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For internal use only. Please do not distribute.
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Weekly Newsletter for Employees of VNA Care Network Foundation
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To ensure you're seeing the Connecter in its entirety:
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CONNECTER
ARCHIVES
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Below is this week's issue of the Connecter newsletter, which is required reading for all employees. The next edition will be published on Monday, November 2, with articles due to connecter@vnacarenetwork.org by Friday, October 30. |
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KEY DATES THIS WEEK:
- Tuesday, October 27: OASIS Session > Worcester
- Wednesday, October 28: OASIS Session > Southborough
- Wednesday, October 28: Flu Clinic > Southborough
- Wednesday, October 28: Encore Update
- Thursday, October 29: OASIS Session > Leominster
- Friday, October 30: Flu Clinic > Charlestown
- Friday, October 30: Halloween Dress-Up
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There are TWO opportunities to win an American Express gift card in this week's Connecter. Can you find them???
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IN THIS ISSUE:
SERVICE EXCELLENCE
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND UPDATES
CLINICAL APPLICATIONS
CLINICAL SERVICES
HUMAN RESOURCES
QUALITY AND RISK MANAGEMENT
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October 26, 2015
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Volume 4, Issue 43
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 CEO CORNER |
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Monday, October 19 marked a significant milestone for the Agency: the 300th new employee hired in 2015 started work with us. Yes, that's right - Agency-wide we have hired 300 new employees year to date. Among these newly hired colleagues are 161 new clinicians for the certified division, 39 new hospice employees, 18 new members of our New Horizons team, 72 new office-based staff members, and 4 new childcare workers for Children's Garden! This represents 25% of our employees; or to say it another way, 25% of our employees have been hired in 2015!
These new members of our Agency have been through a rigorous selection process and have completed (or are completing) a new orientation program. They have come to us realizing that that home is the future of health care, that the VNA is the future of home care, and are prepared to meet that challenge. As one newly hired employee stated, "I know I made the right decision to come to work at the VNA because of the breadth and wealth of knowledge about home all employees here have. The teamwork I have experienced has been great, and I have experienced so much support from my new colleagues. Everyone works so hard to make a difference in our patients' lives." Each of our newly hired colleagues have been precepted, mentored, coached, and supported by numerous employees who have graciously and skillfully shared their expertise so that our new hires develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to do their new jobs. All jobs in home care are hard, and the logistics challenging, so we are exceedingly grateful to all of the seasoned employees who have supported their new colleagues. I thank you for your kindness and compassion, as well as your knowledge and skill. My hope is that all new hires are introduced in team huddles, welcomed into team meetings, and become active members of their teams. My hope is also that our seasoned staff know the gratitude of the Agency for their contributions to the onboarding of new hires and helping new hires feel that they absolutely made the right decision to work at the VNA. Thank you, Mary Ann |
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Service Standard of the Week: Communication Etiquette
We follow communication standards and expectations when engaging in electronic and telephone communications; ensuring to always use a warm and friendly tone.
I know, I know...you're saying to yourself...didn't we JUST cover Communication Etiquette a few weeks ago? If this is the case, you would be absolutely correct. However, the Service Excellence Champion group is so excited to share our new staff directory that we just couldn't wait!!
It was a request heard loud and clear during Service Excellence Workshops and through the Culture Design Survey...you want a way to easily contact each other...whether you're in the field or the office. Well...check it out already!
Please review your own record and let either Kelly Frew at kfrew@vnab.org or George Richardson at grichardson@vnacarenetwork.org know if something needs to be added, corrected, or removed.
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Submitted by Becky Manning, Rehab Manager from a satisfied patient's wife who was cared for by Robbie Lottero, PTA out of the Weymouth office.
"Dear Robbie, I'd like to thank you for all you've done for my husband David. I've been talking behind your back to many people--- so, now it's time to tell you. You really changed his attitude from a failing old man to someone who can take charge of himself by using a few helpful techniques! Now, he always uses his canes in the house and practices. 3 steps - 3 breaths on the stairs...and, he's proud to use his seated walker. We are so thankful to you."
