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March 2004

Issue 4 Volume1

Starr County Memorial Hospital Newsletter

 

SCMH PULSE

In this issue:

·         New Employees

·         2003 Yearly In-service not complete yet

·         Editor’s Note – From the mouths of babes

·         Birthday Babies

·         Maintenance Requests

·         Policy of the Month

·         Hospital News

·         Important Phone Numbers

 

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Welcome New employees to SCMH:

Angel Ortiz – Admitting

Nancy Saenz LSW-Business Office

 

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2003 Yearly Inservice

It is that time of year again when we must successfully complete our Yearly In-service.  We will be using HealthNet to help accomplish this.   There are several ways to complete the in-service:

1.        Internet (WEB) access (English only)

2.        CDs and Video Tapes (English and Espanol)  see your supervisor for CDs and Tapes

 

The name of the program is Safety Storm and there are 2 Sections you must successfully pass (Nursing and Clinical Departments must complete a third section- Gamma):

 

1.        Section Alpha (program # 45003)  [available in Spanish]

·         MSDS, Hazardous Materials, Age Specific Training, Bloodborne Pathogens, Back Safety, Patient Safety & Medical Health Care Error Reduction, Electrical Safety, Process Improvement,  Fire Safety

 

2.        Section Beta (program # 45103) [available in Spanish]

·         Corporate Compliance, Transmission Precautions: Airborne, Contact, Droplet; Tuberculosis, Sexual Harassment, Patient’s Rights, Violence in the Workplace, Utility Systems Management, Emergency Management, Customer Service

 

3.        Section Gamma (program # 45203) [English only]

·         Medical Error Awareness, Clinical Patient Safety, Conscious Sedation, Restraints and Seclusion, Pain Management, Ethics, Rights and Responsibility, Abuse and Violence Reporting

 

You will view tapes/CDs (or visit website: https://www.healthnet.ttuhsc.edu/healthnet/default.asp) then take the post test.  The post test can be taken on line (at the before mentioned website) or on scan tron answer sheets (available from human resources).

 

When filling out the scan tron form please make sure to complete the Program Evaluation Section Questions so your test can be graded.

 

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OUT OF THE MOUTHS OF BABES & THE INNOCENCE WE WERE BORN WITH


I guarantee you will remember the tale of the wooden Bowl tomorrow, a
week from now, a month from now, a year from now.
A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law, and four
year old grandson. The old man's hands trembled, his eyesight was
blurred, and his step faltered.
The family ate together at the table. But the elderly grandfather's
shaky hands and failing sight made eating difficult. Peas rolled off his
spoon onto the floor. When he grasped the glass, milk spilled on the
tablecloth.
The son and daughter-in-law became irritated with the mess. "We must do
something about Grandfather," said the son. I've had enough of his
spilled milk, noisy eating, and food on the floor.
So the husband and wife set a small table in the corner. There,
Grandfather ate alone while the rest of the family enjoyed dinner. Since
Grandfather had broken a dish or two, his food was served in a wooden bowl.
When the family glanced in Grandfather's direction, sometimes he had a tear in his eye as he sat alone. Still, the only words the couple had
for him were sharp admonitions when he dropped a fork or spilled food.
The four year old watched it all in silence. One evening before supper,
the father noticed his son playing with wood scraps on the floor. He
asked the child sweetly, "What are you making?" Just as sweetly, the boy
responded, "Oh, I am making a little bowl for you and Mama to eat your
food in when I grow up." The four year old smiled and went back to work.
The words so struck the parents that they were speechless. Then tears
started to stream down their cheeks. Though no word was spoken, both
knew what must be done.
That evening the husband took Grandfather's hand and gently led him
back to the family table. For the remainder of his days he ate every meal
with the family. And for some reason, neither husband nor wife seemed
to care any longer when a fork was dropped, milk spilled, or the
tablecloth soiled.  On a positive note, I've learned that, no matter what happens or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.  I've learned that, regardless of your relationship with your parents,
you'll miss them when they're gone from your life.
I've learned that making a "living" is not the same thing as making a "life."
I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.
I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt
on both hands. You need to be able to throw something back.
I've learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you. But, if
you focus on your family, your friends, the needs of others, your work
and doing the very best you can, happiness will find you.
I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I
usually make the right decision.
I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one.
I've learned that every day, you should reach out and touch someone.
People love that human touch - holding hands, a warm hug, or just a
friendly pat on the back.
I've learned that I still have a lot to learn.   I've learned that you should pass this on to everyone you care about.


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HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

Omar Garcia 3/01

Rosenda Pena 3/01

Jose Alberto Vera 3/03

Faith Stanberry 3/05

Iris A Garza 3/07

Oscar Garza 3/08

Gregorio Montemayor 3/12

Veronica Garcia 3/13

Rene Cantu 3/14

Yolanda Pena 3/14

Rachelle Rafols 3/15

Odilia Casas 3/16

Roxie Munoz 3/18 (volunteer)

Bertha Holley 3/23

Alvin Santiago 3/23

Andrea Sepulveda 3/26

Ella Montemayor 3/28(Auxiliary)

Joann Lara 3/31

Have a very Happy Day!!!

 

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Service Excellence Reminder

If you require mantanence work at your department you must submit a MAINTENANCE REQUISTITION so your needs can be completed  in a timely and efficient manner.   Requisition forms may be obtained from any maintanence dept. employee or your supervisor.

 

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Policy of the Month

Use of Hospital Telephone

You are an official representative of Starr County Memorial Hospital and as such you must provide professional, courteous treatment to patients, visitors, other employees or any one making contact with the hospital.

 

You must always be ready to provide any possible assistance to others.  Since a lot of contacts individuals make with the Hospital are by telephone, your courtesy in using the telephone promotes a more positive image of the Hospital.  In using the telephone, please keep in mind the following:

 

1.        Answer the telephone promptly

2.        Give the name of your department, then your name

 

3.        Give accurate and careful answers

4.        Transfer calls tactfully

5.        Be courteous

 

If you do not know the answer to any inquiry, be sure to refer the call to the proper person or department.

 

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HOSPITAL NEWS

·         The new Ambulance Sub Station in Alto Bonito is completed and will be opening very soon.

·         Look for us on the web very soon.

 

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Important Phone Numbers

Aetna PPO Member Services/Claims

1-888-416-2277

 

Claims Dept.

PO Box 14586                                Lexington, KY 40512-4586

 

Aetna Pharmacy (24 hrs/7 days)

1-888-792-8742

 

Log onto Navigator to check claims, etc, verify dependent coverage and much more at www.aetna.com