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It’s important to be aware of the risk of a concussion, which can have serious health implications. Susan Park, MD, discusses the effects of concussions and how they can be prevented. According to Susan Park, MD, a Renown Medical Group doctor who specializes in sports and family medicine, concussions are a serious issue — especially among children whose developing brains “are more susceptible to brain injury and long-term effects from concussions.” All parents, coaches and athletes, she points out, should be aware of the risks of concussions and take precautions to avoid them. What is a concussion and how does it occur? Dr. Park describes a concussion as a traumatic brain injury resulting from direct or indirect impact to the head or body, during which the brain shakes back and forth in the skull. This may cause some bruising of the brain. In severe cases, traumatic head injuries can cause bleeding, which if not treated quickly, can be fatal. What are the health implications of a concussion? Symptoms of drowsiness and confusion can be a sign of a concussion after a head injury. Some short-term effects may include headaches, dizziness and difficulty concentrating. Long-term concerns can further include mood disorders, sleep disturbance and problems with cognitive function-concentration, which may affect school performance. What sports carry the highest risk of suffering a concussion? Dr. Park notes participation in any impact sport can result in a head injury. But among school-age kids, she treats more concussions from football and soccer than any other sport. However, during the winter months, skiing and snowboarding injuries can be a common cause of concussions Any blow to your head, neck or upper body can result in a concussion with symptoms including, but not limited to, feeling dazed or confused, dizziness, nausea/vomiting or a headache. Initial treatment of concussions varies depending on severity. Rest, avoiding vigorous activity and a reduced school workload help young athletes recover after a concussion. Dr. Park notes that sometimes further imaging and an ER visit will be required. Otherwise, rest from activities is the main treatment, along with not returning to sports activities until further clearance from a healthcare provider.

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The title of “largest nursing specialty in the country” belongs to medical-surgical nursing (commonly known as “med-surg”). Devoted to providing care for patients with a variety of health conditions and who are preparing for or recovering from surgery, this ever-popular nursing niche attracts impassioned, talented individuals who make a genuine difference in the health and well-being of every patient.  Med-surg nurses at Renown Health emulate this dedication and more. From general surgery to oncology and orthopedics, the med-surg team at Renown Regional Medical Center and Renown South Meadows Medical Center play a critical role in our care delivery for patients facing challenging diagnoses or procedures. Their ability to seamlessly juggle multiple tasks while providing the highest quality of care makes them excellent patient advocates, guiding them through the path to healing.  High-Paced with High Results Our med-surg team has the ability and willingness to provide high-caliber nursing for patients with virtually any medical condition – orthopedic injury, trauma surgery, infections, sepsis, pulmonary disease, you name it. No matter the diagnosis or procedure, med-surg has the experience and enthusiasm to handle the fast nature of the job well. Med-surg nurses are always on the go, handling a growing list of conditions together as a team. They work side by side to assess each patient’s condition and assist with both education and discharge planning for patients and families. “Med-surg is a high-paced and unpredictable environment with the largest variety of diagnoses and patient populations,” said Danyel Gish, Manager of Nursing at Renown Regional. “Every patient is everyone’s patient in med-surg. We help each other by answering each other’s call lights, communicate clear expectations and build strong trusting relationships with one another.”  “You never know what kind of disease or conditions your patient may present with,” added Brittani Manatt, Registered Nurse in the Cancer Nursing Unit at Renown Regional. “We care for patients with almost any medical diagnosis.”  Being admitted to the hospital, regardless of the reason, can be a scary and vulnerable time for anyone. However, patients can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that their competent and confident med-surg nurses are here by their side before and after they experience surgery or treatment.  “We communicate with our patients at every step of their care journey to ensure they understand what is going on and help alleviate any fears or concerns,” said Jenni Gilligan, Associate Nurse Manager at Renown South Meadows. “Some of my tips include asking the patient how they are feeling and validating those feelings; getting them and their families and friends involved in the process; and ensuring them that we are here for them and will take the best possible care of them."  “What we do as a team to reduce patients’ fears revolves around clear communication and support, whether it’s grabbing them a Starbucks drink, taking them outside for a walk or simply just listening to their concerns,” added Rose Simonian, Supervisor of Clinical Nursing at Renown Regional. “Connecting with our patients through kindness and laughter helps alleviate some of the anxiety that comes with being in the hospital.”  Jenni and Rose are exactly right – that clear communication is the “secret sauce” to success within the med-surg team. Their patients are the direct beneficiaries of this crucial skill.  “Everything we do throughout our shift focuses on teamwork and communication, making sure every piece of our plan comes together for optimal patient care,” said Cristina Vazquez, Registered Nurse at Renown Regional.  “We collaborate a lot within each healthcare team,” added Reena Clark, Registered Nurse at Renown South Meadows. “We also make sure the patients participate and are involved in their plan of care. This is important to set a common goal and help each other achieve that goal for the patient. The nurses on the floor are the eyes, ears and hands of inpatient care."  When faced with a daunting diagnosis or procedure, it’s important to have a strong support system within your personal care team, cheering you on every step of the way. Our med-surg team members are masters at this, finding new ways to connect with patients and help them feel empowered to Fight the Good Fight.  “We always try to find something that the patient loves or is passionate about that helps shift their mindset,” said Paola Espinoza-Patino, Associate Nurse Manager in the Cancer Nursing Unit at Renown Regional. “It will help them focus their attention on something that brings them joy, even if it’s for a short period of time. This helps them let their guard down and trust the team. We are here to take the best care of them as possible.”  "Med-surg provides a safe place to openly discuss any fears or anxieties a patient may be experiencing,” added Danyel Gish. “Our nurses are kind, compassionate and highly-trained professionals that work hand-in-hand with our patients to maintain their safety and wellness. We understand that being in the hospital can be a difficult experience, but we work hard to provide a calming presence and reassurance. We identify different ways to connect with our patients by holding their hands, listening, educating and providing individualized care and interventions.”  Much like many other departments across Renown, for med-surg, their patients’ accomplishments are their accomplishments. Witnessing one of their patients reach a significant milestone in their healthcare journey inspires them to continue doing what they do best: provide care driven by equal parts determination and hope.  “The biggest accomplishment for me is seeing a patient complete their last round of chemotherapy with us and getting to ring our ‘Chemo Bell,’” added Trevor Owens, Unit Clerk at the William N. Pennington Cancer Institute. “There is no greater joy than witnessing the happiness and relief of a patient completing a step in their healthcare journey."  Working tirelessly to provide exceptional care to every patient – and celebrating all their wins along the way – alongside their dedication to Renown’s cultural commitments of Caring and Collaboration are what make our med-surg nurses prosper day-in, day-out.

