Las Vegas HEALS News

Clark County, the Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) and community partners to launch a heat safety awareness initiative. Representatives will provide resources, updated information and data during a launch event on Thursday, May 16, 2024, starting at 10 a.m. The event will be held at the Clark County Government Center Amphitheater located at 500 S. Grand Central Pkwy, Las Vegas, NV 89155

Every year people die or are hospitalized because of heat-related illness. Hot weather can affect anyone, but people who are older, pregnant, or have chronic health conditions are more at risk. Knowing the signs and how to prepare for higher temperatures can help prevent heat related illnesses and deaths this season.

Those currently scheduled to attend include:

Clark County Commissioner Marilyn Kirkpatrick, Chair, SNHD District Board of Health
Dr. Fermin Leguen, District Health Officer, SNHD
Chief John Steinbeck, Clark County Fire Department
Dan Berc, National Weather Service Meteorologist

About Clark County: Clark County is a dynamic and innovative organization dedicated to providing top-quality service with integrity, respect and accountability. With jurisdiction over the world-famous Las Vegas Strip and covering an area the size of New Jersey, Clark is the nation’s 11th-largest county and provides extensive regional services to 2.4 million citizens and 43 million visitors a year. Included are the nation’s 7th-busiest airport, air quality compliance, social services and the state’s largest public hospital, University Medical Center. The County also provides municipal services that are traditionally provided by cities to 1 million residents in the unincorporated area. Those include fire protection, roads and other public works, parks and recreation, and planning and development.

About the Southern Nevada Health District: SNHD serves as the local public health authority for Clark County, Boulder City, Henderson, Las Vegas, Mesquite and North Las Vegas. The agency safeguards the public health of the community’s residents and visitors through innovative programs, regulations, and initiatives focused on protecting and promoting their health and well-being. More information about the Health District, its programs, services, and the regulatory oversight it provides is available at www.SNHD.info. Follow the Health District on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
…

Joyce Malaskovitz, RN, BSN, MHA, CDCES, has been named the Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) for West Henderson Hospital. Her first day is May 6, 2024.

“There are so many exciting aspects about opening a new hospital,” said Malaskovitz, who has previously served as the CNO for Desert Springs and Henderson hospitals in Nevada, backed by 43 years’ experience as a registered nurse. “Along with a new building, we’ll have new technology, equipment, furnishings, and fixtures, and the opportunity to build our patient-centered culture even before we open our doors.”

As CNO, Malaskovitz has outlined several overarching goals for West Henderson Hospital. They include:

1. Community Impact—the ability to bring care closer to the community that we serve, ensuring increased access to medical services for those community members, and looking forward to playing a role in positively impacting people’s lives.
2. Collaborative Environment—building a team from the ground up, which includes fostering a culture of collaboration, support, mentorship, and professional development where staff can thrive to be their best and provide exceptional care.
3. Community Engagement—a willingness to engage with the community in meaningful ways such as health education programs, outreach initiatives and community partnerships. This includes promoting wellness and preventative care.

Malaskovitz encourages anyone interested in joining the West Henderson Hospital nursing team to bookmark the Careers page on the hospital’s website (westhendersonhospital.com).

Joyce Malaskovitz, RN, BSN, MHA, CDCES

“I’m seeking a diverse range of individuals who can contribute to delivering high-quality patient care while supporting the hospital’s mission, vision and values,” said Malaskovitz. “I am looking for candidates who not only possess excellent clinical skills but also demonstrate additional qualities such as communication skills, empathy, teamwork, adaptability and a commitment to continuous quality improvement, patient safety and ensuring our patients have a great experience.”

Chris Loftus, CEO of West Henderson Hospital, said, “Joyce is one of the strongest, most positive CNOs I have worked with. Together, we helped Desert Springs Hospital earn back to back ‘A’ patient safety grades from the Leapfrog Group and Gold honors for Best Hospital in 2020, 2021 and 2022 with the Las Vegas Review Journal Best of Las Vegas awards.  Joyce also successfully guided us through the COVID-19 pandemic. Her integrity and skills are unrivaled, and her nursing leadership is a vital aspect of our hospital. We have already filled multiple nursing leadership positions because of her reputation.”

