Phillips County Health Systems (PCHS) is pleased to announce the addition of Katie Kester, BSN/RN/Paramedic/Certified ER Nurse, as the manager of their Cardiac Rehab and Chronic Care Management programs.
Katie is an accomplished and experienced nurse and brings a wide range of skills to PCHS and the patients she will treat. Katie has previously worked as an emergency preparedness coordinator, charge nurse, labor and delivery nurse, ICU nurse and ER nurse. She is also an active volunteer for Phillips County EMS.
As the Cardiac Rehab nurse, Katie will enhance the lives of individuals who have experienced a cardiac event. Cardiac Rehab patients regain their confidence while increasing their overall well-being. The program is designed for patients who have had: heart attack, bypass surgery, angina, stent placement, angioplasty, heart valve repair/replacement, or chronic congestive heart failure (CHF). Patients enrolled in the Cardiac Rehab program receive an exercise plan to meet their individual, specific needs. Together, Katie and the patient will focus on increasing strength and endurance. During exercise, Katie monitors the patient’s heart rhythm, heart rate, and blood pressure, in order to provide a safe and effective workout.
“Cardiac Rehab enhances the circle of care for our patients who have cardiac issues,” said Kester. “It is great to be part of a team dedicated to improving and extending the lives of those we serve in this and the surrounding communities by working together with the patient’s other medical providers – rehab, primary care, specialists, etc.”
Managing multiple chronic health conditions can be overwhelming. At PCHS, we want our patients to receive the best care possible from everyone that is involved in their treatment plan. As the Chronic Care Manager, Katie will work with patients that have multiple chronic health conditions, such as: diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, COPD, CHF, arthritis, osteoporosis, and any other chronic disease. Katie will assist patients enrolled in the Medicare program with managing their health needs through creating a customized care plan and coordinating care between their primary medical provider, pharmacy, specialists, testing centers, hospitals, and more. She will help patients with scheduling appointments and procedures, refilling medications, and other health-related tasks and check-in with the patient to keep them on track to meet their health goals.
“My goal with Chronic Care Management is to create health care plans that take into account all aspects of the patient’s care and is individual to their specific goals,” said Kester. “It can be hard for a patient to figure out how to balance all the advice given to them by different healthcare providers. By assisting in the coordination of their care, I can help create a manageable routine and alleviate some of the frustration or confusion of trying to manage multiple health conditions.”
Katie is originally from Phillipsburg and has three children – Adelynn (age 8), Braxton (age 6), and Mia (age 4) and is looking forward to her upcoming marriage to fiancé, Kyle. She was inspired to become a nurse by her mom.
“Ever since I was little, I always wanted to be like my mom and have the compassion and knowledge that she has,” shared Kester. “I have enjoyed working alongside her and learning from her in the past. I am thankful for the path she showed me and the rewarding career as a healthcare professional. I am enjoying PCHS and the warm welcome – so many employees have stopped by to welcome me with open arms.”
For more information or questions, please contact our Cardiac Rehab/Chronic Care Management department at 785-540-4939.