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Quality and Compassionate Health Care, Beyond the Workplace Becky Trudel, a Home Health Care Nurse for Deer River HealthCare Center, and her husband, Dave, a mechanical engineer at Northern Lights Casino, are like many couples in Northern Minnesota. They go to work, manage a household with 2 teenage daughters, and coordinate time together with many other obligations. However, the Trudels have committed to something most of us say we are too busy or not qualified to do. They volunteer for the Northland Chapter of the American Red Cross."Deer River Health Care Center applauds Dave and Becky Trudel for their good works, serving their community through the Northland Chapter of the American Red Cross," stated Jeffry Stampohar, CEO, Deer River HealthCare Center. "We are proud to employ quality individuals like Ms. Trudel, who provides nursing care to patients in their own homes through Deer River Home Health Care." Ms. Trudel is a native of Deer River, MN. She received her education through Itasca Community College and Hibbing Community College. She has worked 8 years as a Registered Nurse for Deer River Home Health Care. "I prepared for my work with the Red Cross in part by working for Deer River HealthCare Center," said Ms. Trudel. "Spending time one-on-one with patients, helping them in their own homes, providing comfort and care is a uniquely rewarding experience. Sometimes, we are the only folks our home care patients see." "Our mission at Deer River HealthCare Center is to provide Quality, Compassionate HealthCare," added Stampohar. "Nothing makes us happier than to see our team members applying those philosophies to their everyday lives. We encourage our employees at Deer River HealthCare Center to take quality and compassion beyond the workplace." Ms. Trudel becomes emotional almost instantly when asked about her 3 years of commitment to the American Red Cross. She recalls that, one year ago, she was inducted into the national American Red Cross Nurse Enrollment Program. For this, she received an engraved badge she will wear for the rest of her career. She takes this lifetime honor very seriously. Once her badge has been passed down to her family, Ms. Trudel stated, "I think I'd like to have it sent back to Washington, D.C., where it will be placed on a plaque honoring all the nurses who have come before me, and all those who will come after." Ms. Trudel is the only Registered Nurse volunteer in the Range Region of her Red Cross chapter, qualifying her to coordinate Mass Care shelters, like the ones erected in response to the Hurricane Katrina Disaster along the Gulf Coast. "I havenıt personally participated in a mass care situation, but after retirement, my husband and I would like to travel in service for the Red Cross," she stated. "We could not do the work of the Red Cross without volunteers like Becky Trudel," said Tony Guerra, Director of Emergency Services for the Northland Chapter of the American Red Cross. "In her short time with us, she has probably assisted 20-25 families affected by house fires. Being a nurse, she has provided medical assistance to many people." The Northland Chapter of the American Red Cross values all of their volunteers in the Grand Rapids area and welcomes volunteers at every skill level. "Ms. Trudel has represented the Red Cross at state meetings and sets an excellent example with the work she has done," added Guerra. Ms. Trudel's husband, Dave, got involved with the Northland Chapter of the American Red Cross one year ago. Together, the Trudels have received trainings and certifications to handle many situations, such as Family Services training in cases of home fires or other disasters affecting families, and Mass Care, in the event of an emergency evacuation from an entire area. Mr. Trudel has been trained to drive an Emergency Response Vehicle, which brings food and supplies to disaster victims. When asked what she enjoys most about volunteering for the American Red Cross, Ms. Trudel brimmed, "It's just the thanks you get. After spending hours with families that have just lost everything, sometimes you get a hug, and thatıs worth it." For more information on Deer River Home Health Care, call 218-246-3012. For more information on becoming a Red Cross volunteer in the Range Region, call 1-800-747-8644.
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