SOUTHERN VIRGINIA MENTAL HEALTH INSTITUTE OCTOBER 2004
REMEMBER THIS SONG???
What does our Mission mean?
Help! I need somebody, help! Not just anybody, Help! That's right, it's
an old Beatles song, but very applicable at this moment. So, Help! I
Our Mission: As an institution of the Commonwealth, our charge need somebody, Help!, Not just anybody, Help! The "not just anybody"
is to clinically treat those placed in our care, insuring their rights are I need is...staff members who receive a check and are not enrolled in
protected, while holding them responsible for their actions in order
Direct Deposit. Can you believe this, each quarter, the Comptroller of the
that they can begin the journey to the community of their choice.
Commonwealth of Virginia sends out a Quarterly Compliance Report on
SVMHI prepares patients to exercise their freedom. Freedom is the various standards in state government. Yesterday, life was such an easy
message in the Bill of Rights and fundamental to the make-up of game to play, until I received the June 30th compliance report. Why?
Virginia’s way-of-life. But freedom is a right that can only exist if One of the compliance standards indicate that all state agencies will have
people accept the responsibilities attached. Thus, the philosophy at least 80% of its salaried employees on Direct Deposit. Well, guess
behind our mission is that treatment has two components what, Southern Virginia and this boy have been cited in the June report
providing the patients the tools to live in less restrictive for having a compliance rate of 78.1%. That's right, the nerve of the
places and Comptroller for listing us in his report because of three measly checks.
fostering the willingness of the patients to accept the So, help me get out of print by signing up for Direct Deposit today. You
responsibilities associated with the less restrictive living
wouldn't want to be stuck on a Yellow Submarine and no way to access
settings.
your funds would you? So, we can work it out, but there are not eight
The first component without the second leads to recidivism and days a week to sign up, there are only five. If you would like to enroll, I
failure for the patients. The second component cannot happen Wanna Hold Your Hand and lead you through the sign up process. The
without the first because the patients will not have the capacity to Sign-Up forms are not here, there & everywhere, but are located outside
understand and/or accept the responsibilities. of the Payroll Office on A-wing. It is an easy process and yes it is a way
to save you time each payday. If you do not sign up this time, I will be
Our mission is a high-calling, for it controls and directs the lives of back to offer you more opportunities to get me out of print. Something
hundreds of individuals each year. We need to take pride in what else to add to every little thing you do, place "sign up for direct deposit"
we do but be humbled by the responsibility it entails. on your to-do list. Also, as an added bonus, tell me what you see and
Dave Lyon, Director circle every Beatle song in this article. Place it in my box and I will
have a drawing from all those who correctly identified all the Beatle
songs. A special candy surprise will be drawn on October 8th out of the
NEW ADDITION! correct entries and for no one will I allow to see my answer sheet.
Remember, if you do not sign up for Direct Deposit, you will become an
The Administrative Team wants to hear from official member of the Sgt Pepper lonely hearts club band.
you. Beginning next month a “Q & A” section P.S. I love you,
Wade Hopkins
will be added to the newsletter. Submit your
question to Naomi Gibson in the Director’s office
FYI
and it will be answered and published in the Be sure to check the Training Schedule for additional Human
newsletter. Rights Training opportunities (all shifts), for staff who have not
had training for the 2004 year. All training will be held in the
Norman Auditorium. No further training will be offered after this
month, except for new hire orientation.
HR N EWS Stanley Cousins, Human Rights Advocate Sr.
Welcome to New Employees:
Randall Morris, Pharmacist
Linda Almashy, Registered Nurse National Health Observances
A.B. Motley, Pharmacist National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
“Talk About Prescriptions” Month
Health Literacy Month
LET’S CONTINUE TO WORK TOGETHER !!! 3-9 Mental Illness Awareness Week
3-9 National Fire Prevention Week
Please notify Human Resources when 7 National Depression Screening Day
your name, address, and phone 15 National Mammography Day
number have changed. As always,
we thank you for the great job that
you do!!!
Management Team Meeting (Synopsis)
I. The SVMHI Management Team Meeting was held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, September 16, 2004.
II. JCAHO Upcoming Visit: Robin Crews updated the Management Team on the upcoming mid-cycle JCAHO
visit. This visit from JCAHO will prepare SVMHI for the actual survey scheduled on or before February 2006.
