John Muir Health Connect

CONNECT JOHN MUIR HEALTH

Summer 2015

We do amazing things together

Leadership Corner Insights from President and CAO Jane Willemsen Above and Beyond Staffer donates kidney to her ED co-worker High Fives Moxie in Materials Management

Enhancing Diversity John Muir Health celebrates and builds a welcoming environment for patients and employees

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Perspectives

Cultural Understanding at JMH

Diana Camacho, M.P.H. P r o g r a m M a n a g e r, C o m m u n i t y H e a l t h I m p r ove m e n t ; c o - c h a i r o f J M H C u l t u r a l U n d e r s t a n d i n g A d v i s o r y C o m m i t t e e a n d i t s LG B T Ta s k F o r c e

J O H N M U I R H E A L T H | johnmuirhealth.com

Let’s All Talk—and Listen Give your feedback, speak your mind, talk up, chime in: However you put it, your contributions are needed and appreciated.

JMH Connect can only be as good as all of our ideas and suggestions. To make your connection, email internal.commu nications@johnmuirhealth.com or call (925) 947-5384.

JMH CONNECT Published by the Corporate Communications Department.

Send us an email at internal.communications@ johnmuirhealth.com.

John Muir Health 1400 Treat Blvd.

Walnut Creek, CA 94597 Produced by DCP.

O N T H E COV E R : LGBT Task Force members (clockwise from left)— Dr. Marcy Haas; Thomas Hughes, M.Ed.; John Cariaso, R.N., M.S.N.; Teri Delamontanya, R.N., B.S.N., C.E.N. Cover photo by Jim Fidelibus.

SARA GOETZ

I believe that we all come to work in health care to live some version of John Muir Health’s mission to improve the health of the communities we serve with quality and compassion.

This journey is enhanced by our unique perspectives and identities, also known as diversity. Diversity includes individuals from different cultures, generations, skills, abilities and all the other unique differences that make each of us who we are. Diversity alone is not enough. We must promote cultural understanding. Cultural understanding is when we harness the power of diversity by respecting our differences and being self-aware. In an inclusive environment, our diverse patients, staff, physicians, volunteers and community are valued for their unique perspectives and qualities.

As John Muir Health grows and our community becomes more diverse, it will become even more important to create an inclusive environment. A commitment to cultural understanding by each of us as individ“Every day, I uals and as an organization will advance see how our access to culturally and linguistically appropriate care and improve the health diversity at John status of our entire community. In turn, this commitment will support our patient Muir Health experience, quality and safety goals. creates a vibrant, To achieve Vision 2022, we must always do what’s best for our patients, dedicated and each other and the communities we serve. compassionate Every day, I see how our diversity at John Muir Health creates a vibrant, dedicated culture.” and compassionate culture. I’m grateful —Diana Camacho, M.P.H. for our differences and look forward to continuing to celebrate our diversity while we build our inclusive environment. I invite you to read more about these efforts in the cover story about our Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Patient Task Force. For more information, you can also visit the Cultural Understanding intranet site under Reference Links.

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Who We Are

Why Do You Love Your Job? “For me, commitment to the community it serves is what makes John Muir Health such a great place to work.”

—Amin Azam

R.N., Neuroscience ICU and the Trauma ICU, John Muir Medical Center, Walnut Creek

“The people I work with are definitely my favorite thing about coming to work every day. They’re motivated, and that creates a real sense of teamwork.”

Employees@JMH 26%

2%

“It’s the focus on patient care and the way JMH makes sure every employee … understands how his or her work contributes. We all work together to earn patients’ trust and nurture their well-being. I’m so proud to be working here!”

—J u l i e t B e n i n

Unit secretary, John Muir Medical Center, Concord

—J i m J o h n s o n

32%

ITS project manager, 1400 Treat, Walnut Creek 40%

“JMH cares. Taking multiple classes in different schools to get my B.S.N. degree would have been too difficult without the financial help from John Muir Health. What an awesome company!”

—Aldanora Rufon

Urgent care triage nurse, San Ramon Urgent Care

Millennials Ages 18–35 (born 1980–2004) Generation X Ages 35–50 (born 1965–1980) Baby Boomers Ages 51–69 (born 1946–1964) Silent Generation Ages 70–87 (born 1928–1945)

J M H C O N N E C T | Summer 2015

“As part of the Qualified Employee Interpreter (QEI) team at JMH, I am able to help those that do not speak English, and this is something that gives me great satisfaction.”

