and their families at the end of life, ensuring they have a meaningful and peaceful experience. We do a lot of work with families and loved ones, providing follow-up calls and support for the patient’s caregivers after their passing. Our support extends for up to a year, with grief specialists available to help families through their loss. Additionally, we have rotating on-call nurses every night and weekend, so patients are never left without care.”  While palliative care shares similar duties to hospice care, it differs slightly. Palliative care can be involved at any stage of a serious illness, even during treatments.  “During in-home palliative care, we work with patients who may be physically ready for hospice but who are not yet psychologically, emotionally or spiritually prepared to make that transition,” said April Lennon, APRN for In-Home Palliative Care. “They may still be exploring treatment options and working with their specialists. We provide a lot of support, helping them understand the consequences and benefits of various treatments. Additionally, we focus on symptom management for patients experiencing significant pain or nausea, assisting them in managing these symptoms effectively.”  On both sides of this department, the team has the opportunity to be especially involved in their patients’ lives and in the lives of their families. Giving loved ones more time with their relative facing end-of-life is a duty that these team members take seriously.  “My job is to educate families about what’s coming next and what is happening now, as there is a lot that occurs during the death process,” said Katie Adams, Hospice Nurse Case Manager. “Families will never regret the time and effort spent during this process. We have only one chance to get this right. This is not just a random hospitalization that people will forget; it is a significant moment that everyone around the patient will remember.”  “Being able to connect more deeply with patients’ and families’ stories and their narratives about life is essential, as it provides a broader understanding beyond just the medical picture of what is happening,” added Libby Krayk, APRN for Hospice. “We explore their expanded value and belief systems to assist with decision-making, helping them make choices together. When patients are no longer distracted by pain or nausea, they can focus on their long-term desires and goals and spend more time with their families."  “Crisis intervention, social work, education, family conferences, and placement issues are all part of what we do, and it’s quite exciting,” added Donald Kamka, Social Work Care Coordinator. “You become fully invested in the lives of those you help, which is what makes this job so rewarding. This is a remarkable time in their journey, and it’s evident that everyone involved has a vested interest in it."  Naturally, many questions, worries and fears arise during this time in a patient’s life. The Hospice & Palliative Care team members are expert communicators and know exactly how to relieve some of those anxieties, prompting a more peaceful end-of-life. According to this team, it’s all about transparency and compassion.  “Our role involves helping patients navigate the healthcare system as they face death,” said April Lennon. “Home visits can range from one hour to three hours, depending on the needs of the patient and their family. We engage with entire families, including those who are out of town, coordinating care and working with many providers in the area. Our hope and goal for every patient is to ensure they understand what they are doing and why they are doing it, empowering them to make their own choices.”  “We often find ourselves addressing the most difficult information, which can sometimes be seen as the ‘elephant in the room’ that people tend to avoid,” added Libby Krayk. “I ask patients for their permission regarding what they want to know and who they would like involved in the conversation. This approach can help alleviate some of the challenges and stress they may be experiencing. Being honest and discussing matters in a way that they can understand is essential. I take the time to sit down with my patients and connect with them on a human level, rather than just a medical level.”  As a not-for-profit health system, volunteers are at the core of our mission delivery. They graciously dedicate hours out of their week to be a friendly source of help for patients. Renown’s Hospice Volunteers exude this level of kindness and more. Our employed team members attribute their volunteers as a major source of success for Renown’s hospice program.  “I believe that being a volunteer provides a role that patients perceive as non-threatening,” said Linda Derry, Hospice Volunteer. “As volunteers, patients feel more comfortable talking to us and sharing things. This dynamic allows them the freedom to express not only how they are feeling but also their fears and any other concerns they may have. It is in these moments that we can truly connect with them, as we are volunteering out of a genuine desire to sit and visit with the patients.  “When I see a patient, the focus depends on their specific needs,” added Luanne Geissler, Hospice Volunteer. “I often give family members some time to themselves to do whatever they need to do while I visit with the patient. Many of them are very talkative and eager to share their stories. For instance, one patient told me how to make a baked potato while out in the wilderness, which has become one of my favorite stories. Another patient shared her experiences about coming to America from Asia, discussing her church, her religion and her passion for baking. She would even bring bread to her doctor.”  “I have one patient whose main desire is to play chess; he has been playing for over 80 years and is still able to play very well,” added Hervey Ibarra, Hospice Volunteer. “When I visit another patient at his home, we engage in conversations about a variety of topics. Additionally, some patients ask me questions about the military and law enforcement. Whatever they want to do and discuss, that is what I focus on during our time together.”  Regardless of whether they are a provider, supporting team member or a volunteer, every person on the Hospice & Palliative Care team shares a primary focus: helping patients live their remaining days, no matter how long that may be, with dignity and comfort, surrounded by their loved ones.

