There is no cost. These services are free to families who live in Douglas County and deliver at CHI Health Bergan Mercy Medical Center and CHI Health Immanuel.

Services provided include care for baby, help for the birth mother, as well as help for the family.

This model is available to families that live in Douglas County and deliver babies at CHI Health Bergan Mercy Medical Center and CHI Health Immanuel, including foster parents, adoptive parents and families who already have other children.

A plan of care is created based upon the following concepts: promoting the client’s health, wellness and responsibility for their own care, as well as the client’s activity and responsibility within their daily routine. A motivated client and a consistent caregiver working through this together contributes to the success of our program.

Home health aides provide non-nursing services like bathing, personal hygiene, therapeutic care and light housekeeping. Services are conducted in the client’s residence.

Individuals who have a history of falls or physical limitations, have safety issues such as getting in and out of the shower, or who have limited family support or are living alone may be eligible for our services.

There is no cost. These services are free to families who live in Douglas County and deliver at CHI Health Bergan Mercy Medical Center and CHI Health Immanuel.

Services provided include care for baby, help for the birth mother, as well as help for the family.

This model is available to families that live in Douglas County and deliver babies at CHI Health Bergan Mercy Medical Center and CHI Health Immanuel, including foster parents, adoptive parents and families who already have other children.

This program often keeps families from using Emergency Room visits or other medical services unnecessarily, by educating them on what is normal and when to call a doctor. The ongoing support they receive means families in our community have the best possible start in life.

You can expect personalized care from an expert nurse, delivered with kindness. We work with you and your doctor to design a treatment plan based on your specific situation. This one-on-one attention means your child will have the medical care he or she needs.

As soon as an expectant mom finds out she’s pregnant, it’s a good idea to give us a call if you think she could use our services! Contact Deanna Schlautman at dschlautman@vnatoday.org
or (402) 930-4083 for more information.

During a typical visit the parent coach will assist the parent to identify and set individual goals, the coach will provide education on life skill development, healthy relationships, parenting topics and refer to community resources, when needed. The nurse will complete maternal-child assessments including weight and developmental assessments of the infant/child, provide education on health, safety, nutrition, and a variety of parenting strategies, and collaborate with other providers working with the family.

Outcomes of this program include the reduction and prevention of child abuse, an increase in family involvement and support, an increase of babies born at healthy birth weights, and an increase in the number of fully-immunized infants.

Project WIN is a free home visitation program offered by VNA for families in Douglas, Sarpy and Pottawattamie counties.

Families whose income is at or less than 250 percent of the Federal Poverty Level are eligible for services. We welcome non- or limited-English speaking families! Other screening requirements may apply – please contact Jennifer Durand at jdurand@vnatoday.org or (402) 930-4083.

VNA customizes the services provided based on the needs identified and the resources the school has available. These can include:

• Identifying students with special needs and work with parents to develop action plans
• Health evaluations
• Guidance and care for children who are ill
• Height, weight, vision, hearing and oral screenings
• Immunization record reviews and reporting
• Communicable disease control and prevention
• Wellness education
• Referrals for primary care, community resources and education programs
• Staff training in areas like infection control, medication administration, CPR and first aid, and the mandated emergency asthma and anaphylaxis protocol

No two days are the same but, usually, the nurse will check in with school administrators to get updates on changes on any individual students receiving special care. The nurse focuses on providing services the school has identified as a priority. And, of course, the daily focus can change quickly if an emergency situation arises.

Currently, Visiting Nurse Association serves:

• Bethlehem House
• Carole’s House of Hope
• Catholic Charities: The Shelter
• Heartland Family Service: Sanctuary House and Safe Haven
• Lydia House
• MACCH Street Outreach
• Mater Filius
• Micah House
• New Visions Homeless Services/Mohm’s Place
• Open Door Mission
• Siena Francis House
• Stephen Center
• Youth Emergency Services

VNA nurses provide these services, among others:

• Health assessments and screenings
• Early detection of illnesses and prompt treatment
• Preventative healthcare and teaching
• Education on positive coping skills
• First aid and injury care
• Chronic disease monitoring and education
• Nutritional assessments and education
• Prenatal, childbirth and breastfeeding education and support
• Post-partum and infant assessments
• Positive parenting education
• Referrals to primary care and community resources to meet individual needs

About half of Omaha’s homeless population is seen by VNA nurses, which is no simple task. At the beginning of each day, the nurses typically check in with shelter or program staff for updates and current priorities. They begin to see new clients and existing clients as they request services. When time permits they seek out clients to follow up and provide support. The nurses facilitate appointments and advocate for the clients with other community service providers frequently throughout the day.