June 17, 2021
Volume 4 Issue 12
Baseline ImPACT® Testing: What it is, Who Needs it and Why it is Important
Safety Month Puzzle One Winners Page 2 Westmoreland Hospital Auxiliary 2021 Scholarship Recipient Page 2 Mental Health for Children and Teens Page 3 Latrobe Area Hospital Aid Society Annual Business Meeting and Spring Luncheon Page 3 A Word on Wellness Page 4 Employee Engagement New Faces
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Baseline ImPACT® testing is an important tool in the prevention of concussive consequences for our youth. ImPACT® stands for Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing. It is a test that measures memory, attention span, visual and verbal problem solving. ImPACT® has two primary uses: before the onset of an activity, a baseline test is conducted to measure the athlete’s performance baseline. In the event of an injury, a post-injury test is administered and compared to the baseline and/or normative data scores. Excela Health is offering baseline ImPACT® testing for kids 10-18 years of age in office or via telehealth for $25 now through August 27. Kids ages 5-9 can be tested in office for the same fee. Every test will be checked for validity by one of our experts, and results will be discussed with the athlete and/or parent. Contact us at 724-689-1070 to schedule a test. Learn More
Primary Care-West Newton Hosts Outdoor Open House
2021 Excela Insight Graduation Album
Excela Health Primary Care-West Newton held an open house welcoming Family Nurse Practitioner, Hope Umbel, CRNP to the practice. Hope and Dr. Gina Canada greeted patients.
Whether graduating from high school, college, graduate school or medical school, these graduates have achieved well-earned success that will accompany them in their promising futures. Join us in honoring their accomplishments by checking out the 2021 Excela Insight graduation photo album. View Here
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In the News Olivia Galando Awarded Latrobe Area Hospital Aid Society Scholarship June 14
Olivia Galando has received a $2,500 scholarship from the Latrobe Area Hospital Aid Society for her “outstanding performance and dedication in accruing 217 hours of volunteer service at Excela Health Latrobe Hospital.” Read more.
Safety Month Puzzle One Winners
Congratulations to the following 2021 Virtual Safety Fair week one crossword puzzle winners: • Peggy Ingelido, Clinical Nurse Coordinator, Westmoreland Hospital • Kennette Grohal, Coordinator Clinical Informatics, Latrobe Hospital • Denise Clausner X-Ray Clerk, Frick Hospital • Kasha Loveridge, Medical Secretary, Home Care & Hospice Each winner was presented with a check for $100 by the Safety Department! You can still participate by going to Featured News and completing upcoming puzzles.
As Some Pennsylvanians Skip Second COVID-19 Shot, Experts Caution One Dose 'Not Enough' June 13
“The increased availability of the covid-19 vaccine — and the myriad options for where one can receive it — has hampered efforts to track just how many people are skipping their second dose, which experts say is crucial to having the highest immunity possible against the virus.” Read more.
Westmoreland Hospital Auxiliary 2021 Scholarship Recipient The Westmoreland Hospital Auxiliary awarded a $2,500 scholarship to an Excela Health employee pursuing advanced education within a medical field of study. The 2021 scholarship recipient is Theresa Ann "Teri" MacBlane, Registered Nurse at Excela Health Latrobe Hospital, 2 East unit. MacBlane is currently enrolled at Carlow University pursuing her master's, and expects to graduate in December from the Family Nurse Practitioner program. MacBlane has always been interested in healthcare. As a nurse practitioner, MacBlane's goal is practice either rural or LGBTQ medicine. "I have a lot friends who self-identify as LGBTQ who are very marginalized when it comes to health care. They lack a voice and open and accepting places for care in western Pennsylvania," she said. Her philosophy of care represents her passion for people and providing care for all. “Quality medical care is a right and everyone deserves access to a practitioner who is compassionate, well-trained and accessible to them and their family. I will bring my knowledge, education and experience to the field and look to join a practice whose goals and mission align with mine.”