Thank you Robbie for giving your patient the freedom of choices and mobility within his environment! - Becky
Submitted by Liz Down, IV Clinical Services Manager
I would like to pass sincere thanks to Emily Minor, Clinical Coordinator in Southborough, who went above and beyond to manage an issue that befell her. Emily was able to persevere despite a primary nurse on vacation, primary MD on vacation, new meds, and limited availability of assistance. Emily was able to arrange for this patient to be first dosed in the MD office and even composed a discharge plan! Great job Emily!
Submitted by Judith E. Mansur, Private Pay Services Manager for Home Staff
I am sure you realize what a asset Laura Lawrence is to the New Horizons team. There have been times I asked small favors of her and without question, my request has been granted. I know if I have something important to send, when I send it to Laura she puts it in the proper person's hand immediately if not sooner. I am not there to witness this, but I would be willing to bet that Laura is always polite, courteous, and helpful to the New Horizons aides as well. For all of this I owe her my gratitude. I truly cannot say enough good things about Laura!
Submitted by Michele Mercuri, Clinical Services Manager in the Southborough office The other day I overheard a conversation between a new hire who started this October and a clinician who has been here about 7 months and completed orientation. The new hire was very overwhelmed and wondering if she would be able to succeed. The RN who just completed orientation proceeded to tell her that she had felt the same way and how wonderful, supportive, and understanding Michele Rosenthal, the Nurse Educator was. She went through all the ways that Michele had helped her throughout her orientation and told her how much she enjoyed working here. Michele has been such a great support to the Southborough office. She is always working with the Managers and Coordinators to provide the experience needed to support and retain our new clinicians. Just when you think you are out of options she comes up with a plan! We live by her Mantra "Take a Breath". Thank you Michele! Submitted by Kathy Souleotis and Judy Sojack, Patient Services Managers in the Charlestown office From Kathy: I wanted to send out a special thank you and kudos to Wanda Cantrell for her excellence customer service and commitment to the Downtown team. Late on a Friday on afternoon we received a call from a very angry case manager. She was requesting an immediate visit to remove a PICC line. The IV med was completed and the patient was complaining of discomfort and wanted the line removed. She was not amendable to waiting another day. Wanda responded to the late phone call and went out of her area and after hours to respond to the request. The patient and case manager were grateful and thanked us for continuing to respond promptly to patient needs. From Judy: Wanda clearly demonstrated "service recovery" and other principles of service excellence and patient centered care. Wanda is one of the strong reasons why, despite the competition out there, VNAB is referred to, namely highly competent and compassionate nursing care. As Wanda's manager, this is yet another reason I am proud of her.
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Scenes from the Street
Share your pictures from the office or the field with us by sending them to connecter@vnacarenetwork.org!
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ICD-10: We've Got a Code for That!
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TRIVIA QUESTION OF THE WEEK
How many new employees have joined the VNA Care Network Foundation since the start of 2015? - 51
- 102
- 300
- 295
Send your answer to connecter@vnacarenetwork.org and have your name entered to win a prize! |
| ANNOUNCEMENTS AND UPDATES |
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CELEBRATE HALLOWEEN THIS FRIDAY IN STYLE!
Staff are welcome to get (appropriately  ) festive this Friday in celebration of Halloween!
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Congratulations!
Congratulations to those who passed the OA certification exam this past month! - Lauren Dirk, Clinical Documentation Analyst
- Elaine Gardner, Patient Care Manager
- Kyra Mihalick, Patient Care Manager
- Charlene Terravecchia, Clinical Documentation Analyst
- Sarah Woodworth, Clinical Documentation Analyst
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Staff Flu Clinics
It is mandatory for all staff to be immunized against the flu. If you receive the vaccine at another, non-VNA location, you must show proof of receiving the vaccine to be in compliance with the VNA's policy.
- What does VIS mean on the flu consent form
- What is the MIIS, in relation to flu?
Receive your flu shot this week and have your name entered into a drawing for a $100 American Express gift certificate!! Congratulations to last week's winner, Michele Mercuri, Clinical Services Manager out of the Southborough office!
Note that TB testing is available for VNACN staff at some flu clinics as well as during Annette Benoit's team meetings in Worcester on 12/3 and 12/10 from 8:30-10:30am.
834 staff have received their vaccine so far. More clinics have recently been added. Let's keep moving towards our goal of 100%! Click the FULL ARTICLE button to read more.
