Available to all Norton Healthcare employees, Papa is an innovative service connecting older adults and families with compassionate Papa Pals for companionship, assistance and peace of mind.

“She was worried about my carpal tunnel surgery, and how I was going to get around,” Sheila said. “You can’t exactly drive as well.”

Sheila elected to use the benefit after her wrist surgery. She could not drive so she had someone from Papa take her and her father, Merl, to doctor appointments. Sheila’s husband, Tom, was really busy at work and could not take time off.

“Merl, my dad, is 89 but very independent. At first, he and my husband, Tom, had some pushback to the idea of using Papa. Tom had concerns with having a stranger drive me, and my dad did not want the help of a stranger,” Sheila said. “I assured them it was through Norton Healthcare, and that it was safe. They eventually relented, and it turned out to be a huge benefit to us as a family.”

According to Sheila, the Papa Pals who showed up to help them were excellent. Every Papa Pal undergoes vigorous background checks and motor vehicle reports. For Sheila, they were on for scheduled pick-ups, accommodating and even early for the appointment. Everything was done in less than two hours, with no hassle.

Hans Buhts, a manager in the benefits department at Norton Healthcare, said the partnership was designed to benefit all employees.

“We know it can be difficult to manage work when you have additional responsibilities at home. Whether it’s taking care of an older parent, assisting kids with homework or needing to get ahead on household chores, we hope this benefit will help shift the load and reduce stress for our employees and their families,” Hans said. “We were excited to partner with Papa to provide companionship and assistance to our employees who may need help outside of work.”

According to Sheila, Tom and Merl were very grateful for their Papa Pal experience. Merl was happy he did not have to reschedule his appointment, and Tom was very relieved it all worked out so that he did not miss any time at work.

“I have already told so many people about this. I know another nurse in my unit who could benefit from it because she has a hurt knee,” Sheila said. “It is easy to sign up for. I am not tech savvy; if I can do it, anyone can! We have so many excellent benefits at Norton Healthcare — it is a perk of the job and a reason why I love working here.”

By the end of 2024, Sheila had used all 10 free hours available under the employee benefit. And she is looking to use more in the future to visit Merl at his nursing home.

About Papa

Whether it is for grocery shopping, watching your kids, a ride to a doctor’s appointment or assisting with nonmedical care, the Papa program extends a helping hand — when, where and how you need it most.

This benefit is available to all employees as part of our commitment to your well-being and work-life balance. All employees can use up to 10 hours of service, at no cost to you. Here’s how to get started:

• Visit Papa.com to verify your eligibility and create an account.
• Select who will be using your Papa benefits — you or your loved one(s) — along with the primary ZIP code where you would like assistance.
• Download the Papa Care app from the Apple or Google app stores and follow the steps to schedule your next visit.

If you are interested in using Papa, click here to learn more about the program and how to take advantage of it.

The post When a Norton Healthcare nurse had surgery on her wrist, an employee benefit helped with driving her and her dad appeared first on Norton Healthcare.

First, he became an intern in the regulatory and compliance office with research at Norton Healthcare. Second, he decided to enlist in the Kentucky Army National Guard. Making these decisions allowed him to serve not only his community, but his country too. He also had a goal in mind: becoming the first military officer in his family. Five years later, Kendrick, a clinical research coordinator at Norton Healthcare, is also an officer in the Kentucky Army National Guard.

In May 2024, Kendrick learned that he was being deployed to support a unit in the Middle East in two weeks.

Chandler Render, also a clinical research coordinator; Marti Gardner, system director for clinical research operations; and Avery Davenport, a clinical research manager; were among the first that Kendrick told. And each of them sprang into action to make sure Kendrick had the support he needed.

“We wanted to make sure that while Kendrick was overseas, he had no worries or thoughts about his job,” Marti said.

Marti and Avery made sure Kendrick knew that his job at Norton Healthcare was never in jeopardy while he was deployed. They made sure his job duties were covered and worked with human resources leaders to ensure resources (like our Veterans ERG, HR support, and retraining programs) were available to Kendrick upon his return, gave reassurance they were not looking to replace him. They even ensured his computer would not be locked when he returned.

