In her book Jenna’s Brother Has Autism, Amber highlights the need for understanding in sibling peer groups to help educate those who don’t have experience or awareness of what Autism really means.

Visit Jenna’s Brother Has Autism page on Facebook for more information and daily inspiration for the Autism community.

About the author:

Amber Smerdon Fernbach is the mom of Joshua and Jessica, ages 12 and 10. Joshua has mild Autism and Jessica was diagnosed with PDD NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Not Otherwise Specified). Amber and her husband, Mike both attended Pennsylvania State University and studied Applied Behavorial Science. They credit their schooling to their ability to quickly spot abnormalities in their childrens’ development to begin early intervention services.

Shield HealthCare | Medical Supplies For Care At Home Since 1957

Food Allergy Awareness Week 

May 13-19, 2012

Established in 1991, the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN) is a trusted source of information, programs and resources related to food allergy and anaphylaxis. FAAN serves as the communication link between patients and caregivers. Its 22,000 members include nurses, dietitians, physicians, families and school staff.

Approximately 15 million Americans suffer from food allergies.Six million of them are children. Strict avoidance of the allergy-causing food or nutrient is the only way to avoid a potentially life-threatening reaction. Hydrolyzed (predigested protein) and elemental (amino acid-based) formulas are specialized products indicated for infants and children who cannot tolerate intact protein.

P E D I A T R I C   C O R N E R

Food Protein-Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome (FPIES) is described as severe gastrointestinal infl ammation in the small and large intestines caused by allergic reaction to a food protein. Although the typical age of onset is under 9 months, there have also been reported cases of FPIES in older children. For infants less than 6 months, the reaction is most likely related to the intake of milk or soy protein from infant formula. The onset of symptoms occurs within 24 hours and may include:

• Abdominal distention • Diarrhea  • Bloody stools • Vomiting • Ileus (can quickly progress to sepsis and shock)

Once the diagnosis of FPIES is confirmed by a GI Specialist or Allergist, dietary management typically includes the transition to an amino acid-based formula and the avoidance of offending foods.

Featured Products From Shield HealthCare: 

Neocate® Infant DHA & ARA, Neocate® Junior, Neocate® Nutra

Shield HealthCare has you covered when it comes to hypoallergenic products for infants and children with cow and soy milk allergy or food allergy-associated conditions, such as Short Bowel Syndrome or Eosinophilic Esophagitis.

• Neocate® Infant DHA & ARA is a nutritionally complete amino acid-based formula for infants 0-12 months old.

• Neocate® Junior is indicated for children aged 1-10 years.

• Neocate® Nutra is an amino acid-based semi-solid medical food for children over 6 months of age.

Contact your local Shield HealthCare Registered Dietitian for our complete offering of hypoallergenic and elemental formulas.

Healthy At Home

Gastric Residual Volumes: A.S.P.E.N. Practice Recommendations

Both the accuracy of GRV measurement and its relationship to aspiration are controversial.

Nevertheless, it is a common practice. A.S.P.E.N. reviewed the available evidence to come up with the following recommendations:

1. Evaluate all patients for aspiration risk. Supine positioning, presence of a nasogastric tube, vomiting and bolus feeding can put a patient at greater risk for aspiration.

2. Confirm tube placement before initiating feedings. The most effective way to do this is to check previously-placed tube graduation marks.

3. Keep HOB at 30-45 degrees during feedings and for 30-60 minutes afterward.

4. If the GRV is >/= 250 mL after a second check, consider a promotility agent in adults.

5. For GRV > 500 mL, hold the feeding and assess for intolerance symptoms, such as abdominal distention, nausea, vomiting and glycemic control.

6. Consider placing the feeding tube beyond the ligament of Treitz when GRVs are consistently > 500 mL.

Shield HealthCare Registered Dietitians Take Excellent Care of Your Patients

CL is a 60 year-old male with esophageal cancer. After undergoing an esophagectomy,he had a J-tube placed. His wife was very anxious about administering his enteral feeding. CL was concerned about a decreased quality of life on tube feeding. Lisa, our Walnut Creek RD, spent over an hour with the patient’s wife, reviewing tube flushing to prevent clogging, programming the ambulatory feeding pump, practicing safe feeding precautions and recognizing signs of intolerance. To CL’s delight, Lisa showed him and his wife how to advance the feeds to allow for time off the pump at home and how to use the enteral backpack while out and about. Upon completion of the training with Lisa, CL’s wife was able to train other family members on the operation of the pump. She felt more comfortable taking her husband home knowing that she had the support of her Home Health Agency and her Shield HealthCare RD to assist with questions and concerns.