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Office
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Day
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Date
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Time
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Location
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Charlestown
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Friday
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10/30/2015
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7:30a - 11a
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TBD
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Charlestown
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Tuesday
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11/3/2015
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8a - 10a
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Conference Room #2
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Leominster
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Thursday
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11/29/2015
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8a - 11a
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Leominster
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Wednesday
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11/18/2015
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2p - 4p
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Needham
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Wednesday
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11/4/2015
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9am to 3pm
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Wellness Area
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Needham
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Wednesday
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11/18/2015
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9am to 3pm
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Wellness Area
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Needham
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Wednesday
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12/2/2015
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9am to 3pm
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Wellness Area
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Needham
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Wednesday
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12/9/2015
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9am to 3pm
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Wellness Area
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Southborough
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Wednesday
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10/28/2014
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2p - 4p
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Board Room
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Southborough
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Wednesday
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11/4/2015
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10a - 1p
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Board Room
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Southborough
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Tuesday
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11/19/2015
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8:30a - 10:30a
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Board Room
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Worcester
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Wednesday
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11/4/2015
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1:30p - 4:30p
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Main Auditorium
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Worcester
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Thursday
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11/19/2015
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8:00a - 11:00a
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Main Auditorium
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Clinical Application Software Vendor Update
As of last week we have completed the assessment of software vendors. Based on the feedback of the vendor selection team and after careful review of all of the products we have determined that we should continue our exploration with the Epic system. Although Home Care Home Base came in slighter higher, the cost is prohibitive. This means that we will be working with the Epic team to look more in depth at each part of the system. Clinicians will have the opportunity to look closely at clinical documentation, HIM will have an opportunity to look at F2F, storage, and document imaging along with many other individualized sessions. It seems for now to be the most viable option for us to continue our assessment for implementation with Epic, this came from your feedback, Epic's interoperability across all lines of care, and cost; as well as the competitive advantage of connectivity with critical hospital partners, Atrius Health, and other Epic users. This ease of access can assist us in creating best practice documentation standards that will relieve some of the burden of clinical documentation and communication to and from Atrius. We would like to invite all of you to stay engaged in this process as we continue to move forward. These are exciting times at the agency; we will continue to keep you posted. If you are interested in participating in these next steps please let your manager know or email Jen Casper or George Richardson. These are exciting times at the agency; we will continue to keep you posted.
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Encore Medispan Update for Encore/Delta Users
Attention Encore Users: On Wednesday, October 28 2015, a Medispan update will be placed on the server at 2pm. Please note that this update will get picked up by your laptop with its first sync after that time. It takes about 30 minutes to process onto your laptop. Please setup for your usual overnight communication Wednesday evening so that you will pick up the Medispan file overnight, avoiding a potentially lengthy communication in the morning. Questions? Contact Christine Day, Clinical Applications Specialist, at cday2@vnab.org or 617-886-6453.
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IV Update!!!
Some vendors are sending pre-spiked bags of TPN. Please check the tubing - it is not always primed. This is very new and a huge change for all of us. If your TPN does not have lipids, you will not be able to discern if the line is primed or not. Please prime your line and double check. - Please check all tubing to be sure it is primed.
- A standard length of tubing holds about 15ml, this is enough to cause a sentinel event if mishandled.
- Several vendors have begun spiking bags and not priming. It is your responsibility to check and prime your tubing prior to connecting to patient.
Contact Liz Dow, IV Clinical Services Manager, at edow@vnacarenetwork.org or 508-786-1525 X5647 with any questions.
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Wound Formulary Change
VNACN has incorporated a new product into their formulary and the VNAB will now follow this new product recommendation. The Hollister Restore Foam currently on the formulary (HO509381 and HO509387) are being replaced by a new Hollister product "Restore Foam Dressing with Silicone" which incorporates a new silicone interface and border. This ensures a secure hold, pain free removal, and helps to minimize the risk of maceration. The barrier is highly breathable and provides barrier protection from water and bacteria. The new product numbers are HO520003 which is 3.5" x 3.5" (bordered), HO520005 which is 5" x 6.2" (bordered) and HO520025 4" x 5" (non border). Byram has these new product numbers on our formulary list.