“He is already under enough stress while protecting our country, so we did what we could to lift some weight off his shoulders,” Avery said.

Chandler did similar things as a co-worker, but also took it further as Kendrick’s friend. Chandler remembered when her stepdad was deployed and he wouldn’t stop talking about everything he missed from back home while overseas. She made sure Kendrick had everything he needed by putting together care packages to send him. He had limited time to talk to friends and family, so she made an Amazon wish list so everyone could pitch in to make sure he was reminded of home.

Kendrick, who was in Jordan for two weeks, then Kuwait for four months, spoke about how much that meant to him.

“There was a 12- to 14-hour time difference. I only had two to three hours to speak with people from back home. When you are over there, you start to miss home, because life goes on there without you. The phone call check-ins and care packages kept me going — gave me a reminder of what I was protecting,” Kendrick said. “I really appreciated it.”

Chandler also helped watch Charli, Kendrick’s dog. It was an added layer of comfort knowing his best friend was watching over his other best friend. He could do his job with the Army without worrying about anything back home.

This gave Kendrick an idea — to nominate Norton Healthcare for the Patriotic Employer Award from Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) — a Department of Defense office. The award is presented to employers who go the extra mile to protect the job of military service members who are deployed. Only a few employers win recognition every year, and this year’s have not been announced. Meanwhile, Kendrick nominated Chandler, Marti and Avery for the Patriot Award. This award goes to individuals who provided support directly to military members like Kendrick and his family. Kendrick said it was a thank-you for everything they did for him. It was his first deployment, and his team made sure he felt comfortable leaving and returning, while simultaneously sending him encouragement while on deployment and allowing him to do his duty with little to no worries.

He kept it a secret, and surprised Chandler, Marti and Avery with the award presentation by Kendrick and a member of the ESGR during a department holiday party in late December 2024. 

“When you come to work, you bring your whole self — which includes things that happen off the clock. Norton Healthcare supports that work-life balance and understands that things impact you from other aspects of your life. It is important to know what is happening in your employees’ lives,” Marti said. “It helps form a respectful and open relationship. It all goes back to our mission, vision, values and culture.”

According to Avery, initiatives like VETS (Veterans Engaging Through Service), Norton Healthcare’s employee resource group for military veterans, make it easier to lean on others so leaders and colleagues don’t have to shoulder the support alone.

“When you are called to serve, the last thing you want to be thinking about is whether or not you’ll still have a job,” Kendrick said. “I’ve never worried about that with Norton Healthcare, from the moment I enlisted they were there to support me every step of the way.”

The post Balancing service and career appeared first on Norton Healthcare.

Shelby’s career journey began on the food and nutrition services team, where she delivered meals to patients on the same ICU where she now provides lifesaving care.

That was June 2020, when Shelby already had her eyes set on a career path as a nurse. Along the way, Norton Healthcare would bring her so much more.

“I sought out Norton [Healthcare] solely for the Norton Healthcare Scholars Program,” Shelby said.

The Norton Healthcare Scholars Program offers financial assistance to students pursing designated health care related degrees. In exchange, students sign a contract agreeing to work at Norton Healthcare upon graduation.

Shelby thought she needed to be a Norton Healthcare employee to participate in the scholars program. She later learned that was not but case, but her role in food and nutrition services opened the door for her to take her first of many steps in her career journey.

During her time in food and nutrition, Shelby delivered meals to patients in the Norton Hospital neurosurgical intensive care unit, where she met and got to know Belinda Davis, patient care associate and unit coordinator.

Shelby shared her aspirations of one day becoming a nurse with Belinda, who noticed how willing Shelby was to go above and beyond for every patient she encountered. According to Belinda, Shelby would carefully prepare and cut the food for patients when she delivered their meal trays.

Belinda shared what she saw in Shelby with Rachel Farison, R.N., nurse manager on the neurosurgical ICU.

