Iowa River Hospice Team
It is reassuring to know your loved one is cared for by a team of professionals whose goal is to ensure dignity and comfort for our patients and support for the family. Volunteers receive training to assist in a wide variety of ways. Our staff and volunteers are your friends and neighbors who feel it is an honor to be part of this special time of life. Our patient-to-staff ratio is kept low so we can be there when you need us.
Patients are cared for by a trained interdisciplinary team of volunteers and professionals to help patients and families deal with the physical, psychological, social and spiritual issues they are facing.
Members of this team include:
Medical Director:
Dr. Timothy Swinton will work with your physician and our team to develop a care plan that is specific to your needs. Our Medical Director is available for consultation 24 hours a day.
Administrative Staff:
Emily Carson-Executive Director RN CHPN
Danielle Plaehn- HR Coordinator
Pamela Wells- Community Liaison and Volunteer Coordinator
Mary Ann Boriskey- Receptionist
Connie Workman-Receptionist
Not Pictured: Lindsay Rice- Administrative Coordinator
Nursing:
Under the direction of the physician, your nurse will manage symptoms and function as an important advocate for patient needs. They will provide support and valuable information to family members who are caring for their loved ones. Nurses are available 24-hours-a-day / 7 days a week to respond to patient and family needs.
McKenna Banes- RN
Miranda Bohl-RN
Felicia Calzada- RN
Danette Damman- LPN
Ann Ersland- ARNP
Allie Hartwig-RN
Amy Ihde-RN
Lee Mahi-RN,BSN
Megan Mann- RN,BSN
Jenny Matteson- RN
Amanda McDowell-RN
Jenn Mull-RN
Karla Newton- RN, CHPN
Sue Olson- RN
Trish Patten-RN
CHPN-Director of Clinical Operations
Sara Riley -RN, BSN
Inpatient Manager
Conny Schutte- RN
Karen Shuey-
RN Quality Improvement Coordinator
Cathy Stafford- RN
Sherri Stoakes- LPN
Pat Thompson-RN, BSN
Pam Wilson-LPN
Ellen Woods-LPN
Sally Youngbear-RN,BSN
Not Pictured– Ashley Bond-RN, Paige Chik-RN, Crystal Kniffen-RN, Maria Villagomez-RN, Jennifer Williams-RN
Hospice Aides:
Hospice Aides assist with daily care needs such as bathing and grooming. With regular visits they become a source of comfort, emotional support and companionship for patients and their families.
Esmeralda Adkins-HA
Sandie Beals-HA
Brooke Bouton-HA
Rykki Bryant-HA
Kristina Coltrain-HA
Janessa Edwards-HA
Sheryl Foster-HA
Angie Gunderson-HA
Olivia Parks-HA
Vivian Wertzberger-HA
Not Pictured- Melinda Fricke-HA, Christina Klinger- HA
Chaplains:
Spiritual support is offered directly or in collaboration with the patient and family’s clergy. Diversity in religious belief is honored.
Harlan Nuss-Chaplain
Bob Spilger-Chaplain
Dan Vellinga- Chaplain
Alan Milliken-Chaplain
Social Workers:
The social work team relieves the emotional stress on families who are facing critical life issues. They coordinate community resources when available and can also assist patients and families with understanding legal and financial matters involving their situation. Bereavement support is offered for families through mailing and group activities as well as individual consultations when needed.
Kirstan Condit-LBSW
Jen Ford-LBSW
Karla Minear-LISW
Randy Swendsen-LBSW,MA
Pharmacist:
Our Pharmacist has years of hospice experience and attends our weekly team meetings to educate our staff and review patient profiles. Pharmacy support is available 24 hours a day.
Donna Eakins- RPh.
Maintenance:
Brett Canaday
Massage and Music Therapy:
Not Pictured: Cheryl Case-Massage Therapist, Emma Vogel-Music Therapist