“As CNO, this is an opportunity to demonstrate my leadership skills and drive positive change leaving a lasting impact on the healthcare landscape in the community,” said Malaskovitz.  “I’m very excited to see our vision become a reality and take great pride in knowing our efforts will benefit countless patients and families for years to come.”

Malaskovitz will oversee all nursing departments in the hospital and collaborate with others, such as quality, infection prevention and support services.

Prior to her CNO leadership roles, Malaskovitz served as the Director of Health and Wellness Services for Desert Springs Hospital, encompassing all diabetes-related programs, the stroke program, heart failure program, the bariatric surgery center of excellence and the vascular institute. During her time as the director of the Diabetes Treatment Center, in the mid-2000s, Desert Springs Hospital had the distinction of being the first hospital to receive The Joint Commission’s Certificate of Distinction for Advanced Inpatient Diabetes Care. It was also the first program in Nevada to earn accreditation for its outpatient diabetes education program by the American Association of Diabetes Educators. In 2021, it earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Advanced Diabetes Inpatient Care Certification by demonstrating continuous compliance with its performance standards.

About West Henderson Hospital
Henderson Hospital is a member of The Valley Health System, a network of acute care and specialty hospitals that provide care for patients throughout Southern Nevada and nearby communities. Located Raiders Way and St Rose Parkway along the western edge of the fast-growing community of Henderson, NV, the 150-bed facility is currently on track to open in late 2024, offering emergency care, surgical suites, advanced cardiovascular services, endoscopy services, an interventional radiology/special procedures lab and inpatient nursing care units.

Today, May 6, 2024, marks the beginning of National Nurses Week, a week-long recognition of nurses throughout the United States and the compassion and care they provide in multiple health care settings.  The week concludes on May 12, the birthday of Florence Nightingale, who is widely considered the pioneer of modern nursing.

The Valley Health System, which includes multiple Las Vegas hospitals, freestanding emergency departments and outpatient services, has almost 4400 registered nurses among its ranks.

Often referred to as the backbone of the hospital, RNs can be found in dozens of settings, ranging from the Emergency departments to Education, Intensive Care Units to Infection Prevention, Maternity Services to Medical/Surgical care unit, Cardiology to Case Management, Surgical Services to Information Technology and many other areas of expertise.

Nursing in a hospital setting offers many different career pathways. Nurses may choose to specialize in a particular field, including neonatal care, pediatrics, oncology, neurology, cardiology, labor and delivery, perioperative services and more. Some may choose to branch off into the fields of quality, risk management, employee health, education and information services.

“I’ve been fortunate to work with nurses during my entire professional career,” said Karla Perez, Regional Vice President, Acute Care Division of UHS, Inc, who oversees The Valley Health System Las Vegas, Desert View Hospital in Pahrump, and Northern Nevada Health System in Reno/Sparks. “For more than 40 years, I’ve worked with nurses at the bedside and with the incredible leadership in our C-suites and nursing departments, on the patient floors and in the procedural rooms.”

“They are an amazing group of professional, intelligent, compassionate and caring group of individuals who are dedicated to their patients, their healing, their health and well-being and improving our health care systems,” said Perez.

Within The Valley Health System, there are multiple opportunities in place to join, learn and expand one’s nursing skill set.

Nurse Apprentice Program
The Nurse Apprentice Program (NAP) is designed for those who have been accepted into an accredited nursing program and have completed at least one semester of basic nursing courses. The NAP program supplements a student’s coursework the opportunity for a paid position on a nursing unit and additional on-the-job training. Currently, the NAP program is available at various VHS hospitals and opportunities are posted on the Careers page of the websites.
Fun Fact:  Henderson Hospital employs 44 NAPs!

VHS RN Residency Program
New nursing graduates, often referred to as “New Grads,” are enrolled in the RN Residency program upon hire. This one-year program is designed to promote critical thinking and job satisfaction. It begins with an average of three months of Preceptorship and Specialty Internship coursework, continues with six months of Residency classes (one class per month), and ends with a final Evidence-Based Research Workshop.
Fun fact: The VHS RN Residency extends throughout the first year of nursing practice so the candidate can continually grow and apply learned paradigms during unit experiences.