According to Rachel, Belinda spoke highly of Shelby, describing her as “really willing to help and very interested in the patients.”

One day, Shelby stopped by Rachel’s office and introduced herself.

“She came to my door and knocked. She said, ‘I’m going to be a nurse on your unit.’ I was like, OK, come on in, let’s talk about it,” Rachel said.

While they talked, Rachel shared all of the opportunities and options with Norton Healthcare that were available to help Shelby achieve her goal. The next step along her path would be to become a patient care associate.

“At that point in time, I’m almost positive I didn’t even have a [patient care associate] position. But I could tell how driven and special she was. I wanted to give her this opportunity. So I thought, I’m going to make one. Which I did, and I was able to get her into that position,” Rachel said.

Shelby began working in the new role in November 2021.

“She grew as a patient care associate and always took such great care of our patients,” Rachel said. “They were always clean, turned and bathed. A lot of that skill set has made her into an excellent nurse.”

An apprenticeship as the next step

By February 2023, Shelby was beginning a new chapter in her Norton Healthcare story by participating in the Student Nurse Apprenticeship Program (SNAP).

The first prelicensure nursing apprenticeship program in the U.S., SNAP is paid apprenticeship providing educational and clinical experiences.

With every step along her journey, Shelby “really tapped into all the great resources that Norton has to offer,” Rachel said.

One of the more challenging hurdles for any full-time student who is also working full time is balancing two — often conflicting — schedules. Rachel worked to ensure Shelby was able to maintain a full-time schedule and fit in all of her classes.

“She had a lot of scheduling restrictions with school that I was more than happy to accommodate. I was 100% willing to do what was necessary to make sure that she had what she needed to be able to get through school successfully. With going to school full time and working full time, there were hard days, I’m sure. But I could tell she was going to do it,” Rachel said.

A debt-free education, and becoming a homeowner — and a nurse

“I graduated school debt-free. That alone has allowed me to flourish in many ways,” Shelby said.

In the midst of completing nursing school, Shelby was able to participate in an employer-assisted housing program for Norton Healthcare employees who are first-time homebuyers. She becoming a homeowner at age 22.

Norton Healthcare works through The Housing Partnership Inc. to help prepare first-time homebuyers before purchasing a home. The program helps with navigating the buying process, identifying opportunities to save money and, finally, closing the deal. Budgeting, counseling, home buying education and financial assistance are all part of this program.

All of Shelby’s hard work and dedication led her to begin her career as a registered nurse in the Norton Hospital neurosurgical ICU in January 2024.

“She passed her [nursing licensure] exam on the first try and is now practicing as a full- time nurse on night shift with me and handling some of the most complex patients with ease,” Rachel said.

It is clear that Shelby is no stranger to hard work when it comes to chasing her dreams. In under four years she went from providing nourishing meals for patients to providing compassionate care at the bedside in a specialized intensive care unit.

“She’s a fantastic nurse, and I think a lot of it stems from the growth that she had on my unit from her patient care associate days,” Rachel said. “She was always so eager to learn, ask questions and see things and do things from a very early phase. So we couldn’t be prouder of her.

“All my assistant nurse managers on night shift are so proud to see how much she’s grown. We all love having Shelby on our unit. We all love her and our patients love her too.”

The post From nutrition to nursing: An ICU nurse’s inspiring journey at Norton Healthcare appeared first on Norton Healthcare.

“I love working with people. I like making people feel happy, comfortable,” she said. “That’s why I did cosmetology. At the time, my kids were very little, and it was hard for me to go back to school, but when the opportunity came, I jumped on it because it was always my dream to become a nurse.”

She began working at Norton Healthcare in 2005 as a certified nursing assistant, and it only heightened her desire to become a nurse. Her journey into nursing, however, was not without challenges. She had to balance the demands of motherhood with the intensity of nursing school. Her ambition was fueled by her children and her passion to heal and comfort those in need. After a brief stint away, she returned to Norton Healthcare in 2016 as a registered nurse. She now cares for patients who are recovering from strokes, seizures and spine surgeries.

