A retirement reception for Rhonda Ostrander, Inpatient Diabetes Educator at NHRMC, will be held noon-1:30 p.m. Monday, October 1 in the James Walker Conference Room.
Over her 30 years at NHRMC, Rhonda has educated thousands of patients and families on diabetes self-management. For 25 years, Rhonda was the only inpatient Diabetes Educator. She provided education to patients and families for on both campuses, including the Betty H. Cameron Women’s and Children's Hospital.
Rhonda enjoys teaching others. She educates new nurses on diabetes, and provided annual continuing educational classes on diabetes. Rhonda has presented at Nursing Grand Rounds on Diabetes, including “New Trends in the Care of Patients with Diabetes.”
In 2013, Rhonda was celebrated as Employee of Excellence. Rhonda continues strive for excellence in the care of patients with diabetes. Over the years, Rhonda has influenced the delivery of care to patients with diabetes. She has received recognition from patients and families for her compassionate care. Rhonda has identified opportunities to improve care. She quickly takes ownership and immediately seeks to find a solution. An example, during a post visit call to a patient, she recognized the patient’s Insulin prescription did not include a prescription for the syringes and needles. She immediately called the physician and pharmacy to ensure the patient received the necessary syringe and needle to administer the Insulin. She collaborated with pharmacy, EPIC and the physician champion to develop a process in EPIC that the syringe and needle is prescribed with the Insulin order.
Rhonda is very active in the community. Annually, Rhonda has volunteered to assume role of Team Captain and raise money for the JDRF walk. You can find Rhonda teaching at community events on diabetes, including health fairs, and speaker at community service organizations.
We will miss Rhonda and wish her the best. Her last day is September 28, 2018.