SmallTalk MARCH 2012 • CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL • THE REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER FOR CHILDREN • VOL XXXI, No. 3 The Parenting Center — an oasis for parents In a small red play house with a bright blue roof, a little boy busies himself mixing sand on a makeshift counter. His mother sits nearby and relaxes while watching him play. "This new playhouse is usually an imaginary restaurant," said Jenni Evans, parent educator at The Parenting Center at Children's Hospital. "Sometimes we'll have a line of kids waiting to be served sand." Situated along the eastern edge of Audubon Park at Children's Hospital's Calhoun Campus, The Parenting Center offers a wide variety of services and resources for parents. Membership to The Parenting Center is free for employees of Children's Hospital, with membership benefits extending not only to parents but also grandparents. "Parenting a 'tween' girl and adolescent boy as a single mom can be overwhelming at times," said Birgit Haylock, CHMPC director. She regularly speaks to the parent educators at The Parenting Center, seeking advice or ideas. "Jenni has always been a sympathetic listener with some great ideas for me to try as well as books and articles for more information. She and director Barbara Leblanc have been able to help me work out some issues, whether it's to do with school, sibling rivalry, or differing co-parenting styles. The Parenting Center is a great resource!" The Parenting Center offers three main ways for parents to utilize their services: drop-in play time in either the play room or the outdoor play yard; classes offered on numerous topics, ranging from newborn care to CPR to issues involving teens; and the availability of parent educators to answer impromptu questions and give professional advice on parenting issues, either in person or over the phone. According to Evans, the most popular classes are the series designed for parents of infants and newborns. One particularly popular class, called "Snuggles and Struggles," allows new parents to discuss such topics as crying, sleeping, feeding and infant behavior. Other classes for infants cover important milestones, healthcare, and playing with infants. (Continued on page 2) PARENTING CEN At left: Linus Oliver Lum cooks up an imaginary meal in the new outdoor play house at The Parenting Center Parenting Center (continued from page 1) Dorka Hegedus is a part-time photographer and the mother of a two-yearold son, Linus. She has been a member of The Parenting Center for only a year, but she already considers it a vital part of her family life. Recently, she and her husband were considering moving from New Orleans to Los Angeles. "We made a list of 'Pros' and 'Cons,' and the first item on the 'Pros' side was The Parenting Center," Hegedus said. "I seriously love this place." After considering all of the factors, they decided to stay in New Orleans. Hegedus cites the many classes she has taken as providing the most valuable benefits from her membership. "When I walk out of one of those classes, I have a plan," she said. "I can't think of why any parent wouldn't want to sign up here, just for the classes alone." Classes are much more than unilateral instruction sessions, according to Evans. "We strive to be a place where parents share encouragement, information and support among each other," she said. "Our classes are an interchange of ideas. Parents are encouraged to do more than just sit and listen to an instructor." Rachel Perkins, human resources generalist, has taken full advantage of the various ways The Parenting Center assists parents. "As parents, we often need advice from an outside source. The Parenting Center has been that for me," Perkins said. "I tell all of my family and friends about the center and the wonderful things they have to offer. I can't say enough great things about them." Hegedus, likewise, has become a self-appointed advocate of The Parenting Center. "When I'm out with friends, or anywhere around other parents, I'm always listening to see if I hear any parents asking for advice or needing assistance," she said. "When I do, I'm always quick to tell them the same thing: call The Parenting Center!" To apply for free membership to The Parenting Center or to get more information, employees can call x4365 or visit their Uptown campus at 938 Calhoun St. Also, class schedules are available on their website, www. theparentingcenter.net. There you can also find links to educational