The community is invited to attend a free educational event centered on the Emmy-nominated FRONTLINE documentary “Being Mortal.”

The presentation, “Being Mortal: The Whole Story,” is scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 7 at 10:30 a.m. at the Oakes Senior Center, 207 S., 5^th St., Oakes.

Attendees will screen the documentary and then participate in a guided conversation on how to take concrete steps to identify and communicate wishes about end-of-life goals and preferences. Lunch will be served following the program.

This event is free and open to the public with continuing education hours available for nurses and social workers.

The Emmy-nominated documentary, “Being Mortal,” delves into the hopes of patients and families facing terminal illness. The film investigates the practice of caring for the dying and explores the relationships between patients and their doctors. It follows a surgeon, Dr. Atul Gawande, as he shares stories from the people and families he encounters. When Dr. Gawande’s own father gets cancer, his search for answers about how best to care for the dying becomes a personal quest. The film sheds light on how a medical system focused on a cure often leaves out the sensitive conversations that need to happen so a patient’s true wishes can be known and honored at the end.

“Being Mortal” underscores the importance of people planning ahead and talking with family members about end-of-life decisions.

Seventy percent of Americans say they would prefer to die at home, but nearly 70 percent die in hospitals and institutions. Ninety percent of Americans know they should have conversations about end-of-life care, yet only 30 percent have done so.

Kirstin Hopkins, RN, BSN, CHPN, has successfully passed the Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (CHPN®) examination through the Hospice and Palliative Credentialing Center. Hopkins works as an admissions RN at Hospice of the Red River Valley in Fargo. She has been with the organization since 2015. She is a graduate of Minnesota State Community and Technical College and Oklahoma Wesleyan University.

The Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (CHPN®) examination was designed for experienced registered nurses. Applicants must hold a current, unrestricted registered nurse license in the United States or Canada, and must have 500 hours of hospice and palliative nursing practice in the most recent 12 months or 1,000 hours in the most recent 24 months.

Hospice of the Red River Valley is committed to making educational and support opportunities available to our communities. We are offering grief support programming in several communities this fall, including Fargo, LaMoure and Valley City, N.D., and Detroit Lakes, Crookston, Halstad, Perham and Thief River Falls, Minn.

Classes include:

• Journeying Through Grief
• Tear Soup: A Recipe for Healing After Loss
• How to Help a Grieving Friend
• A Creative Outlet for Grief: Do-it-yourself Memorial Pots
• Youth Journeys
• For Teens: A Creative Outlet for Grief
• Hope & Healing Six-week Grief Support Group

Registration
We are committed to making educational and support opportunities available to our communities. Registration is required for all classes because space is limited. All classes listed are offered free of charge; however, donations are always welcome to help offset the costs involved. Register for classes below or call (800) 237-4629 and ask for the bereavement department.

Click for more information about each class.

Hospice of the Red River Valley also offers a variety of support groups at several locations. It is our hope that these programs will equip attendees with a better understanding of grief and loss, as well as a place to find others who have shared a similar experience. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at (800) 237-4629.

Click to download and print a complete 2019 spring grief class listing.

The Naytahwaush Nightriders Snowmobile Club recently announced that this year’s Hospice Ride, held in February, raised $13,461.75 for Hospice of the Red River Valley. Twenty-one riders, ages 17-83, participated in the 130-mile event which took them from Naytahwaush to Detroit Lakes, Minn.

The Nightriders presented a check to Curt Seter, development officer for Hospice of the Red River Valley, at their annual Snodeo, which was held March 2-3. The group has raised $117,082 through 15 years of Hospice rides. Steve, Judy, Franki and Anna Paul were the top fundraisers and collected $3,680 of pledges for this year’s event. The Naytahwaush Nightriders have dedicated this year’s ride to Janelle Eken, a former Nightriders hospice rider, who lost her battle with cancer in February.

“Everyone at Hospice of the Red River Valley is so grateful to the community of Naytahwaush, the Naytahwaush Nightriders and the surrounding area for their generous and continuous financial support of our organization,” Seter said. “The funds raised by the annual Hospice Ride are an essential component in ensuring that Hospice of the Red River Valley will have the resources necessary to provide compassionate end-of-life care to our patients and their families in the Naytahwaush area.”

For more information about future events or membership in the Naytahwaush Nightriders Snowmobile Club, please visit www.naytahwaushnightriders.com.

