Education

‘IPI Connect’ – Part of our unwavering commitment to ongoing education and training

‘IPI Connect’ started with a goal to build a professional network for Independence Plus, Inc.’s (IPI) clinicians. Three years ago, the idea was to hold quarterly meetings to offer open discussions on topics and concerns our Home Nursing clinicians wanted and needed to know in order to stay up-to-date. Our meetings were such a success that they are now held monthly, giving our nurses more opportunities to take part in one aspect of IPI’s unwavering commitment to ongoing education and training. We encourage our staff to participate in as many IPI Connect events as possible and we are interested in ideas for future topics. If you have an idea, leave it in the comments section below!

Someone You Should Know: Zandra, RN, BSN, IPI’s Home Nursing Residency Manager

Education, General, Our People

Many of Independence Plus, Inc.’s patients and staff know Zandra, RN, BSN, as a great nurse with a positive attitude and a calming bedside manner, focused on learning as much as she can in order to best care for her patients. After working with her and hearing everyone else’s feedback on who Zandra is and what she does, we decided to interview and then hire her as our new Home Nursing Residency Manager.

What Sets IPI Apart

Community, Education, General

The word “choice” is something we often hear in conversations and news about the ever-changing world of healthcare. “Choice” relates to types of care, clinicians, insurance, cost, and so on. When it comes to home healthcare, the most basic decision is which provider you choose.

Someone You Should Know: Anna R., RN, IPI Clinical Manager

Education, General, Our People

Two and a half years ago, Anna R., RN, was seeking a job that fit her love of caring for patients in the home setting. She was introduced to Independence Plus, Inc.’s (IPI) Home Nursing Residency program by a friend, and from there her sparkling personality and outstanding bedside manner made her a quick favorite of our patients. Now, after making the transition to IPI’s Home Nursing Clinical Management Team, Anna continues to care for her patients – many of whom she worked with in the field – from the office.

An exciting employment opportunity for new graduate nurses!

Community, Education, Events, General, Our People

Five ‘Must-Have Resources’ as a Nurse

Education, General, Our People

Three of the primary qualities I’m finding that are necessary to make it as a private duty nurse at Independence Plus, Inc. (IPI) are: undeniable passion, inherent confidence, and a science-enthusiast mentality. The first quality is a no-brainer. Being passionate about advocacy, relationship-building, and ensuring that people receive the best care will only grow as we develop as nurses. The last two will be a constant learning experience as healthcare continues to evolve. As a nurse it is essential to know the science behind disease processes, clinical skills, and interventions. It is this foundation that influences patient outcomes and our confidence when providing life-saving care.

“Once I emerged from the depths of futility, I viewed my diagnosis as an opportunity to spread awareness.”

Community, Education, Featured, General, Our People

Three years ago Eric Von Schaumburg was at that sweet spot in life. He was 29 years-old with an amazing job, a wonderful girlfriend, and a future as bright as one could hope for. Then in early summer of 2013 he received the shocking news that he has ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Faced with a devastating progressive neurodegenerative disease that has little treatment option and no cure, the Chicago man says he spent a short amount of time coming to terms with the battle ahead of him, and then quickly turned his focus to doing whatever he could to inspire others.

A Nurse’s Perspective: 8 Things I Learned While Caring for Patients with ALS

Community, Education, General, Health News, Our People

When hearing or reading information about Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), I am often reminded of how individuals are “rarely” affected by this disease. This is quite the contrary in my field of nursing. Being diagnosed with ALS is challenging, not just for the patient but also for surrounding loved ones. At times, patients with ALS are referred to as “difficult.” After having patients of my own with ALS, I found them to be misunderstood, just like their disease.

Are you up for the challenge of high acuity specialty home care?

Community, Education, General, Our People

For nearly 30 years, Independence Plus, Inc. has been providing people with complex medical and respiratory needs the opportunity to live fulfilling lives at home.

One thing that makes IPI unique in the home health care field is that caring for our patients is extremely challenging. Our nurses become trained specialists in directly caring for adult and pediatric ventilator-dependent patients at home, many with rare diagnoses.

Being Mindful About Grief-Related Stress

Community, Education, General, Our People

Not until witnessing many of the people surrounding me experience deaths in their family and recently experiencing a patient death of my own, did I understand how powerful grief can be. It also brings to my attention various stressors that are affiliated with the passing of a patient or loved one.

Someone You Should Know: Tori, RN

Community, Education, General, Our People

Caring for medically complex patients at home is extremely challenging—but we at Independence Plus love the opportunities to deliver complex clinical care while our patient is in their own home. We train RN’s and LPN’s to become specialists in directly caring for ventilator-dependent patients, many with rare diagnoses.

Not Your Average Home Care Nurse

Education, General, Our People

Home care nurses play a multifaceted role in their patients’ lives. When people are asked about their definition of home healthcare, the answers vary greatly. So what exactly is it?

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