Teamwork Leads to Expanded Availability for Echocardiograms
Jessica is a Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer in the Harrison County Hospital Diagnostic Imaging Center. Jessica completes echocardiograms for our patients. An echocardiogram uses ultrasound to create images of the heart, allowing doctors to evaluate how well the heart is functioning. It can help diagnose conditions such as heart failure, blood clots, and heart valve disease. The test produces live images that show blood flow through the heart and its valves.
Several years ago, Jessica was the department’s only Echo Tech. Although Harrison County Hospital offered echocardiograms five days a week, there was a need for another trained staff member to provide coverage when Jessica was unavailable. McKenzie, a registered ultrasound technologist, expressed an interest in learning to perform echocardiograms. Her options were to attend an echo program in Southern Indiana or receive on-the-job training from Jessica. Because these programs are often highly competitive and expensive, McKenzie completed her training with Jessica and became qualified to help fill coverage gaps.
More recently, Ian, a radiology technologist assistant in the Diagnostic Imaging department, approached Diagnostic Imaging Manager Jamie about opportunities to cross-train in echocardiography. Jamie recognized Ian’s potential and saw an opportunity to expand weekend echo coverage. This would allow the hospital to complete these important exams sooner and keep patients at Harrison County Hospital rather than delaying their care or transferring them elsewhere.
“I trained Ian, who had a bachelor’s degree in general studies, from no heart experience, so we started with the basics,” said Jessica. “Ian had homework every week and quizzes. His training took about nine months to a year, and Ian picked it up very quickly. I was really proud of how fast he was able to pick up scanning.”
With his training complete and now performing echocardiograms independently, Ian plans to obtain his echo registry through the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).
Jamie, Diagnostic Imaging Manager, said, “This team is amazing. We can now provide echocardiograms seven days a week at the hospital. This is much better for our patients because it allows us to keep their care close to home and complete these important studies more quickly. Our doctors are also pleased to have the results available sooner.”
The department typically performs approximately six echocardiograms each day, with each study taking 45–60 minutes. So far this year, the team has completed 800 echocardiograms.
The team emphasized that cross-training employees to perform these studies is important because, first and foremost, they want to do what is best for the community.
“We have a great team,” Jessica said. “I feel comfortable knowing that Ian has McKenzie’s and my back by performing these vital studies on the weekends.”
(Pictured left to right: McKenzie, Ian, Jessica)
Important Update for Patients of Women’s Healthcare of Southern Indiana
Effective August 3, 2026, Women’s Healthcare of Southern Indiana is officially changing its name to Harrison County Hospital Gynecology. While our name is changing, please rest assured that everything else remains exactly the same. You will continue to see the same physicians, providers, and friendly staff you know and trust. Our commitment to providing exceptional, compassionate gynecological care to our patients remains our highest priority.
As part of this transition, we are also upgrading our online patient portal to Your Health Link. Your Health Link will allow you to securely request appointments, view lab results, communicate with our care team, and manage your health records seamlessly.
- If you are a current Harrison County Hospital patient and are already signed up to use Your Health Link, you won’t need to do anything. Your HCH Gynecology records will now begin to appear in Your Health Link.
- If you are not already signed up for Your Health Link, you will receive an invitation at your next appointment. Should you like to go ahead and get signed up, you may contact the Health Information Department at Harrison County Hospital at 812-738-7885 and we will be happy to assist you.
If you have an upcoming appointment, please arrive as scheduled, as no additional action is needed on your part regarding your care. Thank you for trusting us with your healthcare needs. We truly appreciate your continued partnership and look forward to seeing you at your next visit.
Warm regards,
The Team at Harrison County Hospital Gynecology
Crystal’s Journey
Crystal started her journey at Harrison County Hospital in 2019 as a PRN Housekeeper. Wanting more hours, she became part of the full-time housekeeping staff in the Emergency Department soon after that. Crystal was actually the first housekeeper to terminally clean a COVID room in 2020, which she described as being a pretty scary thing at the time.
