1. family and parenting
2. children

Vital Signs
®
f e b r u a r y
2 0 1 1
A Newsletter for Employees & Friends of Arkansas Children’s Hospital
ACH Hits a Grand Slam,
Scores for Fourth Time on FORTUNE’s
100 Best Companies to Work For®
In January, Arkansas Children’s Hospital was
excited to learn that it had been selected for the
fourth year in a row as one of FORTUNE’s “100 Best
Companies to Work For®”. In 2011, ACH received
its highest-ever ranking, coming in at No. 75 on the
14th annual list. Along with the continued national
recognition, of greater importance is that 2/3 of the
overall scoring is based on employee feedback. Our
administrative teams spends considerable time reviewing the survey results so we can work to sustain
the higher levels of employee satisfaction, as well as
focus more attention to improve our overall performance.
ACH is the only Arkansas-headquartered company that made the 2011 list. A driving
factor for companies to be featured on this year’s list is that they are still hiring. Despite
economic woes and recently announced budget cuts, ACH continues to hire for essential
roles and has made a commitment to avoid layoffs.
“We are pleased that FORTUNE continues to see in Arkansas Children’s Hospital the
qualities that make it such a great place to work,” said ACH Senior Vice President and
Chief Operating Officer David Berry. “We are very humbled by this honor in these difficult
times. All the more reason to recognize our employees: They are the reason ACH is such
a great place to work. Each and every day, families see their commitment and dedication
embodied in the care, love and hope we provide for their children.”
ACH was featured alongside some other major companies you’ll recognize, and outranked employers including Starbucks, J.M. Smucker and St. Jude Children’s Research
Hospital.
Congratulations to all ACH team members on the hard work and incredible dedication that makes this hospital the kind of place that FORTUNE recognizes.
Show Respect for KIDS
through New Initiative
Knock, knock! Who’s there? A new initiative to help us all remember to RESPECT
our patients and families.
K = Knock. Always knock on the door of a patient room before entering. No exceptions.
I = Introduce. Introduce yourself to the patient and family. During the first interaction, let them know your role in the patient’s care.
D = Determine. Ask the patient or family how the patient likes to be addressed.
Personalize your interactions with the patient and family by using their names.
S = Safety. Demonstrate and explain safety precautions to the patient and family and
be a model of good safety behavior.
Look for more information about KIDS in the weeks to come!
Cardiac Cath Lab
Has a Heart for Kids
Front row: (L to R): Pat Smee, Marcus Green, Elizabeth Kooiman
2nd Row: Sherrie Loyd, Kerrie Woods, Glena Martin, Dr. Paul Seib, Tracey Marek
3rd row: Dr. Brian Eble, Renee Fishburn, Dr. Eudice Fontenot, Steven Coutts
When children have cardiac problems, clear images of their hearts are essential.
These pictures allow for proper diagnosis and are a vital step for many in finding a path
to healing. The Cardiac Cath Laboratory at Arkansas Children’s Hospital is responsible for
producing these images and for conducting interventional procedures.
The team includes three nurses, five radiologic technologists and several cardiologists from the ACH Heart Center. Together, they have more than 200 combined years
of experience in Cardiac Cath Lab care. They perform everything from diagnostic caths
and hemodynamic monitoring to cardiac biopsies, balloon angioplasties and stent placements, ASD and PDA closures, among other procedures. Above all, the Cardiac Cath
team provides safe and excellent care to help figure out what’s wrong with hearts of all
sizes and how to solve it.
“Every patient is the most important part of any day in Cath Lab,” said Cardiac Cath
Lab Director Sherrie Loyd.
Since its inception in 1977, the Cardiac Cath Lab has provided exceptional care for
atypical hearts. In that time, the lab has made great strides to become a state-of-the-art
facility that offers refined imaging.
“The changes within the last decade include cardiac devices that eliminate long and
lengthy hospital stays,” Loyd said. “Over time, vendors are becoming more oriented to
the needs of pediatric cardiac patients. We have seen our tools become smaller and technically easier to use.”