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Mental Health for Children and Teens Excela Health’s Rachel Jackson, Manager, Outpatient Behavioral Health services, Kristy Walter, Hospice Bereavement Counselor and Art Therapist, Home Care and Hospice, and Maureen Ceidro, MA, Bereavement Counselor, Home Care and Hospice recently did an interview on In Touch with Eric O’Brien. During the interview they discussed mental health in children and teens, how COVID-19 has affected this group and the Neighborhood Kids grief program at Excela Health. Listen here
Latrobe Area Hospital Aid Society Annual Business Meeting and Spring Luncheon Latrobe Area Hospital Aid Society recently held its annual business meeting and spring luncheon at Rizzo’s Banquet Hall. Sally Anne Novak chaired the event, along with Debbie Newingham and Susannah Calvo. John Sphon, Excela Health Chief Executive Officer and Dr. Carol Fox, Excela Health Chief Medical Officer, served as keynote speakers. The highlight of the annual meeting was the installation of new officers. Officers serving 2021 through 2023 include Jan Mills, president; Sally Anne Novak, president-elect; Roberta McCahan, secretary; Debbie Newingham, treasurer; and Terri Woods, treasurer-elect. New Board of Directors are Maryann Aukerman, Kathy Koontz, Phyllis Ruffner and Earlene Sano.
In the News Shoe Drive Fundraiser Planned at Latrobe hospital, Excela Square at Latrobe June 12
“Shoes donated can be a variety of types including dance, athletic, sandals and slippers. They will not accept cleats, roller blades or ice skates. Volunteers are hoping to have at least 2,500 pairs donated. That will help the group raise about $1,000, but Mills said she doesn’t want to stop there.” Read more. Choir Readies for 4th of July Patriotic Inferfaith Service June 11
“The choir will be singing several musical selections in honor of veterans and to honor those who have helped the community get through the coronavirus pandemic. Dr. Carol Fox of Excela Health will be the keynote speaker.” Read more.
Pictured are (left to right) Nancy McKinnon, Outgoing President; John Sphon, Excela Health Chief Executive Officer; Jan Mills, Incoming President; and Dr. Carol Fox, Excela Health Chief Medical Officer.
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Word On Wellness Excela Health Well-Being Center Welcomes New Dietitian Aleks Gavrilov, RD, LDN has joined the team at the Well-Being Center as a registered dietitian. Aleks graduated from Seton Hill University Nutrition and Dietetics Program. After graduating he did his internship at Westmoreland Hospital, where he was hired as a Clinical Dietitian. After being in his previous position for two years he joined the staff of the Well-Being Center. “The thing I love most about this job is that I get to spend a substantial amount of time one on one with clients, talking and building rapport over months and helping them achieve their nutrition goals over time. I’m not a big fan of diets and cleanses for the most part (think Keto, or Whole 30). I believe your relationship with food is a lifelong journey and it takes more than a month or two to fix that.” Topics and areas of improvement Aleks commonly discusses with clients: • Focusing on building healthy behaviors and habits with nutrition before actively trying to pursue weight loss. When trying to lose weight without having good nutrition habits you’re just signing up for a long-term failure. • Seeking to improve relationships with food and your body weight out of desire to take care of yourself instead of restricting food and exercising to punish yourself. This includes eating sufficient vegetables, fruits, and whole grains and protein. • Drinking sufficient water. It’s very important for metabolism and good restful sleep.
By The Numbers
• Staying active. Almost every form of exercise is associated with better health. • Getting enough restful sleep. This one is often underplayed, but did you know that people who don’t get enough sleep store more fat than people who do. • Caffeine intake and timing. Too much of it and too late in the day increases our stress hormone levels and prevents us from getting restful sleep.
