Integrative Care Services (ICS)

Mercy Regional Medical Center offers programs designed to promote the balancing of mind, body and spirit through a variety of safe and gentle complementary therapies. These methods have been shown to effectively reduce anxiety and pain levels while boosting the body’s own healing process. Gentle healing arts support and enhance the excellent medical care patients receive while in the hospital and assist with maintaining health or healing progress as an out-patient.

The Touch, Love and Compassion (TLC) and Steps to Surgical Success (Steps) are offered to inpatients free of charge. Community members and outpatients may schedule appointments for Relax and Renew with Healing Therapies, Stress Management, Massage Therapy and Acupuncture services for a reasonable fee. Some services are covered by insurance.

TLC was the initial Integrative Care Services program beginning at Mercy in 2001. Created and developed by a collaborative team of nurses, chaplains, physicians and others passionate about knowing and treating the whole person with deep respect.

ICS has since developed Steps to Surgical Success Program, Relax and Renew with Healing Therapies, Awareness and Relaxation for Managing Stress, Massage Therapy and Acupuncture.

Healthcare providers, family members, and staff may refer any Mercy patient to the Integrative Care Services programs via the unit secretary. Patients may self-refer for a TLC session by asking their nurse.

Integrative Care Services Hours:

Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Weekend, four hours each day, times may vary.

Scheduling Outpatient Appointments:

Massage Therapy: (970) 764-3240

Relax and Renew with Healing Therapies: (970) 764-3240

Awareness and Relaxation for Managing Stress: (970) 764-3240

Acupuncture: (970) 769-7989

Contact Information: Tel: (970) 764-3259, Fax: (970) 764-3260 

Fees for Services: Both the TLC and Steps programs are offered at no extra cost to the patient. Other services are offered at reasonable market rates.

Touch, Love, and Compassion - TLC (no charge to inpatients)

Through healing partnerships between a patient and a TLC staff member, patients may choose one or more of the following therapies during their stay at Mercy Regional Medical Center:

• Affirmations

• Aromatherapy

• Conscious breathing

• Healing Therapy

• Imagery

• Massage

• Meditation / Prayer

• Music therapy

Steps to Surgical Success - Steps Program (no charge to surgical patients)

This program is provided for pre and post-operative patients who wish to reduce anxiety and pain while promoting healing through awareness and relaxation techniques. The patient may choose to take home pre-operatively a “Successful Surgery” guided imagery CD, lavender or unscented eye pillow, essential oil inhaler, and a customized personal healing plan, which is used in preparation for their surgery. A relaxation session is included that blends all of these together at the initial pre-op and the in-hospital post-op meeting. All the modalities available through TLC are also options with the Steps program.

Relax and Renew with Healing Therapies - The popular TLC program is now offered to family and friends of patients and the general community as an outpatient service, as well as to patients once discharged who wish to continue receiving sessions. All modalities listed in the Touch, Love and Compassion program above are offered to the client. This is a fee-for-service program. Sessions are approximately one hour in length and cost $60.

Acupuncture - Modern acupuncture, a healing methodology which involves the application of fine, individually packaged, sterile needles at specific locations on the body to promote health and wellness, is based on a system that originated in China and has been in use for approximately 5,000 years. Acupuncture complements other forms of health care and may help create a foundation for a healthy, productive life. People experiencing a variety of conditions may benefit from acupuncture. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) have reported that acupuncture may be an effective treatment for the following conditions: addiction, asthma, back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, chemotherapy nausea, fibromyalgia, headaches, menstrual disorders, myofascial pain, osteoarthritis, postoperative nausea, and post-operative pain. Mercy Regional Medical Center offers outpatient acupuncture services at its main campus in Durango and at the Mercy Building in Aztec, NM. 

Massage Therapy - Our highly qualified massage therapists use a variety of massage techniques to promote relaxation, pain relief, and overall well-being. Each massage session is tailored to suit the individual client’s specific needs and requests.  Aromatherapy, hot towels, moist heat and Healing Therapy can be incorporated into each session per the client’s preference.  Massage pricing: 30 minutes = $30, 60 minutes= $60, 90 minutes = $90. MRMC employees can receive a 20% discount on all massage services. Free 15 minute employee chair massages are available two days per week. Outpatient massage sessions are available by calling (970)764-3240 to schedule.