resources and information about the staff. Membership includes both the Uptown and Metairie locations. The Metairie Parenting Center is located in the GoldringWoldenberg Jewish Community Campus, 3747 W. Esplanade Ave. THE PARENTING CENTER MAGIC Making A Great Image Count! Congratulations to our newest members of the Top Hat Club! Daron Hameen Respiratory Alex Redfearn Social Services Danielle Kline, RN 5th Floor AT HOSPITAL NextCHILDREN’S Gen goes live, links clinics to records The Information Services department recently announced the successful launch of an ambulatory system called Next Gen, which is specifically designed for services provided in an outpatient environment by physicians. The system has two major components: practice management and electronic medical records (EMR). The practice management module, which is a building block in the implementation of electronic medical records, allows clinicians to schedule appointments, perform registration functions and bill using the same system. Previously, three separate systems were used for these tasks. Also, the 17 CHMPC clinics were on a different system than the specialty physicians who hold clinics at the main campus. Next Gen was selected because it will link patients' records in the hospital's systems with their records Shelley Finnan Nurse Coordinator in the physicians' files, allowing for increased accessibility and efficiency. "This is the first step in a long process in implementing EMR," said Tammy Reites, vice president, Information Technology. "Our physicians represent such a diverse group of specialists, so we will need to tailor the system to meet the needs of each area, allowing it to capture information specific to each specialty." Reites acknowledged several months of hard work by the team that implemented the Next Gen system, not only in developing the system but also in training the staff who will use it. Will Ferrell crowned Bacchus XLIV at CHNOLA Actor Will Ferrell, wearing his purple, green and gold crown, knocked on the door to room 447. A cheerful voice inside responded, and Ferrell opened the door. Patient Jenna Cavalero, wearing a matching purple, green and gold tiara, beamed. "I found my queen," exclaimed Ferrell, and the two began to laugh. Ferrell, along with his wife and two of their sons, visited Children's Hospital on February 17 and was crowned as Bacchus 2012. After speaking to a crowd of cheering fans outside where he accepted the crown, Ferrell and his family visited patients on 4 West, bringing smiles and signing autographs for thrilled patients and parents. Sugarplum 201 2 B C Voodoo ayou enefiting B hildren’s Hospital B all Friday, March 16 7:30 – 1:30 p.m. Home of Mr. Gregor Fox, 1239 First Street Entertainment By: Junior and Sumtin Sneaky with special guest Rockin’ Dopsie For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Public Affairs, x4373 DID YOU KNOW ? The cafeteria offers gift cards in any amount. They can be purchased at the registers in the cafeteria. Cards can be purchased with cash only; payroll deduction is not available at this time. Will Ferrell finds his queen, Jenna Cavalero, a patient in 4 West, during his visit February 17. Michael Tuckson PC Specialist, Information Services Employee since 2009 Do you have any skills or talents that no one at work knows about? I am a licensed electrician. Also, I mentor kids at the Boys' & Girls' Club. Mike is known around the hospital for his friendly and pleasant disposition. His coworkers say he has a super laid back personality and is always willing to help out. Who is your favorite Saints player ever? Rickey Jackson. What is the best thing about working at Children's Hospital? Getting to meet new people. What is the last thing you do before you go home? Check emails. What is the first thing you do when you arrive at work? Check emails. Do you have any children? Yes, My son, Daqari, is 8 years old and my daughter, Mikayla, is 3. If someone made a movie about your life, who should play you? Tyrese Gibson. Where did you grow up? In the Seventh Ward in New Orleans. What is your favorite place to eat lunch at the hospital? Outside or in the cafeteria... so I can see everybody! How would you describe your job duties if you were speaking to a 4-year-old? I fix the computer when it breaks so that you can play on it. If a genie granted you three wishes, what would they be? To be rich, to live forever, and to stay cute. SPOTLIGHT GREETINGS 3 Center: Kendall Candebat, unit clerk; Leslie Wade, RN. 4 West: