April 22, 2021
Volume 4 Issue 08
2021 Nurse Week Celebration Page 2 Excela Health Physicians Recognized By Pittsburgh Magazine Page 2
2021 Service Awards Excela Health recognizes more than 500 employees for the 2021 Service Awards. Individuals are recognized in five-year increments. The awardees range from 5 years to 45 years of service! Congratulations to all individuals recognized!
Primary Care Weekdays Page 3
View a full list of 2021 Service Awardees here
Top Ten Stress Busting Foods Page 3 A Word on Wellnesss Page 4 Excela Health Hosts Drive-Thru Job Fair Page 5 Employee Engagement New Faces
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Westmoreland County Commissioners Tour Excela Health Vaccine Clinic
Calling All 2021 Excela Health Graduates
On Tuesday, April 20, Excela Health's John Sphon, Chief Executive Officer and Dr. Carol Fox, Chief Medical Officer hosted Westmoreland County Commissioners Douglas Chew, Sean Kertes and Gina Cerilli Thrasher at the Excela Health Vaccine Clinic located in North Huntingdon. The visit included a tour of the facility and an overview of the inoculation process.
Do you have a 2021 graduate at home you want to recognize or are you one yourself? We will be honoring employees and/or their children or stepchildren who are graduating from high school, college or technical school. The graduation gallery will be posted in a special edition of Excela Insight. To submit information click here. Submissions due by June 4.
Graduation Album
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In the News Excela Health Expanded Cardiovascular Care Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic April 22
““While we were taking care of the crisis here, we continued to develop and evolve,” John Sphon, Chief Executive Officer at Excela Health said. “We always continued looking forward. We couldn’t just stop and wait for this crisis to move forward.”” Read more. Laurels & Lances: Efficient Vaccine Clinics and Not-Transparent Leasing April 16
"At the same time, in Westmoreland County, Excela Health is working with local EMS providers to do the very opposite of mass events — taking the vaccine directly to the homebound who are unable to make it to stadiums or pharmacies." Read more.
2021 Nurse Week Celebration The Nurse Recognition Committee has planned two upcoming events in celebration of Nurse Week: Blessing of Hands & Luminary Display Latrobe Hospital: May 3 at 6:30 a.m. Frick Hospital: May 4 at 6:30 a.m. Westmoreland Hospital: May 5 at 6:30 a.m. Each luminary can be purchased for $5 each and proceeds will be donated to the Friends of Nursing fund. Please complete the form here submit to your Clinical Director/Manager with your payment by Monday, April 26. Twilight Walk Wednesday, May 19, 5 to 6:30 p.m. Excela Square at Latrobe (meet at the front of the building, near the flagpole) Registration is available through the call center at: 1-877-771-1234. Registration closes May 7. All COVID-19 precautions will be followed at these events including but not limited to masks required and appropriate social distancing.
Excela Health Physicians Recognized By Pittsburgh Magazine “The good physician treats the disease; the great physician treats the patient who has the disease.” -Sir William Osler Excela Health congratulates Christopher Rihn, MD; Michael Szwerc, MD, FACS; and Mark Zelkovic, MD, FACS for being honored in this year’s edition of Top Doctors. We thank them for the skill and dedication they provide to the patients who turn to us for care. Along with their colleagues on the entire Excela Medical staff, they exemplify all that is good in the art and science of medicine.
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Employee Benefit: Primary Care Weekdays Primary Care Weekdays is available for employees for when you are feeling ill, and can't get a same-day appointment with your PCP! This employee benefit is available Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The service is offered at EMPLOYEE BENEFIT! Excela Square at Norwin and Excela Square at Latrobe in Primary Care Weekdays! Excela Health WORKS. When you are feeling ill, and can't get a same-day appointment with your PCP, consider
OPEN FOR IN-CLINIC AND VIDEO VISITS!
Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Call for a convenient, same-day appointment: 724-765-1230 Cash, credit card or insurance payment accepted.
Call for a convenient, same-day appointment: 724-765-1230 Cash, credit card or insurance payment accepted. Two convenient locations: Excela Health WORKS - Norwin Excela Square at Norwin 8775 Norwin Avenue, Suite 6 North Huntingdon, PA 15642
You'll find the same, high quality care you've come to expect from our Excela Health Medical Group providers along with easy access to x-ray, blood work and more, if needed. Care provided by Certified Nurse Practitioners. And your out of pocket expense is less than an urgent care or emergency visit!