Read More About Department Spotlight: Hospice & Palliative Care

Located on the 5th floor of the Tahoe Tower, Renown’s newly updated Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is decorated with colorful artwork on the walls, the lights dim for the newborns resting, and parents conversing next to the bassinet with nurses on their baby’s journey to health. In the quiet, shuffling hallways stands Mariah DaSilva, a Renown NICU Nurse, whose own birth story showed her true compassion and professional dedication to what it means to care for the tiniest and most vulnerable patients. From the Medical Floor to the NICU Mariah started her nursing career on the medical floor at Renown; however, after a year, she was excited to see her dream job open in the NICU and helping to provide compassionate care for the most fragile patients. “I’ve always known that I wanted to work with babies so being a NICU nurse was a dream of mine,” said Mariah. “I truly love what I do, and I can’t imagine being anywhere else than the NICU.” A high-stakes environment, the NICU is where babies are transferred to after birth when they require medical intervention. They care for babies as young as 23 weeks gestation, up to full-term babies. Any babies born less than 35 weeks are automatically admitted into the NICU for treatment. Other than prematurity, babies can be admitted to the NICU for respiratory distress, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), cardiac anomalies, birth defects, seizures and other medical conditions that need treatment or assessment. A Day in the NICU: The Heart of Care A typical day for Mariah starts with reviewing her assignments and receiving a detailed report from the night shift. Preparing for the day involves scrubbing in and wiping down patient care areas to maintain a clean environment. Once everything is set, she begins a series of scheduled care tasks, which include performing assessments, feeding, changing diapers and facilitating parent involvement in their baby’s care “There are so many exciting ‘firsts’ that happen in the NICU; parents holding their baby for the first time, parents' first time changing their baby’s diaper, bathing their baby for the first time, first time breast-feeding or bottle-feeding, the baby’s first time taking a full bottle, watching a baby breathe on their own without any respiratory support, etc.,” said Mariah. “There are so many big milestones that happen in the NICU that I am so incredibly lucky to be a part of.” The NICU nurses work closely with neonatologists, nurse practitioners, respiratory therapists, speech therapists, physical therapists, occupational therapists and other specialists to deliver comprehensive care. This teamwork and collaboration ensure that each baby receives the best care possible for their health journey. Mariah shared a reflection on her team: “Our NICU team is amazing. Being a part of a team that is so compassionate and collaborative is amazing. We all work closely together to ensure we’re providing the best care possible for every single baby that comes to the NICU. We are all very protective of the babies that we care for in the NICU and truly want the best outcomes for them and their families. Taking care of such a vulnerable population comes with a lot of responsibility and we take pride in what we do each day.” As with all healthcare professionals, NICU nurses require immense strength and compassion to care for the youngest patients in a highly sensitive environment. “More often than not, we have really good days in the NICU, but we also have really hard days that affect every single person in the NICU,” said Mariah. “The loss of a baby, delivering bad news to a parent, an extended NICU stay and a baby withdrawing from drugs are all situations that we unfortunately deal with in the NICU. These situations are all very challenging, but we have to stay strong for the babies and their families.”

Read More About From Renown NICU Nurse to NICU Mom: Mariah DaSilva’s Inspiring Journey