The mid-cycle survey is one-third the length of normal surveys and will use the JCAHO self assessment Periodic
Performance Review (PPR) tool. It is expected that this mid-cycle survey will occur in October or November
of this year. The Director will be notified in advance of the date. Ms. Crews noted the importance of reading
SVMHI’s Newsletter which will be the primary tool used to communicate information to staff regarding
JCAHO. Anyone wishing to review periodical publications from JCAHO can find those and the CAMH binder
located in the office of Ms. Crews.
III. Patient Safety Goals: Robin Crews, Patient Safety Officer, disseminated and reviewed the JCAHO National
Patient Safety Goals. JCAHO requirements include all staff be trained in the area of Patient Safety. Ms. Crews
noted this training is now included in new staff member’s orientation. However, all other employees must
receive this mandatory training. The Management Team was assigned the responsibility of reviewing the
Patient Safety Goals with their staff and ensuring educational credit is given to those in attendance by
notification to Staff Development for entry into the staff training database. It is IMPERATIVE that staff be able
to recall these goals and their application at SMVHI principally for patient care and for the JCAHO survey. It
is also expected that these goals will be monitored on a regular basis by Managers. These goals are readily
available to all employees as they are posted in restrooms, public bulletin boards and staff canteen.
IV. CMS Revisit Report: On September 13, 2004, David Lyon received the report from CMS with the results of
the revisit in June. He congratulated staff in meeting the special conditions of participation for psychiatric
hospitals and passing the second CMS visit. Mr. Lyon thanked everyone for their hard work. Mr. Lyon noted
as with all surveyors, they do not leave without giving us guidance for improvement. The areas in which
direction was given are listed below. We will need to submit, in writing, a plan on how we’re addressing
these areas. CMS did not indicate that they will send surveyors to explore how we are doing in implementing
our plan but that is always a possibility.
Areas for Improvement Noted by CMS:
Physical holds as restraints: Surveyors noted that our policies do not address the use of physical holds of
durations of less than five minutes thus authorization and documentation is inconsistent and/or lacking.
Documentation on corrective action lacking: When a patient is not complying with treatment there is lack
of documentation on how we deal with it. Example – when it is noted in the patient’s record that the
patient is not taking medication, documentation is lacking on what our plan is to insure medications are
being taken and how the plan is doing. Reference to SOAP, noting the “P” is not being done.
Lack of notes following policies that direct treatment: Where policies call for
1. Written notes within timeframes and said notes are not there.
2. Procedures to be done and recorded. These were not recorded in the patient record and may not
have been done.
Legibility of handwriting: The physician and nurse surveyors cited us; using examples from our records in
their profession that physicians and nurses handwriting could not be read. They also said this problem runs
beyond nursing and psychiatry into all disciplines.
V. TAKE SHELTER PLAN: David Lyon gave brief details of an updated Disaster
Plan for Take Shelter In The Event Of Weather Related Hazards, will be
issued on Friday, 09/17/04. Management staff is to ensure their staff is
familiar with this plan.
VI. Next Scheduled Management Team Meeting: The SVMHI Management Team is scheduled to meet on
October 21, 2004, 10:30 a.m., location to be announced. Please send any items you would like on the
agenda to David Lyon or Naomi Gibson.
FOR YOUR INFORMATION Mark Your Calendars
COMMONHEALTH PROGRAM VIDEO: STRESS ANXIETY
To Be Announced TBA TBA
Stress and Anxiety are a normal part of life. For some people stress becomes so overwhelming that it can
lead to stress-related disorders. In this 15-minute video, C. Everett Koop, M.D., addresses the diagnosis,
treatment and management of these disorders. Contact Sheena Kirby at ext. 4232 or via email to sign up.
DISTANCE LEARNING NETWORK IMPORTANT CLINICAL ISSUES IN THE MANAGEMENT OF SCHIZOPHRENIA, Bristol Myers-Squibb
Tuesday, October 5th 12 noon- 1:00 p.m. Norman Auditorium
This program will present practical, clinical information to the busy psychiatrist on how to address these
long-term treatment issues and will also present the latest research findings concerning each of these
issues. Contact Sheena Kirby at ext. 4232 or via email to sign up.
CENTER FOR PUBLIC HEALTH PREPAREDNESS-SARS SATELLITE BROADCAST LEARNING FROM AND PREPARING FOR SARS, James
G. Young, MD.
Thursday, October 7th 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. B.J. Library
Contact Sheena Kirby at ext. 4232 or via email to sign up.
