Associate Survey

The Centura Associate Partnership Survey ended May 3, and the final tally for Penrose-St. Francis Health Services participation is at 78.4 percent, which means that 1,975 associates took the survey; a new record! 

As promised if PSF made at least 75 percent, a celebration barbecue is scheduled Wednesday for lunch and dinner at Penrose Hospital, St. Francis Medical Center and St. Francis Health Center.  The night shift will enjoy barbecue from midnight to 1 a.m. on Thursday.

Across Centura, 74 percent of Centura Health associates completed this year’s Associate Partnership Survey. That’s 9,586 associates who participated! The average participation rate for Press Ganey clients is around 65 percent, so Centura can be proud that our participation rate was nearly 10 percent higher.

The combined results will be available in about a month. As a result of the survey responses, which were confidential and combined by work groups, changes will be made that will enable associates to feel ownership, involvement, passion and purpose in their work, so we can provide the highest quality care to our patients and the people in our communities.

Thank you!

Nurses Week

National Nurses Week, May 6-12, continued with the annual Nurses Week Luncheon and Seton Award Ceremony May 8 at St. Francis Health Center.

Each year during Nurses Week the PSF Nursing Department honors the nursing staff and management who exemplify excellence in their work.

The 2009 winners of the Seton Awards were: 

RN Preceptor
Carolyn Cusic, PH 11th
 
RN Rising Star
Kate Peterson, PH 4th

RN
Cyndy Wacker, FCN
Sandra Snedaker, PH 9th
Mackenzie Mudd, PH 5th
Eileen Johnson, SFMC ED
 
C.N.A.
Jackie Meany, PH 4th Floor

The 2009 Winners of the Seton Awards announced May 8 at St. Francis Health Center. (Photo by Stacey Knott)

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Celebrate Nurses’ Week 2009 with these professional development classes. Classes are free and registration is not required.  Contact Hours is 1.0 for each class. Seating is limited and first come, first served. As a courtesy to the instructor, please arrive on time.  People more than five minutes late will not be allowed to attend the class.

Today at Penrose Main in Cancer Center B & C
8-9 a.m.: Courageous Conversations. Laurie Kennedy
9:15-10:15 a.m.: Rock, Paper, Scissors: Making Ethical Decisions—Kate McCord MSN, CNO
10:30-11:30 a.m.: Voices of Nurses—Panel Discussion
11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m.: Sepsis: What’s Bugging You?—Olinda Spitzer MSN
1-2 p.m.: Fentanyl—Dr. Scott Ross & Dan Chatelain MSN
2:15-3:15 p.m.: Cyberknife—Dr. Anuj Peddada
3:30-4:30 p.m.: Transfusion Reaction Acute Lung Injury (TRALI)—Dr. Javier Bogarin

Tuesday at SFMC Conference Rooms 4-5
8-9 a.m.: Wilderness Trauma and Emergency Surgery — Dr. Roger Nagy
9:15-10:15 a.m.: Sepsis: What’s Bugging You?—Olinda Spitzer MSN
10:30-11:30 a.m.: Nobody Knows the Pain I Feel (Suicide Awareness/Prevention)—John Gentzel BSN
11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m.: Creating the Future You Want:  What Does Your Job Give To You?  Rob Ryder
1-2 p.m.: Patient Family Centered Care (PFCC)—Panel Discussion
2:15-3:15 p.m.: “Sit Like an Egyptian” (Ergonomics) Deborah Burrell, OTR
3:30-4:30 p.m.: Fentanyl—Dr. Scott Ross and Dan Chatelain MSN

During Nurses Week, Christine Vandenberg and Sharon Pletcher dressed in traditional nurses' white uniforms and the NICU at SFMC decorated in honor of their nurses.  Happy Nurses Week to all PSF's nurses! 

News Briefs

Star Associate Nominations
Do you know someone who demonstrates integrity by speaking positively about other people, departments, and the entire organization? Nominate an associate for this quarter’s Star Associate.  Just e-mail a nomination too stars@centura.org; or fax them to (719) 634- 1874; or interoffice them to Michelle Powers at EAP. You will receive an e-mail notification that your nomination has been received. Click on the nomination link here: Star Associate Nomination.pdf

SAVE THE DATE…TRAUMA EDUCATION DAY
Great speakers, interesting topics! June 12, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Penrose Hospital Gala Room. The cost is $20 per person and includes lunch, breaks, and education credits. To register contact Sherrie Rozwick @ 776-5926 or via email sherrierozwick@centura.org. The event is presented by the Penrose-St. Francis Trauma Department.

