December 31, 2020 Payroll Notice for December 31 Pay Page 2 On the Move: Dr. Thomas Tomci Page 2 Facilities Department Receive Cards of Encouragement Page 3 Excela Health Nursing Staff Recognized by Pittsburgh Magazine “Rising to the Challenge” Page 3 Employee Engagement Employee Referral New Faces New Faces
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Volume 3 Issue 28 Excela Health Recognized for Patient Safety Excela Health is once again recognized for exceptional patient care, with Excela Westmoreland Hospital receiving an “A” in The Leapfrog Group’s fall 2020 Hospital Safety Grades. The designation recognizes Excela Health’s continuing efforts in protecting patients from harm and meeting the highest safety standards in the United States. The Leapfrog Group is a national organization committed to improving healthcare quality and safety for consumers and purchasers.
Only 121 Pennsylvania hospitals are included in this grading period. Excela Westmoreland is one of 57 earning the “A” ranking. Excela Latrobe Hospital is one of 27 Pennsylvania hospitals achieving a “B” for this evaluation period; Excela Frick Hospital does not have sufficient data to be rated in this program. To see more details on Excela Health’s performance, and to access consumer-friendly tips for patients, visit hospitalsafetygrade.org and follow The Leapfrog Group on Twitter and Facebook.
Congratulations 2020 Just Lose It Winners! The Just Lose It challenge has come to an end for 2020. View the video below to see the winners of this years challenge. Information for 2021 will be coming soon. Visit the Well-Being Center Intranet page for updates.
Welcome Dr. Megan Klamerus
Meet Megan Klamerus, DO, Excela Health OB/GYN. “I chose OB/GYN as my specialty because there are few things in life that are greater than bringing new life into the world… even if it is at 3 a.m.” Learn more
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In the News Rising to the Challenge: Excellence in Nursing Honorees for 2020 “This year, perhaps more so than any in recent history, the entire world has witnessed the compassion, commitment and kindness nurses bring to their jobs every day, no matter the circumstances.” Read more.
Payroll Notice for December 31 Pay This year in 2020 we have an unusual situation of having 27 pay periods within the calendar year. All benefit deductions and PTO accruals are based on 26 pay periods because that is the normal payroll calendar. This will have some impact to paychecks on December 31. There will be no benefit deductions withheld for medical, dental, vision, short term disability, long term disability or life buy up premiums and has nothing to do with your open enrollment elections for 2021. All mandatory taxes, garnishments, 401k/403b contributions and Fidelity loan repayments will be withheld as usual. However, if you have reached the IRS limit for 401k/403b contributions you may see either a reduction in the amount taken to reach the IRS limit or no deduction if you had reached the max in your pay of December 17.
Frontline Workers At Excela Health and Butler Health System Begin Receiving COVID-19 Vaccinations “Frontline workers at Excela Health were the first to receive the vaccine and while not mandatory, about 70% of employees said they would get the shot.” Read more.
In addition, most full time employees will not accrue PTO for the December 31 pay period as the annual accrual is calculated on 26 pay periods and not adjusted to earn lower each pay for a year in which we have 27 pay periods. Any employee that has not met their yearly accrual for various reasons may still accrue PTO on December 31 pay.
Excela to Begin Administering COVID-19 Vaccine to Employees Today “Excela Health is ready to roll out its first doses of Pfizer’s coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine today, Dec. 18, as virus case totals in Westmoreland County continue to mount.” Read more.
On the Move: Dr. Thomas Tomci
‘You feel hope’: 1st Excela Front Line Workers Get Coronavirus Vaccine ““It’s kind of like a big breath of fresh air,” Addis said.” Read more.
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If you have any questions, please contact benefits at 724-689-1922 or reference the email from Lisa Souders on December 18.
On January 8, Dr. Thomas Tomci will be relocating his office location to Excela Health Mountain View Primary Care, 200 Village Drive, Suite C, Greensburg.
Primary Care Weekends Moving From Latrobe Hospital to Excela Square at Latrobe Primary Care Weekends will be moving from Latrobe Hospital to Excela Square at Latrobe on January 2. Services will still be offered on Saturdays and Sundays. PRIMARY CARE WEEKENDS
Facilities Department Receives Cards of Encouragement The facilities department received an envelope with 50 Christmas cards completed by the Avengers group at Connellsville Middle School. Each one had a handwritten message and signature thanking the unsung heroes for their service to the community. The group along with their teachers, Tracie Shultz and Laura Lukaesko discussed sending the thank you cards to area hospitals and came up with the idea to send to the workers who keep the hospitals running during the pandemic. Cards were distributed to the facilities staff at Westmoreland, Latrobe, and Frick Hospitals and brought smiles all.
