New Director of Nurses at GTEC- Orange

Annie has lived in Southeast Texas since the fourth grade. She graduated from WOS high school in 2005 and received her Bachelor of Science in nursing from Lamar University in 2011.  She is married to her high school sweetheart Jared Kovatch, and the pair have settled in Orangefield to raise their two children Annalise and Maverick. Outside of work, Annie loves spending time outdoors hiking, gardening, and running. She is also an avid Crossfitter, foodie, and holistic lifestyle enthusiast. Annie and her family love to vacation together, and by 2021 the crew hopes to have a trip overseas in the works. 

Annie Kovatch, RN, BSN

Golden Triangle Emergency Center, Orange is honored and pleased to announce that Annie Kovatch R.N, B.S.N., has taken over as the new Director of Nursing; a critical position on the facility’s administrative team. Annie began her career with GTEC in 2014 at the Port Arthur facility. She quickly earned her way up to the position of Charge Nurse, and in 2017 was offered the opportunity to open a brand-new facility in Beaumont as their Director of Nursing. Her journey with the company has amassed her a wealth of knowledge, experience and expertise. Orange is fortunate to have her serving the community she also calls home.

A longtime advocate for healthcare, Annie has been active in serving her community since high school. She was a member of HOSA and joined the workforce as an Emergency Room Nurse as quickly as she could in 2008. She has special training in the CVICU, is a member of the Emergency Nurses Association, and the Texas Nurses Association. She has worked closely with clubs in our community, and uses her bilingual skills to bridge communication gaps among Latino populations and their healthcare providers. 

In the next five years, Annie is looking to help GTEC expand its role in emergency care in the community. Orange county covers 380 square miles and is home to a population of approximately 82,000 people. Left without a hospital and only two free-standing ER’s to provide life-saving 24/7 emergency care, she is committed to working to ensure each citizen is aware of the resources GTEC can provide while continuing to evolve and improve on the gold standard of care the GTEC name prides itself on. “I’m so excited to learn and grow with this company in Orange County,” said Annie at her first staff meeting. “This is my home and I am proud to serve be able to serve it in this capacity.”

We are ecstatic to add Annie Kovatch to the GTEC team and are excited for the future. If you need to contact her please reach out to the facility at 409-920-4470.

Article Written by: Christina Segura

Employee of the Quarter April 2019

To receive this distinguished award we look for an employee who goes above and beyond their job requirements. Someone who is always looking for a way to better themselves, the people around them and this company. This individual has done just that.

We would like to congratulate Erica Lowe on being the employee of the quarter. She is a patient representative for GTEC Port Arthur, and has been with the company for 4 years. She graduated from Abraham Lincoln High School in 2001 and has worked a variety of jobs before finder her niche at GTEC. Her job entails: registering patients, quality patient care, handling inquiries about insurance and patient records, as well keep supplies and files stocked for front desk use. She goes above and beyond for this company to make other employees and patients happy and taken care of to her best ability. She is always smiling and willing to help in any way possible. Erica works extremely hard not just for GTEC but in her other jobs to make sure her kids are taken care of and want for nothing.

Erica is a mom of three, one son and 2 daughters. She loves going to the movies, eating at marble slab, reading books and movie and game night with her kiddos. Erica loves and is devoted to her kids, who have always been her biggest blessing and accomplishment.

Upon receiving this award, the employee will receive a certificate of recognition, their picture hung on the “Wall of Fame”, their own parking space for 90 days, 12 hours of paid time off, and their name is considered for employee of the year. Congratulations again Erica Lowe!

RN and LVN Scholarships Spring 2019

Golden Triangle Emergency Center is offering a Scholarship to an LVN and RN student from both Lamar State College Port Arthur and Lamar State College Orange.

To apply you must be enrolled in the Registered Nursing Program or the Licensed Vocational Nursing program, have at least a 3.0 GPA, submit a transcript, resume, and 800 word essay describing why you should be chosen for this award, why you chose nursing for your career and your plans for the future upon graduation.

