December 4 2008 new.cdr - Sheridan Memorial Hospital

National Recognition!!
Courtney Gifford, daughter of Rod Gifford (Guest
Services) and the reining Miss Wyoming traveled to
Anaheim, CA last month to attend the 20th Annual
Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactive
Disorder (CHADD) Conference. There was a great
article about her in the Conference
Newsletter. here is an excerpt:
“Gifford is amazing herself. She was
first diagnosed with AD/HD after
experiencing behavioral problems that
led to repeated trips to her school’s
detention center.
‘I had low self-esteem, and I was
picked on a lot, so I dealt with a lot of
social problems.’ In high school Gifford
made a decision to simply stop worrying about what
other people think.
Her boss’s wife was active in the Miss Teen
Wyoming Pageant, and Gifford was encouraged to get
involved. She discovered how much she loved
competing for the crown. She would go on to compete
for her state’s top prize: Miss Wyoming.
‘That’s when I discovered that I could use my
AD/HD to my advantage and to the advantage of
others with the disorder,’ she explains.
So Gifford balances her time between going to
college and serving as a one-woman PR campaign in
her own state.”
Thank
Yous!!
To my friends and great supporters.
Many thanks for the comfort and
support given to me by all of you in
my time of sorrow over the loss of my
brother, Dusty.
I was the Barista Susan (Susie) who poured your latte,
frappe, smoothies at the Courtyard Barista.
... smiles, laughter, yawns, I need something I’ll be back,
you know what I want, I had it the other day...
Wow - what a job making people happy. I have met
many hospital employees, doctors, patients, families
who have put a smile on my face and a few sad times
when the families needed to talk to someone. It made
my day to see you wave or smile.
Sheridan Memorial Hospital is very privileged to have
such a great workforce. I saw customer service every
day!
I wish all of you the happiness this life has to offer as
you help others. Thank you for making my Barista job
more than just a job!
Your Barista – Susan Small
Our Condolences to the families and friends of:
Birdeen Legerski – long time volunteer at the hospital
passed away on November 24. Birdeen helped with the
Health Fair Blood Draws.
Angela Laslie – one of our volunteers at the Welch
Cancer Center passed away on November 21. She
provided information at the American Cancer Society’s
Resource Center.
Irma Salstrom – a long-time hospital employee passed
away on November 19. Even after leaving the hospital,
she provided great cinnamon rolls to the staff!
Olive Morris – another long-time hospital employee
passed away in October. She was also the mother of
Diane Mitchell (Lab).
Yoga
($5/class for SMH staff)
Thursdays through 12/18, 5:30-7pm
Wyoming Rehab Loft
Sponsored by SMH Wellness
Strategic Planning Team
Contact:
Teddy ~ Wellness ~ Ext. 1159
Trees of Love
Purchase lights for loved ones -
forms available at the Front Desk
or go to our website –
www.sheridanhospital.org
Tree lighting - Sunday, December 7 at 4:30 pm
T.E.A.M.
WORKS
Sheridan Memorial Hospital Employee Newsletter
Together Everyone Achieves
M
December 4, 2008
Sheridan Memorial Hospital
Holiday Party
Friday, December 12
6 p.m. Cash Bar
at the Holiday Inn
7 p.m. Buffet Dinner
8 p.m. Dance
RSVP to ext. 1196 by December 8th!
or drop your form off at Community
Relations on 2nd Floor
Wear Jeans this
Friday - December 5
Give $5 to your manager in exchange for a
jeans sticker. All funds go toward
Sheridan Media’s Christmas Wish
campaign to help local people who are
in need of help this holiday season.
You can also wear RED to support
our troops!!
Look inside
for
Complete
Listing of
Holiday events!
Foundation Employee Partner Celebration
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Join us for a Delicious Breakfast in the SMH Cafeteria from 6:30 am ~ 8:30 am
(We’re having special breakfast goodies and a Fun Coffee Bar!)
All Partners and SMH Employees who would like to sign up for 2009 are invited!
Current Partners Sign (those signed up a co-worker up before 11/14/08) on the will 16 have
th
, and opportunity you both get a free coffee card!
to VOTE for the 2008 Partner Project,
as well as be eligible for over $800 in cash and prizes
Prizes for ~ Coffee NEWCards 2009~ Partners Wyoming too! Rehab Come Massages and join ~ Gift the fun! Baskets ~ Cash ~
Every Partner Builds our Foundation! Thank You!
ore
The Materiels Management team is all
pitching in to send back months of used
Blu-Flex re-sterilizable DVT sleeves.