When it comes to your health, tests are not only common but often also required to receive the most ideal treatment plan. From your routine urinalysis to more complex hematology cases, these tests help open the doors to proper diagnosis. Thousands of patients are seen at Renown Regional Medical Center every year, which results in thousands of lab samples needing to be processed every day. So, who rises to the occasion?  Answer: The Core Laboratory team at Renown Regional. With the largest lab workload in our health system, the Renown Regional Core Lab is where compassionate care meets scientific excellence.  While under the care of the Core Lab Team, patients can rest assured that they are in the greatest of hands - literally and figuratively - with every scientist, technical specialist and lab assistant that serves in this department.  A Core Mission of Accuracy and Precision At Renown Regional, the only Level II Trauma Center in the region, the Core Laboratory works on a wide variety of lab tests to help providers diagnose, treat and monitor each patient’s condition. Those testing processes, known as “benches,” include: Blood Gas Chemistry & Immunoassay Coagulation Hematology & Differentials Urinalysis Working together in harmony, each member of the Core Lab team has an equally vital role in our health system, and all share a common goal.  “Our number one priority is to provide accurate results for our patients, ensuring that the providers have all the correct information they need to treat them,” said Lauren Anderson, Manager of Core Laboratory.  As one can imagine, there are several factors involved when it comes to ensuring those accurate patient lab results that Lauren mentioned above.  “Throughout the day in the core laboratory, there are many tasks to be performed for the accuracy and validity of our patient results,” said Jackie Blazquez, Sr. Medical Lab Scientist. “The medical lab scientists perform maintenance on the instruments daily while accommodating patient samples and releasing results. Our clinical lab assistants help the scientists with receiving samples, reviewing patient labels for any discrepancies, answering phone calls and assisting with the automated lab sample line.”  “The roles and responsibilities will vary depending on the bench assignment, but every bench will have one responsibility in common: performing preventative maintenance on our analyzers and running quality controls afterwards,” added Brittany Oliver-Stergiou, Medical Lab Scientist.  From start to finish, there is rarely a dull moment in Renown Regional’s Core Lab. In fact, this capable team can process up to 7,000 samples per day at this hospital alone.  "As a Medical Lab Scientist, for each instrument we use, we have to perform maintenance, calibration and quality control to ensure that the analyzer is ready for patient testing,” said Lauren Anderson. “Once the analyzers are ready for patient testing, we perform analysis on the samples, ensuring that the patient's results are consistent with their condition and no errors are found. Between our inpatient and outpatient centers, we run thousands of samples every day, prioritizing and juggling many tasks at once while producing accurate results.”  “Right when we get in, we are putting samples on the analyzers, reading results and calling critical alerts or recollects,” added Rosalina Lunsford, Medical Lab Scientist. “Our chemistry analyzers have all the analytes one can think of. Each individual chemistry test that the hospital uses is calibrated, quality checked and reviewed by our chemistry maintenance experts.”  Although there are many moving pieces when it comes to the work of our Core Lab experts, these team members work like a well-oiled machine in order to keep patient care at Renown Regional running efficiently.   “I start my shift by reviewing my pending worklist and verifying any outstanding STAT tests; then, I track all my untracked samples for easy retrieval, and I'll go through my pending worklist again to make sure that everything is on track for proper turn-around time,” said Lindsey Randle, Medical Lab Scientist. "I'll retrieve anything that may need further special testing, and before releasing results, I will check the sample for any interferences or contamination. This process is on a constant loop throughout my shift in addition to performing analyzer maintenance and quality control testing at timed intervals. This is all done to ensure that we are releasing precise and accurate test results so that patients can receive proper treatment.”  “We play a major role in keeping the hospital functioning,” added Rosalina Lunsford. “While the hospital doesn’t see us, we keep patient care moving. Core Lab is not stagnant; it is evolving each day. Tests are being added, machines are being updated and policies are changing. We see hundreds of patient results from different departments throughout the hospital. We analyze, question and conclude many times throughout the day and night.”  Think of discovering a diagnosis and monitoring a condition as an ongoing investigation. Our Core Lab professionals are key detectives in the investigation, playing an essential – and often life-saving – role in the diagnosis, treatment and maintenance of each patient’s condition.  “Oftentimes, we are the first to detect a patient's problem and escalate it to their provider,” said Lauren Anderson. “For example, looking under the microscope at a patient's white blood cells, Medical Lab Scientists may be the first to see a patient's leukemia and, with the collaboration of our pathologists, ensure that the next steps are taken towards diagnosis and treatment.

Read More About Department Spotlight: Core Laboratory at Renown Regional Medical Center

