Cancer care closer to home for Frankfort patients

IU Health Frankfort Hospital recently launched chemotherapy and immunotherapy services, bringing cancer care closer to home for many patients in that area, including Jill Spaulding. “I had been doing my immunotherapy in Lafayette at the cancer center there, which is a wonderful place. I got a phone call in January of this year saying that they were going to start doing blood draws and immunotherapy here in Frankfort. That made it so much easier for me since I live in Frankfort.”

Certified nurses share their “why”

Nurses from across the IU Health Indianapolis Suburban Region—which includes IU Health North, Saxony, Tipton and West hospitals—share why they became certified and what they’re most proud of.

By Charlotte Stefanski, cstefanski@iuhealth.org, writer for IU Health’s Indianapolis Suburban Region

March 19 is Certified Nurses Day—a worldwide day of recognition to honor certified nurses everywhere and thank them for their dedication, achievements and commitment to patient safety.

Certified nurses across IU Health’s Indianapolis Suburban Region share why they became certified nurses and what they’re most proud of in their careers.

IU Health North:

Ashley Bridges

Ashley Bridges, registered nurse (RN) Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), registered nurse-board certification (RN-BC).

Why did you become a nurse?

Initially, I thought I would go into veterinary medicine because I really loved animals and caring for them. But after some thought, I realized people have pets, likes rats and snakes, that I’m not too fond of. So, I switched my focus to people. Nursing is a career that will always be in demand, has multiple avenues to take, and no matter what role you play in the field, you will always be helping someone else.

What do you do in your current role?

Currently, I am the clinical operations manager of the 5B Medical unit at IU Health North.

What’s a nursing initiative you’re proud to be a part of?

During my time as a manager, one initiative I have been part of was a partnership with Carmel High School to hire their certified nursing assistant students as student patient care assistants. These students get to work alongside our nurses and techs, all while gaining clinical experience. It’s been great to see them grow and become more and more comfortable with patients and our team. Soon, we will be bringing in our next group of students as the current ones prepare to graduate and go to college.

What does being certified mean to you?

Being a certified nurse shows dedication to the field and continuing my education. Initially, it was a way for me to challenge myself and now it pushes me to seek out learning opportunities on topics that interest me as I work to maintain my certification.

IU Health Saxony:

Marci Pittenger

Marci Pittenger, registered nurse (RN), Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and certified perioperative nurse (CNOR).

Why did you become a nurse?

I just love taking care of people. I like to make a positive impact in both my patients’ and their families’ lives. 

What do you do in your current role?

I am a night shift coordinator in the Emergency department. I work beside with the nurses and serve as a resource to all of them. I also help with orientation when new nurses start in our unit.

What’s a nursing initiative you’re proud to be a part of?

I like that, at IU Health, our voices are heard as nurses. We have a governing council that we can bring issues to and also look into new research of evidence-based council.

What does be certified mean to you?

I am currently certified in the Operating Room, which is where I spent the first half of my career. I think it is important to be certified in your specialty area. My goal is to become certified in the Emergency department within the next year. 

IU Health Tipton:

Melissa Baxter-Standridge

Melissa Baxter-Standridge, Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), registered nurse (RN), certified emergency nursing (CEN).

Why did you become a nurse?

I became a certified nurse because I wanted to challenge myself and stay up to date on education and learning. I feel that I can be a better nurse and mentor if I push myself in this direction. I want to lead others to become certified.

What do you do in your current role?

Currently, I am the shift coordinator of Emergency Services at IU Health Tipton. For two days a week, I work in direct patient care in the Emergency department. For one day a week, I have administrative duties where I manage the daily schedules of all the team in the Emergency department. I am a member of the Professional Governance Council, of which I was the chairperson for the last two years.

What’s a nursing initiative you’re proud to be a part of?

I have been involved with IU Health Tipton’s two Pathway to Excellence committees.

What does being certified mean to you?

Be certified means going above and beyond to excel at having the knowledge to give the best care to my patients. I feel that I hold myself to high standards because of it. It gives me pride in my daily work.

