 SLH Admissions Unit to open later this month
An Admissions Unit will open at Saint Luke's Hospital on Oct. 22. The goals of this new nursing unit are to:
- Off-load the admission process from the unit nurse
- Improve patient satisfaction
- Improve R.N. satisfaction
- Expedite care of the patient at the nursing unit
- Standardize the admission process
- Place patient in right unit the first time
The implementation of the Admissions Unit will consist of two phases. Phase 1 begins on Oct. 22, with the opening of eight bed suites located at South East 1. Phase 2 begins mid-November with the expansion of four more beds to a total of 12 beds.
Patients who are admitted to general medical-surgical or intermediate units during the hours of 11 a.m. - 9:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, will stop at the Admissions Unit to complete the admission process prior to proceeding to their inpatient bed.
Click here to view the education presentation for more details.
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Breast Cancer Awareness Month events
Oct. 18, 3 - 7 p.m.
"Go Pink" popcorn and lemonade
The "Go Pink" popcorn and lemonade event will be held in the
 SLH courtyard. Join us to celebrate breast cancer awareness. Our Breast Center staff will be available to answer any questions about breast health and MammaCare certified technologists will be onsite to demonstrate how to perform a breast self exam. Oct. 30, 4 - 7 p.m. "Girls Night Out" "Girls Night Out" will be held at the SLCI screening center in the  Ellen Hockaday Women's Center at 4401 Wornall Road. To raise breast cancer awareness, the Breast Center is encouraging women to schedule a mammogram and bring a friend. All participants will receive a complementary massage and refreshments. To schedule your mammogram during this event please call Centralized Scheduling at 816-932-6800; mention you are scheduling for the "Girls Night Out" event. Oct. 1 - 31 The Tribute Tree Honor the life and memory of a person impacted by breast cancer by  placing a pink ribbon prominently on the tree. Visit the tribute tree in the Heart Institute just outside the Saint Luke's Auxiliary Gift Shop. Pink smoothies and brownies
at the Jo N' Go In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Jo N' Go will be serving pink smoothies and brownies throughout the month of October. Stop by and help yourself to a pink treat...and then call someone you love and remind her to get her mammogram!
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It just takes one
Submitted by Joanna Robinson, Pharm.D. candidate
- One minute to read this
- One visit to your doctor or local pharmacy or employee health for the vaccine
- One close friend or relative killed from influenza
- One annual vaccination
Have you ever imagined your child or loved one getting sick, being hospitalized, and then suffering from life-long complications? All because he or she did not get an annual flu shot? Numerous cases have been reported where previously healthy individuals, who did not receive this vaccine, were killed from an easily preventable viral infection.
The influenza vaccine is produced annually with what is predicted to be the most common strains of the virus. In the process of making the vaccine, the virus is killed. In this case, the injected flu vaccine cannot give you the flu because the vaccine contains a dead virus. There is one live flu vaccine: the nasal vaccine, FluMist. In this case, the virus is weakened to prevent it from being able to replicate or cause illness.
Despite the impossibility of getting the flu from the influenza vaccine, this myth has been a common misconception that arises almost every flu season. There are several reasons that people may incorrectly link the flu vaccine with flu-like symptoms. First, people mistake the side effects of the vaccine for the flu. The most common side effect of the influenza vaccine tends to be a sore arm, although in the past when vaccines were not as refined as they are today, side effects seemed to feel like mild flu-like symptoms. Secondly, the season for influenza vaccination coincides with the time of year when colds and other respiratory illnesses are in the air. Some people get the vaccine and then within a few days get sick with an unrelated cold virus. It is important to know that the influenza vaccine cannot in any way cause the flu.
Top reasons to get vaccinated for influenza
- Protect our patients
- Protect our families
- Protect ourselves
The CDC says it best: "When more people get vaccinated against the flu, less flu can spread through the community."
It just takes one.
Employees, physicians, volunteers, and students can get a free flu shot at Employee Health in Medical Plaza 1, suite 624 (sixth floor) Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. After Oct. 8, vaccines will be available on the nursing units.
References:
http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/features/top-13-flu-myths
http://www.facesofinfluenza.org/en/influenza-facts/
http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p4208.pdf
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Explore Nursing Night at Saint Luke's College of Health Sciences
Saint Luke's College of Health Sciences is hosting "Explore Nursing Night" on Tuesday, Nov. 13, from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Anyone interested in attending nursing school is welcome to attend. Visitors will have the opportunity to tour the college and the new state-of-the-art simulation center and visit with admissions, financial aid, students, and faculty.