Between 2009 and 2010, the laboratory underwent a major makeover, replacing imaging and recording/archival equipment, and the actual interior of the room. (See photo
below.)
Upgrading the aesthetics of the room included new flooring, painting the walls with
new colors and creating a space that appeals to children, complete with vibrant murals.
An upgrade in technology during the same time period has also allowed the Cardiac Cath
Lab to provide higher standards of imaging, monitoring and archiving.
“Our interior design changes were implemented to help our patients feel less anxious about the procedures,” Loyd said. “Equipment changes helped us upgrade to current technology, providing superior imaging for diagnostic and interventional needs.”
Among the challenges that the Cardiac Cath Lab team encounters on a daily basis
is being versatile with its care delivery. Because the patient load requires the team to go
from working with a premature infant one moment to an adult with a congenital heart
defect the next, the team must be flexible and fast on its feet. But Loyd said the exceptional staff always meets the challenge with smiles, making it a great team on which to
work.
“Patients become attached to our staff and physicians, and the team grows very
close to these children and their families,” Loyd said. “All our staff do an incredible job.”
Are You Up to the Fitness Challenge?
Register through Feb. 28
Arkansas Children’s Hospital and Arkansas BlueCross BlueShield are teaming up with
other Arkansans for the Blue and You Fitness Challenge. Each day participants perform
30 minutes of exercise, they move to virtual checkpoints across America. To successfully
complete the challenge, participants should exercise 30 minutes a day at least three times
per week. Join TEAM ACH and Team Champion Cindy Holland in an effort to capture
repeat victory! In addition to improving your health with physical activity, T-shirts will be
rewarded after May 31 to those who make at least 40 stops and complete the program
evaluation (equal to 30 minutes, three times per week). Watch Vital Signs Daily for information about the team captains and date of the kick-off event.
Registration runs through Feb. 28. Visit BlueAndYouFitnessChallenge-ark.com and use
team code “ACH.”
Feb. 7-14 is Congenital Heart Defects
Awareness Week. Watch ACH publications
for coverage of related events.
voLunteer Corner
ACH Gearing Up for Summer
Junior VoLunteers
The ACH Junior Volunteer Program offers service opportunities for high school students ages 14-18. Students must be 14 years old by April 1 to participate. Junior volunteers
gain new skills, meet new people and help make a difference in the community!
Summer Program
ACH
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Volun
*Please note we have many program changes this year.
Packets for the summer program will be available to all interested students this month. (This
includes students who have volunteered previously). We encourage
you to request a packet and return
it as early as possible. Please note
that only completed packets (an
application, two teacher references,
proof of two TB skin test results and
a signed copy of the rules and regulations) will be accepted. Again, all
students must return a completed
packet. The Summer Junior Volunteer Program deadline is April 1.
ACH Receives High Marks from
Wastewater Utility in Annual Inspection
Arkansas Children’s Hospital was proud to receive in late January an outstanding report from the Little Rock Wastewater Utility after its annual inspection of the facility. The
audit included tours of the boiler plant, energy building, GI labs in the operating room,
the hospital’s kitchen and clinical labs, among other facilities. The inspection yielded
positive remarks, and no permit violations were identified. In fact, the inspector commended ACH for its proactive approach in protecting sewer and storm drain systems,
and also commented that he was impressed with the hospital’s new pharmaceutical
waste program, which minimizes the amount of drugs that are disposed. “I want to
thank everyone who had a hand in making this possible,” said Environmental Management Coordinator Joe Knight. “Your hard work is keeping ACH in compliance!”
ACH Dentists Recognized by State Dental Association
A dedicated ACH team that appreciates big smiles has received recognition for its
work with little mouths and teeth. The president of the Arkansas State Dental Association, Dr. Bob Mason, presented ACH dentists with special commemorative coins in appreciation of their contributions to the oral health of Arkansas children. Dr. Stephen Beetstra,
Dr. Kirt Simmons, and Dr. Craig Rechkemmer received their coins from Mason and Billy
Tarpley, the ASDA executive secretary. Dr. James Koonce received a similar recognition
a few months ago. Congratulations to our hard-working dentists! We appreciate your
service to the children of this state.
