IU Health North Hospital

06/18/2026

A father’s example in patient care -

Kenneth Hicks, a registration specialist in the Radiology department at IU Health North Hospital, is a familiar face to many. Over his 18 years with IU Health, Hicks has built strong connections—not only with colleagues and patients, but also within his own family. All four of his children have followed in his footsteps, working at the hospital in various roles.

Becoming “team members” brought a sense of pride and responsibility for Hicks, who wanted to model professionalism and compassion.

“I’m like, ‘Hey, dad works here. I need you to be on time, I need you to do this and that.’ But they've made me proud,” he says.

Hicks’ children have served in multiple areas across the organization, including Registration, Food and Nutrition Services and nursing. Seeing them pursue healthcare work and giving back to their community has been especially meaningful for him.

“It’s very inspiring, because they're giving back to the community. Seeing them see their dad's path and wanting to make a difference in somebody else's life is very rewarding,” Hicks says.

Father’s Day holds special meaning for Hicks. As a single father who raised four children, he views the day as a reflection of the values he instilled in them, both at home and in the workplace.

“For me, Father's Day means pouring into your children, teaching them kindness, teaching them respect, teaching them to think outside of themselves, teaching them to sometimes put others before their own needs. That's what I taught them when they first came to IU Health. I told them that in the hospital, you're going to have to pour into the patients, have to say a kind word, because you never know what a person is going through,” he explains.

Those same values are evident in how Hicks approaches his role each day, supporting patients with empathy and understanding.

“I think that we work in an environment where one kind word, one, ‘Can I help you?’ one gesture can change the trajectory of a person's life, if you just say something positive,” he says.

Outside of work, Hicks continues to prioritize time with his family. He enjoys running with his son, visiting farmers markets and exploring local trails.

We want to wish all dads a Happy Father’s Day!

06/12/2026

Many who walk through the doors of the IU Health Joe & Shelly Schwarz Cancer Center recognize Cathy Muse right away. From her seat at the front desk, she offers a warm greeting to each person who enters, helping patients and visitors find their way and feel at ease.

“I enjoy welcoming whoever is coming in our doors,” she says. “We have new patients and we have regular patients. It’s amazing to see their stamina and their will to do their treatments.”

Muse has been part of the IU Health North team since the hospital first opened. A few years ago, she transitioned to the IU Health Schwarz Cancer Center, where she quickly became a familiar and reassuring presence for patients navigating their care journeys.

Even after briefly retiring in 2022, Muse couldn’t stay away for long. Her passion for the hospital and the people she serves brought her back, much to the delight of patients and team members.

“Our patients here are wonderful,” she says. “They really, really are.”

06/04/2026

Registered nurses bring calm to the Emergency department -

Waiting in the Emergency department can be overwhelming for patients and their families. In those moments, a nurse who brings a sense of calm can make a lasting difference.

At IU Health North Hospital, Gavin Clinkenbeard, registered nurse, did exactly that. A patient and their family found reassurance in his presence and approach to care.

“Gavin was the first person to bring calmness into our experience. He was cheerful, attentive, helpful and paid attention to being clean in his workspace,” says the patient.

Clinkenbeard also took time to educate the patient about medications and treatment options, ensuring they felt informed and confident in their care decisions.

“His providing information and his calm, caring demeanor helped us experience less anxiety,” explains the patient.

Due to his thoughtful care, Clinkenbeard received a DAISY Award. This award honors extraordinary nurses who bring compassion and care to their patients.

Another moment of connection in the hospital’s Emergency department came from Maddie Jarrett, registered nurse, who supported a patient during a difficult time.

“Maddie said, ‘It’s going to be okay,’ as she held my hand and looked at me with her soft eyes. She just had such a calming effect,” says the patient.

As the patient’s condition worsened throughout the night, Jarrett remained a steady and reassuring presence.

“Maddie was soft-spoken and gentle. I recently lost my spouse, and as awful as I felt with abdominal pain, she stayed calm, focused and made me realize that I was safe,” says the patient.