Crystal was then promoted to Laundry Coordinator and was in that position for two years. Monty, who manages our Center for Sleep Disorders, and Carl, our Environmental Services manager and Crystal’s boss, were having lunch together one day in the hospital cafeteria. Crystal approached Carl to discuss an issue that she was facing in her role. It was this interaction in which Monty said he “saw something in Crystal.” Monty said, “She approached Carl with a problem but wasn’t looking to him to solve it; she was already thinking of ways that the issue could be resolved.”
After the exchange, Monty spoke to Carl about how he saw potential in Crystal and if he would be opposed to seeing if Crystal might be interested in training to work in the Sleep Lab. Carl, always wanting to see his employees advance, was supportive.
Crystal explained that one day at work, Monty and Carl approached her, and Monty asked if she wanted to learn how to do sleep. Crystal said it was an opportunity that she couldn’t pass up.
Crystal began an education program called A-STEP online, and also through collaboration at Norton Healthcare, she was able to go there to do her hands-on training for nearly a year. Crystal returned home to HCH, where she completed more on-the-job training, shadowed Dr. Michael Bonacum our Sleep Medicine Specialist, and did lots of studying and took her RPSGT test in May. Crystal passed the exam on the first try.
“Crystal has demonstrated such an inspiring commitment to becoming a member of our sleep team and to seeking and achieving her professional potential as a Registered Sleep Technologist,” said Dr. Bonacum. “It is my privilege to have encouraged her to ‘take the leap’ and to participate in her ongoing growth as a sleep health professional! I am thankful to HCH for its part in coordinating resources from outside our institution to provide the curriculum support for her training.”
Crystal is now a Registered Polysomnographic Technologist and is working full-time in the Harrison County Hospital Center for Sleep Disorders. Monty stated simply, “I’m just really proud of her!”
If you or someone you know is struggling with sleep and is ready to take the next step, you may begin by calling Dr. Michael Bonacum’s office, Corydon Medical Associates, at 812-738-8136.
Tracey’s Breast Cancer Journey
Tracey, of Brandenburg, admittedly had let her screening mammogram slip over the past few years, busy being a mom and a nurse. One morning, Tracey felt something in her breast, so she conferred with her co-workers and called her doctor. She and her doctor were trying to get her mammogram scheduled quickly, and Tracey said the only reason that she ended up at Harrison County Hospital was that she was able to get an appointment here the fastest.
After Tracey’s mammogram and diagnosis, she went to see an oncologist and asked for a referral to Dr. Karen Johnson Brunkhorst, here at HCH. Dr. Brunkhorst had done Tracey’s niece’s double mastectomy at another hospital, and Tracey had only heard how wonderful she was. Tracey said that it was by accident that she found Dr. Brunkhorst. While she had heard of her, it was having her mammogram at HCH that brought them together.
After consulting with Dr. Brunkhorst, Tracey wasn’t fully set on her plan, and went to another surgeon. She felt like she didn’t connect with that surgeon and returned to Dr. Brunkhorst. After going over all of her options with Dr. Brunkhorst, on April 14, Tracey underwent a bilateral mastectomy with sentinel node biopsy at Harrison County Hospital and went home 19 hours later.
This week we sat down with Tracey and Dr. Brunkhorst. Tracey just visited her oncologist, and this week she sees her radiation oncologist.
Tracey has had a great support system, which includes her friend, co-worker, and fellow nurse Abby, from Vine Grove, KY, who has accompanied her to many appointments. Abby admitted that when Tracey told her the plan, she doubted going to a small hospital to undergo this surgery. Tracey told her, “It’s okay, I have the best surgeon!” Abby came to that first appointment and expressed that she couldn’t believe that this beautiful hospital is located right here in Corydon.
Abby said she went home after meeting Dr. Brunkhorst and told her husband, “We now have a surgeon for our family in Harrison County!” Her husband replied, “Where is Harrison County?” Abby happily informed him about the “hidden gem of a hospital” that she and Tracey had discovered in Corydon.
