Independence Plus Blog
Super Nurse Preceptor, Shania!
“Paul and I are a team,” Shania, BSN, RN, begins. Shania has worked with Paul (age 8) for almost four years and cares deeply about the quality of his care. To help train and educate other nurses, Shania works as a Nurse Preceptor for Independence Plus’ Home Nursing Residency program.
The Impact of Childhood Disability: The Parent’s Struggle
Have you ever wondered what it’s like for parents raising children with disabilities? If so, you need to read “The Impact of Childhood Disability: The Parent’s Struggle,” by Ken Moses, Ph.D.
15 Favorite Wheelchair-Accessible Activities in Chicago
Many of our patients regularly attend sporting events, visit museums and parks, and go to school. Here’s our list of our favorite activities in Chicago (these activities are wheelchair-accessible, too!).
Jayne’s Love for Home Nursing
Jayne O., RN, can be found working with many of our ventilator-dependent patients at home as a Resource/Transition Nurse. Find out what it takes to be a successful homecare nurse, and why Jayne thinks this job is one of the most interesting, rewarding, and challenging jobs she’s ever had!
10 Lessons I’ve Learned (and Continue to Learn) in Social Work
The Super Schissler Sisters
Isobel, age 4, and Alexis, age 2, also known as the “Super Schissler Sisters,” have captured the hearts of their community through word of mouth and their new blog. The girls are joyful, silly, love to learn and play, and communicate with sign language. Their local community and church recently came together to host a benefit on their behalf—and the outcome was far beyond what this family ever expected!
Alleviating Pain through Mindfulness
This guest blog is from Barbara Minsker, President and Founder of Joyful U, Inc., whose mission is to help people discover the path of success and happiness. Barbara recently led a workshop at Independence Plus on mindfulness and resilience techniques for Authentic Leadership.
Families Supporting Other Families on Valentine’s Day
Our medically complex patients and their families have very different stories. These families are bonded by the challenges they share with obtaining and maintaining the care and services their loved ones desperately require. Their network is strong—and provides a constant reminder that when you invest in your community, the return can be profound.
Maria Goes to College!
Almost two years ago, we shared Maria’s story with you. Maria, who was 18 at the time, was getting ready to graduate from high school. Now 19, Maria is more confident and full of surprises! Maria continued to dream—and dream BIG! Last month, Maria began attending Morton College, taking the first step toward a degree in social work.
Someone You Should Know: Carol Buer, Vice President of Operations
Carol Buer, MS, MBA, FACHE, can be found working at Independence Plus’ administrative office as the Vice President of Operations for Home Health and Home Nursing. With more than 25 years of experience in healthcare administration, Carol is passionate about helping people live meaningful and productive lives, regardless of their disease processes.
Lifelong Friends: The Story of Two Nurses
Juanita C., BSN, MS, and Bernice H., BSN, MS, call themselves “two peas in a pod.” They aren’t sisters, but they might as well be. They have spent—and continue to spend—their entire nursing career together. Now retired, these lifelong friends work part-time with Independence Plus’ pediatric patients.
18 Resources for Ventilator-Dependent Patients
We created a list of some favorite resources for ventilator-dependent patients living at home. Click on the name of any resource to find out more. Also, if we missed one of your favorite resources, please share it with us in the comments!
Grow With Us
We’re expanding our services and offerings. We want you to be a part of the team that is delivering personalized, individual, people-focused skilled home healthcare to those in need. Come join us.