St. Joseph's Health - Syracuse, NY

Congratulations to DAISY Award winner Megan Foriero, RN, BSN. 🌼🏆

The DAISY Award (DAISY Foundation) is a nationwide program that rewards and celebrates the clinical skill and compassionate care nurses give daily. St. Joseph’s Health Hospital is proud to be a DAISY Award Hospital Partner, recognizing our nurses with this special honor.

Megan recently made a profound difference in the life of a family during a critical time.

“Megan was taking care of my wife after her open-heart surgery. Megan is the nicest healthcare worker I’ve ever met! She is so kind and understanding to my wife and our family. She was so helpful and informative to all of us. She is one of a kind and deserves to be awarded this honor.”

The family also praised Megan for her attentive care and communication.

“Megan made our family feel confident, comfortable, safe, and heard. She accommodated our family and explained all the details of what she was doing. She also heard my mom and listened to her. Honestly, she was incredible. We are so lucky to have had her on this journey with us.”

Thank you, Megan, for your dedication to making sure your patients and their families feel valued, safe and well cared for.

Essential Water Safety Tips to Prevent Drowning 🎙️ Listen now to St. Joseph's Health MedCast: https://bit.ly/4dEHjeQ

In this podcast, Dr. Ryan Planer, Family Medicine, discusses the importance of water safety. Drowning is the leading cause of death among children one to four years old. It only takes a moment for a child or weak swimmer to drown. By teaming up to improve swimming skills and water safety knowledge and assisting each other, water activities can be safer and just as enjoyable.

👂 Listen in to learn more about how you can stay safe this holiday weekend.

Congratulations to the 2nd quarter recipient of the Unit 1-4 STAR Award, Nuri Chun, RN. ⭐

The STAR (Service, Teamwork, Attitude, Reverence) Award is a quarterly recognition of a St. Joseph's Health staff member. The individuals who receive this award meet the tenets of the Hospital's core values of Compassion, Reverence, Excellence, Integrity, and Stewardship. Candidates are nominated by their peers/management team and recognized by their leadership team.

Nuri is an international nurse who will be in the United States at St. Joseph's Health for three years. Nuri is always helpful, incredibly patient and consistently goes above and beyond for both patients and staff. Her dedication to patient care is unparalleled, and colleagues describe her as "the most thorough nurse I've ever met." Nuri's commitment to providing a higher level of care and her ability to support her team make her an invaluable asset to St. Joseph's Health.

St. Joseph's Health is grateful for Nuri's contributions. Her knowledge, compassion, and dedication truly embody the values we strive for every day. 🎉

UNIT SPOTLIGHT: CENTRAL STERILE

Behind every successful surgery and procedure at St. Joseph’s Health, there’s a team working tirelessly to ensure that all instruments and equipment are meticulously cleaned, sterilized and ready for use. Our Central Sterile team is the backbone of patient safety, ensuring that every tool meets the highest standards of cleanliness and sterility.

The work of our Central Sterile team is vital in preventing infections and maintaining a safe environment for both patients and healthcare professionals. Their commitment to precision, attention to detail and adherence to strict protocols make them an indispensable part of our hospital’s operations.

If you’re passionate about making a difference behind the scenes and want to be part of a team that plays a critical role in patient care, consider joining our Central Sterile family. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4fU95pn

Join us for the 30th Annual Golf Classic presented by Syracuse Orthopedic Specialists, P.C. on Thursday, September 5, at the Turning Stone Resort Casino. One day, three outstanding courses - Kaluhyat, Shenendoah and the famed Atunyote. ⛳️

➡️ Register now for online silent auction and get a sneak peek at the incredible trips. All proceeds will benefit St. Joseph's College of Nursing - Syracuse, NY. You do not need to attend the event to bid. ⏰ Check it out before the auction goes live on August 30 at 9:00 a.m., link: https://bit.ly/3YXaMMA

We were thrilled to host a Meet the Midwives event at St. Joseph's Health Hospital on Wednesday, August 21. This casual gathering allowed guests to meet our Certified Nurse Midwives, tour the labor and delivery floor and ask questions about midwifery care.

If you missed the event but would like to learn more, click here https://bit.ly/3ABrzuB, or call 315.703.5200 to schedule an appointment.

