Associate Survey Update

Penrose-St. Francis Health Services is tied for first place Centura-wide with Littleton Adventist Hospital in participation rates for this year's Associate Partnership Survey. 

As of Friday, 1,383 Penrose-St Francis associates out of 2,520 had taken the survey, while 585 of 1,059 had taken the survey at Littleton.

So how is PSF posting those numbers?

Many PSF directors and managers provided easy computer access for their associates, along with a few other creative ideas. 

Keathe Hanley, director of Cardiovascular Services, and Larry Benner, manager of Respiratory Therapy at Penrose Hospital, decided to kick off the survey April 6 with a spaghetti dinner for their associates in RT.

“It was a combination thanks for our successes and encouraging folks to take the survey” Keathe said. “I made spaghetti and meatballs over the weekend, salad, bread and dessert and we had a great get-together. Larry and I dressed as chefs, complete with hat and moustaches.” 

(Courtesy photo)

The team also decorated the computer room for the associates to use for the survey and got over a third of them to take it on the first day.  

“We’re still trying to get 100 percent participation, although getting everyone to come in and take the survey is always a challenge,” Keathe said. 

Over at St. Francis Medical Center, Kathleen Woodard, director of Pediatrics and Neonatal Intensive Care, also decorated special computer rooms complete with goodies to snack on while associates take the survey.

“We thought decorating the rooms and providing treats would help people remember to take it,” Kathleen said. “The computer area is now a fun place to sit for the 10 minutes they need to take the survey.”

Once an associate takes the survey, they add their name to a drawing for a gift basket of goodies worth $100.  Kathleen has a basket for each of her departments (see photo right).  

But it’s not all about the swag, decorations, or free meals.

“The most important thing is that people be honest and participate,” Kathleen said. “That way if there are issues, we can know about them and change things. Make a difference.”

Kathleen’s efforts seem to be paying off.

“I think it’s great,” said Lisa Peterman, Pediatric nurse, of the decorated areas, goodies and gift baskets.  “The effort shows we should give feedback.  We’ve done it before and seen things change from our comments.”

Which is the entire purpose of the survey.  Leadership can only make changes that are important to associates if they know about the need.  The survey is a good opportunity to confidentially say what is or isn’t working.

Take a moment and take the Associate Partnership Survey today!

Emily Burt, a NICU CNA and unit secretary, sits in the decorated computer room in the NICU April 6 at SFMC. (Photo by Stacey Knott)

Volunteer Week

PSF Volunteers Provide ‘Extra Special Touch’

Penrose-St. Francis Health Services is honoring its volunteers during National Volunteer Week, which kicked off Sunday and runs through Saturday. 

PSF currently has about 600 volunteers, the youngest is 14 and the most “experienced” is 94.

“Our volunteers play a key role in the hospital’s success,” said Beth Zautke, Director of Volunteer Services.  “They enhance the quality of care given to our patients by providing that extra special touch.  These services are a gift from the heart, time and energy in a labor of love; a gift from one person to another.”

Penrose-St. Francis volunteers donated a total of 91,275 hours during the past year, and using the Bureau of Labor Statistics figures on volunteers, represent $1.84 million to the Penrose-St. Francis system.

Volunteer interests are matched to hospital needs, according to Beth.  “Each year, our volunteers support the staff, patients, families and visitors in 105 departments,” she said.  “Some of the many volunteer service areas include Patient Care, Hospitality, Clerical, Rehab Buddies and Spiritual Care.”

Please thank our selfless volunteers for their tireless efforts and dedication when you see them this week!

Department Spotlight

From the PSF Rewards and Recognition Team

Hats off this to this month’s Department in the Spotlight, those gals and guys who cover the Information Desks at Penrose Hospital and St. Francis Medical Center.  

There are four part-time associates each at Penrose and SFMC who work from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. weekdays, and 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. weekends. That’s a big job and they couldn’t do all they do without the 15+ volunteers who help cover the desks at each site.  Three people man the desks at all times; one associate and two volunteers. 

“We are more like a Resource Desk because people want to know everything from how do I get to the other hospital, where are the best restaurants, where can I buy groceries, do you know of a support group I could join and where can I smoke,” said Anita Davis, SFMC Information Desk. She said she loves her work because of the opportunities to help people every day.

These compassionate and committed people are usually the first contact patients and guests have with Penrose-St. Francis, so their warm approach is greatly appreciated. 

The Information Desk is a busy place most of the time, but these associates and volunteers remain calm, pleasant and helpful. They answer all incoming calls, transfer calls to patient rooms, help people get registered and give directions to every corner of the facility. 

