April 2026 - The Pulse
On this Holy Thursday, we reflect on the powerful 
example of service and humility that Jesus showed His disciples. In the simple act of washing their feet, He reminded us that true leadership and love are expressed through serving others.
We Are One Team: Occupational Therapy Team
What is Occupational Therapy?
At St. Anthony, the Occupational Therapy (OT) team helps people of all ages participate in the activities that matter most in their daily lives. For children, this means helping them reach developmental milestones so they can learn, play, and participate alongside their peers at home and in school. For adults, OT focuses on restoring independence after illness, injury, or surgery.
The OT team works closely with many departments across St. Anthony, reflecting our We Are One culture of collaboration.
- Physical Therapy (PT) & Speech Therapy: We frequently collaborate to provide a multidisciplinary approach that looks at the patient as a whole person.
- Nursing: OT partners with nursing staff in the acute care setting to understand medical needs and coordinate safe discharge plans that support patient independence.
- Social Workers: We discuss concerns about a patient’s functional abilities and assist with discharge planning through functional assessments.
- Dietary: OT works with dietary staff to provide adaptive utensils, plates, and drinkware so patients can maintain independence during meals.
- Cancer Center: OT helps patients manage lymphedema, scar tissue, strength, endurance, peripheral neuropathy, pain, and stiffness to support a return to everyday activities. Our team specializes in breast cancer rehabilitation but also assists patients recovering from other cancer treatments.
- Home Health: OT supports patients in improving strength, endurance, and independence so they can safely return to everyday activities in their home environment.
- Wound Care: OT assists with lymphedema management, scar tissue treatment, pain reduction, and improving mobility.
- BMU: The team leads creative expression art groups, exercise classes, and recreational activities to support mental wellness and engagement.
- Nursing Home: OT works alongside the care team to help residents reach their highest level of independence and assists with safe discharge planning when appropriate.
Through collaboration across departments, the Occupational Therapy team helps patients regain confidence, independence, and quality of life—demonstrating how We Are One St. Anthony in caring for our community.
St. Anthony OT Team from left: Jessie Dentlinger, OTR; Melissa Anderson, OTR; Ashley Hugeback, COTA; Chris Josko, OTR; Zach Promes, OTR; Kristi Pottebaum, COTA and Jaime Weitl, OTR
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5th Annual Mental Health Awareness 5K Run/Walk
Saturday, May 2, 2026
9:00 am
Fairview Elementary
You must register by Monday, April 20, to receive a T-shirt.
This annual event was created to raise awareness and combat the stigma of mental health. There will be a silent auction, booths from mental health partners as well as snacks and drinks. Bring the whole family!
All proceeds will go towards the needs of our mental health patients.
- Registration is from 8:00-8:45 AM
- Opening remarks & National Anthem at 9:00 AM.
- The run/walk will begin at 9:10 AM
- The starting and finishing location will be at Fairview Elementary in Carroll, IA. There will be course markers along the path.
- Silent auction will close at 10:30 am with winners announced at
that time.
The committee is seeking basket donations for the silent auction. If your department would kindly want to donate a basket, please let Brandi Strautman know at ext. 5242 or by email.
Blue C.H.I.P.S. Awards: A warm congratulations to the 1st Quarter 2026 Blue Chips nominee winners.
- Blue Chip Awardee: Erin Monthei, Pharmacy
- Blue Chip Awardee: Nici Klocke, Pharmacy
- Blue Chip Awardee: Lisa Balsley, Med, Surg, Peds
- Blue Chip Awardee: Jamie Melendez-Molina, Clinic
- Blue Chip Awardee: Sheri Andersen, Social Services
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Events and Other Happenings:
Donate Life Month
This National Donate Life Month, join us in helping to save and heal lives – register your decision to be an organ, eye and tissue donor at RegisterMe.org.
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WOC Nurses Week April 12-18!
“ Powered by Purpose, Fueled by Compassion”
From the clinic to the bedside, St. Anthony Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurses help patients navigate the toughest turns toward independence. Thank you to the best “pit crew” in healthcare! #WOCNurseWeek2026
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St. Anthony Auxiliary Events
- April 2: Last day for Bakeless Bake Sale
- April 22-23: The Nutman Sale, 8:00-4:00 PM in the Atrium
- May 7-8: Paper Pie Book Sale, 9:00-6:00 PM in the Atrium
First Communion is almost here! The Auxiliary Gift Shop has a beautiful selection of meaningful gifts to help celebrate this special occasion. Stop in and find the perfect keepsake!
