National Nurses’ Week

Celebrating

Quality Care and

Compassion

On this special occasion of National Nurses Week, May 6-12, which marks the birthday of nursing pioneer Florence Nightingale, Sacred Heart Hospital would like to take the opportunity to thank and recognize our nurses who serve our patients each day with Respect, Care, Competence, and Joy. (continued on page two)

National Hospital Week Recognizing the Dedicated, Compassionate Care of Our Colleagues As we celebrate National Hospital Week, May 6-12, Sacred Heart Hospital would like to recognize health care professionals who work hard every day to provide high quality, compassionate care for patients and their families. (continued on page two)

Nurses’ Week Celebration (continued from page one)

Nursing professionals are a valuable and instrumental part of our hospital. They often work long hours under stressful All colleagues conditions are encouraged to save to show support lives, help for their nursing the sick heal colleagues by and assist attending an doctors in Open House Tea providing on Wednesday, care. They May 9, from are the 1:30 - 3:30 pm in backbone the Community that holds Auditorium. Also, the hospital Father Klimek, together Senior Priest and they Chaplain, Sacred are the men Heart Hospital, will and women be visiting various who take departments on an active Thursday and role in the Friday to perform well-being a Blessing of the of all our Hands. patients. National Nurses’ Week was developed to raise public awareness of the value of nursing as a profession and to help educate the community about the vital role nurses play in meeting the health care needs of the community. To help fulfill that purpose, please join us in acknowledging the wonderful nursing professionals who have positively impacted your life.

National Hospital Week (continued from page one) The nation’s largest health care event, National Hospital Week dates back to 1921 when it was suggested by a magazine editor who hoped a community wide celebration would alleviate public fears about hospitals. The celebration, launched in Chicago, succeeded in promoting trust and goodwill among members of the public and eventually spread to facilities across the country. National Hospital Week is an opportunity to recognize all of our dedicated health professionals. We are extremely proud of our team of colleagues and we recognize the important role they play in providing excellent care to our patients and our communities. During the National Hospital Week celebration, we ask each of you to join us in thanking these dedicated health professionals whose skills, care, and commitment to excellence makes a big difference in all of our lives.

National Stroke Awareness Month Hospital Reminds People to Act “F.A.S.T.”

May is National Stroke Month, a month dedicated to raising awareness about the nation’s third-leading cause of death and leading cause of disability. A stroke occurs from a sudden interruption of blood supply to the brain or when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures, leaking blood into the spaces surrounding the brain cells. “Knowing what causes a stroke, what you can do to prevent one, and what to do if you or someone else may be experiencing a stroke can save lives,” said Jeannie Pittenger, RN, CNRN, Stroke Program Coordinator, Sacred Heart Hospital. “It is estimated that up to 80 percent of strokes could be prevented if people appropriately managed their risk factors with lifestyle modifications or medication.” Risk factors for stroke include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, atrial fibrillation, diabetes, atherosclerosis, circulation problems, smoking, alcohol use, physical inactivity and obesity. “If stroke or other risk factors run in your family, there’s a higher chance you could be at risk, too,” added Pittenger. “When stroke patients receive FDA-approved clot-busting medications within the first few hours of their symptoms, they can have a significantly reduced risk of experiencing permanent brain damage and long-term disability. Every minute counts,” added Pittenger. In recent years, the National Stroke Association has emphasized the importance of responding to stroke using the “F.A.S.T.” method: • F = FACE - Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop? • A = ARM - Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward? • S = SPEECH - Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Does the speech sound slurred or strange? • T = TIME - If you observe any of these signs, it’s time to call 9-1-1.

To learn more about stroke prevention and to learn if you are at risk, take Sacred Heart Hospital’s 7-minute Stroke Aware Assessment online at www.sacredhearteauclaire.org/about-stroke.

Congratulations!

