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www.iuhealth.org/west ~ IU Health West Hospital is a healing sanctuary, where caregivers and cutting-edge technology meet in a natural setting.

The IU Health West Hospital Difference
Patients see and feel the difference the moment they walk in the door. The use of natural materials and colors, peaceful garden views, cheerful natural light and soft, healing music set a soothing tone, establishing IU Health West Hospital as a place where patients can set aside stressful distractions and focus on what's important: getting well. IU Health Wes

t Hospital's team of caregivers further patients' sense of a healing sanctuary by working to build a sense of trust and rapport with patients, thereby making patients active partners in their healthcare experience, and allowing them to feel a sense of control, understanding and peace of mind. Think of every hospital experience you have had, and then push your expectations aside. IU Health West Hospital strives to exceed your expectations in every way, and provide patient care second to none. IU Health West Hospital was designed with "on-stage" and "off-stage" corridors and elevators to keep public and visitor movement through the hospital separate from the movement of patients, materials, staff and supplies. Hence, the "day-to-day" operations that go into running a hospital are kept out of the publicly-traveled areas, allowing for a more peaceful, serene and home-like environment. As just one example, Emergency Servies at IU Health West features private treatment spaces and separate waiting areas for adult and pediatric emergencies. IU Health West Hospital considers patients' privacy and dignity of the utmost importance. Therefore, in Emergency Services at IU Health West you will find no curtains separating patients - exam rooms are spacious, and have actual doors shielding patients from the bustling corridors outside their treatment room. Small waiting "nooks" throughout the hospital are designed to help families find cozy, private space away from the bedside for conversation and quiet time. It doesn't stop there - IU Health West Hospital's grounds feature many gardens and quiet courtyards, ponds and walking trails, perfect for conversation, relaxation and rejuvenation. Indiana University Health West Hospital does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability or age in admission, treatment, or participation in its programs, services and activities, or in employment. For further information about this policy, contact Linda Ryser, Patient Liaison, at 317.217.3183.

22/07/2025

New pharmacy resident is a trailblazer-

Residency is an important stage of learning for recent pharmacy graduates. For a year or longer, pharmacy team members learn hands-on, practical experience necessary to their role. IU Health West now has their first pharmacy resident, and she is a trailblazer in her role.

Haley Hammond is a recent pharmacy graduate after completing a six-year doctorate program. While in her last year of schooling, she had a critical care rotation at IU Health West, which influenced her decision to become a resident at the hospital.

“It's a good environment for learners. Everyone here is super nice and welcoming. That's something that I've continued to experience since I started here as a resident,” she says.

Hammond is in a Post-Graduate Year One residency. She will spend months in different specialties, such as Emergency Medicine and Oncology, learning research, hands-on skills and more.

One of Hammond’s favorite things about the program is the ability to see and help patients directly.

“For a long time, I was interested in the pharmacy industry and pharmaceutical companies. During my last year of pharmacy, I just kind of realized that I would prefer to see patients. I feel that it’s more satisfying and more fulfilling, and I get to see my direct decisions on their healthcare,” she explains.

Are you interested in joining a supportive team that helps each other grow? Visit careers.iuhealth.org to learn more.

17/07/2025

Registration specialist is a true people person -

Ginger Terry calls herself a people person. She loves talking to others, whether it’s someone new or a fellow team member. Terry is a registration specialist for Imaging at IU Health West, a position she’s held for 16 years.

She was previously working in marketing for a restaurant chain. She brought a work colleague to IU Health West for a health emergency and immediately knew she would apply to work there.

“I thought ‘I love this hospital and I have to work here,’” she recalls. “I applied about a month later.”

The clinical setting was new to Terry, but she knew she loved interacting with others.

“The hospital world was different for me, but I just knew how to treat people. I knew how to be fair and kind and go the extra mile,” she says.

Her role mostly consists of helping patients and answering phone calls. While she enjoys those patient interactions, her favorite part of her job is the work culture.

“I love the people I work with,” she says. “Our leader is awesome, and it goes from there down.”

When she’s not at work, Terry spends time with her husband, three children or three grandchildren. She also has two rescue animals–a dog and a cat.

Though she enjoys her time with her family, she also says she looks forward to coming to work.

