Straub Health

As we bring the celebration of our exceptional 2024 Nurse of the Year honorees to a close, we're thrilled to spotlight Stephanie Santiago, RN, recipient of the Professional Advancement award. This award recognizes a nurse who has gone above and beyond in their role to advance the profession of nursing, including participating in research, advancing their degree or engaging in educational endeavors, implementing an innovation in nursing and exhibiting a high degree of professionalism.

Stephanie's professional growth caring for the adult cancer patient population has excelled in a short period of time, expanding her knowledge and expertise surrounding the administration of many more cancer regimens than what she was accustomed to, and assisting patients to cope with the complications and toxicities of therapies. Stephanie was a member of Straub Benioff Medical Center's groundbreaking history here last year when she administered the first CAR T-cell therapy to a lymphoma patient. She is now working toward attaining her oncology certified nurse certification in adult hematology/oncology.

Our sincere mahalo to you, Stephanie, for your dedication to the nursing profession and for all the remarkable things you do to help create a healthier Hawaii!

Sunshine is our year-round companion in Hawaii, but it's important to remember the threat of skin cancer. ☀️🌴 With 1 in 5 Americans developing the condition in their lifetime, it's crucial to shield your skin. Dr. Iris Noh, Hawaii Pacific Health Medical Group chief of dermatology at Straub Benioff Medical Center, shares her top five tips for reducing your skin’s exposure to the sun.

5 Tips to Shield Your Skin from the Sun “Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States. One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime,” says Dr. Iris Noh, Hawaii Pacific Health Medical Group chief of dermatology at Straub Medical Center.

Step up for heart health at the American Heart Association 2024 Hawaii Heart Walk Saturday, Aug. 3, at Kapiolani Park. 👟❤️ Let's walk our way towards healthier hearts and help support the AHA's lifesaving work. As a proud sponsor of this event, we invite you to join our Hawaii Pacific Health ohana every step of the way. Stick around after the walk and visit our booth for heart-healthy tips and more at the Health & Wellness Fair.

To donate or join an HPH team, visit HawaiiPacificHealth.org/HeartWalk.

Please give a round of applause to our 2024 Nurse of the Year Outstanding Nurse Leader Tara-Lyn Shimabukuro, RN! 👏🏼 🏆 This award recognizes a nurse who has provided leadership in advancing the profession of nursing and leading excellence in the care of Hawaii Pacific Health patients, including demonstrating strong interpersonal and communication skills, developing and mentoring others and serving as a role model for the nursing profession while supporting and fostering positivity and growth in their department.

Here are some highlights from the nominations Tara received from her nursing colleagues in the Critical Care Inter Unit, Cheryl Kaluhiwa, Max Oyafuso, Kellie Tomita, Brittney Slye and Harrison Kiefer.

"Tara is a charge nurse on the very busy cardiac and burn unit, where she constantly advocates for staff and patients. She is able to juggle our very busy dual unit, making sure burn dressings go smoothly and that our critical cardiac patients have the right care. She makes work easier by always anticipating the needs of staff. I always know my day will run smoothly when she is working.

"She is not afraid to speak up to managers if something needs to get done or to fight for staffing. Straub is lucky to have her as a nurse, and I am lucky to have her as a coworker.

"Tara is a great charge nurse for the CCIU/Burn Unit. Her communication skills and dedication to patient care far exceed any nurse at Straub. She is always there to help complex patients’ needs during hospitalization as well as complex discharge needs. She is a role model to all, from new grad to veteran nurse on the floor. There is no other nurse that I trust more to help me out of a difficult situation than Tara.

"Tara is one of the most dependable charge nurses that I look forward to working with. She helps answer call lights and can deescalate difficult situations with patients and family members. She is able to think ahead and anticipate barriers to discharge to make the floor run smoothly. She is fair, and has good judgment and knowledge that makes it easy for the floor staff to go to her to address questions.

"As a charge nurse, she is very skilled at leading the team and providing support, especially in stressful or questionable situations. As I am a relatively newer nurse, it is incredibly important to have a leader like her who can provide guidance and knowledge. Not to mention, she also puts patient safety first and is persistently thinking of new ways to improve the patient experience and minimize safety hazards.