What We Treat at Primary Care Weekdays n n n n n
Learn more
Excela Health WORKS - Latrobe 5840 State Route 981 Suite 101 Latrobe, PA 15650
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Minor Illness or Injury Coughs/Colds/Flu Sinus and Ear Infections Urinary Tract Infections Minor Cuts, Burns and Lacerations Seasonal Allergies
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Sprains, Strains Fever and Sore Throat Skin Infections/Rashes/Bug Bites Pink Eye and Other, Mild Eye Complaints Rapid Strep and Flu Swabs COVID-19 Testing
In the News Despite Rising COVID-19 Cases in Westmoreland County, Number of Vaccine Appointments Dropping April 16
““I think people really want to get back to doing what they would like to do and get out and go to restaurants and events. I think we could achieve more normalcy the more individuals get vaccinated,” Dr. Carol Fox , Chief Medical Officer at Excela Health said.” Read more. Westmoreland Planning COVID-19 Vaccinations for the Homebound
Top Ten Stress Busting Foods STRESS. We all have it. We don’t want it. But…what do we do about it? Studies show there is a valid link between feeling good and living longer. What we eat plays an important role in that connection, including how it affects our moods and stress levels. Foods can help curb stress in several ways. Comfort foods boost levels of the brain calming hormone called serotonin. Some foods can lower levels of the stress hormones, cortisol and adrenaline. Still other foods can help offset the impact of stress by supporting our immune system and lowering blood pressure. Unsure of which foods play a role in helping to manage stress?
April 14
“EMS providers around the county will work with Excela Health, the county department of public safety and the United Way to administer the COVID-19 vaccine to homebound individuals. “Everybody has been willing to … work together as a team for the betterment of the citizens of Westmoreland County,” Dr. Carol Fox, Chief Medical Officer at Excela Health said.” Read more.
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Donate Life Month Nearly 7,000 Pennsylvanians are currently waiting for a life-saving organ transplant. During National Donate Life Month, let’s work together with Donate Life Pennsylvania to reduce the waiting list. Pledge your support by registering here.
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A Word on Wellness The Powerful Health and Mood Boosting Benefits of Pets
Pet owners and animal lovers alike are usually outspoken about the immediate joy that comes from cuddling and playing with them or the serenity we feel just being a spectator to the amazing creatures in nature. Yes, interacting with them can actually reduce stress and anxiety. Think about watching fish swimming around in an aquarium or imagine yourself swimming beside some multicolored spectacular sea creatures on the Discovery Channel. How does that make you feel? There are health benefits when interacting with any pet or animal in nature. Especially in the last year under lockdown, those of us with pets turned to them for affection, companionship and solace. According to PetPoint, which tracks data from 1,200 shelters, pet adoptions have surged in the last year. So why? What is the science telling us? For years The National Institute of Health partnered with the Waltham Centre for Pet Nutrition, Tufts Institute for Human-Animal Interaction and many colleges have researched how pets and animals can help us become more active, resilient and give us a sense of connection and love. Studies have shown that: Owning a pet can prevent or improve depression. Playing or watching an animal can elevate levels of serotonin and dopamine, which calm and relax us. Just looking into their eyes can give you a boost of oxytocin and prolactin, hormones that leave you feeling blissful. Interacting with animals can lower cortisol (a stress hormone) leading to lower blood pressure, triglyceride and cholesterol levels. Great for the heart! Animals provide companionship and comfort which can prevent illness and even add years to your life. Talking to animals can help you work through your difficulties, give you a purpose and feel needed when you care for them. Pets give us motivation and structure to our lives! They help us maintain a consistent routine when they need care. They inspire us to get up and move and the physical and mental benefits of being active are well researched. Any pets that need a daily dose of fresh air will contribute to your inner peace. Animals can help boost our immune system and increase our energy by playing, laughing and exercising with them. After this past year, we could all use some laughter and stronger immune systems. April 30th is National Therapy Animal Day so please recognize all the amazing therapy animals that bring comfort and healing to all.
