Meet Our Staff

Heidi Hess – Nurse Manager

Education:

• Nursing Diploma from Moline Public Hospital School of Nursing
• BSN from St. Ambrose University
• MSN/Ed from the University of Phoenix
• Certified Orthopedic nurse (ONC)

Years of Orthopedic Nursing Experience:

I have 23 years of experience in Orthopedics and been a Certified Orthopedic Nurse for 15 years.

What makes the collaboration between therapy and nursing unique on the dedicated Genesis Orthopedic Nursing Floor?

The Genesis orthopedic unit is unique for many reasons. We have a specialized unit with nurses that have years of experience in orthopedic care. We focus on maximizing function with all of our patients. We provide specialized orthopedic care with a tender touch.

Favorite part of my job:

My favorite part of the day is working on the floor with the nursing staff and talking to the patients.

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Melissa Ryan  – Physical Therapist

Education:

• BA in Biology from Drake University
• Masters of Physical Therapy from University of Iowa
• Advanced Clinical Instructor certification from APTA

Years of Orthopedic Physical Therapy Experience:

I've been employed by Genesis for 5 1/2 years & have been on the Orthopedic floor for a majority of that time.

What makes the collaboration between therapy and nursing unique on the dedicated Genesis Orthopedic Nursing Unit?

We truly have a team effort on our orthopedic floor, in which there are not territories or boundaries between disciplines. We have created a culture of communication and collaboration that allows us to work together in providing our patients with safe, effective and compassionate care.

Favorite part of my job:

My co-workers! Not only are they my friends, but they have become like a second family to me. Also, knowing each day that I play an important part in helping our patients recover and regain independence after their procedure.

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Caitlin Skrzyniarz – Orthopedic Occupational Therapist

Education:

• Bachelors in Psychology at St. Ambrose University
• Masters of Occupational Therapy at St. Ambrose University
• Certified Lymphedema Therapist

Years of Orthopedic Occupational Therapy Experience:

3 years

What makes the collaboration between therapy and nursing unique on the dedicated Genesis Orthopedic Nursing Unit?

Everyone on the floor is wonderful with taking a team approach in all levels of the patient's care. Communication is great and I think the therapists as well as the nursing staff take a collaborative approach that allows for great problem solving and communication.

Favorite part of my job:

The favorite part of my job is when a patient expresses their joy and gratitude for the services I provide and making them more independent in their daily living skills.

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Mary Chilberg – Orthopedic Charge Nurse

Education:

BSN, RN, AN III

Years of Orthopedic Nursing Experience:

37 years

What makes the collaboration between therapy and nursing unique on the dedicated Genesis Orthopedic Nursing Floor?

The members of the staff, leadership and how well we work together to provide excellent care to our clients, which would include: the patients, family and significant others, doctors, ancillary staff and each other.

Favorite part of my job:

The very beginning. Each day on the orthopedic floor is unique with different challenges and rewards.

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Lori Ludgate - Orthopedic Medical Social Worker

Education:

• BA degree, Social work & Psychology, University of Iowa

Years of Orthopedic Social Work Experience:

15+ years

What makes the Genesis orthopedic nursing unit unique?

We have a very good team approach and we all work well together. We have many experienced orthopedic nurses and strong continuity with physical and occupational therapists. Our orthopedic doctors are approachable and easy to work with.

Favorite part of my job:

Meeting my new patients and their families who consist of a broad range of ages and backgrounds. I enjoy helping them develop an appropriate plan for discharge and following them through their hospitalization. When they are discharged, I know they have a safe appropriate plan and that their discharge needs have been met. That gives me a great sense of satisfaction.