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Currents To Medical Center Employees: A recent article in The Catalyst announced the roll out of a new online MUSC directory. This new directory will be a significant improvement over the old “Find A Person” system.  The new directory will be kept updated by “super users.” Super users are individuals appointed by departments to add, delete and edit information online. Recently a number of training sessions were conducted to prepare the super users. All super users are being asked to edit and update the information for their areas. They will need everyone’s cooperation.  To access the directory, simply go to the MUSC home Web site, http://www.musc.edu/, and click on “Directory.” To determine your departmental super user, go to the MUSC Directory and click on “Directory Updates.” Anyone with questions about the new system can contact their department super user or e-mail uctdir@musc.edu.  I want to again thank Thomas Cramer and Lori Solado for their had work in making the new directory happen. Also, I want to thank Melissa Forinash, Vince Dibble, Nickie Kopacka and Kristi Adams of CCIT, Brian Crawford of the IT Lab, Jane Lunn and Kathryn Cullinan of Hospital Communications and Kelly Roberts of Business Development and Marketing. Thank you very much. W. Stuart Smith Vice President for Clinical Operations and Executive Director, MUSC Medical Center   STAR Productions presents ‘The Net’  In a scene from “The Net,” starring Sandra Bullock, Bullock’s character faces extreme challenges and clashes with local authorities because of incorrect information.  According to Christine Lewis, Information Services, JCAHO requires organizations to have an information management plan. Organizations are responsible for ensuring availability, confidentiality, security, integrity, and HIPPA compliance concerning all hospital information. Four types of information are patient specific data, aggregate data, comparative performance data, and research and library. Concerning patient data, medical records must be documented in a timely and accurate fashion, legible, authentic, readily accessible, and dated. Aggregate data is used to support issues like patient care practices. Library and research data provides resources for families, patients, clinical staff and employees, and comparative data may be used to compare MUHA to past internal data or external information from organizations like DHEC. In order to keep the MUHA Information Management Plan current, Lewis asked managers to complete the annual Information Management Needs Assessment Survey. The results from the survey are used to compile a list of short and long-term recommendations, along with priorities for improving the information management function. For  information about the information management plan, JCAHO plan standards or to receive a copy of the survey, contact C. Lewis at 792-3924 or visit http://appserve.musc.edu/infoMgt/ after  Monday, June 23. Human Resources Update Susan Carullo, Human Resources Employment and Compensation manager, Lynn Campbell, Human Resources Nurse recruiter, and Irene Thomas, Clinical Services Administration, updated managers on recruitment and retention practices over the past year. Last year, 10,045 people applied to the medical center compared to this year’s 12,130. Last year, the medical center filled 1,511 positions and this year, 1,000 positions, including temporary workers, have been filled thus far. Carullo reported that MUHA is remaining competitive within the market and that human resources has increased the number of recruiting trips, including states like Tennessee and West Virginia. “The nurse managers have really done a great job of taking ownership of the hiring process and are very active in the recruitment process as well. They’re a great help,” Carullo said. Thomas noted some of the broad initiatives taken within the last year, including: Launch of online application system July 9. The new system provides many benefits to applicants and managers including the ability to save applications, reapply to other positions, check the status of a position, search posts in different ways, manage posts easier, deliver  applications in a timely fashion, and eliminate lost or misplaced applications. A more comprehensive web page to address confusion between the university and the authority. Development of web partners in recruitment like HotJobs, Hospital America, MedHunters, and SCHA. School to Work program expansion including career days, shadowing opportunities, summer nursing camp, and telemetry internships. A high school mentoring program modeled after the VA hospital’s VALOR program is also planned. Other initiatives like a loan payback program, double buddy referral program, recruitment of foreign nurse travelers, cultural building (i.e. fish philosophy and hospital-wide training), e-post cards to web inquires, and development of new hire surveys to increase quality improvement efforts. Announcements Rosemary Ellis, Quality director, announced the Customer Service Program would now be known as The Patient and Family Liaison Program. She also reminded managers of the initiative to make hospital practices transparent in the spring of 2004 via the Internet and through comparisons to other area hospitals. For more information, contact Ellis at ellisro@musc.edu. Glenda Oltmann, Employee Health Services, reminded managers that Employee Health Services is now located at 57 Bee Street. Hours are 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For information, call 792-2991.     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.