Wellness Programs Completed to Date
Biometric Screenings Completed to Date
2,014 1,848 1,081 1,670
Vs. This Time Last Year
Vs. This Time Last Year
Total Biometric Screenings Needing Completed
Employees who Received the COVID-19 Vaccine
Aleks also provides a more case-specific nutrition counselling when needed; for example: someone with celiac disease or iron deficiency will need two completely different approaches. To set up a free appointment, you can send an email to Well-Being Center wellbeingcenter@excelahealth.org or directly to Aleks at agavrilov@excelahealth.org. Remember, your relationship with food is a lifelong journey, and the quality of it will often determine your long-term health and well-being. So, invest in it now.
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1,952 2,871
Employee Engagement ‘Soak Up’ Summer Perks Summer is right around the corner! Enjoy some fun in the sun with family and friends with discounts at Kennywood, Idlewild and SoakZone, Sandcastle Water Park, Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium, Caddie Shak, Statler’s Fun Center and more! Take advantage of these sweet savings while they are available! Visit the MyExcelaPerks page here for detailed instructions on how to access featured perks.
Kudos & Recognition Kudos Excela Health “Excela is the best. They have pulled me thru so much and I am here to talk about it. Keep up the great work.” Facebook Comment
Department/Service Line Recognitions 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
June 6/1 National Healthcare Recruiter Recognition Day 6/17 to 6/24 National Nursing Assistants Week 6/21 to 6/25 National Healthcare Risk Management 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
Twilight Walk Photo Album The Twilight Walk took place on Wednesday, May 19 from 5 to 6:30 pm. at Excela Square at Latrobe and was held to celebrate Nurses Month. Learn how the event came to be, how it went, and view the photos! View Here
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New Faces Frick Hospital
Excela Health Medical Group
Food and Nutrition Services Alice Miller, Culinary Specialist
Admin Float Pool Alivia Stumpf, Patient Services Associate Advanced Pain Center Frick Amber Brown, RN Family Medicine Delmont Courtney Dugan M.D. Saltsburg April Zack, Patient Services Associate Gastroenterology Greensburg Denise Taxcher, Patient Services Associate Intensivists Greensburg Andrew Schoenling M.D. Neurology Greensburg Tina Wampler, Patient Services Associate Primary Care North Huntingdon Laura Delliquadri, Physician Assistant I Janet Fraicola, Patient Services Associate Joel Kelley, Practice Manager Shannon Mains, Medical Assistant Daniel Medic Jr. D.O. Holly Puckett, Patient Services Associate Jennifer Schambura, Medical Assistant West Newton Hope Umbel, Nurse Practitioner III Sports Medicine and Orthopedics Greensburg Morgan Ryan, Patient Services Associate
Latrobe Hospital Laboratory Services Annette Curry, Laboratory Technologist Kelly Ercole, Laboratory Technologist Medical Surgical Unit 3 North Michelle Ludvik, LPN
Westmoreland Hospital Environmental Services Matthew Deemer, Environmental Services Technician Shane Mendlowitz, Environmental Services Technician Family Additions Maternity Center Mikayla Horvat, RN Food and Nutrition Services Isabelle Ihnat, Nutrition Concierge I Intensive Care Unit Lauren McLaughlin, BSN Medical Surgial Unit 3D/3E Jaycee Krotowski, Technical Partner Megan Wolk, Technical Partner Nursing Pool Sarah Harvey, Patient Safety Associate Hannah Jobes, Technical Partner Student Sarah Pasko, Technical Partner Student Haley Smolleck, Patient Safety Associate Operating Room Alana Palarino, Surgical Technologist I PCU 2D Dawn Isler, RN Imaging Services Melissa Ochs, Radiology Technologist
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Home Care & Hospice Home Care Virginia Hilty, Direct Care Partner Emily Miller, Direct Care Partner Kathleen Wilkins, Direct Care Partner
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
Current Hot Jobs
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.
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 Supervisor Rehab Services - $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.
Opportunity Begins Here
The Excela Health recruitment team will be holding virtual job fairs throughout the year, visit www.excelahealth.org/careers
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