IU Health West:

Erica Newkirk


Erica Newkirk, Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), registered nurse (RN), adult-gerontology certified nurse specialist – board certified (AGCNS-BC), gerontological – board certified (GERO-BC), certified medical-surgical registered nurse (CMSRN).

Why did you become a nurse?

I wanted to be a nurse because I wanted to improve the lives of others and advocate for patients. 

What do you do in your current role?

As a certified nursing specialist, my goal is to advance the practice of nursing. I work to ensure nurses are practicing at the bedside using the most up-to-date evidence available. That requires me to look at the literature and evaluate if our current practice matches best practice. If not, then I work with the healthcare team to implement and sustain best practices. This work could be from a system-wide, patient or nursing standpoint.  If a best practice does not exist, or we want to use it in a different way, then I would conduct a research study to test our hypothesis. I am always advocating for nursing and to make sure that nursing has a voice at the table in all matters. Our healthcare system could not survive without nurses!

What’s a nursing initiative you’re proud to be a part of?

I am proud to be leading the IU Health West Care Model Redesign. This will be done in phases. First, we are partnering with the bedside nurse and patient care assistants to eliminate workload burden—They have a lot of it. Second, we will look at how we can be innovative and change the way we deliver care to our patients. Another initiative I am proud to be a part of is preventing of workplace violence.

What does being certified mean to you?

Being certified means that I am an expert in those areas. This is important because being an expect will impact the care we give to our patients.  


A nurse celebrates her peers’ excellence

Certified Nurses Day, celebrated annually on March 19, is an occasion to honor and celebrate the dedication, expertise and passion of certified nurses who play a crucial role in healthcare. Among these remarkable individuals is Arnett Hospital certified nurse Ashlee Stuart, an example of excellence in nursing.

From aspiration to achievement

Stuart’s journey into healthcare was not predetermined.

“Going into the medical field was a slow realization for me,” says Stuart. “Nobody in my family was in the medical field. Growing up, I always thought I would be a teacher. To this day, I’m not sure what the final spark was that led me to the medical field. Was it seeing my elderly grandparents be taken care of? Was it the love I had for trauma shows? I’m not sure.”

Embracing diversity in specialization

While Stuart initially envisioned herself working in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), her path led her to the dynamic realm of medical-surgical (med/surg) nursing. Embracing the diversity of patients and conditions in this field, Stuart found fulfillment in the variety and challenges it offered.

“I remember playing ‘baby nurse’ as a kid and never dreamed of being an adult nurse,” says Stuart. “However, I’m a firm believer that every nurse should have at least a year of med/surg nursing under his or her belt before going into a more specialized field. I entered med/surg never intending to stay, but I like the variety, the range of medical conditions, the range of ages. Every day is different.”

A remarkable career path

Stuart, currently serving as the assistant manager for Acute Care Six at IU Health Arnett Hospital, has dedicated herself to the noble profession of nursing for over a decade. Her journey with IU Health spans twelve years, during which she has witnessed the organization evolve and flourish.

“I love being part of a multidisciplinary team that works together to improve the stay of each patient,” says Stuart.

Stuart’s commitment to her role as a certified nurse reflects her deep-rooted passion for patient care and continuous learning.

“I love the educational aspect of the field as well,” says Stuart. “It brings me back to my childhood dream of being a teacher, but in a different way. I love teaching patients and families and answering questions they may have, and I love welcoming new staff members to the building and teaching them the IU Health Way.”

Creating connections and inspiring commitment

For Stuart, the essence of nursing lies in the profound connections forged with patients and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on their lives, especially during their most vulnerable moments.

“I love getting to meet some of the patients and hear their stories,” says Stuart. “Some of the people I have met have led fascinating lives.”

In celebrating Certified Nurses Day, Stuart urges nurses to persevere in the face of challenges. Certified nurses, she believes, should celebrate not only their achievements but also their ongoing commitment to excellence in patient care.

