pulse
the
10.2014
n e w s l e t t e r
The Annual Diversity Fair
at MCP
Winners of HCA Innovator Awards Announced
Thursday, October 30
11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Coit Street Cafe
Join us for fun, food,
and music focused
on global health!
There will be drawings
for PTO, reward points,
and movie tickets!
Brought to you by your
Population Specific Council
Important Dates
October 11 – Festival of Good Health
October 30 – Diversity Fair
October 31 – Pumpkin Decorating/
Boo Bag Sale
CEO Charles Gressle (far right) congratulates the winners of the 2014 HCA Innovator Awards at MCP.
Front row, left to right: Bonnie Chase, Lora Harris, Linda Vanpelt, Eileen Kirrane, and Joy Dover. Back
row, left to right: Michael Epshteyn, Mike Gfellar, Chad Friece, Anna Bennett, and Bailey Browder.
The winners of this year’s HCA Innovator Awards at The Medical
Center of Plano were announced on September 16.
Please join us in saluting the following projects and the employees
responsible for them.
Financial Impact
“Converting Multi-Use Inhalers Into Therapeutically Equivalent
Unit-of-Use Nebulizations”
Anna Bennett, Respiratory Therapy; Bonnie Chase,
Pharmacy; Michael Epshteyn, Pharmacy; Chad Friece,
Pharmacy; Lora Harris, Respiratory/Rehab.
Quality/Patient Safety
“Palliative Care Unit”
Linda Vanpelt, Palliative Care
Service Excellence
“ʻCommunication Matters’ – Monthly CEO Video Podcast”
Bailey Browder, Marketing and Guest Services; Joy Dover,
Marketing and Guest Services; Michael Gfeller, Information
Services; Eileen Kirrane, Education.
Each team received a commemorative certificate and a $1,000
bonus check. They’ll now advance to the divisional round of judging,
where they’ll vie with other HCA North Texas innovators for $2,500
in prize money. We wish all of them the best of luck.
The hospital sincerely thanks every employee who submitted an
idea this year. Many can – and should – be implemented as soon as it
makes sense for our patients, guests, and coworkers. F
Our Mission
Above all else, we are committed to the care and improvement of human life. In recognition of this commitment,
we strive to deliver high quality, cost effective healthcare in the communities we serve.
Movember is Coming
The purpose of Movember is to raise
money for research, education, and
awareness efforts related to prostate and
testicular cancer. Through the power of
the “Mo” (slang for moustache), the
Movember Foundation also supports
programs that focus on living with and
beyond cancer, and staying healthy.
After registering, “Mo Bros” start out
clean-shaven on November 1, then grow
their Mo’s through the end of the
month as they seek donations and spark
conversations about men’s health.
Movember is not just for men! After
registering, “Mo Sistas” can also raise
funds, and encourage the men in their
lives to get involved. Essentially, they
do everything Mo Bros do, but
without a Mo.
MCP’s Movember team was
organized by Cindy Kloske to honor
the memory of family members who
have fought prostate cancer. They
include her father, George, whose own
cancer is in remission. She also
dedicates the effort to the remaining
men in her life who, thanks to awareness
and early detection, continue to be
cancer-free.
If you are interested in getting
involved you can donate or join the
MCP team. Contact Cindy at Cindy.
[email protected] for
more information, or go to www.
movember.com and register under
“Medical Center of Plano.”
Look for Movember posters
throughout the hospital, and remember
to have “MO FUN!” F
A Message From the CEO
What is the HCA HOPE Fund?
Over the past decade, we have seen many tragic
and terrifying moments across the country. Every
day we see stories on the news of personal
disaster and illness. Yet, if I asked you to spare $10 for a
co-worker who just lost his or her home in a fire, or received a
diagnosis of cancer, you would probably contribute in the blink
of an eye. Isn’t it nice to know that your friends and co-workers
at The Medical Center of Plano would do the same for you?
When tragedy strikes, the HOPE Fund provides emergency
assistance to families in immediate financial need. These funds,
available only for HCA employees, can help to cover unpaid
time from work, pay the bills, cover funeral costs, or just keep
food on the table. Assistance is available for:
• Illness
• Injury
• Natural disaster
• Loss of a dependent/ family member
• Domestic violence
• Emergency circumstances
Last year, the program provided over $2.3 million in
assistance to more than 1,488 families. It’s all possible because
of your donations. Each of us can contribute a little to the
HOPE Fund, and the difference we make is beyond measure.
