To Medical Center Employees

Helena Bastian, HR director, routinely shares with the management team comments from the new hire orientation evaluations, including comments from former employees who have returned. At the Jan. 24 communications meeting

Ms. Bastian shared the following comments from returning employees: "I know this is a wonderful place to work. After working only 10 months in another facility, I realized MUSC is the place for me." Also, "I truly missed MUSC's culture – that of learning, progressiveness and academia."

We are grateful for returning employees. It's understandable that at times personal situations lead to employees' departure, but clearly we must continually focus on employee satisfaction and reduction of turnover. We know the first year of employment sets the tone. Everyone has a role in recruiting and retaining new hires, from participating in the peer interview process to creating a welcoming environment.

The management team was reminded that High, Solid, Low (HSL) conversations should be completed by Feb. 29. The HSL conversations provide a time for employees and managers to have meaningful discussions outside of the formal performance evaluation process. Among other things, these conversations give managers the opportunity to recognize employees for their great work and solicit ideas on how we can continue to make improvements.

Susan Johnson, Ph.D., Employee Wellness Program coordinator, updated the management team on plans under way for MUSC to become a tobacco-free campus March 1.

Finally, as previously announced, a series of town hall sessions are scheduled at the times listed below. There will also be some department-based sessions not included in the schedule below. We began using a 30-minute format for the meetings this past year and received many favorable comments. Everyone's attendance is encouraged.

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

Town Hall Meeting Schedule
Jan. 27: 11 a.m. and noon, 2 West Amphitheater; Jan. 30: 11 a.m., Hollings Cancer Center Auditorium; Jan. 31: 7:30 a.m., Ashley River Tower Auditorium, and noon, Institute of Psychiatry Auditorium; Feb. 1: noon, Storm Eye Institute Auditorium, and 3 p.m., Ashley River Tower Auditorium; Feb. 2: 7:30 a.m. and noon, 2 West Amphitheater; Feb. 6: 11 a.m., 2 West Amphitheater; Feb. 7: 10 a.m., 2 West Amphitheater; and Feb. 8: noon, 2 West Amphitheater

People–Fostering employee pride and loyalty

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

Benefits reminder –

• Employees who added a previously uninsured spouse or child to health, dental, vision or child life insurance coverage during October’s open enrollment are reminded to submit supporting documentation (i.e. marriage license, birth certificates [long form]). Items should have been submitted to HR by Dec. 31.
• If an employee failed to provide documentation, none of his/her open enrollment changes were processed by the Employee Insurance Program (EIP); contact Benefits Desk, 792-0826 for assistance in filing a written appeal. It is unlikely that the EIO will consider any appeals filed after Jan. 31.
• Employees may verify insurance coverage by logging onto My Benefits at http://www.eip.sc.gov.

Primary Source verification –

• Effective in February, Human Resources will begin transitioning to conduct primary source verification at the time of renewal; first phase of this transition will be for positions that require RN licensure (also to include Advance Practice RNs) only
• RN’s with SC licenses must renew their license prior to the expiration date (April 30). Primary source verification for all other licensure and/or certifications should be conducted by the respective department until further notice.
• Questions can be directed to Michelle Foreman, 792-6219 or foreman@musc.edu.

HSL Conversations –

• HSL conversations are due Feb. 29.
• Resources available on LDI web site -resource link.
• Mext available “Just in Time” training: 10 to 11 a.m., Feb. 6; ART Auditorium. Registration via CATTS.

SuccessFactors –

• Fit Test dates for employees will now appear in SuccessFactors on the Employee Files tab, Employee Health section.
• Employees and their direct supervisors can view information under type and date completed.
• For assistance, contact Kim Duncan, 792-1962, duncanki@musc.edu.

Benefit of the month – January
Employees are invited to participate in MUSC Weight Management Center’s Happy Healthy Hour, a 10-week weight loss program that features interactive classes, tailored dietary guidelines, behavioral activities and support through a registered dietitian, licensed psychologist and exercise physiologist. Cost is $98. Register via email at browjosh@musc.edu.

Tobacco-free campus
Susan Johnson, Ph.D., Employee Wellness Program coordinator, spoke about progress with MUSC’s new tobacco-free campus policy which will begin March 1. Johnson also shared details about a new tobacco cessation program, Pitch the Pack, which is available to MUSC students and employees free of charge through June. The program features classes, counseling and medications (one month supply of either a nicotine replacement therapy or prescription medication). Participants can enroll online at http://www.musc.edu/medcenter/health1st. Students will use Student Health or Counseling and Psychological Services for individual consultations. The program also will utilize some campuswide research using mobile applications and stress triggers and delivery of Success kits (stress balls, therapy bands, coupons, etc.) to participants. Plans are set to distribute signs and literature regarding the policy, plus education training for employees.

Announcements
The next meeting is Feb. 7.