“Although not every day is easy, know that you are making a difference,” says Stuart as words of motivation for her fellow certified nurses. “Your passion and your experience are vital to this field. Keep on learning and keep on teaching.”

Certified nurse commends colleagues’ compassion and continuous learning

As Certified Nurses Day approaches on March 19, it is the perfect time to shine a spotlight on dedicated professionals like certified nurse Brittany Chavez, whose passion for nursing and commitment to excellence are truly inspiring.

Chavez finds joy in exploration, cherishing the opportunity to embark on new adventures and focus on having fun while traveling. Additionally, she enjoys attending her children’s sporting events, cheering on her son in baseball and her daughter in softball.

From her early aspirations sparked by family influence to her current role as a nursing professional development specialist in the West Central Region, Chavez exemplifies the IU Health values and the dedication of certified nurses everywhere.

“My mom always wanted to be a nurse, but she never became one,” says Chavez. “Because of this, she tried to inspire me to become one. She planted the seed in ninth grade. She said that I would never be bored as a nurse.”

Partially driven by her mother’s advice and partially by her own fascination with medical television shows, Chavez discovered her calling.

A lifelong commitment to learning

Chavez’s passion for education and sharing knowledge has been a driving force throughout her career. As a nursing professional development specialist, she has found her niche, relishing the opportunity to onboard new team members and witness their growth firsthand. She believes in the importance of continuous learning in nursing.

“You won’t stop learning,” says Chavez of what life as a nurse is like.

For Chavez, obtaining nursing certifications was not only a personal accomplishment but also a means of leading by example and enhancing her ability to support her colleagues. She views certifications as a testament to one’s dedication and proficiency in their specialty.

A home for nursing excellence

“I’ve never contemplated leaving IU Health,” says Chavez.

Throughout her career, Chavez has found a sense of belonging and fulfillment at IU Health, where she appreciates the organization’s commitment to its team members. She believes that the provision of tuition reimbursement for medical professionals underscores IU Health’s dedication to supporting its team’s growth and development.

The heart of nursing

As Chavez reflects on her career, she emphasizes the profound rewards of being a nurse and the importance of celebrating the selfless acts of kindness that define the profession. From small gestures of compassion, nursing embodies a spirit of generosity.

Chavez has witnessed countless instances of nurses going above and beyond their duties.

“I’ve seen nurses taking patients’ clothes home for a wash, offering their own money, giving patients homecooked meals and personally buying them things from the store,” says Chavez.

Despite their extraordinary gestures, nurses remain remarkably humble, embodying the essence of their profession as compassionate caregivers.

“Being a nurse is just an extremely rewarding career,” says Chavez.

Her journey exemplifies the spirit of Certified Nurses Day, honoring the dedication, compassion and expertise of certified nurses everywhere. While celebrating this day, remember to recognize and applaud the invaluable contributions of nurses like Chavez, whose commitment to excellence enriches the lives of patients and colleagues alike.

Runner is back on her feet thanks to new orthopedics space

Lauren Dunn, clinical dietitian at IU Health Ball, is a workout enthusiast. She loves lifting weights and going for long runs.

In 2021, she and some friends signed up for a local 5K challenge. While training for the race, she would often meet her friend for a jog in the morning. One day, she overslept and didn’t have time to fully stretch before their run, but with her active lifestyle, she didn’t think much of it.

When the pair started running down their first slope, she felt a pop and was flushed with instant pain in her knee. As a runner, she understood that knee pain is normal. She put on her knee brace and spent the next few years taking it slow.

“I was mostly doing okay, but I couldn’t do any advanced physical activity anymore,” she says. “After being almost a year postpartum, I was still struggling to lose my baby weight and I couldn’t exercise like I wanted to. I finally decided that enough was enough.”

Driving to and from work, Dunn couldn’t help but notice the new IU Health Orthopedics and Sports Medicine building. It started to feel like a sign to finally address her knee issue. She called the office and made an appointment to see Kevin M. Doulens, MD, FAAOS, FAOSSM, who after conducting an MRI, sat down with her to discuss the results.