That is a TEAM effort!!!!!
Questions? Call 673-2417
The Foundation
Sheridan Memorial Hospital
Help People. Help the Hospital. Help People

People
Human Resources
Welcome to the SMH Team!!
Julie A. Ellis: Med/Surg RN – Julie was born in Hardin,
MT. Her former employment was at Holy Rosary
Healthcare and the Billings Clinic.
Patricia Forister: Patient and Volunteer Services
Assistant - Patty was born in Virginia, MN. She is
married to Rob (Facilities Services Manager) and has
three children: Rachel - 14, Anna - 19, and Darby - 22.
Patricia's former employment was at Century 21 BHJ
Realty as a Web/Data Manager. Some of her passions
include camping, sailing, reading and watching movies.
Andreas Irion: Nutritional Services, Executive Chef –
Andreas was born in Long Island, NY and earned an
Associates Degree from the Culinary Institute of
America. He is married to Jennifer and has seven
children: Jordan-15, Caitlin-13, Moniqua-12, Leah-12,
Myranda-11, Casen-8, Aubree-19 months. He formerly
worked at the Flying H Ranch as a Personal Chef. Andy
enjoys cooking, cycling, hiking, spending time with
family and church activities.
December 4, 2008
Kimberly Lynch: Med/Surg CNA – Kimberly was born
in Casper, WY and earned her CNA license in Rawlins.
She formerly worked at the Carbon County Memorial
Hospital and enjoys reading in her spare time.
Aaron Odom: Quality Services Administrative
Assistant – Aaron was born in Casper, WY and earned a
B.A. at Pepperdine University in Theater with an emphasis
in Acting, and an A.A. at Casper College in Theater
Performance. Wife, Jessie, works as a barista at Starbucks
and the have one 8 month old son, Michael. Aaron's former
employment was directing SHS Fall Drama (Noises Off).
In his spare time, Aaron enjoys reading plays,
improvisation, all things theatrical, baseball, the Lakers,
and making his son laugh.
Brittinay Sneed: Guest Services Coordinator –
Brittinay was born in Texas and has attended Holliday
High School, Midwestern State University, and the
American School of Business where she earned a Masters
Degree in Business Management. Husband, Kevin, is a
foreman for WY Underground Inc. They have one child,
Steven, who is 3 years old. Her former employment was at
AT&T Wireless. Brittinay enjoys football, basketball,
singing, dancing, karaoke, and playing with her son.
The Learning Post
Blood Products Annual Competency
was brought to light after the Joint Commission
Laboratory survey a few short weeks ago. The video is
Submission by: Nancy Hooge-Clinical Nurse Educator
Family Activation
of the Rapid Response Team:
Phase II of our Rapid Response Team is making
available the activation of this team to our patients
and their family. There will be a sticker on the
patient's bedside phone handle giving them the
number of 1111 to be called in the event of an
emergency. This call will be routed through the ED
who will dispatch the House Supervisor to the room
stat. The HS will then determine if a full Rapid
Response Team will be deployed. Please look for
brochures outlining this program in the admission
packets as well as we will have it framed and
posted in each patient room. Implementation date
is December 8, 2008. Please include this new
service orientation for patients and their families in
any admission from Dec 8, 2008 onward. Data
Collection: RRT summary forms will have a location
to indicate if this was a family activated RRT. Data
of usage of this line will then be communicated to
us in our next quarter summary.
OVERHEAD Paging- If staff need to overhead
page an emergency code please remember the
number to use on our new phones is 4499. Speak
clearly and slowly so the overhead page is heard
all over the house. Page the need 3 times. eg,
Benefits
Code Armstrong Med/Surg South, Code Armstrong
Human Resources presents the annual
Fair
Med/Surg South, Code Armstrong Med/Surg South.
Primary Care Physician Notification of a Code
Blue or Rapid Response. Please note it is the
responsibility of the unit calling the Code Blue or
Wednesday, December 10th
the Rapid Response Team to notify the patient's
primary care physician ASAP. The primary care
physician will be responsible to follow the patient's
care post code blue or rapid response.