Dakota Medical Foundation (DMF) and Impact Foundation have selected Hospice of the Red River Valley to participate in the 2019 Giving Hearts Day, a 24-hour online fundraising event that will be held on Feb. 14, 2019. When you make a donation of $10 or more on that day, your donation to Hospice of the Red River Valley will be matched, up to $25,000, thanks to a generous donor.

Hospice of the Red River Valley volunteer and ardent supporter, Brenda Podolak, encourages our community members to give from their hearts. Brenda and her family recently experienced the care firsthand; her mother passed away in September 2018 under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley.

“We welcomed Hospice of the Red River Valley into Mom’s memory care residence this past summer, and the care was a blessing. I knew Hospice would provide for Mom’s medical needs, but was touched to see that they do so much more,” Brenda recalled. “We have trials in life that we go through, and we have choices not to go through them alone. By supporting Hospice of the Red River Valley, you help ensure the presence of others who can help, and care deeply. Hospice of the Red River Valley needs our support. Will you join me in giving to this valuable mission?”

There are two easy ways to support Hospice of the Red River Valley on Giving Hearts Day:

• Online: On Feb. 14, visit givingheartsday.org and select Hospice of the Red River Valley.

or

• By check. Checks should be made to Hospice of the Red River Valley and dated Feb. 14, 2019. Make sure it reaches the Hospice office (1701 38th St. S. Suite 101, Fargo, ND 58103) on or before Feb. 14, 2019, so it can be counted toward our Giving Hearts Day total.

For more information regarding Hospice of the Red River Valley or Giving Hearts Day, contact Bonnie Oelschlager, marketing & communications manager with Hospice of the Red River Valley, at 701-356-1524 or bonnie.oelschlager@hrrv.org.

The Naytahwaush Nightriders Snowmobile Club will hold their 15^th annual Hospice Ride on Feb. 2-3, 2019. The snowmobile ride is open to the public, and there is no cost to participate. Riders are asked to gather pledges to benefit Hospice of the Red River Valley. Register for the ride by contacting Tom McArthur at (218) 935-5855 or tomimac84@hotmail.com.

The roundtrip ride starts on Saturday, Feb. 2 at 9 a.m. at Pinehurst Resort in Naytahwaush, travels to Detroit Lakes for an overnight stay. Pizza will be provided by the club for dinner. Riders will leave for Naytahwaush on Sunday morning. Rooms are set aside at the Holiday Inn Detroit Lakes–Lakefront; please call (218) 444-7700 to make your reservation.

Over the past 14 years, participants have raised $103,639 for Hospice of the Red River Valley through the Hospice Ride, which covers a different area each year. The money raised helps provide medical, emotional, spiritual and grief support for Hospice patients and their families.

“We started the event as a way to remember Naytahwaush Nightriders members who have passed away while also supporting a local organization,” said Tom McArthur, the event’s organizer. “We hope riders from across the region will come out to participate in this fun and meaningful event again this year.”

About the Naytahwaush Nightriders

For more than 40 years, the Naytahwaush Nightriders Snowmobile Club has been working to promote and advance the sport of snowmobiling. The Naytahwaush Nightriders Snowmobile Club works with snowmobilers, resorts, businesses, government units and local land owners to develop, build and maintain a network of snowmobile trails for recreational use. The Naytahwaush Nightriders are proud to be affiliated with MnUSA (Minnesota United Snowmobiling Association).

 

Hospice of the Red River Valley is offering a free Grief During the Holidays educational grief program for adults who are managing grief during the holidays.

Grief During the Holidays
Managing grief in times of celebration can be overwhelming. Suffering the loss of a loved one is difficult any time of the year, but the holiday season can intensify feelings of loss. This presentation will enable attendees to identify and learn how to manage the mixed and painful emotions that can surface when grieving during the holidays. Participants will also learn important self-care strategies. This class is free and open to the public; no registration required for this class.