Our annual HOPE Fund campaign kicks off later this month.
I invite you to join me in making a gift to our campaign
designed to help our fellow HCA employees in times of need.
Last year, MCP employees contributed $62,000 to the HOPE
Fund. This year I’m asking that our goal be $100,000. How do
we reach this lofty goal? If every employee gives at least $2.50
per paycheck, we will easily reach our goal and make an
enormous impact in the lives of our HCA families in need.
Thank you for supporting this important cause, and watch for
more information to come in the weeks ahead on how you can
contribute to the HOPE Fund.
Sincerely,
Charles Gressle
Hope is important because it can make the present moment less
difficult to bear. If we believe that tomorrow will be better,
we can bear a hardship today.
Thich Nhat Hanh
2
The Medical Center of Plano | 3901 w 15th st | plano tx 75075 | themedicalcenterofplano.com | October 2014
Chaplain’s
Corner...
Director’s Job Brings Renee Sturgeon
Back to Plano
Please welcome Renee Sturgeon to the MCP leadership
team. After serving as our Controller earlier in her career,
she now returns after an eight-year absence to assume the
role of Director of Financial Project Management.
Renee Sturgeon
Renee comes to us from Medical City, where she
was a Senior Financial Analyst/Project Lead. In that position, she
was responsible for Medical City’s $120 million expansion project
and for the addition of a Cyberknife to the hospital’s portfolio of
oncology services.
A Plano native who attended the University of Texas at Dallas,
Renee and her family – husband Brady, daughter Emma, and
stepchildren Jenna and Ethan – now reside in Allen. Her recreational
interests include watching her children play sports, tending to her two
Jack Russell Terriers, and practicing Bikram (“hot”) Yoga. F
New Leader to Support Hospital Operations
Congratulations to Wray Borland on his elevation to the
position of Operations Manager.
Since arriving here March 31 to start work as an
administrative intern, Wray has proven he’s eager to learn
and willing to get involved wherever he can add value.
Wray Borland
He has helped lead a bed-rental reduction plan, the
relocation of the Accounting Department and the Center for Lifestyle
Enhancement, and an office-space planning study. Most recently, he has
served as a project manager for our Emergency Department.
In his new role, Wray will continue to provide leadership and
analytical support for hospital operations and special projects.
Wray attended Centenary College in Shreveport, La., on an academic
and swimming scholarship, and was awarded a degree in Business
Administration and Marketing from the University of Oklahoma.
He subsequently enrolled in the Graduate School of Management at
the University of Dallas, graduating with honors this past May with an
MBA in Health Services Management.
A McKinney native, Wray is a member of Beta Gamma Sigma, an
international honor society for collegiate schools of business. For
recreation, he enjoys playing golf. F
6th Floor Manager Promoted
from ANM Position
Hats off to Stephanie Harris on her recent promotion
to Nurse-Manager for the 6th Floor ICU Stepdown
Unit. She previously served as the unit’s Assistant NurseManager.
Stephanie Harris
A graduate of Texas Woman’s University who says she
has a passion for healthcare and improving people’s lives, Stephanie
grew up in Mesquite but now resides in Plano.
Her recreational interests include travel and visiting with family
and friends. F
Religion and
spirituality are good medicine
New studies published this year
confirm earlier findings that religion
and spirituality can be helpful
adjuncts in the treatment of injuries
and disease.
In a recent issue of Psychology Today,
for example, Dr. Ryan Howell listed
five benefits of spirituality.
• Spiritual people are gracious;
• Spiritual people are
compassionate;
• Spiritual people flourish;
• Spiritual people self-actualize;
• Spiritual people take time to
savor life experiences.
In another study, published in the
April 9 issue of the Archives of
Internal Medicine, Dr. Farr A. Curlin
and his colleagues reported on the
results of a survey sent to 1,820
doctors. Nearly two-thirds of the
members of the target group did in
fact respond. The survey included
questions about the doctors’
religious beliefs and their attitudes
about the positive and negative
influence of religion and spirituality.
Curlin, et al., found that, among
those responding, two-thirds believed
that illness often or always increases
patients’ awareness of religion and
spirituality. In addition, 56 percent
said religion and spirituality have a
significant influence on health, and 54
percent affirmed that, in some
instances, a supernatural being
intervenes in care. An overwhelming
majority – 85 percent – thought that
religion and spirituality are generally
a positive influence.
Curlin’s group also reported that
76 percent of the respondents thought
religion and spirituality help patients
cope, and 74 percent thought they
give patients a positive state of mind.