Her support led to Jarrett also receiving a DAISY Award.

Let us know what you think of Clinkenbeard and Jarretts’ actions below.

05/27/2026

“Without them, I wouldn’t be alive”: Stroke survivor thanks his team —

Thanks to TV infomercials, Joe Loukota (pictured first) knew the classic signs of stroke—loss of balance, blurred vision, face drooping, arm weakness and difficulty speaking.

In October 2025, the 84-year-old went out to lunch with two friends. As they left the restaurant, Loukota found himself unable to speak and could only mumble.

“I never considered a stroke. It never crossed my mind,” Loukota says. “I got in my car and drove home.”

Upon arriving home, Loukota’s wife could immediately tell something was wrong. She drove him to the Emergency department at IU Health North Hospital.

Loukota’s wife asked the receptionist if he might be having a stroke. A team member in a nearby room heard the discussion, called a doctor and Loukota was immediately evaluated.

Physicians determined Loukota was having other symptoms he had not initially noticed, including subtle right-hand weakness and balance problems. Dr. Jay Bhatt (pictured second), MD, the neurologist on call that day, examined Loukota and determined that he indeed had a stroke.

“Dr. Bhatt was absolutely wonderful. He said, ‘I know you can’t talk, but just give me a thumbs up. You’ve had a stroke,’” Loukota recalls. “When I think about a stroke, I think of something that causes more problems, like you can't walk and you can't talk. But, I did have one.”

Receiving live-saving care

Loukota had an ischemic stroke, which Dr. Bhatt says is the most common type of stroke—about 85% of cases—caused by a blockage in one of the important blood vessels leading to the brain.

“The areas of the brain that receive oxygen and nutrients from this blocked blood vessel are not able to function appropriately, and as a result, Joe developed the sudden symptoms of difficulty with his speech production, right arm weakness and balance problems,” Dr. Bhatt explains.

Thanks to the quick thinking of Loukota and his wife, he arrived within the time window where the team at IU Health North was able to safely offer him Tenecteplase (TNK) injection, which is one of two "clot busting" drugs. If administered quickly enough, it can reverse the effects of a stroke.

Loukota was closely monitored in the hospital’s Intensive Care unit (ICU) for this first 24 hours of his visit and was able to leave after a few days.

“We conducted additional tests to determine why he developed the blood clot, which caused his symptoms, and planned what we could do to keep this from happening ever again,” Dr. Bhatt says.

The treatment was successful, and now almost eight months later, Loukota has no issues with the right side of his body. He still stutters sometimes or occasionally forgets a word.

While having a stroke can be a terrifying experience, he encourages other stroke survivors to keep a positive and hopeful attitude.

“I have seen stroke patients that have permanent damage, and I know I'm in the upper realm of being fortunate. But I would say to go about—as much as you can—on your daily life,” Loukota says. “The more active you stay and if you have that positive attitude, that will help you a great deal.”

Know the signs of stroke

May is National Stroke Awareness Month, and when it comes to identifying the signs and symptoms of a stroke, Susanne Crotty (pictured third), Stroke Program and Quality coordinator at IU Health North, says remember B.E.F.A.S.T.:

Balance: Dizziness or sudden loss of balance.
Eyes: Double vision or sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes.
Face drooping: Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile.
Arm weakness: Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
Speech difficulty: Is their speech slurred, are they unable to speak or are they hard to understand?
Time to call 911: If the person shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 911 to get them to the hospital immediately. Time is of the essence in stroke treatment.

“If people experience any acute stroke symptoms—even just one of these symptoms—or observe them in someone else, they should seek immediate medical assistance by calling 911,” Crotty advises. “Treatment can begin in the ambulance, and the EMS team can promptly notify the hospital. It’s advised against having family or friends drive the person to the hospital, as this may delay critical stroke treatment. Additionally, it’s essential to know which hospitals in the area are certified stroke centers, as these facilities have the right teams and resources to provide the best care for strokes.”