Career Growth
Within The Valley Health System are multiple opportunities for growth and development. A partial listing includes:

Gap Program – a fast-track program that consists of one month of classes and preceptorship on a medical/surgical nursing unit, to bridge that training gap in order to promote success in the nurse’s new acute care setting. This program is for nurses who may have switched from a non-acute setting (i.e. home health or long-term care) to an acute setting (hospital).

Clinical Ladders – a structured program for nurses to advance in their career while remaining in their current clinical setting, providing direct patient care.

LEARN Preceptor Program – a program for nurses who are interested in helping new nurses gain skills, confidence and knowledge.

Specialty internship programs for nurses who want to specialize in Intermediate Medical Care, Intensive Care, Emergency Medicine, Medical/Surgical, Periop 101, Labor & Delivery, Neonatal Intensive Care and Pediatrics.

Fun Fact: At Valley Hospital, during the past five years, over one-third of the nurses have moved into specialty or supervisory areas, thanks to the robust education and support offered. A number of Valley Hospital nurses also participate in the LEARN program of continued growth and development which enhances the quality and safety of care for the patients they serve.

Additional classes for RNs
Following the completion of specialty programs, training internships are available for new IMC and ICU nurses. For all ICU and IMC nurses, a wide range of advanced classes are available, including:
– caring for open heart surgery patients
– caring for heart and cardiac cath lab patients after they leave the ICU
– targeted temperature management for the post-cardiac-arrest patient
– caring for patients undergoing continuous renal replacement therapy
– caring for patients on an Impella device for the heart
– caring for patients with an intra-aortic balloon pump
– caring for patients with a neurological emergency, including stroke and neuro surgery
– caring for patients with an epidural for pain management
– deep dive to understand the 12-lead ECG

Recognition and Thanks
In addition to National Nurses Week, our nursing stars are also recognized via the DAISY award program, which is a national recognition program, and a variety of hospital-based and community nursing awards.

Has a nurse changed your life for the better? A thank you note, or a DAISY nomination is always appreciated!

To learn more about nursing careers, visit: valleyhealthsystemlv.com

Task Force Meetings Return on May 16, with the HR Task Force convening in June on the 27th. Details and links are below:

Meeting Location:

Viticus Group Eastern Campus
5810 S Eastern Ave
Las Vegas, NV 89119
— > Link to Map

Legislative Task Force Meeting
May 16 | 10:00 AM – 11:15 AM
Learn More/Register

Workforce Task Force Meeting
May 16 | 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
Learn more/Register

Physician Engagement Task Force Meeting
May 16 | 1:45 PM – 2:45 PM
Learn more/Register

Healthcare Technology Task Force Meeting (Zoom)
May 16 | 11:15 AM – 1:15 PM
Learn more/Register

HR Task Force (via Zoom)
June 27th | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Learn more/Register

Health District promotes healthy alternatives to sugary drinks

Most Americans are consuming too many added sugars in their diet. Sugar-sweetened beverages including sodas, energy drinks, and fruit drinks are a main source of added sugars. A regular, 12-ounce can of soda can contain a full 10 teaspoons of sugar. Because of the added sugar, soft drinks and other sugar-sweetened beverages can contribute to health issues including obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease and tooth decay.

To raise awareness of this issue, the Southern Nevada Health District’s Office of Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion will conduct its annual Soda Free Summer Challenge from Friday, May 3, through Saturday, Aug. 31. The campaign urges everyone to choose healthier beverages in favor of soda and other sugary drinks.

For information on how to participate in the Soda Free Summer Challenge, visit www.GetHealthyClarkCounty.org or www.VivaSaludable.org. To learn about local, upcoming events associated with this campaign, visit the Get Healthy Clark County Community Calendar or Calendario de la comunidad.

Sugary drinks include sodas, sports drinks and fruit drinks, as well as tea and coffee sweetened with added sugar. Nationally, 63% of youth and 49% of adults reported having sugary drinks once daily or more. On average, children consume more than 30 gallons of sugary drinks per year, enough to fill an entire bathtub.