—Alicia Jimenez

Department secretary, Neurosciences Institute; John Muir Health

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Leadership Corner

Q&A: Jane Willemsen P r e sid e n t a n d Ch ie f Ad m i n i st rative O f f ice r of J o h n M u i r M e d ic a l Ce n te r, Wa l n u t Cr e e k si n ce J u ly 20 0 6

know that we have made a difference; we have touched lives.”

Favorite stress busters, hobbies: Music, movies, theater and food. I love to cook a great meal with wonderful wine and music. There is nothing better.

Music on my smartphone and tablet: Hmm, you will find a very eclectic mix. Currently the top favorites are Ed Sheeran, 2Cellos, Polica and Coldplay.

Facts about you: I have one incredible son who played college basketball and is 6’5”. Also, I have a great sense of humor (at least I think I do!) and enjoy stand-up comedy. I also enjoy hiking, great movies and all styles of dance.

Of what are you most proud at the Walnut Creek medical center?

We are so well known for being a part of this great health system, the national recognitions we receive, the amazing services and programs, our extraordinary physicians and staff, our passionate volunteers, and I never take any of this for granted.

But every day and every night, our teams are working and providing interactions with patients and families. In these interactions, our teams provide healing, hope and support. These are the “mini-miracles” that I know happen and for which I try so often to say “thank you” to our teams and our physicians. I love to drive by the medical center late at night and see the lights on. I know behind

J O H N M U I R H E A L T H | johnmuirhealth.com

those windows there are caring and dedicated folks working so hard to care for our community.

Why did you get into health care in the first place?

I always knew I loved science and wanted to be a nurse. I chose the University of Iowa for my nursing education as it was known for the strength of the program and also for being visionary and including leadership and research.

My first job was at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago. RIC is the top rehabilitation hospital in the country and cares for the most catastrophically and severely injured patients. I loved being a bedside nurse and being invited into the healing process of these amazing patients and families. You learn there is nothing more powerful than the human spirit and hope.

What do you wish you’d done differently during your career?

I should have stopped to savor the moment more often. I do that now. When you see me stopping in the ED, meeting new moms in the NICU or rounding in one of our wonderful departments or nursing units, I am doing so for a reason. It is the way I stay connected and savor the moment.

What keeps you in health care?

When I go home, I know that we have made a difference; we have touched lives. There is nothing more rewarding.

AKIM AGINSKY

What most appeals to you about your job at John Muir Health?

I have the best job in the world.

As a nurse, I love the excitement and joy of patient care, wherever it is occurring. In this role, I am able to be a part of that honorable and critical work. I get to work with the most talented and caring people anywhere, and “When I I am a part go home, I of a fabulous organization.

High Fives

They’ve Got Mail

SARA GOETZ

A M ate rials M a nage m e nt s u p e r vis o r h o n o r s t wo ve te ra n dist rib u tio n te c h s wh o d e live r a m u c h - n e e d e d s e r vice a c r oss J o h n M uir H e alt h

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Just ask the post office: It’s all about reliabil- “They never call in sick; they’re at work ity. And Tina Whitesell and Rosevelt Smith, on time. I don’t hear anything but compliresponsible for delivering mail and medical ments. They go beyond the scope of their supplies throughout John Muir Health, are job to keep everyone happy.” as reliable as they get. Their supervisor, Other co-workers appreciate Whitesell’s Rudy Jenkins, knows this as well as anyone and Smith’s job performance, Jenkins adds. and has plenty to say about these two all“Whitesell is really loved by all her co-workstars, both of whom have worked at John ers—I can guarantee you that. And she feeds Muir Health for over 25 years. us! At least once a month, she’ll bring in “Their work is so important because breakfast: waffles, hot links, eggs. How many departments depend on them,” emphaco-workers do you know who will do that?” sizes Jenkins. “Accounts payable depends Smith’s co-workers describe him as on getting bills in a timely fashion. Patient really passionate about what he does. As accounting depends on getting its checks.

Jenkins puts it, “He comes in and stops to Doctors’ offices depend on having their chat with everyone for a minute, but his supplies restocked. I think they can be over- mission is to get the job done in a timely looked because they’re so thorough and fashion. You can count on him to be in a they’re so good that people don’t certain place at a certain time.” really pay attention. But the people around them know.”