(continued on page 9)
Published by and for The Medical Center of Plano healthcare team
3
• Saturated Gauze
• Saturated Bandages
• Blood-Saturated Items
Aspirin/Tylenol
Antibiotics
Lotion/Cream/Ointment
Meds Soaked in Sponges or
Paper Towels
• IV’s with Medication (Keep
Tubing Attached)
• Pills/Tablets
• Full/Partial Vials
(Waste that has the potential
to leak must be in a Zip-Lock
bag)
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Coumadin/Warfarin
Nicotine & Packaging
Nicorelief
Chloraseptic
Silver Sulfadiazine
Humalog Mix
Humulin
Lantus/Lantus Solostar
Novalin
Novalog
Levemir
Advair (*AEROSOL)
Combivent (*AEROSOL)
Flovent (*AEROSOL)
Maxair (*AEROSOL)
Proventil (*AEROSOL)
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Needles/Empty Syringes
Empty Ampules
Scalpels
Saline with Syringe
Blood with Syringe
Scissors
Broken Vials
*BLACK BINS LABELED WITH “AEROSOL” ONLY! 4 The Medical Center of Plano | 3901 w 15th st | plano tx 75075 | themedicalcenterofplano.com | October 2014
• Sharps
• Medical/Pharmaceuticals
• Non-Contaminated PPE
(Gloves)
• Batteries of Any Kind
• Hazardous/Chemical Waste
• Trash
• Placentas (Need to be
Incinerated)
•
•
•
•
•
SHARPS!!!!
Blood Products
Syringes/Ampoules
Hazardous/Chemical Waste
Controlled Substances
• Trash
• SHARPS!!!
• Blood Products
• Infectious Waste Syringes/
Ampules
• Trash
• Controlled Substances
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
IV Bags/Tubing
Controlled Substances
PPE (Gloves, etc…)
Trash
Batteries of ANY Kind
Hazardous/Chemical Waste
Blood-Saturated Items
Plastic Casings
A Salute to Physical Therapists
October is National Physical Therapy Month!
National Physical Therapy Month is an
observance that started in 1992 to recognize all that
physical therapists and physical-therapy assistants do to
improve functional mobility and quality of life for their
patients and the community.
The theme of this year’s PT Month is “SportsInjury Prevention Across the Lifespan.” The hope
is that, through education, painful and debilitating
sports injuries can be avoided.
Celebrate Halloween at Work!
To kick off our annual community-giving campaign, the
MCP Pumpkin Decorating Contest and Boo Bag
Sale will return this Halloween – Friday, October 31.
Boo Bags (Halloween-theme goodie bags) will be
sold for $1 in the main lobby starting at 7 a.m. Sales
will continue while supplies last.
Those wishing to enter a decorated pumpkin
should contact Anna Bennett via Outlook.
Watch for more details on this fun activity in the
weeks ahead. F
The Medical Center of Plano employs 23 PTs
and 3 PTAs. Each is skilled at evaluating and
helping restore function in patients suffering from
a wide range of injuries and illnesses. They also
help heal wounds by providing mist therapy and
vacuum-assisted closures.
The PTs and PTAs at MCP are skilled
professionals helping to restore lost functional
mobility one patient at a time. This month, please
remember to thank them for their hard work and
dedication to MCP and its patients. F
THE MEDICAL CENTER OF PLANO
Holiday
Stars
with the
You and a guest are invited to celebrate the season
as we honor our employee service award recipients during an evening of festivities
Cocktails, Dinner, Service Awards, Dancing, Casino
Saturday, November 15th
7:00 p.m.
FRISCO EMBASSY SUITES CONVENTION CENTER
7600 John Q. Hammons Drive, Frisco, TX 75034
RSVP Required by Friday, October 31st, email: [email protected]
Holiday Festive Attire • No Children Please
Special hotel room rate available by calling 972-712-7200.
Request The Medical Center of Plano discount. Group Code: MCP
Discount deadline is October 31, 2014
Published by and for The Medical Center of Plano healthcare team
5
Department Spotlight
Department name Medical/Telemetry, or “Med/Tele”
Number of employees on staff and their roles?
Included are 27 RNs, five PCTs, and four TeleTechs.
What are the main functions of your department?
Provide care for patients admitted to the hospital with a medical diagnosis that does not call for immediate surgical
intervention, and those who require cardiac monitoring but do not need titrating IV medications.
What is something interesting about your department that others may not know?
