Two Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) have joined the Newton Medical Center hospitalist program, effective Nov. 5. Karen Lehman and Tamara Shaw have been working on a PRN basis — filling in for staff clinicians — in Newton Medical Center’s Emergency Department for several years.
“We feel that with this addition to our hospitalist program, we will continue delivering family and community hospital care services based on our values of respect, excellence, service and trust,” said Jeff Barton, Newton Medical Center vice president of patient services.
In addition to her emergency medicine experience, Lehman recently worked with an orthopaedic group in Wichita. She is a Bethel College School of Nursing graduate who received her advanced practice degree from Wichita State University. She resides in Newton with her husband and two children.
Shaw is also experienced in emergency medicine and has been working full time for the past seven years in the emergency departments of Via Christi’s St. Francis and St. Joseph campuses. She is a graduate of Bethel College School of Nursing and received her advanced practice degree from Wichita State University. She, along with her husband and four children, are residents of Newton.
Hospitalist programs are generally acknowledged to improve patient care. As Newton Medical Center’s hospitalist program continues to expand — in part due to assuming responsibility for the care of patients admitted by Newton Via Christi Clinic primary care physicians — the hospital is bringing Lehman and Shaw onboard to support the growing caseload.
APRNs practice in an expanded role as nurse clinicians who deliver patient care under an approved protocol and in collaboration with Newton Medical Center hospitalist physicians Dr. Carrie Bateman and Dr. Doyle Detweiler.
Newton Medical Center is a comprehensive 103-bed hospital in Newton, Kan., offering full-service medical care in Harvey, Butler and northern Sedgwick counties. For more information about Newton Medical Center, please call 316-283-2700 or visit www.newtonmedicalcenter.com.