IU Health North recently earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® and the American Heart/Stroke Association’s Heart-Check mark for Advanced Primary Stroke Certification. This means IU Health North is qualified to provide rapid evaluation and treatment for stroke patients, with 24/7 access to stroke-trained providers, access to rapid brain imaging, possess the ability to provide clot-busting medication and, when necessary, stabilize and transfer patients to higher-level care.

Crotty adds that the common risk factors for stroke are high blood pressure, diabetes and smoking. Those that are over age 65, are female, African American, have a sedentary lifestyle, have sleep apnea or carotid artery stenosis are also at a higher risk.

“Eighty percent of strokes are preventable. By managing controllable risk factors, such as high blood pressure, maintaining a healthy weight and managing blood sugar levels or diabetes, you can significantly reduce the risk of having a stroke,” Crotty says.

As Loukota turns 85 next month, he thanks his care team at IU Health North.

“I can't speak enough for the nurses and the doctors at IU Health North. They were outstanding,” Loukota says. “Without them, I wouldn't be alive. It’s as simple as that.”

IU Health offers a variety of stroke treatment options, depending on the type of stroke and individual needs of patients. To learn more about these options and stroke symptoms, visit iuhealth.org/find-medical-services/stroke.

05/21/2026

Registered nurse finds purpose in every shift -

In the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), patients need constant, highly specialized care. That care is made possible by dedicated team members like Chase Meek, registered nurse, who are committed to supporting patients and families during some of their most critical moments.

Meek began his IU Health career at IU Health Methodist Hospital as a technician before earning his nursing degree and transitioning into a registered nurse role on the Medical-Surgical unit. Nearly two years ago, he joined IU Health North Hospital, where he now serves patients in the ICU.

“Our role is to coordinate care across multiple specialties, administer medications and support physicians during bedside procedures,” Meek explains. “It’s truly a team effort.”

That sense of teamwork is one of the things Meek values most about working in the ICU.

“We're all extremely helpful. If you're ever in over your head, you have people you can count on,” he says.

For Meek, the most meaningful part of his work is seeing the impact that collaborative, compassionate care can make.

“I feel like I make a difference in people’s lives,” he says.

Make a difference where it matters most. Explore nursing careers at careers.iuhealth.org.

05/20/2026

To make arriving at the hospital more convenient for patients and visitors, IU Health North Hospital now offers valet parking at Entrance C on the south side of the hospital.

The service runs Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. and is unavailable on weekends and holidays.

For the valet service, there is a $5 fee per day, with cash or card payment options available. There is no charge for vehicles with an ADA handicap tag.

05/11/2026

Healing doesn’t stop at hospital doors. During National Hospital Week, Dr. Michele Saysana, president of IU Health's Metro Region, reflects on the teams and community partners who help extend care far beyond our walls every day—and why that continued support matters for the patients and communities we serve.

To the 20,000 team members across the IU Health Metro Region: this week and always, thank you for all you do to care for patients, support one another and strengthen our communities with heart.

This National Hospital Week, IU Health is celebrating the people behind care and the work to make healthcare more affordable, accessible and community‑driven.

05/08/2026

Meet Dr. Elaine Cox: A non-traditional mom and a non-traditional leader —

When Elaine Cox was a child, she wanted to do one of two things: to be a writer or a doctor.

When it came time for college, Cox knew she wanted to help others and enrolled in medical school. She tried out several specialties and she found the right fit in pediatrics.

“I love kids and I love development,” she says. “When you go into pediatrics, it’s not just taking care of the sick—you're developing a person in every aspect.”

In April 2026, Cox was named interim chief operating officer of IU Health North and Fishers hospitals.

Throughout her extensive career, she’s also raised three children, which has positively impacted the way she interacts with her patients.

“I learned that parenthood is hard. I think that made me a better doctor. You may tell patients, ‘This is how you should do things, because that's what the books taught me to do,’” Cox explains. “Then you become a parent and realize we're all just doing the best we can. I think it’s an important trait, not only in a mom, but in a doctor and a leader.”