"Tara leads by example; she never seems scared or frustrated and has very strong clinical knowledge. Tara assists multiple different disciplines like staff nurses, clinical assistants, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, management, hospital operations and bed control to ensure day-to-day operations run smoothly despite how busy it is on the unit. Tara demonstrates she can navigate challenging issues by helping to resolve conflicts with staff members and difficult patients and families with a pleasant demeanor. Tara not only works hard, but she also works smart and demonstrates true aloha.

"She leads by example, helps out with all tasks no matter how menial and puts others before herself. She is very knowledgeable, knows the policies and procedures, and is a great resource for staff. Her dedication to details, knowledge of policies and procedures, and ability to connect with her patients are what make her an exceptional leader.

"She is able to understand the flow of the floor and be able to help floor staff to make sure they don't fall behind in tasks. She is very good at deescalating situations and coming up with solutions."

We couldn't be prouder to count you as one of our ohana, Tara-Lyn! Thank you for being an incredible leader, role model and for your commitment to creating a healthier Hawaii! 💚

Each year, falls happen to millions of people ages 65 and older, according to the CDC. Falling once doubles your chances of falling again.

Learn fall prevention exercises and receive a free fall risk screening at our Fall Prevention Clinic, Saturday, Aug. 24, from 8 a.m. to noon, at Straub Benioff Medical Center Physical and Rehabilitation Therapy, 826 S. King St. You can also schedule a 30-minute session with one of our physical therapists. Caregivers and family members of participants are welcome. Space is limited and reservations are required.

Reserve your spot by calling 808-522-4602.

Last week, our summer interns at Straub Benioff Medical Center participated in an event called Friday Night at the ER. Throughout the simulated 24-hour game play, interns make managerial decisions for their unit in their hospital to best manage staffing as well as patient arrivals and transfers. This game allows interns to collaborate, gain a better understanding of how different departments work together in the hospital and strategize ways to best manage their hospital.

Continue to follow us on social media as our interns continue throughout their internship. Three more weeks to go!

Aaron Keliikoa, RN, is known to always gives 100% in everything he does and never stops seizing opportunities to improve himself. It's this relentless dedication that has earned him the 2024 Nurse of the Year Exemplary Nurse Mentor award. This award recognizes a nurse for outstanding contributions mentoring within the nursing profession, including being a leader in employee engagement and work environment improvements, serving as a positive role model of professional practice for peers/new employees and students, and modeling the mission and values of Hawaii Pacific Health.

Aaron was nominated for this honor by radiologic technologists Tracie Uemura and Bruce Yamamoto of the cardiac catherization lab, who have witness firsthand his exceptional mentorship and work ethic.

"Aaron exhibits everything one thinks what a nurse should be. He understands the medical and emotional needs of his patients and is always there with a willingness to help, never with complaint. Aaron has a passion for what he does, evident in his enthusiasm and skill. He demonstrates compassion, not only for his patients, but also for his colleagues. He is self-sacrificing and goes out of his way to make accommodations so that the other nurses can tend to personal/family matters.

"He always lends a helping hand, supports other staff members and assists all patients, regardless of what nurse assigned to the case. He is perfect model for any nurses who are working in any department. I can't think of anyone else more deserving of this award. Any department that has Aaron Keliikoa working for them should recognize how lucky they are to have him!"

Mahalo, Aaron, for your steadfast commitment to nurturing and guiding your colleagues, which makes a profound impact on the quality of care we provide as we work together to create a healthier Hawaii!

Help save lives and join us by supporting the Blood Bank of Hawaii (BBH) with your blood donation during Lifesaving Week Wednesday, July 10, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Look for the Bloodmobile parked near the medical center entrance on South King Street.

Bring a photo ID that includes your legal first and last name to the blood drive and mention group code “Hawai‘i Pacific Health #1166” at check-in. You can mention our HPH group code at any future appointments scheduled with the BBH.

Whenever someone donates blood between June 1 and Aug. 31, BBH will give a donation to Special Olympics Hawaii to help their athletes compete at no cost. Donations are by appointment only. Schedule your appointment by visiting BBH.org or by calling 808-848-4770.

NOTE: For a chance to be featured on the BBH's social media pages, be sure to tag on Facebook when you donate.

