Pulse- August Edition - Recognition Professionals International

Transitions
Leslie Dalton leads Clinical Education team
Leslie Dalton, Director of Pediatrics/Women’s, has changed hats to become Director of Clinical
Education. This is the first time that Leslie will not be working on a patient unit. As director of Clinical
Education, Leslie is responsible to collaborate with leadership in making sure that all education
objectives are met and that they are in line with YRMC’s strategic organizational goals. Clinical
Education works with all types of clinical staff to evaluate the needs of the community and make sure
YRMC has the resources to have better patient outcomes.
“It’s a challenging opportunity to help develop educational program that help others see the importance
of aligning with the strategic goals,” Leslie said. She plans to focus on moving the clinical educators
closer to the bedside so they can evaluate and assist with the education needs of YRMC’s clinical staff.
As a founding member of the Interdisciplinary Practice Council (IPC), Leslie has been working on policies and procedures that
affect the patient care units hospital-wide for more than 10 years. For the past four years, she has been the facilitator for the IPC.
Judie McGinnis becomes Cardiopulmonary Services director
Judie McGinnis has been promoted to Cardiopulmonary Services director. She was previously
Clinical Resources Coordinator for respiratory therapy and was interim director since February.
Cardiopulmonary Services includes Respiratory Therapy, the Sleep Lab, EKG, EEG, echocardiogram,
and Phase 1 and 2 of Cardiac Rehabilitation.
“Our department has been very supportive. It’s been an almost seamless transition,” said Judie, who has
been a respiratory therapist at YRMC for 24 years. “YRMC is a really good place to work.”
Judie became interested in respiratory therapy after she learned about the field at a career camp. “I have
allergies and respiratory therapy sounded interesting and a good thing to get into with a lot of career
opportunities.”
On the cover
Robin Harrison, a physical therapist with Children’s Rehabilitative Services, is our newest
Super Star. Robin, who spends most of her time working with children in Yuma schools, has
demonstrated her dedication and commitment to the community in by helping children in
need. She launched the Loan Closet Center for adaptive equipment for children. The center
holds fundraisers and accepts donated equipment. It loans medical and mobility equipment
to children who need it. When a child no longer needs the equipment, the Loan Closet
refurbishes it and loans it out again.
Robin Harrison:
Our Super Star “This was a nice surprise,” Robin said when she was presented with her Super Star award.
Robin has been a part of the YRMC team for nearly 10 years. She is the third person to be
honored with this award from Children’s Health Services.
Congratulations, Robin, for setting an example at YRMC!
THE Pulse
THE PULSE is a publication of
Community Relations
Questions regarding THE PULSE
should be directed to:
Editor - Michele Cohen, 336-7545
Corporate Communications Specialist
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Editorial Board
Sharon Gardner - Vice President, Human Resources
Machele Headington - Director of Community Relations
Teri Norris - Director of Recruiting
Alex Wade - Director of Compensation and Benefits
Laura Witek - Retention Specialist
Improving patient care
PICC lines to be placed at patient bedside
YRMC is in the beginning stages of training a team to place peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC lines) at the patient
bedside. A portable ultrasound allows nurses to place PICCs in the upper arm of patients whose veins aren’t visible or palpable,
significantly improving the odds of a successful insertion. PICCs are gaining popularity due to the ease of insertion using
ultrasound; they are cost-effective and have fewer serious complications.
We have initiated a training and preceptor program for nurses using portable ultrasound. A highly skilled PICC nurse consultant is
creating a “train the trainer” program as we assume the demand for PICCs will continue.
Placement of PICC lines is currently being done in Interventional Radiology. By moving them to the patient bedside, it will free up
the room for more complex procedures and patients will be able to have a PICC line placed sooner.
Vascular access is vital to the administration of IV medications and solutions. Without IV access, patients are unable to receive
prescribed treatments and may experience delays in therapy, slower recovery, and extended length of stay. PICC lines have become
the central line of choice for patients receiving IV therapies longer than 5 days.