The average American consumes approximately 17 teaspoons of added sugar each day. Adolescents (12-19 years old) are the highest consumers of sugar-sweetened beverages. In Clark County, 11.4% of adolescents drank one can, bottle or glass of soda at least once per day during 2019. That rate increased to 13.3% in 2021. However, the 2021 rate was down significantly from the 23.3% recorded in 2007.

According to the American Heart Association, men should consume no more than 9 teaspoons of added sugar per day. For women, the recommended daily maximum is 6 teaspoons. Adults and children are encouraged to limit sugary drinks and opt for healthier alternatives including water, unsweetened tea and plain milk.

Consumers are advised to read nutrition labels to determine how much added sugar is included in their drinks. For information about how to identify added sugars, visit the sugary beverages web page on the Get Healthy or the Viva Saludable Spanish language website.

The Southern Nevada Health District serves as the local public health authority for Clark County, Boulder City, Henderson, Las Vegas, Mesquite and North Las Vegas. The agency safeguards the public health of the community’s residents and visitors through innovative programs, regulations, and initiatives focused on protecting and promoting their health and well-being. More information about the Health District, its programs, services, and the regulatory oversight it provides is available at www.SNHD.info. Follow the Health District on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Southern Hills Hospital opened its brand new Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The new state-of-the-art facility is designed to meet the needs of both babies and their families. With 15 beds, including 6 private rooms, spanning over 7,062 square feet, the unit provides ample space and privacy for families during their stay.

Senator Marilyn Dondero Loop and Councilman Jim Seabock were in attendance at the opening. The office of Commissioner Justin Jones presented Southern Hills Hospital with a proclamation, and Congresswomen Susie Lee and Jacky Rosen presented Southern Hills with congressional recognition.

The hospital also had the pleasure of welcoming Megan Gassler and baby Danielle, one of our NICU families. Megan shared her story and spoke about the care and compassion she received while having a baby in the NICU.

The establishment of this Level III NICU is a collective achievement, a testament to the dedication of Southern Hills Hospital and Medical Center and the support of the community. Within these walls, miracles will happen, thanks to the tireless efforts of highly skilled medical professionals. They will provide the highest level of care to premature babies and those born with complex medical conditions, reflecting Southern Hills Hospital’s commitment to exceptional healthcare services.

The theme for May’s Las Vegas HEALS Healthcare magazine is ALS Awareness Month. We invite anyone interested in having content featured to send materials to Adriana. Those interested in placing advertisements can also email Adriana to send in materials, or ask any questions you may have.

Health District Spotlights Nurse-Family Partnership and Healthy Start

April is National Minority Health Month, and this year’s theme is “Be the Source for Better Health,” with the focus on improving the health of racial and ethnic minority communities and reducing health disparities. In connection with this observance, the Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) is calling attention to a pair of programs that support minority health while striving to decrease health inequities.

Nurse-Family Partnership

The SNHD Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP), a network partner of the national NFP, is an evidence-based community health program that helps pregnant, first-time mothers improve their lives and create better futures for themselves and their children.

Nationally, NFP has supported thousands of families facing socioeconomic barriers across 41 states, including Nevada and many tribal communities. The program is free and voluntary. Participants get their own personal nurse who provides education, resources, and significant support during regular scheduled home visits from pregnancy until the child is 2 years old. In Clark County, the program has supported 1,543 families during 13,843 in-person visits since its inception in 2008.

Every day, hundreds of children are born in the United States to mothers facing economic inequity. In some cases, mothers also face additional challenges like relationships, homelessness, substance use and intimate partner violence.

The first 1,000 days of a child’s development, combined with the partnership that is built between the new mother and the NFP nurse, create positive changes that can have a lasting impact on brain development, school readiness, preventing child abuse and neglect, uplifting families and breaking the cycle of poverty.

In 2023, SNHD’s Nurse-Family Partnership exceeded national NFP rates in several health outcomes:

• 8% of babies had low birth weight, compared to the national NFP rate of 13.2%.
• 100% of babies were current with their immunizations at 6 months, compared to the national NFP rate of 92.2%.
• 100% of babies were current with their immunizations at two years, compared to the national NFP rate of 90.2%.

