Issue 19 @vvrmc “Alright Mr. DeMille, I’m Ready for My Close-up” Directors, Doctors and Senior Staff were all asked to pose for the camera this week. Professional photographers and a make-up artist were on hand to make certain the photos are excellent. Why is this important? The photos we use identify VVRMC staff to the community. We need to put our best faces forward to show the people we serve we are professional, caring, high quality, good looking people ready and able to provide the very best healthcare possible. July 18, 2016 The Importance of Appearance Quality, service and technology are all words we’ve been hearing at VVRMC recently. We all know quality care with an emphasis on communication increases patient satisfaction and makes our jobs easier. No one would question service is an important element in our success and up-to-date technology is one of the keys to providing outstanding health care. However, some of us aren’t 100% on board with the painting and remodeling taking place. But here is why it is important. When you do a Google search on “How important is a facility’s appearance to Americans,” 144,ooo,000 results come up. And guess what? Appearance is very important. We live in a society where just about everything is judged by how it looks: people, cars, packaging, buildings. It is a visceral response. You look and you feel something. You get a good emotional response when you see something that is pleasing to your eye. Recently, there was a video published on Facebook A group of sociologists conducted an experiment. They got a 6 year old actress. First, they dressed her up in nice clothes, fixed her hair and made her adorable. They sent her out in public and asked her to act like she needed help. She immediately got numerous offers of assistance. Then they took the same little girl and dressed her in ragged, dirty clothes. They sent her out again. People not only didn’t help her they were so cruel the experiment had to be stopped. The actress was crying and too upset to continue. The repairs and face lift happening at VVRMC are minor. The cost is minimal and in no way effects employee pay. But the returns will be big. After all, appearance does matter. Rhonda Crawford, COO d a l G e ! r ’ e e r W e He r ’ u Yo Laura Guttierrez, EVS Dept. Clarissa Dillard, Radiology Dept. Maria Medrano, EVS Dept. Maria Valdez, Laundry John Vasquez, Admitting/ Phlebotomist Clinic Maria Dolores Fuentes, EVS Dept. Minerva Acosta, Dietary Director Alejandro Castillo, RN, ER Dept. STAR OF THE MONTH Annette Welch Annette is a very dedicated, responsible individual who is always going above and beyond for patients, family and friends. She is very hard working and often asks others if they need help. She never says “no” and is always taking on new projects and extra work to make sure the job gets done. She works well and efficiently, is a team player and cares for both patients and co-workers. She has been part of the VVRMC family since 1997 as a Credentialing Specialist. We are thankful to have her on our team and VVRMC would be lost without her. PEOPLE July Winner- VVRMC Health Clinic Robert Vasquez, Maintenance Aide Robert is always polite, courteous, respectful and always with a positive attitude. He is prompt, efficient and follows through. He is always willing to do things not in his job description. Robert is very dependable, reliable and is a huge asset to the company. Clinic Starts Thumbs Up Awards VVRMC Health Clinic recognizes Rosa Mendoza, Billing & Accounts Clerk, for a job well done! Patient Ms. Fernandez called regarding 3 bills and she contacted Mr. Blottin on Base. He instructed the patient to call our office and speak to Rosa. Mr. Blottin stated to Ms. Fernandez that Rosa is very helpful and knowledgeable. After the patient spoke with Rosa she requested to speak with her supervisor. Ms. Fernandez wanted to report that Rosa was exactly what Mr. Blottin had told her. Rosa was very helpful, very nice and very knowledgeable. Patient stated she didn’t have to go into detail with Rosa because it seemed that Rosa had all her account information in front of her. Rosa received a pin “Thanks for all you do!” Our Med Surg department surprised Dr. Manning with a birthday celebration. Happy Birthday Dr. Manning!!! AND MANY MORE! Minerva Acosta Director for Food and Nutrition Services Minerva Acosta, Food and Nutrition Services Director joined Val Verde Regional Medical Center July 11, 2016. Ms. Acosta has 25 plus years of food and nutrition services management experience. Ms. Acosta bring her healthcare food and nutrition services experience