• January is Oatmeal Month, National Blood Donor Month, and National Staying Healthy Month!• Popeye made his first appearance in 1929 in the Thimble Theatre comic strip.• The most rain fall ever recorded in 24 hours is 71.9 inches in Foc-Foc, La Réunion, during tropical cyclone Denise on January 8, 1966.• Elvis Presley was born in Tupelo, MS on January 8, 1935.• National Popcorn Day is January 19.• The highest temperature ever recorded in Antarctica is 14.6 °C (59 °F), recorded on January 5, 1974.

Keeping you informed on “the pulse” of Cartersville Medical Center... JAN-FEB 2012

Golden BucketAward Winners

The Golden Bucket is a self survey system designed to recognize the nursing unit that — in cooperation with EVS — keeps its area the cleanest and most organized. Congratulations to our most recent “Golden Bucket” Award Winners!

2North

The Pulse is published by and for employees of Cartersville Medical Center.  Please submit relevant news items to Jimmy Hall, Director of Education, ext. 2143 by the 5th of each month for publishing consideration.

Tell Us About It...

WelcomeNew Employees!

Left to Right: Penny Gilmer, RN (Surgery); Terrance Hight (PASA); Carol Wolfe, Speech Pathologist (Rehab and Therapy Services); Mavis Mensah, RN (ICU); Toky Nathaniel, RN (PCU); Donna Hardman, RN (Emergency Department); Sasha Umbarger, Unit Secretary (Med-Surg); Cindy Bell, RN (Med-Surg)

DECEMBER 12 ORIENTATION

Cristy Maxwell, RN Cristy Maxwell, RN recently joined the CMC team as the PICC (Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter) nurse in our Vascular Access Department. She brings 25 years of nursing experience in various Med/Surg nursing roles and most recently as the PICC nurse at Polk Medical Center. Cristy will be responsible for insertion of PICC lines, assisting staff with care and maintenance of central lines, performing difficult IV access, and providing staff and patient education related to PICC lines. Her hours are: 8:30 am to 5:00 pm Monday – Friday. She can be reached at ext. 6886 or 678-535-6886.

The Patient’s Always “Write…”Ever wonder if you make a difference in a patient’s life? Check out these comments that we have recently received!“Our expectations were exceeded in every way. We couldn’t be more pleased with the staff and experience. Thanks so much!”

“I was recently a patient here in the ER and had an overnight stay on the 3rd floor…From the time I went to the ER until discharged home, I was given the royal treatment…A HUGE thank you to all who were involved in my care…”

“Everyone was so attentive to my needs. I had a wonderful experience here and would not hesitate to come here for any other type of care. VERY PLEASED!!! Great job, CMC!!!!”

“The housekeeping staff was great too! Tracy and Kathy are two of them that we had, and I know we had more. Each one was excellent!”

Congratulations, 2North! Your outstanding performance has resulted in your area having the highest Golden Bucket score. Keep up the good work!

Kenneth Wood, Security Dept.December 2011

Congratulations

S/T = Situation/Task the employee facedNurses needed assistance transferring a patientA = Action(s) the employee tookKenneth realized the need for assistance and provided supportR = Results that occurred from the employee’s actions Patient’s safety and dignity was maintained

S TA R SEmployee of the Month

Heather Clement, has recently passed her Certification in Emergency Nursing (CEN)! Her hard work and dedication to her nursing specialty and profession is evident in her daily interactions with and passion for her patients, employees and CMC.

Congratulations, Heather!

Well Done!

Heather ClementNurse Manager of

Emergency Services

UPCOMING EVENTSCollege Fair–February 17

Heart Healthy Day –February 18BLS Initial Training – January 11

BLS Recertification – January 5 and 26ACLS Initial Training – February 15

ACLS Recertification – January 19 and February 3PALS – January 25ASLS – January 20

Coming Soon: Preceptor Program

Fun FactsFun Facts Inspirational Quotes“Without hard work, nothing grows but weeds.” -Gordon B. Hinckley “Be a good listener. Your ears will never get you in trouble.” Frank Tyger“We must become the change we want to see.” -Mahatma Gandhi “And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.” -Nelson Mandela“You may only be someone in the world, but to someone else, you may be the world.” -Unknown

Inspirational Quotes

The HCA Quality Review System Survey has been delayed but can expected very soon. The Joint Commission Survey is also expected within the next few months! Check your email/MOX to find daily questions and facts related to patient safety and survey readiness. You should have also received a “Survey Readiness Packet” from your manager. This packet covers many topics, ranging from what to do for a chemical spill to how to evacuate patients in the event of a fire. You can also find a one-page “Quick Facts” page on the Intranet under the Education page. This page focuses on some commonly asked surveyor questions.