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Orthopedic Care From physical therapy and pain management, to having surgery at one of our locations, we are here to help you return to a more active lifestyle. Orthopedic care treats:   Hip and knee Foot and ankle Hand, shoulder and upper extremity Spine and back   If you require surgery for your condition, there are surgeons in northern Nevada who are credentialed to perform surgery at one of our locations. Check with your surgeon to schedule your procedure at Renown Regional Medical Center or Renown South Meadows Medical Center. Orthopedic Services

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Spinal Surgery at Renown When nonsurgical treatment doesn't show improvement for your back or neck pain, you might be considering surgery. Because preparing for back or neck surgery is different for everyone, we're here to make it easier on you. Our spine surgery program provides: A highly skilled care team including board-certified surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, therapists, case managers and a program coordinator. Education classes to prepare you and your loved ones for surgery. Physical and occupational therapy services. Effective pain management. Patient-centered care and caregiver training. If you require surgery for your condition, there are board-certified spine and neurosurgeons in our community who are credentialed to perform surgery at one of our locations. Check with your surgeon to schedule your procedure at Renown Regional Medical Center or Renown South Meadows Medical Center.

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The Acute Care Rehab Therapists at Renown Regional and South Meadows serve a wide variety of patients and their families with varying acuity levels and diagnoses. The 2 departments (inpatient and outpatient) are made up of around 80 employees, including 14 therapists with over 20+ years of experience and over 700 years of combined experience.    What is Acute Care Therapy? The acute care setting is a very fast paced environment with a high volume of therapy orders and fluctuating census.  The therapists are considered a consult service with a primary goal of helping with discharge planning and moving patients throughout our system.  Depending on location, the therapists generally cover 1-3 floors within the hospital and manage a daily caseload of about 15-20 patients.  Our general population ranges from Neonates to Geriatrics. The therapists provide comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic rehabilitative services (Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Speech Language Pathology for the treatment of patients with various disorders and related medical conditions. Treatment may include a variety of activities and exercises to maximize a patient’s functional independence.  Renown Outpatient Rehab Therapy Services Outpatient Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy services to help individuals improve & regain function to allow for higher quality of life and a more active lifestyle. We provide treatment for: Orthopedic Conditions Nerve Injuries Spinal Cord Injuries Sport-Related Injuries Worker’s Compensation Injuries Trauma and Post-Surgical Recovery Vestibular Dysfunction Hand Injuries Speech/Language Difficulties Swallowing Dysfunctions Cognitive Issues Specialty Services Include: Lymphedema Therapy Dry Needling Chronic Pain LSVT Big and LSVT Loud Modified Barium Swallow Studies (MBSS) South Meadows Campus Lite Gait & Solo Step Systems Pre-Driving Assessments and Computer Driving Simulation Wheelchair Evaluations-Basic and Complex Custom Splinting All treatments are one-on-one with a licensed Outpatient Therapist