from Brownwood, a 188 bed hospital in Brownwood, Texas, Texas Health- Harris Methodist Hospital, a 900 bed Flag ship hospital in Fort Worth, Texas and HCA- Rio Grande Regional Hospital, a 300 bed hospital in McAllen, Texas. Ms. Acosta has both not for profit and for profit experience in Food and Nutrition Services. Her extensive well rounded experience covers hospitals, schools, and head-start, community and federal funded food and nutrition service programs. Acosta earned her Bachelors of Science in Dietetics from the University of Texas Pan American and is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the Texas Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Krystal Antu Registered Dietitian, Assistant Director of Food Services Krystal has been a member of the VVRMC family since 2012. She received her Nutrition and Dietetics degree from Abilene Christian University with a minor in Bible, Missions and Ministry. She then pursued her Dietetic Internship and landed an invitation to complete it thru Marywood University in a distance education program completing her clinical, community and food service rotations at the various Methodist Hospitals in San Antonio. Krystal was born and raised in Del Rio and has always been eager to serve her community since completing her educational requirements. She is married to another VVRMC family member, Christopher Antu, Firefighter-Paramedic and they recently had their first child, Heidi Kate. Big Thanks to the Surgical Team Kudos Surgery! We want to thank you all for your great work. You all make John John’s surgery as comfortable for him as you could. Everyone was great. Thank you, Schmidt Family Educating Patient Brings Abundant Rewards Diana Morales, RN and Dr. Shafui were dealing with a very ill patient. She was critically ill, couldn’t walk, had lost a lot of quality of life and plain felt awful. Dialysis treatment would make her feel better but she was resistant. Dr. Shafui tried to consult with her and convince her to take the life saving treatment. It didn’t work. “I went in and just talked to her,” said Diana, “I educated her and explained in language she could understand and really hear that dialysis was the best medical option for her.” With twelve years of experience Diana must have been persuasive because the patient agreed to the treatment. “I came out and told Dr. Shafui the patient agreed to the dialysis,” continues Diana, “He was so thankful and very impressed. He told me he didn’t know what I did but whatever it was, it was great.” A week or so later Diana saw the patient’s husband. He ran up to her and hugged her. “I love you,” he said. His wife was doing much better. She was up and walking and the quality of her life had greatly improved. Great work Diana! Xochy Hurtado Granted High Honor by LAFB Pictured left to right are Past Medical Group Commander, Colonel Patronis; Xochy Hurtado, CEO; Colonel Cardon, Medical Group Commander; and LAFB Wing Commander, Colonel Shank. Xochy Hurtado has been nominated by Colonel Partonis as Honorary Medical Group Commander. This is a huge honor being shown to our CEO and emphasizes her dedication to a partnership in caring with the Laughlin Air Force Base. Xochy will now be included in all internal meetings and will be able to get an insider’s perspective on what Laughin Air Force Leadership contributes to the base and the community. ENGAGMENT SURVEY RESULTS ARE IN! The engagement survey results are in and the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) has begun the process of reviewing your feedback and identifying focus areas for improvement. In addition, directors have received departmental results and will be conducting feedback sessions with their teams between July 25th and August 15th. The SLT has identified four (4) focus area and will be developing actions plans for each key area: Leadership Voice Rewards Safety and Security The first action plan is around VOICE. We want employees to be heard so we have created [email protected]. Employees are encouraged to use this email address to ask questions, share concerns, provide feedback, make suggestions, submit compliments, etc. The emails go directly to the CEO, Xochy Hurtado, and the VP of HR, Carlos Torres for review. Within five (5) business days a member of SLT will respond directly to you. We will keep a data base of the emails, track responses and outcomes. On a regular bases we will share the actions taken with VVRMC employees. [email protected] along with Town Hall meetings, the CEO Breakfast, Employee Rounding and the Engagement Survey are the multiple ways for employees to be heard. Your voice is important and we will continue creating avenues for every employee to be heard. [email protected] This email address is designed for employees to share thoughts, suggestions, concerns, and/or positive feedback. A member of the Senior Leadership Team will respond with 5 business days. Your voice is IMPORTANT! 