A re YOU Su r vey-Ready?A re YOU Su r vey-Ready?

Don’t Delay… Prepare Today!Don’t Delay… Prepare Today!

SURVEY READI NESS QU IZApproximately 450 members completed the “Survey Readiness Quiz.” That is AMAZING!!!

Congratulations to those who won prizes for completing the quiz! They are:

Nila Thomas – Cancer RegistryMichael Awe – 2 Central

Jesse Bagley – Emergency ServicesJan Tidwell – Director of Diabetes/Nutrition Services

Maureen Overholt – SurgeryChristine Deams – Pharmacy

Amy Bowman – Labor/DeliveryBrandi New – Imagine Procedures

Fay Aikens – Materials ManagementRobbie Hensley – Dietary

Karen Martin- RespiratoryAlso, congratulations to the Revenue Integrity department for being the first department to

complete the quiz!

If you did not win, don’t worry! The prizes are still rolling out to those who shine! How Can You Win? During the next few weeks, you might be asked a question regarding survey preparation. If you answer the question correctly, you will win a prize! Many great prizes remain, including gift

cards to Chili’s, Wal-Mart, iTunes, and Starbucks!!!

The patient education channel is now here!Winter is here!

SAFETY

CORNER

Who could forget the snow and ice that we experienced last year? Many people look forward to seeing some wintry weather so they can build a snowman or make snow angels. However, it can often be a dangerous activity if you are not dressed appropriately. When your body is exposed to cold temperatures, it begins to lose heat very quickly, often faster than it can be produced. It is important to be familiar with the signs of hypothermia and actions to take if signs are noticed.

Signs of Hypothermia:• Drowsiness• Confusion• Memoryloss• Slurredspeech• Shivering• Exhaustion• Brightred,coldskin(infants)• Verylowenergy(infants)

What Should You Do?• Takeperson’stemperature–ifbelow95degrees Fahrenheit, it is an emergency!• Takevictimtoawarmroom.• Removeanywetclothing.• Warmthecenterofthebodyfirst–Youmayuse an electric blanket or skin-to-skin contact under loose, dry layers of blankets, towels, or sheets.•Offerwarmbeverages,butdonotgivethevictim alcoholic beverages.•Oncethebodytemperaturehasrisen,keepthe person warm by wrapping them in a blanket.

What is it? The proper name for the channel is “Patient Channel from The Wellness Network.”

Where is it?It can be found on all patient televisions on channel 20.

Why use it?It is a great way to educate patients and families. The channel provides 24/7 access to health and lifestyle education. Some of the programs airing are – “Living with Heart Disease,” “Controlling High Blood Pressure,” “Heart Failure: Beating the Odds,” and many more!

What time do shows come on the channel?Channel guides are being placed in all patient rooms. These guides show all programs airing each day of the week. A copy of the guide can also be found on the “Education” page on the Intranet.

ACWORTH IMAGING MAMMOGRAPHY Receives Their 3-Year Certificate Granted by the A.C.R (American College of Radiology).Kristi Poling R.T. (R) (M), and Melanie Duvall R.T. (R)

(M), have submitted and passed the programs requirements for the 3 year certification for mammography.

The process is lengthy and detailed, and takes approximately 6 months. Credentialing and continuing education documents have to be sent in for the technologist performing mammography, as well as the radiologist who read the studies. Next, all quality forms, phantom images, and film reports and forms are sent. Finally, several case film studies are sent. They passed on the first try! The ACR works in conjunction with the FDA. Mammography Centers are required to have 3-year accreditation from the ACR, as well as yearly inspections by the FDA.

Melanie Duvall says, “All of the mammography technologists in our department are great! It takes each person’s contributions to make it all work. Every technologist has accreditation tasks they perform, besides taking care of our customers.”

Way to go!!!!

Have you ever been in a store and needed assistance? You search all over the store to find someone who can help you. You finally find a worker, and they are rude and unwilling to help. Maybe, they told you they could not help you with your problem because it was outside of their department. Do you remember how this made you feel? I’m sure you probably left that store with a negative opinion. Did you know that patients get those same opinions about hospitals?