📸: Featured on Bridge Street on NewsChannel 9, St. Joseph's Health Certified Nurse Midwives Jennifer MacBlane, Dr. Jessica Brown and Sara Donnelly.

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Richard DiStefano, a well-respected board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon and beloved member of the St. Joseph’s Health medical staff. Dr. DiStefano practiced at Syracuse Orthopedic Specialists (SOS) and served on the St. Joseph’s Health medical staff for more than 28 years.

Join us in extending deep condolences to Dr. DiStefano’s family, friends, co-workers, and patients during this difficult time.

Our hearts are deeply saddened by the loss of our beloved Dr. Richard DiStefano. “Dr. D” cared for our community and improved countless lives with his medical skills during his tenure at SOS.

We will fondly remember his humor, bright smile, and kind heart.

Our thoughts are with his family, his friends, and anyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.

- The SOS Family

COLLEAGUE SPOTLIGHT: MaDora Mogensen, CNM
Meet the Midwives at our event tonight, Wednesday, August 21, from 6-7:30 p.m. at St. Joseph's Health Hospital. ✨ Registration is required: https://bit.ly/3SAbJ9I

Meet MaDora Mogensen, Certified Nurse Midwife, who joined our team at St. Joseph's Health Hospital in 2022. MaDora’s journey to midwifery began after a life-changing experience during her second pregnancy, where she was deeply moved by the holistic care provided by her midwife. Inspired by the way her midwife attended to her whole person, rather than just focusing on numbers and charts, MaDora decided to pursue a career in nursing with the intention of one day becoming a midwife herself.

Since becoming a nurse in 1997, MaDora has dedicated her career to working in both maternity and the OR. She is committed to making her patients feel comfortable and ensuring they have the best possible experience. Understanding that both areas can be intimidating, MaDora’s main goal has always been to provide reassurance and compassionate care.

After raising her three children, MaDora fulfilled her long-held dream by earning her Master’s degree in Midwifery from Frontier Nursing University in 2019. She began her midwifery journey with Syracuse Midwives, where she gained valuable experience and built strong connections with both her colleagues and patients. MaDora is passionate about helping women navigate their pregnancies and ensuring they have positive birth experiences. She believes strongly in the importance of women having a voice in their care and supports the idea that birth plans should be respected while remaining flexible for unexpected situations.

MaDora has had the immense pleasure of supporting women through childbirth in various positions, allowing their bodies to guide the process naturally. She is committed to ensuring that every woman feels heard and respected in her care.

We are thrilled to have MaDora as part of our team and look forward to the incredible impact she will continue to make in the lives of women and families in our community.

UNIT SPOTLIGHT: MSICU (Medical/Surgical Intensive Care Unit)

The MSICU at St. Joseph's Health is where critical care meets compassion. Our team specializes in providing comprehensive care to patients with complex medical and surgical needs, often requiring advanced life support and close monitoring.

In the MSICU, our nurses and health care professionals are at the forefront of patient care, managing everything from ventilators and IV medications to wound care and emergency interventions. The focus is on delivering personalized care with precision, ensuring the best possible outcomes for our patients in their most vulnerable moments. Teamwork is essential, as our staff collaborates closely with intensivists, surgeons, and other specialists to provide holistic and life-saving care.

We are looking for skilled RNs to join our MSICU team, offering you a chance to make a difference in a fast-paced and rewarding environment. Explore opportunities for professional growth and become a part of a team that values excellence and innovation. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3M6AzKu

💤 Struggling to get quality sleep? You’re not alone. Over 130 million Americans face sleep challenges, impacting their health and daily life. At St. Joseph’s Health Sleep Center, we’re here to help you understand and improve your sleep. 🌙

Learn more from Robert Newman, Clinical Coordinator, about the importance of deep sleep, identifying common sleep disorders and simple steps to enhance your rest. 🛏️

Read more with CNYCentral.com.

Science of Sleep: The impact on overall health and how to improve sleep quality More than 130 million Americans suffer from sleep problems, but experts say there are steps you can take to improve your sleep and overall health.

Warm up your muscles before you dive into your swim! 🌊 Taking a few minutes to stretch and do light exercises can help prevent injuries, improve flexibility and enhance your swimming experience. Whether it's arm circles, leg stretches, or gentle movements, warming up is essential for a safer and more enjoyable swim.