2016 1 The Employee Assistance Program is a FREE benefit offered to all employees. Following is the July newsletter; Using Active Listening to Diffuse Anger, Investing in Workplace Relationships and Stress Management. Please take time to read the newsletter. It may prove helpful. Interlink JULY 2016 A monthly newsletter published by Interface EAP Using Active Listening Skills to Defuse Anger I ntense emotions together with a perceived loss of control could trigger acts of aggression, (nonverbal, verbal, or physical). A communication technique called “active listening” can help the individual to regain control of their own emotions and behavior and decrease the risk of a more violent incident. First Steps: Maintain your own control. Stay centered. Breathe slowly and evenly. Lower your voice. Stay calm, caring, attentive, and concerned. Act professionally. Ask questions but do not be judgmental. Seek to understand what the person is feeling or wanting behind the angry behavior. Active Listening Tips: Introduce yourself, let them know why you are there, and ask how you can help. The earlier you can engage a person in conversation, the more likely they can regain control. Focus on the speaker. Ask permission to use their first name. Stay objective. Do not react to what is being said. And do not take their words personally. Listen attentively without planning your next statement as you are listening. Do not try to problem solve. Minimize distractions. Listen for key words the person is saying. Encouraging: Use your language and body sincerely to encourage the person’s train of thought. Use phrases like: “I see…….” “Hmmm” or “mm hmm” “Uh huh” or “I understand” “Oh?” or “Really?” “Right” or “Sure” “Please, go on” Use Body Language/Posture: Nod your head Reflect facial expressions Maintain periodic eye contact Incline your body toward the speaker Face them squarely Maintain an open position – avoid arms crossed Be aware of personal space Reflecting Skills – Paraphrase or Summarize: By restating the person’s concerns Shows you are listening Demonstrates you are interested Gives the speaker feedback on how their message is being expressed Restate the essence of what someone said to verify what you heard and understood “So, you are suggesting…… “If I understand you correctly…..” “Sounds like you are feeling…..” Offer opportunities for the person to correct or clarify your understanding. Use open-ended questions to clarify points (who, what, where, when, why, how). Do not give an opinion unless specifically asked. Continued on page 3 Interface EAP Total Life Assistance TM Investing in Workplace Relationships Are you a master at managing workplace relationships so they become valuable resources rather than sources of irritation, frequent conflicts, or personality clashes that derail a good day? Practice the following six relationship skills and you could be a happier, healthier, and more productive employee: 1) Investment skills build up or nurture workplace relationships. These include telling others they did a good job, praising your coworkers’ accomplishments, and including them in social events. 2) Receptivity skills include being a good listener, maintaining eye contact, asking for opinions, thanking coworkers for feedback, acknowledging that a coworker helped save you time, energy, embarrassment, etc. 3) Connective skills include telling coworkers you appreciate them, encouraging them, and honoring others’ choices or deferring to what they want or would like to do. 4) Impression skills help you be remembered. They are positive behaviors some others may not readily practice. These can include sending a handwritten thank you note, taking the lead to coordinate a birthday, and sharing a skill or resource to elevate the effectiveness of a coworker. 