References:

Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network   foodallergy.org

Kids with Food Allergies Foundation  kidswithfoodallergies.org

A.S.P.E.N. Enteral nutrition practice recommendations. JPEN, March 2009

The following positions are currently available for qualified candidates: (updated 5/11/12)

http://www.shieldhealthcare.com/company/careers/

Adjudicator   Location: Valencia, CA  Corporate Office

The primary function of this position is to research medical claim denials and underpayments. The successful candidate will have the responsibility for making necessary corrections to meet billing guidelines. Will be accountable for problem identification and resolution of ongoing denials and underpayments. Will prepare and submit reviews and appeals to third party carriers and research and identify re-bills, write offs and refunds, as necessary. Must be detail oriented, thorough, accurate, organized and have good follow through skills with the ability to handle high volume with deadline pressures. Requires computer knowledge, good analytical skills and knowledge of carrier guidelines and billing requirements helpful. Must possess excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Assistant Area Manager  Location: Chicago, IL  Sales Office

This position will support the daily operations of the sales office. The successful candidate will have the responsibility for providing excellent customer service to both internal and external customers, supervising sales office staff and handling difficult customers and follows customer service complaints or escalated issues through resolution. Will monitor new business and re-order business processed at center level and interviews, selects and trains employees. Requires 3 years supervisory experience, preferably in a customer service and/or healthcare environment, excellent verbal and written communication skills and good project management and strong organizational skills.

Contact Center Training Specialist  Location: Valencia, CA  Corporate Office

The primary Training Specialist will manage all aspects of training and development for contact center staff, with a focus on the knowledge and skills needs of front-line employees. The successful candidate will have the responsibility for establishing a contact center training and development strategic plan, which supports the department’s strategic plan and the Company’s mission and priorities. This position works closely with internal stakeholders and analyzes contact center results to identify critical employee skill/knowledge gaps and forecast upcoming training needs and recommends and implements the most effective and efficient learning interventions to drive high performance. Will participate in establishment of performance standards to evaluate new hires and aid in the transition from new hire training to on-the-job training performance and creates tools and mechanisms for measuring learning outcomes and demonstrating the business impact of learning programs. Requires 3 or more years developing and delivering training content with experience in contact center strongly preferred. Understanding of instructional design and adult education and training concepts in all aspects of training strategy, design, development, delivery and evaluation is necessary. Must have experience selecting and employing a range of instructional methods and delivery options, measuring training results and outcomes and possess exceptional instructional design and material production skills, including attention to detail, ability to organize content, grammar and proofreading skills, and an engaging writing style. Must be proficient using Microsoft PowerPoint, Excel and Word and experience developing e-learning content using a rapid e-learn development tool such as Articulate or Captivate.

Customer Service Agent  Location: Valencia, CA  Corporate Office

Handles incoming and outgoing customer calls in a call center environment and enters customer order information into the computer. Must have 1-2 years customer service experience. Call center experience preferred. T35 wpm required.Data entry skills needed.

Customer Service Representative   Location:  Denver, CO  Sales Office

Answers incoming calls/faxes, taking orders from physicians, referral sources and customers. The successful candidate will have the responsibility to interview customers, record the data into the computer and place orders. Will be responsible to resolve customer complaints, enter orders using AS400 and attends to walk in customers. Will up sell and cross-sell to meet customer need and process authorizations and support documentation to ensure corporate compliance. Must have 2+ years customer service experience, excellent verbal and written communication skills, PC knowledge and Windows experience preferred, type 35+ WPM. English/Spanish bilingual preferred.

Documentation Clerk  Location: Valencia, CA  Corporate Office

The Documentation Clerk contacts medical professionals for documents required to service our customers. Will also be responsible for a variety of administrative duties, including electronic maintenance of customer information, faxing, filing and document preparation. Requires 1-2 years general clerical/customer service experience, computer knowledge and attention to detail.