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Joint Replacement We understand nothing is more frustrating than being sidelined from your daily life and everything you love to do. That's why our total joint surgery team follows evidence-based care, ensuring your safety and recovery is the top priority. Because preparing for a hip, knee or shoulder replacement can be overwhelming and everyone is different, we've made it easier on you. Our Total Joint Replacement Program provides: A highly skilled care team including board-certified orthopedic surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, therapists, case managers and a program coordinator. Educational classes to prepare you and your loved ones for surgery. Physical and occupational therapy services. The opportunity to walk the day of surgery. Effective pain management. Patient-centered care and caregiver training. If you require surgery for your condition, there are board-certified orthopedic surgeons who are credentialed to perform surgery at one of our locations. Check with your surgeon to schedule a procedure at Renown Regional Medical Center or Renown South Meadows Medical Center.   Our Partnering Community Practices Reno Orthopedic Clinic Great Basin Orthopedics Nevada Orthopedics Tahoe Fracture Nevada Spinal and Orthopedic Surgery

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Triage Procedures for Adult Emergency Care Renown Health provides leading emergency and trauma care 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at three convenient locations. When sudden illness or injury occurs with no warning, we’re here when you need us, and it's important to know what you can expect. Here are the six steps you can expect to experience while visiting a Renown Emergency Room (ER). Renown Regional ER Campus Map | So. Meadows ER Campus Map

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Renown Health has three emergency rooms open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, ready to serve our community. We checked in with Amy Hawkins, Manager of Clinical Nursing at Renown South Meadows, to learn more about the emergency room experience and how each can accommodate your emergency care needs. 1. Renown Regional Emergency Room The emergency room at Renown Regional Medical Center is the only Level II Trauma Center between Sacramento and Salt Lake City, treating more than 80,000 ER and trauma patients annually. Services Offered: This location offers immediate emergency care covered by general surgeons and coverage by the specialties of orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, anesthesiology, emergency medicine, radiology and critical care. In addition, tertiary care needs include cardiac surgery, hemodialysis and microvascular surgery. (Patients may be referred to a Level I Trauma Center.) Renown Regional ER Location 2. Renown South Meadows Emergency Room South Reno is expanding, and so is Renown South Meadows ER! Exciting transformations are happening across this campus, including the new 121,000-square-foot specialty care center and upgrades to the existing medical center—expanding care to our patients. Added benefits to the more intimate setting at South Meadows: Smaller ER also means more personal experience. The team traditionally has more time to spend with each patient at the bedside. A smaller campus means convenient parking, as the ER is just outside the front entrance; however, patients are reminded to follow marked road signs when approaching the campus during construction. Most patients arrive by private vehicle versus an ambulance, so we are very accustomed to thinking quickly on our feet. Benefits to new construction: A new Cath lab will allow us to treat patients experiencing a heart attack and needing immediate intervention to open vessels in their hearts. Additional lab and imaging capabilities for our patients Services Offered: This location offers immediate emergency care staffed with board-certified emergency physicians. Patients can expect one-on-one interactions with trusted providers and shorter wait times. All emergency room services are open during construction, and patients are reminded to follow marked road signs when approaching the campus. South Meadows ER Location 3. Renown Children's Hospital Emergency Room This location offers immediate emergency care, with pediatric specialists always on staff. In addition, the Children's ER lobby is ideal for our littlest patients, with a child-friendly atmosphere and vibrant colors to help decrease the anxiety accompanying emergencies. Medical equipment is sized just for kids, and we offer a distraction machine, games and movies to help children cope with what can be a traumatic experience, like getting an IV. In addition, we have Child Life Specialists available to provide emotional support to both children and their families. When to Bring Your Child to the ER: Allergic reactions Asthma attacks Baby under three months old with a temperature higher than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit Broken bones Burns Choking or poisoning Difficulty breathing Eye injuries Fainting, dizziness and confusion Head injuries Heart attack Rashes Seizures Severe bleeding Severe headache Severe pain Skin infections Stitches Stroke Venomous stings and bites Renown Children's Hospital Location

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