“We’re all trying to do the same thing, make sure everyone has a good experience here.”

09/07/2025

Nurses of tomorrow gain experience today at IU Health West—

This spring, Goldie Adedokun (pictured right) and Jasmin Vences (pictured left) graduated from Ben Davis High School and were accepted into Indiana University – Indianapolis’ nursing program.

They also signed on to be patient care assistants at IU Health West, continuing to build on the experience they’ve already gained at the hospital.

As high school students, Adedokun and Vences participated in the Area 31 Career Center’s health sciences program. Located in Indianapolis, the organization offers high school juniors and seniors from 11 school districts the opportunity to explore comprehensive career training.

IU Health West began its partnership with Area 31 in 2023, bringing on high school students to work side-by-side with team members as patient care technicians. Two of those original students were Adedokun and Vences.

Michelle Strahl (pictured center), clinical operations manager of Surgical Services, and her team were the first to take on the students.

“We wanted to do a shared learning experience with surgery—the Pre-Operation unit, Post-Operation unit, Post-Anesthesia Care unit and the Medical-Surgical 2 unit—to have them experience of all the areas and let them see different parts of nursing, in hopes that they would find a path that they want to continue to take,” Strahl says.

Adedokun and Vences were inspired by family members to go into nursing.

“What inspired me to be in healthcare was my brother. When he was a newborn, he was a premature baby. He was in the Neonatal Intensive Care unit for a month,” she says. “That inspired me to be a nurse and to care for babies.”

Adedokun, who is interested in becoming an Operating Room nurse, says, “The reason why I'm going into nursing is because of my late aunt. She was a nurse, and she was the only nurse in my family.”

When the students first joined the team, they started off with easier tasks, like wheeling patients out of surgery. Then, they expressed their desire to learn more, Strahl explains.

As they became more comfortable interacting with patients, Adedokun and Vences were able to perform accu-chek tests for blood sugar, as well as pregnancy tests. Later, more surgery-related tasks were added, like pre-operative hair removal around the incision site and helping with medicated baths.

“Once we started to train them on other tasks, that really helped the students find their voice,” Strahl says. “At first, they were quiet and just learning the team, but once they found their voice and started volunteering, the team really started to take to them.”

The experience was positive for Adedokun and Vences and both say they learn something new every time they come to the hospital.

“I think my favorite thing is when I’m helping the patients and they appreciate me back,” Adedokun says. “It shows me that I'm doing something right.”

“I feel like I'm more prepared going into nursing school,” Vences says. “Obviously, I don't know everything, but I feel more prepared with patient care and more confident.”

Once they start college in the fall, Vences will work in the Medical-Surgical unit. She hopes to one day become a Neonatal Intensive Care unit nurse. Adedokun will work in the Post-Anesthesia Care unit. She’s excited to learn more about surgery and to see procedures.

For future students coming into the program, Adedokun and Vences have some advice.

“Try to not be shy, ask questions, be involved,” Vences says. “If you’re not sure about something, just ask somebody.”

“Be patient,” Adedokun adds. “You can’t expect things to always go your way, so you have to be patient.”

Strahl commends the students for their hard work and says the program was largely a success, as most of the students have decided to stay at IU Health West. She’s already beginning conversations with the next round of high schoolers.

“I want to make sure that we keep the team members that we have, and that doesn't mean they have to stay in my unit. I want them to find where they want to be and where they want to grow,” Strahl says. “I think that's one of the benefits of this—it gives them the opportunity to see different types of nursing.”

02/07/2025

Terrilyn Baylor, a patient care assistant working in the Medical-Surgical 2 unit at IU Health West, embodies the essence of “team.”

She’s always willing to lend a hand, ensuring the nursing team can provide the top-notch care as they make their rounds.

“Her proactive approach to assisting nurses and anticipating patient needs helps create a seamless healthcare experience,” a team member says.

Baylor is also committed to professional development, whether that be learning new skills and techniques or embracing opportunities to expand her knowledge.

Her positive attitude radiates throughout the unit, uplifting both patients and her colleagues.

“She consistently receives praise from patients for her kindness, empathy and exceptional care, making a significant impact on their recovery and overall experience in our hospital,” the team member says.