The college is located at 624 Westport Road, Kansas City, MO. SLCHS is an upper-division institution of higher education affiliated with Saint Luke's Hospital of Kansas City. SLCHS offers three degree programs which include the traditional B.S.N., R.N. to B.S.N., and M.S.N.
For more information about the college and Explore Nursing, contact the Admissions Department at 816-932-6700, or go to www.saintlukescollege.edu.
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Angel for an Angel Awards
Saint Luke's Week annually celebrates the spiritual foundation of  Saint Luke's Health System. As part of that celebration, from Oct 15 - 19, we want to take time to recognize employees who add value to the work environment and demonstrate the virtues of spirituality, integrity to their work, and compassion in the healing ministry of Saint Luke's Health System.
We offer you an opportunity to nominate a co-worker who you feel exhibits these characteristics in the workplace. Any employee may nominate another employee for recognition as an Angel for an Angel by completing the nomination form and returning it to the Spiritual Wellness Department at your entity. Forms can be found on the Employee eLink to download, print, and complete, and will be accepted until Monday, Oct. 8.
A celebration event will be held at the nominee's entity during Saint Luke's Week to honor the award recipients.
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Good fats, bad fats
Can lowering your fat consumption reduce your cancer risk? Although some studies show a correlation of high fat intake and risk for breast cancer, the results of epidemiological studies are inconclusive. There is good evidence, however, that midlife weight gain increases risk for certain cancers and a high fat diet contributes to weight gain. The problem is we need some fat in our diet - good fat - such as unsaturated fats found in olive oil and canola oil. Substituting these good fats for saturated and trans fats often found traveling with sugar, can go a long way in reducing caloric intake and may also lower your risk for certain cancers and heart disease.
This month, learn more about good fats, bad fats and make healthier choices when planning meals and eating at SLH Broadway Dining. Then plan to schedule your annual mammogram at one of the SLHS Breast Centers - or just walk-in! When it comes to breast cancer, early diagnosis saves lives. Learn more on the Your Health Matters - Called to Excellence webpage located on the Employee eLink or contact Gayle O'Connell at 816-932-3807.
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McCoy historical marker to be re-dedicated on Oct. 7
One of Kansas City's founding fathers will be remembered on Sunday, Oct. 7, when the Jackson County Historical Society re-dedicates a historical, interpretive marker at the hospital site between Westport and the Country Club Plaza on the campus of Saint Luke's Hospital.
The marker pays homage to Rev. Isaac McCoy (June 13, 1784 - June 21, 1846), pioneering missionary and father of John McCoy, developer of what is now Westport.
The marker originally was dedicated in May 1961 near the corner of 43rd and Wornall Road at the site of McCoy's home, "Locust Hill,"the location of Saint Luke's Hospital today. In attendance were several of McCoy's descendants.
The historic marker was placed in storage when Saint Luke's Hospital underwent a multi-year, $330 million construction expansion and campus renovation that was completed in 2011.
The public is invited to attend the re-dedication ceremony, from 1 - 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 7, in the courtyard area just outside the hospital chapel, 4401 Wornall Road in Kansas City, Mo. For more information on the ceremony and the history of Rev. McCoy, click here.
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Inspire a youth, be a mentor!
The Norge Winifred Jerome Youth Mentorship Program at Crittenton  Children's Center is looking for caring people with a positive attitude to be mentors.
Volunteer mentors provide teens in Crittenton's residential and/or foster care with support, perspective and life skills.
Mentoring is a powerful and life-changing experience for both the mentee and the mentor. Studies show that teens with positive role models are less likely to use drugs or alcohol and show significant improvement in school performance, relationships with peers and in self confidence. Mentors provide companionship, act as a role model, become a trusted adult friend and demonstrate healthy lifestyles. Mentors must be at least 21 years old and have one to two hours per week available to devote to mentoring. Mentors receive training prior to being matched and ongoing support.
Do you know someone who has a few hours a week to be a positive role model for a teen? Please share this information with your family, friends, church, community organizations, etc. For more information, please contact Sherry Ott, Crittenton volunteer manager, at 816-767-4124, or email sott@saint-lukes.org.
