Return to Main Menu

Currents To Medical Center Employees: At the Sept. 30 communications meeting, Mary Brigman, human resources  compliance coordinator and recruiter, gave an update on the Medical Center’s Affirmative Action Plan (AAP). Ms. Brigman pointed out that the components of the AAP include a narrative summary of our commitment, statistical reports, ongoing monitoring of employment activity and documentation of good faith efforts. The responsibility for carrying out the Medical Center’s AAP is shared by the human resources office, all managers and supervisors involved in the hiring process and the leadership team. The MUSC President’s Office oversees institutionwide compliance.  The Medical Center Human Resources Employment Policy No. 4 serves to ensure equal access to job opportunities and to underscore our affirmative action commitment. Our management team has done a good job in following the policy and in completing the Applicant Review Lists (ARLs), which enable detailed documentation of the selection process.  In carrying out our AAP, the human resources office tracks all applications and hires for 23 job categories, including temporary jobs. Our system focuses upon every step of the employment process and statistically identifies areas that need attention.  While there is progress to be made with our AAP, through the efforts of all concerned we have made improvements to our documentation and demonstration of good faith efforts.  Thanks to everyone for a job well done.  W. Stuart Smith Vice President for Clinical Operations and Executive Director, MUSC Medical Center   STAR Productions presents ‘Who Wants to be a JCAHO Millionaire’ With 48 days to go before survey, JCAHO consultant Lois Kerr used the opportunity to review policies and practices with participants in a quiz show format. Players in the hot seat and the  audience were challenged to answer a variety of operational questions and information about patient care and outcomes, plus hospital safety was addressed at different levels. Congratulations to Andy Atkinson, Institute of Psychiatry;  Kelly Shaw, Patient Access Services; Maureen McDaniel, Patient Access Services; and Natalie Ankney, Critical Care/Emergency Services for helping the team attain the “millionaire” level. Physical Therapy Month In recognition of October as Physical Therapy Month, Erica Rouvalis, Physical Therapy manager, briefed participants about important information shared by the Hospital Injuries Committee. Members of the committee are: Al Nesmith, Nancy Sifford, Glenda Oltmann, Julie Adam, Leo Albano, Ann Benton, Barbara Hiott, Dawn Huggins, Maureen Decker, Cheryl Brian, Betty Harley, Joseph Avant, Cindy Brown, Eric Frisch, Barbara Burke and Tanis Koester. The group focused on workplace injury prevention which was first presented at the June Safety Fair.  Rouvalis distributed and reviewed an instructional poster featuring a series of stand-up-and-stretch exercises aimed at preventing injury and promoting wellness among employees and staff. Findings from Rouvalis and the committee revealed that many workplace injuries are from overuse of upper extremities. Their solution is to educate employees on how to reduce risk factors which cause such injuries and educate workers with the goal of a healthier and happier workforce. She also reminded staff of the lift team’s availability at inpatient units and that physical therapists can meet and talk to staff about ergonomic issues. Occupational Safety and Health is available to conduct workstation assessments. Finally, the Stand Up and Stretch Poster has been posted to the MUSC Intranet under “New Stuff” for everyone to view and download. Human Resources Update Helena Bastian, director, Medical Center Human Resources, reported on several items beginning with the availability of the Age Specific Growth Development lesson via CATTS. She also discussed the Performance Evaluation document and Staff Variance Reports. In compliance to the upcoming JCAHO Document Review, managers were reminded to submit their year-end variance reports to directors.  Bastian concluded by reminding staff that the Benefits Information session for night staff will be held Oct. 8 at 7:15 a.m., 2West Amphitheater. The Medical Center Human Resources Management office will also be open at 7:15 a.m., Oct. 15 and 17. Communications Meeting Format to be Revisited Hal Currey, administrator, Facilities and Capital Improvement, briefly discussed plans to assess the weekly Communications Meeting.  Since summer 1994, hospital managers, staff and supervisors have met to communicate and discuss information.  Currey reconfirmed the benefits of having a weekly forum that allows  face-to-face communication among the management team. He noted that some questions have been raised through The McNair Group training sessions on the usefulness of the communications meeting.  Currey asked the management team to give careful thought about how to improve the communications meetings and be prepared to share ideas at the Oct. 7 meeting. Announcements Rosemary Ellis, quality director, reported that safety and security policies are in place and ready for review. Any questions should be referred to Paul Moss.    Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to petersnd@musc.edu or catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Community Press at 849-1778.