Ideas Wanted
Are you just bursting with great ideas and there is no one to share them with? The Rewards and Recognition Committee knows Centura wants to hear from you. Please share your ideas for ways to recognize people or departments. Please email your ideas to rewardsandrecognitionsuggestions@centura.org. Let us know how we can start appreciating more associates for their contributions to our organization.

Benefits open enrollment
The benefits open enrollment window runs through May 22 (at noon), and is your once-a-year opportunity to make changes. To see your current benefit options at any time, log on to My Virtual Workplace and click Associate Services, and then Employee Self Service. Log in to Lawson using your same MVW username and password; click on Benefits, then Current Benefits. If you have benefits questions, contact your human resources department, or call the Benefits Service Center toll-free at 888-622-1111.

Operation Medicine Roundup
July 22 from 2:30 to 4 p.m. at the Penrose Health Learning Center, 1644 Medical Center Point. Never trash or flush medications! Instead, bring them to Operation Medicine Roundup™. Join us in protecting seniors from accidentally using expired medications as well as safeguarding them from the potential theft of medications from their homes. All medications are incinerated at high temperatures that can destroy up to 99.9 percent of all hazardous elements. Help us to protect our water supply and the environment. Here’s all you need to do: 1. Remove pills from bottles and place in resealable plastic bag. 2. Liquids may stay in original containers with labels removed or marked out. Place bottles in resealable bag. We will also be collecting used needles and inhalers. For more information, please call Home Instead at 534-0908.

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.

Halos For Heroes

The following person was recognized through the Penrose-St. Francis Health Foundation’s Halos for Heroes program in April.  Halos for Heroes recognizes associates, nurses and physicians who have touched the lives of patients in a special way.

April Heroes
William Roche, RN, Penrose Community Urgent Care

William Roche, a nurse at Penrose Community Urgent Care, shows off his Halo for Heroes with his coworkers. (Photo by Sharon Meyers)

Haloes for Heroes is a program that has evolved out of Centura Health’s desire to highlight the relationship between patients and providers. It allows patients, family, and friends to recognize and honor a specific Centura staff member who provided them with outstanding service.Halos for Heroes endorses Centura’s ideals in the areas of quality, service, cost, people, growth, and community in its quest to build an outstanding organization that better serves the needs of patients. Donations from Halos for Heroes benefit patients through better programs, services, and technology. Visit the website at WWW.HALOSFORHEROES.ORG for more information.

Going Green

Did you know...It’s hard to imagine doing our jobs without supplies:  paper, pencils, pens, paper clips, envelopes and more.  These supplies are not only expensive, but require many natural resources and use up a lot of energy.  Here are some simple tips to help reduce and reuse:

Going Green Tips of the Week… 
- Wash Your Dishes:  Instead of grabbing a new cup every time you need a drink of water or your daily dose of coffee, use a reusable container (mug, bottle, etc.).
- Use both sides of the paper when copying handouts for a meeting and remember to only copy the amount of handouts needed.
- Remember to shut the lights off when leaving the office.
- Refill It:  Though traditional one-time use pens and pencils are cheaper, once they have written their last word, they are buried in the garbage. Instead, buy refillable pens and mechanical pencils. The extra upfront cost will pay for itself over time when the only purchases needed afterwards are for inexpensive ink and lead refills.

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.

Scouts Honor PSF

Sean Holveck, Outreach Executive for the Pikes Peak Council of Boy Scouts of America presented Margaret Sabin, PSF President and CEO, a bronze eagle statue May 4, at Penrose Hospital, in appreciation for the medical supplies Penrose-St. Francis Health Services donates each year to the local Boy Scout Camp. (Photo by Julie Cox)

Almost There!

More than 900 Penrose-St. Francis associates will be entered into a random drawing for an iPod Touch simply for returning their Associate Campaign pledge forms by May 7. 

Penrose-St. Francis Health Foundation staff will announce the winner of the drawing Friday.

While no donation was required in order to qualify, the overwhelming majority of those 900+ employees did respond with a gift to help support the Campaign funds, which includes Associate Financial Assistance, Patient Financial Assistance, United Way, and Digital Mammography.

As of this writing, PSF is more than 80 percent of the way to our goal of $315,000, but we still need your help! 

The deadline for the iPod drawing has passed, but the Associate Campaign itself won’t end until the goal has been met.  There is still time to get your pledge form in and help put us over the top!

Thank you to all the associates, physicians and volunteers who have already participated.  And, to those 2,000 or so employees who haven’t yet returned their forms, please consider joining your peers by giving a gift at any level.  Every donation truly does make a difference!

