Wayfinding Committee Makes Recommendations

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1 March 25, 2016 Volume 26 Number 7 Cleveland Retires...2 Administrative Supervisors...3 Dr. Cauthen...3 Relay for Life...3 Stars Online...4 Dr. Silver...4 Umphers Retires...5 Iuka EOQ...6 OT Free Programs...6 Overdose Warning...6 Service Awards...7 inside DAISY Award...8 Cancer Bag Donation...8 A PUBLICATION FOR NORTH MISSISSIPPI MEDICAL CENTER EMPLOYEES CHECKUP What connected feels like TM Wayfinding Committee Makes Recommendations Some people are getting lost in their work at NMMC, but it s all for a good cause. One key element in NMMC s high reliability journey is to establish Behavioral Standards to help all employees contribute to the best patient- and family-centered care and health services in America. Part of that process is to improve wayfinding throughout the organization. To help with this, Melody Poole, NMMC s administrator for organizational performance, pulled together five teams of hospital volunteers and their family members with help from Carla Enis of Volunteer Services. Each team was given a list of three sites to locate within the hospital. Without assistance from the employee who accompanied them, the teams were asked to navigate their way to sites like the Food Court, certain outpatient services, a particular patient room and an ATM. We asked them to take note of what they see, hear, feel and experience, Poole said. We asked for their perceptions what would make this environment more inviting? Were staff members open did they offer assistance? Enis said the volunteers offered great feedback. Involving them made them feel valued, Enis said. They all said we re on the right track and definitely thought it was a step in the right direction. I had never wandered much from my beaten path as a volunteer, and I thought the hospital s numerous corridors and elevators would be confusing to me, said Phyllis Lendon, a hospital volunteer with Mended Hearts. I found that signage was visible at most junctions, and it made navigating the many hallways easier than expected. Nancy Forrest, a hospital volunteer since 2010, rides a scooter to fulfill Continued on next page

2 Cleveland Retires After 33-Plus Years Pharmacist David Cleveland retired March 9 after more than 33 years with North Mississippi Medical Center. A native of Fulton, Cleveland graduated from Belmont High School in 1969 and attended Northeast Mississippi Community College for two years. He then served four years of active duty in the U.S. Navy and 12 years in the Navy reserves. He met his wife, Sheila, while serving in Americus, Ga., and they will celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary in July. Also while in Georgia, he earned his associate s degree from Georgia Southwestern College and worked for two years as a clerk typist and pharmacy technician at Eckerd Drugs. Deciding that pharmacy was the career path for him, Cleveland moved to Oxford, where he graduated from the University of Mississippi s School of Pharmacy in That September, he joined the NMMC Pharmacy staff. Cleveland worked seven days on/seven days off throughout his entire NMMC tenure. He worked in the main pharmacy and satellite pharmacies, spending the last several years as a clinical pharmacist on 2 West. Pharmacy underwent tremendous changes over the years the advent of computers, the McKesson robot and the pneumatic tube system, to name a few. I David Cleveland (from left) was congratulated by coworkers Doyle Moore, who shared a rotation with him for many years, Kristie Gholson and Wes Pitts. decided it was time to give the young people a chance at it, Cleveland says of retirement. First on the agenda after retiring is to clean out two shops at his house, one of which he plans to use for woodworking. He will also make time for yardwork, gardening and home improvement projects. The Clevelands have two daughters Jennifer Ridgway, a registered nurse on 3 South; and Cheryl Keokominh and two granddaughters Callie and Caitlyn. Wayfinding (continued) her duties and offered a unique perspective. I showed them areas that aren t good for disabled people and areas that need to improve, Forrest said. I pointed out places where handrails are needed and sidewalks could be improved. I showed them how it is hard to board the shuttle if you re disabled. If you re not disabled, you don t think about a lot of that stuff. Barton Wynn, a Facility Operations manager, said action is being taken on several items the participants noted. We are revising some hallway directories on the first and second floors and adding a few new ones, Wynn said. We are also renaming a few locations on signage to make them easier to recognize. NMMC s Administration seemed committed to addressing the things we found missing or not up to par, Lendon said. It was rewarding to be a part of a process that would eventually make for a better patient/visitor experience in the future. Participating in the walkabout has also reaped unexpected benefits. It has made me a better volunteer, because since then I ve spotted several people who are distressed about their loved ones being admitted and in need of help to get to where they need to go, Lendon said. I can now confidently direct their attention to the maps near the elevators and know what names to look for on the directional signs that are posted. March 25, 2016 Page 2