Additionally, they deliver newspapers every day to waiting areas and patient rooms, and if they see someone struggling, they are right there with a wheelchair to assist and then escort to a destination. 

When asked what challenges they faced, volunteer Connie Palmer at Penrose said with a smile, “memorizing all the locations and departments in the hospital is challenging, but I’m getting it.”

The Information Desk can also be a sounding board when people need to vent.  The volunteers and associates actively listen and offer to help in any way they can.  This most often diffuses a stressful situation. 

The Information Desk associates and volunteers have a smile and kind word for everyone who enters the building. Most people respond back with a cheerful reply. 

 “I love getting to know the families of long-term patients because they stop by every day to check in and let us know how their loved one is progressing,” said Jean Ikola, PH Information Desk.

Jean also pointed out that working with the volunteers is a wonderful bonus. “They are quick to jump in anywhere and help out,” she said. 

Sounds like no two shifts are ever alike and each day presents new opportunities. Like the day the gentleman stopped and said he wanted to bring them some enjoyment so he stood at the desk and entertained them by playing music through his hearing aid!

Each associate was appreciative of their co-workers and the volunteers they work with.  It’s clear they are “living the mission” every day. 

Please take a moment to stop at the Information Desk, give them a smile, and thank them for their contributions.

The associates and volunteers at the Penrose Hospital Information Desk. (Photo by Leslie Schwender)

The associates and volunteers at the St. Francis Medical Center Information Desk. (Photo by Stacey Knott)

Score Card

The Penrose-St. Francis Health Services March 2009 Scorecard, courtesy of the Mission in Motion Committee.

Click here to view the scorecard.

Associate Campaign

The 2009-2010 Associate Campaign, Imagine, Believe, Achieve, is set to begin Thursday with more than a third of the goal already met! 

This year, the Penrose-St. Francis Health Foundation and Executive Committee decided to try something new.  A letter was sent to all managers and associates who have donated to the campaign for five consecutive years or more, asking them to make early pledges.  Members of senior leadership were also asked in person to pledge early. Thank you to all who responded!

Look for your department’s campaign volunteer to deliver your pledge forms and information as early.  We’re asking all volunteers, associates, and physicians who normally give to continue doing so, and anyone who hasn’t yet participated in a campaign to start this year! 

A one-time gift or small on-going payroll deduction will start someone on the road to philanthropy and help us achieve our goal.  Every donation does make a difference.

To help increase participation, the Foundation is offering a couple of fun incentives.
Do you enjoy a good challenge?  Then help your camp win the camp rivalry. 

Associates have been divided into two camps:  Camp 1 is made up of SFMC, SFHC, Namaste, Medalion, ASC, Home Healthcare, and all other support services; Camp 2 is Penrose Hospital employees.

The first camp to reach this year’s 50 percent participation goal (based on actual pledges) wins an ice cream social and jeans day.  This goal is definitely achievable as we’ve reached 40 percent participation in previous years.  With just a few more associates joining in we can easily reach the goal.  

Have a teenager at home bugging you for the latest MP3 player?  Get your pledge form returned to your department campaign volunteer or the Foundation by May 7 and be automatically entered into a drawing for an iPod Touch.

Our campaign volunteers and Executive Committee members will be wearing a red ribbon on their ID badges this year.  For questions about the campaign, how to pledge, or where to return forms, please ask one of these wonderful and dedicated employees for help.

Imagine the possibilities, Believe in our ability to make a difference, and help us Achieve our Associate Campaign goals!

CyberKnife Open House

Associates, Volunteers Invited to Cancer Center April 29

All Penrose-St. Francis associates and volunteers are invited to check out the Penrose Cancer Center’s new CyberKnife System during two open house sessions on April 29, from 7-8:30 a.m. and 4-5 p.m.  Refreshments will be served. 

CyberKnife is a revolutionary non-invasive cancer-fighting technology that treats cancerous and benign tumors anywhere in the body, including the brain, spine, lungs, kidney, liver, pancreas and prostate.  Penrose will begin offering the treatment in mid-May. 

“This is a great opportunity for our folks to get an up-close-and-personal look at the latest technology in the fight against cancer,” said Dennis Bruens, director of the Penrose Cancer Center.  “We’ll have our physicians and clinicians available to demonstrate the system as well as answer questions.”

With CyberKnife, there are no incisions, no anesthesia and no recovery time.  It provides a pain-free option that allows patients to receive cancer treatment with minimal disruption to their lives, and offers a viable alternative to surgery, chemotherapy and other forms of radiation treatment.

