Independence Plus Blog
A Pediatric Nurse at Heart
Emily McDonald, RN, is quiet, kind and wise beyond her years. A nurse for the last 10 years, Emily comes from a family with a strong background in education. Today, Emily is a natural with our younger pediatric patients.
“Holland” is a Great Place to Live
Mrs. Chris Schaffert and her vent-dependent husband, recently recalled an especially meaningful home visit with Anne O’Sullivan, RRT, RCP, our Home Nursing Transition Specialist. Chris remembers that day well. She was going through a very difficult time when Anne asked if she could share a poem entitled, “Welcome to Holland.”
Andrew Says Goodbye to His Ventilator (Part II)
In August 2013, we published a story about Andrew, 2, who was working with his physicians, nurses, and parents to breathe independently without a ventilator. Today, this happy, handsome toddler is completely weaned off the ventilator and working toward his ultimate goal: decannulation, which is the process of removing a tracheostomy tube.
Our Wishes for 2014
For almost a decade, Independence Plus, Inc. has upheld its annual tradition of creating wishes and releasing them into the air in the New Year. Our wishes include hopeful messages for people everywhere, including our patients and families, our colleagues, our family and friends, and ourselves.
Top 12 Success Stories of 2013
With the holidays in full swing – and 2014 quickly approaching – we took a few minutes to look back at some of our patient’s success stories from 2013.
A Hero Among Us
“He’s our hero.” This is the first thing JJ’s mom, Eleanor, says as we sit down to hear JJ’s story. During our conversation, I understand her sentiment completely. JJ truly is a hero among us. JJ suffered a complete spinal cord injury (SCI) in January 2007, resulting in a level C2 injury. This injury eventually improved to a level C3 injury. Today, JJ lives a full life at home surrounded by his friends, family, and trusted nurses. He enjoys riding to the beach, interacting with nature, and visiting with people.
One Year of Experience NOT Required
“One Year Minimum Experience Required.” This phrase has haunted Eric Meiri, RN, since he graduated from nursing school in December 2012. Read his guest blog post to learn more about his journey to obtain a job in nursing – and his experience as a Nurse Resident in Independence Plus’ Home Nursing Residency program.
Patients and Families: Let Your Voices Be Heard!
Last week, we held our second Patient Family Advisory Committee (PFAC) meeting. PFAC meetings are one of the many ways our patients and families are connecting to Independence Plus.
Veteran’s Day: Honoring Our Heroes
Today, we are recognizing and honoring past and present service men and women who served and sacrificed for our country. Their courage and dedication makes us proud and free. As a special tribute to those who served, we are sharing the story of Tyrone “Ty” Hull. Ty is a Delivery Technician at Independence Plus, Inc.’s Respiratory Home Medical Equipment division, and was in the U.S. Army from 1986 to 1992.
Celebrating Halloween with Independence Plus
Halloween isn’t just about going door to door for candy. Many of our patients celebrate Halloween at home surrounded by their family and friends. We compiled a snapshot of photos to illustrate how a few of our patients chose to celebrate this year!
Advocating for Sara: A Parent’s Perspective
Sara is a survivor. Sara, 9, is described by her parents, Rei and Daniel, as a girly girl and lover of all things Hello Kitty. Sara was born with Trisomy 16, a chromosomal abnormality. In 2012, she received a tracheostomy and was placed on a ventilator. Together, Sara and her family are supported by their friends, physicians, specialists, therapists, and nurses, who are all fighting to keep Sara healthy – and at home.
A Brighter Future for COPD Patient
Ms. Rochfella Bright, 52, enjoys being with her family, crocheting blankets, solving puzzles, and even fishing with Robert, her son, at a pond near their home. Life wasn’t always this good for Ms. Bright who suffers from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, commonly referred to as COPD, until she was introduced to Intrapulmonary Percussive Ventilation (IPV) treatments at home.
Grow With Us
We’re expanding our services and offerings. We want you to be a part of the team that is delivering personalized, individual, people-focused skilled home healthcare to those in need. Come join us.