This Fourth of July, enjoy the fireworks show but keep safety in mind! 🎇 According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), fireworks are responsible for more than 19,000 fires and send more than 9,000 people to the emergency department (ED) each year. In fact, burns caused by fireworks account for 44% of injuries treated in EDs in the month surrounding the Fourth of July holiday.

🎆 Don't relight duds.
🎆 Don't use aerial or other illegal fireworks.
🎆 Keep a water source, such as a bucket of water or a hose, nearby.
🎆 Don't end up being a statistic.

More fireworks safety tips: https://bit.ly/3NWN4ub

Romelyn Solomon's unwavering compassion and leadership have earned her the distinction of 2024 Nurse of the Year Excellence in Patient-Centered Care and Patient Experience! ⭐ 🏆 This award recognizes a nurse who exhibits excellence in patient care and providing an exceptional patient experience, including improving outcomes for a patient, exhibiting compassion and caring for patients, and seeking opportunities to improve patient care and the patient experience via nursing focus groups, committee work or other means.

Romelyn is a member of the Cardiology/Electrophysiology (EP) team at Straub Benioff Medical Center and was nominated for this recognition by Dr. Hingson Chun. Here are just some of the glowing remarks he has about Romelyn.

"Romelyn would qualify for several award categories. I chose this. I wish I could choose more. Romelyn has worked at EP for two years and entered an extremely busy RN position vacated by an extremely experienced retiring senior RN. She had to hit the ground burning rubber. Yet despite the strain of going from 0-100 MPH, she maintained her caring, gentle and kind demeanor for our patients in all manner of interaction. She is the lead in preprocedural counseling, answering questions, clarifying the MDs hurried remarks and instructions, arranging for pre-op labs ... She handles the majority of patient calls triggered by MyChart or calls-in concerning symptoms, medications, side effects, or clarification. She summarizes patient concerns and writes them on our sheet so the MD doesn't forget important concerns or needs. And she does this with an intelligent, efficient, and soft, quietude which is not showy, shiny, loud or fake. She is 100% available to our patients. I cannot tell you how many of my patients have expressed appreciation for her efforts and they don't even know her name."

Dr. Chun adds Romelyn serves as a role model, especially for younger medical assistants and patient service representatives. "In doing so, she is a cultural leader and anchor that preserves and grows the culture of patient care at Straub Benioff EP. I think it is not an exaggeration to say that the reputation of EP has grown with her presence. But more importantly, this cultural norm in EP is perceived by our patients and their families and serves as an invisible but durable reassurance for them. This reduces suffering. Romelyn reduces the suffering of our patients and their families."

Please join us in congratulating Romelyn for the incredible work she does by going above and beyond to ensure excellence in patient care in every way. Mahalo, Romelyn, for all you do to create a healthier Hawaii!

Did you know more than 31,000 people aged 65 and older in Hawaii have Alzheimer's disease? Dr. Huidy Shu, a neurologist and chief of medical subspecialties for Hawaii Pacific Health Medical Group, appeared on Hawaii News Now - Sunrise to talk about common symptoms of Alzheimer's, risk factors and prevention tips. He also discussed a groundbreaking FDA-approved drug that promises to be the beginning of a new era of treatment for Alzheimer's.

Alzheimer's Treatment Enters Promising New Era The rates of Alzheimer's disease are growing across the United States. According to the Alzheimer's Association, nearly 7 million Americans are living with the disease.

Summer fun is here, and so are potential trips to the emergency department as activities ramp up. 😎 🎾 ⚾ Learn how you can prevent common summer injuries with Dr. James Ham, Hawaii Pacific Health Medical Group chief of emergency medicine and emergency department physician at Straub Benioff Medical Center on this Hawaii News Now - Sunrise Healthier Hawaii segment.

Healthier Hawaii: How to prevent summer season injuries Dr. James Ham is the chief of emergency medicine for Hawai’i Pacific Health Medical Group. He’s also an emergency department physician at Straub Benioff Medical Center.

Our 2024 Nurse of the Year awards continue with this year's Emerging New Nurse, Rosie Earnshaw, RN, of the Critical Care Intermediate Unit at Straub Benioff Medical Center! 🌟🏆 This award recognizes a registered nurse with experience of three years or less in the nursing profession who demonstrates exemplary attributes as a new nurse in the workplace, including demonstrating exceptional clinical abilities and growth.