For more information, please contact the Penrose-St. Francis Health Foundation at 776-7060, or click on the link below and make a pledge today: repository/newsletters/Photos/Penrose/May 4, 2009/PSFPledgeForm.pdf

SFMC New Services

The Birth Center at St. Francis Medical Center added more services and resources for moms and premature babies in Southern Colorado.

The New Born Hope Resource Room opened May 7 with a dedication ceremony at SFMC.  The room has been set up for parents of premature babies complete with reading materials and computers in a comfortable setting.  The facility will encourage parents to learn details of their child’s plan of care and basic medical information, while being close to their newborn. 

The facility was made possible by New Born Hope, an organization that focus' efforts on premature prevention, education and support of local Neonatal Intensive Care Unit's in Southern Colorado.

“It’s an exciting time as we continue to expand the mother-baby services we offer at Penrose-St. Francis,” said Dr. Meg Prado, Neonatologist and Medical Director of the NICU.

In addition to the Resource Room, a customized NICU transport vehicle is helping Penrose-St. Francis Health Services’ tiniest patients and high-risk pregnant women receive the care they need at the appropriate facility. 

A highly skilled team for neonatal and maternal patient transport has the additional training required for stabilization and transportation of patients from outlying areas as far away as Limon and Canon City.

For example, a patient who may require the Level III NICU for the birth of a premature baby can be stabilized and picked up in the NICU Transport vehicle and provided care if needed during the trip to SFMC. 

The transport vehicle is outfitted with both oxygen and air.  The isolette has a built-in ventilator and is mounted securely onto a collapsible stretcher, which is clipped to the floor. 

Lighten Up Colorado

Want to get motivated to increase your physical activity and lose weight NOW? Compete on a team, because this is your chance to lighten up! 

Join Lighten Up Colorado, an eight week wellness program to improve physical fitness, lose weight, and create new healthy habits.

Both Penrose-St. Francis Health Services' CEOs, Margaret Sabin and Nate Olson, have already begun to pick their teams.  A team consists of five to 10 people.

Lighten Up Colorado lasts eight weeks from May 29-July 24.  The registration deadline is May 21.

Lighten Up Colorado costs $15 per person and includes:

1 - A 2009 Lighten Up Colorado t-shirt ($2 extra for XXL)
2 - FREE entry into the State Games of America 5K Run/Walk & Opening Ceremony
3 - A gold, silver or bronze medal for the top three teams in each category
4 - The top team in each category will be recognized at the State Games of America Opening Ceremony on July 30 at the Colorado Springs World Arena.
** Added HIIP benefit: Weigh-ins to keep you on track at the beginning, middle, and end**

Across America teams compete against one another to accumulate the most minutes, and earn recognition and prizes at the State Games of America Opening Ceremony.
 
Across PSF, the team who “lightens up” the most will win a Personal Training Session, with an ACE Certified Personal Trainer, for each team member. To be part of the PSF Team, contact Erin Heberlein at 776-7494.

HOW TO JOIN LIGHTEN UP COLORADO

Step 1
Gather five to 10 PSF teammates, select a team captain, and create a team name. (Don’t have a team, call Erin at x7494 to be placed on an existing team).

Step 2 
Pick up and fill out Lighten Up Colorado “Team Registration Form” located in HIIP wall pockets

Step 3
The team captain collects $15 registration fee from each team member, and the team chooses which “division” in which the team will participate:
  “Novice-Walking”
  “Novice-Running” (1.5-3 mile run 3x per week)
  “Intermediate-Running” (3-7 mile run 4x per week)
  “Advanced-Running” (3-9 mile run 5x per week)

Step 4
Team captains turn in the team registration form and money to Erin in the HIIP office by May 21, Employee Health and Fitness Day.

Step 5
Attend the initial weigh-in the week of the May 26-29. (see weigh-in schedule).

Step 6
Begin logging all physical activity starting May 29, and turn in weekly activity logs to team captains every Friday, and continue to lighten up!

For more information, please contact Erin Heberlein at 776-7494.

Hospital Week

Herbs and Spices

By Karen Abrahamsen
Health Learning Center intern

Since ancient times, spices and herbs have been used to make bland food more flavorful.  Today, grocery store shelves are lined with neat rows of shiny bottles filled with herbs and spices from faraway and exotic lands.  Some people are enchanted by the myth that dried herbs and spices live forever, but in fact, their life span is relatively short.  

Do you know the difference between spices and herbs?  