Necessary steps to become
a junior volunteer:
• Request a packet. (All interested
students must request a packet.)
• Turn in a completed packet, including the application, two
teacher references, proof of two separate TB Skin Tests and signed
rules and regulations.
• Interview required with parent or guardian
During the summer program, junior volunteers will volunteer for a half day of
service Monday through Friday. Two two-week sessions are available for the summer:
Session 1: June 13 – June 24
Session 2: July 11 – July 22
Questions about the Junior Volunteer Program?
Contact Sandy Burrow at [email protected] or (501) 364-1812
(Above photo, left to right) ASDA secretary Billy Tarpley, Dr. Stephen Beetstra;
Dr. Kirt Simmons, ASDA president Dr.
Bob Mason, Dr. Craig Rechkemmer and
Dental Clinic Director Dr. James Koonce.
(Right photo) The special coin recognizing the dedication of ACH’s dental
team.
Will You be the Next ACH Idol?
Compete for the Title on Feb. 22
Start rehearsing! The annual ACH Idol
competition is coming up! Team members
from across the hospital are encouraged
to participate in this “American Idol”style contest where the ACH community
has the voting power. All levels of talent
are encouraged to participate. Music selections should be child-friendly. Choices
must be approved prior to performance.
When: Tuesday, Feb. 22, 1:30 p.m.
Where: Camp Wannaplay
Deadline to enter: Thursday, Feb. 17
Contact Esther Pipkin in the Child Life & Education Department at X41412 or by
e-mailing [email protected] for more information!
Staff Development Calendar
Please consider attending some of the following events hosted by Staff Development during the month of February. If you have questions or need more information,
please call X42127. Also, remember that Learning Fest is coming up during late February
and throughout March. It’s an excellent time to brush up on skills and become a better
team member! Sign up for courses through the ACH Training System and check Vital
Signs Daily for more info.
Feb. 7 & 8 – Traditions
Feb. 9 – The Basics of Human Resource Management
Feb. 10 – Giving and Receiving Feedback
Feb. 14 – Horizons
Feb. 15 – ZB Traditions
Feb. 17 – Just Culture on the Front Line
Feb. 21 & 22 – Traditions
Feb. 23 – Pathways to Excellence Series/FMLA & STD
Feb. 28 – Learning Fest Kick-Off!
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Parenting Info Fast and Easy Online
Arkansas Children’s Hospital is now offering a quick and easy way to receive updates that will help you as a parent! Our magazine Parenting in Arkansas will now also
come in the form of a quarterly e-newsletter. You’ll find everything from advice on
dealing with bullies to fun recipes and ideas for educational activities. To sign up, just
go to our all-new website, archildrens.org, and click on the “News” tab at the top of
the page. On the left-hand side of the page choose “Newsletters & Publications,” and
then select “Sign Up for Our Newsletters.” Submit an e-mail address and Parenting in
Arkansas will reach your in-box four times a year!
Say Cheese! Get a New ACH Photo
During NEW Drop-In Studio Time
Are you new to ACH and need Kelley Cooper, the ACH photographer, to take a head
shot of you? Or maybe you simply need an updated photo for ACH
use (not badge or passport photos). If so, please come to the East
Campus studio (turn left at Java City, then right down the long
hall) during new studio drop-in times. Kelley will be available
every week, unless otherwise announced, for this service
on Wednesdays from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m., and on Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. You can call her with
questions at X46562.
Moyers-Logue Named as DAISY Extraordinary Nurse
Congratulations to Brittany Moyers-Logue, RN, of the PICU, this month’s DAISY
Award recipient! Brittany is a three-time DAISY nominee and was selected as the winner
this month by the DAISY Committee.