L. Maria Ensley, R.N., has been more than just a guiding light for daughter Ariana Ensley, R.N. Their story is not just about their dual in nursing at Norton Hospital; it’s about a legacy of compassion, passed down through generations, that shaped their lives both inside and outside the hospital.

Maria, a registered nurse with a warm smile and nurturing spirit, didn’t always wear scrubs.

“Doing this job, showing love and compassion, it makes me feel that I’m here for a purpose,” Maria said.

Ariana is a registered nurse who cares for heart patients. Along with her mother’s smile, she inherited a legacy of compassion that spans generations. From a young age, Ariana saw her mother’s dedication to nursing and her commitment to making a difference.

“Growing up, every time she came home from work, even if she had a hard day, she still said something positive about it,” Ariana said. “I remember thinking, ‘That’s what I need. A job where you can find the silver lining on a really hard shift.’”

With Maria as her guiding light, Ariana embarked on her own nursing journey, drawn to the field by a deep-seated desire to bring comfort to those in need.

“Sometimes with nursing, I feel like you don’t really choose it, it kind of chooses you. … And nursing definitely chose me,” Ariana said.

The women’s different paths to nursing converged at the same hospital after Maria encouraged her daughter to join her.

“At Norton Hospital downtown, all my co-workers are like my family. So when [Ariana] graduated nursing school, I told her she had to come join me,” Maria said.

While they work in different units, they are constantly checking in on each other and working closely. Whether it’s a question or help with an IV, they are always there for each other. Their dynamic partnership spans their different generations and hospital floors.

“I think the coolest thing is that we ultimately chose different specialties,” said Ariana, who chose cardiology, while Maria’s specialty is neurology. “If we have any questions, we can go to each other for insight on those things.”

For them, nursing isn’t just a profession but a way of life, a testament to the values instilled in them by earlier generations.

“I grew up in a family with my mom who is very loving,” Maria said. “Seeing the heart that my mom had for other people, for other humans, it was instilled in us.”

Ariana also feels that her career choice is an extension of family tradition.

“My grandma [Maria’s mom] is literally a saint on this earth,” Ariana said. “I think that’s where our caring nature came from. I have a 2-year-old little girl, so now we have four generations, and we’ll make sure we keep it going.”

As mother and daughter, their relationship naturally extends beyond the hospital. They share laughter over family dinners, find solace in each other’s company, and cherish the simple joys of life.

Their story is not just about the remarkable nurses they are but a celebration of the bond between a mother and daughter. As they navigate the highs and lows of life, they find strength in each other’s presence, knowing that together, they can overcome any obstacle.

“As I’ve gotten older and become a mom myself, I don’t know what I would do without her,” Ariana said about her mom. “I wouldn’t be the person or the nurse I am today without her, and I feel so lucky to share a workplace with her.”

The post Generational compassion: A mother-daughter duo helps heal patients at Norton Hospital appeared first on Norton Healthcare.

Andy Wells, safety manager at Norton Women’s & Children’s Hospital, wasn’t ready to jump into college or a skilled trade after graduating high school. He needed some time to consider where he wanted to be in the future. He came from a family of military veterans, including his dad and two of his dad’s brothers, who were all Vietnam veterans, so decided to join the Delayed Entry Program for the Air Force in July 1993. A year later, he turned 18, graduated high school and joined the Air Force.

That early decision was a lasting one. Andy is proud to have had a nearly 28-year career in the Air Force Medical Service, where he retired as a chief master sergeant, at the top of enlisted ranks.  

“There is no doubt the service played a positive role in who I am today,” Andy said.

For Andy, some of his military career highlights were being hand-selected for a top-secret presidentially directed program at the Nevada National Security Site and serving as senior enlisted leader of the International Health Specialist Program. In that program, he played a key role in transforming global health engagement and in briefings on emerging preventive health issues to many Middle East countries.

That time in the military allowed him to earn two bachelor’s degrees. It also fostered in him skills that he uses today leading his team at Norton Women’s & Children’s Hospital.