5) Empathy skills include the ability to recognize others’ emotions and identify unmet needs such as the need for a break, for recognition, for validation, to be heard, and even the need for a helping hand. 6) Repair skills include the willingness to discuss your relationship, clear the air, and “check in” to address misunderstandings and obstacles that prevent good feelings about the relationship. Stress Management Never Smelled So Good Stress is a part of everyday life. Sometimes even having to plan an activity, which should help you de-stress, can actually cause you even more stress. Aromatherapy works by activating the limbic and olfactory systems. There is much to be said for the many scents we encounter throughout our daily lives. Ever notice how simply taking a walk in nature can calm you down? Or perhaps it is not the outdoor smell, but the smell of vanilla, cinnamon, or homemade cookies. Smell has a powerful connection to memory and can be extremely healing. In 2002, Japanese researchers found that the simple inhalation of patchouli and rose oil reduced sympathetic nervous activity by 40%, with rose oil reducing adrenaline concentrations by 30%. Many flowers, in fact, are uniquely well-suited to calm the human body. Lavender oil, for instance, has also been studied for the ability to reduce stress, anxiety, aggression and cortisol levels, among two dozen other therapeutic properties. Here are some plants to consider: Lavender - helps with irritability, insomnia, stress, headaches, shock states, and more Mint - muscle relaxer, helps with indigestion and migraines Rosemary - helps with depression, anxiety, physical tiredness, and helps to refresh the mind Ylang ylang - refreshes the mind, helps combat depression How to use them? Simply putting fresh roses on your desk can bring you great benefits. If you cannot find fresh plants, you can also try essential oils. A few concentrated drops in bath water or dabbing a small amount of the plant's oils on your wrists or temples will do the trick. Essential oil candles or sprays can also promote relaxation, but always make sure the ingredients are pure and direct from the plant, instead of synthetically replicated in a lab. 2 Using Active Listening Skills to Defuse Anger continued Often when a person feels “heard” their anxiety or anger will be defused. Once you understand the issues and the person has calmed down, you can begin to find mutually agreeable solutions. Next steps if active listening does not work: 1. Validate reality, and then identify what behavior is causing the problem: “I can understand why you are so upset, John. I need you to lower your voice.” 2. Explain why the behavior is causing the problem: “Others here are upset when they hear loud voices.” Or… “It upsets me to hear you so loud and angry.” 3. You cannot control other people’s behavior, but you can give them choices. State the positive choice first then the negative consequence, otherwise the person will react and will not hear the positive choice: “When you lower your voice, we’ll talk about what to do.” “If you raise your voice again, we will need to stop for the day.” 4. Give time to choose so that it does not seem like a threat or an ultimatum. Do not be afraid of “white space (silence)”: “I’ll be right back and you can tell me your decision” 5. Enforce consequences – this is the most important step. “You need to leave the building now.” What happens if you do not enforce consequences? They will not believe you or change their behavior. TYPES OF QUESTIONS REASONS EXAMPLES Clarifying 1) To get additional facts 2) To help the speaker explore all sides of the problem. 3) “Can you clarify this...?” 4) “Do you mean this…?” 5) “Is this the problem as you see it?” Paraphrasing 1) To check your meaning and interpretation with the person talking. 2) To encourage the speaker to analyze other aspects of matters being considered and to discuss them with you. 3) “As I understand it, your plan is….” 4) “This is what you have decided to do and the reasons are…….” Neutral 1) To convey that you are listening and interested 2) To encourage the person to continue talking 3) 4) 5) 6) Reflective 1) To show that you understand. 2) To help the person to evaluate feelings as expressed to someone else 3) “You feel that….” 4) “It was shocking.” Summarizing 1) To bring all the discussion into focus in terms of a summary. 2) To serve as a springboard for further discussion on a new aspect of the problem. 3) “These are the key ideas expressed….” 4) “If I understand how you feel about the situation…” “I see.” “Uh huh.” “That is very interesting.” “I understand.” Stress Financial Legal Depression For free and confidential assistance, call your Employee Assistance Program and speak with a Care Coordinator: (713) 781-3364 Se Habla Español (800) 324-4327 (800) 324-2490 www.4eap.com Marital Problems Family Problems Alcohol/Drug Problems Other Referrals Your employer has contracted with Interface EAP to provide you an Employee Assistance Program. 