dch nurses week recognition takes on western theme

 Cowboy music, Western décor and John Wayne movies set the mood for the 2010 Nurses Day recognition at Dearborn County Hospital.  The annual open house is the hospital’s way to thank its nurses for their hard work throughout the year.  National Nurses Day is celebrated by hospitals across the country in conjunction with the May 12 birthday of Florence Nightingale.

Coordinators of the event, Connie Cecil, RN, BSN, CNOR, DCH Surgical Services Director; Angela Scudder, RN, MSN, DCH Nursing Clinical Coordinator; Dawn Walcott, RN, DCH Clinical Supervisor; and Connie Spurlock and Debra Gould, DCH Nursing Administrative Staff, organized a Western Roundup on Tuesday and Wednesday, May 11 and 12, for the nursing staff. 

Even the refreshments were a reminder of the Old West.  Nurses enjoyed sloppy joes, cole slaw and baked beans with smores for dessert.

“Giving at least 100 percent of themselves is the standard that the nurses at Dearborn County Hospital have set for themselves and their colleagues,” stated Mrs. Scudder.  “Our annual open house ensures they are recognized on their special day for their dedication and commitment to the hospital and its patients.  The event was very successful with many nurses arriving early, staying late or visiting the open house during their lunch or breaks.”

Activities for the event included a poster design contest between the nursing departments.  The Birthing Center, Education, Emergency Department, Home Health & Hospice, Medical/Surgical Floor, O’Brien Floor, Surgical Floor and Surgical Services all entered board displays.  Surgical Services won first place while the Emergency Department received honorable mention.  Carol Muehlenkamp, Director of Patient Care Services, and Mrs. Scudder presented the first place prize to Surgical Services.

In addition, the Zen Zone of Lawrenceburg, the Rising Sun Wellness Spa and Southwestern Massage College of Florence, Kentucky, provided complimentary 10 minute massages both days for the nursing staff.  Reiki master Robert Grote provided a stress free therapy session for a number of nurses who attended the event.

Door prizes/gift baskets were donated by the following nursing departments and employees:  Carol Muehlenkamp, Angela Scudder, Dawn Walcott, Patty Allen, Debra Gould and Connie Spurlock, Nursing Administration; Pam Wills, Surgical Floor; Marsha Acra, O’Brien Floor; Jerri Rollins, Med/Surg Floor; Stephanie Craig, Education; Jacquie Adelsperger, Birthing Center; Keri Amberger, Intensive Care Unit; Connie Cecil, Surgical Services; Ellen McCracken, Emergency Department; and Terry Kittle, Radiology.

Many local businesses and individuals also provided prizes including Acapulco Mexican Restaurant, Arby’s, Aurora Lumber, Bob Evans Restaurant, Bob Sumerel Tire & Service, Domino’s Pizza, Dunkin’ Donuts, Floyd’s Car Wash, Frisch’s, Gambles Department Store, Golden Corral, Greendale Cinemas, Hallmark, Hava Java, Jack’s Restaurant, KFC, Kroger, LaRosa’s, Long John Silver Seafood Shoppe, Lowe’s Home Improvement Center, O’Charley’s, Orscheln Farm & Home Supply, Panama Pete’s, Pizza Hut, Star Uniform, Steak ’n’ Shake, Subway (Aurora), Taco Bell, Wendy’s, Whisky’s Restaurant and Zorba’s Greek Restaurant.

The Nurses Day committee is also thankful to Lawrenceburg and Batesville McDonald’s Restaurants (Edward Cummins, owner) and to Lawrenceburg/Aurora Skyline Chili (Dave Schrader and Chris Elkins) for their generous donation of gift certificates, as well as Cardinal Office Products for two major door prizes.