3 NMMC Names Administrative Supervisors Shaneeka Ford, RN, BSN, and Steve Walker, RN, BSN, have been named as s first administrative supervisors. Administrative supervisors provide support to the entire campus at night as an on-site representative of the administrative team. As our organization continues to Ford grow, we felt it was imperative to free the site nursing supervisors from administrative tasks so that their focus could be on our patients, explained David Wilson, NMMC president. The administrative supervisors will be the leader in charge after hours for all aspects of hospital operations. Ford, a resident of Shannon, received her associate s and bachelor s degrees in nursing from Mississippi University for Women. She joined NMMC in 2011 and has served as chemotherapy nurse, resource pool nurse, relief supervisor and relief hospitalist nurse. A Ripley resident, Walker earned his associate s degree Walker in nursing from Northeast Mississippi Community College and his bachelor s degree in nursing from the University of North Alabama. He joined the NMMC Emergency Department staff in 1990 and later was named house supervisor. Dr. Cauthen Joins NMMC Bariatric Center General surgeon Will Cauthen, M.D., has joined the medical staff of North Mississippi Medical Center s Bariatric Center. He joins Terry Pinson, M.D., and Vivian Rogers, DNP, NP-C, at the Bariatric Center. Dr. Cauthen has been practicing with Surgery Clinic of Tupelo and on staff at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo since In addition, he is serving a three-year appointment as cancer liaison physician for NMMC Cancer Care. He earned a bachelor s degree in biological science from Mississippi State University in Starkville. He completed his medical degree from the University of Mississippi School of Medicine in Jackson, and his general surgery residency at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Dr. Cauthen joins the team of specialists at the NMMC Bariatric Center that has helped hundreds of patients lose tons of weight. Insurance covers weight loss surgery for most patients, including teachers and state employees. NMMC s Bariatric Center is accredited as a Comprehensive Center by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program. For more information, visit center or call 662) 377-SLIM(7546) or Relay for Life Lee County Sponsored by NMMC Cancer Care Friday, June 3, 2016 at the NMMC Walking Track Enjoy food, fun & entertainment while fighting for a cure! Relay For Life is the world s largest fundraising event dedicated to raising money to find a cure for cancer. Communities across the world team up to walk the track, light a luminary and fight back against this disease. For more information on how your department can start a team or join an existing NMMC team, contact Paige Kelly at (662) /paige.kelly@cancer.org. Sign up online: RelayForLife.org/LeeMS Page 3 March 25, 2016

4 Employees Honored for Outstanding Acts NMMC recently recognized five employees through Stars Online for their dedication. Dr. Jiahuai Tan, a physician at NMMC Hematology and Oncology, was recognized for going above and beyond the call of duty to help one of his patients. His patient was unable to receive a critical platelet transfusion because there was a lack of child care. Dr. Tan offered to come over and babysit. Lydia Thomas, an occupational therapist with NMMC Outpatient Rehabilitation Services in Tupelo, was recognized for her exceptional care of a former patient. Thomas cooked and delivered a meal to her on Christmas Eve after learning that family had visited only a few times within 13 years. After the patient s husband was admitted to the hospital a few days later, Thomas checked on them often and provided dinners. Thomas also took the former patient home to freshen up before returning her to the hospital. Thank you, Lydia, for your genuine compassion and generosity toward others, her nomination states. Jennifer Johnson, a physical therapist assistant at Home Health, was recognized for her generosity. Johnson was at a patient s home and noticed that her son had no Christmas gifts. Within 24 hours, Johnson had purchased presents for the 12-year-old child. This was above and beyond, her nomination states. The family was very appreciative, and the little boy s smile was priceless. Heart Institute employees Tammie Thomas, special procedures technician, and Timothy Thompson, nuclear medicine technologist, were recognized for their kindness toward others. They purchased a gift for a patient who was upset because she was in a nursing home and believed that she would not get anything for Christmas. These two exhibit Star qualities. If you see someone performing in an extraordinary manner like these, nominate him or her for Stars Online. Pediatric Endocrinologist Joins Staff Pediatric endocrinologist Sara Silver, D.O., recently joined Children s of Mississippi clinic in Tupelo. Dr. Silver works alongside Dr. Jessica Lilley to provide care to area children with diabetes and other endocrine conditions such as disorders related to growth and puberty. Dr. Silver is an assistant professor of pediatrics in the University of Mississippi Medical Center s Division of Pediatric Endocrinology. After receiving her bachelor s degree in clinical laboratory sciences in 2003 from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Dr. Silver earned her medical degree at the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine in She completed a traditional osteopathic rotating internship in 2009 at a Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine program at Botsford Hospital in Farmington Hills. Dr. Silver completed her pediatric residency in 2012 at the University of South Florida program at All Children s Hospital in St. Petersburg. She returned to VCU for her pediatric endocrinology fellowship, graduating in An American Osteopathic board-certified pediatric endocrinologist, Silver is an active member of several professional organizations, including the American Osteopathic Association, the Pediatric Endocrine Society, the American Diabetes Association and the Endocrine Society. Her professional interests include diabetes mellitus, childhood obesity, growth disorders, puberty and post-traumatic hypopituitarism. For an appointment, call Physicians can call (855) 984-KIDS (5437). March 25, 2016 Page 4