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A Career Rooted in Compassion for Community Mental Health
For longtime St. Anthony Regional Hospital nurse Deb Burnett, professional growth has always been a priority. Pursuing a path that combined her passion for mental health care with her commitment to providing compassionate support to her community was a natural fit.
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We Are One St. Anthony - Blue Chips
Blue Chips are your most important priorities.
This month, we are reminded of our Blue Chips. Getting the most from life requires us to take time to understand what is important to focus on and what is not. This is called the Blue Chip Mindset. A Blue Chip mindset applies to our personal lives as much as it does to our work. Mastering this mindset will help you focus on top priorities at work with the hope of finding the time to focus on the other Blue Chips in our lives.
Reflect: What are your current Blue Chips for you and your team?
St. Anthony Child Care Center – Enrollment Open
Registration is open for the new St. Anthony Child Care Center (opening June 2026), with space
available in all age groups!
Quick reminders:
- $50 registration per child ($100 family max)
- Grandparents may enroll grandchildren at this time, with the link above
- Tuition assistance is available (apply after registering through Bright Horizons)
- School-age care (before/after school, summer, breaks) is also open for enrollment
State tuition assistance may be available for qualifying families. Additional support may be offered through the St. Anthony Foundation, though funding is limited and not guaranteed—apply to both for best consideration.
If your enrollment depends on financial assistance, you may indicate this and decline later if needed.
Need help? Call 712-248-1220 or email stanthony@brighthorizons.com
Peggy White Spirit of Leadership Legacy Award - Deadline Reminder!
Nominations for the Peggy White Leadership Legacy Award are due next Friday, April 10! Know an individual in the community who exemplifies compassion, commitment and leadership? Recognize their impact through Peggy’s legacy by nominating them.
The award celebrates Peggy White’s lasting legacy of community service, leadership, and dedication to the Franciscan mission. Peggy believed in strengthening communities through service, courage, and collaboration. She was deeply committed to St. Anthony, serving on the St. Anthony Hospital Board of Directors (2013–2024), St. Anthony Foundation (2014–2024), and as a founding member of St. Anthony Ministries as a juridic person in 2018. Her leadership and community spirit continue to inspire others.
- Sara – MSP
- Debbie – Clinic
- Brooke – Mental Health
- Maria – Clinic
- Jackie – NH
- Rachel – Admissions
- Rebecca – NH
- Gabrielle – NH
- Rebecca – MSP
- Mike – Maintenance
- Trinity– Surgery
- Brittney – NH
- Andrea – MSP
- Vicki - Admissions
- Chantelle - Surgery
- Sealeana - NH
- Kelly - HR
- Lory - Mental Health Clinic
Meet your new co-workers who joined us this past month.
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Our condolences for your loss this past month
- Billie (QM) for the loss of her mother-in-law.
- Kennady (MSP) for the loss of her grandfather.
- Kim (MSP) for the loss of her aunt.
- Mike (Maintenance) for the loss of his mother.
- Kristin (HR) for the loss of her father.
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ICYMI: In Case You Missed It - Crazy Sock Day!
Crazy Sock Day is recognized as a way to support people with Down syndrome and celebrate what makes each of us unique. We’re proud to join in recognizing and celebrating those differences today!
Fall Bus Trip to La Crosse
Take a break and enjoy a beautiful day trip this coming autumn!
St. Anthony staff are invited to take a relaxing bus trip to La Crosse, WI, on Saturday, October 17, 2026, to take a tour of the stunning and historic Mary of the Angels Chapel, & Perpetual Adoration Chapel. Spouses and older children are welcome to attend.
A virtual tour is available:
Departure: Windstar bus accommodating up to 56 individuals leaves St. Anthony at 7:30 a.m.. Tour at 12:30 pm. Return home by approximately 7:00 pm.
Highlights of the Bus Trip:
- Tour the beautiful Mary of the Angels Chapel in La Crosse, WI
- Enjoy a scenic stop at Grandad Bluff Park with breathtaking views over three states and the Mississippi River Valley during peak fall color
- You’ll pack your own lunch/dinner, beverages, and snacks to enjoy during the trip.
- Relax, connect with coworkers or family, and enjoy the beauty of fall together!
- Watch for sign-up details coming sometime this summer — we hope you’ll join us!
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Check us out at:
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If you have items to submit for The PULSE, please contact Brandi Strautman.
Published on the First Friday of each month