Emmons Takes on Role of Director of Physician Practices
Jennifer Emmons has recently accepted the position of Director of Physician Practices for Richland Memorial Hospital in Olney.
The position, which is a new one for RMH, entails managing of the RMH physician’s offices, including those of Dr. N. Dejti (Ear, Nose, & Throat and Allergy), Dr. Melanie Waller (Urology), Dr. Paul Sutherland (General Surgery), and Family Nurse Practitioner Cheryl White. While fulfilling her duties, she will also be responsible for managing the staff of each department, as well as working with any visiting consulting physicians. In the near future, she will also take on the task of physician recruiting.
“I have always had an interest in managing physician offices,” states Emmons. “This is a wonderful opportunity because it allowed me to continue my service here at RMH, but also pursue something I have wanted to do.”
Jennifer is no stranger to management duties. She has been in leadership roles for the past 14 years, most recently as the Director of Home Care Services for RMH.
“While the Director of Home Care Services, I was responsible for the scheduling, staffing and financial aspect of the Home Health and Hospice of Southeastern Illinois departments. That has really helped prepare me for this role,” says Jennifer.
One aspect of the job that she will be taking on is physician recruitment.
“Physician recruitment is something that I have never had the chance to do before, but also something that I am looking forward to. I would like to see RMH continue to meet the community’s needs for healthcare into the future. I think physician recruiting is a vital aspect to that, and to expanding the services we offer,” noted Emmons.
For the time being, Jennifer is concentrating on getting acquainted with the physicians and staff of each of the departments. She is also learning the roles that each of them fulfill in each area. She looks forward to expanding her management capabilities and learning more about physician practices.
“I’ve only been here a few weeks and already feel like I know a lot more than I did when I first started,” laughs Jennifer.
She has been a Registered Nurse since 1992 and completed her Bachelor’s Degree in 2007 in Healthcare Administration.
Jennifer resides in rural Lawrence County with her husband, Brian and two children.
Zuber New Director of Home Care Services
Mackenzie Zuber, RN, was recently appointed to the Director of Home Care Services position at Richland Memorial Hospital.
Mackenzie was born and raised in this area and has worked for RMH for the past ten years, or her entire nursing career. Growing up in Noble, she attended Olney Central College for her Nursing Degree and has completed some pre-requisite classes to obtain her BSN. Continuing to pursue her BSN is one of her goals into the future.
“I’m so excited about this opportunity. I think of RMH as my hospital and this community as my community. I want to see them both thrive and flourish into the future, and I feel I can help be a part of that,” comments Mackenzie.
She has been able to work in several of the departments at RMH including Long Term Care, Medical/Surgical Unit and Home Health. She was most recently Charge Nurse for Home Care Services.
“I really look forward to coordinating the daily activities between Home Health and Hospice and continuing the same outstanding quality of care. We have such a well-trained staff, and I look forward to being a good leader for them,” says Zuber.
Being a Director also means that you have to look at more than just the patient side of care-giving.
“You have to stay on top of healthcare rules and regulations because they are constantly changing,” noted Mackenzie. “I’m used to the patient-side of nursing. This position allows me to learn a whole new aspect of patient care. I’m eager to broaden my knowledge of the financial aspect and how it plays into patient care.”
She also wants RMH to continue to be the choice agency for many patients for their home care services.
“We have so many great individuals that work here and provide such excellent care. I want us to be the agency that anyone who is in need of home health or hospice care asks for time and time again,” says Mackenzie.
She does have to credit others for her love of nursing.
“I have had so many good teachers and managers and support staff. They have prepared me so well to step into this position. Being in the home health department for eight years has also made this a very easy transition.”
One of her intitial goals for the group is to pursue computerized documentation and charting.
Mackenzie resides in Richland County with her husband Rodney, and their three children.
RMH Sports Medicine Community Service Program
The RMH Sports Medicine Community Service Program will begin on June 1st, 2010. This program will give community sports programs the opportunity to utilize the services of the certified athletic trainer. The certified athletic trainer will be open on Monday through Thursday. This will last through the entire months of June and July. These services are free to all community sports organizations. Organizations can schedule events by contacting (618) 395-6031. Community members can see the athletic trainer’s availability by going to the RMH website. Appointments are of limited availability. Also special educational appointments can be made by calling (618) 395-6031. There is no limit to these educational appointments. Again the availability will begin June 1st, 2010 and end July 30th, 2010.