HOLIDAY COLUMBUS DAY AND YORKTOWN VICTORY DAY
Monday, October 11th N/A N/A
HUMAN RIGHTS TRAINING
Tuesday, October 12th 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. Norman Auditorium
Stanley Cousins will present Human Rights Training for staff who have not had it this year. Contact
Sheena Kirby at ext. 4232 or via email to sign up.
DISTANCE LEARNING NETWORK DIABETES MENTAL ILLNESS AND ANTIPSYCHOTIC MEDICATIONS: DIAGNOISIS, EVALUATION AND
THE ROLE OF THE MENTAL HEALTH CLINICIAN, Eli Lilly
Tuesday, October 12th 12 noon- 1:00 p.m. Norman Auditorium
This DLN presentation will present a thorough but concise and practical review of the diagnostic evaluation
for diabetes in patients suffering from a mental illness. Obviously, these patients are often in need of
antipsychotics, and an awareness of the prospective risks vs. benefits is essential for the treating clinician.
Contact Sheena Kirby at ext. 4232 or via email to sign up.
NEW HIRE ORIENTATION
Tues., Oct. 12th & Wed., Oct. 13th 8:00 a.m.-5:15 p.m. BB-9
All new hires are required to attend all aspects (two days) of orientation unless otherwise determined by
the Director of Staff Development and/or Director of Nursing Education. Presented by Pam Meadows,
Sylvia Mcfarling, Randy Owen, Stanley Cousins, Robin Crews, Human Resources and Sheena Kirby.
BACK INJURY TRAINING
Wednesday, October 13th 2:15 p.m.- 3:00 p.m. BB-9
Sheena Kirby will present Back Injury training. Contact Sheena Kirby at ext. 4232 or via email to sign up.
HUMAN RIGHTS TRAINING
Thursday, October 14th 11:00 a.m. – 12 noon Norman Auditorium
Stanley Cousins will present Human Rights Training for staff who have not had it this year. Contact
Sheena Kirby at ext. 4232 or via email to sign up.
BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS and PPD TESTING
Tuesday, October 19th 3:30 p.m. Norman Auditorium
Pam Meadows, R.N. will present training in Bloodborne Pathogens. Contact Sheena Kirby at ext. 4232 or
via email to sign up.
DISTANCE LEARNING NETWORK ANTIPSYCHOTIC DRUGS FOR THE TREATMENT OF AGITATION ASSOCIATED WITH DEMENTIA:
RECENT CONCERNS AND NEW FINDINGS, AstraZeneca
Tuesday, October 19th 12 Noon – 1:00 p.m. B.J. Library
The importance of risk assessment will be emphasized, and the need for individualized treatment planning
will be discussed. Contact Sheena Kirby at ext. 4232 or via email to sign up.
MANDATED TRAINING TOVA (THERAPEUTIC OPTIONS OF VIRGINIA)
Tues., Oct. 19th & Wed., Oct. 20th 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Norman Auditorium
Contact Sheena Kirby at ext. 4232 or via email to sign up.
PSYCHLINK TBA
Wednesday, October 20th 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. B.J. Library
Contact Sheena Kirby at ext. 4232 or via email to sign up.
MANDATED TRAINING CPR TRAINING
Thursday, October 21st 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Norman Auditorium
Contact Sheena Kirby at ext. 4232 or via email to sign up.
HUMAN RIGHTS TRAINING
Thursday, October 21st 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Norman Auditorium
Stanley Cousins will present Human Rights Training for staff who have not had it this year. Contact
Sheena Kirby at ext. 4232 or via email to sign up.
HUMAN RIGHTS TRAINING
Monday, October 25th 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Norman Auditorium
Stanley Cousins will present Human Rights Training for staff who have not had it this year. Contact
Sheena Kirby at ext. 4232 or via email to sign up.
NEW HIRE ORIENTATION
Mon., Oct. 25th & Tues., Oct. 26th 8:00 a.m.-5:15 p.m. BB-9
All new hires are required to attend all aspects (two days) of orientation unless otherwise determined by
the Director of Staff Development and/or Director of Nursing Education. Presented by Pam Meadows,
Sylvia Mcfarling, Randy Owen, Stanley Cousins, Robin Crews, Human Resources and Sheena Kirby.
