National Nurses Week Spotlight: Three Members of Our Nursing Team

For today’s blog post, we are excited to spotlight three incredible members of our nursing team in honor of National Nurses Week (May 6th through 12th): Stacie Rokosny, MSN, RN, Director of Nursing at Hidden River; Wendy Theurer, RN; and Juliann Ryan, RN. 

The dedication and compassion of these three women truly exemplifies the heart of our nursing team. Keep reading to learn more about their path to nursing, perspectives, and passions.. 

To kick things off, check out our Q&A with Stacie Rokosny, MSN, RN, Director of Nursing at Hidden River.

What initially attracted you to the field of nursing?

It’s hard to say what initially drew me to nursing because I’ve always wanted to be a nurse. When I was a little girl, my mom bought me a kid’s nursing kit — I’d play with it and take care of all my dolls. I think that’s really the core of it: I just like taking care of people. I know that’s cliche, but it’s true. That piece of it teamed with the cerebral part of the field — the science — I’m just very passionate about that.

What motivated you to work specifically in eating disorder treatment?

I’m fascinated with the way the mind works. I really want to understand why these girls have an eating disorder and what we can do to help.

What are you most proud of when it comes to the nursing team at Hidden River?

Their dedication to our patients. I find it awe-inspiring that they can see past the eating disorder. They know that these behaviors are not the person — it’s the eating disorder speaking.

How does the nursing team support patients during their time at Hidden River?

There are several ways that the nursing team supports patients during their treatment. We sit and eat with them. We give them a listening ear and remind them of their therapeutic skills. Sometimes, we play games with them. If they just need a break, we’ll sit in silence with them and let them process through their feelings. 

How does your team collaborate with other providers at Hidden River?

Nurses collaborate every day with our physicians, therapists, and dietitians. There are several points during the day when we meet. We have a Flash Meeting in the morning, where we’re on the phone and talk about each person. There’s also a Treatment Planning Meeting, which happens every Tuesday afternoon, where we go more in-depth about what we can do to help our patients. Throughout the day, we see each other — we see each other as we pass in the hallway or in different groups — so there’s a constant communication here, which is something I really enjoy.

How do you build relationships with your patients?

The nursing team builds relationships with our patients very slowly. We don’t rush into things; we meet them where they are. We take our time so we can develop that trust.

What makes Hidden River’s nursing team exceptional?

I think what sets our nursing team apart from most is that we really concentrate on holistic care. We treat the mind, the body, and the spirit. We need a perfectly balanced individual when they leave here.

What is the most rewarding part of your job as Director of Nursing?

It’s not just that they get better; it’s watching their personality develop. A lot of times, an eating disorder really plays tricks on the brain, and when the girls come in, they’re not who they were. We help them get back to who they were.

Now, let’s get to know Wendy Theurer, RN, a valued member of our nursing team.

What initially attracted you to the field of nursing?

As a young child, I found myself gravitating toward helping people. I always found a lot of joy in doing so. When I was 14 years old, I became a Candy Striper in my local hospital. I would sit with patients, read to them, deliver specimens to the lab, help the nurses answer call bells, and inform the nurses of the patients’ needs. I loved the work and knew that, one day, I would be a nurse.

What motivated you to work specifically in eating disorder treatment?

I have worked for many years as a Certified Psychiatric Nurse with a focus in Pediatric Behavioral Health with experience in residential treatment. Eating disorders are known to trigger anxiety, racing thoughts, and negative thinking patterns. Due to the nature of the mental health condition and my psychiatric experience, I was drawn to the position, knowing I would be given the opportunity to help patients through emotional growth, physical care, and education. I welcomed the chance to medically assist in the healing of both the visible and the invisible needs of these young women. 

What does a typical day as a nurse at Hidden River look like?

I work the night shift, so when I arrive, the milieu is very upbeat, with girls singing karaoke music and doing puzzles. I’m usually greeted with a loud “Wendy!” and then break into short conversations with the girls. 

Next, I receive the Nurse Report from the off-going nurse. I then begin my night nursing routine. Girls “check in” at this time to report any concerns they experienced during the day that are still weighing on them. We talk and encourage the use of coping skills. 