Ready, set, swim—safely! Learn more about staying active and safe in the water at CDC Water Safety Tips: https://bit.ly/4bN6paz

COLLEAGUE SPOTLIGHT: KALYN GAILOR, R.T. (R)

Meet Kalyn Gailor, R.T. (R), a dedicated member of the Interventional Radiology team at St. Joseph’s Health.

Kalyn has been a vital part of the St. Joseph’s Health family for one year and seven months. As an x-ray technologist, Kalyn finds immense fulfillment in her role, particularly in the hands-on procedures within Interventional Radiology. “My favorite part of my job is the procedures. As an x-ray tech, we are normally just taking diagnostic images, but in Interventional Radiology, I get to actually perform the therapeutic part of the exam. I love working as a team with the doctors, nurses, and fellow x-ray technologists, and I feel really fulfilled knowing that I’ve helped someone,” Kalyn shared.

What sets St. Joseph’s Health apart for Kalyn is the strong sense of community and shared values among employees. “St. Joseph’s Health feels more like a family; all the employees here share such similar values. I love hearing about how everyone the patient has interacted with has had such an amazing experience.”

Kalyn’s dedication to her work and her team truly embodies the spirit of care and collaboration at St. Joseph’s Health.

Join our Interventional Radiology team; learn more: https://bit.ly/46RAmo0

St. Joseph’s Health Hospital has received re-certification from DNV as a Primary Stroke Center, affirming the hospital’s readiness to handle a full range of stroke-related medical problems. 🏆🧠 Read more: https://bit.ly/4cpVzXx

Our colleagues at Northeast Surgery Center captured an exciting moment yesterday when they realized they had an all-female surgeon team. 💉🩺🏥 We are grateful for their dedication to exceptional patient care.

📸: Dr. Marzouk, Dr. Kort, Dr. Oberoi, Dr. Muniz

COLLEAGUE SPOTLIGHT: DR. JESSICA M. BROWN, DNP, MS, BSN, CNM, RN
Meet Dr. Brown at our Meet the Midwives event on Wednesday, August 21, from 6-7:30 p.m. at St. Joseph's Health Hospital. ✨ Registration is required: https://bit.ly/3SAbJ9I

Dr. Brown is a member of the American College of Nurse-Midwives and the New York Association of Licensed Midwives, and a member of the Board of Sankofa Reproductive Health & Healing.

Dr. Brown’s mission as a professional midwife is to care for those in underserved communities. Dr. Brown is dedicated to bringing forth the vision of birth as a physiological process, supporting autonomy, decreasing maternal mortality rates and intercepting health disparities. The diversely founded history of midwifery is a beautiful sacred evolution that ought to be supported and celebrated.

Dr. Brown earned her Doctorate of Nursing Practice from Frontier Nursing University (2024); Master of Science in Midwifery from Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (2021); Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Roberts Wesleyan College in Rochester, New York (2017); and Associate of Science in Nursing from St. Elizabeth College of Nursing in Utica, New York (2013).

Jessica is supported by her four loving children and enjoys quality time with friends and family. She also enjoys physical fitness, family, mindful meditation, travel, culinary arts and photography.

Summer Injuries: What to Do? 🎙️ Listen now to St. Joseph's Health MedCast: https://bit.ly/46L8VMO

Dr. Bradley Raphael, a board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon at Syracuse Orthopedic Specialists, P.C., discusses common summer injuries such as sprains, strains, fractures and dislocations. With his extensive experience working with athletes, Dr. Raphael provides insights on recognizing serious pain, preventing injuries and knowing when to seek medical attention.

👂 Tune in to learn more from Dr. Raphael and how to stay safe and active this summer.

Swimming is a fantastic way to stay active and healthy, especially as you age. Whether for fun conversation, a helping hand, or just an extra set of eyes for safety, bringing a buddy to the pool can make all the difference. 🌞 Always swim with a friend to enjoy the benefits of staying active while ensuring you’re safe, especially in case of unexpected weather changes or minor injuries.