“The service highlighted the importance of working well with teams and understanding the importance of cooperation, accountability, dependability and making sound and timely decisions,” Andy said.

Andy joined Norton Women’s & Children’s Hospital in May 2023. In his role, he provides patients, guests and staff a safe, caring environment and readies the facility for emergencies as part of Norton Healthcare’s emergency preparedness efforts.

According to Keith Cook, vice president of operations at Norton Women’s & Children’s Hospital, Andy’s leadership style is rare and was cultivated through his successful military career.

“Andy has a wonderful servant leadership quality that allows him to easily connect with others,” Keith said. “It does not take long to see what an incredible person Andy is and how lucky we are to have him as our safety manager at Norton Women’s & Children’s Hospital.”

It wasn’t too long after joining Norton Women’s & Children’s Hospital that Andy volunteered with VETS, Norton Healthcare’s employee resource group for veterans, as part of a Memorial Day observance. He now serves as one of the co-leaders of the employee resource group.

“I wanted to offer my time and experience in a greater capacity,” Andy said. “I’m hoping to enhance the camaraderie in the [employee resource group] and establish deep friendships with fellow service members.”

As Norton Healthcare celebrates Veterans Day on Nov. 11, Andy reminds us that it is a day to honor, appreciate and thank all veterans. “I use the day to reflect and think about all the sacrifices and contributions service members have made for the greater good of the country,” Andy said.

The post Celebration, reflection and appreciation for military veterans: A safety manager’s story appeared first on Norton Healthcare.

Here’s her story.

In 2003, amid a layoff from her job working in health care insurance, Ronnika Flippins found herself at a crossroads. The challenges of providing for her family weighed heavily on her mind while she was going through a marital separation. The mother of two had an idea of what she wanted to do. For the past couple years, Ronnika also had served in the Navy Reserve. As a reservist, she went to the base once a year for two weeks.

“Every time I would go, I was around active-duty soldiers and saw how they lived, what they did, and how they treated others. And I said to myself, ‘I’m 22, I’m able-bodied, and I think I can do this full time.’”

The decision to transition to full-time military service was not just a career move but a commitment to serving her country while learning about sacrifice.

“I was unable to provide for my two children, and I kept wondering what good am I, as a mom and as a leader, if I can’t provide for what they need,” Ronnika said. “Very quickly, I understood the sacrifice it took to serve.”

As an active-duty sailor, Ronnika was stationed at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, aboard the USS Kearsarge. A boatswain’s mate, Ronnika was a deck handler, drove the ship under the direction of the captain, stood watches and maintained the ship.

Through her service, Ronnika’s perspective broadened significantly.

“Growing up in the West End of Louisville, I only saw certain people and certain ways of life. My whole military experience forced me to communicate with all kinds of people. It stripped away any sense of entitlement and replaced it with an understanding of teamwork, discipline and attention to detail,” Ronnika said.

In 2004, Ronnika and her crew had an unscheduled deployment.

“They called us up and said we had two weeks to take care of our lives. Just like that, we were out to sea,” Ronnika said.

The Kearsarge deployed to the Persian Gulf to transport elements of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. After offloading soldiers and equipment, the Kearsarge and its crew returned to Norfolk three months later.

During a six-month deployment in 2005, Ronnika experienced firsthand the dangers and uncertainties of serving in a conflict zone. While on watch duty, Ronnika had to inspect a boat at a pier in Jordan. Unable to pull in the boat by herself, she called a fellow shipmate from a nearby warehouse to help.

Moments later, a missile flew overhead and into the warehouse at the pier.

“In a split second, I heard a whistle overhead and then a deafening sound of an explosion. I immediately started running, and all I could think about was my kids,” Ronnika said.

Soon, Ronnika learned that a Jordanian soldier who was standing guard with her shipmate was killed in the attack. The unexpected missile attack left an indelible mark, creating an enduring sense of concern whenever aircraft noise breaks the silence.