“He was so thorough with his review,” she says. “He took the time to truly investigate what was wrong before he made his diagnosis.”

Doulens identified a medial meniscus tear and some bone bruising. He suggested conservative management for the bruising but mentioned surgery might be necessary for the tear.That evening, Dunn reviewed Doulens’ clinical notes on the My IU Health patient portal, contemplating the surgical option. After reflecting, she decided she needed to talk with him about the treatment plan more, so she made another appointment.“

“I was relieved to see that Dr. Doulens agreed that now was a good time for surgery since I need to rest anyway.” she says. Dunn scheduled an arthroscopy and meniscal clean up surgery for the underlying meniscus tear for a week after her follow-up.The surgery would remove the damaged tissue with two small incisions. The healthy meniscus tissue is left in place do its job of protecting the knee joint.

The outpatient surgery was only an hour, and she was one of the first patients to have a meniscectomy at the new surgery center.

“The place was amazing,” Dunn says, “The updated building was so nice, and all the staff were welcoming pre and post-op.”

After surgery and recovery, she was sent home with crutches, pain medicine and an ice machine. Only five days after surgery Dunn returned to work, and after two weeks, Doulens allowed her to return to exercise.

“Dr. Doulens impressed not only me, but also my husband, Caleb, who came to all my appointments,” says Dunn. “We both appreciated his in-depth discussion of treatment options and his recommendations on what I should do. My husband was especially impressed with Dr. Doulens thoroughness compared to other doctors he has been with.”

Now six weeks post-operation, Dunn is regaining strength, with a focus on weight training.

“If you are struggling with pain, I wholeheartedly encourage you to consider booking an appointment. There is no need to endure discomfort when Dr. Doulens can fix you right up,” Dunn says.

A big personality receives cancer care close to home

Kate Thompson is not your ordinary salon owner. Behind her vibrant personality and passion for music and hair lies a story of resilience, community engagement and unwavering spirit.

Originally hailing from Burlington, Ontario, Thompson’s journey brought her to Indiana in 2017. She met her husband at a music festival. They have a shared love for the soulful melodies of red dirt country music and host the genre’s artists in their backyard every summer for concerts.

Battling stage three gastric cancer

Thompson’s life took an unexpected turn when she started experiencing digestive issues. Despite experiencing symptoms for years, she initially hesitated to seek medical attention, a decision she would later regret.

Eventually, her condition deteriorated to the point where she could no longer ignore the signs; her stomach simply refused to digest food anymore. The food she ate piled up until she could not eat or drink, leading to a trip to IU Health White Memorial Hospital’s Emergency department. Her doctor suggested that she might have gastric cancer and referred her to IU Health Arnett for further testing. It was at Arnett where she received her life-altering diagnosis of stage three gastric cancer.

Finding strength in community

After already receiving compassionate care for many health issues in various departments at White Memorial, having the option of receiving cancer care there, close to home, was a godsend for Thompson.

“Everything I can do here, I would like to do here,” says Thompson. “It’s eight minutes from my house. They have everything here.”

Navigating the challenges of cancer treatment, she found solace and support with team members.

“It’s like I’m coming to see my friends,” says Thompson. “It’s where I feel safe. I trust them with my life—literally.”

She has become the go-to hairdresser for many members of the White Memorial team. Thompson has been known to do haircuts and colorings for off duty nurses after her treatments for the day are over.

She currently receives FLOT chemotherapy
treatments, along with potassium and magnesium infusions, and weekly blood tests administered by White Memorial Hospital’s Infusion Services. During a recent appointment, while a nurse draws blood from a port in Thompson’s chest, she discusses scheduling the nurse’s son for a haircut at her salon.

“The bougie suite”

“Those girls, they make it a cheerful place to be,” says Thompson. She describes the Infusion Services department at White Memorial as peaceful with occasional laughter.

Thompson has received an infusion at another hospital system in the past, describing the experience as scary and depressing, with a single room with rows of chairs full of very sick-looking people.