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By The Numbers
Wellness Programs Completed to Date
Biometric Screenings Completed to Date
1,579 1,485 728 1,128
Vs. This Time Last Year
Vs. This Time Last Year
Total Biometric Screenings Needing Completed
Employees who Received the COVID-19 Vaccine
2,621 2,739
Employee Engagement Excela Health Hosts Drive-Thru Job Fair Invite friends and family to join the Excela Health recruitment team at this in-person event to learn about open positions in all areas. Participants can ‘drive up’ April 24 from 8:30 a.m. to noon at Excela Health Home Care & Hospice, 501 W. Otterman Street, Greensburg. Excela Health offers tuition reimbursement, sign-on bonuses for select positions, an increased minimum rate of $15/hour and more.
Kudos & Recognition Excela Health Vaccine Clinic Staff Kudos “Was very quick and easy. Staff very pleasant and friendly!” “Had both my vaccines there, very well organized.”
Learn more
Fire Extinguisher Training The 2021 schedule for Fire Extinguisher Training is now available. Training must be completed every other year. For example if you last completed training in 2019 you are now due to complete it again. If you are unsure of the last time you completed the training you can check the roster here or through UltiPro. If there is a discrepancy, email Lisa Yetter at lyetter@excelahealth.org. Click here to view the schedule
Mandatory Net Learning Mandatory Education topics are assigned monthly beginning in July through June so to meet the regulatory requirements each year. Each month an additional two to three are modules are added. All Mandatory Education must be completed by June 30, 2021. Many NetLearnings have been assigned over the past few months for fiscal year 2021 requirements. Mandatory NetLearning can be found on EHWEB along the left hand side under ‘NetLearning’
Department/Service Line Recognitions April National Volunteer Month Occupational Therapy Month 4/17 to 4/24 - Health Information Professionals Week 4/18 to 4/24 - Administrative Professionals Week 4/18 to 4/24 - National Medical Laboratory Professionals Week 4/18 to 4/24 - National Volunteer Week 4/21 - Transplant Nurses Day 4/21 - Administrative Professionals Day 4/26 to 4/30 - Patient Experience Week May Better Hearing and Speech Month National Critical Care Awareness and Recognition Month Oncology Nursing Month 5/6 National Nurses Day 5/8 National Student Nurse Day 5/6 to 5/12 National Nurses Week 5/9 to 5/15 National Hospital Week 5/9 to 5/15 Neuroscience Nurses Week Want to have your department/service line recognized? Click here to submit information.
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
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New Faces Latrobe Hospital
Home Care & Hospice
Food and Nutrition Services McKenna Rummel, Nutrition Services Specialist Volunteer Services Connie Capar, Clerk
Home Care Michelle Augustine, Direct Care Partner Brianna Distefanis, Direct Care Partner Brittany Thomas, Direct Care Partner Occupational Therapy Deanna Buchinsky, Occupational Therapist Skilled Nursing Tammy Reed, RN
Westmoreland Hospital Environmental Services Lori Taylor, Environmental Services Technician Laboratory Services Susan Waszczak, Phlebotomist Nursing Pool Deborah Bowman, RN System Float Jillian Gearhart, Technical Partner Student Linda Massari, Patient Safety Associate Outpatient Rehabilitation Nancy Mosqueda, Administrative Assistant Patient Transport Rhonda Whatule, Patient Transporter PCU 1D Amanda Lockhart, Technical Partner Megan Miller, Technical Partner Student Step Down Unit Sarah Guynn, BSN
EHMG Administration Tammy Kahl, Medical Assistant Externship Athletic Training Services Benjamin Baker, Athletic Trainer Cardiothoracic Surgery Marilyn Tlumach, Patient Services Associate Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Excela Square at Latrobe Patricia Moritz, Patient Services Associate
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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.
$45,250 paid to employees for referrals in Q3 of FY21! 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. FT Acute Care Registered Nurse - $2,500 FT Clinical Nurse Coordinator (BSN) - $1,000 FT EHMG LPN - $1,500 FT EHMG RN - $2,500 FT Home Health RN - $3,000 FT Medical Assistant- $1,500 FT OR RN - $5,000 FT RN Nursing Home Support Behavioral Health - $2,500 FT Surgical Tech - $2,500 FT Perioperative Registered Nurse - $5,000 FT Respiratory Therapist Westmoreland Hospital - $1,000 FT CRNA - $5,000 FT Home Health Aide - $3,000 Weekend Physical Therapist Home Care & Hospice - $3,000 *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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