Transitioning to civilian life after military service and moving back to her extended family in Louisville, Ronnika embarked on a journey through various roles in health care, where she continued finding fulfillment in providing service to others.

Ronnika started at Norton Healthcare as a pharmacy technician at Norton Children’s Hospital. After graduating from the University of Louisville with a Bachelor of Science in organizational leadership and learning, she transitioned to a senior human resources associate position.

“My military experience did so much for me. Most importantly, it introduced me to people from all over. It forced me to take off my biased lens and helped me become more understanding, more inclusive, more accepting,” Ronnika said.

Norton Healthcare is grateful for Ronnika and those like her who have continued their service to others. Her journey is a testament to the strength and character that veterans bring to both their professional and personal lives, long after they leave active duty.

The post A career of service: Navy veteran returns to hometown, brings ‘teamwork, discipline’ to job in health care appeared first on Norton Healthcare.

Medical imaging and blood tests soon uncovered the grim reality: Jonathan had a tumor on his brain stem. The diagnosis was rare — he was experiencing primary central nervous system lymphoma, an uncommon form of brain cancer.

“He always said that his job attacked him,” said Allie Parrish, Jonathan’s wife and a neurodiagnostic technologist at Norton Children’s Hospital. “He went from being in surgery with his colleagues to being a patient being taken care of by his friends.”

Jonathan faced many health challenges following his cancer diagnosis, including a bout of pneumonia and cytomegalovirus that required hospitalization in July.

Throughout the years, the Parrishes had been deeply involved in their Southern Indiana church community, along with their two young children. Unfortunately, Jonathan’s health crisis kept him from attending Sunday services.

“He made it clear to me and to others how much he missed church, just the act of worshipping as a collective group,” Allie said. “I think maybe Jonathan knew he wasn’t going to get better, and he just really wanted to worship with the church.”

Bringing the ‘church’ to the hospital

Jonathan’s health was deteriorating, and time was running out to fulfill this heartfelt wish to worship with his church family.

This poignant request caught the attention of Kristin Pickerell, chief nursing officer at  Norton Brownsboro Hospital.

“When we heard that Jonathan really missed his church family, and his wife knew it was one of his final wishes, we needed to make it happen,” Kristin said.

Staff at the hospital grappled with the intricate challenge of fulfilling the Parrish family’s wish, while concerns about Jonathan’s delicate respiratory health and compromised immune system further complicated matters.

Originally, the team discussed turning a conference room into a choir room, having a virtual performance and allowing members to visit Jonathan two at a time. When technical challenges arose, the team assessed whether the hospital’s small chapel would accommodate 20 choir members and a livestreamed service.

Ultimately, recognizing her husband’s fragile condition, Allie proposed an alternative approach: an outdoor service at the hospital, with Jonathan viewing from a window.

Her plan was approved, and immediately the space was cleared, cleaned and prepped. The hospital’s food and nutrition department supplied water for attendees, and security measures were put in place to streamline visitor flow.

“This was something that every team member at Brownsboro worked really hard to pull off,” Kristin said.

A final wish fulfilled
Around 6:15 p.m. that Sunday evening in late July, Jonathan was accompanied by Allie and an intensive care unit (ICU) nurse and moved to a pedway with windows overlooking the service in the hospital’s third-floor courtyard.

“The night exemplified what we do and why we do it,” said Autumn Chapman, ICU nurse manager. “This request was fulfilled because of the efforts and dedication of multiple departments and staff members.”

On what would be one of his final days, Jonathan was able to reconnect with his church community before he passed away.

“It was an incredible blessing,” Allie said. “We were able to sing and smile and cry, and Jonathan laughed for the last time. I can only remember it as being a joy.”

During the two-hour outdoor service, church members sang, offered prayers and shared stories of how Jonathan had profoundly impacted their lives. All the while, Jonathan and his nurses took it all in from their vantage point behind the glass.

