LPN Sharelle Adkins
Medical Clinic Director, Carolyn Halstead said it was quite a jump from last year’s scores.
“We went from an 85% last year to a 95% out of 100 this year. This is a big achievement within one year and it’s due primarily to the hard work and dedication of Sharelle Adkins, LPN. Sharelle is new in this role and has been diligent in making sure the immunization records are kept up to date since she began. She is a very competent nurse and excellent with the patients.”
Sharelle has been at BMH for a year and a half. She graduated from Chapmanville High School in 2004 and from LPN school in July 2011 from Ralph R. Willis in Logan. She has been a licensed LPN since August, 2011 when she passed her boards.
Sharelle monitors all vaccines at the BMH Medical Clinic and the BMH Rural Health Clinic.
“We are reviewed annually by the State (The WV State Immunization Program) to make certain we are keeping with the standards with the vaccination program. They review all clinics and hospitals that carry State funded vaccines at least once a year,” explained Sharelle. “The annual reviews are scheduled visits, however, they may make unannounced visits if they feel one is necessary,” added Sharelle.
As part of the review process Sharelle must keep temperature logs two times a day on the refrigerator. She also makes changes and adjustments as needed to the equipment such as the refrigerator and thermometer.
Documentation is a huge piece of the review process as well, especially with the State immunization program.
“We scored perfectly on our documentation. We must document in the chart, on the State website and on the vaccine patient log. We also have to do inventory and updates on the immunizations, outdates, reorders, fax in temp logs each month and make any adjustments as needed while keeping all accurate and updated information on patient information,” said Sharelle. “It’s a big honor to get this high of a score with the State. It’s cut and dry and they can be very challenging, which is a good thing. I was so happy and next year my goal is to get 100%.”
Both the BMH Medical Clinic and the BMH Rural Health Clinic (located in its new location at 173 State Street in Madison) have all of the up to date immunizations and the newest combinations of vaccines.
“For example, we may combine three vaccines in one so we don’t have to give multiple injections. This allows for less pain and aggravation to our patients. We have a big supply and try to make the vaccines easily accessible and we are readily available to administer the injections. We are also happy to give injections to children,” explained Sharelle.
Another great advantage to getting immunizations at one of the clinics is that medical personnel at BMH take methods to make the injections less painful explained Sharelle.
“We use EMLA cream, which numbs the injection area. We also have an ethanol spray that also numbs the skin, which makes the process a little less frightening and painful for the kids.”
BMH immunizations are documented well so parents and guardians can easily gain access to the records if needed. Hospital staff can quickly acquire the information upon request.
Sharelle said she couldn’t have achieved such high scores without the support of her coworkers.
“I’m Dr. Howard Lafferty’s nurse and he and the entire staff is wonderful. They are all eager to learn and eager to help. It wouldn’t be possible without everyone working together. Also, Dr. Lafferty has been a great mentor to me; he has guided me and is an amazing person and physician. I’m so proud to be a part of Boone Memorial Hospital,” Sharelle concluded.
Boone Memorial Hospital reminds the community that all 7th and 12th grade immunizations of TDAP and Meningococcal are required before the start of the 7th and 12th grade year. Also, pre-k shots must be up to date and kindergarten vaccines must be up to date.
To make an important to at the BMH Medical Clinic call 304-369-4250. You can also walk-in to the Rural Health Clinic located at 173 State Street in Madison (across from the Madison Animal Hospital).
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