Excela Health Nursing Staff Recognized by Pittsburgh Magazine “Rising to the Challenge” "This year, perhaps more so than any in recent history, the entire world has witnessed the compassion, commitment and kindness nurses bring to their jobs every day, no matter the circumstances." Charity Patterson Clinician “Her goal of decreasing falls among dementia patients led to the creation of Busy Boxes, filled with activities aimed at honing fine motor skills and combating boredom when people have to stay in bed. Some have tools for knitting; others contain puzzles, Legos, or beads and string. Each one is suited for specific stages of dementia.”
Kathleen Rosatti Pandemic Response Hero “The organization moved quickly to assemble a team to address the virus. Early on, Rosatti prioritized open communication with employees, knowing the fear and uncertainty they were all experiencing. At times, guidelines from the CDC or Department of Health seemed impossible to implement, and when employees voiced concerns, Rosatti was open to ideas for different ways to help her teams adapt.”
In the News Excela Health Begins Vaccine Distribution ““This means that I won't need to be fearful of exposing my family unnecessarily,” physician Nicole Bosley said. “It means one more step closer to normal.”” Read more. Excela Becomes Latest Pittsburgh-Area Hospital System to Receive COVID-19 Vaccines “Excela vaccinated employees every five minutes, so it is hoping this helps curb exposure and ends staffing shortages brought on by the pandemic.” Read more. Excela Remembrance Tree Event to Be Virtual “The Excela Health Hospice annual remembrance tree event will look a little different this year because of the coronavirus pandemic. The event will be a virtual ceremony featuring ornaments that memorialize a loved one previously under the care of Excela Hospice. The Ring in Remembrance event is scheduled for New Year’s Day.” Read more.
Honorable Mention W. Michael Widmann, clinical informatics coordinator, Westmoreland Hospital
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Employee Engagement New Sliding Doors Added at Excela Square at Norwin North Entrance New sliding doors at the North Entrance of Excela Health Norwin, are a huge improvement. Both staff and patients are extremely happy with this renovation. It has been more than two weeks since the installation, and positive comments from patients as they enter and exit the building are still being heard. Thank you to all involved in this project.
Excela Health Art Therapy Interns Create Motivational Signs for Staff The signs will hang throughout staff areas at all hospitals.
Excela Health Employees Give Back Many departments and employees throughout Excela Health have given back to our community recently. Staff from inpatient rehabilitation held a collection for Shop With a Cop. Staff from outpatient rehabilitation held a collection for patients in need. Staff from Latrobe operating room and recovery room held a collection for a local animal shelter. Dr. Bill Jenkins volunteered time to performe a health screening on everyone entering Shop With a Cop.
Excela Health Outpatient Pharmacy Beginning January 4, 2021 Excela Health employees will be able to have prescriptions filled through the Excela Health Outpatient Pharmacy at Westmoreland Hospital. Employees at Latrobe Hospital may fill their prescriptions through the Latrobe Pharmacy. Prescriptions filled at the Westmoreland Hospital Outpatient Pharmacy can be delivered to the pharmacies at Latrobe and Frick Hospitals as well. Begin the transfer process now! View the transfer sheets and learn more here.
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Share Your Story Have something that you would like to share with the Excela Insight staff for future editions? Email information to insight@excelahealth.org
Excela Health Employee Referral Program Excela Health is hiring for a variety of positions. We offer a comprehensive benefit package and compensation package, tuition reimbursement/loan forgiveness opportunities and a variety of other employee friendly perks. When you refer a candidate and they mention your name as a referral either on their online application or during their interview, and if the candidate is hired and all guidelines have been met, then you will be paid out after the 6 month mark pending all qualifications are met.
How the Process Works During the application process the prospective hire will have two chances to make Excela Health aware of a referral. The first opportunity is a field in the application itself. When asked where the candidate heard about the position they can select ‘employee referral’ and input the employee name. The second opportunity is during the interview process. A recruiter will ask if the candidate was referred by a current employee. Note: There is no longer a survey for employees to fill out. If mentioned during the hiring process, then you will be paid out after the six month mark pending all qualifications are met.
