Microsoft word - mmu march 19 2012.doc

MONDAY MORNING UPDATE
A Confidential VNA-TIP Communication
March 19, 2012

President’s Message: Many times I have heard people complain about the winter
doldrums. This winter was obviously not the hardest or coldest we've faced in recent
memory. But that doesn't mean that more than a few people aren't hoping to escape a
case of the winter doldrums.
In my own experience, this winter has seen significant challenges and new
responsibilities for me and many others. I have been so gratified to see so many of you
pulling together and adjusting to a new leadership style, and I'm so proud of our company
and where we are headed.
Spring is upon us, earlier than we expected. The flowers are blooming out and if you
have allergies, you understand how so unexpected the early spring is. It has taken so
many by surprise. But expectations are like that . Sometimes we are victims of them
and we are disappointed when things don't go as we expected. For many, new challenges
can be like that. It was written recently: “It’s not as if workers expected their jobs to be
parties and good times, but many underestimated the actual day-to-day drudgery.”
In this season of surprises, I want to encourage each of you not to be victims of your
expectations. Instead, find your encouragement in the fact that so many of you work so
hard and have made this agency such a great one. I know some of you struggle because
people don't meet your expectations. Let me encourage you that this agency is getting
stronger and better, and our employees are growing and becoming better and better. That
means those who don't want to work hard or who don't recognize how important a service
we provide to our patients should expect that our great employees will encourage them to
be better. The best employees encourage others to attain the same great expectations.
Hopefully you know how much we value your hard work and positive attitudes.
Hopefully you escaped the winter doldrums. But if you need encouragement, just know
we do countless amazing things for our patients everyday, and we will continue to get
better. Remember that our own expectations should be that we meet those of our patients
as much as we can, knowing that even though we will sometimes miss the mark, we are
humble enough to recognize this and have courage enough to strive to be better.
Happenings: The Bridgeton Hospice Tip Tones preformed Irish music at 3 facilities we
serve. Carlinville Branch Manager Stephanie Dunphy and Marketing’s Connie Levora
had a luncheon education with core staff of Auburn Nursing and Rehab. Centralia held
in-services at St. Mary’s Hospital and Twin Willows Nursing Center. Mt. Carmel
Hospice had a balloon release with Way-Fair nursing home celebrating the residents that
have passed. Metro has a blood pressure screening scheduled for April 13th at the Happy
Hearts Center for Seniors. The Therapy Department is considering hosting a
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collection/raffle to raise funds to provide much needed bath safety items for indigent
patients that cannot afford them. Stay tuned to future issues of the MMU for additional
information on how you can help.
Kudos: Thanks to Marketing’s Connie Levora, and Carlinville RNs Diane Roemer and
Patty Ramel who received excellent comments on a Nursing Home Satisfaction Survey
from Pleasant Hill. Anna’s Richard Pearce and Scott Kelley did an excellent job
counseling a grieving family, particularly the patient’s 9yr old granddaughter. Murphy
Hospice’s Dr. Graham has been working diligently on getting us a contract with
Heartland Hospital. Thank you for being a wonderful director and advocate. The
daughter of a Murphy Hospice patient praised the friendly and courteous care her mother
receives. Murphy HomeCare clerk, Stacy Hartung attended a funeral for a former
HomeCare and Hospice patient and wrote to pass on the “heartwarming” praise she heard
about Murphy Hospice RN India Walker. The patient’s husband said that "if India took
care of her patients like she took care of his wife, then she is a very busy person".
Thanks to India for your continued excellence in care and to Stacy for taking the time to
pass on the message. P’ville Hospice received a referral from someone who stated that
“the only nurse I want is Chris Kondoudis she is the best!” Rosemary Walker,
PrivateCare Manager reports that for 2 weeks in a row the PrivateCare staff has had
100% attendance! Way to go! PremierCare Staffing Coordinator Erin Zimmerman’s
marketing efforts have been paying off. She received two new referrals, one of which is
from a recently visited attorney. PrivateDuty Marketer Bradi Havens continues to
tirelessly call on referral sources and keeps growing the Southern Illinois PrivateDuty
market share. A Murphy patient sent a letter of thanks for Karla Reeves RN, which
stated what wonderful, compassionate care she received from VNA Tip Home Health.
Sonya Robinson, PTA sends special thanks to all the VNA-TIP employees from various
branches for their donations to Mt. Carmel’s upcoming Relay for Life yard sale. Sonya
says “We appreciate it. Keep it coming!” Cairo received a card of thanks from a patient
who wanted to thank Tammy Williams, RN, Doug Atkins, PTA, and Laura Treece, PT
"for their professional care and pleasant attitude. It was a pleasure having them visit.
Good job!" Kudos to Carlinville’s Nan White LPN, for providing a spur of the moment
nursing visit to a patient to assess increased drainage to surgical incisions and followed
up with call to the surgeon thus avoiding an ER visit. The family of a long-time Carlyle
patient expressed their gratitude for Tiffany Loepker RN who has taken such wonderful
care of this patient. The family also thanked Jim Osaben, PT, Kim Barnes, PTA and
Mindy Birkner, OT for their caring attitude. Centralia’s Elizabeth Miller, RN laid carpet
for one of her patients on her day off. Now that patient is able to ambulate without fear
of getting a splinter in his feet. Kudos to Washington’s Erin Beuke, RN for picking up the
caseload of an ill nurse so that all of the patients were seen timely. We received a long
note from Centralia QA and management praising the staff of Centralia HomeCare. This
group exemplifies teamwork, enjoys working together and is much appreciated by all.
Welcome To: Phyllis Johnston, RN for Farmington Hospice, formerly of South Brook;
Rhonda Carter, HHA for Anna Hospice, formerly of Independent Living Services; Melisa
Chaney, RN for Washington HomeCare, formerly of Mercy Hospital; Stephaine Preston,
RN Oversight for Private Duty, formerly University of Kentucky.
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Source: http://vnatipemployees.com/MMUMar192012.pdf