CONNECTIONS April 2020
An award-winning newsletter for Orange Regional Medical Center employees, physicians and volunteers
From the CEO Over the last few months, we have come together for our patients and our community in extraordinary ways. As COVID-19 cases peaked and subsequently decline, we’ve gone above and beyond in teamwork and collaboration to provide exceptional care. We are happy to be slowly transitioning units back to their original state and purpose while continuing to follow state and federal guidelines to protect your safety and the safety of our patients. Teams are developing plans to ensure we can safely open for business once restrictions are lifted. While we are emerging from the height of the crisis, we are deeply saddened to say goodbye to two of our own, Livette Plan and John Lara, both passed away from complications of the coronavirus. All of us stand with Livette’s and John’s family and loved ones in mourning their loss and honoring their memory. With your help, we have raised over $24,000 to help their families. We will be celebrating the lives of Livette and John in the future. Nurses Week and Hospital Week are upon us. It’s a time to reflect on the incredible difference our collective hospital family makes in our community, on the lives we touch, on the patients we save, on the quality of life we help to restore. Our community has gone above and beyond to show us their love and support, affirming the positive impact we have on them. The staff at Orange Regional Medical Center have been nothing short of outstanding. And for that I am grateful. Thank you to everyone for everything you are doing! Sincerely,
Brian Tew, CEO Orange Regional Medical Center
GHVHS Virtual Visitation Program Helps Patients Stay Connected The role that family and friends play with our patients is invaluable. No matter how brief, a visit from a loved one can provide laughter, smiles and hope to our patients. With our necessary and mandated restricted visitation policy, we took an innovative approach to keeping our patients connected and created a virtual visitation process at our hospitals. Thank you to our Community Health employees, Amanda and Jennifer, and Catskill Regional Skilled Nursing Unit’s Activities Director, Matt, who are helping to support our system’s Virtual Patient Visitation Program. The program, initiated by our Patient Experience Department, allows staff to take iPads to patients, COVID-19 positive and non-positive, who need or would like to connect with their families and friends during this challenging time. Patients or family members can make requests through their nurse to virtually connect with family and friends.
CONNECTIONS
Greater Hudson Valley Health System Medical Group Update Telehealth is Bigger and Better!
Telehealth, which launched just recently, has already taken big strides. Its rapid expansion means greater convenience for patients who can now get care from anywhere. And now, urgent care has been added to our growing list of services offered through Telehealth. Telehealth serves new and established patients; is available via a phone call or video; and is available for primary care, specialty care and urgent care. Additional benefits: There's no travel to visit a doctor; wait times, if any, are brief; and patients can adhere to regulations regarding staying home and social distancing. It’s important for patients to keep up with their health even during a pandemic and now they can. Please help spread the word to your patients about Telehealth - let them know that it is covered by most insurance. Telehealth's advances were made possible thanks to many dedicated team members. Our providers immediately stepped up. Support staff in many departments lent a huge hand. And our wonderful colleagues in IT were crucial contributors. All helped convert a concept into reality with warp speed – and did so during an unprecedented time. Telehealth is available during the medical group's regular office hours. To make a Telehealth appointment with a doctor, call (845) 333-7575. To learn more, visit www.ormc.org/telehealth and www.crmcny.org/telehealth
Care for Yourself So You Can Care for Others As we continue forward with determination during this unprecedented battle against the COVID-19 pandemic, GHVHS Medical Group Director of Wellness Anjana Poonthota MD, MPH, FAAP offers the following daily tips for emotional well-being.
• Avoid turning on the news or reaching out for your phone as soon as you wake up. Have a morning routine and an evening routine (away from COVID-19 news).
• Take frequent 10-minute breaks (four to five times during the day) and focus on deep breathing, stretching and relaxation.
• Focus on what you are doing in the moment and don't let your mind wander.
• When your mind gets a negative thought, immediately try to displace it with a positive thought or try to empty your mind. • Eat healthy and in a timely manner. Drink plenty of water. Carry protein bars, fiber bars, nuts, fruits and snacks to work. • Exercise releases endorphins that help you stay positive. Find your comfort. It can be any exercise you are used to, such as walking, biking, yoga, Pilates, aerobics, weights, etc.
• When it is time to sleep, practice meditation. Focus on your own breathing, or look at candlelight. The key is to empty your mind, relax and help yourself fall asleep. Avoid news/media prior to bedtime.
• Take one day at a time. • At work, reach out to your peers, staff or anyone around and ask how they are doing. Sometimes just talking to one another helps. Find a friend at work you are comfortable conversing with.
• Connect with family and friends via phone, share facts, promote safety and social distancing and help reduce the panic. Share these tips with your loved ones.
During these stressful times, it is so important to focus and spend a little time on yourself. If you are strong, you can best help others. Take a few minutes every day to focus on you. 2
CONNECTIONS
COVID-19 Information Get the Latest Information We've established many ways for employees to learn about our response to the COVID-19 crisis.