Here is an excerpt from a nomination sent in by the mother of one of Brittany’s
patients: “My daughter was admitted to ACH for surgery. Brittany worked diligently to
keep her comfortable through the discomforts of recovery. She got all arrangements in
place for an MRI to happen quickly, and worked past her shift time to complete needed
care. She did all of this with a smile on her face and genuine care for my daughter and
her family.”
Brittany’s director, Kim White, added: “Brittany is a strong clinician and leader in the
PICU. She is the chair of the FCC committee in PICU and has led that group to improve
patient satisfaction through parent surveys, parent notepads and encouraging interdisciplinary involvement in patient education. Brittany is an asset to this team!”
Thank you, Brittany, for crossing the creek in patient care!
SociaL Work Hosts Pink Affair
to Honor Cancer Battle
Aronson Installed as Selakovich
Chair in Pediatric Orthopaedics
In January, ACH and UAMS installed James Aronson, MD, as holder
of the Walter Selakovich, MD, Endowed
Chair in Pediatric Orthopaedics. This endowed chair was funded with $1 million
from the ACH Allocation Committee,
which is composed of faculty and hospital staff leadership. The chair is named
in honor of the late Dr. Walter Selakovich, a leader in pediatric orthopaedics in
Arkansas. Dr. Aronson is chief of Pediatric Orthopaedics at ACH and professor
of Orthopaedics and Pediatrics at the
UAMS College of Medicine. Congratulations, Dr. Aronson!
Social workers at ACH are accustomed to attending parties for patients who have
reached milestones in their care, like a final chemo session or a discharge after an
organ transplant. But recently the team organized a celebration to honor one of their
own, Patti Bryant, who works on the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. In January, Patti
finished her last breast cancer treatment. A few months earlier, Assistant Director of
Social Work Debbie Brady also completed treatment for the disease. At the January
celebration, team members honored these women’s courage with pink cupcakes and
special decorations in the Social Work office. Many wore pink to honor the battle
against breast cancer. “The Social Work Department applauds both these women for
their perseverance and great attitude in their fight,” said Social Work Director Carol
Maxwell. “They have provided a tremendous amount of inspiration.”
Dr. Aronson and his grandson are all smiles after
his investiture.
Change Angels Needed
Nominations Now Open for the
2011 ACH Care, Love and Hope Awards!
Participate in the Care, Love & Hope Awards for 2011 by nominating colleagues
you feel deserve special recognition for their outstanding work at Arkansas Children’s
Hospital. This award recognizes ACH team members who by their daily actions and
attitude have clearly provided exceptional performance and service. Employees selected to receive a Care, Love and Hope Award will be honored at an awards ceremony in the spring. They will receive a Care, Love and Hope plaque engraved with their
names, special pins signifying their accomplishments and other forms of recognition.
Watch Vital Signs Daily for more information and a link to the nomination form.
Treading on
Thin Ice?
Take Precautions!
The ACH Foundation is looking for a
few great fundraisers.
YOU can help change children’s
lives by becoming a Change Angel for
ACH. Change Angels collect donations
and spare change from family, friends,
colleagues and customers. They can represent companies, departments within
companies, schools, organizations, families, individuals, clubs, etc. Becoming a
Change Angel is a great way to teach kids
the importance of giving back.
You can raise donations online by
sending a quick email or you might even
find some spare change under your couch.
It’s so easy to help! This heavenly gang is
flying beside B98.5, and they mean business; every penny they raise helps support
Arkansas Children’s Hospital leading up to
the B98.5 Champions for Children Radiothon, which will be held March 9-10 in
the ACH lobby. Every Angel who collects
$100 or more will receive a T-shirt and an
angel wings pin.
Please tell friends and family members about this great program. You may
think collecting spare change won’t make
a difference …but when life changes on a
dime for our patients and families, every
dime counts.
For more information on the Change
Angel program, or to sign up, please visit
achchangeangels.org or call Kate Hackett
at X45307.