In the morning, I report any issues that occurred during the night to the oncoming day shift, such as resident concerns, positive experiences, and medication changes. We also report these concerns on Flash Notes, which are e-mailed to the full treatment team.

How do you balance the physical and emotional needs of patients during their recovery process?

It is my goal to provide empathy, understanding, and reassurance to the girls. This can help create a safe space where the residents can express their fears, doubts, and setbacks without judgment. My goal is to provide emotional support. This helps to validate their feelings and manage their stress, which can aid in overcoming feelings of frustration and encourage motivation towards recovery. 

How do you collaborate with the rest of the treatment team to provide holistic care?

Communication between all departments is critical at Hidden River. Our treatment team includes nurses, medical doctors, social workers, dietitians, and other leadership teams. Together, we develop a plan based on input from all departments with a focus on providing holistic care. This approach ensures that every aspect of the client’s health is being considered. The treatment team integrates the perspectives of all members, creating a comprehensive and effective treatment plan based on the client’s physical, mental, and social well-being. 

More specifically, the nurses have the Nurse Report. We also maintain Flash Notes, which notify the treatment team of any changes in the resident’s presentation. 

What is your favorite part of your job?

I love simply being here with the girls. Watching them grow and recover brings me joy every day.

How do you take care of your own well-being while working in such a challenging environment?

When I’m not working, I take walks, have lunch with friends, play outside with my grandchildren, and make sure I give my puppies belly rubs. This makes me happy.

Keep reading for our interview with Julianne Ryan, RN, another appreciated member of our nursing team. 

What initially attracted you to the field of nursing?

As far back as I can remember, I knew that I wanted to go into a helping profession. I felt like it was just in my nature to care for others, even from a very young age. I also think much of that stems from my own experiences living with a chronic illness. I always remembered how kind and compassionate the nurses were; they made what I was going through more bearable, and I wanted to bring that same relief to others. 

What motivated you to work specifically in eating disorder treatment?

I liked that working with the eating disorder population combined both medical and psychiatric nursing. I began my career working on a psychiatric unit, then pursued nursing on an orthopedic/neurology unit. The idea of practicing both the psychiatric and medical aspects of nursing was a motivating factor for me.

What does a typical day as a nurse at Hidden River look like?

First, we receive the Nurses Report. After the girls eat breakfast, we do morning med pass and draw labs. The rest of the day entails writing our notes and giving any medications for anxiety, nausea, headaches, and any other ailments that a patient may experience. We also coordinate care with our patients’ psychiatrists and update any labs or med orders. 

On some days, we conduct Nursing Education Groups for the girls. There are times where patients check in with us as well, allowing for one-on-one interactions where we assist them each in their time of need.  

The nurses also handle admissions and/or discharges as they arise. The night ends with transferring phone calls for patients to speak with their families. Then, we give the Nurses Report to the oncoming shift. 

How do you balance the physical and emotional needs of patients during their recovery process?

Active listening is key. Hearing what the patients have to say is vital for helping in their recovery process. It also helps us as nurses prioritize their needs and then address both their physical and emotional requests appropriately. 

How do you collaborate with the rest of the treatment team to provide holistic care?

We collaborate to develop treatment plans designed to provide the best care for each patient. The nurses, psychiatrists, therapists, and dietitians keep all parties in the loop regarding each patient’s care. This allows for individual needs from the various disciplines to be addressed with the proper staff. 

What is your favorite part of your job?

My favorite part of my job is seeing the progress the patients make. Some of the girls have a hard time in the beginning, so it’s nice to see them grow and allow their true selves to shine. 

How do you take care of your own well-being while working in such a challenging environment?

Self-care is important for me and allows me to give my best to the patients. I enjoy being outdoors, reading, and spending time with my family, pets, and friends. I also try my best to give myself grace when needed. 

Please join us in celebrating Stacie, Wendy, and Julianne and their meaningful contributions to the treatment program at Hidden River!

To learn more about Hidden River, visit our website or contact us at info@hiddenriverhealing.com.