HCA Florida Raulerson Hospital

10/29/2025

We’re thrilled to announce that Carl Gaiser has been named the Frist Humanitarian Award Winner in the Volunteer category at HCA Florida Raulerson Hospital for this year’s HCA Awards of Distinction! 🏅

This prestigious award, established in 1971, celebrates individuals who go above and beyond in service to others. Carl has been volunteering at Raulerson for just over two years, and in that time, he’s become a cherished part of our hospital family—especially in the café, where his kindness and dedication shine daily.

This is what our colleagues have to say about him: “Carl has become a staple for our other volunteers, our colleagues – especially in the café – and our patients. Since his nomination was submitted, he’s even added another volunteer shift to help transport food during a kitchen upgrade—always ready to lend a hand.”

Volunteering isn’t just about giving—it’s about growing, connecting, and making a real impact. Whether you’re looking to give back, meet new people, or find purpose, volunteering is a powerful way to do it.

💙 Want to volunteer with Carl and the rest of our amazing volunteers? Check out our website today to learn more or start your volunteer journey today: https://bit.ly/47P53MQ

10/28/2025

This weekend, we proudly partnered with the Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Department for the Drug Enforcement Administration's - DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. Thank you to our community members who dropped off 192 pounds of unused and unwanted medication for safe and proper disposal, helping us on prescription drug misuse. Every pound collected is a step forward in the fight against opioid addiction.

In 2024, HCA Florida Healthcare joined local law enforcement at collection sites across the state to collect and properly dispose of more than 3,500 pounds of unused or expired medications as part of HCA Healthcare's Crush the Crisis initiative. In total, an estimated 21,000 pounds of medication, or an estimated 14.5 million doses were reclaimed.

Learn more about this event that took place at HCA Healthcare hospitals across the nation: https://bit.ly/4huMoJn.

10/27/2025

High blood pressure often goes unnoticed, but it shouldn’t. It’s a leading risk factor for heart disease, stroke and other serious health concerns.

Know the signs of a blood pressure medical emergency:
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
• Numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body
• Severe headaches
• Severe abdominal or back pain
• Shortness of breath
• Vision changes, such as blurred or double vision

If your blood pressure hits 180/120 mmHg or higher, seek emergency care immediately, especially if you experience any of these symptoms.

Need guidance? Our experienced, licensed nurses are available for free 24/7 to guide you — no judgment, just support. Call HCA Florida Healthcare's Consult-A-Nurse® line at 844-70-NURSE.

10/23/2025

Celebrating National Healthcare Facilities & Engineering Week!

This week, we proudly recognize the incredible work of our Facilities & Engineering team. They are the behind-the-scenes heroes who keep our hospital running safely and efficiently 24/7 — ensuring every system, space, and piece of equipment is ready to support exceptional patient care.

From maintaining critical infrastructure to responding in real time to urgent needs, their dedication keeps our hospital safe, welcoming, and operational for patients, visitors, and colleagues.

Please join us in thanking our outstanding Facilities & Engineering team for all they do!

10/21/2025

This International Infection Prevention Week, we proudly recognize the vital work of our Infection Preventionist, Kristin McCullough, and the entire quality team at HCA Florida Raulerson Hospital​.

Kristin’s journey is a testament to dedication and growth. She began her career here in 2010 as a Patient Care Assistant, then advanced through roles as a nurse tech, registered nurse, and charge nurse — ultimately becoming our Infection Preventionist. Over the past 15 years, Raulerson Hospital has been more than just her workplace; it’s been her home and the place where she’s grown both personally and professionally.

Infection prevention is a shared responsibility — and every colleague plays a crucial role in keeping our patients, staff, and community safe. From hand hygiene to environmental cleaning, from clinical protocols to everyday vigilance, your dedication makes a difference.

Kristin reminds us that infection prevention isn’t just about policies or checklists — it’s about protecting people. She works alongside incredible nurses, techs, and leaders who care deeply about patient safety. What she loves most is knowing that even the smallest actions, like hand washing or staff education, can have a life-changing impact.

Thank you, Kristin, and thank you to every team member who helps us build a safer, healthier future. Your commitment saves lives. 💙

10/20/2025

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there was a nearly 27% decline in drug overdose deaths in the United States in 2024. These positive strides are promising, but there's still important work ahead.

In 2024, HCA Florida Healthcare joined local law enforcement at collection sites across the state to collect and properly dispose of more than 3,500 pounds of unused or expired medications as part of HCA Healthcare's Crush the Crisis initiative. In total, an estimated 21,000 pounds of medication, or an estimated 14.5 million doses, were reclaimed.

Help HCA Healthcare by removing unneeded medications and prescription drugs from your home. Join us on Saturday, October 25, 2025, by safely and anonymously dropping off your unused and unwanted medications at HCA Healthcare facilities across the country.