Yes, the winter storms of January now seem like a distant memory. But we
still have many cold days ahead before spring sets in. Remember that ice can be
a hazard, and it’s not always easy to detect.
Here are some tips from the ACH Safety department that might be helpful
when you encounter ice:
1. Wear a heavy, bulky coat that will act as a cushion if you should fall.
2. Try to avoid landing on your knees, wrists or spine. Try to fall on a fleshy
part of your body, such as your side.
3. Try to relax your muscles if you fall. Injuries will be less severe if you are
relaxed.
Congratulations
Kudos to ACH occupational therapist Kathy Scoggins on recently achieving
specialty certification in feeding, eating and swallowing from the American
Occupational Therapy Association. According to the group, the accomplishment
is rare, with less than 1 percent of all occupational therapists across the nation
obtaining this certification. We’re proud of you, Kathy!
The National Association of
Children’s Hospitals and Related
Institutions (NACHRI) recently
named a photo by ACH staff
photographer Kelley Cooper
among the top 10 images in its
annual competition. The photo,
Waiting on Hope, received fourth
place honors and will tour with
NACHRI’s photo gallery. It was
chosen from among 237 photos
from 54 hospitals. Congratulations, Kelley!
Are you GLOWING?
If you’re anticipating pregnancy or
are less than 6-weeks pregnant, join our
growing team of volunteers to help us better understand how a mother’s diet and
health at conception can influence her
child’s growth and development. In our research study, Arkansas Children’s Nutrition
Center will closely follow your pregnancy
and your child’s growth and development
through age 2. To thank you for your
participation, you will receive nutrition
education and support, monetary compensation, and all the formula you need
during your child’s first year of life. To
learn more, call (501) 364-3309 or tollfree 866-423-1311, visit uams.edu/acnc, or
e-mail [email protected].
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20
celebrating
years
David Burger • Radiology
1. What is it about ACH that has motivated you to
work here for so long? The main reason I have worked at
Arkansas Children’s Hospital is to continue to improve patient
care in Radiology. I want Radiology to be a child-friendly environment that is not so frightening for the patient.
2. What are your special interests outside of work? I
love to travel, collect postcards and collect miniatures.
3. What are three words that best describe you? Picky,
intense and perfectionist are words that describe me.
4. If Hollywood made a movie about your life, whom would you like to see
play you in the lead role? I would like to see Regis Philbin play me in the lead role of
a movie about my life. He is really a nice, funny person.
5. If you could have one super power, what would it be? If I could have one super
power, it would be to permanently remove all forms of cancer from our world. Cancer is
one disease that really plays havoc on children and adults alike.
6. What is one fun fact about you that few people know? Few people know that
I am also a licensed embalmer and funeral director!
7. If you could trade places with any other person for a week – famous or
not, living or dead – with whom would it be? The person would be my deceased
grandmother. Granny had a very difficult life, but she was blessed with common sense
and love for her family.
8. If you were a raindrop, where is the one place that you’d want to land? If
I were a raindrop, I would want to land in Las Vegas. It is so dusty in Las Vegas, and the
people deserve some rain.
9. What is the best advice you ever received? The best advice I ever received came
from a physician in Russellville: “Live a little”.
10. What is your favorite memory from working at ACH? One of my favorite
memories from working at Arkansas Children’s Hospital was when a patient who was
scared told me that “my hands were warm”.
20
celebrating
years
February Anniversaries
5 years
Kimberly Aldridge
Willie Alexander
Linda Allred
Bryan Brannon
Tina Birdsong
Trina Bookout
Gasha Brown
Susan Brown
Diamond Clayborn
Christin Davis
Stephanie Evans
Kevin Haralson
Maleei House
Shea Johnson
Tasha Johnston
Krystal Littlejohn
Mary Allender
Kimberly Gibson
Lana Glenn
Jennifer Harper
Cynthia Jordan
Shannon McAlister
Jessica Myers
Charles Robinett
Monica Russell
10 years
Brittany Moyers-Logue
Kenny Knowles
Jessica Parent
Thomas Robinson
Clayton Spruill
Karen Thompson
Valarie Wofford
Cindy Scoggins
April Stevens
Joanna Wakefield
Wendy Walker
15 years
Julie Burnley
Shirleen Cox
Becky Greene
Sharon Harris
Sheryl Phillips
20 years
David Burger
Cynthia Goff
Sylvia Handy
Jana McConnell
Vickie Wright
25 years
Timothy Matzen
30 years
Estella Davis
Linda LaSalle
Jana McConnell • PCRU
1. What is it about ACH that has motivated you to
work here for so long? The hope you see in the faces of
the children and parents when they come to us for help.