Quality Assurance Specialist   Location:  Valencia, CA  Corporate Office

The primary function of this position is to meet customers’ needs and drive high levels of customer satisfaction. The successful candidate will have the responsibility of working with internal and external stakeholders to develop a consistent quality vision and standards. The QA Specialist is responsible for designing and managing a contact center quality-monitoring program that increases compliance, efficiency, accuracy and customer satisfaction and reduced rework and repeat calls. They will champions the quality function and educates contact center staff on relevant quality issues and collaboratively develops effective quality monitoring standards and tools, and educates the contact center stakeholders on cross functional issues related to quality. Ensures consistent understanding and application of quality requirements by providing ongoing coaching, skills training and facilitating education and calibration sessions. Compiles quality reports and performance trends, analyzes results and works with team members to improve performance and recommends process and program improvements. Requires 3 or more years experience in a call center environment. Must have experience leading the quality function within a contact center with responsibility for all aspects of quality monitoring, including development of quality criteria, and an exceptional understanding and command of the principles of coaching and feedback, with the ability to provide effective feedback across a wide variety of roles, performance situations and employee personalities and learning styles. Superior interpersonal skills and ability to effectively motivate and inspire front line employees to higher levels of performance are necessary.

Registered Dietitian  Location: Los Angeles, CA  Sales Office

The primary function of this position is to use clinical skills and background to support the Sales Office in achieving the objectives of the Enteral Nutrition Support Program. The successful candidate will have the responsibility for working with the Corporate Registered Dietitian to achieve the overall company goals and objectives. The RD provides clinical support to nutritional assessments of potential and current customers working in conjunction with Sales and Marketing teams to increase the number of tube fed patients on SHC service. Performs sales support activities in specified region and assists Marketing in developing clinically sufficient Enteral product formularies. Provides recommendations, develops, tests and implements nutrition education tools to be used in the field. Will participate in Health Fairs and other community events to increase community knowledge of Shield HealthCare’s Enteral Nutrition Support Program and in regional professional organizations to support company marketing efforts and increase regional presence. Must be a Registered Dietitian with current licensure. Ability to develop professional relationships with customers, referral sources, vendors and company personnel and possess excellent written and verbal communication skills. Experience with pediatric patients is preferred. Requires ability to travel.

Registered Dietitian  Location: Seattle, WA  Sales Office

The primary function of this position is to use clinical skills and background to support the Sales Office in achieving the objectives of the Enteral Nutrition Support Program. The successful candidate will have the responsibility for working with the Corporate Registered Dietitian to achieve the overall company goals and objectives. The RD provides clinical support to nutritional assessments of potential and current customers working in conjunction with Sales and Marketing teams to increase the number of tube fed patients on SHC service. Performs sales support activities in specified region and assists Marketing in developing clinically sufficient Enteral product formularies. Provides recommendations, develops, tests and implements nutrition education tools to be used in the field. Will participate in Health Fairs and other community events to increase community knowledge of SHC Enteral Program and in regional professional organizations to support company marketing efforts and increase regional presence. Must be a Registered Dietitian with current licensure. Ability to develop professional relationships with customers, referral sources, vendors and company personnel and possess excellent written and verbal communication skills. Experience with pediatric patients is preferred. Requires ability to travel.

How to apply:

Submit your resume to

humanresources@shieldhealthcare.com

or to the address below with the job title in the subject line.

Shield HealthCare

Attn: Human Resources

27911 Franklin Parkway

Valencia, CA  91355

Fax: (661) 294-6677

This fun and powerful collaboration was thanks to Chris Rumble, a 22-year-old Children’s cancer patient who lives in Kent, Washington. Chris was recently diagnosed with leukemia in April and had the idea to make a music video to share with his old hockey team in Wenatchee because his teammates had made him a music video for his birthday. “I’m everyone’s big brother and I have a lot of friends here at Seattle Children’s,” says Chris. “I wanted to make a video to send back to my team and I thought what better way to do it than with the kids on my floor.”

Why this song? Chris said that he is a fan of Kelly Clarkson and thought the words were perfect for relating to cancer.