Ada, Minn.
Tuesday, Oct. 23 from 10 a.m.-noon
Grace Lutheran Church, 110 3rd Ave. E., Ada

Portland, N.D.
Tuesday, Oct. 30 from 1-3 p.m.
Bruflat Lutheran Church, 1023 Parke Ave., Portland

East Grand Forks, Minn.
Thursday, Nov. 8 from 1:30-3 p.m.
EGF Campbell Library, 422 4th St. NW, East Grand Forks

Mahnomen, Minn.
Monday, Nov. 12 from 1-2:30 p.m.
Mahnomen Health Center, 414 W. Jefferson Ave., Mahnomen

Lisbon, N.D.
Monday, Nov. 12 at 5:30-7 p.m.
Armstrong Funeral Home, 11 Main St., Lisbon

Thief River Falls, Minn.
Wednesday, Nov. 14 from 10 a.m.-noon
Thief River Falls Public Library, 102 1st St. E., Thief River Falls

Jamestown, N.D.
Wednesday, Nov. 14 at 1-2:30 p.m.
Edgewood Senior Living (Chapel), 1104 25th St. SW, Jamestown

Fargo, N.D.
Thursday, Nov. 15 from 10-11:30 a.m.
Hospice of the Red River Valley office, 1701 38th St. S., Fargo (Use west door)

For questions, call (800) 237-4629 and ask for the bereavement department, or email bereavement@hrrv.org.

June 14-21 is National Nursing Assistants Week, a time to celebrate the professional contributions of certified nursing assistants (CNAs) in providing high-quality care to patients.

Some of our patients call them angels on Earth, others refer to them as superheroes. We call them certified nursing assistants (CNAs) at Hospice of the Red River Valley. Without a cape or wings, hospice CNAs harness their professional competencies and caring hearts to help our patients feel like themselves—a priceless gift as one continues to live fully while nearing the end of life. Hospice of the Red River Valley CNAs work with patients to provide individualized care based on each person’s preferences.

“Hospice CNAs help patients with personal care needs, including feeding, bathing assistance, shaving and nail care. They also provide light housekeeping services for individuals we care for,” shared Becky Pfau, director of clinical operations at Hospice of the Red River Valley. “But perhaps the most important aspect of a hospice CNA’s role is preserving our patients’ dignity, respecting their wishes for personal cares and helping them live wherever they reside, whether that be in a private residence or an apartment, on their family farmstead or in a nursing home.”

A CNA is an integral part of a hospice patient’s care team, which also includes a registered nurse, chaplain, social worker, nurse practitioner and physician. With approximately 40 CNAs spread across the agency’s 29-county service area, Hospice of the Red River Valley CNAs often spend the most time with patients while providing the most delicate of cares.

Providing care for someone who nears the end of life is sacred work, a calling that often aligns with their personal values and speaks to the core of who they are as people—empathetic, compassionate and kind.

“I try to treat people the way I would want to be treated,” shared Malissa Fox. As a CNA for the past 14 years, she provides care to Hospice patients in and around Thief River Falls, Ada, Crookston, Grand Forks, Red Lake Falls and many other communities in the region. “It’s rewarding because I can make people happy. I experience a lot of joy when I can make someone smile, make their day better and know I’m making a difference. I bring a positive attitude and give my whole attention to my patients. We establish a friendship and trust with one another.”

Jennie Gerving became a CNA because she loves helping people. She provides care to Hospice patients in and around Detroit Lakes, Frazee, Park Rapids, Mahnomen, Perham and New York Mills and other towns in the lakes region. “I’ve worked as a CNA for most of my life, and earlier this year I started working at Hospice of the Red River Valley because I wanted to be able to focus more on my patients, and spend more time with them,” Jennie shared. “I don’t have to rush through my visits, and with Hospice, I have a whole team I can call and rely on to help our patients however they need.”

Diego Portillo Lopez chose to become a CNA because he enjoys working with people and has a soft spot for the elderly. Diego cares for people in and around Fargo-Moorhead. “I feel our role is to be a friend to the patient. I know the care and care plan are really important, but I believe developing a relationship goes a long way. It makes our work much easier when the patient can feel the trust,” Diego shared. “The relationships I get to have with the patients I help is rewarding. Each person and family is unique and interesting. All of the “thank yous” and hugs are priceless. I love making people feel better.”

Hospice of the Red River Valley CNAs Mike Carbno and Amanda Hanson provide care to Hospice patients in and around Valley City, Lisbon, Oakes, Lidgerwood, Dickey, Jamestown, Litchville and many other communities west of the Red River Valley; they often travel upwards to 1,000 miles per week.

“A long time ago I dedicated my life to love and compassion,” shared Mike, who has worked as a CNA for eight years. “Working as a CNA isn’t a job for me, it’s just an extension of who I am. I’m a caregiver with a hospice heart.” Amanda agrees and shared that if this were just a job, they wouldn’t last long.

