Select Medical is one of the nation’s largest providers of specialized acute and post-acute care. Its network of more than 50,000 employees operates or supports more than 100 hospitals specializing in long-term acute care, a growing network of rehabilitation hospitals, and 1,700+ outpatient centers offering physical and occupational therapy. In addition, Select Medical offers occupational medicine and urgent care through Concentra.
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Critical illness recovery hospitals specialize in treating patients recovering from catastrophic critical illness. Our multi-disciplinary care teams develop individualized treatment plans to address emerging viral infections like COVID-19, as well as chronic disorders and severe trauma. We meet each patient where they are, with a goal to improve over time. This video explains the five key “whys” of what we do, and how they help critically ill people return to their daily lives. ... See MoreSee Less
Nurses are an integral part of patient care in our critical illness recovery and inpatient rehabilitation hospitals. To honor and reward their service, Select Medical participates in DAISY, a global nurse recognition program created by the Diseases Attacking the Immune SYstem Foundation.
Last year, we implemented the DAISY program in our hospitals to recognize our nurses for the extraordinary, compassionate and skillful care they provide every day.
Select Specialty Hospital (Canton, OH): Lucia Capaldi A patient’s daughter nominated Lucia, noting the uncommon level of compassion and loving kindness she demonstrated. She stated Lucia always spoke to her father as if speaking to a friend, and went “above and beyond” to ensure he was well cared for and comfortable during his stay.
Select Specialty Hospital (Danville, PA): Laura Duceman The patient nominator stated, “When I arrived at this place, I was so ill I couldn’t tell you my name. Laura took time to help bring me back; it was not easy. It was very comforting being that far from home and seeing a familiar face … Her skill set helped me work toward getting home.”
Regency Hospital Company: Michael Sellers According to the nomination, Michael’s “super personality” made it obvious he cared deeply. The patient felt consistently cared for, and was checked on frequently. At the patient’s discharge, Michael was there to say good-bye and let the patient know to call if anything was needed.
Select Specialty Hospital (Greensboro, NC): Abelle Dulla The submission noted that Abelle showed “exceptional care and extraordinary compassion.” She was praised for her superior clinical skills, consistent, patient-centered approach and proactive communication. Although the patient was in a coma, each time Abelle entered the room, she explained procedures and gave updates in lay terms, addressing the patient as well as family members. The family were so impressed, the nomination was submitted a week and a half into the patient’s stay.
Select Specialty Hospital (SouthDakota): Nicole Noonan The patient nominator said Nicole’s compassion was “like no other nurse (although all the nurses have been good).” She demonstrated deep commitment to his well-being, and should be commended as a “responsible, nurturing and very hard worker.”
Select Specialty Hospital(Spectrum Health): Megan Harrison The patient’s wife stated that Megan always took extra time to explain things to her husband and made sure he remained positive throughout his stay.
Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation – Frisco: Dianne Pulsifer The patient nominator, a stroke survivor, stated, “That little lady brought me hope – she literally gave me my life back. Her caring and compassion are things you can’t train; it’s not in a book. She is an exceptional nurse who cared enough to take the time to play a part in my recovery. Thank you, Dianne. I am going home because of you.”
HonorHealth Rehabilitation Hospital: Holly Beck The patient nominator stated, “Not only did she provide exceptional care for me, but she showed true compassion for me as a patient. She was always there with my meds on time. I thank God she was there for me. She truly was an angel on earth, helping those in need.”
Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation: Mimoza Ndreu Mimoza had two, separate submissions. In the first, the patient’s daughter noted their frequent interactions with Mimoza made her and her dad smile. “She explains things in a calm, sympathetic manner while helping everyone understand the situation.” Even when Mimoza was not assigned to her dad, she would often stop her in the hallway to ask how both of them were doing. “She is a wonderful, caring person and I will forever remember all the times she has helped.” The second nomination was made by a fellow nurse. The nominator said Mimoza is a “prime example of what a nurse should be like.” She is caring and always willing to help, even when busy. The nominator also stated she is calm in emergency situations and hopes to one day “be as great of a nurse as she is.” ... See MoreSee Less
Bob Stickles was expected to die. Diagnosed with COVID-19 in late March, the 76-year-old high school president from Glen Rock, NJ, was rushed to Valley Hospital. His blood oxygen levels were critically low and he was placed on a ventilator, had a feeding tube inserted and a pacemaker implanted and later developed a series of complications. He remained in a medically induced coma for nearly a month. As he slowly began to show signs of improvement, Bob was transferred to Select Specialty Hospital (Northeast New Jersey). Within 20 days, his Select care team was able to remove him from the ventilator. He was weak and debilitated, but they helped get him moving and soon, Bob was admitted to Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation to continue his rehabilitation. With the help of his Kessler team, he relearned to walk, improved his speech and swallowing and was able to perform daily activities with increasing independence. All in all, It took 76 days on a ventilator and 99 days total for Bob to return home. However, he says it might take the rest of his life for him to figure out why he was spared. He is now focused on regaining even more strength through outpatient therapies at Kessler –Saddle Brook. ... See MoreSee Less
When 81-year-old Bill Riccio collapsed at home, he had no inkling it was the beginning of a fight against the coronavirus.