More than half (60 percent) of the unit’s nurses have a BSN, and seven percent have an MSN. One nurse holds a doctorate in
Naturopathy.
Any fun facts or statistics about your department you’d like to share?
Since we moved to the third floor from Building II, our bed count has increased from 22 to 32. Our average daily census has
increased from 15 to 25, and we have doubled our average daily admission rate.
Additional information:
We do miss our “quiet” little floor and being “forgotten” when a surveyor shows up. Night shift misses the parking and we all
miss the extra room we used to have. On the other hand, we really appreciate a number of things we gained in the move:
• The tube system (no more running over to L&D for stat labs or medication);
• The walk to the cafeteria (what to do with all the extra time?);
• Being so close to all of the other departments (it is a lot quicker to run upstairs if we are out of something);
• Feeling like part of the FAMILY. F
My great hope is to laugh as much as I cry;
to get my work done and try to love somebody
and have the courage to accept the love in return.
Maya Angelou
6 The Medical Center of Plano | 3901 w 15th st | plano tx 75075 | themedicalcenterofplano.com | October 2014
In Front. In Community Involvement.
Spirited Women
Monday, October 13, at 6:30 p.m.
Grand Court of The Shops at Willow Bend
6121 W. Park Boulevard in Plano
“Girls’ Night Out: ‘Affordable Healthcare’
Meets the ‘Little Black Dress’” with Jenelle
Watts, M.D.
Plano obstetrician/gynecologist Jenelle Watts
opens the evening with a discussion of the benefits
of the annual “well-woman” visit – a covered
expense under the Affordable Care Act – and what
is included in this important checkup. Following
Dr. Watts’s presentation, attendees can participate
in a fashion-forward scavenger hunt, strolling
through the mall in search of accessories that
would add pizzazz to a little black dress.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month Events
Wednesday, October 22, at 6:30 p.m.
MCP Auditorium – Building III, Suite 315
Annual “Evening of Pink” Celebration
“Navigating Your Dreams”
Global Gala Celebrates its First Decade
Come join us for the 10th annual Plano International
Festival. It’s scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 18, from
11 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in Haggard Park.
Experience the sights, sounds, and tastes of the
world with
• Cultural Displays
• Naturalization Ceremony
• Parade of Flags
• International Art Exhibit
• Multicultural Music and Dance Performances
• Children’s Educational Activities
• International Fashion Show
• Ethnic Food Court
Special attractions include
• Green Village
• Fitness and Health Fair
• “Reading Around the World” by Plano Public
Libraries System
• Live art demonstrations in an expanded International
Art Exhibit
• Cultural Exhibits
The Medical Center of Plano is sponsoring the first aid
tent at this event. All employees and their families are
invited to come enjoy a day of fun and diversity! F
Come meet MCP’s three new oncology
nurse-navigators, and learn how they help guide
cancer patients along a journey that can take
unexpected turns. The hospital’s nurse-navigator
program matches each patient with a deeply
committed, highly skilled person who can serve as
a single point of contact from initial detection
through recovery. After the navigators’
presentation, the evening will conclude with an
exploration of dreams, including a talk by a
professional dream interpreter.
Wednesday, October 29, from 8 a.m. ’til Midnight
Solis Women’s Health
3801 W. 15th Street, #150-A in Plano
“Midnight Mammo Marathon”
Some very special pampering awaits you when
you schedule a mammogram with Solis Women’s
Health, an MCP affiliate. Chair massages, minimanicures, brow waxing, and refreshments are
among the deluxe amenities that will be made
available at this semiannual event. Insurance will
be billed. A special cash-payment rate is available
for those without insurance. Call 972-612-6500 to
register and learn more. F
Published by and for The Medical Center of Plano healthcare team
7
Saying it With Flowers
We truly have the most thoughtful
patients here at The Medical Center
of Plano!
Recently, as I was registering a
patient for a clinical procedure, a flower
arrangement was delivered to another
lady in our department who was having
a birthday. The patient at my desk and
I admired the beautiful flowers, and
chatted briefly about how flowers can
cheer someone who otherwise wouldn’t
feel too well. We joked about how
everyone should always have flowers on
their desks to brighten the day!
Imagine our surprise when, about a
week later, seven unique flower
arrangements arrived in the
Registration Department. There was
one for each of our desks, with similar
arrangements for the Laboratory and
the North Concierge.
Since then, so many of our
patients have remarked on how
wonderful the flowers are. We always
try to point out that they came from
one of our patients.