HUMAN RIGHTS TRAINING
Tuesday, October 26th 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. Norman Auditorium
Stanley Cousins will present Human Rights Training for staff who have not had it this year. Contact
Sheena Kirby at ext. 4232 or via email to sign up.
DISTANCE LEARNING NETWORK EXPLORING TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR THE LONG-TERM MANAGEMENT OF INSOMNIA,
Tuesday, October 26th 12 noon – 1:00 p.m. Norman Auditorium
This activity will help familiarize physicians with new standards for diagnosis and treatment of insomnia.
Contact Sheena Kirby at ext. 4232 or via email to sign up.
BACK INJURY TRAINING
Tuesday, October 26th 2:15 p.m.- 3:00 p.m. BB-9
Sheena Kirby will present Back Injury training. Call ext. 4232 or via email to sign up.
PSYCHCME UNDERSTANDING THE CHALLENGES OF BIPOLAR DISORDER THROUGHOUT THE FEMALE LIFE CYCLE, GlaxoSmithKline
Wednesday, October 27th 12 noon – 1:00 p.m. Norman Auditorium
The goal of this activity is to evaluate potential therapeutic options available to treat bipolar disorder in
women based on associated risk-benefit assessments. Contact Sheena Kirby at ext. 4232 or via email to
sign up.
HUMAN RIGHTS TRAINING
Thursday, October 28th 11:00 a.m. – 12 noon Norman Auditorium
Stanley Cousins will present Human Rights Training for staff who have not had it this year. Contact
Sheena Kirby at ext. 4232 or via email to sign up.
GRAND ROUNDS INSERVICE LAB SCIENCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: RELATING NEUROCHEMICAL MODELS TO ANTIPSYCHOTIC EFFECTS,
Michael W. Jann, PharmD
Friday, October 29th 12:00 noon – 1:00 p.m. Webb Lunch
Michael W. Jann, PharmD will describe dopamine hypothesis of schizophrenia, explain how hyper or
hypodopaminergic activity leads to the observed symptoms of schizophrenia, discuss the evidence that
indicates the involvement of other neurotransmitters in schizophrenia, compare and contrast the
mechanisms of action of different antipsychotic agents and how they relate to clinical activity and describe
the molecular targets of an ideal antipsychotic agent. Contact Sheena Kirby to sign up.
HAVE YOU COMPLETED ALL MANDATED TRAINING FOR THE YEAR?
the United States for women and men aged 50 and
over.
Breast Cancer is the most commonly
diagnosed non-skin cancer in women.
Breast Cancer is the second-leading cause
of death for women (Lung cancer is #1).
An estimated 215,990 new cases of invasive
BREAST CANCER FACTS breast cancer are predicted for American
Although death rates have been dropping for more women in 2004.
than 10 years, breast cancer cases have increased in About 1,450 cases of invasive breast cancer
are expected in American men in 2004.
An estimated 40,580 women and men will
die from breast cancer in 2004 (40,110
women and 470 men).
EARLY DETECTION AND PREVENTION Sharon Thrift 10/6
Yearly mammograms starting at age 40. Ricky Toler 10/10
Clinical breast exams (CBE) should be part of a Natalie Hollie 10/13
periodic health exam, about every three years
for women in their 20s and 30s and every year Rebecca Mills-Smith 10/13
for women 40 and over.
Sammy Loftis 10/14
Women should report any breast change
promptly to their health care providers. Breast Wade Hopkins 10/16
self-exam (BSE) is an option for women starting
in their 20s. Marion Christian 10/22
Women at increased risk (e.g., family history, David Lyon 10/23
genetic tendency, past breast cancer ) should
talk with their doctors about the benefits and Barbara Eanes 10/24
limitations of starting mammography screening
earlier, having additional tests (e.g., breast
Brian Isom 10/24
ultrasound or MRI), or having more frequent Rod Howerton 10/25
exams.
Sources:Carol Sutton/American Cancer Society Ruth Whitt 10/27
Visit the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org for Marsha Kerr 10/29
additional information on Breast Cancer.
Gretchen Crowell 10/29
Freda Moore 10/29
To display your awareness, Embroidered Pink Ribbons
and Emery Boards are available in Staff Development. Contact Sheena Kirby 10/31
Sheena Kirby at ext. 4232.