Our incredible team at St. Joseph's Health Cardiovascular Institute - East Syracuse (Brittonfield) is dedicated to excellent cardiology care. ⭐🩺❤️

Interested in joining the family? Learn more about open positions: https://bit.ly/3SEJ6by

St. Joseph’s Health Hospital has received the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® - Stroke Gold Plus quality achievement award for its commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines, ultimately leading to more lives saved and reduced disability. 🧠🥇

Read more: https://bit.ly/3X8geuZ

We are continuing the celebration for the St. Joseph's Health Boilermaker Corporate Cup Team as they were selected by the Boilermaker in their charity drawing this year. 🏆

The team picked the American Heart Association as the charity recipient. Congratulations to all!

Congratulations to DAISY Team Award winners on Unit 1-4 Oncology: Helen Weber, LPN; Heather Miller, RN, BSN; Katelyn Spector, RN, BSN; Hannah Robles, RN, BSN. 🌼🏆

The DAISY Award (DAISY Foundation) is a nationwide program that rewards and celebrates the clinical skill and compassionate care nurses give daily. St. Joseph’s Health Hospital is proud to be a DAISY Award Hospital Partner, recognizing our nurses with this special honor.

𝗛𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗮𝗵 𝗥𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀, 𝗥𝗡, 𝗕𝗦𝗡, was nominated for being an excellent nurse who always works to ensure her patient’s needs are met. As evidenced by her nominator’s words, that often means caring for family members as well.

“From the moment my mom was transferred to Unit 1-4, Hannah made the transition so smooth and welcoming for my mom and our family. She promptly made sure my mom’s needs were met. She also ensured accommodations were in place for a family member to stay the night. She ensured my mom’s pain was managed and that she was always comfortable. Her level of care and knowledge made our whole family comfortable.”

𝗛𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿, 𝗥𝗡, 𝗕𝗦𝗡, was nominated by a family member of one her patients who praised her for making their mom and entire family feel very at ease while under her care, adding that Heather is hands-down one of the best nurses she has ever encountered. She appreciated how Heather was able to explain things to family members in a way they understood, and recognized her caring attitude.

“Heather’s level of empathy goes unmatched. She truly treated my mom and family with the utmost care and compassion which none of us will ever forget. She went above and beyond for all of us. She kept my mom comfortable and content for each of her shifts. Heather, thank you so much for being the kind of nurse you are. We appreciate you more than we could ever put into words.”

𝗛𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗻 𝗪𝗲𝗯𝗲𝗿, 𝗟𝗣𝗡, was nominated by a family member of a patient who was hospitalized for an extended time, with Helen as her nurse many of those days.

“Helen made sure mom was comfortable always, whether it be from repositioning, bathing, brushing her hair—you name it—Helen provided mom with exceptional care. She always thought of that one extra thing she could do for mom or ANY of her family members at the bedside.”

The family member went on to thank Helen for more than her nursing skills.

“Helen also made mom laugh, which was so important. I cannot thank you enough for your kindness, compassion and empathy during the toughest time in our life.”

𝗞𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗹𝘆𝗻 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿, 𝗥𝗡, 𝗕𝗦𝗡, was recognized for her consistent and empathetic approach with a patient and their family members.

“Katelyn’s level of compassion and care was felt by our entire family. She made sure mom’s pain was managed and kept her comfortable at all times. She acknowledged all of us family members and ensured everyone’s needs were met. Katelyn was by our side as we transitioned to the grieving process. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your empathy, kindness and compassion.”

Please join us in congratulating these incredible nurses for their dedication to excellent patient care.

Meet the Midwives! ✨

📅 Wednesday, August 21
⏰ 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
📍 St. Joseph's Health Hospital

This casual gathering will allow you to meet our Certified Nurse Midwives, tour the labor and delivery floor and ask questions about midwifery care.

Free registration is required. Open to current and future patients. Link: https://bit.ly/4dmV94Y

Daniel Lewis, M.D., nocturnal hospitalist at St. Joseph's Health, was featured in In Good Health: Central New York's Healthcare Newspaper.

In this interview, Dr. Lewis shares his passion for the night shift, eclectic background and journey from nuclear engineering in the Navy to medicine. Discover how his unique experiences shape his approach to patient care during the night hours. 🌃

Read more: https://bit.ly/3WTTTB7

Mitral valve repair is one of the most challenging heart operations, but the results for patients with degenerative mitral valve disease can be outstanding, with improved survival and few long-term complications.

