
Cape Girardeau, MO. (November 9, 2022) – Sixteen SoutheastHEALTH marketing projects recently received statewide recognition from the Show Me Excellence Awards presented annually by the Missouri Association for Healthcare Public Relations and Marketing.
The Show Me Excellence Awards recognize high achievement and quality in advertising, marketing and public relations projects produced by hospitals and healthcare systems throughout the state.
Southeast won first place for seven marketing efforts:
- 2022 Employee Photo Calendar
- InforMed weekly employee eNewsletter
- Nature’s Landing photograph of main hospital campus
- Colon Cancer Awareness direct mail
- “The Cancer Fight isn’t Over” direct mail
- “Southeast Heroes” television ad
- Starting Point Weight Management Program radio ad
Second place honors went to:
- COPD Clinic rack card
- Reference Lab on-boarding handbook
- Cancer Gala Virtual Benefit Concert
- “Keep Moving Forward” print ad
- SoutheastHEALTH Website Redesign
- 2021 Year in Review Video
- Healthier Look Magazine
Third place recognition went to:
- College of Nursing and Health Sciences Recruitment
- Employee Town Hall Appreciation Video
The awards were presented as part of the Missouri Hospital Association’s 100th annual convention held in Osage Beach.
About SoutheastHEALTH
At SoutheastHEALTH, the region's premier healthcare system in southeast Missouri, our patients receive excellent care of the highest clinical quality, close to home. Within our network are more than 51 care locations in 11 communities, including hospitals, primary and specialty care clinics representing over 30 clinical specialties and extending care for patients in a four-state area. Learn more at SEhealth.org.

The SoutheastHEALTH College of Nursing and Health Sciences is accepting applications for a new, bi-level Practical Nursing track beginning in January 2023.
The program is designed to help meet a growing shortage of PNs in Missouri. Program Director Vickie Schnurbusch, MSN, RN, CHPN, says a Missouri Hospital Association Workforce study in 2021 shows that PNs have the highest vacancy rate – 17 percent – compared to other healthcare professions in the state. The southeast region of Missouri is ranked second for PN vacancies at 21.6 percent.
“We expect this demand for PNs to increase by six percent by 2031. PNs are aging out, retiring or changing careers, but our baby boomers and the chronic health conditions that come with aging will require more PNs in settings like hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, outpatient clinics and private duty nursing settings,” she adds. “We know we can assist with that demand.”
The College’s bi-level PN program is one of just a handful in Missouri. Students enter the program already having a strong general education foundation. Upon completing the PN track, students have the opportunity to take their licensure exam and begin working as an PN or seamlessly transition to the College’s Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (RN) degree. This is without a second entrance exam or admission fee. Another attractive option is that students also can enter the PN workforce while working on their RN degree. “This program allows students to pursue career goals with minimal repetition or barriers,” Schnurbusch adds.
The program is open to anyone who has an interest in the nursing profession, including high school graduates or someone already in the workforce looking for a career change. To learn more about the bi-level PN program or to apply, visit sehcollege.edu.
Southeast Missouri Hospital College of Nursing & Health Sciences
The Southeast Missouri Hospital College of Nursing & Health Sciences is a private not-for-profit institution of higher learning that specializes in the preparation of individuals for high demand healthcare careers. The College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Career options include nursing (basic RN, LPN/paramedic to RN, RN to BSN), medical laboratory science, radiologic technology and surgical technology.

SoutheastHEALTH November 2022 Health Briefs
Hospice Community Memorial Service
Southeast Hospice will hold its annual Community Memorial Service on Sunday, November 6, at 2 p.m. at Cape First, 254 South Silver Springs Road in Cape. The service is held to remember loved ones through music, prayers and remembrances and is open to the public. The message, “Trust and Hope,” will be delivered by Rev. Stan Hargis, Chaplain, Southeast Hospice. Music will be provided by Teressa Harrison and Susan Lane.
Since 1986 when Southeast Hospital introduced the concept of hospice care to the region, Southeast Hospice has provided loving and caring support for terminally ill patients of all ages and their families. Southeast Hospice strives to enhance living along life’s journey. For more information, call 573-335-6208.
Weight Management First Steps
Join us for this free, informative seminar as we discuss strategies for beginning the process of health improvement and weight management on Monday, November 7, at 6 p.m., and Thursday, November 17, at 2 p.m., at HealthPoint Plaza, 2126 Independence in Cape. Are you just beginning your fitness journey? Or perhaps picking back up where you left off? Learn how nutrition, physical activity and behavior modification can help you get going in the right direction. Class size is limited. Register online at SEhealth.org/Events or by calling (573)986-4440.