While both are products of aromatic plants, herbs are the leaves, stems, and flowers of plants grown in temperate regions, and spices are made from the berries, stems, bark, seeds, rhizomes (underground stems), and buds of plants grown in tropical or subtropical regions.  All herbs and spices contain essential oils, which give each one its distinctive flavor and aroma.

Herbs and spices will lose strength, color, and flavor over time.  Most will begin to deteriorate after about six months. The shelf life of ground spices is two to three years.  Whole spices will keep for three to four years, and herbs last for one to three years.  

To check for freshness, see whether the color is still rich and vibrant.  Rub or crush some herb or spice in the palm of your hand.  How does it smell?  If the color has faded or the aroma is weak or musty, it should be replaced.  Whole spices, ground just before use with a small coffee grinder or mortar and pestle, will have a longer shelf life and produce a more potent flavor.

Since humidity, heat, and light adversely affect the flavor and aroma of herbs and spices, they should be stored in airtight containers in a cool, dark location.  They are best kept in tightly sealed glass jars in a drawer, pantry, or cupboard at least 2 to 3 feet from the stove or any heat source (such as a dishwasher, sink, or window).  Placing them in a rack above the stove or on the kitchen counter exposes them to heat and light, and will speed their deterioration.  

To avoid exposing herbs and spices to humidity, don’t sprinkle them directly from the bottle into a steaming pot.  Instead, measure them with a completely dry measuring spoon, and tightly replace the lid immediately after each use. 

How old are the herbs and spices in your kitchen?  

If there’s no expiration date on the package and you’re not sure when they were purchased, websites of McCormick (www.mccormick.com/spices101/HowOldSpices.aspx) and Durkee Spices (www.durkee.com/foodservice/spices.php) will assist in determining just how old your herbs and spices are.  

To help determine the freshness of newly purchased herbs and spices, label the bottle with the purchase date.

iPod Winner

Marula Blue (left), a Great-West representative, presents Elaine Benton, Penrose Hospital Radiology, with an iPod Shuffle.  Elaine was one of the lucky Centura grand prize winners of an iPod from the Great-West Retirement Fair in April. (Photo by Julie Cox)  

Congratulations Elaine! 

If you have questions about your retirement plan, need to get enrolled or want assistance with a rollover, please contact your Great-West Representative, Marula Blue at 1-800-947-4409. She is in Colorado Springs on Tuesdays and Thursdays. She is also available for staff and group meetings.

Health Learning Center

All classes require pre-registration / cancellation a minimum of 24 hours prior. A $20 no show fee will be billed to the participant if registration not cancelled 24 hours in advance. To register or for more information, please call the Penrose Health Learning Center at 776-3600. 

Wellness Classes: 

T’ai Chi – A form of ancient Chinese martial arts that works to improve body awareness, strength and coordination.  Monthly - Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning the first Tuesday of each month.  Class runs through May 28, from 9 to 10 a.m.  The cost is $40 for the 4-week session.

Exercising with the Physioball Level II – A progression from Level I with additional core stability and strength training exercises that may be performed using the physioball. Circuit activities will be included.  Exercising with the Physioball Level I is required prior to enrolling in this class. Bring your own physioballs. 45-minutes once per week for four-weeks. Mondays through June 1 (Skip May 25, Memorial Day), 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. The cost is $20.

Self Defense – Beginning self defense course for the general public.  Learn safety techniques and ways to increase vigilance. Thursdays, through May 28, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. The cost is $30 for the four week session.

NEW! Jalapeno Nia - Body Mind Spirit Fitness to sassy, sultry and latin inspired music and movements. Nia combines the energies of the Martial Arts, Dance Arts and Healing Arts to bring overall cardiovascular fitness and well-being.  The music of this genre will inspire you to have fun while conditioning your body, mind, spirit and emotions.  Wednesdays, through May 27, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.  The cost is $30.

Aquatics Classes – The Penrose Health Learning Center in cooperation with Colorado Sports and Spine. A structured class two to three times per week, concentrating on range of motion, overall strengthening and general cardiovascular conditioning.  All Aquatics classes are located at 1625 Medical Center Point (Union and Templeton Gap).  The cost is $46 per month for 2x / week or $66 per month for 3x / week.
- Monday/Wednesday/Friday: 10:30–11:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
- Monday/Wednesday: 5-6 p.m.
- Monday/Friday: 12:30-1:30 p.m
- Tuesday/Thursday: 8:30-9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 12:30-1:30 p.m.