When faced with chronic pain, that agonizing feeling of dread can be overwhelming to anyone, let alone a cancer survivor.   Take Renown Patient Access Representative (PAR) Jodee Elder, for example. As she was receiving radiation treatments while Fighting the Good Fight against cancer, she started to experience pain at the base of her spine that ended up progressing to lower spine arthritis. On top of trying to beat cancer, the last thing she needed to deal with was the intense pain that was affecting her everyday life – and she deserved a solution that was going to provide her with the relief she needed for the long term. That’s where the Special Procedures – Pain Management department at Renown Rehabilitation Hospital – a part of Renown Spine, Sports & Pain Management – stepped in.  But the team of doctors, nurses and imaging technologists Special Procedures had more on their minds for Jodee beyond pain relief. As a Renown employee, they knew what a best-in-class PAR Jodee was in her unit at the time, and they wanted that level of passion as the face of their department.  Little did they know that Jodee shared the exact same sentiments.  From Patient... As a skilled Patient Access team member since 2018, Jodee knows first-hand how important it is to set patients up for success before, during and after an intimidating procedure. She began her Renown career as a Pre-Registration PAR, eventually taking her expertise to Surgical Preadmission. During her years on those two teams, she honed her craft as a personable, patient-facing guide, continually going above and beyond for every patient and employee.  But there was one problem: the chronic pain in her lower back that happened as a result of her radiation treatments. This pain ended up being diagnosed as lumbar spondylosis, a degenerative spinal condition that causes arthritis in the back. And when you work a desk job, back pain can be especially excruciating. When 2023 rolled in, Jodee knew she needed to try something new for her pain, something that would give her relief once and for all. After some research and advice from her doctor, she learned about Special Procedures, a team at Renown Rehabilitation Hospital offering pain management options that she wasn’t previously familiar with. Eventually, her care teams discovered that a bilateral radiofrequency nerve ablation may give her the relief she needed.  Throughout the entire process, Jodee recalls feeling supported every step of the way with an experience personalized just for her. Despite being nervous at first, she was quickly put at ease by the caring nature of her pain management team. “From scheduling and the pre-operative process to the procedure and recovery experience, I often think about the amazing care I received from the entire team,” said Jodee. “Dr. Casey Keating and the nurses were with me at every point of my procedure. This was such a personal experience. I was treated like I was their only patient for the day, and everyone tried hard to alleviate any anxiety, stress or worries I had by comforting me with things like music, rubbing my leg and one-on-one conversations throughout the process.”  Since her procedure, Jodee has been virtually pain-free, happily noting that she hasn’t taken any pain relievers from that day on. She gained a lot of coping skills from her care team that, as fate would have it, would inspire her to help other patients who are preparing for their own procedures.  ...To Pain Management Patient Access... Before her first procedure even began, Dr. Keating was already told all about Jodee by a former coworker, who applauded her organizational skills. He very quickly was impressed by her work ethic and experience as a PAR.  While she was undergoing her procedure, Jodee couldn’t help but notice how the nurses went above-and-beyond for her and treated her like she was a part of the team – even before they knew her. She immediately felt at home in Special Procedures, not only because of the level of care the team provided but also because of how much her life changed after receiving the much-needed relief for her back pain.  “When I came for my first injection, Dr. Keating introduced me to the nurses as ‘the PAR we want over here,’” said Jodee. “I was on the fence regarding leaving my current PAR role, but after my experience with Special Procedures, the team really sold me on the opportunity. I immediately thought, ‘I want to be a part of this.' They were so appreciative of me from the start."  And the rest is history. On Nov. 17, 2023, Jodee began her journey as the PAR dedicated solely to Special Procedures.  On a typical day, you can find Jodee interacting with patients ahead of time to make checking in more enjoyable, helping patients through the pre-registration process, scheduling our Renown-employed and community providers for each procedure, checking up on authorizations, and of course, leaving a positive impact on everyone she connects with. In addition, she is known as the Special Procedures “chart master” as the main employee organizing each patient’s chart.  But her duties as a PAR go beyond the desk. As a former patient herself, she has the unique ability to relate to Special Procedures patients who are worried and anxious about the road ahead.  “When nervous patients come in, I can connect with them on a personal level and support them with suggestions that helped me out when I was going through my procedure,” said Jodee. “I love being patient-facing. You wouldn’t believe how many patients we’ve helped enter their procedures calmer than they were before and get the relief they need. I enjoy taking care of these patients – that's why I got into healthcare. I wanted to make a difference.”  ...And Beyond Today, Jodee has been a proud PAR in Special Procedures for almost a year. She has thoroughly enjoyed her time with her fellow team members, who have been nothing short of a family to her in more ways than one.  “This team is incredibly supportive of me both at work and in my personal life,” said Jodee. “When my mother passed away, they sent me a beautiful flower arrangement and a card that they all signed. The day I came back to work, they all hugged me and said they were always there for me if I wanted to talk. It’s like a big family here.”  In her experience as a patient and a PAR, Jodee lives by one main motto: start a chain reaction. As she emphasizes, it only takes one of us to start a chain reaction to affect patients and the community. In Special Procedures, it starts with Jodee. And in life, she tells her kids to be that chain reaction starter.  Outside of work, Jodee enjoys spending time with her kids and is happily anticipating the arrival of her grandson, who was conceived very close to the day that her mother passed away. She always makes time to create new memories with her family, including “tattoo roulettes,” where they each put a few tattoo ideas in a hat and pick one at random; they then go out and each get matching tattoos as a testament to their love for one another.  “When one life ends, another life blooms,” said Jodee.  If you are interested in receiving care with Renown Spine, Sports & Pain Management, speak with your provider about a referral to our specialized team. In the meantime, we encourage you to learn more about navigating your pain management care with Renown Health.