Ryan Hargis, unit clerk. Admitting: Holly Mo, patient accounts coordinator. Adolescent Behavioral Unit: Mark Ely, social worker. Cardiology: Heather Gautier, RN. Child Life: Kristin Haugen, child life therapist. Kids First Prytania: Monica Perkins, medical assistant. Lakeside Children’s Clinic: Hope Davis, insurance clerk. Metairie Pediatrics: Angelle Wallace, file clerk. Napoleon Pediatrics: Leslie Edler, LPN; Ursula Morris, patient service representative. NICU: Donna Hymel, RN; Jeanne Robichaux, RN. Orthopaedics: Jessica Nguyen, physician assistant. Outpatient Registration: Stephen Adams, patient service representative. Respiratory: Stephanie Kenyon, registered respiratory therapist; Rhonda Oros, registered respiratory therapist. FAREWELL 3rd Floor: Lylette Williams, unit clerk. 6th Floor: Amina McCutchen, RN. Admitting: Ada Castro, senior patient service representative. Billing: Anjanette Jourdain, lock box payment processor. Cardiac Care Unit: Jennifer Harrison, RN. Clinical Dietitians: Mary Leaber, dietitian. Kids First Mid-City: Radhamani Kumar, physician. Nurse Coordinator: Annette Shaw, nurse coordinator. Pharmacy: Katrina Nguyen, pharmacy technician. Surgery: Amber Malone, surgical technologist. UP THE LADDER Angela Cascino, RN senior nurse tech, 4th Floor, to full-time RN, NICU. Cynthia Cooks, patient service representative, Outpatient Registration, to secretary, Psychology. Camille Cousin, PRN senior nurse tech, 5th Floor, to full-time RN, NICU. Anjell Duplantier, PRN senior nurse tech, to full-time RN, NICU. Heidi Eiserloh, PRN senior nurse tech, to full-time, RN, 4th Floor. Lauren Eustis, PRN senior nurse tech, to full-time RN, 5th Floor. Hali Guerra, PRN senior nurse tech, to full time RN, NICU. Hillary Hymel, PRN senior nurse tech, full-time RN, 6th Floor. Kionne Lear, PRN senior nurse tech, to full time RN, PICU. Jennifer Massa, PRN senior nurse tech, to full time RN, 3rd Floor. Katheryn Montamat, PRN senior nurse tech, to full time RN, NICU. Mary Saitta, PRN senior nurse tech, to full time RN, 4th Floor. Anthony Watkins, PRN senior nurse tech, to full time RN, Emergency Room. ON THE MOVE Lindsey Casey, RN PICU, to interim nurse manager, PICU. Missie Coffey, full-time nursing supervisor, Nursing Administration, to full-time RN, Surgery. Cathryn Couvillion, part-time radiology tech, to part-time radiology tech/part-time ultrasound tech (full-time), Radiology. Tatanisha Edwards, EK technician, Cardiology, to patient service representative, Outpatient Registration. Sholatha George-Hunter, part-time RN, Adolescent Behavioral Health, to part-time diabetes nurse liaison, Diabetes Contract. Katrina Griffin, full-time RN, NICU, to parttime RN, NICU and part-time nurse supervisor, Nursing Administration. Diane Kennedy, secretary, to scheduler, Secretarial Pool. Kisha Parker, child care technician, 4th Floor, to file clerk, Secretarial Pool. Dawn Schaffer, nurse manager, PICU, to nurse coordinator, Nurse Coordinator. Mary Tobin, orthopaedics coordinator, Orthopaedics, to administrative assistant, Children’s Health Network. ACCOLADES Jennifer Hall, DPT and Ashley Cantrell, DPT, Physical Therapy, have been selected as the March of Dimes 2012 Spotlight on Success Honorees. Donnika Payne, unit clerk, PICU, recently earned her pharmacy tech license. HOSPITAL HIGHLIGHTS/NEWS BRIEFS The hospital converted to a new document imaging system, called Electronic Document Management (EDM), on March 1. All patients discharged in the year 2012 will have their records scanned into EDM. Medical records prior to 2012 will be maintained in Papervision. Events The Parenting Center will hold its Summer Camp Expo on Tuesday, March 27, from 6:30 – 8 p.m. in the Auditorium. Parents of young children are invited to this free informational event. The 2012 Sugarplum Ball will be held Friday, March 16, from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. This year's theme is "Voodoo Bayou Ball." The ball will held at the home of Mr. Gregor Fox, 1239 First St., and will feature entertainment by Junior and Sumtin Sneaky with special guest Rockin' Dopsie. The black-tie event will also feature a silent auction. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Public Affairs, x4373. STAFF Christopher Snizik Editor Cathleen Randon Director, Public Affairs Brian Landry Vice President, Marketing Steve Worley President and CEO Small Talk is published monthly for the staff and volunteers of Children’s Hospital by the Public Affairs Department. 504.896.9373, www.chnola.org.