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Credit Union corner
Online automated services
Saint Luke's Credit Union is excited to announce two new electronic services available through our Home Banking product at www.saint-lukescreditunion.org.
Electronic bill pay - You can now pay your bills online. With this new free online bill pay service you can manage your bills without having to worry about paper bills and checks with the added safety of knowing your payments will arrive on time.
Account aggregation - You now have the convenience of reviewing all your financial accounts in one place. Also with this new free service you can track your expenses, utilize budgeting tools, and review debt management.
For more information on these great new services, visit our website at www.saint-lukescreditunion.org.
Family portraits
The Credit Union will again offer our members a free 8x10 family portrait. These pictures will be taken at the Westport Branch Location (4200 Pennsylvania) on Friday, Nov. 2, Saturday, Nov. 3, and Sunday, Nov. 4. Limited space is available. Call the Westport Branch today at 816-932-5300 to set up your portrait time.
Christmas Club accounts
If you are one of our thrifty members who have saved all year for Christmas, your Christmas Club funds will be placed in your primary savings account on Nov. 1 and will reactivate for next year.
If you have not participated in our Christmas Club, now is the time to begin saving for Christmas 2013. It's easy and painless when you save a little every pay period. Call 816-932-5300 or stop by any of our branch locations to get started today!
Loans available
If you are in the market for a new or used auto, truck, motorcycle, boat, or camper, see the Credit Union first. We have rates as low as 1.9 percent!
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Call for applications for the 2013 Nursing Research Clinical Scholar Program
All full-time and part-time nurses with at least one year of experience at SLH (at the time of application) are eligible to apply for the Nursing Research Clinical Scholar program.
This program is made possible by funds donated to SLH Foundation specifically for nursing research. The funds will provide financial support allowing Nursing Research Clinical Scholars to attend monthly research-related seminars, develop and submit for funding a research project, and conduct a research project, if funded. Clinical Scholars are partnered with a research mentor to help design a research project, conduct the research, analyze the data, and disseminate research outcomes.
To access the application on N:Drive, the path is SLH/Nursing Research/Nursing Research Clinical Scholar Program/Application process/2013.
Please consider approaching staff nurses individually if you think they would be excellent candidates for this program.
Application deadline is Oct. 22. If you have questions, contact Jacque Carpenter at jcarpenter@saint-lukes.org.
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Michelle Neville Memorial nursing scholarship
Family and friends established the Michelle Neville Memorial Nursing Scholarship at Saint Luke's College in 2002 to celebrate Michelle's love of nursing and Saint Luke's.
Michelle first came to Saint Luke's in 1976 as a student nurse, graduating in 1979. During these years, Michelle met her future husband, Denis, who was also a Saint Luke's nursing student. After graduation, Michelle worked as a staff nurse on North 3 and then as an assistant head nurse. In 1982, she joined the faculty of Saint Luke's Hospital School of Nursing as an assistant clinical instructor. Following a master's of arts degree in gerontology and health services management, Michelle became the director of the Learning Resource Center and an assistant professor on the faculty.
Michelle was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, leiomyosarcoma, in August 1998. Michelle's journey was challenging as she coped with many complications of her disease. Her undaunted spirit was a testimony to her strength and was shared with those who knew her at Saint Luke's.
The Michelle Neville Memorial Nursing Scholarship is awarded twice annually to a third semester, full-time, traditional B.S.N. nursing student who exhibits the caring spirit of nursing - sensitivity, creativity, intelligent understanding, sense of humor, and compassion - that meant so much to Michelle.
Please nominate a Saint Luke's College nursing student enrolled in their third semester as a full-time, traditional B.S.N. student. The $2,000 will help with expenses for the recipient's final semester of their B.S.N. program.
An electronic version of the scholarship application may be found at saintlukescollege.edu or email Jan Whitlow at jwhitlow@saint-lukes.org.
The application deadline is Monday, Oct. 15. If you have any questions, please contact Whitlow at 816-932-6746.
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Noteworthy
Coffee with Diversified
Diversified representatives will be onsite throughout SLHS in October. Click here to see a schedule of when they will be at North campuses and to find out how to schedule an appointment.