"Rosie readily takes on new roles as she begins her career. Several times now, she has been designated as charge nurse for a shift both days and nights, and while understandably nervous at times to take on these new assignments and responsibilities, she has risen to the challenge every time. The unit has been supported well because of her efforts in the role," remarks Riley Fujimoto, RN. "In a more clinical manner, Rosie just recently also finished her training in the burn unit, and is now fully trained to take care of burn patients. She took on these new concepts and care processes head on, fully engaged throughout her entire training period, and now has completed several shifts independently caring for burn patients successfully."

Riley adds Rosie is a tremendous nurse whom she knows will only become more and more competent as she gains time and experience in the role. "She is a perfect fit for recognition as the emerging new nurse, and I look forward to seeing how much she will accomplish throughout her career."

Thank you, Rosie, for your dedication to improving patient care and outcomes, and for creating a healthier Hawaii!

Man up during Men's Health Month! 💪🏼 👨🏽 Men face health issues unique to their s*x, including prostate cancer, prostatic enlargement, erectile dysfunction and testicular hypofunction (also called “male menopause” or “viropause”). Men can and should prioritize their health too with regular health screenings and taking simple steps toward a healthier lifestyle.

Real Men Take Care of Their Health According to a large national survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 17% of men said they didn’t have a “usual place to go for medical care,” compared to just 10% of women.

Please give a round of applause to Kimberly Lynch, BSN, recipient of the Straub Benioff Medical Center 2024 Nurse of the Year Community Stewardship award! 👏🏼 💯 This award recognizes a registered nurse for participation in the community that contributes to Hawaii Pacific Health's mission to create a healthier Hawaii, including leading by example, setting high standards and raising up those in their profession, and creating a vision for the future.

Kimberly started as an aide in the ICU then subsequently completed the Critical Care Academy before becoming over the years, as Dr. Emilio Ganitano describes, "one of the most skilled ICU registered nurses at Straub." Dr. Ganitano adds Kimberly has natural leadership ability and stands out as a leader. “Ms. Lynch teaches the newer ICU staff and has quickly become a positive role model for the newer ICU nurses ... she is a dedicated, highly skilled ICU RN who is a consummate advocate for her patients and their families. Her dedication toward always improving her ‘craft’ raises up those around her to allow the best care to be given.”

Thank you, Kimberly, for your leadership, patient advocacy and commitment to creating a healthier Hawaii!

Through Straub Virtual Urgent Care, you have access to physician consultation, diagnosis, treatment and prescription refills for a broad range of non-emergency conditions. Schedule video visits with board-certified Straub physicians on your smartphone, tablet or computer for personalized health care from the comfort of your own home or anywhere you are.

Virtual Urgent Care Get care for a broad range of non-emergency conditions. Through video visits on your smartphone, tablet or computer with board-certified, Straub physicians, Straub Virtual Urgent Care offers you personalized health care without leaving the comfort of your own home. Virtual Urgent Care HoursDaily: 8....

June 1 marked the start of hurricane season in the Central Pacific region. Hawaii Pacific Health Outpatient Pharmacy Manager Kurtis Nakamura talked story with Lina Girl on KITV4's Island Life Live about an often overlooked part of emergency preparedness: making sure your emergency kit includes an ample supply of properly stored medications.

Watch the full interview now: https://bit.ly/45p6a3d

With great excitement, we are spotlighting our 2024 Nurse of the Year honorees, starting with Lynne Young, RN. Lynne is the recipient of the Clinical Excellence in Nursing Practice award. This award recognizes a registered nurse who has contributed positively to the nursing professional practice environment, including implementing a successful nurse-led initiative, engaging in committees and teams to enhance nursing practice and acting as a role model for quality improvement.

“Lynne has been a critical part of the growth of the cardiothoracic division over the past several years. In addition to our growing patient volume and workload, the clinical complexity of the procedures has significantly increased,” remarks Dr. Andrew Baldwin, cardiothoracic surgeon at Straub Benioff Medical Center. “A key component of our strong surgical outcome measures has been Lynne's self-driven efforts to lead our outpatient focus on compliance with guideline recommendations and management strategies”

Dr. Baldwin adds Lynne's joyful attitude affects all around her and that she keeps the team grounded even in times of great stress that are frequently a part of complex cardiac surgery. “Her attitude affects more than just the surgeons she works with – her vibrant and joyous personality touches everyone in the surgical clinic, and her willingness to help with other service lines (such as covering general surgery clinics) helps her to serve as a role model for the rest of the staff.”