3 The Wellness News July 2016 Summertime Safety Tips Protect Yourself and Your Family Applying Sunscreen Correctly This summer, as you enjoy the sunny weather and fun, seasonal activities, be sure to take proper care of yourself and your family. In this issue, we’ll discuss summer safety tips—we’ll tell you how to protect your eyes from the sun, how to properly apply sunscreen, and how to avoid danger at the pool. You’ll also get great outdoor fitness ideas, a yummy side dish recipe that’s perfect for summertime, and more! As the sunny days of summer continue, remember to keep smoothing on sunscreen to prevent sun damage that can lead to skin cancer. Follow these sunscreen “best practices” to stay safer in the sun: Healthy Summertime Recipe! Reapply your sunscreen every 2 hours. If you’ve been swimming, sweating, or have toweled off, reapply immediately. Grilled Pineapple Your grill can be used to cook more than hamburgers and hot dogs. Be creative—try grilling up some veggies or fruits. You can start with this easy grilled pineapple recipe. Ingredients: 1 ripe pineapple—peeled, cored, and cut into 1/2 inch thick slices 2 tablespoons dark honey 1 teaspoon olive oil 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that is water resistant with an SPF of at least 30 and protects against both UV-A and UV-B rays. Apply sunscreen 20 minutes before you head out—it takes that long to work. And it’s not just for sunny days--apply sunscreen on overcast days, too. Don’t skimp on the sunscreen! Total body coverage is the equivalent of a full shot glass. [Sources: American Academy of Dermatology; Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, May, 2010] Directions: In a small bowl, combine all ingredients except the pineapple. Whisk to blend, then set aside. Preheat an outdoor grill for high heat. Lightly brush cooking spray over the grill rack and position it 4-6” from flame. Lightly brush the pineapple with the marinade. Grill or broil the pineapple, turning once and basting once or twice with the remaining marinade, until tender and golden (about 3-5 minutes per side). Interface EAP PO Box 421879 Houston TX 77242-1879 (800) 324-4327 The Wellness News July 2016 Shielding Your Eyes From the Sun What to wear to stay safe Swim Safely Basic rules for the beach or pool The searing rays of the sun call for solid protection for your eyes. The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can increase your risk of cataracts, macular degeneration and skin cancer on or near the eyelids. Whether you are out in the sun frequently or infrequently, you’ll need to take precautions to keep your eyes safe from UV rays. These tips can help: Swimming in a pool, lake, or ocean is a fun and healthy recreational activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. But before you jump in the water, it’s a good idea to know the basics of safer swimming. Keep these tips in mind: Wear sunglasses that offer near total UV blockage. Sunglasses should block out 99-100 percent of UV-A rays, as well as UV-B rays (the most damaging to the eyes). Select wraparound styles. They’ll sufficiently cover the sides of your eyes. Swim only in designated areas supervised by lifeguards. Don’t swim alone—always bring a buddy. Ask your doctor about UV-blocking contact lenses. Make sure they carry the American Optometric Association Seal of Acceptance for UV -Absorbing Contact Lenses. Don’t leave young children unattended near the water. Have young children or inexperienced swimmers wear life jackets around water. For extra protection, wear a wide-brimmed hat. It can help protect your eyes and face from the sun. Make sure everyone in your family knows how to swim well. Organizations in your community, such as the Red Cross, may offer age-appropriate swimming classes. Consider taking a CPR class, too. Read and follow the pool rules. Remember to only dive in approved areas, and never run around the pool. If a problem should arise, know when and how to call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number. [Source: American Red Cross] For more Health & Wellness information visit: www.4eap.com Interface EAP PO Box 421879 Houston TX 77242-1879 (800) 324-4327 Ethics and Compliance Ethics and compliance officer-Rhonda Crawford VP Operations/COO Privacy and confidentiality Patient expectations: The notice of information practices Under HIPAA, the hope is that educated patients will be able to trust their providers and the organizations in which they work. To build trust, the privacy rule calls on covered entities to learn the rules and then live them. Organizations covered under HIPAA are required to issue a written Notice of Privacy