Smoking cessation workshop
Saint Luke's EAP is offering a smoking cessation workshop at no charge to Saint Luke's employees and family members. Before you quit, start by attending this workshop. Understand change, learn strategies, identify resources, and increase success. Click here to read more about the EAP's Great American Smokeout event and learn how to register.
Lifewise Golf Classic results
Thank you to all who participated in the 2012 Lifewise Golf Classic on Sept. 29! We had beautiful weather for a fun and relaxed round of golf at Swope Memorial Golf Course.
Congratulations to all of our team winners:
Overall Golf Classic Team Winner and Top Men's Team
Scott Schoonover
Blake McGinnis
Chris Mark
Chad Jenson
Top Women's Team
Bobbie Testa
Patty Guzman
Debbie Glenn
Marsha Campbell
Top Co-Ed Team
Mark Woods
Mindy Van Hercke
Jill Robke
Terry Erbert
We enjoyed hosting this year's tournament and are looking forward to 2013's tournament!
- Bethanie Schemel and your Center for Health Enhancement fitness team
New menu in café
"Breakfast for supper" will be in Broadway Dining from 4:30 - 8 p.m. beginning Oct. 5. The breakfast menu at night will be available rotating every other Wednesday and Friday. The kick off will be Friday, Oct. 5, and the next week on Wednesday, Oct. 10. New items include cheesy hash browns and steak and eggs along with all of your favorite original breakfast items.
Coming Oct. 22
Come enjoy the new and improved menu of dips and daily specials at the Mexican kiosk.
Schwartz Rounds
Thursday, Oct. 4
Noon
SLH, BMW Conference Room
"Domestic Violence and our Workplace" (October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month)
Panelists will be Kate Mallula, bridge coordinator, and Liza Albidress, M.S.W., Saint Luke's Home Care and Hospice. Other panelists TBA. Tarris Rosell, Ph.D., D.Min., will facilitate. Lunch will be provided.
Save the date
Saint Luke's College of Health Sciences 2012 Homecoming reunion
October 5 - 6.
Friday, Oct. 5
4 - 7 p.m.
Open House
Saint Luke's College of Health Sciences
624 Westport Road
Kansas City, MO 64111
Saturday, Oct. 6
10:30 a.m.
Tour of Saint Luke's College of Health Sciences
Noon
Luncheon and Program at Hampton Inn
4600 Summit
Kansas City, MO 64112
Program provided by the Class of 1962 in honor of their 50th reunion
For more information, contact Jan Whitlow at 816-932-6746 or jwhitlow@saint-lukes.org.
2013 SLH Summer Student Scholars Program
The Student Scholars Program is designed to provide an opportunity for eight college undergraduates with an interest in health care to spend six weeks in a clinical or research area of emphasis at SLH. The hope is to someday see some of these students become members of the SLH medical staff.
The SLH-funded program will begin the week of June 10, 2013. Orientation will be held June 7, 2013. Application deadline is Jan. 4, 2013. Applicants accepted to the program will be notified by March 4, 2013.
For more information or for an application, please contact Jeanne Kimball in Medical Education at jkimball@saint-lukes.org.
Calling all actors
So you think you can act? Here's your chance to prove it. The I.S. Training Team is searching for volunteers who want to become movie stars in future SLHS training videos. Pop in any time during our casting call:
Date: Friday, Oct. 5
Time: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Location: SLH - MAHI IT Conference Room (A-Level, next door to the Computer Training Room)
Your audition time should take less than 10 minutes. Need more information? Interested, but can't make one of the casting calls? Send us a 60-second (or less) video clip of yourself to ISTrainingTeam@saint-lukes.org. Be sure to type "Casting Call" in the subject line and include your contact information.
Eighth-Annual Spirit-Filled Care of the Dying Conference
Join us Thursday, Oct. 25 for the Eighth Annual Spirit Filled Care of the Dying Conference presented by Saint Luke's Hospice, Saint Luke's Spiritual Wellness Committee, and Saint Luke's Ethics Committee.
This year, Alan Wolfelt, Ph.D., noted author, educator, and grief counselor, will be the guest speaker. Dr. Wolfelt will explore a "companioning" model of bereavement care that recognizes grief as a normal and necessary process that is fundamentally a journey of the heart and soul. Participants will take away a wealth of knowledge as they explore the transformation nature of grief. View the brochure or click here to learn more.
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