Heart Saver CPR Certification Class
This is an instructor-led course that teaches adult and child CPR and AED use, infant CPR, and how to relieve choking in adults, children and infants. It will be held on Monday, November 7, from 6 to 8 p.m. at HealthPoint Fitness in Cape. This course teaches skills with the American Heart Association’s research-proven practice-while-watching technique, which allows instructors to observe the students, provide feedback, and guide the students’ learning skills. The course is for anyone with limited or no medical training who needs a course completion card for CPR and AED use to meet job, regulatory or other requirements. This class is not for healthcare providers seeking a BLS class. Cost of the class is $50 and includes a booklet. Participants can reserve a spot by calling or stopping by the front desk of HealthPoint Cape or HealthPoint Jackson. For more information, call 573-755-2301 or 573-986-4400.
Diabetes Self-Management Support Group
Southeast Diabetes Center hosts this free support group facilitated by Southeast’s Diabetes Educators. The programs are geared toward people who are living with diabetes and trying to control blood glucose. Friends and family members are also welcome. The meeting will be from 1 to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, November 8, at HealthPoint Plaza in Cape. This month’s topic is “Restoring Peace and Wellbeing.” The presentation will address utilizing skillful practices to befriend your mind and body while exploring your optimum recipe for wellness. Speaker will be Crystal Montgomery, MSW, LCSW, a mental health therapist and Denise Essner & Associates.
Grief Support Group: Coping with Holidays
The SoutheastHEALTH Grief Support Group will meet from 1:30-3 p.m. on Wednesday, November 16, at HealthPoint Fitness in Cape. Topic for this month’s meeting is “Coping with Holidays and Special Dates.” For more information about this support group, please call Southeast Hospice, 573-335-6208.
C.O.O.L Camp
Southeast Hospice C.O.O.L. Camp (Children Overcoming Outstanding Loss) will offer its annual one-day grief support camp to children ages 6-15 who have experienced a loss due to death of a friend or family member on Saturday, November 19, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The camp is free of charge for any child in the region.
Now in its 25th year, C.O.O.L. Camp is the only grief–targeted support group for kids between St. Louis and Memphis. It is facilitated by all professional staff trained in grief and loss. The day’s activities allow campers to share their stories and feelings, learn coping techniques and participate in recreational activities that encourage a positive outlet of energy and enhance socialization skills. All activities are designed to be age specific.
Parents/guardians must complete a phone interview about their children to be registered, then the location of the camp will be given. To complete the phone interview and register, contact Lynn Boren, camp coordinator, at 573- 335-6208. Deadline for registration is Friday, November 4. For more information, email Boren at lboren@sehealth.org.
Healthy Cooking: Chili, Soups and Stews
Join us on Monday, November 21, to learn how we can enjoy that holiday favorite – pies. With a few healthy tweaks to traditional pie recipes, you can make your pie and eat it too! Healthy Cooking classes at HealthPoint Fitness – Cape are taught by HealthPoint Nutritional Services Coordinator Laura Vollink, RD, LD. Cost is $5 for HealthPoint members and non-members. Class sizes are limited. To register, call (573)986-4440.
Coming in December: Festival of Trees
The SoutheastHEALTH Foundation will host its first annual Festival of Trees from 7 to 11 p.m. on Friday, December 2. The event will be held at The Gathering at Versity Crossing, 1430 North Outer Road in Dexter. The evening includes live holiday music, elaborately decorated Christmas trees, a full meal, photos and a silent auction of trees, wreaths and centerpieces. Proceeds will benefit the Foundation’s Cancer Care Fund, which helps meet urgent needs of cancer patients. Tickets are $50 each or $350 for a table of eight. For ticket information or information on becoming a sponsor for this event, contact Amy Brown, 573-519-4923 or amybrown@sehealth.org.
Sounds of the Season
The SoutheastHEALTH Foundation will present “Sounds of the Season,” an annual Christmas spectacular featuring outstanding musical and vocal talent on Sunday, December 4, at 3 p.m., Cape First Church, 254 South Silver Springs Road in Cape. Doors open at 2:30 p.m. with casual entertainment. The benefit, now in its 27th year, supports cancer patients in need through the SoutheastHEALTH Foundation Cancer Care Fund. Serving as this year’s honorary chairperson is Martha House, a cancer survivor and resident of Cape Girardeau.
Performers this year include Brothers Walker, Dr. Andrew Moore, Clayton Hahs, the Charleston Christmas Ensemble Choir and Casie Mills. Tickets are $10 each and are available at the door or at sehfoundation.org. Those who donate $100 or more will receive free tickets and recognition in the concert program.
About SoutheastHEALTH
At SoutheastHEALTH, the region's premier healthcare system in southeast Missouri, our patients receive excellent care of the highest clinical quality, close to home. Within our network are more than 50 care locations in 14 communities, including hospitals, primary and specialty care clinics representing over 30 clinical specialties and extending care for patients in a four-state area. Learn more at SEhealth.org.