It’s great that our patients are
helping us, using creative ways to reach
our goal of patient satisfaction.
Karen Trout, Patient Access F
The Registration Department’s surprise flower
arragements from a patient!
Learn from yesterday,
live for today, hope for tomorrow.
The important thing
is not to stop questioning.
Albert Einstein
8
Population Specific Council
Marks October Red-Letter Days
Purpose of the Council
We cultivate a desire to understand, a capacity for tolerance, and an
ability to appreciate the diversity that is Plano, Texas. Through the
exploration of other populations, we enhance our understanding and
reduce the challenges and fears of the unknown. We promote a welcoming
and supportive multi-cultural atmosphere for all members of our
community. In this spirit, we encourage a campus-wide climate of respect,
openness and awareness that celebrates and treasures our diversity.
Your Representatives on the Council
Shannon Biggers – ICU Stepdown
Miguel Blasini – FNS
Katayoun Dadyan – Pharmacy
Angela Fisher – Patient Access
Jim Goodwin – Administration
Lisa Phillips – Center for Learning
Nora Rivera – Neuro PCU
Eduardo Rojas – Guest Services
Desiree Singleton – CLE
October 29 – World Stroke Day
World Stroke Day is observed globally. Many organizations around the
world honor stroke survivors, their families, and caregivers on World
Stroke Day. Numerous activities take place on this special day, including
fun runs, stroke-awareness education, and community stroke screenings.
This is also a day to honor those who have made scientific advances in
treating stroke and stroke-related illnesses. Awards are presented to
acknowledge those who work so hard to treat and prevent stroke every day.
Internationally, stroke attacks millions of people every year. The
World Stroke Campaign is dedicated to improving care for stroke
survivors worldwide, and encourages people to understand stroke risk
factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol. It
promotes healthy living, how to recognize the warning signs of stroke,
and what to do in the event of a stroke.
October 31 – Halloween
Halloween is typically observed among family and friends on October 31.
Parties and other social events may take place on or around that date.
Adults and older children may celebrate by watching scary movies,
organizing costume parties, and setting up haunted houses.
Many children dress up in scary, funny, or beautiful costumes and visit
their neighbors’ homes. At each house, they ask for sweets, snacks, or a
small gift by shouting “trick or treat!” Some families create jack-olanterns with scary faces out of pumpkins and other gourds, or transform
their homes and yards with seasonal decorations. These were traditionally
intended to ward off evil spirits. If you are at home on Halloween, it’s a
good idea to have a bowl of sweets or small gifts to offer to any “little
monsters” that knock on your door. Have a “spook-tacular” Halloween!
F
The Medical Center of Plano | 3901 w 15th st | plano tx 75075 | themedicalcenterofplano.com | October 2014
Respiratory Care Week to be Celebrated
The October 19-25 observance of Respiratory Care Week might
serve as a time to reflect on what MCP would do without its versatile
respiratory therapists.
Each RT starts his or her shift with a specific assignment. As the
shift unfolds, however, an RT may become involved in a rapid
response, Code Blue, trauma or stroke activation; attend a c-section
delivery; perform a stat blood gas; assist in the transport of a critically
ill, ventilated patient to the OR, MRI, CT, or Cath Lab; respond to
the ED; assist the physician in CCU with an emergency bronchoscopy,
or wean a patient from the ventilator.
RTs also provide education to patients and their families, perform
diagnostic procedures such as the Pulmonary Function Test, and work
with pulmonary rehab patients in the hospital’s gym.
Fifty-three of the RTs at MCP are Registered Respiratory
Therapists (RRT) and several have additional certifications. For
example, many of the NICU-based therapists have obtained the
Neonatal/Pediatric Specialty credential (NPS), and several others have
Asthma Educator Certification (AE-C).
In addition, the department’s staff includes a number of employees
who have Adult Critical Care Specialization (ACCS), or have been
certified either as Registered Pulmonary Function Technologists
(RPFTs) or Certified Pulmonary Function Technologists (CPFTs).
Three of the department’s therapists are also RNs.
Our RT Department is also a clinical site for RT students from
Collin College and Midwestern State University. EMT/Paramedic
students from Collin College also rotate through our department.
Many of these students seek positions at MCP after graduation.
Respiratory therapists at MCP hold associate’s degrees, bachelor’s
degrees, and master’s degrees.