“I don’t feel like I want to be here,” says Thompson, reflecting on her previous infusion experience. “I just felt like, ‘yikes.’”

In contrast, White Memorial provided Thompson with a sense of belonging, with individual suites for each infusion patient, including one extra-large room, which Thompson refers to as “the bougie suite.”

“They work hard to work with my schedule,” says Thompson while discussing how the hospital tries to make appointment times as convenient as possible for patients. Schedulers also go out of their way to keep patients informed about when their upcoming appointments are, printing out an appointment schedule for each patient.

A testimony to compassionate care

Thompson’s journey with cancer has been marked by moments of fear, uncertainty and pain. Yet, through it all, she has found strength in the support of her community and the compassionate care of the White Memorial team.

From housekeeping to healing: Stormy’s story

Once Stormy Nantz got her foot in the door at IU Health, it didn’t take her long to start taking advantage of the growth potential.

In 2014, Nantz began her career with IU Health in environmental services. Soon after, she was promoted to the patient transport team, where she discovered her passion for patient care, fostering numerous relationships between floor staff and unit managers. This experience motivated her to pursue further education in patient care.

By 2015, she had become a patient care assistant (PCA) for the medical stroke unit. During her tenure there, she was constantly learning. Two years later, she transitioned to the medical diabetes unit, where she excelled in patient care, drawing labs, and mastering time management.

“As a PCA, I felt challenged and I love learning new things,” Nantz shares. “However, eventually, the routine became familiar, and I sought greater challenges, prompting my decision to return to school.”

Nantz enrolled in part-time classes at Ivy Tech in Muncie, juggling her studies with work. Her PRN position offered a flexible schedule, allowing her to balance work, study, and attend classes. On busy days, she had the option of working four-hour shifts, while on lighter days, eight or even twelve-hour shifts were possible.

“I have always been surrounded by incredible leaders,” she reflects. “The IU Health culture fosters a flexible, encouraging, and supportive environment for ongoing education and career advancement.”

In July, she celebrated her graduation as a licensed practical nurse (LPN). By February, she had joined the adult surgical unit (ASU) as a newly promoted LPN.

Her LPN role is a new addition to IU Health Ball, and the adult surgical unit is among the first to welcome this position. This role enhances support, allowing RNs to concentrate more on patient education and specialized tasks.

As an LPN, Nantz and her team are responsible for administering oral medications and managing IV piggybacks. They also engage in dressing changes, focused assessments, and collaboration with PCAs and RNs to optimize patient care. With her background as a PCA, Nantz brings a solid foundation in patient communication, now focusing on mastering new medications and routines associated with her position.

She credits her strong work ethic to her daughter, aiming to serve as a role model and emphasize the significance of education, dedication, and the pursuit of new experiences.

Protect your eyes during the upcoming eclipse

Indiana total solar eclipse band

On Monday, April 8, many parts of Indiana, including Bloomington, will experience a total solar eclipse while other areas in the state may see a partial eclipse.

The total solar eclipse is rare and you should make sure you know how to enjoy the event while staying safe in addition to wearing sunscreen and staying hydrated.

Follow safety precautions

Temporary or permanent eye damage can occur if you stare directly at the uneclipsed or partially eclipsed sun without proper solar filters/viewers.

Direct viewing

Special eclipse viewers with International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 12312-2 filters are required for safe viewing during eclipse partial phases.

Not all solar filters/viewers are actually safe to use.

Visit the American Astronomical Society’s website for a list of reputable solar filter vendors or check your local library or science museum to see if they offer free viewers.

Do not use damaged filters. This includes tears, dents and scratches.

Do not use water, glass cleaner, baby/wet wipes, or any other solvents or liquids to clean the filters. The American Astronomical Society suggests using a soft, nonabrasive tissue or cloth such as a microfiber cloth.

Indirect viewing

With your back to the sun, look at the shadow cast by a pinhole onto white paper. Do not look at the sun directly through the pinhole.

Have eye discomfort or changes to your vision after viewing the eclipse?