Practices to patients outlining their privacy practices and patients’ rights. The notice must Inform patients of their rights and how to exercise them. Disclose the organization’s privacy practices. Inform patients about the organization’s responsibilities under the law. Inform patients about all of the uses and disclosures of protected health information required or allowed by law. Explain the process for patients to access their medical records and amend their information. Anyone can request the Notice, though first time patients must receive theirs at the time they sign a HIPAA-specific consent form. The rule also requires covered entities to “consider alternative means of communicating with certain populations.” This could mean Braille or notices must be visible in high traffic areas, and posted on organization web sites. The notice must explain how information will be used for fundraising activities, for example. But at the first mailing patients must be given the option to decline receipt of any future fundraising-related mail. Ugly Wiring Contest So here’s the Deal! We know wiring is always a problem. And we are trying to clean this up best we can. Right now we are looking for the ugliest wiring in VVRMC! June's Ugly Wiring Contest Winner Katelyn Bartell Before Winner will be picked by the IT Staff and be given a $25 Gift card for Chick-fi-la! So send in your pictures! Please send entries to [email protected] Due: 7/27/2016 Downtime Dates May 8 - 3a.m. to 6a.m. June 19 - 3a.m. to 6a.m. July 17 - 3a.m. to 6a.m. Augest 13 - 3a.m. to 6a.m. September 11 -3.a.m. to 6a.m. October 9 - 3a.m. to 6a.m. November 6 - 3a.m. to 6a.m. December 4 - 3.a.m. to 6a.m. After Roundings The IT Department is doing rounding’s. We will be stopping by your department. Be on the lookout and be thinking of any issues we can help you with. We want to help resolve issues you may be experiencing and if we can’t fix it on the spot we will look for a solution to help you. Below is the list of departments we will be going to. Week of 7/18 thru 7/22 Monday : Hospice, Accounting, Geropsychiatric Tuesday : Val Verde Health Clinic, Biomed, Marketing Wednesday : Medical Staff, 1200 Clinic, Cancer Center Thursday : EVS, EMS, HR Friday Security, Laboratory, Obstetrics Week of 7/25 thru 7/29 Monday : Respiratory, Med Surg, Pharmacy Tuesday : Surgery, Admitting, Radiology Wednesday : ICU, Pt. Accounting, Physical Therapy Thursday : Anesthesia, Medical Records, Special Procedures Friday : Labor and Delivery, Infection Control, Operator How to Submit a Ticket Any time you have an IT related issue a ticket needs to be submitted. There are a few ways to submit a ticket. 1. Log into VVRMC Helpdesk. This is an icon on all VVRMC computers. You username and password are the same as your computer username and password. 2. Send an email to [email protected] 3. Call ext 3333 The Classifieds SIZZLING SALSA AND BACHATA DANCE LESSONS: 5 - 1 hour lessons for all levels. No partner required. 5 Saturdays starting July 23 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. at the Case de la Cultura Annex, 716 W. Garza. $50 includes music CD and lessons. $50 per person, $90 per couple. Call Elaine 313-1734 SEEKING VIOLIN In search of a good reasonably priced violin . Size 4/4. Send pic to 830-734-0974. TABLE FOR SALE: Looking to sell a three month new oval dining table. It is complete and new. Dining set is complete, espresso color, bar height, and needs a new owner. Asking price is $300.00, if interested you may contact Raquel Rodriguez at 830-282-5575 or via email at [email protected] . FOR RENT: 2 bedroom/ 1 bath single property home for rent. Call 302-420-7849 for any more details FRESH FARM EGGS $3.50/dozen Call/text Marcy to place an order! 830.719.1402 HOME FOR SALE: Immaculate Palm Harbor on over 1 acre. 3 bdrm, 2 bath lots of great features. $185,000. Call Becky Walton 830-734-6387 or Stacy Lewis 830-765-8502 for more information. FOR SALE: 2009 Kawasaki Vulcan Classic 900 with 4,150 mileage. Asking $5,000.00 or OBO. Call 830-734-2673 for information. FOR SALE: Truck bike rack, holds up to 4 bikes for $30.00. call 734 2072. FOR SALE: 32” Sanyo TV and DVD player with surround sound system. Total entertainment for only $100. Please text 575-956-3188 for more information, PARAGON MONTHY EDUCATION SERIES Friday, July 22, 2016 at 130-230 pm WORKING WITH NURSE ENTERED ORDERS TARGET AUDIENCE: ED NURSES Location: I T Classroom The purpose of this educational activity is to enhance knowledge of paragon applications, promote optimization and improve end-user experience. For more information, contact