The RT Department is proud of its team, and looks to celebrating
its officially designated week at the end of October. F
New TB Test Performs
at High Level
The Laboratory is pleased to
announce that it now offers the
T-SPOT®.TB test – a unique,
one-visit blood test to detect
tuberculosis infection in patients.
It is intended for use in
conjunction with risk assessment,
radiography, and other medical and
diagnostic evaluations.
Benefits of the T-SPOT.TB
test include:
• Accuracy;
• 95.6% sensitivity;
• 97.1% specificity;
• Reliability;
• Simplicity;
• One visit, one tube;
• Standard phlebotomy.
The Laboratory is constantly
evaluating new technologies, in
order to ensure that you and your
patients receive more accurate and
timely clinical information. The
T-SPOT.TB test is the latest addition
to our service offering, and one that
provides distinct advantages in the
detection of latent tuberculosis.
Visit www.TSPOT.com to learn more
about the T-SPOT.TB test. F
Chaplain’s Corner (continued from page 3)
Another 55 percent agreed that religion and spirituality give emotional and practical support through religious community.
The researchers also said that how doctors viewed religion and spirituality depended on their own religious beliefs.
“Doctors who are not religious say that their patients don’t bring up religious or spiritual issues and think that religion
impacts in negative ways,” Curlin said. “Doctors who are more religious say their patients do bring up religious issues and
that religion has a positive influence,” he added.
A third study, “Patient Satisfaction with Emotional and Spiritual Care” was published by Press Ganey, a leader in
healthcare quality measurement. It found that:
• Patients place a high value on their emotional and spiritual needs.
• Addressing emotional and spiritual needs is a top priority for healthcare quality improvement in the United States,
Australia, and Canada.
• Evidence points to a relationship between profitability and patient satisfaction with emotional and spiritual care.
• Patient demographic variables do not predict satisfaction in “…emotional and spiritual needs.”
• All patients possess emotional and spiritual needs, regardless of how unexpected or traumatic the admission.
So what have we discovered or confirmed? That people who are actively spiritual are a benefit to themselves and to
society. Most doctors see religion and spirituality as being good things. When we attend to the spiritual and emotional
needs of patients, they are more satisfied.
Remember to say a special “thank-you” to your rabbi, priest, minister, or spiritual leader in October, which has been
designated “Pastor Appreciation Month.”
Blessings, Chaplain Garry Higgs
Published by and for The Medical Center of Plano healthcare team 9
Excellence Always Employee Recognition Congratulations to our employees who were mentioned
favorably in cards and letters and recognized by managers last month. Their caring ways have been recognized by our guests and
fellow employees. Thank you for delivering Excellence Always. The *s indicate multiple compliments!
6th Floor
Raji Augustine
Princy Ajesh
Jennifer Alva
Brandy Askins-Bussing
Valerie Bond
Jessica Cozby
Patience Enwere
Jeannine Garcia
Cheryl Kozma
Hong Li
Michelle Nguyen
Lily Olutatwa
Jacquie Pennell
Jennifer Ratcliff
Mary Salas
Rose Wamalwa
Tiffini Williams
Billy Wilson
Case Management
Jill Miller
Abby Vrba
Zandra Richardson**
Tina Hahn
Anne Vidacovich
CCU
Alisha Johnson
Alison Lyon
Amanda Yandell
Amy Bowyer
Angie Lashbrook
Anne Handley
Annette Barone
Ashley Todd
Audrey Alexander
Betty Abraham
Betsy Holz
Betsy Chappell
Brenna Burns
Brittany Spencer
Charna Bowden
Christina Wang
Christopher Nicholas
Divya Somasundaram
Elisa Chan
Erin Hillman
Erin Wolf
Esperanza Devera
Felicia Brooks
Halima Naluwooza
Heleen Madsen
Jackie Yeap
Jennifer Gemarino
Jennifer Green
Jessica Eubanks
Johanna Bennight
John Paul Caoleng
Joni Koath
Julia Caple
Landon Reames
Lashonda Walker
Lauralee Brown
Lavern Tala
Leah Jones
Linda Cook
Linda Nieto
Lindsay Pedersen
Maria Watson
Megan Weis
Parvaneh Azimi
Peng Bonus
Raquel Apita
Remi Thomas
Ronelyn Gelbolinga
Rubina Farishta
Samsook Theisen
Sarah Boykin
Stephanie Hicks
Tamara Tarrant
Vickie Newell
Guest Services
Bertha Brady
Christi Crane
Eduardo Rojas
Norman Coan
Garry Higgs
Patient Access
Afsaneh Rahimi
Alexis O’Brien
Alicia Benson
Amanda Rod
Ashley Gowins
Brinda Nichols*