Know another JMH all-star who deserves a Jenkins says the two distribuHigh Five in Connect? Email the info today to tion techs make his own job easier internal.communications@johnmuirhealth.com. because they are totally dependable.

Co ng rat s , Ros eve lt S mit h

Co ng rat s , T ina W hite s e ll

“I love helping people and doing whatever I can do to make their job easier,” says Smith (pictured above).

“The favorite part of my job is that the people in my department—management and staff—all work together to make it easy to come to work every day.”

“I have worked on the front line of direct service to our patients, and now I work in more of a support service role that allows our staff to provide care to our patients,” says Whitesell (pictured above). “I appreciate the two roles in health care. A lot of us only know one or the other, and I am thankful to have experienced both.”

J M H C O N N E C T | Summer 2015

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Ensuring Equality in Health Care

LGBT Task Force members (pictured above, clockwise from left): Dr. Marcy Haas; Thomas Hughes, M.Ed.; John Cariaso, R.N., M.S.N.; Teri Delamontanya, R.N., B.S.N., C.E.N.

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roviding top-quality care and service to all patients who walk through our doors has always been an essential part of John Muir Health’s DNA. Part of that commitment is building an inclusive environment where all patients feel welcome and comfortable communicating with and being treated by our caregivers, free from assumptions based on appearance or simple lack of cultural understanding.

Consider these national statis-

tics: 56 percent of lesbian, gay and bisexual people report experiences of serious discrimination in health care. In the transgender community, 70 percent report serious discrimination. At JMH, we received feedback from a local transgender couple and a lesbian couple about their experiences at our hospitals that did not meet expectations.

Knowing today’s statistics and having received these patient complaints, a core group knew that we could and should do better.

J O H N M U I R H E A L T H | johnmuirhealth.com

Educating physicians and staff, addressing disparities in health care outcomes, and building an inclusive environment for both patients and employees is the mission of John Muir Health’s LGBT Task Force, founded in 2013. The effort began with updating our policies and procedures, including the addition of language on gender identity and expression in visitation and patient rights policies. Then, work began on educating and training

JIM FIDELIBUS

A John Muir Health task force is taking on issues affecting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) patients— from intake to the bedside and beyond

Inside Story

SARA GOETZ

LGBT Task Force members pictured on this page, from left to right: Dr. Tom Greely, Adrian Gonzalez, Shirley McGuff, Thomas Hughes, Wende Weckbacher, Birte Beuck, Diana Camacho, John Cariaso, Karen Winer, Sid Hsu, Girlynda Gonzales, Jennifer Foster, Dr. Marcy Haas and Laura Pooler.

physicians, leadership and staff on topics such as how transgender patients would like to be addressed, including spouses or partners in care discussions, and being aware of health risk factors that are more prevalent in the LGBT community.

Thanks to the group’s efforts and leadership’s strong support, John Muir Health has now met milestones in instituting training, policies and practices affecting LGBT patients and employees.

Both medical centers have been recognized as “Leaders in LGBT Healthcare Equality” by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the educational arm of the nation’s largest LGBT civil rights organization. The task force continues to work to ensure that all patients have equal access to health care and treatment regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity or expression.

Here, a few task force members give glimpses of their important work.

Teri Delamontanya, R.N., B.S.N., C.E.N., director of emergency services, Walnut Creek: Our biggest achievement to date is the HRC recognition. It’s a stamp of approval that shows we’re working to create an environment that’s welcoming. It’s something that’s recognizable to the LGBT community, knowing this is a place to receive good care and feel comfortable in this environment.

For more info about the task force—including how to join—email lgbttaskforce@johnmuirhealth.com.

Monthly lunchtime meetings alternate between medical center campuses.

Dr. Tom Greely, medical director, Inpatient Care Management, Care Coordination: I think we all have something to learn to increase our comfort level with the LGBT community. The more inclusive we can make John Muir Health, the better place it will be to work. The better place it is to work, the better care we can provide our patients. We have to take care of patients, and the people who care for them. It’s exciting to be involved in this effort, and the group has a lot of momentum. There’s more to do, but we already feel like we’re making a difference.

Dr. Marcy Haas, John Muir Medical Group: LGBT patients are at higher risk of depression, homelessness, substance abuse and more. Dr. Greely and I gave lectures for physicians at John Muir Health and San Ramon Regional Medical Center regarding the LGBT community and primary care. They were all well received and attended. The groups had thoughtful questions and very sincere interest. The fact that we have a team working on preventing discrimination and increasing access is inspiring.