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Best Practice Committee Monthly Update
By Joan Roth, Manager of Special Initiatives & Best Practice Committee Member
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Employee Referral Bonus Program Expanded to Include LPN, PTA, and COTA!
The referral bonus program has been expanded to include employee referrals for RNs, LPNs, PTs, PTAs, OTs, COTA's, and SLPs. If you would like to refer a friend, family member, or colleague, please inform the appropriate Human Resources Representative at your location prior to the applicant coming in for an interview. Please note, when two or more employees refer the same applicant, the referral bonus will be split equally amongst the employees. Referral bonuses are paid out after the referred employee's three and six month anniversary, as long as they are in a paid status at those intervals. Please contact Cheryl Milas at cmilas@vnacarenetwork.org or Debbie Brown at dbrown@vnab.org for more information.
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Job Postings - VNAB and VNAHC
To learn more about career opportunities listed in the links above, contact Debbie Brown, Human Resources Manager at dbrown@vnab.org.
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Job Postings - VNACN and VNAHC
To learn more about career opportunities, contact a human resources representative:
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Employee Advisory Team Suggestions
To suggest an area of focus to the Employee Advisory Team (EAT), please email your suggestion to EATSuggestionbox@vnab.org. Suggestions can include ideas to improve current processes and procedures, remove redundancies, or even to provide feedback on something you think is/is not working.
Please feel free to discuss any issues that you would like brought to EAT with the following members of the committee:
- Liz Bourne
- Linda Britt
- Kim Dio
- Kelly Frew
- Mary Helen Mahoney
- Susan Marlin Procter
- Mary McCarthy
- Ilona O'Connor
- Mary Ann O'Connor
- Mae Powers
- David Rose
- Danny Yan
EAT is also on the lookout for new members. If you're interested in participating, or for more information on what EAT is all about, please reach out to any of the members listed above. Meetings are held monthly in the Charlestown office.
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| QUALITY AND RISK MANAGEMENT |
National Physical Therapy Month
By Kyra Mihalick, Rehab Patient Care Manager
Throughout October, tips and facts from the APTA's campaign to "Age Well" have been posted in the Connecter in celebration of National Physical Therapy Month. As movement experts, physical therapists can help optimize independence and safety at home. Thank you for celebrating National PT month and for all you do to help our patients "Age Well!"
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M1840 & M1860 Clarification
By Elaine Gardner & Maura Vitello, Patient Care Managers
The most recent OASIS Q&As published by CMS on 10/21/15 included the following:
M1840
Question 3: If you have a patient that does not have a toilet in his home would he be dependent in toilet transfers?
Answer 3: For M1840 Toilet Transferring, in the absence of a toilet in the home, the assessing clinician would need to determine if the patient is able to use a bedside commode (with or without assistance) (Response 2) or is able to use a bedpan/urinal independently (Response 3). If he is not able to use the bedside commode or a bedpan/urinal as defined in the responses, or if such equipment is not present in the home to allow assessment, then Response 4 - Is totally dependent in toileting would be appropriate.
M1860
Questions 4: Patient is wheelchair bound and cannot ambulate but can wheel self. Patient also has advanced dementia or cognitive decline and although the patient can wheel self independently, he/she is unable to do so with any purpose, (i.e., patient could not follow simple instructions to get to another room, or could not self-evacuate in the event of an emergency). What response should be selected?
Answer 4: For M1860 Ambulation/Locomotion Responses 4 & 5, the assessing clinician must consider the non-ambulatory patient's ability to safely use the wheelchair, given the patient's current physical and mental/emotional/cognitive status, activities permitted, and environment. In the scenario cited, the patient's advanced dementia/cognitive decline is noted as a concern because the patient is unable to wheel self with purpose. Other than addressing safety on surfaces the patient would routinely encounter in their environment, CMS guidance does not detail specific criteria regarding patient ambulation or wheelchair use (i.e., how far the patient must walk, or wheel self; or if they use ambulation or wheelchair mobility with specific purpose, regularity, or efficiency). It is left to the judgment of the assessing clinician to determine the patient's ability (i.e., does the patient's mental status impact his/her safety?) and select a response accordingly.
Please contact your office's Patient Care Manager with any questions.