Healthy Start

Another SNHD program that supports the goals of National Minority Health Month is Healthy Start, a free and voluntary home-visiting program that aims to improve health outcomes for women during and after pregnancy, and for their children. Enrollment for families began in February 2024, with a focus on African American women who are pregnant or of childbearing age. However, the program is open to all races and ethnicities. Participants receive education, resources and support from community health workers and community health nurses, with a goal of reducing racial/ethnic differences in the rates of infant death and adverse perinatal outcomes.

Participants are encouraged to stay in Healthy Start until their child is 18 months old. The families and partners of women who enroll in the program are also welcome to participate in home visits.

For additional information about National Minority Health Month, visit National Minority Health Month (nih.gov). To learn more about the Nurse-Family Partnership, go to Southern Nevada Health District Nurse-Family Partnership (youtube.com) or Nurse-Family Partnership – Southern Nevada Health District. For more information about Healthy Start, call (702) 759-1677.

The Southern Nevada Health District serves as the local public health authority for Clark County, Boulder City, Henderson, Las Vegas, Mesquite and North Las Vegas. The agency safeguards the public health of the community’s residents and visitors through innovative programs, regulations, and initiatives focused on protecting and promoting their health and well-being. More information about the Health District, its programs, services, and the regulatory oversight it provides is available at www.SNHD.info. Follow the Health District on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

March marked a significant milestone for, The Pavilion, the leading behavioral health unit at Southern Hills Hospital and Medical Center, as it celebrates five years of providing unparalleled psychiatric care to the community. Since its inception, The Pavilion has demonstrated a commitment to excellence, innovation, and compassionate care, making it a beacon of hope for individuals and families struggling with mental health challenges.

In honor of the 5-year anniversary we are welcoming the government officials, community members and the media to attend an open house Friday April 5, 2024 from 9am to 11am.

Southern Hills Hospital

Established in 2019, The Pavilion has grown exponentially, evolving from a modest 14-bed unit exclusively serving geriatric populations to an expansive 80-bed facility catering to individuals aged 12 and older. This expansion has enabled us to meet the increasing demand for high-quality behavioral health services in our community, ensuring that individuals of all ages receive the care and support they need to thrive.

One of the hallmarks of The Pavilion is its outstanding Psychiatry Residency Program, which attracts top talent and fosters the development of future leaders in the field of psychiatry. Under the guidance of our esteemed medical directors, Dr. Bhushan and Dr. Freedman, and a team of dedicated healthcare professionals, The Pavilion has garnered recognition as the premier destination for comprehensive behavioral health care in the southwest Las Vegas Valley.

“Our commitment to providing exceptional care extends beyond the walls of our facility,” said Allison Zednicek Chief Operations Officer of Behavioral Health at Southern Hills Hospital and Medical Center. “Our staff and leaders actively participate in various community events, including health fairs, school events, and fundraisers, to raise awareness and promote education about mental health. We believe that by engaging with the community, we can reduce stigma and empower individuals to seek the help they need.”

In recognition of our dedication to excellence, all of our Behavioral Health units have received prestigious recognition through HCA’s Unit of Distinction Program for 2024. This accolade underscores our commitment to delivering superior care and achieving outstanding patient outcomes.

Over the past five years, The Pavilion has served thousands of patients with over 18,000 admissions, touching countless lives and making a positive impact on our community. With a multidisciplinary team comprising of experts in various specialties, including gerontology, addiction medicine, neurology, and more, we provide comprehensive, personalized care to meet the diverse needs of our patients.

“We are incredibly proud of the exceptional team we have assembled at The Pavilion,” said Alexis Mussi, CEO of Southern Hills Hospital. “Their dedication, expertise, and compassion are the driving forces behind our success, and we are grateful for their commitment to our patients and their families.”

As we celebrate this milestone, The Pavilion remains steadfast in its mission to transform lives, inspire hope, and promote mental wellness in our community. We look forward to continuing our journey of excellence for generations to come.

For more information about The Pavilion and the services we offer, please visit https://southernhillshospital.com/specialties/behavioral-health