To Medical Center Employees:

We are pleased to announce that all of our Joint Commission action plans and subsequent compliance measures initiated following the October 2009 survey have been accepted by The Joint Commission (TJC). Also, most recently the Medical Center underwent a TJC mock survey in order to complete the annual Periodic Performance Review (self assessment).

This is the time of year when we have special events that are directly connected with MUSC’s mission including the Lowcountry Heart Walk and the Race for the Cure.

This Saturday, Sept. 25, the American Heart Association’s (AHA) Lowcountry Heart Walk will take place. MUSC is a sponsor and everyone is encouraged to consider participation in the one or three mile walk.  Last year we raised $118,000 and have raised almost $75,000 so far this year. This annual walk will take place from 8 a.m. until noon at Liberty Square next to the South Carolina Aquarium.

AHA supports cardiovascular and stroke research and education. MUSC has been the recipient of $2.3 million in various AHA cardiovascular research grants. For information on how to join a team and donate, click on http://www.startlowcountrysc.org/ or call extension 876-4225 (Adult Heart and Vascular) or 792-3361 (Little Hearts).

MUSC’s Hollings Cancer Center is sponsoring the 2010 Komen Lowcountry Race for the Cure. You can form a team, join a team or register as an individual. New teams must be registered by Friday, September 24 by 5 p.m. The event will take place on Daniel Island on Oct. 16. For information go to http://www.komenlowcountry.org/race/.

Thank you.

W. Stuart Smith
Vice President for Clinical Operations
and Executive Director, MUSC Medical Center

Wins

Employee of the Month – October
•   Joan Dolan, coordinator of the Referral Testing Laboratory, was recognized for her work excellence responding to a fellow employee’s need to coordinate special lab tests and usher the specimens to a referral-testing lab out-of-state so that results could be shared quickly with the consulting physician. “Joan did all of this with patience, perseverance and kindness so that I never felt that it was a bother for her,” the employee wrote. “While the tests came back negative, the employee praised Dolan for a positive experience.” (by Candace Gillespie)

•   Laurie Krafsig, SEI business operations coordinator, was praised for her compassion and help to an out-of-town patient who unexpectedly had an overnight stay at the hospital. Because her husband had to return home to care for the family, Krafsig spent time settling the patient for her stay and returned later to share toiletries, pajamas and a brief visit to help her feel comfortable. (by Sharon Mazyck)

•  Jennifer Pitassi, a physical therapist and pediatric clinical specialist, was honored for helping a mother and baby who was born with several anomalies. Pitassi spent time conducting physical therapy with the baby as well as educate the mother regarding exercise and touch techniques. Pitassi also helped design a foam pad to alleviate pressure on the baby’s back. (by Stephanie Kelleher).

•    Sheri Stewart, R.N., pediatric pain and palliative care coordinator, was recognized for expanding bereavement care in perinatal services and palliative care in pain management in the Children’s Hospital (CH). Stewart has been proactive working with staff and physicians to better serve the needs of patients and families. Her nominator wrote “Sheri’s honesty and dedication has created an environment among staff, physicians and parents where ideas and concern can be communicated in a productive manner.” In palliative care, Stewart is especially supportive and available to CH staff and families during stressful and emotional deaths. (by Sonja Muckenfuss)

•    Sheryl Naugle, R.N., a clinical care coordinator for the osteoporosis program, helped represent MUSC at a recent Santee Health Fair in Santee. She helped administer free osteoporosis screenings to participants. Naugle worked non-stop throughout the day and stayed afterwards to complete the screenings. Throughout this event, Naugle was praised for her thoroughness and communication skills. “Sheryl’s very compassionate about the work she does. She’s an asset to MUSC and the RT Rheumatology Clinic.” (by Priscilla Parker)

HR update
Helena Bastian, MUHA HR director, presented the following topics:

Compensation update – Performance pay increases are effective Oct. 10; increases will be automatically adjusted and reflected in the Nov. 3 paycheck; and other status changes will not be processed with same effective date; For information, contact Lynn Campbell, Campbell@musc.edu.

•    Eligibility for Performance Pay – An employee will be eligible for performance pay increase when the following criteria are met: successful completion of probationary period; achieves a rating of “consistent” or “mentor” on all behavioral standards; meets rating of “meets requirements” on job competencies; and overall 2.5 rating orhigher on job responsibilities

Employment update:  PeopleAdmin – Applicant status must be updated as appropriate; contact recruiter with questions or concerns

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Commitment – It has been, and will continue to be, the policy of the Medical University Hospital Authority to recruit, hire, train and promote into all job levels the most qualified persons without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability or veteran status. All employment decisions are based upon job-related requirements, and must comply with the principles of equal employment opportunity.

SuccessFactors – Planning Acknowledgement Forms are due Friday, Sept. 24. For information, contact Kim Duncan, duncanki@musc.edu or Michelle Foreman, foremanm@musc.edu.

New leader orientation – orientation packets; restructured new leader orientation program (30, 60, 90 day); required for all new leaders who attend MUHA Excellence’s Leadership Development Institute and registration via CATTS  For information, contact Bastian at bastianh@musc.edu.

CATTS – 2010 Mandatory CATTS lessons are due Dec. 1

PTO cut-off reminder – Up to 360 accrued PTO hours may carry over to 2011; Jan. 1 is the cut-off date

2010 MUSC Service Awards – The ceremony will occur at 2:30 p.m., Sept. 30, Basic Science Building Auditorium (Rm. 100). Employees will be recognized for 10, 20, 30 and 40 years of service.

Benefits update
2010 Annual Enrollment (Insurance Benefits) – Enrollment period runs throughout October; changes made in October are effective Jan. 1; changes may be made online or on paper. For information, contact Mark Simpson, stimpso@musc.edu.

2010 Annual Benefits Fair (held jointly with University HR) will occur from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Sept. 24, outside the Colbert Education Center & Library building

2010 Race for the Cure – MUSC family is invited to support the 17th annual Komen Lowcountry Race for the Cure, Oct. 16 in Daniel Island.  There’s still time to form race teams, join an existing team or consider making a donation. The event is sponsored by HCC. Visit http://www.komenlowcountrry.org/race

Benefit of the Month – October
MUSC’s Vision Plan is offered through EyeMed Vision; employees may add or drop coverage every October; reasonable premiums; wide selection of care providers; in-network eye exam costs $10; Pair of glasses costs $10 (if one stays under budgeted amounts); $140 allowance for frames and $130 allowance for lenses (if one uses an in-network provider)

Announcement
•    Susan L. Johnson, Ph.D., is the new MUSC Employee Wellness coordinator as of Sept. 13. Johnson, who has a doctorate in physical education with an emphasis in health promotion and behavior from The Citadel, has more than 20 years experience teaching health promotion and wellness at The Citadel, University of  South Carolina, Duke University and Charleston Southern University, before joining MUSC.

•    The next meeting will occur Oct. 5.

Friday, Sept. 24, 2010