Community Hospital’s Cardiopulmonary Program Certified by Industry Leader

McCook, Nebraska—Community Hospital is proud to announce the certification of its cardiopulmonary rehabilitation program by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR). Community Hospital was recognized for its commitment to improving the quality of life by enhancing standards of care.

“We are very proud of our recently awarded certification,” said Jennifer Liess, BSN, RN, Coordinator of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation. “Our certification shows we are following the required standards of care for cardiopulmonary rehab and providing excellent care for our rehab patients. We underwent the process of certification for our patients—knowing they want to participate in a program that is very patient oriented and has been certified as a quality program by a national association.”

Cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation programs are designed to help people with cardiovascular problems (e.g., heart attacks, coronary artery bypass graft surgery) and pulmonary problems (e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD], respiratory symptoms,) recover faster and improve their quality of life. Both programs include exercise, education, counseling, and support for patients and their families.

Community Hospital’s cardiopulmonary rehabilitation program participated in an application process that requires extensive documentation of the program’s practices. AACVPR Program Certification is the only peer-review accreditation process designed to review individual programs for adherence to standards and guidelines developed and published by AACVPR and other professional societies. Each program is reviewed by the AACVPR Program Certification Committee and Certification is awarded by the AACVPR Board of Directors.

“Our mission, “Leading our region to a healthier future,” is evident in the accomplishment of achieving certification for our cardiopulmonary rehabilitation program at Community Hospital,” said Molly Herzberg, RN, Community Hospital Vice President Patient Care Services & CNO. “Patient and family members want to participate in programs which are considered the best. The classification of certified helps identify those programs,” she said.

AACVPR-certified programs are recognized as leaders in the field of cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation because they offer the most advanced practices available. AACVPR Program Certification is valid for three years

The department is staffed with five specially trained cardiopulmonary personnel with a number of years of experience. In addition to the program coordinator Leiss, support staff include Chris Carfield, Registered Respiratory Therapist, Krista Ord, RN, Kari Williby RN, and Kayla Wurm, RN. All have clinical experience in cardiac or pulmonary care and Advanced Cardiac Life Support training. They provide individualized monitoring of their patients while they regain their strength and health. Patients appreciate the one-on-one attention from the trained staff as they progress through the education and exercise components of the program.

The staff especially enjoys working with patients and getting to know them personally, while offering individualized education and support. Along with the exercise programs for the patients, classes on diet, exercise, stress, medications and information on coronary and pulmonary diseases are offered.

For more information on Community Hospital’s cardiopulmonary program, call the department at 308-344-8342.

About AACVPR

Founded in 1985, the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation is a multidisciplinary organization dedicated to the mission of reducing morbidity, mortality and disability from cardiovascular and pulmonary disease through education, prevention, rehabilitation, research and disease management. Central to the core mission is improvement in quality of life for patients and their families.

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