Together, we can create safer, healthier communities. Learn more: https://bit.ly/48FKcwn.

10/20/2025

National Healthcare Quality Week | October 19–25, 2025

This week, we proudly celebrate the incredible work of our healthcare quality professionals at HCA Florida Raulerson Hospital!

Healthcare Quality Week shines a spotlight on the dedicated individuals who work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure safe, effective, and high-quality care for every patient, every time. These professionals are the driving force behind improved patient outcomes, enhanced safety protocols, and innovative policies that shape the future of healthcare.

👏 Let’s give a big THANK YOU to our quality and safety teams for their unwavering commitment to excellence. Your work is no longer the best-kept secret in healthcare — it’s the foundation of everything we do.

💙 Join us in recognizing their vital contributions and celebrating the discipline of healthcare quality!

10/19/2025

Heart arrhythmias, also known as heart rhythm problems, happen when the electrical signals that tell the heart when to beat and pump blood aren't working properly. An irregular heartbeat can be harmless, but other heart rhythm issues can be life-threatening. Our video breaks down the common signs and symptoms.

Take a free heart health assessment here https://bit.ly/3IV90Gl

10/18/2025

Mammograms can save lives by finding breast cancer early, when it's most treatable. Learn what to expect and go into your mammogram feeling calm and confident. Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed among women in the U.S. Each year, about 30% of all newly diagnosed cancers in women are breast cancer.

Schedule your screening mammogram with our convenient online scheduling tool. https://bit.ly/3JfRuwu

10/17/2025

Today is – a reminder to take care of yourself and encourage someone you love to do the same.

Here’s how you can take action:

📱 Schedule a with us at https://bit.ly/498SjBM or by calling 866-463-7002. Across our broader HCA Healthcare network, caregivers perform approximately 1.5 million mammograms each year, helping people take proactive steps toward early detection.

🩷 Share this post to help spread awareness and encourage others to prioritize their health too.

10/16/2025

Minor cuts and scrapes are common but knowing where to go for care can make all the difference in healing properly and avoiding complications.

Visit urgent care for wounds that may need stitches but have controlled bleeding, or when you're unsure if it's more serious. Go to the ER if bleeding won't stop, the cut is deep or contaminated, or you can see muscle or bone.

Not sure where to go? Our free, 24/7 Consult-A-Nurse® line is here to help. Call 844-70-NURSE (844-706-8773) anytime to speak with a licensed nurse for trusted advice.

Learn how to tell when a cut needs medical attention: https://bit.ly/4oJ45rl.

10/16/2025

Diabetes is a condition in which the body either does not make insulin or does not use insulin effectively, leading to high levels of sugar in the blood. Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes with as many as one in three adults over 65 likely to develop the condition according to the National Council on Aging.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) outlines common diabetic symptoms as frequent urination, increased thirst and/or hunger, fatigue, dry skin, slow-healing sores, blurry vision, increased infections and unintended weight loss.

DYK: HCA Florida Raulerson Hospital has been recognized by Healthgrades for Five-Star Recipient for Treatment of Diabetic Hospitalizations for 3 Years in a Row (2023-2025).

Think you may have diabetic symptoms or risk factors but not sure what to do next? You don’t have to figure it out alone. Our experienced, licensed nurses are available for free 24/7 to guide you — no judgment, just support. Call 844-70-NURSE (844-706-8773).

10/16/2025

Have a health question but not sure where to turn? Our Consult-A-Nurse® line is here to help—anytime, day or night.

At HCA Florida Healthcare, we show up for your health. With more than 650 affiliated sites of care, our network of hospitals, physician practices and freestanding emergency rooms ensures access wherever you are. Together, our 84,000 colleagues and 11,100 physicians remain committed to advancing the standard of care.

Whether it’s a minor concern or something more serious, you can speak directly with licensed, experienced nurses who provide trusted, professional guidance when you need it most.

Call HCA Florida Healthcare's Consult-A-Nurse® line at 844-70-NURSE (844-706-8773) for answers, advice and peace of mind.

10/15/2025

Anxiety can feel overwhelming not only emotionally but also physically. When symptoms such as chest tightness, a racing heart, or shortness of breath feel different or more intense than usual, it's safest to get checked out.

From heart and vascular care to mental health support, our emergency care colleagues throughout Florida are prepared to assist when anxiety becomes more than just stress.

If you are not sure where to turn, our free, 24/7 Consult-A-Nurse® line is here to help. Call 844-70-NURSE (844-706-8773) anytime to speak with a licensed nurse for trusted advice.

Learn more about when to seek care and how to manage anxiety: https://www.hcafloridahealthcare.com/healthy-living/blog/can-i-go-to-the-er-for-anxiety.