Our main goal is to meet all of a patient’s long-term medication delivery and phlebotomy needs with one device and one insertion
attempt to reduce the risk of complications associated with multiple venipunctures.
A secondary goal is to decrease lengths of stay by providing the patients with proper vascular access devices to facilitate discharge.
Patients who might need a PICC are identified at admission or at the beginning of medication treatment. Nurses are working in
collaboration with physicians to determine the best vascular access device for the patient and inserting and managing the care.
Lean Six Sigma update
JOURNEY TO
EXCELLENCE
Departments throughout YRMC are collaborating to improve patient services as part of our Six
Sigma effort to achieve world-class quality.
The Emergency Department continues to looks for the key drivers that affects how long
patients stay in the unit, and is examining how staffing varies with the time of day. The 2 p.m.
Discharge project continues to study factors that could make a difference in the time of day
patients leave, with the hopes of performing rapid cycle testing.
In this wave of Six Sigma, four additional groups have been formed: Smoking (chaired by Mark
Hutsell); Wayfinding (chaired by Machele Headington); Employee Contact information (chaired by Dan Thelen); and OR throughput
(chaired by Phyllis Abbott).
Excellence
Currently, there are three sources of information about phone numbers for employees – Outlook, the Intranet; and Employee Self
Serve. The information, however, does not match from these sources must of the time. The goal is to increase the accuracy and
completeness of the information to 90 percent.
Mulit-departmental collaboration uses Six Sigma to find solutions
The staff of 2 West had identified a needed improvement: ensuring that chemotherapy supplies were readily available on our unit. There have been occasions when there were delays in starting chemotherapy because we didn’t have the right supplies.
They convened a group including Marla Moore (2 West director), Bob Goodwille (representing Pharmacy), Laurie Priebe (2
West Clinical Resource Coordinator), Brenda Henkel (2 West MSR), Arnold Tutson (Materials Management), and Johnny McGee
(Materials Management). Arnold and Johnny have been successful in working with departments to set par levels, barcoding, and
maintaining supplies at agreed upon par levels. Pharmacy has traditionally ordered chemotherapy supplies, and Brenda had to do
special orders for chemotherapy supplies. It was agreed that: par levels would be identified on specific chemotherapy supplies;
they would be scanned by Stores when scanning all other supply items; the supply need would be communicated to Pharmacy;
Pharmacy would increase its ordering on a routine basis to meet the par level needs on 2 West; and when par level needs are
identified, Pharmacy would send the chemotherapy supplies to 2 West.
By implementing this process, it eliminated the need for last minute scrambles to have supplies, and it will eliminate any possibility
of having to delay chemotherapy on a patient due to lack of supplies.
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Behind the Scenes:
A look inside BioMedical Engineering
Editor’s Note: Behind the Scenes is a new occasional feature to help YRMC staff
understand how everyone is part of the team to provide world-class patient care.
Healthcare providers depend on BioMedical Engineering to keep a variety of
therapeutic and diagnostic equipment in tip-top shape. The six-technician staff
works on both big and small equipment, from X-ray machines to patient monitors,
medical telemetry, EKG machines, and in surgery. They make repairs and perform
preventive maintenance. If the manufacturer requires the item be returned
for repairs, BioMedical Engineering coordinates the process. They work with
departments so they can plan for future equipment purchases when they learn that
parts will no longer be available, help standardize equipment used by more than
one patient care area and negotiate bulk discounts with vendors.
“We’re also a resource for departments looking for accessories and new devices,”
said Steve Matowik, BioMedical Engineering supervisor. “And we can research to
make sure you’re getting the best price.”
Matowik, a BioMedical Engineering employee for 22 years, says the biggest
change during that time is the increased sophistication of equipment and increased
reliability. For example, patient monitors used to have seven circuitboards; now
they have three.
Because of the sophistication of today’s equipment, the minimum requirement
for a BioMedical Engineering technician is an associate’s degree in electronic
technology and bachelor’s degrees in clinical engineering and biomedical
technology are being more common.