Contact your local optometrist or ophthalmologist as soon as possible.

Additional resources

Visit NASA’s website for more information about enjoying the upcoming total solar eclipse safely. More resources, including a more detailed map, can be found here.

More information related to the 2024 total solar eclipse will be shared in the upcoming weeks.

Source: NASA and the American Astronomical Society (AAS).

20 years later: Patient with colorectal cancer trains for marathon

Debora Herold was 24 when she was diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Now, she’s enjoying family life and a healthy lifestyle.

By TJ Banes, IU Health Senior Journalist, tfender1@iuhealth.org

In the past two decades, Debora Herold finished grad school, got married, became a mother of two, started a teaching career, and traveled abroad.

To some, that may seem like a normal course of life’s journey. For Herold, that course became reality following a diagnosis of and surgery for colorectal cancer (CRC). She was a 24-year-old graduate student at Emory University living in Atlanta, Ga. when, in 2004, Herold began having symptoms she thought were related to stress. Her boyfriend at the time (now her husband, Brad) encouraged her to see a doctor. On a Friday in February she went in for a colonoscopy and the next day received a phone call telling her she had colon cancer.

“The doctor called me on a Saturday and I thought it was so kind of him to call on a weekend and then I hear the words that I had cancer,” said Herold. Her mom flew to Atlanta to join Herold for follow-up appointments and then they returned to Indianapolis. On March 1, 2004, Herold underwent surgery at IU Health Simon Cancer Center to remove a tumor from her colon.

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, a reminder that early detection increases the chances of treatment and a cure. Researchers with the American Cancer Society reported last year that CRC is swiftly shifting to a more advanced disease and in younger individuals. Last year, an estimated 153,020 people were diagnosed with CRC, making it the third most diagnosed cancer and the third leading cause of death in both men and women in the United States.

Through genetic testing Herold learned that she has Lynch syndrome, a genetic condition and the most common form of hereditary colorectal cancer.

“It puts people at a high risk for various cancers and women at a greater risk for urinary tract, endometrial, and ovarian cancers,” said Herold.

The American Cancer Society recommends starting regular screenings at age 45. The screening can be done either with a sensitive test that looks for signs of cancer in a person’s stool (a stool-based test), or with an exam that looks at the colon and rectum (a visual exam). Individuals are encouraged to talk to their health care provider about which tests might be the best options.

Herold’s colonoscopy revealed a tumor in the ascending colon. “I was incredibly lucky that it had not spread and that I did not require any additional treatment,” said Herold. She remained in Indianapolis for about a month before returning to Atlanta to complete her degree. She now continues her care with IU Health’s Dr. Douglas Rex and undergoes and annual colonoscopy.

“I remember the day of my surgery, March 1, hearing news anchor Katie Couric on national television talk about colon cancer,” said Herold. Couric’s husband, Jay Monahan died of colon cancer at the age of 42. In 2004, Couric established the Jay Monahan Center for Gastrointestinal Health at the New York–Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, which offers screening and treatment for the disease.

Debora Herold colorectal cancer patient family

In the past 20 years, Herold has enjoyed a full and healthy life. She and her husband Brad have been married 18 years. They have two sons, Ari, 16, and Levi, 13. Herold works as a Teaching Professor in the Psychology Department at IU Indianapolis. She has enjoyed spending time with her family including travel to Israel, Paris, and northern Michigan.

After her diagnosis, Herold began researching diets to help reduce inflammation and eventually stopped eating meat. She began running and has completed both mini and half marathons.

What’s next for her: She is now marking her 45th birthday on May 25 by running a full marathon.

Happy pulmonary rehab week!

Happy pulmonary rehab week to all our rehabilitation therapists who positively impact the lives of their patients with chronic pulmonary illnesses. Respiratory therapist, Vikki Watts has been caring for lung patients for more than 40 years. “The best part is seeing them do better, be able to do more than they did the first day they walked in to [pulmonary rehab]. They quickly become part of our family, our pulmonary rehab family.”