J M H C O N N E C T | Summer 2015

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Thomas Hughes, M.Ed., mental health counselor, Behavioral Health Center: JMH management understands the need for cultural competency. We all have to advance our understanding as healing practitioners, whether we’re in the bookkeeping office or on the surgery room floor.

We have to be open to patients, whoever they are, so we can offer the best care possible. It’s part of our brand promise. The work we’re doing demonstrates a modern openness to dialogue. Openness and willingness to learn from one another are crucial to the healing process. Healing always unfolds on the levels of mind, body and spirit.

John Cariaso, R.N., M.S.N., manager of case management, Walnut Creek: I want people to understand there’s a community out there that is lacking health care because of fear of being honest and open with their providers.

The LGBT Task Force is in place to offer the health system and community a valuable resource to promote understanding, inclusiveness and support for LGBT health care.

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Above and Beyond

An Extraordinary Gift J o dy M ira n d a wa s o n a n e ig ht-a n d -a - hal f -ye a r waiting list wh e n h e r Waln u t Cr e e k E m e r ge n c y D e pa r t m e nt co -wo rke r a n d f rie n d Te ri Lin e ke r ste p p e d u p to d o nate o n e of h e r k id n eys

“Jody and I were close before, but now we have a connection to each other for life. People call us kidney sisters.”

Te r i L i n e ke r

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ast October, two Emergency Department (ED) co-workers and friends of nearly 10 years found themselves side by side in a preop room, where one prepared to donate a kidney to the other.

Jody Miranda, lead ED financial counselor at John Muir Medical Center, Walnut Creek, was suffering from polycystic kidney disease, a genetic disorder that causes clusters of cysts to form in the kidneys, eventually leading to kidney failure. The same disease had killed her grandfather, mother and uncle; it was also to blame for Miranda’s declining kidney function.

By the time of the operation, Miranda had been on dialysis for about a year. Her colleague, ED lead clerk Teri Lineker, had observed how the treatment exhausted her friend and limited her time with her three kids. “Out of nowhere, Teri called and asked me when my birthday was,” says Miranda, who was

getting a dialysis treatment when she got the call.

“I asked, ‘Why?’ and she said, ‘I want to see if I can donate my kidney to you.’ I didn’t think I’d ever know the donor, and it was amazing to hear that. She changed everything.”

After months of testing, Lineker was confirmed as a match, and the transplant was successfully performed at UCSF Medical Center. Co-workers rallied to support them, exceeding a GoFundMe goal of $5,000 and showering them with handwritten notes, gift cards, meals and even paid time off.

“The outpouring of love and teamwork from the ED for both of us was amazing,” observes Lineker.

“We are a family, and that shows by the way they supported us.”

“I owe my ED family my life,” adds Miranda, with special appreciation for her kidney donor. “How do you repay somebody who has done something so wonderful for you and your kids? Teri gave me my life back.”

J O H N M U I R H E A L T H | johnmuirhealth.com

SARA GOETZ

kidney donor and ED lead clerk

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Below/page 8: Teri Lineker (right) donated her kidney to Jody Miranda (left) at UCSF, a transplant center served by Donor Network West, JMH’s partner in connecting donors and recipients with transplant centers.

Organ Transplants: More Perspectives Dean Charkow, manager, Critical Care Services, John Muir Medical Center, Walnut Creek, and chair, JMH Donor Council: “The organ transplant waiting list continues to grow despite everyone’s best efforts to get more people onto the donor registry in California. To raise awareness, we do a flag-raising ceremony in which we typically highlight a patient who received an organ from a patient we cared for at our trauma center. This year, it was an easy decision to highlight Teri Lineker and Jody Miranda.”

Charlene Esquivel, R.N., ICU nurse, John Muir Medical Center, Walnut Creek: “I have so much respect for the patients who decide to donate their organs—and for the families. It’s the families that are left behind, and sometimes they are the ones who decide. It’s rewarding working with patients and families who are selfless and want to help others.”

SARA GOETZ

Janie Alejo-Lucey, assistant to the president and CAO, John Muir Medical Center, Walnut Creek; 2014 Transplant Games of America participant: “In 2014—20 years after receiving a kidney from my sister, Frenchie Laron—I felt healthier than ever. Going with her to the Games, celebrating life and being a part of that community was an incredible experience. It was a way for us to show the donors, ‘We’re out here and living and it’s because of you’ and they participated with us. I’m recruiting Jody and Teri to go to the Transplant Games of America in 2016.”