Project Linus
Sandy Smith, with the local chapter of
Project Linus, presented 45 quilted blankets to Ana Hoffman of Pediatrics. The
blankets come in various sizes and patterns from infant to teen. The patients can
take the blanket home with them.
Project Linus plans to make as many blankets as possible for the unit.
New treatment option provided by Wound Care
Maggot debridement therapy (MDT), also called larval therapy and biotherapy,
is an option now available to patients at YRMC to help promote wound healing.
Sterile medical-grade maggots are used to breakdown dead tissue and bacteria in
the wound and to stimulate wound healing. A single treatment may vary from 24
hours to 72 hours resulting in complete or significant removal of dead tissue from
the wound. Maggots separate the dead tissue from the living tissue and do not eat
living tissue.
Maggot therapy provides an alternative for patients who cannot have surgery to
debride a wound, for wounds too painful to be debrided at the bedside, and for
patients with infected wounds resistant to multiple antibiotics. This treatment
originated in ancient times, and was used in the United States in the early 1900’s
until the advent of antibiotics in 1931. It has made a comeback in the last 15 years
due to the increasing bacterial resistance to antibiotics.
Any non-healing, necrotic skin and soft tissue wound, regardless of underlying
diseases or the location on the body, can be treated with maggot therapy. A “corral”
is created outside the wound to keep the maggots within it. About 10 maggots, each
less than one-eighth inch long, are used for every square centimeter of wound area.
They are applied with a cotton swab. A mesh cover is placed on top and secured
with waterproof tape to keep the maggots in the “corral” and dry gauze finishes the
wound dressing.
More than 90 children and their
families celebrated their achievements
since being a patient in the NICU
at the 2nd NICU graduation party.
The party included a jumper for
kids, basketball hoops, clowns, face
and body painting, rock decorating,
informational booths and an eating
area with free food.
“I watched everything. It wasn’t scary,” said Dorothy Leonard, the first patient
having maggot therapy at YRMC. She said she was pleased with the results and it
didn’t require her taking time off from work.
Group and individual graduation
photos were taken of the babies and
toddlers.
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Work at YRMC earns honors
YRMC consultant BVA, Inc., recently was honored with the Microsoft Winning Customer Award for outstanding competitive
efforts in the United States. This award was for their work to transition YRMC’s multiple network operating systems into a pure
Microsoft platform. This included the move from Groupwise to Outlook 2003.
The amount of effort performed by Information Systems, New Horizons Training and BVA was critical to the success of YRMC’s
new email application.
The transition to Outlook, by-the-numbers:
l 8 months of planning and communicating upcoming changes
l 408 users trained
t 46 classes taught over 9 days
l 288 hours, 3 staff members and 4 days to migrate the data
t 1,261 users accounts
t 207,733 messages migrated
t 145,289 contacts migrated
t 59 Conference Room/resource accounts
t 24,324 appointments migrated
l 224 hours and 14 staff to install Outlook 2003 on over 400 workstations
t 72 hours of round-the-clock on-site Outlook support after first day of implementation
Books for young patients
Alfred Barajas-Ruiz, representing Kohl’s, presented 610
books to Jennifer Stanton, of Pediatrics, and Woody
Martin, YRMC Foundation president. The books included copies of “From Head to Toe” and “The Secret
Birthday Message,” both by Eric Carle, and Charlie
Brown favorites by Charles Schulz. Kohl’s also sold
these books at a special price of $5, with the proceeds
going to the Foundation.
2006 World Breastfeeding Week – 25 years of protecting breastfeeding
Research is clear that breastfeeding is optimal nutrition and the perfect, life-sustaining food for babies. Breastfeeding provides
nutritional and health advantages that last far beyond infancy and offers health benefits to mothers as well.
The theme of World Breastfeeding Week (August 1 to 7) is highlighting the importance of protecting breastfeeding in communities.