O C T O B E R 2004 VIDEO RECORDINGS
“Have You Had Your PPD For Clinical Skills HIV/AIDS Overview for all Healthcare
Employees
This Year?” Safety/Regulatory/Quality Performance Improvement:
The Theory
Professional Development How To Give and Receive
Feedback
Patient Education Understanding Heart Attacks
Pharmacology Pharmacology and the Elderly, Part 3:
Pain Management
Patient Education Recovery after a Heart Attack
Videos are available for check-out in the Staff
Development Library.
JCAHO Survey Tips
By: Robin Crews, Risk Manager/Patient Safety &Quality
Officer
What does EATO stand for? All Staff need to be
STAFF ARE EXPECTED TO KNOW THE familiar with this term. That includes Professional
Staff, Volunteers, and Interns.
FOLLOWING:
Does this building have Emergency power? Evacuate Activate Tell one other staff
All Patient Care areas have Emergency member and Dial 0 for operator to verify
Power using generators. location of fire
Where are the Utility Rooms? FYI: Surveyors will check the Refrigerators.
The surveyors may ask about this room to This is an infection control issue.
ensure that it is kept clean and that nothing They will make sure that there is no food in
dangerous or combustible is stored in that the medication refrigerator, that everything
area. is dated, and they will ask to see the
temperature check log. Suggestion: Place
What will work under Emergency Power? temperature check logs in a clear plastic
Everything in the patient care area should sleeve on the front of the refrigerator. This
work under emergency power (lights, allows the surveyor to find it easily.
outlets, etc.)
Where is our HEICS plan?
What is PPE? It's pronounced "hicks" but stands for
PPE is Personal Protective Equipment; this Hospital Emergency Incident Command
includes eye goggles, surgical masks, gloves, System. It's a new term that the surveyors
gowns, face shields, and disposable are likely to use. Our HEICS plan is part of
resuscitation items our Emergency Management Preparedness
Plan (EPP). There should be a Disaster
Management Notebook on each unit that
contains information on what to do in case
of emergencies.
WHERE IS THE CLOSEST FIRE
EXTINGUISHER TO YOU RIGHT NOW?
Do: Don’t:
Test your fire key in the fire extinguisher box Store items within 18 inches of ceilings or of sprinkler
routinely to ensure proper working order heads.
Ensure your Mandatory training is up-to-date Store items on the floor without a pallet beneath
monthly Stick items to walls with tape - if it’s important
Update your Employee Work Profile (EWP) in enough to be up, put it in a frame.
conjunction with your supervisor when job tasks Have personal electrical items without SVMHI
change approval sticker from Physical Plant Services.
Read the newsletter monthly as this is a great means Mention patient health information (PHI) in
to communicate training opportunities and need-to- inappropriate circumstances - CONFIDENTIALITY
know information to SVMHI staff!
DOES YOUR OFFICE HAVE ITEMS STORED ON THE
FLOOR OR WITHIN 18” OF THE CEILING/SPRINKLER
HEAD?
SAFETY QUIZ
If a surveyor were to ask you any of the following questions, would you be prepared? (Answers below)
1. To help remember the steps to take in the event of a fire we use the acronym EATO. What does EATO stand for?
2. Because all employees have the right to know what hazardous products they are working with and the possible hazards
associated with any chemical processes, we maintain Material Safety Data Sheet Manuals or MSDS Manuals in each
working area. These sheets list details about each chemical or substance, if it is hazardous, what to do if you are
exposed, and how to handle a spill or an emergency. Where is your unit's MSDS Manual located?
3. We use a multi-purpose fire extinguishers at SVMHI. These are effective on many different types of fires (wood, paper,
grease, paints, electrical, textile, and oils). Where is the closest fire extinguisher to where you are standing?
True or False?
___ 4. We conduct one fire drill per shift monthly?
___ 5. It is everyone's responsibility to identify and report any safety concerns.
Answers:
1 Evacuate Activate Tell one other staff member and Dial 0 to inform operator of location of fire 2 Varies work area to
work area; ask your supervisor if you cannot readily locate the MSDS manual for your work area. 3 Look around you, is
there a fire extinguisher where you said there was? If so, you were right! 4 True 5 True
********************
WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT INFECTION CONTROL?
Q. How have you been educated in the principles of Infection Control?
A. We are required to complete yearly training in Infection Control; we can complete a self-study training packet and test-
out or we can attend a training class. Additionally, the principles of Infection Control are presented to new employees
during hospital orientation.