Because of Baylor’s commitment to both her patients and team, she was recently honored with IU Health West’s first sunshine Award. “This award shines a light on the excellent work of non-nursing care team members, including patient care assistants, technicians, certified surgical technologist assistants, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and unit secretaries.

25/06/2025

Team members help prepare young students with Kindergarten Countdown –

Students at River Birch Elementary graduated from IU Health West Hospital’s Kindergarten Countdown program last week. Kindergarten Countdown is a collaboration between IU Health West and Avon schools to provide support for children who may need an academic boost before entering kindergarten this fall.

For the last two and a half weeks, seven team members took turns volunteering for a couple of hours in the classroom each morning. They assisted teachers and participated in learning activities with the students.

Roshni Bag, service line director for Oncology and Spine services at IU Health West, volunteered this year. She handed out certificates to participating students on their last day.

“Recognizing the milestones of our young Hoosiers is essential to nurturing a strong sense of community and belonging,” she says. “This kindergarten graduation was a joyful tribute to the accomplishments of our youngest learners and a meaningful opportunity to strengthen the connection between families, schools and IU Health West Hospital. I’m inspired by the confidence and enthusiasm these little ones bring, and I’m proud to be part of an organization that invests in their bright futures.”

IU Health West not only provided volunteers, but also supplied books and backpacks. This year, 32 students participated in the program.

“It’s important for us to continue providing this resource to the community because education plays a role in people’s overall health,” says Krystle Barber, a community outreach consultant for IU Health West. “This partnership allows us to help young minds grow and learn.”

20/06/2025

IU Health West team members lined up earlier this week for food and fun. The hospital's annual Grill and Chill event was Wednesday, June 18, organized by the IU Health West Culture Club.

Food options included sandwiches, burgers and hot dogs along with ice cream, potato salad, chips and more. Team members could play games and a dunk tank was set up for a chance to submerge hospital leaders.

Sabrina Coleman, an administrative assistant, has been a member of the Culture Club for two years now. Coleman has noticed that this event seems to be one of the favorites amongst team members at IU Health West.

“It’s a chance to come outside, get some good food and play some games. We always have music playing and it’s just a fun time,” she says.

18/06/2025

Kelly Knoll, director of clinical operations for the Medical-Surgical service line at IU Health West, has been an IU Health team member since 2003.

This May, Knoll traded in her white coat for a salsa dress as she competed in the Dancing with the Hendricks County Stars event, which raised money for the Hendricks County Museum.

She earned a perfect score from the judges and secured IU Health West’s second consecutive win.

“I thought it would be a great learning opportunity to stretch myself and do something different and exciting,” Knoll says. “I wanted to get out of my comfort zone while benefiting the community and a great cause.”

While Knoll took Irish dance lessons in elementary and middle school, that was the extent of her training. In partnership with Arthur Murray Studios in Avon, contestants drew a dance instructor’s name and a type of dance from a hat.

She was paired with her instructor and partner, Jamis, and their dance was the bachata.

“I didn't know what it was. It’s a type of salsa dance. I thought it sounded like something that you order from a restaurant,” Knoll jokes. “They basically explained it like it was a ‘sexy’ salsa.”

With her seven children coming to the event, Knoll wanted them to recognize the song. They chose “Sweet Caroline,” but with a Latin remix.

From the end of January to when the event was held on May 3, Knoll trained at the dance studio at least once a week for 30 minutes. Since it was right down the road from IU Health West, she’d sometimes go in the afternoon or on her lunch break.

“I would have to take my work hat off, try to get into the music vibe and do my 30-minute lesson,” Knoll says. “Then, I’d drive back to the hospital and put my director hat back on.”

Before Knoll knew it, it was time to perform. This year’s event theme was Kentucky Derby. It felt exactly like “Dancing with the Stars,” with the lights and the judges with their score paddles. They said Knoll has lots of musicality and was technically proficient.

“There's more than 500 people there. They're all from the community, cheering you on,” she says. “I had my family, my friends and my IU Health family there to cheer me on.”

Knoll says she’s proud that IU Health West has been a longstanding supporter of the event —and now a strong contender.

Next year, she’ll be a mentor for the hospital’s 2026 contestant and present the trophy to the next winner.