It celebrates the 25-year history of the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes, which provides guidelines
for the appropriate marketing of infant formula and bottle feeding products and challenges communities to provide a supportive
environment.
Hospitals, clinics, workplaces, childcare centers and community businesses and organizations can all protect breastfeeding by
establishing a breastfeeding-friendly environment and atmosphere. This can be done by providing places for women to breastfeed
or express their milk, encouraging mothers to breastfeed and making appropriate referrals for assistance when needed.
Lactation consultants can help breastfeeding families throughout the entire period that mother and baby are breastfeeding. For more
information or help with breastfeeding, call either Jackie Haney, RN, IBCLC at 336-1228 (YRMC) or for WIC clients, Dolores
Messer, BA, IBCLC at 317-4500.
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2 bundles of joy
Born March 20, 2006
David Hernandez III (left in photo)
4 pounds 10 ounces
18 1/4 inches
and
Jacob Carlos Hernandez
5 pounds 5 ounces
18 1/2 inches long
Proud parents are
Terri Hernandez (Administration)
and
David Hernandez (Information Systems)
Clinical credentials
Five more YRMC nurses have earned the credential
of Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse. They
are Nora Gambling, Amberly Hodgin, and Victoria
Lohmann, (all of Yuma Regional Home Care,) and
Carolyn Dowell and Melvina Mendez (of MedWest).
The CMSRN recognizes those who have achieved the
highest standards of medical-surgical nursing practice. It
is awarded to those who have successfully completed the
board certification test in medical-surgical nursing.
More congratulations
Not to be forgotten in this year’s crop of YRMC grads are
Edward Friedrich and Celia Renteria (both of Clinical
Education). They were part of the group that obtained
a Master of Science in Nursing from the University
of Phoenix. Also Jean Wahl (Care Coordination) and
Aurora Valenzuela (Womens/Pediatrics) each received
a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from University of
Phoenix.
Our YRMC athletes
Three YRMC employees competed on a five-person team
at the Camp Pendleton World Famous Mud Run on June
10, a 10K event with obstacles at Camp Pendelton Marine
Base in Oceanside California. YRMC employees were
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Elizabeth Hammonds (Volunteer Services), Sam Tawzer
(Health Records) and Marty Schotten (Diagnostic
Imaging). They finished the obstacle course in 1:51:15.
Way to go Trailblazers!
Shay Andres (Community Relations) competed and
finished the San Diego Rock and Roll Marathon on June
4. This is a 26.2-mile Boston Marathon qualifying event.
The course starts near downtown San Diego and goes
around Mission Bay finishing at the Marine Base. Shay,
you rock!
Professional kudos
Travis Gregory (Human Resources) has received his
certification as a Human Resources professional from the
Society of Human Resources Management. Travis is also
the Yuma chapter president.
Helping Yuma industry grow
Sharon Gardner (Human Resources) has joined the
Board of the Greater Yuma Economic Development Corp.
The mission of the non-profit public/private partnership
is to expand economic activity within Yuma County by
attracting commerce and industry to the region, and to
assist in developing the region’s existing industry to its
fullest potential.
Reaching the STARS!
The following staff have recently been caught in the act
of doing something great. As a result, they are being
recognized by the Star Recognition Program:
Teresa Anglin
Barbara Biro
Alfredo Castillo
Julie Catabay
Donna Chapman
Laura Federico
Stephanie Garrett
Edith Guislan
Amanda Guzman
Bob Hathaway
Yolanda Holbrook
Lynette House
Sharon Lara
Lisa McGarry
Norma Molina
Winnie Moore
Mari Noel
Lori Nolte
Betty Norby
Daniel Padilla
Celia Renteria
Cindy Seely
Dawn Smith
Edith Stanfield
Fito Vasquez
Delores Watkins
Belinda Young
Blanca Zamora
Correction
Labor Pool
Employee Health
Laboratory
MedWest
Laboratory
ICU
Laboratory
ICU
Labor Pool
Volunteer Services
Patient Access
MedWest
MedWest
L.D.R.P.