Application deadline is April 24th for Orange and April 26th for Port Arthur. The LVN winners will receive $250 and the RN winners will receive $500. Good Luck

GTEC Annual Coloring Contest

Golden Triangle Emergency Center invites children in K-5 grade to participate in our 4th annual coloring contest. Please turn in the artwork to Golden Triangle Emergency Center (8035 Memorial Blvd Port Arthur, TX 77640) or Golden Triangle Emergency Center Orange (3107 Edgar Brown Drive Orange, TX 77630) by April 17th with the child’s name, grade, school, and phone number legible on the back. There will be a boy and a girl winner from K-2 grade and 3-5 grade. The winners will be announced on Thursday April 18th. Each winner will win an Easter Basket filled with Easter goodies that can be picked up at Golden Triangle Emergency Center.

5th Annual GOLF UNITED Golf Tournament 2019

All tournament proceeds will be donated to the United Ways of Mid and South Jefferson Country & Orange Country

Golden Triangle Emergency Center and the United way of Mid and South Jefferson and Orange Country are happy to be hosting their 5th Annual Gold United Gold Tournament.

Registration / Sponsorship:

To register or be a sponsor please click here.

# Available Item Name/Description Price
32 Team Sponsorship $300
18 Hole Sponsorship $125
01 Breakfast Sponsor $100
01 Trophy Sponsor $300
02 Drink Sponsor $500
01 Longest Drive $200
01 Closest to the pin $200
02 Hole in One Sponsor $500

How to Get Heart Healthy with Our Doctors for American Heart Month

Every year, over 780,000 men and women die from heart disease – this makes heart disease the leading cause of death in the U.S.

But did you know that heart disease can be prevented in many cases?

During this American Heart Month, we’re going to hear more from one of our own physicians, Dr. Brad Barton, on heart disease prevention and how to recognize signs of heart disease.

 


How do I know if I have heart, or cardiovascular, disease?

The best way to determine if you have heart disease is to visit your physician and discuss any of your concerns, but you can also evaluate your personal risk.

If you have any of the following risk factors, you have increased chances of heart disease.

  • Over the age of 40
  • High blood pressure
  • Overweight
  • High Cholesterol
  • Current smoker
  • Diabetes
  • Family history

You may also experience symptoms, but many individuals with heart disease won’t until a serious attack or episode, says Dr. Barton.

Some of these symptoms include:

  • Chest pain, discomfort or a feeling of anxiety and rapid heart beat
  • Chronic nausea, indigestion, or heart burn
  • Dizziness
  • Unusually loud snoring
  • Constant fatigue or easily exhausted
  • Swollen legs, feet or ankles

These symptoms can also be attributed to many other, non-life threatening conditions, but it’s important to be aware of potential signs.

I feel fine, so I probably don’t have heart disease, right?

 Oftentimes, patients experience no or few symptoms with heart disease until an attack or other cardiovascular episode. It’s important to be educated about your personal risk and make regular appointments with your physician to ensure your heart health.

What sort of exercises and dietary changes can I make to help prevent heart disease?
Dr. Barton recommends doing anything that gets you moving, eating less saturated fats and avoiding sugary, overly-processed foods. Just make sure any physical activity is approved by your physician beforehand, especially if you’re engaging in intense exercise.

The Heart Foundation recommends engaging in aerobic exercise on a regular basis, either thirty minutes, five days a week at a moderate level, or twenty minutes, three days a week at a vigorous level.

What conditions does heart disease cause?

Besides heart attack, heart disease leads to many other serious, even life-threatening conditions.

Some of the include:

  • Coronary artery disease
  • High blood pressure
  • Congestive heart failure
  • Arrhythmia
  • Peripheral artery disease
  • Stroke

 


Making even small changes to your everyday routine can significantly lower your chances of heart disease. To learn more about heart disease, visit this page.

What changes are you making to protect your heart health? Let us know!

Nutex Health, Inc supports you and your family’s health. You can depend on Golden Triangle Emergency Center or any one of our concierge-level, freestanding emergency facilities to deliver the emergency care you deserve, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

How to Stay Healthy During This Holiday Season

With every holiday season, comes the threat of coughs, colds and more serious illnesses, like influenza. We want the members of our community to enjoy the holidays, not be stuck in bed with a fever or the sniffles.

Hear from one of our board certified emergency physicians, Dr. Crossley, on some common flu myths, treatments and how to determine if you’ve got the flu, or just a cold.


How to Stay Healthy During This Holiday Season

Q: Does getting the flu vaccine mean I can’t get flu?

A: A common misconception is that you can’t get the flu if you’ve had a flu shot. The flu shot protects you from some, but not all strains of the flu.