Congratulations and mahalo to you, Lynne, for the exceptional work you do to create a healthier Hawaii!

American Floor & Home celebrated their 50th anniversary at the Sheraton Waikiki April 17 with a fundraising dinner for the redevelopment of the Straub Benioff Medical Center. The leadership team from American Home & Floor presented Straub Benioff with a check for $60,335.66. Funds were raised through tables sales, a silent auction, branded "GrateFUL" apparel sales and a lucky drawing. We're grateful for generous community partners like American Floor & Home!

Pictured, left to right, are Hawaii Pacific Health Director of Philanthropy Amanda Price, American Floor & Home Founder David Arita, Hawaii Pacific Health Executive Vice President of Oahu Operations and Straub Benioff Medical Center Chief Executive Officer David Underriner, Christine Arita, American Floor & Home President Daniel Arita, Straub Benioff Medical Center Chief Operating Officer Travis Clegg, Hawaii Pacific Health Senior Development Officer Simone Borisov, and Hawaii Pacific Health Executive Vice President & Chief Strategy Officer Art Gladstone.

June is Men's Health Month, a perfect time to remind men to prioritize their health. Uncover some reasons why men generally lead less healthy lifestyles than women and easy ways for men to improve their well-being.

Real Men Take Care of Their Health According to a large national survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 17% of men said they didn’t have a “usual place to go for medical care,” compared to just 10% of women.

Gain control over your breathing this Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month. Learn more about diagnosis, treatment and management so you can breathe easier.

Asthma Awareness: Breathe Easier with Advice from an Expert Asthma is a chronic lung disease that affects children and adults of all ages. Some people have mild asthma and require medications intermittently. For others, asthma symptoms are severe and affect their quality of life.

On May 17, we had the privilege of celebrating the incredible dedication of our exceptional 2024 Nurse of the Year and Employee of the Year honorees. These remarkable individuals' commitment to excellence is truly an inspiration to all. Please join us in applauding them for everything they do to create a healthier Hawaii! 💚🤩

Missing from photos 1 and 2: Rosie Earnshaw, RN - Nurse of the Year Emerging New Nurse Award.
Missing from photos 1 and 3: Dennis Gruidi - Employee of the Year Clinical Excellence Award.

The Straub Medical Center - Kapolei Clinic & Urgent Care clinic will resume regular business hours Friday, May 24, following today’s water outage. Thank you for your patience and understanding during this time.

Clinic hours and information: https://bit.ly/3kmGsGU.

The Straub Medical Center - Kapolei Clinic & Urgent Care is closed until further notice due to a water outage in the area. We apologize for any inconvenience and will keep you updated on when the clinic will reopen. Mahalo for your understanding.

Did you know that stroke is the third-leading cause of death in Hawaii? This May, for National Stroke Awareness Month, join us as Michelle Sato, Hawaii Pacific Health Medical Group nurse practitioner, shares valuable insights on different types of strokes, distinguishing its signs and prevention tips on this Healthier Hawaii segment.

Healthier Hawaii: May marks National Stroke Awareness Month Michelle Sato, a nurse practitioner on Hawaii Pacific Health’s neurology team, explains what to know about strokes.

Vehicular, pedestrian and bicycle traffic on South King Street will be impacted Sunday, May 19, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., as a crane lift will be brought in to deliver new equipment to Straub Benioff Medical Center as part of our MRI machine upgrade project.

During this time:
• Three eastbound lanes on the left side of South King Street in front of Straub will be closed to traffic.
• The main entrance to the medical center will be closed.
• Cars will be directed to enter and exit through the exit driveway off South King Street.
• Staff will help direct vehicles in and out of the medical center on South King Street.
• The bike lane and pedestrian sidewalk on South King Street fronting Straub will be closed.

We appreciate your patience and understanding as we make improvements to our facility to better serve our patients and the community.

Link for more info: https://bit.ly/42LVSst.