Amputation can be quite intimidating, and even scary, for a person facing limb loss. But while many things may require a new approach and some retraining, amputees often live a very full and active life. A key component to helping new amputees get from fear to flourishing is peer support.

On this episode of Continuum, we’re joined by Liz Zemke of San Joaquin Valley Rehabilitation Hospital. Liz is an RN of 48 years and a below-the-knee amputee of 25 years. She serves as a certified peer visitor, helping new amputees as they prepare for and adjust to life as an amputee.

Liz shares some of the unique challenges a new amputee faces, offers information on resources and rehab programs designed specifically for new amputees, and explains the importance of connecting new amputees to their peers. A passionate advocate for amputees, Liz also speaks to some concerning statistics regarding the increasing number of new amputees.

For links to resources for new amputees, check out the show notes at http://bit.ly/2UpYyXV

Life as a New Amputee: Liz Zemke, RN, MS, CCM

With an aging population that outnumbers younger generations, the United States is facing a shortage of nurses. To meet that demand, healthcare organizations are hiring nurses from abroad.

On this episode of Continuum, Val Pasnau joins us to discuss this topic. Val is the VP of Clinical Development and Operations at Vibra Healthcare. She works to educate nurses throughout the organization and is a key figure in Vibra’s international nurses program.

Val explains the reasons behind the nursing shortage and how international nurses have filled that void. She shares stories from her experience working with nurses from across the globe and offers insight into the unique benefits international nurses bring to their new teams. Val also provides information for those interested in practicing nursing in the US.

International Nurses and the US Nursing Shortage: Val Pasnau

Aphasia is a communication disorder that results from an injury to the brain. Though about two million Americans are living with it, very few know what aphasia is.

On this episode of Continuum, Nichole Reynolds of US Physical Therapy, Inc. joins us to discuss aphasia. Nichole holds a Certificate of Clinical Competence for Speech-Language Pathologists.

Nichole explains the basic types of aphasia and how they can affect a person’s ability to communicate. She explains how a speech-language pathologist diagnoses and treats aphasia and offers tips for communicating with an aphasic individual.

What is Aphasia?: Nichole Reynolds, MS/CCC-SLP

When a person is critically ill and cannot breathe on their own, they are placed on a mechanical ventilator. Commonly referred to as “life support,” ventilators breathe for the patient. Weaning a patient from a ventilator is a complex process that has been greatly improved through the use of state-of-the-art technology. 

On this episode of Continuum, Dr. Albert Loerinc, a pulmonologist and Vibra Healthcare’s National LTAC Medical Advisor, joins us to discuss respiratory failure and ventilator weaning. Dr. Loerinc is double board certified in Internal Medicine and Pulmonology and is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians and the American College of Chest Physicians.

Dr. Loerinc explains what a pulmonologist does and the role of a long-term acute care hospital in weaning a patient off a ventilator. He reviews how technology has progressed from iron lungs to modern ventilators, including a state-of-the-art piece of technology called volumetric capnography.

Respiratory Failure & Ventilator Weaning: Dr. Albert Loerinc

Continuum is a podcast by Vibra Healthcare dedicated to YOUR health. Focused on inspiring and educating, Continuum is a collection of conversations with individuals from throughout the healthcare world. From patients to providers, our guests share their stories and the lessons they've learned along the way. Whether you're a survivor, a caregiver, a healthcare professional or none of the above, Continuum has something for you.

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