10/15/2025

Happy Case Management Week! This week, we proudly celebrate our incredible Case Management team at HCA Florida Raulerson Hospital — the compassionate professionals who guide our patients and their families through some of life’s most challenging moments.

Under this year’s theme, “Guiding Journeys,” we honor our case managers as the advocates, problem-solvers, and care navigators who make a lasting impact every day. Whether coordinating care transitions, connecting patients with vital resources, or helping families understand complex healthcare systems, our case managers are the steady hands and caring hearts behind better outcomes.

Their work ensures that every patient receives personalized, seamless care — from hospital to home and beyond. They are the bridge between clinical excellence and human connection.

To our Case Management team: thank you for your dedication, your empathy, and your unwavering commitment to our community. You truly make a difference.

10/15/2025

When seconds matter, HCA Florida Healthcare is here with care you can trust.

During a 5K race in Ocala, Darryl McGinnes went into cardiac arrest near the finish line. Bystanders performed CPR until he arrived at HCA Florida Ocala Hospital​, where Dr. Bryan Bush and the cardiac team performed a life-saving quadruple bypass.

“Everything that day was a miracle,” Darryl says. “I couldn’t have asked for better care.”

Now, he’s back on his feet and ready to run again.

As the state’s largest cardiovascular network, we make it easy for our patients to connect to heart, lung and vascular specialists close to home.

Concerned about your heart health? Call 833-544-5031 to connect with a cardiologist in the HCA Florida Healthcare network.

10/14/2025

Do you have cold hands or tingly feet?

These could be symptoms of a blood clot or poor circulation. According to Dr. David Woodard, a cardiologist with HCA Florida Healthcare "Clots can become dangerous if they develop where they shouldn’t. In those cases, they may slow or block blood flow, leading to poor circulation or serious complications such as stroke."

Poor circulation and blood clots both deserve attention — because your body is trying to tell you something important.

Explore the signs and symptoms of blood clots, as well as the connection between blood clots and poor circulation, on our blog: https://bit.ly/4793Tu2.

10/14/2025

10/14/2025

If you're pregnant, it’s never too early to start thinking about what you want for your labor and delivery experience.

We understand that every labor and delivery experience is unique. Whether you're looking for holistic birthing assistance or the latest technology and the assurance of a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), we're committed to providing you with the specialized care you want when you need it.

Learn how we help expectant moms become confident moms through tours, classes and events at your local hospital: https://bit.ly/478LUnu.

10/13/2025

Fighting off a stubborn cold? 😷 You might have heard that a good sweat can ease your illness – but is it true? Before you bundle up or head to the sauna, get the facts about which types of treatment may work best to help you recover: https://bit.ly/4h9rEXC.

10/13/2025

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there was a nearly 27% decline in drug overdose deaths in the United States in 2024. These positive strides are promising, but there's still important work ahead.

Help HCA Florida Raulerson Hospital and the Okeechobee County Sheriff's Office by removing unneeded medications and prescription drugs from your home. Join us at Walgreens on Saturday, October 25, 2025, by safely and anonymously dropping off your unused and unwanted medications at 100 NW Park Street from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Together, we can create safer, healthier communities. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4nO8FV1.

10/11/2025

“Too often, patients try to push through the pain, but ignoring it can make things worse," said Dr. Michael Mashura, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with HCA Florida Mercy Hospital. "The best approach is also the simplest: rest.”

Overuse of the muscles and tissues in your lower legs can lead to painful shin splints. Learn the symptoms and how to treat them on our blog: https://bit.ly/3IFPNID.

10/10/2025

Today is World Mental Health Day, a global initiative to raise awareness about the importance of mental health.

Mental health challenges are universal and can affect anyone, regardless of background or circumstance. This day serves as a reminder to foster compassion, break the stigma and advocate for stronger support systems.

For those seeking help, HCA Florida Healthcare offers a range of mental health services to support your journey to wellness. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/4h1x8U8.

Whether through professional counseling, peer support, or moments of self-care, each of us plays a role in creating a space where mental health is a priority. Together, we can build a world where everyone feels seen, heard and supported.

10/10/2025

Happy National Healthcare Food & Nutrition Services Week!

This week we are proud to celebrate the incredible Food and Nutrition Services (FANS) team members at HCA Florida Raulerson Hospital across HCA Florida Healthcare and throughout our larger HCA Healthcare network.

Every day, more than 6,300 FANS professionals across HCA Healthcare provide essential support to our patients and colleagues — preparing and serving more than 70 million meals annually. From fueling the healing journey of every patient we serve to nourishing the bodies of colleagues and visitors, FANS team members show up to promote positive health, one meal at a time. Their work is foundational to the overall care experience.

Their commitment to quality, service, and teamwork helps make every day at our hospital a little brighter (and tastier!). Please join us in thanking our amazing Food and Nutrition Services team for their essential role in caring for our patients, colleagues, and community!