• A FAQ Bulletin Board is available on the intranet within the ‘COVID-19 Information’ box. Feel free to read through the information and ask questions.
• A briefing goes out to all users a few times per week recapping important messages.
• A 24/7 command center has been established. Please call 333-8888 for any needs and/or questions you may have. • The Command Center sends out regular updates via text messaging and emails to keep you informed of new developments.
• Executive team members are rounding on the floors to check in and answer questions you may have.
• Executive Leadership hosts a conference call twice a week to update all staff on the COVID-19 situation.
• Keep in mind, your supervisor is also available to you for valuable information. You should be reaching out to them for department-specific questions.
The latest organizational information can always be found on the intranet under ‘COVID-19 Information.’ It is every employee’s responsibility to stay informed.
Behavioral Health Team Offers Free, Confidential Virtual Support Groups for Staff Due to the unique challenges that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought to our staff, the GHVHS Behavioral Health Team is offering free, confidential Virtual Support Groups for staff. Register in HealthStream for session days and times.
Emergency Coronavirus Fund You can join the fight against the virus by making a gift to our Emergency Coronavirus Fund, which will be used for the specialized equipment we need to keep fighting this dreadful disease. We need to keep our staff safe so we can continue to care for neighbors and loved ones. Donations large and small make a difference. To make a donation, visit www.ormc.org/emergency-fund
Hail to the Heroes! Huge thanks to the ORMC Foundation for providing our hospitals with lawn signs and window posters to display everywhere! They're a fitting tribute to the guardians of our region's health. They offer a meaningful message delivered with love, a motivating message that lifts morale and a deserved message that recognizes our heroes working every day to improve and save lives.
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APRIL 2020
Welcome New Employees Jennifer DiMascio, BSN, RN, CMSRN has been promoted to Nursing Unit Director of 5 South. In her new role, Jennifer is responsible for oversight of the day-to-day operations on the 5 South Unit, which is a 26-bed, medical telemetry inpatient unit. Patients who may require telemetry monitoring include those with high blood pressure and a history of a stroke or heart attack. Patients who are hospitalized due to chest pain also require cardiac monitoring on a medical telemetry unit. Jennifer joined the organization in 1998 at Arden Hill Hospital. She obtained her Associate of Applied Science degree in Nursing in 2004 from SUNY Orange and her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Chamberlain College in 2018. Jennifer maintains her certification in Medical Surgical Nursing and is presently enrolled in the Master of Nursing program at Chamberlain College. Jennifer’s roles have included clinical coordinator on 5 South and the Clinical Decision Area, and most recently, Nurse Manager of 5 South. Jennifer can be reached at jdimascio@ghvhs.org. Sheila Moreau, MSN, RNC-OB, C-EFM has been promoted to Nursing Unit Director, Labor & Delivery/Resource. In her new role, Sheila is responsible for oversight and day-to-day operations in L&D, which is a 12-bed LDR with two Operating Rooms and two PACU beds. In addition, she will manage the team of registered nurses who are skilled to work both L&D and Mother-Baby. Sheila began her career as a Staff Nurse at New York Presbyterian Hospital, Weill Cornell after graduation from State University of New York at Buffalo. Sheila has a Master’s of Science in Nursing from University of Phoenix. With 28 years of clinical experience, academic nursing instruction and childbirth education, Sheila continues to remain current in her field. She maintains certifications in Electronic Fetal Monitoring and Inpatient OB. Over the past year and half, Sheila has contributed to the growth of RFBC and NICU as Nurse Manager. Sheila can be reached at smoreau@ghvhs.org.
Congratulations to our Inpatient Rehabilitation Program on its three-year re-accreditation from Commission on Accreditation for Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). Our Rehabilitation team's ongoing dedication and commitment to the program and our patients has assured its conformance to all CARF standards since 1993. Awesome job!
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Alanna Alfonso Robert Andrews Margarita Basabe-Cintron Cora Benson Thierry Bien-aime Caroline Blake Mireille Celestin Rosslady Cordova Melyssa Desmarets Chelsea Dexter Esma Djoni Kalissa Dolson Adrienne Figueroa Griselda Flores Dejea Green Chante Helmen Julia Hernandez Massa Maria Hill Richard Kirschke Francesca Loguercio Khadija Mansu Anita Mark Jazmin Marrero Gabrielle Minieri Keanna Morrison Kerianne Mulqueen Suzanna O’Dell John Politoski Jami Potis Elizabeth Quintana Donovan Radway Lachae Ray Shaina Riquelme Andrew Robinson Claudia Sanchez Katherine Schleiermacher Denise Serrano-Eanelli Daniela Springer Jordan Stopa Margaret Sullivan Matthew Tanzillo Tiffany Tyler Trequan Watson Giovanna Yusty
APRIL 2020
Making a Difference Every Day THANK YOU for exemplary care, flexibility and teamwork. Our staff, some who are new to healthcare, and their mentors have responded to this pandemic with incredible proactivity, compassion and courage to provide care while taking every precaution to safeguard themselves and each other. We’ve showcased the positivity they have shared. This healthcare challenge has included deployment to other units and the need for diverse skill sets. The flexibility, versatility and dedication of our staff allow them to serve areas with evolving needs by the day and by the hour. This outstanding, seamless collaboration has shown true professionalism and reassurance when it is needed most. Thank you to all of our healthcare heroes. Your hard work continues to amaze us each and every day. Please know that your efforts and sacrifices are greatly appreciated by the patients you serve.