Pediatrics, infection prevention and more

Cox joined the IU Health team in 1993, following her pediatric residency with the IU School of Medicine.

She was recruited by her mentor, Robert Kleiman, MD, a world-renowned infectious disease specialist. At the time, Cox and her husband, who is also a physician, had one child, and another on the way.

Later, Cox served as chief physician executive at Riley Children’s Health, overseeing strategic initiatives, including the development of an international business plan and growth of pediatric destination services in the Middle East and China. In addition, she has also served as the chief medical officer for Riley Children’s Health, medical director for infection prevention and control and pediatric antimicrobial stewardship, and has worked as a senior advisor with U.S. News and World Report to set national standards in pediatric quality.

“I thought, ‘I'm going do this, have my kids and figure out where I want to be,’” Cox says. “I ended up with three kids, and suddenly, it had been five years, then 10 years.”

Being a parent and a practitioner

Cox always knew she wanted to be a mom. But being a practitioner and a parent hasn’t always been easy.

“When I first moved back to Indianapolis, I worked part time, and that was hard. It's like I had two jobs and didn’t feel like I was doing either one very well,” Cox says.

Two things helped her through—flexibility and community.

“My kids will tell you they spent a lot of weekends in the hospital, sitting in the training room, drawing when my husband and I were rounding,” she says.

Cox also leaned on the support of the women around her, whether it be the family’s nanny or other moms at her children’s school.

“At that time, there were a lot more moms who didn't work, and they surrounded me and said, ‘We have you,’” Cox recalls.

While it wasn’t always easy, Cox says her children become resilient and problem solvers early on.

Cox’s three children are grown now. Her eldest daughter lives in Boston with a doctorate in physical therapy. Her middle child, a son, lives in Chicago and works in human resources at the Northwestern University School of Medicine. Her youngest daughter is a medical malpractice defense lawyer.

“They're all thriving, they're all doing well—except for still being on our phone bill,” Cox jokes. “We feel really, really lucky.”

A message to mothers

As a mom herself, Cox knows there’s a ton of pressure to be a parent.

For many, parenthood or careers can easily become a large part of someone’s identity, but Cox stresses it’s important for women to hold onto the piece of themselves that sparks joy.

“The information superhighway is out there, and people see things and they think, ‘Oh, I should be doing this,’ and that’s hard,” she says. “But I think acknowledging it's hard and making sure that you do something that feeds your individual passion is important.”

Self-care is also crucial. For Cox, it’s about making sure she, as an individual, is maintained.

“When you're in the middle of it, you’re just doing it, and you don't think about, ‘How am I? Am I taking care of myself? What is my identity?’ because it will come back to you,” she says. “Keep the faith, but also, it's ok to feed your soul.”

Moving forward in the Metro Region

As Cox continues to get more comfortable with her COO role at IU Health North and Fishers, she’s excited to meet more team members and learn about the environment.

Transitioning her leadership scope to two suburban community hospitals has been a big change for Cox.

Reflecting upon her leadership within the IU Health Metro Region executive team, Cox says, “It’s helping me understand what ‘the Metro’ actually means—the different parts of it, the different challenges, the different assets that we have,” Cox says. “I think when my interim role is over, it will afford me the ability to go back and be a better advocate for the entire region.”

As a leader, Cox knows long-term success takes engagement, and it’s all about asking the right questions to inspire teams. She considers herself a non-traditional mom and a non-traditional leader, approaching both with a little controlled chaos and charisma.

“Longterm success takes people wanting to be a part of the vision you're casting,” she says. “In healthcare, the mission is often so strong that when people can see the vision, they will go all in and they will achieve beyond what you even thought.”

As always, she’s considered herself a lifelong learner.

“I thought I knew our system so well, but again I’ve learned there's a lot of layers and perspectives,” Cox says. “I found myself going home and thinking about work again. I never want to be bored, and IU Health never allows me to be bored.”