Read More About From Patient to PAR: Jodee’s Road to Renown

When you visit your provider for your annual exam or to address a health concern, or if you’re admitted to the hospital for any reason, lab draws – including blood tests, urine samples and saliva swabs – are common. When it comes to lab draws when you’re sick with a virus, such as strep, flu, RSV or COVID, or routine tests for chronic conditions, such as blood glucose or hemoglobin A1C, the last thing you’d want to do as a patient is wait a long time to get your results back. You’re focused on getting your results, receiving the proper medication and feeling better as soon as possible. Luckily for patients at Renown Health, we have a talented team to meet that need.  Meet the Point-of-Care team at Renown, an important subset of the larger Core Laboratory department. With decades of collective experience in the field and some of the finest point-of-care technology at their fingertips, this team works with our healthcare teams to ensure you have access to fast, accurate test results to help you on a quicker road to recovery.  Pointed Towards Efficient Solutions Point-of-care testing can be defined as exactly how it sounds – lab testing at or near the patient or their care area, otherwise known as “at the point-of-care.” While our clinicians utilize this specialized equipment every day for point-of-care testing on patients, they rely on the Point-of-Care department for training, everyday guidance, quality checks, audits and leadership.   At Renown, Point-of-Care testing is used in nearly every nursing unit across our hospitals and 53 outpatient care locations, including primary care, urgent care, pediatrics and women’s health – alleviating some of the workload of our central lab. Because so many teams rely on this crucial technology and test processes, this team accomplishes a great deal each day, from checking equipment to ensuring test accuracy.  “Our day starts early, with our first team member opening the department at 5 a.m. and circulating on the nursing units to address broken point-of-care equipment issues or supply shortages that could impact patient testing,” said Joni Boury, Lab Program Coordinator. “Once the point-of-care scientists arrive, they will address any charting issues that arose overnight and ensure all test results are correctly charted in Epic. After critical issues are addressed, we visit the testing locations and performing audits to ensure all testing equipment is functioning, clean and being appropriately maintained.”  In order to provide these efficient tests – in minutes! – to patients anxiously awaiting their results, our first step is to make sure our equipment and processes are up-to-code. Point-of-care testing is regulated at both the state and federal levels, and this team never leaves a checkbox unmarked when it comes to testing regulations.  “As a part of the ambulatory side of the Point-of-Care team, I make sure that state and federal licensing is maintained so the practices that perform these tests can continue to perform in-office testing for patients,” said Wende Lane, Clinical Lab Assistant Lead. “I also round in these practices to make sure they are adhering to state and federal guidelines, as well as Renown policies.”  And it’s not just existing equipment that needs oversight – the Point-of-Care department also implements new equipment and processes across Renown. These team members are expert jugglers when it comes to this effort, handling training, collaborating with leaders, recommending the proper placement of equipment and much more.   "Each day, we work on our many deployments scheduled throughout the hospital and outpatient locations,” said Joni Boury. “That work includes meeting with leaders to ensure new spaces are correctly built to accommodate the point-of-care devices, configuring new equipment, training new leaders and device operators and ensuring appropriate ordering and charting of the test results.”  “In being able to perform these tests in the outpatient setting instead of having to send them somewhere else for a test, providers can begin treating their patients within a matter of a few minutes, rather than hours,” added Wende Lane.  For a small-but-mighty team of six employees, the heights this team reaches knows no bounds. They’ve celebrated many achievements and expansions this year, including offering new-and-improved PCR testing across various outpatient practices.  “Our team has had several notable accomplishments over the past year,” said Breanna Van Dyck, Medical Lab Scientist and Lab Program Coordinator. “We successfully rolled out a massive Cepheid PCR testing initiative to over 30 Renown outpatient locations within the community. This expansion significantly improved our testing capacity and accessibility and will help ensure timely and accurate diagnostic tests for respiratory viruses and strep to a broader patient population, including our rural practices.”  By combining cutting-edge technology with compassionate patient care, our Point-of-Care team members are essential to contributing to Renown’s goal of providing efficient, high-quality care tailored to each patient’s individual needs.  Take a Point-of-Care Tour! The Point-of-Care department covers a lot of ground around Renown, reaching Reno, Sparks, Carson City, Fernley and Fallon. Take a glance at the photo carousel below to put yourself in the shoes of our Point-of-Care team members on a regular day!

Read More About Department Spotlight: Point-of-Care