The Penrose Cancer Center is the only facility in Southern Colorado to utilize CyberKnife technology. 

News Briefs

COMMUNITY WALK
March for Babies Walk: Saturday, 9 a.m. at America the Beautiful Park
Registration begins at 8 a.m., with the walk starting at 9 a.m. To join, simply visit www.marchforbabies.org and click on “Join A Team.” In the search box type in “Centura Health,” click on the “Centura Health” link and the team name “Centura Health- Penrose St. Francis” should appear. Click on this team and create a personal profile. For further questions or information, please call Erin Heberlein at 776-7394.

JEANS DAY
Friday, donate $5 to wear denim.
In support and to help fundraise for March for Babies.
How to donate:
Penrose Hospital: Erin Heberlein, Wellness Center/ E Tower
St. Francis Medical Center: Jean Turk, Administration
St. Francis Health Center: Liz Benavidz, Nutrition Services
ASC:  Deb Thurber, Upstairs

Public Computers
“Do you have a computer I can use?”   Now St. Francis Medical Center can answer yes to that question when asked by family members and visitors to the hospital.  Beginning today, a Resource Room with three computers is available on the first floor, near the Gift Shop at SFMC.  The Resource Room will be open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Sister Raphael Garcia dies at age 98
Sister of Charity of Cincinnati Raphael Garcia died Thursday, April 9, 2009, at the age of 98 in Mother Margaret Hall at the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati Motherhouse, Mount St. Joseph, Ohio. The eldest of seven girls, Sister Raphael was born Mary Rita Garcia on Sept. 10, 1910, in La Jara, N.M. S. Raphael was in food service at Penrose-St. Francis Hospital in Colorado Springs in 1945. She provided housekeeping services at the El Pomar Retreat House from 1945 until 1955. Sister returned to the hospital, and from 1982 until 1997, volunteered in pastoral ministry at Penrose-St. Francis Hospital distributing Holy Communion to the sick, praying with patients, and working at the registration desk in the Nuclear Medicine Unit. Sister retired to join the Ministry of Prayer at the Sisters of Charity Motherhouse in 1997.

Baby Items and Food Needed
The Outreach Committee is collecting baby food and items for the Life Support Center through April 24. Items needed include Enfamil and Parents Choice formula (16 oz containers) and baby food (Stages 1, 2 & 3). Collection boxes will be set up at all Penrose-St. Francis sites. For information, please contact Debbie Parrish at 776-5703 or Erin Heberlein at 776-7394.

Relay for Life
The Colorado Springs relay for life is June 19 at Liberty High School. Help support the Penrose Cancer Center team by purchasing a long-sleeve t-shirt or a variety of jewelry. All proceeds benefit the local American Cancer Society and Relay for Life. T-shirts and jewelry are available for purchase in Medical Oncology, Suite CC #201 at Penrose Hospital. People interested in joining the team, may register at Medical Oncology or online at www.acsrelay.org. For more information or questions, please contact Mary Wolf or Gina Biondi at 776-5454.

OT Month

Occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants challenge PSF associates, volunteers and associates to take the OT Quiz in celebration of Occupational Therapy Month. 

Left, occupational therapist Melissa Chang (right) shares a laugh with OT patient Chuck Mason April 15 at Penrose Hospital. (Photo by Stacey Knott) 

Answer the following Occupational Therapy trivia question.  The first person to email Rosie Wunder at rosiewunder@centura.org with the correct answer wins a prize!  

Why do Occupational Therapists address lower body dressing as a treatment goal when appropriate?
A. It is important that OT’s get a patient ready for Physical Therapy by getting their socks and shoes on.
B. Occupational Therapists recognize the therapeutic use of occupations to positively affect the client’s health, well-being, and life satisfaction.  Working toward independence in self care, such as lower body dressing, helps a patient gain control over his or her immediate environment and brings about emotional as well as physical gains.
C. Occupational therapists get a kickback from sock aid sales.

See next week’s Pulse for the name of the winner as well as another trivia question.

Last week’s winner was Melanie Wanless, Audit Analyst/Assistant PSF Integrity Revenue.  Melanie won a large blue decorative glass ball.

Occupational therapist Maria Pontello helps patient Phyliss Blake put on her shoes as part of her occupational therapy April 15 at Penrose Hospital. (Photos by Stacey Knott)

Occupational therapist Kathy Bellandi (right) works with patient Eldon Crumm on his hand and finger strength as part of his occupational therapy April 15 at Penrose Hospital.