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: European Cold Cut Panini, Corned Beef & Cabbage, Mahi Mahi w/Tropical Salsa, 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

MAY LUNCH ‘N’ LEARN: “Journey to the Peak of Excellence”
Penrose-St. Francis Health Services is using the ANCC Magnet Model as a roadmap to excellence.  Kate McCord, PSF Chief Nursing Officer, and Deb Nussdorfer, Magnet Coordinator, will show the map, highlight the strengths in the organization and discuss strategies that will improve patient care and satisfaction as well as energize the work environment.  Research shows that outcomes are better for both patients and staff when this model is used.  Join us and take time to ask, “How am I making a difference every day?” All Aboard!
Wednesday, SFMC/Conf. Rms 2 & 3, 12:05-12:35 p.m.
Thursday, PH/E-Tower Gala Room, 12:05-12:35 p.m.

HEALING TOUCH SEMINAR
Healing Touch is a relaxing, nurturing energy therapy. Gentle touch assists in balancing the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being, while working with the energy field to support the body’s natural ability to heal. Safe for all ages and works in harmony with standard medical care. Health benefits include reducing stress, anxiety, depression, and pain, strengthening the immune system, enhanced recovery from surgery, care for neck and back problems and much more. Join Myra Tovey, RNBS, CHPI, as she teaches the art of the healing touch practice. The cost for PSF Associates is $75 for the class, and $86.25 for the class and 16 CEs; for Community Members, $150 for the class and $172.50 for the class and 16 CEs. For more information contact Liz Berardi at 776-7393.
May 30-31, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Penrose Main/Cancer Center Rooms A-C.
*Payments are due to the HIIP office no later than May 28 to reserve a spot. 
*Class is limited to 24 people. Must have 10 participants or class will be cancelled.

HIKING CLUB
Saturday at 9 a.m., Goose Gossage Park
Kids and dogs are welcome; please keep dogs on leashes. Since most of the route is paved, strollers are a good option for small kiddies. And for anyone who needs to cut the route short, just turn around and complete the walk.
Difficulty/Rating: Easy
Trail Length: 3 miles
Directions:  From I-25 take Fillmore East, Turn Left on Mark Dabling, end at the park, park in the lot next to the soccer fields. Address: 3950 Mark Dabling Boulevard.  Walk Leaders: Rox Norris (HIM) and Nancy Palacios (Birth Center). For questions on the day of the hike contact Nancy at 290-2733.

HIIP REPRESENTATIVE MEETING
COME CELEBRATE THE END OF FY09 AND INVEST IN FY10! 
Join the HIIP Staff as we wind down the Fiscal Year 09 and get ready for our new set of classes and events for FY2010.  Mark your calendars for this exciting HIIP Rep meeting.  Please make every effort to be there or send someone in your department to attend.  Hope to see all of you there with a lot of energy and enthusiasm about the upcoming HIIP events! Lunch and a summer treat is provided. Please RSVP to the HIIP office at 776-7393 by May 20. 
May 26, 12:30-1:30 p.m., PH/E-tower basement Gala Room
May 27, Noon-1 p.m., SFMC/Conf Room 3 (Garden Level)

FY09 HIIP EDUCATION CLASSES
How to get Started with Exercise: May 20 from 7:30-8:15 a.m. at SFMC/Wellness Center

SELF CARE CLASS
May 28 from 5-5:45 p.m. at SFMC/Conference Room 1

PSF EXTENDED FITNESS CLASSES
Pick up a schedule at HIIP Wall pockets at all sites for registration form
Penrose Hospital
Bootcamp:  Starts May 19 from 6:15-7 a.m. in the PH/E Tower Aerobics Room for six weeks
Nia: Session 7: Starts May 26 from 4-5 p.m. in the PH/E-Tower Aerobics Room for six weeks

WELLNESS CENTER ORIENTATIONS
Please register for orientations via HealthCalc on My Virtual Workplace or call 776-5839, ext 2.
SFMC Wellness Center- Wednesday at 11 a.m.
SFHC Wellness Center- Friday at noon
PH Wellness Center- May 19 at 4 p.m.
SFMC Wellness Center- May 21 at 5 p.m.
Anyone over 40 years old must have a physician’s form signed giving permission to use Wellness Centers.
*SFMC Wellness Center Orientations: Please note that if you had access to the PCH Wellness Center, you must attend an orientation at SFMC in order to gain access to that facility.

WALKING CLUBS
PH Walking Club: Every Thursday, 7:15-7:50 a.m. outside of valet. Contact Michelle Somers 776-5034
SFHC Walking Club:  Every Monday at 11:30 a.m. outside of the Foundation building. Contact Tracy 776-7085
SFMC Walking Club:  Every Tuesday at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., meet outside 1st floor/valet entrance- Winter season- the group will walk the stairs indoors. Contact Rox 571-1064.