Q. What personal protective equipment is available to you?
A. Gloves, gowns, mask/eye protection, resuscitation masks, etc.
Q. What Infection Control reference do you have available?
A. Each unit should have a designated location for their Infection Control Manual. The manual should be accessible to all
staff at all times. Work Exposure and TB Control Plans should be located in the same binder. Additionally, Infection Control
Policies and Procedures are posted on SVMHI’s intranet. (Everyone should know where their Manual is located.)
Q. What is the employee's role specific to infection control?
A. The role of every employee at SVMHI must be centered on safe practices. Because of this, individuals must be aware of
the status/condition of the patient environment.
Routine Checks should include:
Are the appropriate sharps containers being used?
Are medication refrigerators clean?
Are temperature logs complete?
Are all products within expiration dates?
Are you in compliance with your TB screening or PPD skin testing requirements?
Reminder: TB screenings should take place annually!
*Hand washing is the
Other Things to Know: most important thing
We practice "Standard Precautions" at SVMHI in any
situation involving potential contact with blood and you can do to prevent
other body substances. the spread of infection.
DO YOU KNOW WHAT NATIONAL PATIENT SAFETY
GOALS ARE? HOW DO THEY AFFECT YOUR JOB?
ELECTRICITY WORD PUZZLE
By: Robin Crews, Risk Manager/Patient Safety &Quality Officer
T B Q E F Y Q A R E S I S T A N C E Y P
F S M P X A W Q U N E W E T C J U T G A
Q L Z X W P T F D P L K Y R O O D S J N
C E I C Z J L A U E E C D X N W A U D E
I T U U M M A O L T C O S F N V M D E L
N H X R P E O E S E T R H R E H A C F P
S A X R Y L W I H I R D O E C T G M I M
T L U E E B U D S B O L C T T N E D B A
A I P N D A R G I T C N K A O E D E R L
L T R T O T I S N W U B H W R M N D I A
L Z O T R R A T S A T R C S S P X N L C
B G N L T O P O U T I W E T E I Y U L I
R F G O C P E O L T O E Q C C U T O A R
E C F V E V R L A D N A R E I Q L R T T
A I T Y L S V G T P F R B F R E U G O C
K L E L E C T R I C I T Y E C E A N R E
E H A Z A R D S O F I R E D U G F I L L
R S E R V I C E N Z M K H N I U V R W E
Y Z D H W M N R E U I Q O C T H G I L S
P L O C K O U T I W S W I T C H C W V L
A EXPLOSION PORTABLE
MP FATAL PRONG
BREAKER FAULTY SHOCK
CIRCUIT FIRE SWITCH
CONNECTORS GFCI
CORD GROUNDED HAVE YOU HAD
CURRENT HAZARDS A COMPETENCY
DAMAGED INSTALL CHECK FOR THIS
DEFECT INSULATION YEAR?
DEFIBRILLATOR LAMP
DUST LETHAL
ELECTRICAL LIGHT
ELECTRICITY LOCKOUT
ELECTROCUTION MOISTURE
ELECTRODE PANEL
EQUIPMENT PLUG
TOVA CONCEPT OF THE MONTH
MODELING BEHAVIOR
In our helping relationship, we must model facilities. Yet, how many times do we say, “Thank
appropriate behavior and assist the people we you, you did a great job.” How many times do we say,
serve in learning adaptive responses to any trigger
“Good morning” to patients but not speak to the staff
events, by teaching and providing opportunities to
who are ambulating or assisting the patient. We need
successfully practice these skills.
to be modeling good communication skills with
Caregivers, are you modeling appropriate everyone. The population we serve is always
behavior? This does not stop at the caregiver-to- watching. So, when we have or bring problems, this
individual served level; it applies to all interactions concept encourages us to open our eyes, to reflect,
and all management levels. My former supervisor and model behavior that is appropriate. How can we
used to say daily. “Model the behavior that is expected.” I expect the people that we serve to get along with
remind myself often to practice what I preach. their peers when staff are modeling inappropriate
behavior?