This is why it’s important to get your flu vaccine every year. Even if you’ve been immunized, it’s possible you can get the flu, although unlikely. You can ask your physician about how the vaccines have been altered to protect against the newest strains of influenza or visit the CDC’s page on the 2016-2017 flu season.

Q: How do I know if I have the flu or just a common cold?

A: It’s hard to know if you have just a cold or the flu. With the flu, more serious symptoms will be present, like a fever and body aches. If you’re unsure, get yourself checked out by a physician.

You may also experience the following symptoms with influenza.

  • Headaches
  • Fatigue and drowsiness
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dehydration

Your body is working overtime while you’re sick to fight off the illness. Don’t push yourself to do anything strenuous, like exercise or you may worsen your condition.

Q: How do I protect myself from flu?

A: The best prevention against the flu is to wash your hands and get the flu shot.

If you’re not sure about where to wash your hands, check out our infographic!

Q: What should I be doing at home while I’m resting with the flu?

A: Some at home remedies that can speed up your recovery are rest, lots of clear fluids, and chicken noodle soup.

While chicken noodle soup has no proven medicinal properties, you can’t underestimate the power of a warming, homemade meal. Just avoid the canned version as it contains lots of sodium. Plus, it’s easy on your stomach, which means you won’t worsen any nausea and you’ll be replacing vital nutrients.


What’s your favorite show to watch while you’re sick? Do you catch up on any holiday movies? Let us know in the comments!

Nutex Health, Inc. supports you and your family’s health. Come visit Golden Triangle Emergency Center or any one of our concierge-level freestanding facilities for the emergency care you deserve, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. 

How to Get Rid of Germs in 20 Seconds

A cup of cocoa, a crackling fire and a roast ham.

The holidays should be spent with friends and loved ones, not sick with a virus or infection. Learn how to properly wash your hands with our tips during this National Hand Washing Week and don’t miss out on making any memories!

  • Lather for at least 20 seconds before rinsing your hands, and don’t forget to wash in between fingers and under your nails.
  • Teach kids to hum the ‘Happy Birthday,’ song twice so they know when they’re done.
  • Bring disinfectant wipes with you to restaurants if you’ve got kids so you can wipe down any visibly dirty surfaces.

Not sure where you should be washing? Check out our guide below.

How to Get Rid Germs in 20 Seconds

 


Want to learn more? Check out the CDC’s tips for hand washing. 

Nutex Health, Inc. supports you and your family’s health. Come visit Golden Triangle Emergency Center or any one of our concierge-level freestanding facilities for the emergency care you deserve, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. 

GTEC Announces the Winners of the 2016 LVN and RN Scholarships

Golden Triangle Emergency Center is dedicated to providing the highest excellence in medical care, which in turn calls for the very best nurses, doctors, and medical personnel. In addition to staffing our emergency centers with these top quality, expert professionals, GTEC also realizes that it is of vital importance to support the next generation of medical experts. That is why we are pleased to encourage nursing students with our scholarship program, which awards financial support to worthy applicants. The scholarships are for students enrolled in a Licensed Vocational Nursing Program or a Registered Nursing Program at Lamar State College Port Arthur and Lamar State College Orange.

The Scholarship Winners

We are pleased to announce that the Winners of this year’s scholarships are:

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Alexis Collier

Alexis Collier for Lamar State College Port Arthur, LVN scholarship.

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Eva Saucedo

Eva Saucedo for Lamar State College Port Arthur, RN scholarship.

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Kaleigh Carter

Kaleigh Carter for Lamar State College Orange, LVN

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Angel Maze

Angel Maze for Lamar State College Orange, RN

Scholarship Eligibility Requirements

These scholarship winners and all applicants had to meet the following list of eligibility requirements to apply:

  • Must be a currently enrolled, full-time student
  • Must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • Must submit a school transcript
  • Must submit a resume
  • Must submit an 800-word essay detailing why they have chosen to pursue a career in nursing, what plans they have for the future, and why they should be chosen to receive the scholarship

The LVN scholarship awards $250.00 and the RN scholarship awards $500.00.

Golden Triangle Emergency Center is proud to provide these amazing students with scholarships. We look forward to seeing how their careers in nursing develop over the coming years and we know that they have a bright future ahead of them. Thank you, ladies, for all your hard work and best wishes in the future!