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MUSC Rumor Mill separates fact from fiction Travelers Rumor: I heard that some ICU units are starting to hire travelers. I thought that we weren’t going to hire travelers anymore. Have you considered bringing bonuses back so that staff can fill the holes? Truth: There are no plans to reinstate the bonus shift program. Our percentage of travelers has actually dropped to 5 percent of the total registered nurse workforce, which is down from the average of 6.5 percent for the year. The most recent data report also showed 0 percent use of agency nurses. Rutledge Tower Garage Rumor: Is it true that if you currently park in the Rutledge Tower Garage and transfer from a department in Rutledge Tower to a department somewhere else on campus you can keep your parking arrangement in the RT garage since this garage is now for employees only? Truth: Yes, it is true. Now that Rutledge Tower garage is a 100 percent employee parking facility, the work-site based policy that used to govern assignments no longer applies. Eligibility for an assignment or to retain an assignment in Rutledge Tower garage is not affected by an employee’s work site. Smoking Zones Rumor: I have heard about the smoking zones to be initiated. If true, what is the progress? Truth: A multi-disciplinary task force was formed to investigate how best to designate MUSC as a smoke free workplace. One of the items addressed was how to provide designated smoking huts for visitors, patients, staff and students. The locations recommended were selected to best accommodate patients and visitors while ensuring the locations were not adjacent to entrances of our facilities. The locations have been approved by President’s Council and plans are to have these sites ready for use before the start of the fall  semester. Library Rumor: I heard that the recent cold temperatures in the Library would be adjusted soon? Truth: The temperature is now back under control. The third floor air system was broken for a week, and the cold was extreme—cold air from the outside during a very cold week) was being sucked in without being warmed. The library directed students to the fourth and second floors when possible, and sincerely regrets the inconvenience. Childcare Rumor: There have been several rumors as well as inquiries submitted recently about childcare. Thus, the Rumor Mill would like to present the most recent facts. Truth: The status of the current childcare initiative is that: 1) a property has been identified and a design has been approved; 2) zoning approval has been given by the city; 3) a prospective vendor has been identified; 4) application has been made to Department of Social Services (DSS) for a license. Items left to be completed include—DSS grants license, MUSC awards vendor contract, property renovation, development of enrollment and curriculum policies (in conjunction with vendor), set start date. Decisions on future childcare initiatives will be made as experience with this phase I effort is gained. Reproduced from http://www.musc.edu/rumor/.     Friday, Nay 12, 2006 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 catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Island papers at 849-1778, ext. 201.