This Mother’s Day, we celebrate Cox and all mothers. Happy Mother’s Day from IU Health North!

05/07/2026

She's shaped by the nurses before her —

Growing up, Ashley Hooks always knew she wanted to go into healthcare.

She decided to become a nurse, specifically, after her grandmother suffered a heart attack in 2015. During that time, Hooks spent several weeks with her grandmother in the hospital.

“Watching all the nurses care for her made me want to be a nurse as well,” Hooks explains. “My sister is also a nurse and had previously worked at IU Health North, so I knew it was a great hospital to work at.”

Hooks, now a registered nurse, has worked at IU Health North for a little over two years, starting out on the 5C Post-Surgical unit as a new graduate nurse. She’s now a charge nurse on the unit, helping the team with her skills in patient care and administrative duties.

For Hooks, the best part of her job is helping patients.

“I love getting to help my patients heal after surgery and get back to their life again outside of the hospital,” she says.

Along with her regular responsibilities, Hooks is also involved in several nursing initiatives and groups at the hospital, including the Skin and Wound team, the Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) Advisory Council, the Mock Code team and the EPIC Clinical Alarms and Device Integration Council. She’s also chosen to be part of the 2026 Emerging Leaders program.

“I’m most proud of the CNO Advisory Council. This group gives me a chance to collaborate with team members from other units, and I can already see the steps building towards positive changes within the hospital,” Hooks says. “I’m also getting so much personal growth from each class session with the Emerging Leaders program, and I am proud to have been accepted to be a part of it as well.”

National Nurses Week, slated for May 6 – 12, is a time to recognize the vital role nurses play in patient care, healthcare leadership and community health.

This Nurses Week, Hooks has a message for her fellow nurses:

“Thank you for your support as I have grown into the nurse I am now,” she says. “I could not do my job without the excellent nurses that I work alongside, and I appreciate each of them and their dedication so much.”

She also has advice for those just entering the profession:

“You don’t know what you don’t know. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. We all have to start somewhere,” Hooks says.

Help us wish all of the nurses at IU Health North a happy Nurses Week in the comment section.

Turn your calling into a career. Explore nursing roles at careers.iuhealth.org.

05/05/2026

They helped patients feel seen and supported —

Caring for patients before and after surgery is one of the most important aspects of nursing. At IU Health North Hospital’s Pre-Operative and Post-Anesthesia Care unit, two nurses made a meaningful difference for patients during especially vulnerable moments.

One patient arrived for their first major surgery feeling understandably anxious. Ted Eads, RN, (pictured left) recognized that compassion—and sometimes laughter—can be powerful medicine.

“Ted truly changed my pre and post-surgery experience with his warmth, charm and attentive, professional care. His sense of humor lightened my spirit and kept my spouse and I laughing up through me being rolled into the operating room,” says the patient.

Eads’ attentive presence and light-hearted spirit helped ease the patient’s anxiety both before and after surgery.

“He was affable, highly professional and just such a comfort to me as he prepared me for surgery. I am so grateful Ted was part of my care team and will always appreciate his gestures of sensitivity and kindness during my hospital visit,” says the patient.

In recognition of his joyful, compassionate bedside manner, Eads was nominated for a DAISY Award. This award honors extraordinary nurses who bring compassion and care to their patients.

In the same unit, another patient was experiencing heightened anxiety and pain. Registered nurse Abigail Gaines (pictured second) was there to provide reassurance and support.

“She immediately began offering me comfort and kept me well informed of everything happening. I saw a beacon of hope and eyes filled with empathy,” says the patient.

The patient’s anxiety made it difficult to rest, but Gaines was there to watch over them.

“I have a lot of anxiety and often feel the need to watch everything myself, which makes it difficult to relax. Abigail made me feel totally comfortable and able to rest while I waited to transfer. She kept me up to date on my family, my room and Dr. Parker's comments on my surgery,” says the patient.

Gaines was also honored with a DAISY Award for her empathetic patient care.

Tell us what you think of Eads and Gaines’ actions below.