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Posts Tagged ‘diabetes’

New supervisor, larger team of practitioners at Garrison clinic

Thursday, December 6th, 2012

Nicole Kallberg, RN, Supervisor, Riverwood Garrison Clinic

RiverwoodHealthcareCenterwelcomes Nicole Kallberg, registered nurse and supervisor for its full-service family medicine clinic in Garrison. She brings 14 years of nursing experience to her new role managing the day-to-day operations of the clinic.

Previously, Kallberg worked in labor and delivery unit at various hospitals, in orthopaedics at Central Lakes Clinic in Crosby, and spent 11 years working in orthopaedics and hospice at St. Mary’s Hospital in Duluth.

Kallberg earned her certification as a licensed practical nurse fromAnokaHennepinTechnicalCollegeand went on to become a registered nurse, completing her associate degree in nursing fromLake SuperiorCollegein 2005.

“I love working in the clinic setting where you really get a chance to know the patients you care for,” Kallberg says.  “I grew up in Hillman and went to school in Onamia so the Garrison and Lake Mille Lacs communities are home to me.”

Over the past few months, the team of health care practitioners who see patients at Riverwood’s Garrison Clinic has grown. Patients now have access to three physicians—Dr. Janelle Trueblood, Dr. Jessica Hodson and Dr. Don Hughes—and six nurse practitioners—primarily Lisa Gerhart.  Jackie Barney, Jen Burgos and Jeri Gilb cover Saturdays and occasionally some weekdays. Janet Larson and Melissa Magnuson offer more specialized care. Larson offers mental health care and Magnuson brings expertise in diabetes care. In addition, Dr. Brad McCusker, offers podiatry care on the second Tuesday of each month.

In addition to being open Monday through Friday, the clinic offers convenient Saturday hours from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Other services on site include a retail pharmacy with drive-through window and a dedicated physical therapist offering rehabilitation services.

Barb Fulton, clinic and outpatient services manager, adds: “We now have a dedicated team of practitioners who are regularly scheduled to see patients in Garrison. They offer a full range of family medicine, from obstetrics and pediatrics through geriatric care.”

For an appointment at Riverwood’s Garrison Clinic, call (320) 525-3400 or toll-free at (888) 270-1882.

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New nurse practitioner brings diabetes care expertise

Thursday, November 8th, 2012
Riverwood Healthcare Center welcomes Melissa Magnuson, adult and geriatric nurse practitioner, to its family practice staff. She brings16 years of nursing experience and eight years of managing Riverwood’s diabetes education program to her new role.
 

Over the past eight years, Magnuson has not only provided individual and group counseling to diabetes patients but coordinated monthly diabetes support groups and community outreach via numerous community health seminars on diabetes topics in Aitkin, Garrison and McGregor.

“Diabetes affects millions of people and it is critical that individuals living with this disease receive the education that they need to manage it effectively,” Magnuson explains.  “It has been a privilege developing the diabetes education program and I look forward to its continued growth under the direction of Lisa Kuklis, registered/licensed dietitian at Riverwood.”  

Previously, she worked as a registered nurse atUnitedHospitalinSt. Paulwhere she worked in the telemetry medical/surgical units and labor and delivery. In addition to working in inpatient and outpatient settings there, she also provided diabetes education. With a passion for teaching, she has been an instructor for theCollegeofSt. Scholasticanursing program for the past three years.

“Diabetes is one of the more common diseases that we see in our patients at Riverwood, and its incidence is increasing. Having someone with Melissa’s expertise in how to manage diabetes is a key component in improving our diabetic outcomes,” says Dr. Mark Heggem, Chief Medical Officer at Riverwood. “Her upbeat attitude and dedication to empowering patients to live well with diabetes and other chronic diseases is a tremendous asset as well.”

Magnuson earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing from theCollegeofSt. ScholasticainDuluth. Her professional interests include diabetes, chronic disease management and older adult care.

“I believe in caring for the whole individual, engaging the patient in all aspects of his/her health,” Magnuson says.  “We all need to take responsibility for our own well-being while receiving the proper guidance and support from our healthcare system.”

Magnuson lives in Aitkin with her husband, Scott and daughters Sophia,13, andLydia, 12.  Outside of work, she enjoys fitness activities, dance and spending time with her family and friends.

Melissa Magnuson sees patients at Riverwood’s Aitkin, Garrison and McGregor clinics. For an appointment with her, call (218) 927-2157 or toll-free at (888) 270-1882.

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