“It was not only good to see the kids happy, but it was also great to see how their parents were so happy as they watched their kids just being kids – dancing, singing and having fun,” says Chris. “The kids will also enjoy being able to watch the video forever and share it with their friends and family.”

A young patient added, “The support that people are giving and all the nice things they are saying, it just really helps. It’s very nice to hear.”

And of course, Kelly Clarkson herself took note and responded to the video on YouTube stating, “That was so amazing. It made my day. It was so meaningful. Thank you so much, I just can’t wait to meet you.” Click here to see Kelly Clarkson’s thank you on YouTube.

Shield HealthCare | Proud Sponsor of the American Cancer Society Relay For Life

Because of loyal supporters in every community, the American Cancer Society is working hard to create a world where cancer cannot claim another year of anyone’s life. Shield HealthCare’s team is a group of employees, family and friends coming together for one purpose: honoring our loved ones who lost the battle or are now fighting cancer.

Won’t you join us in our effort to create a world with less cancer and more birthdays? We would love to see you at the SCV Relay For Life. Stop by the Shield HealthCare booth to enter our raffle for your chance to win a Kindle Fire! Raffle tickets will be sold for one dollar each, with all profits donated to the American Cancer Society.

Click here to learn more about the Relay For Life and what it means to the cancer fighting community.

For more information or to sign up, visit www.SCVRelay.org

Shield HealthCare | Medical Supplies For Care At Home Since 1957

“As a fourth generation home health professional, you could say caregiving is in my blood. When I was a young girl making home visits with my grandma made such an impression that I couldn’t wait to get my nursing degree. After Grandma was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer, my mother’s care for her at home was as beautiful as it was poignant. Mom cared for the outside of grandma’s body as if it were the finest of china, while cancer ravaged the inside.

It is these personal experiences that I take with me every time I walk through a new door to a patient’s home. As each knob turns, I enter their home and become an integral part of their family unit. It is in this regard that home care is drastically different than any other medical specialty. So much of what we do relies on the success of interpersonal relationships established with the patient and the other caregivers. Continuity of care between such entities as the physician, the nurse, the DME provider and the pharmacist is a vital key to making the patient comfortable and safe within the home setting. Ultimately, their happiness with the quality of the home care these entities provide is truly rewarding.

Bearing witness to the power of the human spirit is the priceless gift we caregivers receive. It is a gift more precious than gold. We walk away from each encounter a changed person, a refreshed individual and acutely aware of the blessing it is to be a caregiver. My patients face adversity with strength beyond words, immeasurable courage and boldly face their health concerns and mortality with grace and peace.”

Shield HealthCare | Medical Supplies For Care At Home Since 1957

Story by Amy S., RN

“I can not explain what makes caregiving rewarding to me without first sharing my background. I am a 41 year old woman who still loves helping and educating others. I have been in the healthcare field since age 17. I was raised by my maternal grandparents. My grandmother did not graduate high school. She married and had five children. She found time to attend night school for her GED and then LVN license. I watched in awe as she got ready for work, in her white dress, cap, pantyhose and white polished shoes. On cold mornings, I would start her car so she would be nice and warm when she left for work. Through watching and learning from my grandmother, I longed to be a nurse too. I wanted to help others in their time of need and maybe even save lives.

In 1987, I entered a one year high school program at Washington County Career Studies Center in Hagerstown, MD in order to become a Certified Geriatric Nursing Assistant. I had a dedicated teacher. She had the patience it took to teach a bunch of teen girls about the human body as well as life. She was tough, but fair. She had no hesitation on correcting misbehavior or poor performance. She stayed on us like glue. We were taught to wear our hair neat and off the collar; no heavy makeup, long nails, painted nails or perfume. She encouraged us to continue on to get our nursing degrees. I received my high school diploma along with my Geriatric Nursing Assistant certificate in 1988.

At age 17, thanks to my rotation through the hospital while attending the Career Studies Center, I got my first job as a pharmacy aid. My grandparents both died within the next two years, so I moved out on my own at the age of 18. I worked in the pharmacy for two years and then as a nursing assistant for six years while slowing working toward my ASN. I graduated with my ASN in 1996. I also met me future husband in 1996. I went back to school and received my BSN in 2010. Someday I may return to further my education.