Awareness and Relaxation for Managing Stress - Individualized sessions explore the physical, mental and spiritual dynamics of one's life. This process allows one to discover more of his/her personal potential for self-care and healing. Consultations may include discussion, conscious breathing, gentle stretching, guided imagery, body awareness, affirmations, and meditation or prayer. The sessions are one hour in length cost $60.00.

Skilled Staff - Integrative Care Services staff members are healthcare providers who are certified graduates of the Healing Therapy program, a training program founded by Catholic Health Initiatives.  Individual team members also have educational certification in aromatherapy, massage therapy, stress management, holistic nursing and nutrition. Acupuncture is provided by a Registered Nurse Colorado state-licensed acupuncturist.

Jean Hamilton, RN
As a registered nurse since 1970, Jean has worked in a variety of hospital settings. She began her career as a scrub nurse for open heart operations at Penrose Hospital. At the University of Texas, she participated in some of the first kidney transplants and research on peritoneal / cranial shunts. In Denver, Jean worked in a pediatric intensive care and surgery. She moved to Durango 25 years ago and has worked in the Emergency Department, surgery, PACU, and Same Day Care. Currently, she is the department manager for Surgery Admission Short Stay (SASS), Post Anesthesia Care Unit, Endoscopy, and the Integrative Care Department. Contact via e-mail: jeanhamilton@centura.org

Lynda Berger, RN, HN-BC
Lynda joined the TLC staff in March 2010 after 4 years in Cardiac Diagnostics here at Mercy Regional Medical Center.  Her journey to holistic nursing approach began just prior to nursing school with a deep sense of calling to help patients experiencing pain, anxiety or stress.  She began her nursing career in Cardiac Diagnostics working with issues of the heart.  Following her heart to a more holistic approach one thing followed another as she became a Healing Therapy Practitioner through the year-long training at Mercy, became a Board Certified Holistic nurse, co-teaches Healing Therapy classes to healthcare professionals and interested community members and together with fellow TLC team members, co-presented Mercy’s “Steps to Surgical Success” at the National Holistic Nurse Association Conference in June 2011. As she listens to her call of holistic healing work she feels led in her faith walk with God to work with patients utilizing healing therapy techniques such as guided imagery, aromatherapy, conscious breathing, prayer/blessing and touch, as she strives to support the patient’s healing process.  Lynda Berger graduated locally from Pueblo Community College’s Registered Nurse program through the Durango Southwest Campus.   She also holds certifications in ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) and BLS (Basic Life Support), and is a member of the American Holistic Nurse Association.  Contact via e-mail: lyndaberger@centura.org

Suzanne Bolton, RN HN-BC
As a registered nurse since 1971, Suzanne has worked in many diverse settings including Intensive Care, Cardiac Rehabilitation, Medical/Surgical nursing and Hospice. Suzanne is certified in holistic nursing, stress management, integrative aromatherapy and is a certified instructor for Catholic Health Initiatives's Healing Therapy program. Being a member of the TLC team is a dream come true for her. It allows her to use her knowledge of the gentle healing arts to help facilitate healing by creating a safe and sacred space for her clients. Suzanne acknowledges and honors the resources her clients already have and offers new insights and techniques to assist them in pain management and relaxation. Her intention is to be a healing presence that listens, supports and empowers her clients to make healthy lifestyle choices. Being a member of the American Holistic Nurses Association since 1985 has provided Suzanne with the inspiration, education, and resources to assist in the transformation of the nursing profession and the healthcare environment. Contact via e-mail: suzannebolton@centura.org