Jureza at 3635 or [email protected] Announcement to Clinical Staff Our institution has made UpToDate® Anywhere available for our Medical and Hospital staff. UpToDate clinical decision support is a trusted resource that is proven to improve outcomes for healthcare organizations. UpToDate Anywhere provides many additional benefits when you register. It’s free and easy to do. Watch a short video on the benefits of registration. Here’s what you get with UpToDate Anywhere: Free UpToDate Mobile App for your iOS®, or Android™ device Easy access to UpToDate remotely (outside of the hospital’s network), Free continuing education credits (CME/CE/CPD) when you research a clinical question using UpToDate onsite or remotely – including on your mobile device Bi-weekly Clinical Newsletter - stay current with important updates from our editorial team Register now — it’s easy: Simply log in to UpToDate from our network. You can do this in two ways: 1. Navigate to www.UpToDate.com and click the log-in link on the top right and then enter your user name and password (do this when connected to the hospital network) or, 2. Access UpToDate via an embedded link within the EHR system This account is linked to your affiliation with Val Verde Regional Medical Center. To keep your account active, simply login through our institution’s network every 90 days to maintain benefits. I urge all of our clinical staff to take advantage of this valuable resource. Questions? Contact: [email protected] UpToDate Customer Service via email at [email protected], or call +1-781-392-2000 All trademarks are property of their respective owners. Please visit www.uptodate.com/home/trademark for details. Val Verde Regional Medical Center, in partnership with QUAD Counties, is now offering FREE InSure FIT colorectal cancer screening tests for eligible patients! C O LO R E CT A L C A N C ER I S TH E S ECO N D M O ST C O M M O N C A N C ER K IL L ER , B U T IF C A U GH T E A R L Y I T C A N B E P R E V E NT ED , TR E A T ED , A ND CU R ED . Who is eligible? If you are over the age of 50 If you DO NOT have a history of colorectal cancer in you or your immediate family If you have NOT had a colonoscopy in the last 10 years If you have NOT had a sigmoidoscopy in the last 5 years If you have NOT had an Fecal Occult Blood Test screening in the last 12 months You could be eligible for a FREE InSure FIT screening kit!!! Just stop by one of the screening locations for more information!!! Amistad Medical Professionals Walk-in clinic Located at 1200 N Bedell Ave. (830) 774 - 2505 QUAD Counties Council Located at 1401 Las Vacas St. (830) 774 - 7411 Val Verde Regional Medical Center FluFIT on the Frontera Office Located at 801 N Bedell Ave. (830) 778 - 3745 (830) 778 - 3735 Kathy Fletcher, RN 37 years of service PURPOSE: Val Verde Regional Medical Center recognizes the value of continuing education and development of its employees. Because Kathy Fletcher worked her way up from an LVN to a member of Senior Staff at VVRMC this scholarship will serve to honor her memory and to remember her by assisting chosen VVRMC employees in the pursuit of higher education. One scholarship award of $3000 and one of $2000 shall be distributed yearly. Both scholarships will be awarded to the recipients at the VVRMC annual Christmas Party. KATHY FLETCHER spent her years at VVRMC doing the best that she knew how to do. Kathy had an inscription on the back of her name plate, that sat on her desk, not many people knew about. The inscription had what Kathy lived by which said, “I am dedicated to my career. I am a professional. I care.” These words were put on her name plate not so others could see them, but as a reminder to Kathy of what she strove to be on a daily basis. Kathy was dedicated to the patients of VVRMC. She didn’t stop at being an LVN, but continued to grow from an LVN, to a registered nurse and then she went on to get her Master’s degree where she moved from nursing into Director of Risk Management. It took dedication to do all that she did. She was always a professional. Even when she was having fun at work, she always had a way of keeping herself in a professional way that would earn the respect of many of her fellow coworkers. Lastly she always cared. She cared for the sick, she cared for those who couldn’t do for themselves, she cared for her friends and she dearly cared for her family. On February 1st, 2016 Kathy said good bye to this world, but before she left us, she left her memory and her example to never stop dreaming of a better future. Your assistance and support will provide resources to our employees to continue their education and will honor the years of Kathy’s service to VVRMC. b u r c S ! ! ! e l a S Mark your calendar!!!! August 25th!!!! Education Conference Room!!!!! More details coming soon!!!!! Payroll deduction!!!! Proceeds benefit the Kathy Fletcher Memorial Scholarship The Bargain Box You never know what you will find inside. 