“I am thankful that IU Health West contributes to this event and supports the West team member to participate,” Knoll says. “It's something that stretches you and grows you, but it’s a totally different way to support your community outside of the hospital.”

11/06/2025

Chelsea Gansert stocks a cart that will be used by nurses and technicians in patient rooms on the Medical-Surgical unit at IU Health West.

Gansert, who has worked at the hospital for five years, says she started as a technician but transitioned to her current role of supply ambassador.

“I stock all the carts and I also stock the gloves inside the rooms, anything that will help a little bit,” she explains.

In fact, the teamwork culture is one of her favorite things about her job in Med-Surg. She enjoys making it easier for her team members to care for patients.

“I love the fact that it’s very helpful for them,” she says. “They don’t have to run around as much and they can focus on their patients more.”

05/06/2025

For Maggie Harding and Katie Niehaus, their job is all about teamwork.

Today is Harding’s one year anniversary in the IU Health West Emergency department, while Niehaus has worked there for about two years. Both registered nurses, they say their entire team dynamic is centered around helping each other, even when it comes to providing care for their patients.

In fact, that’s Niehaus’s favorite part of her job.

“It’s the team I work with,” she says. “They’re very reliable. We have a lot of trust in one another.”

Meanwhile, Harding loves being able to connect with her patients.

“I love meeting new people. That’s my favorite part of this job,” she says.

Want to be part of a team where trust, connection and compassion come first? IU Health may be the right fit for you. Explore current job openings at careers.iuhealth.org.

Pictured: Katie Niehaus (left) and Maggie Harding (right)

02/06/2025

To her team, Ashley Afflerbach exemplifies the perfect leader—someone with compassion, trustworthiness, respect and inspiration.

Afflerbach, a registered nurse, serves as a shift coordinator in IU Health West’s Medical-Surgical 2 unit.

Her fellow team members say she always listens to her patients and team and strives to provide the best care and work environment for them.

“Ashley demonstrates great ethical behavior and she’s a great role model and leader. She should be recognized more for all of her hard work, time and dedication that she puts into her team, patients and the hospital. She is amazing and I’m so thankful to know her and learn from her,” says one team member.

Because of Afflerbach’s supportive leadership and commitment to her patients and team, she is the recipient of the IU Health West’s 2025 DAISY Nurse Leader Award. This award recognizes nurses who are extraordinary in the impact they have on compassionate patient care.

Help us congratulate Afflerbach in the comment section.

01/06/2025

Did you know IU Health offers virtual visits for minor illnesses and injuries (2 years and older)? Knowing where to seek care can save you time and money.

When you need care, we’re ready for you: iuhealth.org/get-care-now

29/05/2025

In IU Health West’s Acuity Adaptable unit (AAU), one family was struggling with their loved one’s diagnosis. They felt sad, stressed and weren’t sure how to help the patient.

Then, they met Justin Graf (left photo), a registered nurse. Not only did he perform all his duties with extreme care and love, but he took time to check in with the patient and family.

“He really cared about our hearts and the situation we were facing. He would help us wrap our heads around the situation and try to help us find the proper next steps,” the family member says. “He would have long chats with (the patient) while we were gone and speak about life and give encouragement for the road ahead.”

Graf also shared some of his personal story with the family, which helped them feel supported. They knew the patient was in good hands—both physically and emotionally—with Graf.

“Justin, we want to thank you for being you. You deserve this award times a million. You truly have no idea the impact you made on their recovery,” the family member says.

Because of his positive impact on his patients, Graf was recently honored with a DAISY Award. This award honors extraordinary nurses who bring compassion and care to their patients.

When one patient learned they had cancer, April Merriman (right photo, pictured center), a registered nurse at IU Health West, instantly became their advocate and watched closely over their care.

Merriman, who works in the hospital’s Medical-Surgical 2 unit, constantly checked on the patient—even on days she wasn’t assigned to them.

After the oncologist discussed the prognosis with the patient, Merriman came back and checked on the family. And when it came time to change shifts, she made sure the patient was comfortable with her nightshift team.

“April, please know that you are making such a difference for not only the patients, but also their families,” the patient says.

Because of Merriman’s compassionate care, she was also honored with a DAISY Award.

Help us congratulate Graf and Merriman in the comment section!

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