Registered nurses are available to provide assessment, education, and resource information to persons living in Johnson County through home or office visits. These visits are conducted at no charge to the client.

All clients are provided information regarding available community resources and referrals are made as necessary for: food, transportation, financial assistance, emergency or routine medical care, and questionable abuse/neglect.

Our Goal

• Promote the use of preventive health services
• Encourage health, wellness, and safety behaviors
• Promote optimal infant/child growth and development
• Provide early identification and promote treatment of health problems
• Provide education with the goal of self-monitoring health conditions
• Promote independent, self-sufficient living

Services:

Prenatal -

• Physical/social assessment
• Assistance with blood pressure monitoring
• Education/counseling related to:
  • nutrition
  • safety
  • preterm labor
  • common discomforts
  • preparation for labor and delivery

Postpartum-

• Physical/social assessments of mothers and infants (including weight checks)
• Education/counseling related to:
  • infant care [ American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)]
  • infant growth/development
  • nutrition
  • safety
  • postpartum depression
  • immunizations
  • promotion of routine medical care

Healthy Start Home Visitors - non-medical persons are available to make home visits providing information and support to pregnant women and new mothers. Information is provided on the following:

• Prenatal care
• Nutrition
• Infant care
• Immunization providers
• Child development
• Mother's feelings/recovery
• Home/auto safety (recall info - US Consumer Product Safety Commission, SAFEKIDS)
  

Healthy Start Home Visitors work closely with nursing staff and refer clients when appropriate.


School Consultation -

• Registered nurses act as a liaison between school and home:
  • state immunization requirements (KDHE, CDC - Vaccines & Immunizations)
  • follow-up home visits if indicated
• Assist with the management of communicable diseases
• Assist with the organization of school health programs
• School related health fairs

Senior adults - receive services focused on improving quality of life, thereby decreasing catastrophic medical expenses and long term care needs. Services include:

• Physical/social assessments
• Counseling/instruction related to:
  • medications
  • wellness management
  • disease management
• Nurses monitor:
  • client self care
  • medications
  • nutrition
  • safety

Blood Pressure Clinics - with monitoring and counseling are available at various locations throughout the county - click here.

To make a referral or for more information, contact:

Catherine Shemwell RN, BSN
Public Health Nurse Program Manager
(913) 826-1208

Nancy Tausz RN, BSN
Disease Containment Division Director
(913) 826-1222

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