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Q4 OASIS Schedule This is the final Q4 OASIS Education session schedule for each office. Please see your manager to register for a meeting site and time. The QI department is excited to review with staff the agency outcome scores and discuss what it means to each of us in our daily practice.
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Office
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Day/Date
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Time
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Presenter
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Charlestown
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Wed, November 4
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8 - 10am
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Elaine Gardner
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Charlestown
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Sun, November 8
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8 - 10am
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Elaine Gardner
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Charlestown
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Tues, November 10
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2 - 4pm
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Kyra Mihalik
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Charlestown
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Wed, November 18
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2 - 4pm
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Elaine Gardner
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Danvers
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Wed, November 4
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8:30 - 10:30am
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Marilyn Bowden
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Danvers
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Fri, November 6
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8:30 - 10:30am
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Marilyn Bowden
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Danvers
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Mon, November 9
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2 - 4pm
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Marilyn Bowden
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Danvers
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Tues, November 10
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8:30 - 10:30am
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Marilyn Bowden
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Leominster
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Thurs, October 29
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8:30 - 10:30am
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Maria Dunn/Surabhi Saxena
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Leominster
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Wed, November 18
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2 - 4pm
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Maria Dunn/Surabhi Saxena
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Needham
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Tues, November 3
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8:30 - 10:30am
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Maura Vitello
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Needham
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Thurs, November 5
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2 - 4pm
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Maura Vitello
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Needham
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Fri, November 13
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8:30 - 10:30am
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Maura Vitello
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Needham
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Sun, November 15
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8:30 - 10:30am
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Maura Vitello
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Quincy
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Wed, November 4
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8 - 10am
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Carol Morris
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Quincy
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Tues, November 10
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2 - 4pm
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Carol Morris
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Quincy
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Wed, November 18
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8 - 10am
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Kyra Mihalik
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Southborough
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Wed, October 28
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2 - 4pm
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Maria Dunn/Surabhi Saxena
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Southborough
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Thurs, November 5
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8:30-10:30am
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Maria Dunn/Surabhi Saxena
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Southborough
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Mon, November 9
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8:30-10:30am
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Maria Dunn/Surabhi Saxena
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Southborough
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Tues, November 17
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2 - 4pm
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Maria Dunn/Surabhi Saxena
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Weymouth
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Tues, November 17
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8:30-10:30am
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Maura Vitello
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Worcester
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Tues, October 27
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2 - 4pm
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Christine Gill
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Worcester
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Wed, November 4
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2 - 4pm
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Christine Gill
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Worcester
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Thurs, November 19
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8:30-10:30am
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Christine Gill
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PATIENT CARE MANAGERS
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Name
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Email
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Cell
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Position
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Covering Office
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Bowden, Marilyn
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774-502-7478
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Patient Care Manager
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Danvers and
Gloucester
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Dunn, Maria
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508-688-2449
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Patient Care Program Manager
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Leominster and Southborough
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Gardner, Elaine
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617-680-1105
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Patient Care Manager
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Charlestown
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Gill, Christine
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774-502-5725
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Patient Care Manager
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Worcester
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Mihalick, Kyra
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617-913-6823
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Patient Care Manager
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VNAB Therapy
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Morris, Carol
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617-913-3006
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Patient Care Program Manager
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Quincy
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Saxena, Surabhi
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774-463-7336
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Patient Care Manager
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Leominster and Southborough
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Vitello, Maura
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774-502-7475
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Patient Care Manager
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Needham
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QI SUPPORT
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Covering Office
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Name
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Email
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Office Phone
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Position
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All VNAB
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Hughes, Kim
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617-886-6501 x5419
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QI Support Coordinator
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All VNACN
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Schultz, Chris
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617-886-6501 x6527
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QI Support Coordinator
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All VNACN
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Rao, Shamala
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508-756-7176 x6876
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QI Nurse
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| October 26, 2015 |
The Connecter
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Volume 4, Issue 43
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Confidentiality Notice: The Connecter newsletter is an internal communication intended only for employees of VNA Care Network Foundation and Atrius Health. Information contained within this newsletter includes confidential, proprietary, and privileged content. Unauthorized forwarding, printing, copying, distribution, and/or negligent handling is strictly prohibited and could result in disciplinary action.
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