Tracey and Abby agreed that Dr. Brunkhorst has been absolutely wonderful. “Dr. Brunkhorst is such an advocate for her patients. She’s able to get on the patient’s level and takes her work very personally.” Tracey and Abby described Dr. Brunkhorst as relatable, patient-focused, and a perfectionist. Tracey, we wish you the best with your continued recovery and thank you for sharing your story of how our small, community hospital provided you with the best, most personal care during a trying time.
IMPORTANT SECURITY NOTICE: Phone Scams
IMPORTANT SECURITY NOTICE: Phone Scams
Please be aware that individuals are currently conducting spam calls and falsely identifying themselves as Harrison County Hospital staff.
Harrison County Hospital will never ask for sensitive financial information or Social Security numbers over an unsolicited phone call.
If you are contacted by someone claiming to be from the hospital and the call feels suspicious, please hang up and call the hospital directly at 812-738-4251 or your doctor’s office using a verified phone number. Do not provide any information to the caller.
If you feel that you may have fallen victim to a scammer, we encourage you to contact your financial institution or your local Sheriff’s department.
Jenny’s story
A stroke doesn’t just affect a person’s health; it reshapes their entire world. For Jenny, a Corydon local, that journey began this past January when she arrived at the Harrison County Hospital Emergency Department.
What started as a frightening medical emergency turned into a long, challenging road to recovery. After her initial stay, Jenny was transferred to an intensive rehabilitation facility. However, while there, the full impact of the stroke began to surface. Jenny lost mobility on her left side, and her coordination and balance faltered. When her time at the facility was up, Jenny faced a heartbreaking reality: she wasn’t ready to go home.
That’s when Jenny returned to Harrison County Hospital to enter our Swing Bed Rehabilitation Program. Designed for patients who need an extended recovery period after a hospital stay, the program provides a “bridge” between intensive care and independent living.
Jenny spent 57 days with us, following a plan tailored specifically to her needs. The program allows for a tailored recovery plan that includes physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, respiratory therapy, pharmaceutical therapy, nutrition services, and care provided by nurses and physicians.
“My team has done fabulous work,” Jenny shared on her final day. “I don’t think I would be this far if I hadn’t come here.”
Jenny’s schedule was rigorous: six days of physical therapy and five days of occupational therapy every week. Her therapists, Annette and Caroline, focused on the practical skills that reclaim a life:
- Restoring Movement: Working to bring life back to her left hand and ankle with muscular strengthening, electric modalities, and the support of adaptive equipment.
- Daily Living: Practicing “pinch and grip” movements for dressing and bathing.
- Real-World Readiness: Navigating curbs, practicing car transfers, and walking on uneven outdoor surfaces.
- Home Skills: Mastering light housekeeping to ensure she could manage on her own.
“Jenny is so motivated,” said Annette, her Occupational Therapist. Caroline, her Physical Therapist, agreed: “A lot of people with Jenny’s level of impairment might lose heart, but Jenny always had an end goal in mind. We’ve had a lot of fun together.”
That dedication paid off. Last week, Jenny reached her goal: she was discharged home. While Jenny’s time at Harrison County is over, her story is just beginning. She is moving to Michigan to be closer to her family, where she will continue her progress through outpatient therapy. Most importantly, she’s getting back to the things she loves—bingo, crafting, and diving into a good historical fiction novel.
As she prepared for her move, Jenny had one final message for her neighbors in Corydon: “I’d recommend this hospital to anyone!”
To learn more about the Swing Bed Rehabilitation Program at Harrison County Hospital, visit www.hchin.org/swingbed
Congratulations, Dr. Bodney!
On Friday, we celebrated the career of Dr. Stephen Bodney at a retirement celebration marking 27 years of dedicated service to Harrison County Hospital and our community.
Dr. Bodney attended Indiana University where he received a BA in Chemistry and a BA in Biological/Life Sciences. He attended the Indiana University School of Medicine, where he graduated in 1985. Dr. Bodney completed a Surgical Internship and then Surgical Residency at William Beaumont Army Medical Center in El Paso, TX.