110 W. Greenwood (830) 775-9368 Julie Shivers, Mgr. OPEN for Business: Wednesday 9 to 2 Saturday9 to 2 Open for Donations: Tuesday9 to 12 Friday9 to 12 All proceeds benefit Friends of Hospice Community Health Education Series (CHES) Presentation Calendar July 26 Drunk Driving August 23 Dangers of Social Media September 27 Mental Wellness October 25 Methodist Air Care All presentations take place at VVRMC in the Education Conference Room at the old entrance. They begin at 6 p.m. and last about 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Check out our website at www.vvrmc.org Del Rio Autism & Disabilities Support Group & Puzzled Parents Autism Support Group PRESENTS: A strong network in the Disabilities community! Do you feel alone or isolated? Avoid going out or do not get many chances to socialize because of disability issues? Would you like to be part of a group where people "get it"/understand, you & your loved one can be yourselves, relax, & enjoy time with others? Want to learn more? Join this mutual group of people where everyone contributes! *Rules: What is said here, stays in this group & We respect everyone's choices & parenting styles! *FUN! No politics, red tape, government rules, funding complications or barriers! *Although we may share challenges & hardships, we will try to find positive and/or solutions! *Everyone can help! contribute. *Potluck style picnics, bbq's. *Playgroups, caregiver night out? *Birthday club (kids can attend each other's birthdays)! *Informal or formal groups. * trainings, conferences, events, etc. *Help create calendar of events *Network w others/projects "Meetings 10 AM Every FIRST Saturday @ Pop Ward Park (Pavilion) on East Garza St.! Facebook pages= "Del Rio Autism & Disabilities Support Group" and "Puzzled Parents". Email: [email protected] Andale Del Rio VVRMC REPRESENT! Mark you calendars! Order your give aways! Prepare amazing presentation materials! Let’s rock Andale this year! Coming Saturday, October 1 o k n i h T d si t u e h t e . x bo C e for liza onta mo beth ct El kn re . ow inf rock izab yo orm ey@ eth be ur d ati v vr @ rep ep on m res artm or t c.or g o en tin ent w let g. ill us VVRMC Back to School Supply Drive The following items were in high demand as per last year’s school supply lists. We welcome and appreciate any donations. Final day to make donation is Wednesday August 3, 2016. Donations may be left with Ms. Partida (Med Surg) or any drop box available near your department. You can help organize supplies on August 4 at 4 p.m. in the Ed. Conf. Room. Composition Books Erasers Markers Notebook Paper Pens (Black, Red) Spiral Crayons Map Pencils Rulers Glue Scissors Pencil Boxes Highlighters Folders (2 pocket 3 ring) ** No pencils please, they will be provided by VVRMC marketing department Make-A-Wish VVRMC is partnering with the Make-A-Wish Foundation to provide services for local children who are ill and in need of some magic and support in their lives. Please consider volunteering. You can go to www.cstx.wish.org to fill out the application form, or contact Angie or Elizabeth in Marketing THE CDC IS HAVING WEEKLY PRESENTATIONS ON ZIKA FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS. PLEASE, KEEP INFORMED For more information, please see our website: https://emergency.cdc.gov/cerc/zika-teleconferences.asp Stroke Support Group We know that learning from others can help. Our Stroke Support Group gives you the opportunity to meet and share experiences with family members, caregivers and others. WHERE: At Val Verde Regional Medical Center Educational Room On Every Other Wednesdays (start on July 6, 2016) At 6:00 – 7:00 P.M. The support group has been established to provide education, advice and self-help skills. This FREE group features: A structured approach for caregivers and families to support one another. Education to help better understand stroke prevention, rehabilitation, recovery, and overall wellness. Opportunity to voice concerns and to ask questions to therapists. MEETING ARE OPEN TO THE COMMUNITY If you are interested please call: (830)703-1729 Institute for Therapeutic Medicine 801 Bedell Avenue Del Rio, Texas 78840 Phone (830) 703-1729 www.vvrmc.com
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