Spontaneous Celebration

Sometimes, the simplest of gestures make the biggest difference for our patients. That was certainly the case when Emily Estus, RN helped cheer up a patient she was caring for in a special way. After Estus learned it was the patient's birthday, she went down to the gift shop during her break time to buy a balloon and a Mickey Mouse stuffed animal to give as gifts. Then, she and much of the team on the floor went into the patient's room to sing "Happy Birthday" to her. &qu [...]

EEE Alert: Protect Yourself with DEET

Expert tips to prevent mosquito bites and illness.

Residents of Vermont and northern New York have been warned: Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) is in our area. The mosquito-borne illness has infected several people across New England. Local health experts recommend the following prevention measures to stay safe. EEE Prevention Tips  The Vermont Department of Health and New York State Department of Health have issued guidance to prevent mosquito bites. Avoid outdoor activities between 6 pm and 6 am when mosq [...]

Demonstrating Compassion in Many Forms

Nikki Catlin Honored with BEE Award

A meal shared together fills the soul as much as the stomach, and that’s exactly what Nikki Catlin enjoyed with one of her patients. The kindness and care she provided to a 92-year-old man in need is why she was honored this week with the BEE (Beyond Exceptional Everyday) Award. Catlin was recognized during a surprise ceremony with her colleagues at University of Vermont Health Network – Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital (CVPH). She was nominated by Nicole Reil, RN, one of h [...]

What You Need to Know About This Year’s Vaccines

Questions for our infectious disease expert about flu, COVID-19 and RSV.

COVID-19 cases are already on the rise in many places across our area, with masking advised in some hospitals and now mandatory at others. As for flu, “It seems like it'll probably be a pretty ‘normal’ flu season this year — not too early and not too severe,” says Jessie Leyse, MD, MPH, an infectious disease, internal medicine and pediatric physician at Central Vermont Medical Center.  The key to not getting sick with either is vaccination. It&rs [...]

Nurse Honored for Compassionate Care of Patient in his Final Hours

Ashleigh Leavine, RN Receives DAISY Award

When a patient is dying, that person’s comfort and final wishes are of the utmost importance. A local family witnessed one nurse’s dedication to that compassionate care, and that is why Ashleigh Leavine, RN was recognized today as the latest recipient of The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses at University of Vermont Health Network – Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital (CVPH). Leavine was presented the award during a surprise ceremony with her colleagues. “My fat [...]

Honoring Extraordinary Teamwork

Vincent Ludewig Presented BEE Award

Whether it’s a broken arm, undergoing a procedure, battling cancer or recovering from an illness, patients rely on the Inpatient Pharmacy at The University of Vermont Health Network – Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital (CVPH) to get the medications they need to feel better. Teamwork is critical in filling the many prescription orders that come in throughout the day, and that is why Clinical Pharmacist Vincent Ludewig, RPh has been named the hospital’s newest BEE (Beyond Excep [...]

Breaking Through a Language Barrier

Elyssa Pennington, RN Receives DAISY Award

Imagine being homeless, not able to speak or understand English and in labor, preparing to give birth to your fourth child. That’s the stressful situation a woman found herself in while at The University of Vermont Health Network – Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital’s (CVPH) Alice T. Miner Women and Children’s Center (WCC). Elyssa Pennington, RN did all she could to give the mother, new baby and their family what they needed to be able to safely leave the hospital. That [...]

A Calming Voice for Cancer Patients

Amy Keith Honored With BEE Award

Receiving a cancer diagnosis is a scary time for our patients. The emotions are overwhelming, on top of the many appointments that need to be scheduled. Often, a calming voice can make a powerful difference for these folks as they begin navigating their way through treatment. Calmness and compassion are what Amy Keith, the office coordinator for Medical Oncology at The University of Vermont Health Network – Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital’s (CVPH) FitzPatrick Cancer Center (FCC) [...]

Dogs, Hockey and Compassionate Care

CVPH Presents First DAISY Team Award

“Watching your mother pass away for nine days is an intense, life-changing event.” It’s a heartbreaking time that Kelly Osterhaudt and Kelsey Trombley will never forget, as their mother spent her final days at The University of Vermont Health Network-Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital (CVPH). Something else they’ll also always remember: the tremendous care a team of nurses provided all of them. That is why Ashleigh Leavine, BSN, RN, Jennifer Laporte, RN, Elizabeth Tr [...]

Making a Difference for our Diabetes Patients

Laura Crossman Honored With BEE Award

When something needs to get done in the Endocrinology practice at The University of Vermont Health Network-Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital (CVPH), you can bank on Medical Assistant Laura Crossman likely being involved in some way. Co-workers describe her as incredibly versatile and ready to jump in at a moment’s notice, and that is why she is the hospital’s newest recipient of the BEE Award. Catherine “Franke” LaPier, BSN, RN, CDCES, a Certified Diabetes Educator [...]