When patients are admitted into the hospital, it is most likely not by choice. Patients are often scared of the unfamiliar environment. This causes them to be apprehensive, upset, and can often lead to depression. When the patient needs assistance with a problem, such as going to the restroom, they expect and deserve immediate assistance in resolving their concern. In contrast to the store worker mentioned above, we should always strive to provide the best care experience available to our patients.

Some of the most common complaints from all over the country include: • Noise Level • Lack of Concern Shown by Staff • Pain Control • Response Time to Call Light/Empty Promises • Lack of Communication with Medical Staff (Medication Education, Disease Processes, etc.)

Many of these areas can easily be prevented. What can you do? SMILE!! A friendly face is always welcome. It shows you are not hard and cold but gives off a warm and open attitude. Also, be sure to respond to patient requests in a timely manner. Never make any promises that you cannot keep. A patient’s perception of time might be altered while they are in the hospital. Five actual minutes may seem like an hour to some patients or family members. And, finally, always use the golden rule in your daily actions! We do not want patients, family members, friends, or anyone else leaving our hospital with a negative opinion about our facility!

We asked Miriam Eide, CNO, about her favorite childhood Christmas gift, and this is what she had to say:

“My favorite was a Candy Land board game (do they still make this?). It wasn’t so much the actual gift as it was the memories of our first Christmas in the Unit-ed States. I was 6 years old when my family came from the Philippines. I remember hearing about this man named “Santa Claus” who came through the chimney to deliver gifts to children. Our house

didn’t even have a chimney, but I could’ve sworn I heard Santa’s sleigh land on the roof on Christmas Eve! I waited for Christmas morning with anticipa-tion, and sure enough, there were our presents! I thought, “ONLY in America can THIS happen!” It was magical! Looking back, I know it was a sacri-fice for my parents to provide presents for all five of

their kids especially in our early years of being here, but they wanted to provide for us in the U.S. what they couldn’t do in the Philippines. Af-ter all, isn’t that what Christmas is all about: sacrificing for others out of love?”

We also asked a few others what their favorite childhood Christmas gift was and got these responses:

Diane Morse (Medical Staff Officer)– Easy Bake OvenKeith Sandlin (CEO) – There were two: 2-speed Schwinn Bicycle and a 16-gauge

shotgunTommy Savage, RN (2 North) – a bride doll

Heather Tutherow (Adm. Assistant) – Nintendo (Super Mario Bros.)!!Phoebe Stieber (VP, Quality)– a Piano

Benny McDonald (CFO) – 3-speed bicycle with a small front wheelColleen Haynes, RN (PCU) – a Barbie Townhouse

Becca Battle (Associate Administrator) – Four-WheelerRonald Williams (EVS) – Green army men

Lori Rakes (COO) – Barbie camping set – complete with all kinds of accesso-ries (like pots and pans/coffee pot/campfire, lantern, etc.)

Nikki Bentley (Director of Perinatal Services) – Easy Bake OvenClair Williams (Risk Manager) – Madame Alexander Nurse Doll

Terry Worsham (EVS Supervisor) – My first dog

HOMELESS SHELTER MEALSThank you to everyone who volunteered time, money, and food for the Homeless Shelter in 2011!! It doesn’t end there…We will continue to provide meals in 2012! If you are interested in assisting with this, contact Phoebe Stieber at extension 5581.

Vitals NowDecember was a busy month at CMC! A new piece of equipment, the Vitals Now Neuron Capsule, was added to many of the units. Previously, vital signs were obtained with the Dinamap machine and had to be written down and charted individually in each patient chart. The Neuron Capsul has been attached to the Dinamap and can automatically send vital signs directly into Meditech once the vital signs have been obtained. This saves time for everyone involved by eliminating the need to log into each patient’s chart to document the vital signs.

What are people saying?“Using the new machine decreased the amount of time it took to take vitals by 25 minutes.” – PCT from 2 Central

“It saves a lot of time since I don’t have to log into Meditech each time I want to document vitals.” – RN from 2 Central

“It’s convenient because I don’t have to compete with the nurse over who gets the computer in the room. The nurse can now scan and give medicines, and I can get and chart my vitals at the same time. There’s no waiting anymore” – PCT from PCU

From Miriam Eide and Rebecca Battle

The Customer Comes First!

What Was

Your Favorite

Childhood

Christmas Gift

?

2011 Service AwardsDecember 7, 2011

December Education FairDecember 8-9, 2011

Christmas Party for the Boys and Girls ClubDecember 16, 2011

Thank you to everyone who donated their time, money, or gifts!If you would like to volunteer with the Boys and Girls Club, contact Mark Ceravalo in

Case Management.