Amanda has worked as a CNA for nine years and says working at Hospice of the Red River Valley is a “CNA dream job.” Amanda shared, “The whole care team works so well together, and as a CNA for Hospice, I get to focus my time and attention on my patients and the comfort and care they need.” Often when someone is receiving care from Hospice, the whole family is under a lot of stress. “As a CNA, I develop relationships with my patients and their family members, and can relieve some of the stress that the family experiences.”

Cyndy Andren, a resident of Valley City, N.D., and Hospice of the Red River Valley patient, can attest to the trustworthy care of her CNAs. She relies on Mike and Amanda. For Cyndy, who lives with COPD, a progressive lung disease, daily life had become challenging as her condition progressed. Mike and Amanda, along with the rest of the Hospice of the Red River Valley care team, make her life better and easier.

“They’re so good about knowing what I need, and we share wonderful conversation,” Cyndy said. “It doesn’t matter if Mike or Amanda has cared for me, after they’re done I feel so relaxed and like a weight has been taken off. They take such good care of me. Mike and Amanda are tremendous. I just don’t have enough time to tell you what they mean to me,” Cyndy shared.

“We become close with our patients and their families, and that makes our job both easier and harder at the same time because we know their health will eventually fail,” Mike said. “I get attached to my patients, but this helps me do a good job. It’s an honor to be there with them.

When people learn these CNAs work for Hospice of the Red River Valley, often their first response is one of alarm or sadness, assuming the work is depressing. “I wish people knew that hospice care is so much more than dying. It’s a very needed and helpful service that focuses on emotional, spiritual and medical support for people,” Jennie said. “I have a positive attitude when I work with my patients; we laugh a lot. I listen to them and form relationships.”

Collectively, Hospice CNAs believe this work helps people fully live, not just exist, until they die.

“I wish people took advantage of it [hospice care] sooner,” Diego said. “There is so much we can do to support the patient and their family. We are here to provide support to your loved one and to you as their family.

During National Nursing Assistant week, and every day, we extend our admiration and thanks to CNAs for the important work they do in our communities.

Kim Cook, RN, BSN, CHPN, has successfully passed the Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (CHPN®) examination through the Hospice and Palliative Credentialing Center (HPCC). Cook works as a patient care manager at Hospice of the Red River Valley in Lisbon and Valley City, N.D. She has been with the organization since May 2013.

The Hospice and Palliative Credentialing Center (HPCC) is the only organization that offers specialty certification for all levels of the hospice and palliative nursing care team.

“By obtaining a CHPN certification, Kim has demonstrated a professional commitment to a safe, ethical and evidence-based practice,” shared Becky Pfau, director of clinical operations at Hospice of the Red River Valley. “Our patients benefit from Kim’s passion and dedication to provide excellent care.”

The Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (CHPN®) examination was designed for experienced registered nurses. Applicants must hold a current, unrestricted registered nurse license in the United States or Canada, and must have 500 hours of hospice and palliative nursing practice in the most recent 12 months or 1,000 hours in the most recent 24 months.

Health care professionals are invited to Hospice of the Red River Valley’s upcoming Lunch and Learn as we continue to explore topics related to end-of-life care. Lunch and Learns are held every other month on the second Tuesday of the month from noon to 1 p.m.

The next session will be held Tuesday, May 8 from noon-1 p.m. Lonnie Pederson, director of the Master of Arts in leadership program at the University of Jamestown, will present, “Crucial Conversations and Seeing Things Whole.” Attendees will explore personal styles and values, opportunities for crucial conversations and actions that have the potential to influence positive results.

This Lunch and Learn will be held at five Hospice of the Red River Valley locations:

• Fargo – 1701 38th St. SW

• Detroit Lakes – 1111 Highway 10

• Grand Forks – 2860 10th Ave. N., Suite 400

• Lisbon – 415 Main St.

• Valley City – 1240 W. Main St.

The Detroit Lakes, Grand Forks, Lisbon and Valley City offices will connect via videoconference to the Fargo office, where the live presentation will take place.

This event is free and open to all health care professionals. Pre-registration is required because space is limited. RSVP online at bit.ly/hrrvlunchlearn by May 1. Participants may bring their own lunches; coffee and water will be provided. If you have questions, please send an email to lunchlearn@hrrv.org.