Current Hot Jobs Refer your friends and receive an increased incentive for the current hot jobs. All other positions will be paid at the $500 bonus level. Full Time Acute Care Registered Nurse (Hospital) - $2,500 Full Time OR RN (Hospital) - $3,000 Full Time RN Cath Lab (Hospital) - $1,500 Full Time SSU/PACU Float Registered Nurse (Hospital) - $2,500 Full Time Behavioral Health RN (Hospital) - $2,500 Full Time CNC Behavioral Health Inpatient - $2,500 Full Time Clinical Nurse Coordinator (BSN) - $1,000 Full Time RN Nursing Home Support Behavioral Health - $2,500 Full Time CRNA - $3,000 Full Time EHMG LPN - $1,500 Full Time EHMG RN - $2,500 Full Time Medical Assistant - $1,500 Full Time Clinical Customer Service Liaison EHMG - $1,000 Full Time Neo Natal Nurse Practitioner - $1,000 Full Time Environmental Services Tech - $1,000 Full Time Surgical Technician - $1,000 Full Time Technical Partner - $1,500 Full Time Registered Nurse (Home Health) - $3,000 Full Time Physical Therapist (Home Health) - $1,000 *All referral bonuses will be paid after the referral has completed 6 months of employment. Any questions regarding referral bonuses should be directed to your human resources representative.
The Excela Health recruitment team will be holding virtual job fairs throughout the year, visit www.excelahealth.org/careers
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New Faces Frick Hospital
Westmoreland Hospital
Imaging Services Brandi Bittner-McKeel, Radiology Technologist Inpatient Physical Therapy Kelsey Harbold, Physical Therapist Laboratory Services Kayleigh West, Phlebotomist Patient Transport Luke Bruner, Transporter Piper Scarry, Transporter Progressive Care Unit Karleigh Krinock, Technical Partner Respiratory Care Services Erika DiValentone, Register Respiratory Therapist
Emergency Department Christy Johnson, RN Family Additions Maternity Center Lisa Stuck, RN Anna Furnival, BSN Food and Nutrition Services Alyssa Dowden, Nutrition Concierge II Kaylin Dressel, Nutrition Services Intern Heart, Lung & Vasculat Institute Rich Siniawski Jr., Cardiovascular Technologist Information Technology Robert Janis Jr., Desktop Support Technician Raymond Lesko Jr., Desktop Support Technician Laboratory Services Kailey Brady, Clinical Lab Assistant Korina Henry, Phlebotomist Nicole Miller, Phlebotomist Samantha Miller, Histology Technician Patricia Roden, Laboratory Technologist Materials Management Pennelope Steyer, Supply Chain Associate Medical Surgical Unit 3AB Crystal Jones, Technical Partner Medical Surgical Unit 3D/3E Roni Fulton-Taylor, LPN IV Certified Jamie Murphy, Technical Partner Nursing Pool Janice Craig, Patient Safety Associate Bethany Paullet, Technical Partner PCU 2D Ashley Anielewski, Technical Partner Emma Mattei, Technical Partner Perianesthesia Leah Cole, BSN Perioperative Pharmacy Cheyanne Fink, Pharmacy Technician Jenna Marmo, Pharmacy Technician Respiratory Care Services Tiffanie Hershberger, Certified Respiratory Therapist Step Down Unit Rachel Riley, Technical Partner
Latrobe Hospital Behavioral Health Services Kayla Vantassel, Behavioral Health Technician Food and Nutrition Services April Burket, Culinarian I Laboratory Services Cynthia Bigi, Laboratory Technologist Joanna Johnson, Phlebotomist Carlee Leary, Phlebotomist Patient Transport Megan Primus, Patient Transporter Progressive Cardiac Unit Melanie Dick, Technical Partner Kaysea Hart, Technical Partner Respiratory Care Services Karen Stitt, Registered Respiratory Therapist
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New Faces EHMG Admin Float Pool Linda Bearer, LPN Janet Herald, RN Family Medicine Blairsville Heather Gaspari, Patient Services Associate Derry Pamela Yokobosky, Patient Services Associate Frye Farm Road Clinic Stephanie Swanton, Patient Services Associate General Surgery Mount Pleasant BenFauzi El-Attrache, DO Obstetrics and Gynecology Excela Square at Latrobe Megan Klamerus, DO Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Pellis Road Julia Constantine, Physician Assistant Orientation
Home Care & Hospice Home Care Markitta Stevenson, Direct Care Partner
Latrobe Area Hospital Charitable Foundation Kathryn Frazier, Foundation Advance Services Coordinator
Outpatient Physical Rehabilitation Excela Square at Norwin Cynthia Salvatore, Patient Services Representative
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