7 am to 5 pm - Conference Room C
Please plan to attend this year’s fair. It is an opportunity to make sure you are taking full
advantage of the benefits offered to you!! We will have experts on hand to help you make
decisions on how you want to structure your benefits.
All employees MUST
sign a form verifying benefits
even if you have no changes!
Wound VAC Workshops: Dates/Times are Dec 1, 2,
3/2008. Please see posters on the unit for times of this
90 minute in-service. This is MANDATORY education
for any Registered Nurse hired in 2007 and 2008.
Register for a time by calling X1022. Space is limited to
10/session.
.
All RNs-please complete Health Net video “Blood
Products” (number 30306) BEFORE December 31,
2008. This annual requirement is new for SMH and
1 hour and the post test can be accessed once you've
view it. Forgot your Health Net numbers? Sue Bohm
has all of Women's Health's and I can be reached via
email to give you your password and ID
(nancyhooge@sheridanhospital.org). Our site number
remains 493.
Point of Care Testing: All nursing staff November/
December is recertification time for point of care
testing. Please log onto Health Net, go to Site
Produced Programs and take the appropriate category
of test (eg. WH-RN, ED/ICU-CNAs etc). Also all users
of the pcx glucose meter please do a set of control
tests (high/low) to re-certify in the meter itself. Deadline
is December 31, 2008.
Your License to Practice: Don't forget a copy of your
new State Board of Nursing license needs to go directly
to the Human Resources Department as soon as you
receive it. Deadline is December 31, 2008 and you
cannot work without a current license.
Upcoming Education:
Dec 4 2008 CNAs Skill Lab/Annual Ed
9A-3:30P CR A
Dec 8 & 9 New Employee Orientation
8A-complete CR B
Dec 16 ACLS Recert 8A-complete VAMC
Dec 16 Clinical Orientation 8A4: - 15P
CR B
Dec 17 Order Entry Training 9A -11: 45A
IS Dept
Dec 18 2008 RN Skill Lab/Annual Ed
9A3: - 30P
CR A
Dec 25*******M-E-R-R-Y C-H-R-I-S-T-M-A-S!!!!!!! *** * **
Jan 8/09 CPR Recert 12:
30-2:30P CR A
Jan 12&13/09 New Employee Orientation
8A-complete CR B
Jan 15/09 Customer Service Training
9-11:
30A
CR B
Jan 15/09 NRP
7:
30A-complete Nursery
Jan 20/09 Clinical Orientation 8A4: - 15P
CR B
Jan 21/09 Order Entry Training 9-11:
45A
IS Dept
Until next time, Nancy
Kozy Korner Gift Shop Discount Coupon is in this week’s pay envelope
Coupon valid from December 15 -24, 2008

THANK YOU!!
A huge thank you to Dr. Strahan and Dr. Hunter who
graciously gave our staff Thanksgiving dinner as a gift for
taking care of our patients on the holiday.
Thanks to the Nutritional Services staff for making it all
happen! And there were some new faces in the kitchen
Sandy,
You and the Nutritional Services staff
always take such good care of the rest
of us. I just want you and your staff to
know that we see how hard you all work
and how much you and your staff care
about the services you provide. I know
your goal is to be a five-star service, but
you and your staff are already top-notch
to us. Thanks for all you do.
Celebration of Life
Sunday, December 14
3:00 p.m.
Patient Wing Lobby
Please join us as we remember those who have died
and celebrate their lives.
We will gather to share music, candles, affirmations, and
the gift of each other’s presence.
HOSPICE OF THE
BIG HORNS
Awareness/Relaxation Session
Tension Relieving / Stretching Exercises
THIS Friday:
rd
12/5 Old Taylor School 3 floor -12Noon-12:50 pm
1030 North Main Street
Sponsored by the Wellness Strategic Planning Team
Contact: Teddy X1159
Check out the Staff page on the hospital’s website
www.sheridanhospital.org
for Cafeteria menus, events, educational calendar,
previous issues of Teamworks, and more!!!
Blood Drive
United Blood Services
will be in the
conference rooms on
(10 am-6 pm)
(10 am-6 pm)
Wed., Dec. 10
Thurs., Dec. 11
Appointments are recommended, but walk-ins are
welcome. If you wish to donate blood, call:
1-800-365-4450 or sign up online @
www.bloodhero.com – sponsor code: sheridan.
to make an appointment.