5 Longtime NICU Nurse Umphers Retires Neonatal Intensive Care Unit nurse Mary Ruth Umphers, RN, recently retired after 26 years at North Mississippi Medical Center. Umphers grew up in Memphis and graduated from the Methodist Hospital School of Nursing in 1970, where she also worked briefly after earning her diploma. She then worked as an IV nurse for the West Tennessee Chest Disease Hospital, a small facility that cared for tuberculosis patients who were hospitalized for six to eight months while they received IV medications. I was one of only three RNs at that hospital, Umphers said. Back then I also had to run the pharmacy and mix up my own IVs using medicines in glass bottles and we didn t use disposable syringes. She worked there until 1976, when she and husband Ken moved to Omaha, Neb., because of his job. Later that same year they moved to Prattville, Ala. After staying home with her young children for a while, she worked for Jackson Hospital in Montgomery, Ala., from I was their first Employee Health nurse, she said. I wrote my own job description and developed policies and procedures. I also handled Worker s Compensation claims. It was a different aspect of nursing that I absolutely loved. In 1989, she and Ken moved to Blue Mountain and opened a convenience store across from Blue Mountain College. The store was a Godsend. Our kids were 11, 13 and 15 when we moved, and all of them worked for us we put them on payroll, she said. They learned how to run a business and they practiced math because back then they had to count back the change. There was no computer to calculate it for them. Umphers joined the NMMC staff in September 1989 as a registered nurse in the NICU. NMMC had just hired our first neonatologist, she said. Before that, the pediatricians took care of the babies. She spent her entire NMMC career working the night shift in the NICU. Early on, I could sleep during the day when the kids were at school, she said. I could Mary Ruth Umphers family helped her celebrate at a retirement party in her honor at Women s Hospital. get up around noon and go to their programs at school. I didn t miss much. Then I could have supper ready before I went to work. She served as charge nurse for several years and was a relief supervisor when needed. One of the highlights of her career was the opening of the new NICU in Other highlights include twice being selected for NMMC s Excellence in Nursing award. All of their children chose medical careers. Jack Umphers is a pharmacist in Nashville; Lisa Ross is a physical therapist at NMMC-Pontotoc; and Robin Jackson is a registered nurse in cardiothoracic surgery at NMMC and will complete nurse practitioner training in August. Since her retirement, she and Ken have celebrated their 45th anniversary and have tackled cleaning, organizing and donating things at their home in Guntown, which they built several years ago. She has enjoyed spending time with their grandchildren Tucker, 16; Hannah, 15; Brooke, 12; Benji, 9; and Meg, 6 all of whom spent Spring Break together at their house. In July she and her husband will join her brother, sister and their spouses on an Alaskan cruise. Retirement allowed Umphers to join the choir at Saltillo First Methodist Church, because now her Wednesday nights are open for choir practice. She is also teaching piano lessons and joining the senior group at church for lunch once a month. I hope to do volunteer work in my community, she said. I would like to deliver Meals on Wheels, and I would like to sew and quilt for Newborns in Need. Page 5 March 25, 2016