Going Green

Did you know….With spring and summer fast approaching it is common for water consumption to increase? 

Going Green Tip of the Week…Try to follow these tips to conserve water.
1. Adjust your sprinklers so sidewalks and other paved areas are not watered.
2. Sweep patios and sidewalks rather than hosing them, which not only wastes water but also carries contaminants into freshwater systems.
3. Wash your vehicle at the car wash. A car wash typically uses 32 gallons of water per vehicle; the EPA estimates washing the vehicle yourself can use up to 500 gallons of water.

The Going Green Section of the Penrose Pulse was developed to educate and inform Penrose-St. Francis associates, physicians, and volunteers on how to Reduce and Reuse valuable resources.  For questions or to share a tip, please contact Ann Martin at 776-5111 or by email annmartin@centura.org.

SFMC Award

Nate Olson, CEO of St. Francis Medical Center, accepted an award on behalf of SFMC, on April 15 at the Thirtieth Annual Arts Business Education Consortium luncheon at the Antlers Hilton Hotel in Colorado Springs. 

The awards honor educators, businesses and local citizens who contribute significantly to the arts in education.  The Colorado Springs Business Journal presented the award to SFMC in recognition of the hospital’s use of art in a healing environment.

Right, Nate Olson accepts the award from Taffy Mulliken, ABE Consortium Committee Co-Chair.

SFMC, which opened in August 2008, boasts an artwork collection on par with the finest corporate and private collections in the country.  The 550-piece collection is valued at $1.3 million and contains pieces that pay tribute to the history and spiritual legacy of Penrose-St. Francis Health Services. 

The artwork links the hospital’s interior to its setting on the plains of northeastern Colorado Springs and represents the work of local, regional, and national artists.  

Near the hospital’s chapel, a giant lenticular wall of a rolling prairie scene keeps with a nature theme carried out in design features throughout the hospital. Stained glass from the original St. Francis Hospital downtown soars above the main lobby and cafeteria. A 21-foot-tall steel statue of St. Francis of Assisi welcomes visitors and patients at the drive into the facility. 

Women's Programs

A new program was developed to serve the needs of women in the Pike’s Peak Region.

The Women's Program at Colorado Sports and Spine Center, located at the new St. Francis Medical Center Campus, is a unique program developed to meet the needs of women-specific health issues.  It was designed by the female physical therapists at the center.

Areas of treatment include stress and urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, pregnancy issues related to sciatica, prenatal and postpartum exercise, back, hip, and pubic bone pain, safe exercise during bed rest, and C-section scar management. Female sexual health issues are also treated.

Led by Rachel Butler, doctor of physical therapy with a specialty certification in Women's Health, this program is fully integrated into SFMC on both an inpatient and outpatient basis.  Rachel specializes in the treatment of women's health issues; she has over three years of experience in this specific area.

For more information or to make an appointment, please call Rachel Butler at 571-8888.

Diabetes & Renal Care

The American Diabetes Association has again recognized the Diabetes and Renal Care Center at the Health Learning Center as providing consistent, excellent care for people living with diabetes.

The ADA Education Recognition program has grown to become the leading quality assurance mechanism for diabetes self-management education programs across the country. It increases the Diabetes and Renal Care Center's ability to receive reimbursement for the education provided and assures physicians and patients that highly qualified health professionals deliver the education.

"We’re happy to be recognized for our high level of performance and quality of care with the hope that we can improve the quality of life for individuals who live each day with diabetes," said Sandra Weatherly,  DRCC manager of Chronic Disease Management.

This is the  DRCC's  third recertification process, which includes a thorough program review, with supporting evidence that ensures the  DRCC meets National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education.

One of the established criteria is that the health professionals maintain continuing education in the area of diabetes and can provide state-of-the-art education about diabetes self-management for participants.

Through appropriate self-management, unnecessary hospital admissions and some of the acute and chronic complications of diabetes can be prevented.

"The Health Learning Center's Diabetes and Renal Care Center has demonstrated it's commitment to providing high-quality self-management education services to our diabetes community by maintaining this recognition status for 10 years," Sandra said.

For more information about the Diabetes and Renal Care Center or health and wellness classes at the Penrose Health Learning Center, please call 776-3600.

Donate Life-4

There is nothing more devastating than losing a child. But in the midst of her loss, Amy made a decision that ultimately saved many lives.

Amy’s daughter Nicole, donated her heart, liver and kidneys to people in severe need of a life-saving transplant. Because of this generous gift, numerous people were given a second chance at life.