St. Joseph’s Health Hospital has been recognized by the American Heart Association and the Mitral Foundation for its commitment to this life-enhancing procedure. Receiving the Mitral Valve Repair Reference Center Award means experienced surgical teams at St. Joseph’s Health Hospital strive for superior clinical outcomes for their patients, guided by data-driven oversight from two highly respected health organizations. 🏆

Learn more: https://bit.ly/3LRRsIS

📣 Congratulations to Stephanie Herbert, Senior Specialist, Marketing & Communications, for being named to the CNY Business Journal's 40 Under 40 list! What a well-deserved honor for this marketing/social media extraordinaire. We're so proud! 🎉 👏

https://www.cnybj.com/event/40-under-forty-awards/

In honor of National Breastfeeding Month and World Breastfeeding Week (August 1-7), St. Joseph’s Health celebrates our dedicated team of lactation consultants: Teri Smithers, Denise Nolan, Angela Sierotnik, Marla Elliot & Diane Gould. 🎉

As a Baby Friendly Designated hospital since 2009, we are committed to providing exceptional breastfeeding support. 🌸

Our lactation consultants are certified professionals specializing in breastfeeding education and support. They offer prenatal consultations to prepare expecting parents, guiding them through breastfeeding essentials. In the hospital, they assist with initiating breastfeeding immediately after birth, providing hands-on help and personalized advice to ensure a successful start.

They visit new parents daily to conduct feeding assessments, offer individualized breastfeeding education, and provide guidance on breast pump use. They develop customized infant feeding plans to help parents feel confident and supported as they transition home.

They will also create tailored feeding plans for babies requiring higher-level care in our Level III NICU to meet each baby’s unique needs, ensuring that breastfeeding can be maximized even in challenging situations.

After discharge, our consultants continue to support families through phone call appointments and in-person visits at our Breastfeeding Support Center. They address latch, positioning, volume intake, weight gain, and more concerns, ensuring ongoing support throughout the breastfeeding journey.

Contact our Breastfeeding Support Center at 315-448-5323 for more information or to schedule an appointment. 📅

(📸: Diane Gould, RN; Denise Nolan, RN, BSN; Teri Smithers, RN, BSN)

Protect yourself and your loved ones. 💉 August is National Immunization Awareness Month. Vaccines are crucial in keeping our community healthy. Learn more about the importance of vaccinations here: https://bit.ly/3UpWNwa

COLLEAGUE SPOTLIGHT: SARA DONNELLY, CNM
Meet Sara at our Meet the Midwives event on Wednesday, August 21, from 6-7:30 p.m. at St. Joseph's Health Hospital. ✨ Registration is required: https://bit.ly/3SAbJ9I

Sara Donnelly, CNM, has been a passionate advocate for reproductive healthcare and birth work since 2010. She believes in providing the highest quality and safest care, ensuring that all individuals seeking care are active, autonomous participants in their health and wellness journey. Sara's approach is rooted in social justice and trauma-informed care, with a strong emphasis on patient autonomy and shared decision-making. She continuously seeks to learn and grow from the unique experiences of her patients and colleagues.

Sara's career in reproductive health care and obstetrics began as an RN locally, working in obstetrics. She later joined another local community, where she worked in OB and served as a childbirth educator. In addition to her clinical work, Sara is actively involved with the local Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) program, training forensic nurses in trauma-informed care for individuals who have experienced sexual assault.

In 2021, Sara joined St. Joseph's Health to help welcome patients from Syracuse Midwives to the practice and to continue growing the midwifery service. Her commitment to her patients and her team is evident in every aspect of her work.

When she's not at St. Joseph's Health, Sara enjoys indulging in her love for nature, often marveling at bugs, birds, fungi, and moss. She can also be found singing and dancing (mostly, but not always, in her kitchen) to Taylor Swift. In her free time, Sara loves reading, although she's often interrupted by her kids and animals. Despite these interruptions, she cherishes the time spent with her children, who she believes think she's cool—even if they won't admit it!

On Thursday, August 1, 11 enthusiastic St. Joseph’s Health teams participated in the second annual kickball tournament at Clay Town Park. They had a great time enjoying food and drinks, Skippy's Ice Cream, wearing creative team t-shirts and capturing memorable photo ops.

The highlights of the evening were friendly competition, teamwork, camaraderie, healthy exercise and lots of laughter.

The CVICU took home the trophy for the second year in a row! 😮🎉 Congratulations to all.