Getting to the Heart of Rehab at WakeMed

What exactly does it take to recover and thrive after a life-changing injury or illness? The answer is far from simple, but one thing shines through – the people involved are at the heart of each successful patient story.

A True Team Effort

Patients are at the center of everything at WakeMed Rehab, and the path ahead for each patient can be full of unknowns, so it’s important for them to know they will not be alone on their journey to regaining abilities
and achieving their goals.

“A patient’s mindset has a lot to do with their progress, and it really matters when they feel supported by the people all around them,” said Beth Villena, MHA, LCSW, CCM, director of WakeMed Rehab Hospital. “From a patient’s care team to family members and volunteers, the powerful impact that each person has the potential to make cannot be overstated.”

While WakeMed Rehab team members each have their own specific professional focus, they wear many hats and frequently step in as coaches, educators and confidants.

They go above and beyond their role to collaborate, jump into action and extend themselves to bridge any gap they see. 

“I regularly hear from patients and their families how much they appreciate the extra efforts and acts of kindness from our staff and volunteers – they can tell it really comes from the heart,” said Beth.

Helping Patients Heal & Thrive

No matter who you are, when tragedy happens, the WakeMed team wants to do everything in their power to meet patients where they are and do what is needed to encourage healing and progress.

“Most of the time it goes unsaid or unseen because they are not looking for recognition, but the WakeMed Rehab team is doing all sorts of things behind the scenes – from helping patients connect with far-away loved ones to making sure they feel celebrated at special moments,” said Beth. “Those thoughtful actions have a positive snowball effect that builds happiness, hope and healing.”

Innovative Changes Come from Within 

As WakeMed continues to innovate with new programs and services to meet the needs of our patients, our programs are always evolving to help those with very specific rehab requirements.

“The majority of new ideas and equipment are generated from our frontline nurses, therapists, case managers and volunteers – they see the needs of our patients firsthand,” said Beth. “They take the time to seek out solutions, explore new treatment paths, investigate new equipment and most of all to advocate for each patient’s needs.”

WakeMed’s leadership embraces new ideas and suggestions from the entire team to provide the best, most comprehensive care. The exoskeleton, BITS (Bioness Integrated Therapy System), Blaze Pods and virtual reality are all the result of staff identified needs, team driven efforts and WakeMed Foundation funding to continually pursue and provide the best possible care for patients. 

Putting Others First

“You can have all the training and equipment in the world, but the level of care will fall short if your heart isn’t in it,” said Beth. “The type of person who will choose to join the WakeMed Rehab team is one who has an innate ability to empathize and a strong desire to truly do whatever it takes to help others – it’s what makes them tick.”

There is a culture of care and caring at WakeMed that leads to healing. It’s called the Wake Way, and it is a vital part of what makes the WakeMed team so amazing. 

Putting others first and setting a standard of excellence at WakeMed is what creates exceptional experiences for patients and families. The WakeMed Rehab team’s depth and breadth of experience, techniques and technology enables them to meet the unique and challenging needs of each patient, but most remarkable of all is how they put their whole heart into going above and beyond for a truly unique experience.

This article is a reprint from Reconnections.