When you are told some unpleasant news, like you are
required to work mandatory overtime, what is your Remember, the actions we model today may come
behavior? Harsh words, complaining to anyone around back to us tomorrow or in the future by the people
you, sulking, minor misplaced aggressive acts? Or do we serve.
you deal maturely with the distressing or
disappointing news and take ownership for your
feelings and behavior and model appropriate Darlene Evans, TOVA Training Coordinator
behavior? Granted for some caregivers, mandatory Eastern State Hospital
overtime can be a crisis, plus we have the stressors
of everyday life that we bring with us to the work
place. What is your reaction and behavior?
When a peer, supervisor, or an individual from
another discipline steps up to the plate and
communicates support and helps a fellow staff
member respond to a stressful situation, we profit
from that teamwork and build relationships. With S A F E T Y C O R N E R
self-control, flexibility to cope, adaptive planning, and PLEASE REMEMBER
good teamwork, a crisis can be avoided, minimized, SAFETY IS EVERYONE’S RESPONSIBILITY
and managed. Is there a mechanism in place for you
and your staff when an individual is being challenged IF YOU SPILL IT, WIPE IT UP
or in crisis—to support them in modeling appropriate
behavior and providing a helping relationship? IF YOU DROP IT, PICK IT UP
IF THE CORD IS FRAYED DO NOT
Remember that the population we serve listen and
monitor our behavior too. While we are reacting,
USE IT
they are watching, thinking, and learning. They often AND
know who is approachable, who is in a good or foul IF IT IS WET DO NOT WALK ON
mood. Some of those we serve make comments about
staffing problems and personal issues. Often these
IT
are supportive; other times these may be
---- EOCST CHAIRPERSON ----
intentionally provoking. Our response is key. BOBBIE GROGAN
And do we recognize, appreciate, and reinforce good
performance? We have excellent employees at our
SVMHI STARS
Farewell
It is with great sadness, the Medical Staff will bid
farewell to Dr. Sorina Rodgers October 29th. Dr.
Rodgers has been with SVMHI since December 1999
and has worked as both Unit Physician and Acting
Quotables Medical Director. She will be moving to Twin Falls,
Idaho, to be closer to her beloved mountains, snow
“ Let Liz Shelton, Nursing Supervisor know that I and snowboarding.
think she is a great supervisor and an all around
good person.” We will miss that wit and wisdom, along with the
-Anonymous delightful accent and bright hair!! She has become
a dear friend to many and we wish her much
happiness and success.
CONGRATULATIONS! Medical Staff
to Priscilla Wilson and Edna Glass. They received
free Domino Pizza Gift Certificates in their goody-
filled travel bags that were given out to 3rd shift last UNDERSTATEMENT
“She will be greatly missed!”
month. A 2nd shift drawing will be held in October.
Merriam-Webster has not created a word large enough to
Winners will be notified. express the gratitude Staff Development has for Mrs. LeRanda
Walker. With her outstanding assistance, a 3-year project was
completed in just a little over 6 weeks. All who have taken a
moment to visit BB-21 were speechless. LeRanda has been
able to continue a positive workflow in my absence and always
Don’t forget to keep Don Nicols in your willing to help out in any event. Sharing an office with her has
been a pleasure.
thoughts and prayers.
She will be leaving us at the end of October and will be greatly
missed. I have a phrase I would belt out if I ever came into the
MORE GIFT CERTIFICATES! James “Juice” office and had no messages or emails. I would say, “Oh well,
Nobody Loves Me But Jesus!” When I return to the office, there
Johnson, Connie Gibson and Ranjana Clark won
would always be a message from her, so I wouldn’t have to say
Piedmont Mall Gift Certificates at the “Letting Go” it for the rest of the day. If you see her in passing, please wish
CommonHealth Program. Congratulations! Be sure to her well, she deserves it and has earned all praise.
check the schedule for upcoming events.
THANKS AGAIN LERANDA!.
Sheena Kirby, Staff Development
„WHO‟S THAT BABY?”
Do you work with this person? Submit your guesses by October 15th for a free incentive.
Can the next three people READ what you just wrote in a patient’s medical record?
This is an exercise in legibility. This paragraph is written as an example of the type of penmanship seen
in our charts by reviewers and your co-workers. The information entered in the medical service record
is the primary means of communication regarding an individual’s needs and treatment. Therefore, this
communication needs to be clear, precise and intelligible. If a written note cannot be interpreted in its
entirety, the reader is deprived of knowledge that could be critical in providing care for someone. As
HIM Director, I am asking that everyone try to make our medical service records healthier by writing
in a manner everyone can comprehend.
Cyndi Payne