Connie Gilbert
Emily Cooper
Heather Smith
Janifer Segrest
Karen Powell
Karen Troutt**
Kathy Bohanon
Kim Clopton
Lakeitha Williams
Lily Banh
Linda King
Maureen Gardner
Rosemary Brass
Tom St. Clair
Trent McDowell
Radiology
Kristen Cooper
Lloyd Haynie
Carolyn Jones***
Helena Le*
Kelvin McCormick
Gelena McWethy***
Katherine Richenburger**
Palvi Waghela
Michael Welsh
Samantha Wood
Women’s Services
Silgi Augustine**
Stefanie Bassford*
Courtney Beltz
Margo Brooks**
Amber Brown
Lena Cain***
Helen Cruz
Carmen Davis**
Bette Dickinson**
Fatemeh Fashandi***
Kelley Ellis*
Amy Greif
Jennah Helal (Nursing
Adminstration)
Joo Lee**
Faith Gay-Wilson****
Lydia Flavius
Bindu Mani**
Amy McCarthy
Damini Patel
Gloria Pittman
Lenka Polak
Meg Reed*******
Tayo Shittu
Keysla Square****
Alice Varughese
Lilli Vinson*
Lisa Wilson*
Know What You Signed!
As an HCA workforce member, you agreed to a number of ground rules at the start of your relationship with the
Company. In fact, every one of you was required to sign a Confidentiality and Security Agreement (CSA) before
coming to work.
The CSA reminds each of us of our legal and ethical responsibility to safeguard our patients’ privacy, as well as other types
of sensitive information. The bottom line is that you are accountable for protecting the information entrusted to you.
When you signed the CSA, you affirmed that you will always
• Access and use confidential information only as necessary to perform job-related duties;
• Take reasonable safeguards to protect conversations from unauthorized listeners;
• Keep passwords, PINs, and access codes private;
• Practice good workstation security measures, such as positioning screens away from public view;
• Use only approved licensed software;
• Use a device with virus-protection software.
Likewise, you pledged that you would never
• Disclose or discuss any confidential information with anyone who does not need to know it;
(continued on page 11)
10 The Medical Center of Plano | 3901 w 15th st | plano tx 75075 | themedicalcenterofplano.com | October 2014
Excellence Always...
Connect to Purpose
Name: Mike Meyer
Job Title: Emergency Room Tech
Department: Emergency Depatment
How long have you worked in health care?
Going on three years.
How long at MCP? Going on three years.
Employees of the Month
MCP’s Reward and Recognition Committee
recognized six of your co-workers last month for their
conspicuous display of one or another of our
“Excellence Always” behaviors. The honorees, and the
behaviors they modeled for the rest of us,-- were:
Accountability – Alson Lyon, CCU
Leadership – Kari Smoot, Neuro ICU
Willing – Carole Covey, Emergency Room
Attitude – Samantha Wood, Radiology
“You First” – Sarah Boykin, CCU
Safety – Cindy Alley, Radiology
What motivated you to pursue a job/career in healthcare? Many years
ago, during my junior and senior years of college, I worked as
an emergency and surgical orderly. I have always enjoyed
people; however, most of my working life was spent in sales
and marketing for a purveyor of industrial electrical
To nominate a co-worker, go to our recognition website
equipment. The heart attack I suffered seven years ago was a
– tmcp.werecognize.com – and click on the
pivotal event. A few years later, downsizing by my employer
nomination button in the menu at the left.
afforded me the opportunity to redirect my career, and pursue
Thanks again for your commitment and dedication
my newfound desire to work with the ill and injured. It was
to “Excellence Always”! F
suggested that I get certified as an EMT and come to work in
the Emergency Department at MCP. Going back to school
was a challenge; the majority of my classmates hadn’t even been born the last time I was formally enrolled as a student.
How does your job at MCP connect you to the patient (either directly or indirectly)? In my interactions with patients as an ER Tech,
I do everything I can to make their stay at MCP a positive experience. I know they have a choice, and want them to feel
good about their decision to come to MCP. In the Emergency Department, we all have the same goal – to provide the best
healthcare possible.
What has been your most memorable experience in healthcare? Has there been something that affected you on a personal level and strengthened your
sense of purpose in your chosen line of work? Seven years ago I had a heart attack in Room 4 of MCP’s Emergency Department.