His wife, Charmaine, called 911 and he was rushed to the hospital, where tests revealed the retired printer was positive for COVID-19. As the disease attacked his lungs, they filled with fluid. His legs gave out due to lack of oxygen. Bill had to be placed on a ventilator.
“I was afraid I was going to lose him,” Charmaine said.
Although he was liberated from the vent within two weeks, he still needed high levels of oxygen delivered by a nasal tube. Significantly weakened, he was unable to walk or take care of personal needs.
Bill arrived in mid-May, one of the hospital’s first COVID-19 recovery patients and eager to begin regaining strength and independence. His primary goals were to heal, breathe independently and get back home. A physician-led team, including nurses and therapists, created a plan to get him there.
“Respiratory therapists and nurses helped me get off oxygen and made me feel better,” Bill said. “I found the whole place very relaxed.”
To build lung capacity, Bill performed deep breathing and chest exercises and used a device with a small ball in a tube that moved higher with more vigorous puffs of air. He said it was like a game. Within a week and a half, Bill discontinued oxygen support.
Simultaneously, physical and occupational therapists deployed a specialized mobility program, a series of small movements that retrain muscles following long illness. Therapists got Bill into a chair to rebuild his core. They worked through range of motion exercises and used light hand and leg weights to increase stamina.
Occupational therapists retrained his arms and hands to perform daily living activities, such as brushing teeth and combing hair. The only thing he wouldn’t do is shave.
“I’ve never had a beard before and I’m going to keep it,” Bill said. “It’s my coronavirus beard!”
Pharmacists monitored medication and calibrated doses as he improved. Dietitians created a meal plan rich in healing nutrients, restoring the body after its viral fight.
Due to visiting restrictions in place for the safety of patients and staff, Charmaine couldn’t be at Bill’s side. As a retired licensed practical nurse, she understood. Still, it was difficult. Daily staff-arranged phone and video calls put her mind at ease.
Growing stronger, Bill used a wheelchair to navigate the grounds and hallways.
“It’s so beautiful here, and everyone is so good to me, it was like being on vacation,” he said with a laugh. “Even the food was good!”
Bill felt better, but was still weak from the battle with COVID-19. He continued to need help standing, walking and negotiating stairs, but after three weeks, Bill was ready for the next stage of his recovery.
“The vacation’s over,” Bill said with a laugh. “I’m ready to work on my rehab and get home to my wife.”
In early June, he arrived at the Cleveland Clinic Rehabilitation Hospital, Avon, another part of Select Medical’s continuum of care. He was that hospital’s first COVID-19 recovery patient.
Bill wanted to walk, become independent with self-care and get back to the activities he and Charmaine enjoyed, such as going to the zoo and local parks.
To meet that goal, physical therapists used seated and standing exercises and therapy bands to enhance endurance and leg strength. Bill began walking 50 feet with a rolling walker. Over time, he went more than 200 feet with little help.
One moment that stands out to Bill is when he was able to pull his legs in and out of bed by himself. Although it seems like a small feat, it was monumental for someone once too weak to do it.
In occupational therapy, Bill worked on dressing, bathing, toileting and grooming himself. He enjoyed a shower for the first time in six weeks. It was good to feel “normal” again, Bill said. His occupational therapists also introduced an exercise program – alternating dumbbells, resistance bands and an arm bike – to increase upper body strength. As the weather warmed, they moved therapy outside, which thrilled Bill.
Therapists taught him conservation strategies so he would have energy for visits to a park or nature trail. Preparing for the return home, therapists taught how to get around his house with a walker.
Two weeks of working toward his rehabilitation goals and Bill was finally reunited with Charmaine. He couldn’t wait to take a long drive through the park and eat a home-cooked meal – although he said the food at the hospital was great, too.
Bill is grateful to be alive and thankful for the care he received at each hospital that treated him.
His advice to others fighting a similar battle is to work hard and listen to the care team. “The staff is here to help you,” he said. “They know how to get you back on your feet.”
Following a double mastectomy, reconstruction surgery and radiation therapy in 2017, Elizabeth received physical therapy at NovaCare Rehabilitation in Galloway NJ to address chest muscle tightness, back pain, limited range of motion, and overall endurance. This recent photo shows Elizabeth proudly standing next to the center’s cancer survivorship tree, celebrating how far she has come and enjoying life beyond cancer. #CancerRehab #LiveWellBeyondCancer ... See MoreSee Less