“We always talk about being a Norton family, and through all of this, and despite the sadness, we were treated like family,” Allie said. “I know [Jonathan] was so grateful to Ryan Stettenbenz [manager, neurodiagnostics, Norton Brownsboro Hospital] and the entire team. That hospital and that floor was where he worked, and he considered it another home. To have this happen at his ‘home,’ we are beyond blessed.”

The post Hospital welcomes church service to grant wish of patient with brain cancer appeared first on Norton Healthcare.

“As a first-generation American, I grew up seeing the language barrier in every aspect of my life. My sister and I were the translators for my parents at their medical appointments,” said Carolina, who manages Norton Community Medical Associates – La Clínica Preston.

At this innovative clinic on Preston Highway in Louisville, Spanish-speaking patients don’t need a translator or an English-speaking family member to communicate their medical concerns with providers or staff. La Clínica Preston became Louisville’s first 100% bilingual practice when Norton Healthcare opened it in November 2021.

The office’s 10 employees hail from nine different nations, and all speak Spanish and English — everyone from receptionist to medical assistant to nurse to doctor.

“We can’t properly serve our patients if they’re not comfortable and confident in sharing their medical history, symptoms and concerns,” Carolina said “Breaking down the language barrier is a critical first step in elevating the standard of care.” 

The innovative model of bilingual primary care at La Clínica Preston was designed to meet a growing need in the Louisville community, and the clinic saw more than 10,000 visits completed in 2022. U.S. Census Bureau data shows that Jefferson County’s Hispanic population has grown by about 81% since 2010. While not all in the Latinx community need services provided in Spanish, La Clínica Preston is a lifeline for those who do.

High appointment volumes and remarkable patient feedback paint a clear picture that La ClínicaPreston is working, according to Carolina, who credits the team around her.

“Everyone here is equally passionate. We’ve all seen how the language barrier can impact the community and our own families,” Carolina said.

Primary care services can function as a first impression for health care. If interactions don’t go well in these spaces, patients are often less inclined to continue seeking care. This could mean undetected symptoms, untreated conditions and a negative overall impact on quality of life. On the other hand, getting care right from the start can lead to a ripple effect of greater health outcomes both for the individual and for others who hear about their good experience.

“Our patients feel trust. They feel loved, and we understand their difficulties, so we try to go above and beyond medical care and we treat them like family,” La Clínica medical assistant Heili Leiva said.

Beyond breaking down the language barrier, the team at La ClínicaPreston recognizes that there can be additional social determinants of health — issues such as food insecurity, employment, housing or transportation — impacting patients. To address these needs, the team frequently collaborates with the Institute for Health Equity, a Part of Norton Healthcare, and local nonprofit groups to connect patients and families with resources to help.

The post 100% bilingual practice supports Spanish-speaking patients appeared first on Norton Healthcare.

Nearly three years later, Tiff serves in the role that had been her aspiration. As director, sports health, Norton Healthcare, Tiff works with a team of diversely talented professionals to care for and support athletes of all ages in the community. Together this team specializes in servicing injured athletes, sport-related injuries and the Norton Sports Performance Programs.

“The best thing about my job is having the ability to interact with so many unique people across the community” and across the Norton Healthcare system, Tiff said. “Each relationship is an opportunity for impact and I find it so rewarding to invest in open collaboration.”

Norton Sports Health meets athletes where they are

Of course, athletes come in all shapes and sizes, and their passion for competition takes them to fields and facilities throughout the Louisville region and beyond. As a result, the Norton Sports Health team remains flexible to meet people where they are.

For some, that’s the Norton Sports Health Performance & Wellness Center on Westport Road, a state-of-the-art facility offering individual and group training, open gym memberships and other fitness classes and strength and conditioning programs. Others engage with Tiff and the Norton Sports Health team at events like the GE Appliances Kentucky Derby Festival miniMarathon/Marathon and a series of training runs leading up to the races. Student-athletes are supported by Norton Sports Health physicians and athletic trainers treating injuries and other conditions for Bellarmine University athletics, Hanover College athletics and many local Jefferson County Public Schools and parochial schools teams.