I like for my patients and their families to feel valued. I make them feel valued by taking my time and really listening. What they have to say is just as important as what I have to say. When a person feels that I have time for them, they begin to open up. This is when I really find out what they need and how I can best help. Listening allows a trusting relationship to grow. I love to teach my patients the particulars about their disease process, how the body works and heals, but I also learn from them.

I don’t have all the answers. I am constantly doing what I can to learn more. I enjoy working with a team of healthcare providers where personal and professional growth is encouraged through mutual sharing of knowledge and experience.

I can not imagine my life without the privilege to help others in such a personal manner. I praise God for His gifts, talents and those special people He has put in my life along the way. Caregiving makes me a better person each and every day!”

Shield HealthCare | Medical Supplies For Care At Home Since 1957

The Rancho Los Amigos Health and Wellness fair includes blood pressure screening, health and education booths, information from community groups and equipment vendors. A new Kids Corner features games, prizes, arts and crafts and more! Stop by the Shield HealthCare booth to say hi!

Date: Saturday, May 19, 2012

Time: 7:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Place: Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center, 7601 E. Imperial Highway, Downey, CA  90242

Registration: Register by May 11 to register for free! Click here to register today. On-site registration on the day of the event is $5.00

Have questions? Contact Rancho Los Amigos by e-mail at StrokeFair@Rancho.org

Shield HealthCare | Medical Supplies For Care At Home Since 1957

Story by Carmella A., LVN

“My story began over thirty years ago when in the prime of my teenage years, I was hospitalized for a brain aneurysm that took me and my family by surprise. At the time I was an active fifteen year old teenager who was focused on becoming a famous architect when life decided to deal me a different hand. In twenty four hours, my life completely changed and I was hospitalized for over two months. During my stay in the hospital, I can still clearly remember all the high quality care that all the staff gave me, from my surgeons all the way down to the housekeepers. I realized that the kindness, care and patience the staff gave me could not be anything else but a gift from God and that not everyone was blessed with this gift.

I eventually went home to start my recovery process. My recovery was a long process and I had to once again relearn the basic motor skills of life, such as walking, talking and how to feed myself by my own hand. The years passed and I eventually made it through to the other side to who I would become today. Through my journey, I met so many people that needed care, but what could I do? I made my decision and took some classes for my Certified Nurses Aide certification and my Home Health Aide certification so that it would allow me to start working in the medical field, which I came to love. I love putting a smile on all types of hurting individuals, from the youngest child all the way up to the eldest individual, from all different types of socio-economic backgrounds.

If there is one thing that I’ve learned throughout the years while being a caregiver, it is that we need one another, especially when we are hurting. So that I could give my patients more help and care, I eventually went back to school and became a Licensed Vocational Nurse. Today, I can truly say that I am doing exactly what I was born to do. Today, I also feel that I have beaten all the odds that were meant to impede me from living my life to the fullest. After my aneurysm, the doctors thought that I would probably never be able to talk or walk again, yet alone be a caregiver.

As of today, I could never see myself in life doing anything else besides caring and helping someone make it to the next day. I find that caregiving is very rewarding and it helps keep me humble and grateful.”

Shield HealthCare | Medical Supplies For Care At Home Since 1957

While some can adapt to an ostomy very easily, others do not. It’s important to realize that  frustration or anxiety are common and perfectly normal feelings.

Consider these tips to better cope and adjust to an ostomy…

Be patient. Don’t be too hard on yourself.  Some days might be harder than others, but in just a while you will get comfortable and feel like yourself again.

Communicate. Talk about your feelings with a loved one or caregiver. You may find that talking it out can ease your mind. Visit the United Ostomy Associations of America (UOAA) website to find a local support group and attend their informative meetings. It helps to speak to others going through the same thing.

Educate yourself. The more you know about ostomies and how they work, the easier it is to manage your personal care and lifestyle. Seek videos, guides and resources online or through your ostomy nurse to learn as much as you can.

Keep busy. Stay active and in good company. Getting involved in activity groups or fun hobbies can be a positive outlet and refocus the mind.

Remember, you’re still wonderful YOU. The way you go to the bathroom may have changed, but it shouldn’t stop you from getting the most out of life and enjoying every minute of it.