6 NMMC-Iuka Selects Employee of the Quarter North Mississippi Medical Center-Iuka recently named Brenda Vandiver, CLPN, as Employee of the Quarter. Vandiver joined NMMC-Iuka in April Brenda is one of the best nurses I have had the pleasure to work with, said a coworker who nominated Vandiver. She s one of the hardest working employees and she is loved by the patients. She gives excellent care and sees that all the patient s needs are met. The Employee of the Quarter honor recognizes employees with exemplary job performance and customer service skills, as well as community involvement. NMMC-Iuka administrator Fred Truesdale presents Brenda Vandiver with her Employee of the Quarter award. OTs to Offer Free Programs in April Occupational therapists at North Mississippi Medical Center will offer free programs at 10:30 a.m. each Wednesday during April at the NMMC Wellness Center. Topics include: The Older Driver by Melinda Lamon, April 6 Work Smarter: Protecting Your Joints by Amy Moody, April 13 What You Should Know About Lymphedema by Lydia Thomas, April 20 Bone Up on Osteoporosis by Jasmyne Searcy, April 27 Programs are open to members and nonmembers alike in celebration of National Occupational Therapy Month. For more information, call (662) or THE DESK ( ). Pharmacy Warns Against Overdose Since its introduction in 1955, the pain medicine acetaminophen has been included in more than 600 combination prescription and over-thecounter products. Acetaminophen is found in Tylenol, Nyquil, Percocet and Vicodin, as well as other medicines used to treat pain, fever, and aches and pains associated with cold and flu symptoms. Acetaminophen is safe when used as directed, but taking too much could harm the liver. Acetaminophen overdose is one of the most common poisonings worldwide. It is the most common cause of acute liver failure in the U.S. and may be deadly if taken in large doses. Taking more than 4,000 mg a day especially 7,000 mg or more can lead to a severe overdose if not treated. Some people accidentally exceed the recommended dose when taking multiple products at the same time without realizing they contain acetaminophen. To help encourage safe use of the drug, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration limited all combination products to a maximum of 325 mg of acetaminophen in In addition, the makers of Tylenol changed its dosing interval from every four to six hours to every six hours. Symptoms of overdose may include abdominal pain, loss of appetite, coma, convulsions, diarrhea, irritability, jaundice, nausea, sweating, upset stomach and vomiting. Symptoms may not start for 12 or more hours after taking acetaminophen. If you suspect an acetaminophen overdose, seek immediate medical help. If treatment is received within eight hours of the overdose, the chance of recovery is good. However, without rapid treatment, a very large overdose of acetaminophen can lead to liver failure and death in a few days. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about maximum dose if you take Tylenol or its generic, acetaminophen. March 25, 2016 Page 6

7 Service Awards The following named employees recently received service pins in recognition of service milestones. Five Years Clinics Charles Abavare, Kimberly Danner HealthWorks! Kim Burleson NMHS Muhammad Assalaam, Patsy Gray NMMC-Eupora Cynthia Hill, Heath Johnson NMMC-Pontotoc Lillian Blanchard, Brad Bowlin, Ashley Clowers, Linda Ruth Melissa Bullock, Jamie Elliott, Levaughn Jones, Tammy Lee, Victoria Palmer, Margie Thomas NMMC-West Point Charles Hill Ten Years Clinics Sonya Umfress NMMC-Eupora Sandra Purnell NMMC-Iuka Kristie McCabe Paul Bailey, Machele Calhoun, Joseph Fields, Erica Lynch, Abby Scott, Jennifer Sullivan, Katy Williams Fifteen Years Clinics Dorothy Brown, Charlene Grissom NMHS Jennifer Odom NMMC-Pontotoc Nina Reeves Melissa Davidson, Kathleen Hunt, Sharon Johnson, Luther Prather, Shelley Stewart Twenty Years NMMC-Pontotoc Allen Maxey Terry Bostick, Amy Caples, Debbie Dabbs, Jennifer Johnson, Carolyn Mathis, Linda Rattine, Cindy Reynolds, Rochelle Simpson, Pamela Tyer, Amanda Williams Twenty-Five Years Clinics Denise Pugh NMMC-Eupora Shirley McCain Lisa Brown, Vickey Cheney, Lorrie Chunn, Alice Johnson, Cindy Kimble, Tracy Lawson, Greg Parham, Blake Stein, Semmie Wicker Thirty Years NMHS Leigh Dillard NMMC-Iuka Gwendolyn Jones, Karla Roland NMMC-Pontotoc Rhonda Turner Pamela Clark, Debra Monaghan, Rodney Rogers, Vicki Shouse Thirty-Five Years Susan Schuh, Elizabeth Sherfey Forty Years Richard McDuffie Page 7 March 25, 2016

8 February DAISY Award Winner Announced North Mississippi Medical Center s February DAISY Award winner is Hollie Waldron, RN, who serves as charge nurse for the Bariatric Center. Waldron received a certificate, a DAISY Award pin, bouquet donated by Bishop s Flower Shop and a hand-carved stone sculpture entitled A Healer s Touch. A Pontotoc resident, Waldron earned an associate s degree in nursing from Bevill State Community College. She began her NMMC career in 2006 on 5 West/Nephrology and in 2007 transferred to the Bariatric Center. In 2014 she earned a bachelor s degree in nursing from Mississippi University for Women. The DAISY Award is an international program that rewards and celebrates the extraordinary compassionate and skillful care given by nurses every day. Nomination Congratulating February DAISY Award winner Hollie Waldron, RN (center), are (from left) Katy-Anna Richardson, Edee Dull, Tressa Walker and Keisha Mims. forms are available throughout NMMC or at For more information, call (662) or daisyawards@nmhs.net. Cancer Bag Donation Tameka Kyles (left), admissions/discharge specialist for Maternal Fetal Medicine, recently presented 16 bags to social worker Cindy Edwards for NMMC Cancer Care patients who are receiving chemotherapy. Kyles and other volunteers purchased the bags and filled them with items for patients who spend hours each week receiving treatment. March 25, 2016 Page 8