Anyone facing limitations while trying to perform day-to-day activities might be a good candidate for Occupational Therapy, said Addie Kershner, who recently joined the rehabilitation team at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital (PVCH).
“These limitations could result from injury, illness, developmental delays or other challenges,” said Kershner, a Rush Center native. “When someone struggles with getting dressed, eating or working, we can focus on improving functional skills and participating in meaningful activities.”
As an Occupational Therapist, Kershner’s main responsibility is helping people of all ages participate in activities through evidence-based practices to achieve functional independence.
This includes: evaluating patients’ challenges; developing treatment plans; and providing interventions to improve overall function and general well-being.
OT also provides rehabilitation for shoulders, elbows, wrists and hands.
“These OT services can make a real difference in a person’s daily life,” Kershner noted. “It is rewarding to help people live more independently and safely, while enjoying a meaningful life.
“This is why I chose this career path. It allows me to help improve the quality of patients’ lives.”
Kershner continues to be impressed with the staff and services at PVCH. “Everyone is extremely welcoming and supportive. It is a great environment to step into because everyone strives to provide high-quality services with comprehensive and personalized care.
“In addition, PVCH offers up-to-date, evidence-based, and tailored equipment and services to meet the diverse needs of patients for optimum recovery.”
The new OT earned a bachelor of science education degree, majoring in community health and minoring in applied behavioral science at The University of Kansas. She then earned her entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy at The University of Kansas Medical Center.
Kershner served as a therapy technician for three years in an orthopedic outpatient clinic. She has hands-on OT clinical experience with inpatient, outpatient, community-based and mental-health services.
Her parents are Bruce and Ellen Kershner of Rush Center. She and her fiancé, Kody, recently bought a home in Larned and “are thrilled to be part of the local community.”
Jason Rath, rehabilitation manager, said “Addie is a great addition to our rehab team. Her personality fits in great with her colleagues and her compassion for patients is obvious. Addie is a hard worker and has hit the ground running.
“We are lucky to have her knowledge and expertise as we enhance our specialties at PVCH. I am eager to watch her grow in her profession, while providing excellent patient care.”
Pawnee Valley Community Hospital, 923 Carroll in Larned, is a 25-bed facility, offering many services not typically available in a smaller facility. Included are 24/7 emergency care; acute, skilled and specialized nursing; surgery; high-tech imaging and laboratory tests; wound care; rehabilitation; and sleep and diagnostic center. PVCH Family Medicine provides the full range of family-medicine services; physician-assisted weight loss; and women’s health services. The hospital’s number is 620-285-3161; the clinic’s number is 620-804-6007.