For more info about organ donation, visit donatelifecalifornia.org.

J M H C O N N E C T | Summer 2015

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Share

Have Clinic, Will Travel Health care on wheels for those in need

Services and Facilities Inside • Two patient rooms • Basic labs • Referrals as needed for imaging and follow-up care at partner providers like La Clinica de la Raza and Contra Costa Health Services

TOP TO BOTTOM: SARA GOETZ; COURTESY OF KRISTIN WHEELER

Patients of ten line up early Saturday mornings for the specially equipped vehicle that some call La Clinica Movil to pull up and park in a low-income neighborhood in Brentwood. Of ficially known as the Mobile Health Clinic (MHC), this por table facility provides free, preventive and urgent medical care for community members who are uninsured or unable to pay for care.

Who’s Counting on Us • 95% uninsured • 70% non-English speakers (mostly Spanish speakers) • Served by 50 active volunteers

WANT TO LEND A HAND? To volunteer on Saturdays, 9 a.m.– noon, call (925) 941-7904 or visit johnmuirhealth.com/mobileclinic.

Off-Duty Pursuits Members of the Outpatient Case Management team send good wishes to Kristin.

Kristin Wheeler

Case Manager, Outpatient Case Management Department

“I’ve been a runner since the third grade.

I ran cross-country and track through high school and at the University of Oregon, which is like the mecca of running. It makes me feel good about myself. I’m able to be outside, which I love.

J O H N M U I R H E A L T H | johnmuirhealth.com

I’m also able to clear my mind; it’s a good way to relieve stress.

“Last year I qualified for the Boston Marathon, which I ran on April 20. The most difficult part for me was the weather because it ended up raining and it was

TOP TO BOTTOM: SARA GOETZ (3); COURTESY OF KRISTIN WHEELER

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“We can always use more volunteers.

People hear about us through word of mouth. They come from as far as Modesto and are very thankful.”

D r. K i s h o r e N a t h

Family medicine physician and MHC medical director

“I really like the work because I feel like I’m helping the community. People depend on the clinic. They know the doctors and trust us a lot.”

“I highly recommend volunteering. You are taking your skills and giving back to the community, helping someone you wouldn’t normally see every day.”

Q u i n t i s a Cu r r y, R . N .

MHC volunteer and medical surgical trauma nurse

Rosa Hurtado

MHC driver

windy and cold—I couldn’t feel my hands and my quads the last 10 miles! That was very hard, but my training paid off. I hung tight and was able to finish, which I was really happy about.

“Just like with the marathon, having a

good training plan as a case manager matters. In my job we create care plans for our patients as a way to manage their care and support them in our health care system, so taking the necessary actions to reach your goal is important.

“The other key similarity is being adaptable because things may not always go according to plan.

Like for me in the marathon, the weather was really difficult, but I was able to get through it. And with our patients, we may

J M H C O N N E C T | Summer 2015

have certain ideas of how we want to reach goals with them, but there are often barriers, so we have to get creative and come up with backup plans. It can be very challenging, but at the same time it’s rewarding to make a difference.”

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Test Your John Muir Health IQ E n t e r o u r d r a w i n g f o r a c h a n c e t o w i n a f r e e F i t b i t Ch a r g e

To enter, email a picture of your completed puzzle to internal.communications@john muirhealth.com. Or send your entry in interoffice mail to Corporate Communications Dept., John Muir Health, 1400 Treat Blvd., Walnut Creek. Include your name and phone number. One entry per person; all entries must be received by Aug. 31, 2015.

AC R O S S 9. A vital part of John Muir Health’s mission (see page 2) 11. To help patients, we should clarifying questions 12. Name of JMH employee magazine

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D OW N 1. Lingo—Spanish, English, etc. We should use the one patients prefer, using terms they understand 2. What we should do when we’re with patients—before we respond 4. Who we’re here for 5. When talking with patients, always explain what you’re doing and

6. Name of JMH’s strategic plan; how we’ll keep building a culture of excellence 8. We want the cost of our care to be for patients 10. About JMH partnerships and affiliations: They help us grow and patients

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COURTESY OF FITBIT

3. The kind of things we do together (magazine tagline) 7. Valued highly at JMH (different cultures, generations, abilities, etc.)

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