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Currents To Medical Center Employees: National Nurses and Hospital Weeks will be observed May 6 - 12 and  May 11 – 17 respectively. Now is a good time to reflect upon our commitment to excellence in health care for our community and our state, and to celebrate our accomplishments. Various events have been scheduled to recognize the accomplishments of employees, including a special May 8 ceremony to express our appreciation to employees who faithfully fulfill the dual role of serving our military.  Among other accolades over the year, MUSC was again recognized by the National Research Corporation’s Consumer Choice survey as Charleston’s Most Preferred Health Care Provider. This award means that we are recognized by consumers as having the best doctors, nurses, community health programs, latest technology and best overall quality.  To me it means that we have dedicated employees committed to our values and mission.  Thanks to all for a job well done.  W. Stuart Smith Vice President for Clinical Operations and Executive Director, MUSC Medical Center   STAR Productions presents ‘9 to 5’ Jane Fonda stood in front of the copying machine as it spit papers out faster and faster and  exclaimed to her boss, “I just couldn’t keep up with it!” in a scene from the film “9 to 5.” In an effort to remain calm, cool, and collected under pressure, MUSC Medical Center continues to prepare for the JCAHO “competency” check. Helena Bastian, Medical Center Human Resources director, told managers that competency is one of JCAHO’s top 10 problem areas and surveyors will rate MUSC on the following things while reviewing for competencies: current job description, licensure, competency assessment, orientation, and ongoing education and training. To prepare for the upcoming survey, Human Resources is conducting departmental file audits. During the audit managers and/or educators will get have to identify areas of concerns and correct any deficiencies. Bastian indicated that periodic reminders would be presented at communications meetings and through email. Reminders A current job description (PD/EPMS) must be signed and dated by the rater, reviewer, and employee. It must be completed in a timely manner, speci-fically, within 45 days of the due date. All temporary and contract employees must have annual evaluations and a current job description. Impromptu web reports now provide weekly updated descriptions. Orientation checklists must be completed, signed, and dated; arrows are not acceptable. Temporary and contract employees require docu-mentation of orientation to the unit or department of employment and no checklists are to be turned in with blanks. Instead, managers are asked to pen “N/A” or cross the section(s) out with an “X” for items that are not applicable. Annual evaluations are to be signed and dated with no arrows and must be filed. Age specific competency is relevant to the patient population serviced. Lastly, Bastian mentioned the need for employees to know the MUSC six patient safety goals and how those goals are addressed hospital-wide and within a given department. Currently, MUSC patient safety training is included in orientation, annual mandatories and annual competency reviews. Announcements Lisa Montgomery, Finance and Support Services administrator, anticipating a phenomenon known to administrators as the “June surprise,” asked managers to make sure that all expenditures are documented and processed on time. The “June surprise” takes place when expenditures rise, sometimes dramatically, right before the end of the fiscal year in July. These suprises end up affecting the bottom line, or hospital profit. Determining which fiscal year expenditures are reported in relies on when the goods or services arrive at the medical center, not when they are paid for. If goods or services are received prior to June 30, then those goods/services must be reported for the current fiscal year. Rosemary Ellis, quality director, provided managers with an update on the JCAHO Policy Web site and mentioned that the new 2003 medical center policy manual, the “Godzilla” checklist for managers and directors, and “Division Bird Dogs” are now online. Ellis and her team have also begun a patient safety newsletter that will come out monthly via the Web site. Go to http://www.musc.edu/medcenter/ for more information. Annie Lovering, Red Cross Donor Room, updated managers on the current Nectar of Life Blood Donation Competition. Six teams are tied for third place, B Positives! and the Cannon Street Blood Clots are tied for second place and Ambulatory Cares leads the pack. The fourth quarter of the competition does not expire until the end of June. To make an appointment, call 792-0219.     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.