St. Elizabeth School of Nursing celebrates summer commencement

The St. Elizabeth School of Nursing will celebrate the July commencement ceremony at 7 p.m. (CDST) on Friday, July 30 in the Chapel at Saint Joseph’s College in Rensselaer, Ind. The ceremony will include distribution of nursing pins and the conferring of diplomas. Twenty-one students are eligible to graduate.

After passing the national licensing examination, St. Elizabeth School of Nursing graduates may practice as registered nurses.

The St. Elizabeth School of Nursing is a three-year diploma school of nursing. It is the only hospital-based school of nursing in Indiana. A bachelor’s degree in nursing option is available in conjunction with Saint Joseph’s College in Rensselaer.

For more information on the St. Elizabeth School of Nursing, please call (765) 423-6400 or visit www.steson.org.

Editor’s note: For media interested in covering the graduation ceremony, please contact Ben Kalinowski at (219) 866-6177.

St. Elizabeth Regional Health employees receive certifications

Three St. Elizabeth Regional Health employees have recently received national certifications in their respective areas:

•  Valorie Dunn, R.N., BSN, CRNI, infusion therapy coordinator with St. Elizabeth Home Health Pharmacy, received her national certification in infusion from the Infusion Nurse Society and the Infusion Nurse Certification Corporation.
• Jennifer Anderson, R.D., with the St. Elizabeth Diabetes Center, received her certified diabetes educator status by passing an exam and completing a minimum 1,000 hours providing patient education by a two-year span and maintain 15 hours of continuing education in diabetes management each year.
• Denise Seeger, CFCP, educator at the Kathryn Weil Center for Education, received her certification as a fertility care practitioner by the American Academy of FertilityCare Professionals’ Commission on Certification. The American Academy of FertilityCare Professionals is a professional organization dedicated to fostering, advancing and promoting quality natural family planning through service, education, leadership and research.

St. Elizabeth Hospice volunteer training class begins in July

The St. Elizabeth Hospice has scheduled their summer hospice volunteer training classes for new volunteers to work with hospice patients and their families in your area. The first training session will be held on Saturday, July 24.

The first of five sessions will be held at the Kathryn Weil Center for Education. The Kathryn Weil Center for Education is located in the Medical Arts Building, 415 N. 26th St., Suite 400 in Lafayette.

Volunteers provide non-medical services to hospice patients and their families that may include a break for caregivers, patient companionship, listening and emotional support, basic bedside comfort measures or assisting with shopping, yard or household chores. Volunteers can be a meaningful support for families during this difficult time. Volunteer are needed for the following counties: Benton, Carroll, Clinton, Fountain, Montgomery Tippecanoe, Warren and White.

Those who have lost loved ones within the last year are strongly encouraged to wait for at least one year before volunteering for direct care with our hospice families; however interested persons could volunteer to provide office support.

Please contact Diana Salazar, St. Elizabeth Hospice Volunteer Coordinator, at (765) 423-6924 by July 15, 2010 to schedule an interview for the July training class or to inquire about hospice volunteer opportunities.

St. Elizabeth Diabetes Center presents 'Healthy Families and Healthy Kids'

The St. Elizabeth Diabetes Center will present “Healthy Families and Healthy Kids” at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, June 23 at the St. Elizabeth Diabetes Center. The center is located in the Medical Arts Building, 415 N. 26th St., Suite 400 in Lafayette.

The program for adults will feature presentations by James Poulos, M.D., medical director of the center, and Jenny Anderson, a diabetes educator and dietitian, on nutrition and how to reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes. A special activity, crafts and snacks will be planned by Allison Stetler, a dietitian, for children in attendance.

This event is free. Registration is required and can be made by calling the St. Elizabeth Diabetes Center at (765) 449-5180.

Camp WACK gearing up for another session

Registration is now being accepted for the fourth annual Camp WACK(Water Adventure Camp for Kids), which will be held on June 30 and July 1 at Lake Harner in Lafayette.

Camp WACK provides children with disabilities the opportunity to participate in adapted water skiing. Skis are specially equipped to allow skiers to sit and ski, while outriggers provide balance and stability to ensure a rewarding and positive ski experience. A variety of games and activities will also be available for the campers on shore throughout the day. Campers will be given a choice as to which day to attend. All attempts will be made to accommodate your request.

Camp WACK is limited to the first 50 participates. Eligible participants are children ages 5 to 18 with disabilities. The following guidelines must be followed:

• Children must be able to communicate utilizing words or hand signals.

• Children must be able to roll over from face down position in the water.

• Participants do not have to be able to hold the ski rope independently. 

Cost is $20 per child. For an application packet, please visit www.campwack.org. Payment with registration is due by June 11.

Camp WACK is presented by Modified Athletics for Kids. Sponsors of Camp WACK include Lafayette Tent and Awning, The Eagles, The Finish Line Foundation, Jeanne Ward, St. Elizabeth Regional Health, Jack Coffin and family, Tipmont REMC, Duke Energy, Lynn Ward and HBT Inc.