Besides the Norton Sports Health Jockey Care Clinic at Churchill Downs, additional partnerships include those with Girls on the Run Kentuckiana, Mockingbird Valley Soccer Club and more. 

The work spans all ages, sports and activities in an effort to connect athletes to care.

“We want to be an ‘easy button’ for the community, creating seamless transitions that allow us to holistically care for the whole patient,” Tiff said.

Getting better after an injury, or just getting better at your sport
The Norton Sports Health team has Sports Medicine expertise in concussions, nutritional needs, mental health performance and orthopedic injuries, including to arms, hands, feet, ankles, hips, knees and shoulders. The goal is to get people and athletes of all ages back to the activities they enjoy.

Whether you’re an elite athlete, a weekend warrior or anyone wanting to move with less pain, call (502) 559-5500 or visit NortonHealthcare.com/SportsHealth to schedule an appointment.

You also can visit NortonSportsPerformance.com to learn more about training programs and other fitness offerings available at Norton Sports Health Performance & Wellness Center.

The post Supporting the whole athlete with Norton Sports Health appeared first on Norton Healthcare.

What kind of support does a chaplain provide?

Chaplains mainly provide informed emotional and spiritual support, regardless of faith or belief. Visiting patients and families, while also lending support to our employees throughout the hospital, is a big part of my daily routine. We are available to serve as a calming presence for emergency care situations, too, like codes or traumas. We’ll meet with you in facility chapels or at the bedside, or simply be someone to lean on anywhere when you need an honest, caring, judgment-free conversation, prayer or a silent partner. We help patients, families and staff through end-of-life decisions and advance directives, such as living wills. I think we are reliable, strong leaders and advocates.

What led you to become a chaplain?

I was 40 when God called me to become a chaplain. At the time, I worked for United Crescent Hill Ministries (UCHM) as their interim development director. A friend of mine that I met through UCHM asked me to attend a death and dying seminar with her. By the end of that presentation, I heard God’s calling on my life, and I knew I wanted to become a chaplain to learn how to support and serve people through difficult times. I enrolled in seminary, completed clinical pastoral education and then excitedly began the next chapter of my life with Norton Healthcare, the same organization that provided my training. From seminary to employment, it was about a five-year journey.

What can employees take away from interactions with our chaplains?

Staff care is of the utmost importance to me. I always tell the employees I encounter: We’re always here. Patients and families go home but we’re here together every day, and I’ll do whatever I can to support you in good times and bad. Whether you want to connect to discuss faith, or you need someone to talk to about personal or family matters, I and my colleagues are here to serve you. I hope that anyone who connects with a chaplain, employee or otherwise, comes away hopeful, feeling heard and cared for.

Do chaplains offer nonreligious support?

Yes! Even if people don’t follow a specific religion or denomination, I believe everybody has a spiritual bend on some level. It may just not fit in a particular category. In our assessments, chaplains focus on the person’s individual needs, hopes and resources, mutually finding ways to care that resonate. Similarly, I think we work toward offering culturally-sensitive pastoral care that’s inclusive of all faiths. Whether someone identifies with a certain set of beliefs or not, it’s all about meeting people where they are and offering space to find hope and meaning.

What’s the most rewarding part of your work?

Meeting with someone one on one, listening to them, giving them space to speak their truth and coaching them on how to find their own answers. I think it means more when an idea or solution comes from within. My former clinical pastoral education supervisor says that we already have within us what we need, but sometimes we need help accessing our strengths or skills. I’m just one puzzle piece in the healing process, but it feels really good to be a part of that process.

How do you like to spend your time outside of work?

I love being outside taking care of my garden. Family is incredibly important to me, so if I’m not visiting my sisters or parents, I’m calling or texting to keep in touch. Spending time with my husband, his siblings and my dogs brings me great joy. My husband can sense when I’m having a hard day, so he often tells me one of his corny jokes, which always makes me laugh.

Chaplains are available 24/7 for support. Call (502) 629-8000 and let the operator know you’re calling to speak to a chaplain.

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