L.D.R.P.
Labor Pool
Diagnostic Imaging
Care Coordination
Volunteer Services
Diagnostic Imaging
L.D.R.P.
Laboratory
MedWest
L.D.R.P.
Plant Operations
Laboratory
ICU
Labor Pool
B.J. Bellamy’s first name was
incorrect in the June issue. Her
full name is Beverly Bellamy. Her
retirement photo appeared in the
issue.
We apologize for the error.
Come to the Western Dance
featuring
Craig Morgan
Saturday, Oct. 7
Yuma County Fairgrounds
Tickets $50 each through Sept. 7; then $60.
Active military $45 with ID.
(ticket includes tri-tip dinner)
Buy online at www.yumaregional.org or
from the Foundation, x7045
See the Intranet for payroll deduction form.
Proceeds benefit the YRMC School Health
Care Program, serving uninsured children in
six school districts throughout Yuma County.
Healthcare Career Camp
Students attending the Healthcare Career Camp
got a behind-the-scences peek at SPD and
learned how it fit into the processes needed to
maintain Operating Rooms.
The camp helps students learn about the various
departments and occupations that make up a
hospital.
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Educational opportunities
Essential Training Update: register on HealthStream
Friday, Sept. 15, 9-11 a.m.; CPR 11:15 a.m.-4 p.m., Corporate Center.
Employee CPR: All are 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at Corporate Center.
2-day ACLS: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at Corporate Center. Cost $100;
textbook $40; handbook $15. Call 336-2336.
Sept. 22-23
Register on HealthStream; call x1373 for questions.
Tuesday, Aug. 15
Tuesday, Aug. 29
Tuesday, Sept. 12
Tuesday, Sept. 26
1-day ACLS: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at Corporate Center. Cost $75;
CPR Courses: All are 3-8 p.m. at Corporate Center. Cost $35
ACLS Challenge Course: Contact Clinical Education, 336-
CPR Challenge Course: One-hour course in CR1&2 for
those with a current Healthcare Provider card (before it expires) and
must have completed pre-test on HealthStream with at least 84 percent
score. Free for employees; $25 for non-employees; book $10. Call 3361373 to schedule your specific time.
Tuesday, Aug. 22, 1-4 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 15, 8 a.m.-noon
Heartsaver/First Aid: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at Corporate Center.
Cost $45 for CPR and first aid; $25 CPR only; $35 First Aid only;
optional textbook, $10. Call 336-2336.
Saturday, Sept. 16
2336, to schedule an appointment for the 1-hours ACLS written exam.
Participants may bring and use the reference book. Score 84% or better
to be scheduled for a skills check-off on Friday, Sept. 22.
Leadership Training Calendar: register on
HealthStream
Crucial Conversations, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. Tuesdays for 5 weeks, starting
Aug. 5, new Computer Lab 1, Corporate Center, presented by Teri
Norris. Develop better communication skills and enhanced capacity for
creating true dialog and understanding during challenging interactions. Must commit to attend all sessions, complete assigned reading and
practice concepts between classes. Materials charge of $125 per person
will be assessed to the participant’s department. Class size limited.
Part 2 — Leadership and Self-Deception, Wednesday, Sept. 13, 3-5
p.m., Corporate Center, presented by Troy Love. Follow-up class to the
initial Leadership and Self-Deception half-day course. You must have
attended the initial course and read the book, “Leadership and Self
Deception” (copies available for check-out in the Medical Library). 2400 S. Avenue A
Yuma, AZ 85364-7127
for course; $10 for textbook. Reservations required. Call 336-1373.
Healthcare Provider Course:
Monday, Aug. 14 Monday, Aug. 28
Tuesday, Sept. 5 Monday, Sept. 11
Heartsaver Course:
Monday, Aug. 7 Monday, Sept. 25
textbook $40; reference book $15. Call 336-2336.
Saturday, Aug. 19