The blood drive is a community service
coordinated by the Auxiliary and SMH – another
project brought to us by our volunteers!
Watch for SMH Employee Blood Drives in 2009!!
T.E.A.M.WORKS notes
We welcome your submissions to Teamworks. Simply email
your news item to: cecilepattison@sheridanhospital.org – or
write or type it and put it in the Teamworks box on 3rd floor
– or bring it directly to Cecile Pattison in Room 223. Be sure
to include your name and phone extension so we can contact
you if there are questions about your submission.
Human Resources
EBMS Benefit Enrollment Form:
Who Should Complete:
“ Cash In-lieu of Benefits”
Payment Form:
Health Savings Account Payroll Authorization Form:
Health Savings Account Application:
2009 Benefit Changes -- TWO Health Insurance Options!!
Benefit Fair – Wednesday, December 10, 2008 – 7a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
1) An employee who is eligible for health insurance effective January 1, 2009.
2) An employee who will either be adding dependents or removing dependents.
3) An employee who will waive participation in 2009.
4) An employee who elects the new Premier Plan with the lower deductible and no HSA option or
contribution instead of the current Standard Plan with a higher deductible and an HSA.
5) Any employee who does not wish to make any changes to their insurance or pension.
Who Should Complete:
1) An employee who is eligible to participate in SMH'
s health insurance coverage, effective January 1, 2009,
but will waive their participation. The employee does have to be covered under an alternate plan.
2) An employee who will be covered or maintain coverage through Medicare Part A or Medicare Part B
(Employees who are covered under a Medicare plan are not eligible to participate in an HSA.)
Who Should Complete:
1) An employee who made contributions to their Health Savings Account in 2008 and wish to make a change.
2) An employee who would like to begin contributions to a Health Savings Account in 2009.
Who Should Complete:
1) An employee who initially enrolls in EBMS Health Insurance coverage who chooses the Standard Plan
option must complete an application for an HSA through one of the following banks or company, if they
choose the higher deductible health plan.
a. First Interstate Bank
b. First Federal Savings Bank
c. Bank of Sheridan
d. Wells Fargo (a fee is charged)
e. EBMS (a fee is charged)
2) All employees must submit ample identification, with a completed application, as outlined in the Portability

Holiday Happenings!!
Dec.4&5–
Remember your Family Portrait appointment
(call ext. 4290 – if you forgot your date/time)
Dec. 5 –
Santa visits the hospital at 9 am courtesy of the Chamber
Jeans Day (give your manager $5 in exchange for a
sticker) . Funds will go to Sheridan Media’s Christmas
Wish Campaign - and wear RED to support our troops!
R&R will be Selling of 50/50 tickets – Bring your $
Auxiliary to decorate trees inside hospital
Dec. 7 –
Family Christmas Party2-4pminthecafeteria -
Santa, Wagon Rides, Games, Food and Fun!
Trees of Love Lighting Ceremony - 4:30 pm in the Lobby
Dec. 8 –
Christmas Dinner RSVP deadline - ext. 1196
Dec. 10 –
Employee Benefit Fair – 7 am-5 pm courtesy of Human
Resources – Conference Room C
Carolers: Sheridan High School Girls Choir 2-2:25 pm
Dec. 12 –
Christmas party at the Holiday Inn at 6 pm, dinner at 7
pm, dancing at 8 pm
Dec. 13 –
Carolers: Girl Scout Troops 1334 & 1794 – 3:30-4:30 pm
Dec. 14 –
Hospice Celebration of Life – 3 pm in the Lobby
Dec. 15 –
Carolers: Sheridan Junior High Choir – 2:45-3:20 pm
Dec. 16 –
Foundation Partner Breakfast – 6-9 am in the Cafeteria
Dec. 18 –
Annual Pig Out – 11 am-1 pm in the Cafeteria
Bring your favorite dish to share!
Carolers: Sheridan High School Spectrum - 12-12:30 pm
Dec. 19 –
Department Christmas Decorating Judging. If you want
your department to be judged, contact Cecile at ext. 1017
Wyoming Rehab Update!
By Teddy Araas, Tony Smith and Len Gross
At a November mini-retreat at the Holiday Inn,
Wyoming Rehab staff members completed re-assessment
of their previous mission / vision statements. With the
help of Tony Smith, Wyoming Rehab Director, everyone
decided that talking through all the changes that have
taken place over the years was essential to determine how
the facility has been expanding, especially in ways that
are better accommodating to the Sheridan community.