Dr. Bodney’s esteemed military services includes Army Medical Department Officer, Flight Surgeon and Combat Casualty Care & Advanced Medical Leadership Training.
Honors, Awards & Distinctions:
Meritorious Service Medal
Army Commendation Medal
National Defence Service Medal
Armed Forces Reserve Medal
Army Service Ribbon
Overseas Ribbon
Multinational Forces & Observers Medal
Flight Surgeon Wings
Dr. Bodney has held the roles of Chief of Surgery, Chief of Medical Staff, Medical Director for Harrison County Hospital EMS, Physician Advisor for SWAT/Emergency Response Team.
Professional service includes President of the Indiana Chapter of the American College of Surgeons, Board of Directors of the Harrison County Hospital Foundation, Chairman of the Cancer Care Committee, Chairman of the Tumor Board, and Physician Assistance Officer, and Board of Trustees for Harrison County Hospital.
Dr. Bodney and his wife Jeannie have retired to Bloomington, IN. His hobbies include fishing, shooting sports, bicycling, camping, home brewing, military vehicle preservation and information technology.
Dr. Bodney, we extend our deepest gratitude for your many years of dedication and serving others! Best wishes for retirement!
Swing Bed Program Celebrates 50th Patient!
Our Swing Bed Rehabilitation Team celebrated their 50th patient today! Congratulations to Calvin and our entire team on this milestone. Staff planned a party to mark the occasion!
Calvin explained that he chose the Harrison County Hospital Swing Bed Rehabilitation program for the convenience of the surgeon, physical therapist, occupational therapist, and any additional testing that may be needed. Calvin’s goal in joining the Swing Bed program was to be able to walk without pain. Calvin said they live in an older home, and it was important for him to learn how to navigate it.
Calvin described his overall experience as a Swing Bed patient as fantastic! “Everyone was so wonderful,” he said. “If they could see I was worrying about something, they would talk with me.” Calvin continued, “I would like to say to all the staff, you were great and went above and beyond.”
What is a Swing Bed program?
The Harrison County Hospital Swing Bed Rehabilitation Program provides care to patients who require extended recovery time after their hospital stay. Patients can receive continued care closer to home. The Swing Bed program allows for a tailored recovery plan, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, respiratory therapy, pharmaceutical therapy, nutrition services, and care provided by nurses and physicians. Harrison County Hospital Swing Bed Rehabilitation Program promotes improved recovery options, access to care, and supports a safe transition to home to prevent readmission to the hospital.
Learn more about the Swing Bed Rehabilitation Program at https://www.hchin.org/services/swingbed/
Welcoming our new Physical Therapist, Caroline!
We are excited to welcome a new therapist to the Harrison County Hospital Rehabilitation & Therapy Services, Caroline Elliott, PT, DPT.
Caroline is originally from Jeffersonville, IN. She attended undergraduate studies at Indiana State University, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and a minor in Massage Therapy. She returned to the area to complete her Doctorate of Physical Therapy at Bellarmine University.
Through their program, Caroline was able to complete a cadaveric research study with three classmates exploring anatomical variations with the brachial plexus and how they could contribute to patients with thoracic outlet syndrome. She also had the opportunity to travel to Belize last January to collaborate with physical therapists in their country to exchange knowledge and treat patients.
Outside of work, Caroline volunteers as a mentor for high school students who are a part of the Youth Philanthropy Council through the Community Foundation of Southern Indiana. Caroline assists them in understanding and participating in the grant cycle and connecting with the non-profits that benefit from these funds in the Clark and Floyd County communities.
She also works weekends at a yoga studio in Louisville, KY, and loves to practice there throughout the week. When Caroline’s not busy with all that, you can find her spending time with her fiancé, Daniel, and cat Ollie. She loves to hike, kayak, tent camp, and spend time outdoors.
You will see Caroline working with inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation patients, and working with patients in our Swing Bed Program.