Mandee is one of those who was given a second chance at life as a result of Nicole’s gift. Mandee suffered from a congenital heart defect since birth. But after receiving Nicole’s heart, Mandee has a new lease on life.

In 2003, Mandee was a bridesmaid in Nicole’s sister’s wedding.

“Donor Alliance has been a great lifeline for me,” explained Amy. “They were there for our family during our grief and they serve as a support to us today. I feel that I too am living again since Nicole’s death. Knowing Nicole saved so many lives through her gifts, I feel such peace and calmness and in my heart.”

For more information on organ and tissue donation, please contact Donor Alliance at (303) 329-4747 or visit their web site at www.donoralliance.org. 

Cafeteria Menu

For the SFMC menu, please call the daily menu phone line 571-1001.

Penrose Hospital breakfast and lunch menu:

TODAY
Breakfast: Eggs Florentine & Mornay Sauce; Lunch: Sloppy Joes, Chicken & Dumplings, Penne Pasta w/ Alfredo or Marinara, and Apple Raspberry Cobbler

TUESDAY
Breakfast: Sausage, egg & cheese McMuffins; Lunch: Beer Battered Fried Shrimp, Beef Taco Bowls, Chili Rellanos, and Warm Chocolate Brownies

WEDNESDAY
Breakfast: Breakfast Burritos; Lunch: Beef Stir Fry over Jasmine Rice, Chicken & Sausage Jambalaya, Calamari & Marinara Sauce, and Raisin Bread Pudding

THURSDAY
Breakfast: Belgium Waffles; Lunch: BBQ Pork Wings, Burgundy Beef Stew in Bread Bowl, Spinach & Cheese Ravioli, and Sunshine Lemon Orange Cake

FRIDAY
Breakfast: Green Chili Cheese Omelet; Lunch: Chik Filet Burger, Corned Beef & Cabbage, Gorgonzola Mahi Mahi, and Warm Cherry Cobbler

SATURDAY
Breakfast: Breakfast Pizza; Lunch: Popcorn Chicken, Meat Lasagna & Garlic Bread, Smoked BBQ Pork, and Blackberry Cobbler

SUNDAY
Breakfast: Belgium Waffles; Lunch: Country Fried Chicken, Honey Baked Ham, Sweet Potato & Marshmallow, and Apple Dumplings

HIIP News

HYPERTENTION INTERVENTION
Want to try another way to protect your heart?
Friday, noon to 12:30 p.m., at the PH/E-tower basement aerobics room
Was your blood pressure high at the health screening? Did you ever want to try relaxation, guided imagery or meditation? Each of these can help protect your heart by lowering blood pressure, reducing stress, and bringing a sense of peace and calm. Join the Club HIIP education class series on lowering your blood pressure.

FY09 HIIP EDUCATION CLASSES
Active Mind and Memory: April 30 from 5-5:45 p.m. at PH/Cancer Center Rooms A-C

PSF EXTENDED FITNESS CLASSES
Pick up a schedule at HIIP Wall pockets at all sites for registration form

Body Toning: Session 6a/b: Starts today from 11:45 a.m. to 12:50 p.m. in the PH/E-Tower Aerobics Room for six week session

Yoga: Session 5: Starts Thursday from 5:15 to 6:30 p.m. in the PH/E-Tower Aerobics Room for six week session

WELLNESS CENTER ORIENTATIONS
Please register for the orientations via HealthCalc on My Virtual Workplace or call 776-5839, ext 2.
PH Wellness Center- Tuesday at 4 p.m.
SFMC Wellness Center- Wednesday at 11 a.m.
Anyone over 40 years old must have a physician’s form signed giving permission to use Wellness Centers.

COMMUNITY WALK
March for Babies Walk: Saturday, 9 a.m. at America the Beautiful Park
Registration begins at 8 a.m., with the walk starting at 9 a.m. To join, simply visit www.marchforbabies.org and click on “Join A Team.” In the search box type in “Centura Health,” click on the “Centura Health” link and the team name “Centura Health- Penrose St. Francis” should appear. Click on this team and create a personal profile. For further questions or information, please call Erin Heberlein at 776-7394.

JEANS DAY
Friday, donate $5 to wear denim.
In support and to help fundraise for March for Babies.
How to donate:
Penrose Hospital: Erin Heberlein, Wellness Center/ E Tower
St. Francis Medical Center: Jean Turk, Administration
St. Francis Health Center: Liz Benavidz, Nutrition Services
ASC:  Deb Thurber, Upstairs