Two groups were created to discuss how to define
present-day Wyoming Rehab in just the right way! All
cheered and clapped when the 'perfect' combination of
terms was agreed upon to describe WYO Rehab's Mission
and Vision! We are excited and proud to share them with
you!
Mission
“To provide outstanding comprehensive therapeutic
services, wellness, and preventative programs in an
environment that embraces all aspects of best practices.”
Vision
(In keeping with the larger vision
of Sheridan Memorial Hospital)
“When people think of excellent rehab services and
therapeutic care, they think of
Wyoming Rehab/Sheridan Memorial Hospital.”
Participants in the retreat also discussed the potential
for future development and growth in staff, programs and
services offered, as well as physical expansion potential.
Even as renovations are taking place at its present
building, WYO Rehab is continuing to run its daily
operations. The refurbishment should be completed late
spring / early summer. Expansion of the building and
more effective utilization of available space will create a
more efficient working environment to help personnel in
their continuing efforts to provide even greater quality of
services for our community.
Director Tony Smith is elated!! “Wyoming Rehab has
come a long way in a relatively short period of time and
our new expansion of the outpatient clinic will enable us
to be more efficient at providing excellent care in an
outstanding environment.”
Retirement Savings and Tax Credits
You are probably aware that when you defer a portion of
your paycheck into the Sheridan Memorial Hospital 457
retirement plan, your money is put away before taxes,
therefore, reducing the amount of your income subject to
federal taxation.
You may be able to reduce your taxes even further through
The Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of
2001 (EGTRRA)- the saver's tax credit.
The saver's tax credit is available to those that make
contributions to salary reduction retirement savings plans
(401k, 403b, 457b) or make traditional IRA or ROTH IRA
contributions. The credit applies to the first $2,000 in
savings.
The amount of the credit is based on the adjusted gross
income (AGI) as follows:
AGI
Married filed
jointly
AGI
Single or married
filing separately
AGI
Head of
Household
$32,000 or less $16,000 or less $24,000 or
less
$32,001 up to $16,001 up to $24,001 up
$34,500
$17,250
to $25,875
$34,501 up to $17,251 up to $125,876 up
$53,000
$26,500
to $39,750
Over $53,000 Over $26,500 Over
$39,750
Tax Credit if
you defer
$2,000
$1,000 or 50%
$400 (20%)
$200 (10%)
As always, the team at D.A. Davidson & Co. is here to
help you with your financial needs. We will be at the
th
hospital for the benefits fair on December 10 .
Please stop by and visit with us!
*D.A. Davidson does not provide tax or legal
advice. Please consult with your tax and/or legal
professional for guidance on your specific situation.
Attention New Employees:
If you are close to
completing your 90-day
eligibility period, be sure to contact
Human Resources to fill out your
benefit paperwork!!
Breastfeeding Mom’s Meeting
Help with Breastfeeding
Friendship & Support
Wednesdays from 9:30-noon
944 Jackson (across from Hospital) Drop-ins Welcome
No Appointments Necessary
For Info call Patty Bell-Lewis at Wyoming Rehab: 674-1632
$0
from Teddy E. Araas, SMH Wellness Coordinator
Prioritize – Make lists but do not try to constantly
multi-task.
Don't procrastinate – organize & finish things in a
timely manner.
Learn how to say NO!
Try to get physical exercise daily – take breaks from
holiday planning.
o Family walks
o Winter activities
Eat nutritious meals & get enough sleep to “rev up”
your energy level!
Reduce Caffeine, drink plenty of water.
Take breaks - Reward yourself as you reach your
shopping goals! (break for lunch)
IF you get uptight:
o Take deep breaths; breathe in and out for at
least a count of three.
o Focus on being optimistic – embrace the idea
of keeping a positive attitude.
o Count backwards from 10 to 1.
o Go with the flow.
Embrace the spirit of giving!
o Cut out healthy holiday cartoons / put in
different places of the house.
o Get involved in a volunteer activity where you
help others.
o Save healthy holiday recipes throughout the
year and use as gifts.
o Get with a group of friends and go caroling.
Create a new holiday tradition to help build
connections among family & friends.
Take time to enjoy QUIET time!
o Get a massage
o Take quick catnaps or just STOP and close
your eyes for 60 seconds!