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The PMC Advisor

A Noble Quest

November 21, 2017

Every pregnant couple dreams of a healthy baby and one that will be happy in life. Doing all you can to ensure this is a noble quest, but we can’t just force joy. Unfortunately, it also seems the numbers are stacked against these parents. According to The Harris Poll, which surveyed over 2,000 American adults in 2016, a mere 31% said they were happy. Odds that almost make it seem cruel to bring any baby into this world. A similar study was…

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The Last 6 Weeks: Time to Go for It!

November 21, 2017

A large percentage of your annual giving happens in November and December. This is the most important time of the year for fundraising, and in many cases, it should be an “all hands on deck” activity. This is why so many nonprofits are in a frenzy of appeals, thank you calls, personal visits, proposals, VIP tours, holiday cards, emails, and even donor gifts. Every organization wants to be noticed and considered at the time people are most interested in giving.…

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Seven Questions to Ask: Part 4

November 21, 2017

As we complete our series of articles on Equipment Facilitation, we will consider the following: User friendliness; fact or fiction. Know the appropriate funds to invest in a unit new or used. DICOM and its clinical use. First, let’s look at user friendliness. “User friendliness” by our definition is the ability to use a system quickly related to image optimization and knobology. One area specifically is associated to their technical developments. In keeping up to date, we interview the sales team as well…

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Recognizing Safe Ears—Safe Hearts

October 30, 2017

Everyone appreciates recognition. In its simplest form, it may be words like, “I appreciate you” or “Thank you for what you do.” For donors to your organization it is typically a written letter sent in the mail to their home, a personal note of thanks to recognize the financial sacrifice made to keep the clinic in operation, or addressing a special need. As the leader of an organization you are filled with gratitude for those who volunteer to serve the…

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An Unwanted Recognition

October 30, 2017

The United States recently received a recognition no one wanted.  The U.S. has more people diagnosed with an STD than ever before.  Dr. Jonathan Mermin, director of the CDC’s National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatits, STD, and TB Prevention says, “Increases in STDs are a clear warning of a growing threat… STDs are a persistent enemy, growing in number, and outpacing our ability to respond.” The question I asked myself when I saw these statistics was, “What role can the…

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Seven Questions to Ask: Part 3

October 30, 2017

In our previous edition we covered the first two of 7 total considerations when it comes to equipment selection. As Equipment Facilitators our job is to provide you with solid direction as you choose your first or your next ultrasound equipment. The next two important questions to consider in choosing your equipment are: 3) Do you know the manufacturer’s strength in technology and what technology you need? 4)  Do you know the warranty value and how to compare what each manufacturer…

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Sparrow Strong

October 23, 2017

“Sparrow hands-on Ultrasound training is too difficult, we are going with an easier training company.”—nothing could be a bigger compliment! As an Executive Director or Nurse Manager who has chosen Sparrow for training, those words should ring true to your ears also. Our ultrasound training may seem difficult to some. We’re glad. We have a competency based program that invests 6 months into most of our participants. We invest in training to keep ourselves relevant to OB patient care and…

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Worn Out?

October 10, 2017

With all the disasters happening around us, it can take a toll on many. In fact, it can take a toll on all of us. When it comes to compassion fatigue, the time is ripe for such an emotional response. I’d like to take a look at each of the primary temperaments and consider how each might respond. Some of us don’t see any fun in the world around us. It’s insurmountable. We’ll never get this back to normal. How…

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Gender-Based Abortions: Intentionality in Scanning at the PMC

September 22, 2017

“Where’s the closest abortion provider? We don’t need another boy.” As a sonographer in the United States, I never expected to hear those words from a patient or a patient’s husband. The room was all smiles as we scanned and watched the baby on the screen, so I was quite taken back when the mother asked the gender, and the father responded with leaving the room and asking at the front desk about the closest abortionist. What?! It may be…

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Events that Make a Difference

September 22, 2017

Early September until Thanksgiving is the fall event season that many nonprofits depend on for a good portion of their annual funding. In many organizations it is “all hands on deck,” commanding lots of staff time and financial resources all in the hope that they will raise far more money than they spent. Despite how important these gatherings are, too often nonprofits miss the basics while preoccupied with the centerpieces or dessert. To help keep you focused let’s review a few…

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Does Legal Mean Safe?

September 22, 2017

Being Intentional about Discussing Marijuana Use in the PMC Marijuana use in pregnant women is growing in popularity.  A few pro-marijuana websites tote the benefits of decreased nausea and increased appetite while questioning whether adequate studies have been done on the potential side effects on both mother and baby.  More and more states including my own state of Nevada have legalized marijuana for recreational use, and many others have legalized it for medicinal use.   Should we be surprised that…

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7 Questions to Ask: Part 2

September 22, 2017

…When Selecting the Best Ultrasound Equipment Our last edition of The PMC Advisor, we presented an introduction to our Equipment Facilitation Program. The article laid the groundwork for Part 2, 3, 4, and 5 of the series and it will provide you with questions to ask when selecting the best ultrasound equipment for your clinic. Most clinics do not have an experienced sonographer, RDMS, or clinic leader who is versed in ultrasound manufacturers. Therefore, those in place to research and…

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Compassion With Purpose

September 11, 2017

Fires, floods, frenzied storms—all tear at our hearts to “do something.” We want to do something, so in a need to fulfill our call to help humanity at large, we give. We give clothes, supplies, time, finances, and whatever we think is going to be valuable to the recipient. The painful truth is, it may not be valuable to them. Ouch! That hurts to admit or think about. I just want to help. As I look around at the devastation…

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Extending Your Ministry’s Reach

September 11, 2017

While attending the Care Net conference, I spoke with two nurse managers on Friday that both mentioned the same dilemma.  They do a fantastic job with the women who come to their centers and have a high success rate, but they felt they were not reaching all those in need. One nurse manager came from a rural area where they were the only center for three counties, and the other came from a metropolitan center in a suburb of a large city.  Our discussion lead to…

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7 Questions to Ask when Selecting the Best Ultrasound Equipment for Your Clinic

September 11, 2017

You might be looking to acquire your first ultrasound system for your Center, replace your existing one, or add another one due to expansion. This might not be the easiest task for someone not familiar with the manufacturers, equipment and technology, and how the technology can change over time.   Here are 7 questions to help you make the most informed decision: 1.) Do you know the manufacturer’s priorities? 2.) Do you know the manufacturer’s strength for sales and service?…

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Thoughts from a Virgin Exhibitor

September 7, 2017

  I love going to professional conferences.  The idea of expanding my knowledge base and views, while being surrounded by people also wanting to become more excellent at what they do, has always interested me.  When the opportunity arose to attend the CareNet National Conference in Washington D.C. in late August, of course I wanted to go. However, as one of the newest team members at Sparrow Solutions Group, I would be attending as an exhibitor rather than an attendee. …

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