A positive quote from new Float Registered Nurse Victoria Miranda about the kindness, encouragement and willingness she received from a fellow employee.
Nurse Director Nicole Sewell, RN MSN, CCRN, CMSRN talked about her positive observance of dedication and camaraderie.
A positive quote from employee Caitlin Winters thanking Float Registered Nurse Kate Woods.
This positive comment is from a message to Nurse Director Nicole Sewell, RN, MSN, CCRN, CMSRN from a new Float Registered Nurse, Victoria Miranda, who provided care on a new unit treating COVID-19 patients.
To the healthcare heroes behind the scenes in our system: You are vital to everything we do to provide care and we couldn’t do it without you. Thank you for supporting our frontline workers and patients by helping run the hospital efficiently. Here are a few highlights of your remarkable efforts. Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/orangeregional and enjoy the photo albums and slideshow created to celebrate our heroes! Happy Hospital Week!
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CONNECTIONS
Good Catch Awards
Margery Fellenzer, Julia Galea, Jerrin Jose and Paula Tully received Good Catch Awards for their proactive patient care measures. A Good Catch occurs when corrective action and/or timely intervention prevents an incident or medical error from happening. Nominations are judged by the Patient Safety Sub-committee. For more information about the Good Catch Award, contact QA Data Coordinator Katie Haun at 333-1294 or khaun@ormc.org.
Margery Fellenzer
Julia Galea
Jerrin Jose
Paula Tully
National Nurses Week 2020 Orange Regional Medical Center celebrated National Nurses Week, where we take the time to celebrate our amazing nursing team from May 6-12 each year. In 1982, National Nurses Week was declared a national proclamation recognizing the work of nurses, and culminating with the founder of modern nursing Florence Nightingale’s birthday celebrated on May 12, each year. The theme this year is “4 million reasons to celebrate,” recognizing 4 million or more nurses in the nation. Let us celebrate that we as nurses own our practice and our professional development destiny. Our nurses are caring professionals, driven by standards of excellence, who go above and beyond to provide an exceptional patient care experience. Thank you for all that you do!
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APRIL 2020
Community Embraces Our Healthcare Heroes Messages and letters of support are flooding in as our healthcare heroes continue to battle COVID-19 in our community. At such an unprecedented time, creative wishes of hope and courage are bringing smiles to our faces and tears to our eyes. We thank our wonderful community for keeping us in its thoughts. These special messages have provided the encouragement to keep us going and now adorn a dedicated wall in the Ground Floor Lobby. Please make sure to visit it when you have time.
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CONNECTIONS
An Angel on Our Side
As a Food Service Worker, Sonya Pierre travels the floors throughout the hospital. Recently, she has been handmaking hundreds of angel wing pendants, and giving them out to employees in the hospital. If she sees a nurse, tech, EVS worker or any employee having a moment of difficulty or stress, she stops what she is doing and gives them one of her pendants. When asked about them, Sonya said: "I make them all myself, and each one is different. I am not selling them; I am giving them to those who are making a difference. I am giving back. There are people out there who aren’t working now and I am blessed to be working here. I want employees, especially those caring for patients, to start off their shift right. People are scared... it's an angel to give them that push they need to let them know they are going to be fine. Each and every one of them has been blessed. My sister and I prayed over each one." We are so inspired by the feedback we received regarding Sonya Pierre's angel pendants. In response to your love and support, the Foundation created a ‘JustGiving’ account to help fund the materials needed to keep making them. Let’s help Sonya continue her divine work – donate today at www.ormc.org/angels-at-work
Cultivating a Culture of Safety A culture of safety is an environment in which risk is acknowledged; the response to events or near-misses is blame-free; reporting is encouraged; collaboration across disciplines and settings is promoted to seek solutions; and there is a commitment to provide the resources necessary to adequately address safety concerns. As employees, you are encouraged to know how to maintain a culture of safety. For more information on Culture of Safety, contact Quality Services Data Analyst Katie Haun at 333-1294 or khaun@ghvhs.org.
Connections Newsletter For more information about Connections or to make a submission for consideration, contact Senior Marketing and PR Specialist Lauren Kropf-Zuckerman at 333-2363 or lzuckerman@ghvhs.org. 8