As a result, I underwent triple-bypass surgery. Between the time spent in the CCU and the subsequent recovery time on the
seventh floor, I spent a total of nine days in the hospital. Thanks to the dedication and expertise of the MCP staff members
who cared for me, my life was saved. I now serve as president of the local chapter of Mended Hearts, a support group for heart
patients. We visit patients and their caregivers to help ease the transition to life after a coronary event. The organization’s motto
is, “It is great to be alive and to help others.” My position allows me to do just that.
What inspires or motivates you to continue working in healthcare at MCP? Much of it comes from Mended Hearts, and from the work
itself. It is a great feeling to go home at the end of a shift or a Mended Hearts chapter meeting knowing that I have been able to
help someone through a traumatic time in his or her life. Working in healthcare at MCP is a true calling, and not just a job. F
(continued from previous page)
• Publish or disclose any confidential information to others using personal email or any internet blogs or site, including
social media;
• Copy, store, or take home confidential information on paper, mobile devices, portable devices, or removable media unless
your manager approves;
• Use tools or techniques to break/exploit security measures.
Examples of data you should protect include information related to payroll, human resources, research, internal
reporting, strategic planning, finances, credentialing, intellectual property, SSNs, health insurance, passwords, PINs,
encryption keys, credit cards, financial accounts, and PHI.
Not sure whether a specific piece of information needs to be protected? Ask your manager! F
Published by and for The Medical Center of Plano healthcare team 11
New Hire Spotlight
Caitlyn Munnerlyn’s first day of
work as a clinical dietitian in FNS
was September 8.
What made you choose MCP as a place
to work?
The positive atmosphere, along
with the opportunity to gain
experience and build clinical judgment
Family/children/pets?
Married for three years to Peter.
What are your favorite ways to spend your free time?
Running, reading, hiking, and camping.
What are your favorite restaurants? Snack foods?
Spiral Diner and Jason’s Deli Fruit and
dark chocolate.
Where do you like to shop?
Anthropologie and Target.
Favorite movie? Book?
The Sound of Music. The Hiding Place, by
Corrie Ten Boom.
What are your favorite sports teams?
Aggies!
What is your dream vacation destination?
New Zealand. F
TMCP New Hires
Olivia Anderson – PB Emergency Dept
Marshall S. Berry – Environmental Services
Janice Boyland – Medical Staff
Patricia Ann Busch – Women’s Link Support Services
Lisa A. Cheney – Emergency Room
Tafadzwa R. Chidzungu – Dietary & Cafeteria
Jennifer L. Crossley – NICU
Tsegeroman Debas – Occupational Therapy
Carnika S. Donald – Nursing Float Pool
Cortland Downs – Environmental Services
Micah D. Eady – Case Management
Peter S. Field – Operating Room
Penny Graves – Emergency Room
Sheila Hamilton – Plaza Scheduling
Colleen A. Hanby – Case Management
Molly A. Jones – Labor & Delivery
Crystal D. Lawson – Radiology Specials
Mohammed K. Mazumder – Dietary & Cafeteria
Elizabeth Miles – Laboratory
Arisha Nalle–Goodman – ICU Stepdown
Moudleen O. Nkwocha – Neuro PCU
Nancy Pizano – Environmental Services
Jennifer E. Rabon – EKG
Lisa L. Saenz – Labor &Delivery
Linda F. Smith – Sterile Supply
Alexandria D. Tart – Critical Care Unit
Quianna Williams – Orthopedics/Trauma
Rochelle R. Williams – Orthopedics/Trauma
For Your Benefit
It’s almost time for annual enrollment! The enrollment
period is November 4-18.
Information about Q&A sessions will soon be
made available.
Coinciding with the start of the enrollment period
will be our annual Benefit Fair, scheduled for Tuesday,
Nov. 4, from 7:30-9:30 a.m. in Classrooms 1 and 2.
Please plan to stop by and visit with our
benefit vendors! F
Annual Benefit Fair
Tuesday, November 4
7:30-9:30 a.m.
Classrooms 1 and 2
State Fair Tickets on Sale in HR!
Adult – $13.50
Child/Senior – $11.00
Tickets can be purchased in Human Resources by
means of a one-time payroll deduction. If you would
prefer to pay with a credit card or cash, you can do
so with a Patient Access cashier (Monday-Friday,
8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.).
All tickets must be picked up in Human Resources
regardless of the payment option you choose. F
12 The Medical Center of Plano | 3901 w 15th st | plano tx 75075 | themedicalcenterofplano.com | October 2014