Michele de’Medici, M.Ac; Dipl. Ac (NCCAOM); L. AC.; RN; HTC
Michele has had Psychiatric, Obstetric, and Home Health Nursing experience since 1977. She has been employed as a staff member at MRM from 1992-1999.  Michele returned to Mercy in November 2010 to assume the Acupuncture position vacated by her friend and colleague, Mary Ellen Albright L. Ac; RN.  Mary Ellen had developed the Acupuncture program as part of the Integrative Care Services Department at MRMC from 2006-2010.Michele has had private practice experience as an Acupuncturist since 1986.  She received her Master’s degree in Acupuncture at the TAI-Sophia Institute in Columbia, Maryland.  She received additional training at Leamington Spa in England, and in clinics in San Francisco, California, and NYC. Michele is board certified through the National Commission for the Certification of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. She was a licensed practitioner in California.  She is licensed in Colorado, and obtained a Doctor of Oriental Medicine in New Mexico in 2010.  She is also certified in Healing Therapy. Michele can be contacted for appointments via email at:  micheledemedici@centura.org

Melinda Mical, RN, NMT, CLT
As a professional massage therapist since 1984, Melinda has practiced skills in relating healing self-care and relaxation methods to clients. She brought these skills into her career as a Registered Nurse where she perceived the benefit of a more balanced (holistic) approach to the healing opportunities available to patients in the hospital setting. As part of the team, she participated in the process of envisioning and creating the Mercy TLC program. She has continued this by developing the Steps to Surgical Success and the Relax and Renew with Healing Therapies programs. During this time she has studied and practiced the healing arts of guided imagery and aromatherapy and specializes in treatment of lymphedema. She is certified as a Healing Therapy practitioner. Melinda offers herself as a companion and facilitator on the healing journey of her patients and clients. Contact via e-mail: melindamical@centura.org

Myra Miller, MA, RD, CDE, CMT
Myra is a Certified Massage Therapist, certified Healing Therapy practitioner, Registered Dietitian, and Certified Diabetes Educator.   Myra has worked for Mercy Regional Medical Center for many years and holds a Master’s Degree in counseling. She has blended her years of working with nutrition, massage, psychotherapy, and health promotion with her strong belief in the mind-body-spirit connection to enhance the healing experience of her clientele. Contact via e-mail: myramiller@mercydurango.org

Janet E. Wilson, RN, MS, HN-BC
As a holistic nurse, Janet offers complementary services as a TLC team member. She is certified in healing therapy through Catholic Health Initiatives and stress management through Inspiration Unlimited and Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D. She obtained additional training through Healing Touch Spiritual Ministry. Her master's degree was conferred by the University Of Colorado School Of Nursing. She assists in exploring one's values, purpose and healing potential through awareness, relaxation and integrative healing therapies. Contact via e-mail: janetwilson@centura.org

Diane Donavan, RN 
Diane has practiced as a registered nurse since 1974 and a nurse anesthetist since 1979. She graduated from Cornell University School of Nursing with a BSN and Tufts-New England Medical Center School for Nurse Anesthetists. After retiring to Durango in 1998 and volunteering in the Wellness Center at Mercy, she completed the year-long Healing Therapy certification program offered by Catholic Health Initiatives in 2004. She is a volunteer with the TLC program. Her intention is to support patients in their healing journey with care and compassion.

Healing Therapy Certification:  Mercy's Integrative Care Services offers a Certification in Healing Therapy by trained staff endorsed by Catholic Health Initiatives. This is a year-long course with attendance of three two-day workshops during that year. Attendance of a one-day Introduction to Healing Therapy course is required prior to entry into the course. Graduates of this program have gone on to practice the healing arts in other areas of the Durango community and beyond. Many of them volunteer their time, providing TLC to Mercy Regional Medical Center staff members. For information regarding Healing Therapy certification call 970-764-3259.

Gift Shop gift certificates for outpatient TLC and acupuncture may be obtained at Mercy Regional Medical Center's gift shop and at the cashier's desk. Eye pillows, books, CDs, and labyrinth materials are also for sale in the Gift Shop.

The Integrative Care Services welcomes donations for its programs, made through the Mercy Health Foundation. Please specify the Integrative Care services and you may further designate funds for the development of education, supplies or programs.