Rhea Lange
February 2023
Rhea
Lange
,
RN
Avera Medical Group Hartington Clinic
Avera Sacred Heart Hospital
Yankton
,
SD
United States
She opened a whole new world to this patient. He became compliant with checking his blood sugars because it was so much easier for him.
Rhea originally started in the Coordinated Care program in our Yankton office. In 2018, we decided to revamp our program because we were not seeing the successful connection and relationship development that we wanted to see with our patients. Rhea came on board and our entire program changed!
Rhea has been key to bringing value to our program with both providers and patients. Our providers now often say, "We don't know what we would do without Rhea and coordinated care.” Our patients share the same sentiment. Rhea has worked with many of our most difficult patients. She has a phenomenal way of creating a connection and trusting relationship with her clients.
One great example is when I pulled a "Four Ingredient" recipe for chili off the printer and asked her about it. She said she had a new diabetic patient that was struggling to meet her nutritional needs on her very limited budget. Rhea compiled several recipes for this patient that were financially frugal but still provided great health benefits. Outstanding effort!
Another great example is her tireless work with patient "DN". DN was stopping by the clinic nearly every day wanting to see a doctor or a nurse. He was definitely one of our tougher diabetic cases. His visits, however, weren't necessarily medically needed. They had a social element to them too, as he did not have a strong personal support system in place. Rhea spent countless hours working with DN on his diet and medication plan to manage his diabetes. She was able to encourage and educate him on using a continuous glucose monitoring system through an app on his phone. She opened a whole new world to this patient. He became compliant with checking his blood sugars because it was so much easier for him. His HgbA1C, which had been higher than 11, went down to under 8. Rhea didn't just benefit his medical condition; she gave him a social outlet to come and spend time with someone. She always met him with the biggest smile and kindest words each and every day.
The above examples were both diabetic clients and there is a big reason for that. Rhea has gone out of her way to attend all the diabetic CMEs and conferences that she can to implement evidenced-base knowledge into her nursing practice. Her goal is to become a diabetic educator. Her drive and passion for it show! Our providers often refer our newly diagnosed patients to her because she is a wealth of information. She is able to meet the clients where they are at with the disease and create a relationship that yields trust and a true change in their habits and behavior.
Rhea is an absolute inspiration in the nursing field. Her compassion is beyond measure! She is a true DAISY Nurse.
Rhea has been key to bringing value to our program with both providers and patients. Our providers now often say, "We don't know what we would do without Rhea and coordinated care.” Our patients share the same sentiment. Rhea has worked with many of our most difficult patients. She has a phenomenal way of creating a connection and trusting relationship with her clients.
One great example is when I pulled a "Four Ingredient" recipe for chili off the printer and asked her about it. She said she had a new diabetic patient that was struggling to meet her nutritional needs on her very limited budget. Rhea compiled several recipes for this patient that were financially frugal but still provided great health benefits. Outstanding effort!
Another great example is her tireless work with patient "DN". DN was stopping by the clinic nearly every day wanting to see a doctor or a nurse. He was definitely one of our tougher diabetic cases. His visits, however, weren't necessarily medically needed. They had a social element to them too, as he did not have a strong personal support system in place. Rhea spent countless hours working with DN on his diet and medication plan to manage his diabetes. She was able to encourage and educate him on using a continuous glucose monitoring system through an app on his phone. She opened a whole new world to this patient. He became compliant with checking his blood sugars because it was so much easier for him. His HgbA1C, which had been higher than 11, went down to under 8. Rhea didn't just benefit his medical condition; she gave him a social outlet to come and spend time with someone. She always met him with the biggest smile and kindest words each and every day.
The above examples were both diabetic clients and there is a big reason for that. Rhea has gone out of her way to attend all the diabetic CMEs and conferences that she can to implement evidenced-base knowledge into her nursing practice. Her goal is to become a diabetic educator. Her drive and passion for it show! Our providers often refer our newly diagnosed patients to her because she is a wealth of information. She is able to meet the clients where they are at with the disease and create a relationship that yields trust and a true change in their habits and behavior.
Rhea is an absolute inspiration in the nursing field. Her compassion is beyond measure! She is a true DAISY Nurse.