SoutheastHEALTH officials have announced an increase in the minimum starting hourly wage to $15 for all full-time and part-time workers at its hospitals in Cape Girardeau and Dexter and at outpatient clinics in Cape and Stoddard Counties. The increases will be reflected in paychecks issued October 28.
According to health system officials, the new minimum wage rate will be for all entry-level positions. Entry-level employees could be paid more than the minimum based on their education and years of experience. The current state minimum wage in Missouri is $10.30.
SoutheastHEALTH President and CEO Ken Bateman said Southeast has a long tradition of caring for communities, including the SoutheastHEALTH community. “Each employee plays a vital role in providing exceptional care to those we serve. Over the past two years our dedicated team has managed increased patient volumes in challenging situations with incredible resilience. These pay increases acknowledge and recognize the burden placed on staff during this unprecedented time in our history. The increases also help address inflation and hopefully will ease some of that concern.”
SoutheastHEALTH is hiring for positions across all locations for clinical, non-clinical and support staff. Visit SEhealth.org/careers to learn more.
About SoutheastHEALTH
At SoutheastHEALTH, the region's premier healthcare system in southeast Missouri, our patients receive excellent care of the highest clinical quality, close to home. Within our network are more than 51 care locations in 11 communities, including hospitals, primary and specialty care clinics representing over 30 clinical specialties and extending care for patients in a four-state area. Learn more at SEhealth.org.

Weight Management First Steps
Join us for this free, informative seminar as we discuss strategies for beginning the process of health improvement and weight management on Monday, October 3, at 6 p.m., and Thursday, October 20, at 2 p.m., at HealthPoint Plaza, 2126 Independence in Cape. Are you just beginning your fitness journey? Or perhaps picking back up where you left off? Learn how nutrition, physical activity and behavior modification can help you get going in the right direction. Class size is limited. Register online at SEhealth.org/Events or by calling (573)986-4440.
Heart Saver CPR Certification Class
This is an instructor-led course that teaches adult and child CPR and AED use, infant CPR, and how to relieve choking in adults, children and infants. It will be held on Thursday, October 13, from 6 to 8 p.m. at HealthPoint Fitness in Jackson. This course teaches skills with the American Heart Association’s research-proven practice-while-watching technique, which allows instructors to observe the students, provide feedback, and guide the students’ learning skills. The course is for anyone with limited or no medical training who needs a course completion card for CPR and AED use to meet job, regulatory or other requirements. This class is not for healthcare providers seeking a BLS class. Cost of the class is $50 and includes a booklet. Participants can reserve a spot by calling or stopping by the front desk of HealthPoint Cape or HealthPoint Jackson. For more information, call 573-755-2301 or 573-986-4400.
Diabetes Self-Management Support Group
Southeast Diabetes Center hosts this free support group facilitated by Southeast’s Diabetes Educators. The programs are geared toward people who are living with diabetes and trying to control blood glucose. Friends and family members are also welcome. The meeting will be from 1 to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, October 11, at HealthPoint Plaza in Cape. This month’s topic is “Main Dish Salads.” Come join Laura Vollink RD, LD, Nutrition Services Coordinator at HealthPoint Fitness and explore different ingredient combinations that are bursting with flavor and nutrition.
Healthy Cooking: Chili, Soups and Stews
Join us on Monday, October 17, to learn more about some hot and healthy soups as we enter the cooler months and how to incorporate vegetables and grains to boost nutrition and enhance the flavor of these fall favorites. Healthy Cooking classes at HealthPoint Fitness – Cape are taught by HealthPoint Nutritional Services Coordinator Laura Vollink, RD, LD. Cost is $5 for HealthPoint members and non-members. Class sizes are limited. To register, call (573)986-4440.
Grief Support Group: The Grief Roller Coaster
The SoutheastHEALTH Grief Support Group will meet from 1:30-3 p.m. on Wednesday, October 19, at HealthPoint Fitness in Cape. Topic for this month’s meeting, led by Julie Metgzer, LCSW, a bereavement counselor with Southeast Hospice, is “The Grief Roller Coaster.” For more information about this support group, please call Southeast Hospice, 573-335-6208.
American Red Cross Blood Drive
Every two seconds, someone needs a blood transfusion. Roll up your sleeve and help. Southeast Hospital will host a blood drive on Friday, October 28, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Registration is required to allow for social distancing. To make an appointment to donate, visit rcblood.org/appt.
About SoutheastHEALTH
At SoutheastHEALTH, the region's premier healthcare system in southeast Missouri, our patients receive excellent care of the highest clinical quality, close to home. Within our network are more than 50 care locations in 14 communities, including hospitals, primary and specialty care clinics representing over 30 clinical specialties and extending care for patients in a four-state area. Learn more at SEhealth.org.