2. What are your special interests outside of work?
Spending time with my family, reading and quilting.
3. What are three words that best describe you?
Blessed, happy and country.
4. If Hollywood made a movie about your life, whom
would you like to see play you in the lead role? Sandra
Bullock — who wouldn’t want a funny, smart, beautiful woman playing her?
5. If you could have one super power, what would it be? The power to heal.
6. What is one fun fact about you that few people know? I used to drive a little
pink convertible.
7. If you could trade places with any other person for a week – famous or
not, living or dead – with whom would it be? My husband, so I could walk a mile
in his shoes!
8. If you were a raindrop, where is the one place that you’d want to land? On
a rose petal in my mother’s garden.
9. What is the best advice you ever received? Do your best at whatever you do.
10. What is your favorite memory from working at ACH? Meeting my husband
at ACH.
20
celebrating
years
Vickie Wright • Family Services
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1. What is it about ACH that has motivated you to
work here for so long? The mission of care, love and
hope. These are three of the most powerful words that you
can use and feelings that you can obtain and share with another person. When you care, you will show love, and when
you love, you will render hope.
2. What are your special interests outside of work?
Mission work.
3. What are three words that best describe you? Loving, compassionate and
meek.
4. If Hollywood made a movie about your life, whom would you like to see
play you in the lead role? Angela Bassett.
5. If you could have one super power, what would it be? Healing.
6. What is one fun fact about you that few people know? I won’t ride the elevator by myself.
7. If you could trade places with any other person for a week – famous or not,
living or dead – with whom would it be? Erica Kane of “All My Children.”
8. If you were a raindrop, where is the one place that you’d want to land? At a
veteran’s hospital, to help all who have served our country and have been hurt or homeless. To render to them some hope and to let them know that someone cares for them.
9. What is the best advice you ever received? Do good unto all even if others don’t
return the favor.
10. What is your favorite memory from working at ACH? The talent show and
ice cream party.
Editor’s Note: Each month, employees and staff who are celebrating milestone
anniversaries at ACH are invited to share their experiences with Vital Signs. Those who
agree to be interviewed are featured on this page on a first-come, first-served basis.
New Arrivals
Congratulations to Cara Dreher of GPC and her husband Robert on the birth of their
daughter, Serena Nicole. She was born Dec. 29, weighing 8 pounds, 8 ounces and
measuring in at 20.5 inches in length. Best wishes to the growing family!
Volunteer Services Assistant Director Melissa Wolfe and her husband Jeremy
welcomed a little boy on Dec. 14. Henry Brooks Wolfe weighed 6 pounds, 9 ounces
and was 18 3/4 inches long. Congratulations on your little bundle of joy!
Vital Signs
Vital Signs is published monthly for the employees, staff and
volunteers of Arkansas Children’s Hospital, 1 Children’s Way,
Little Rock, Arkansas, 72202-3591; (501) 364-1100.
Visit the all new archildrens.org.
President/Chief Executive Officer: Jonathan Bates, MD
Senior Vice President for Medical Affairs & Chief Medical Officer: W. Robert Morrow, MD
Senior Vice President & Chief Operating Officer: David Berry
Senior Vice President & Chief Business Development Officer: Carole Zylman
Director of Communications: Dan McFadden, APR
Manager of Publications: Michael Spigner
Editor: Hilary DeMillo
Photographer: Kelley Cooper