Hospital Recertified as Level III Trauma Center As an organization committed to providing the safest, highest quality environment to care for all who come through our doors, Sacred Heart Hospital is pleased to announce its recent recertification by the state of Wisconsin as a Level III Trauma Center. The three year recertification is Shef Massey, DO the result of a very successful visit by two state surveyors who inspected all levels of treatment for trauma patients. “The level III trauma survey impacts most all departments in the hospital,” commented Shef Massey, DO, Medical Director, Emergency Department/Trauma Services/Urgent Care, Sacred Heart Hospital. “It was clear to the state trauma surveyors that everyone at Sacred Heart Hospital is dedicated to providing superb care to all patients including those with traumatic injuries.” Not only did the surveyors tour the Emergency Department, Intensive Care, Surgical Services, Progressive Care, Lab, Imaging, and all inpatient areas, but they also conducted a mock Level I Trauma Activation, spoke with trauma service coordinators and administration, and reviewed charts to ensure compliance with all state benchmarks. “Reclassifying as a Level III Trauma Center with such positive feedback from the state is a true testament to the outstanding quality of care we give to our trauma patients here at Sacred Heart Hospital,” said Melanie Butak, RN, BSN, Trauma Program Manager, Sacred Heart Hospital. “We are dedicated to providing exceptional care to our patients and the positive comments from the state help to reinforce that to everyone.” As a Level III Trauma Center, Sacred Heart has validated to our patients and the community that we are upto-date with current best practice standards and dedicated to providing a superior healing environment for the western Wisconsin communities we serve. “We are always trying to improve our processes within the hospital and we appreciate all the feedback from the state trauma system. Thank you to all those who participated in this very successful survey,” added Dr. Massey.

Hospital Names Recipient

of Father Klimek Healing Presence Award and Physician of the Year

Father Edmund Klimek

Jim Spielman

Faye Deich, Chief Operating Officer, Sacred Heart Hospital, announced that Jim Spielman, registered pharmacist, has been named the 2012 recipient of the Father Klimek Healing Presence Award, and that Richard Daniels, M.D., has been named the hospital’s Physician of the Year for 2012. “Jim goes about his work diligently, never seeking the limelight for himself,” said Deich. “Through his ability, sensitivity and compassion, Jim embodies the mission of the Hospital Sisters,” said Father Edmund Klimek, Senior Priest Chaplain at Sacred Heart Hospital. Spielman has worked at Sacred Heart Hospital as a registered pharmacist for 35 years.The Father Klimek Healing Presence

35 YEARS

Cynthia Bohn, Neuro/Peds Bonnie Erickson, Nutrition Services Margaret Freeman, Fiscal Services Candace Grohskopf, Emergency Betty Larson, Nutrition Services Sharon Martin, Health Information Mary Meinholz, Laboratory Services Mary Overman-Garborg, Cardiology Diane Pichler, Health Information Susan Pittman, Registration Karen Salter, Fiscal Services Judith Schrantz, Emergency Sherry Shong, Behavioral Health Mary Solberg, Cath Lab James Spielman, Pharmacy Janice Swanson, Short Stay Care Julie Tiller-Zinn, Radiology Services Nancy Wahl, Health Information

30 YEARS

Ricky Brown, Clinical Engineering Roxanne Drung, Ortho/Surgical Marie Frye, Nutrition Services Linda Hays, Cardiology Norma Hoberg, Oncology John Lamoureux, Physiatry Karen Lind, Respiratory Care

Richard Daniels, M.D.

Award is the highest honor that a hospital colleague can receive, and recognizes a long-term colleague who has dedicated his or her life to being a humble servant of the sick. These recipients emulate the spirit of Father Klimek, who has served patients at Sacred Heart for more than 40 years. Richard Daniels, M.D., is a surgeon with Evergreen Surgical in Eau Claire. Dr. Daniels has practiced at Sacred Heart Hospital for 14 years. The award honors Dr. Daniels for his life-long commitment to quality care. “Dr. Daniels brings caring and compassion to his patients, treating them as if they were members of his family,” said Deich. The awards were presented at the hospital’s annual Colleague Service Awards banquet, held May 7 and 8 at the Eau Claire Country Club. More than 200 colleagues were honored at the event.

Cheryl Ohms, Occupational Therapy Karen Preston, Laboratory Services Ellen Sears, Nutrition Services

25 YEARS

Julie Anderson, Laboratory Services Deborah Bloom, Laboratory Services Karla Dehnke, Nutrition Services Amy Eitrheim, Speech Therapy Mary Ellifson, Maternity Sherry Hansen, Organizational Learning Pamela Hundt, Quality Resources Maureen Hutzler, Laboratory Services Ann Perner, Laboratory Services Pat Rumpel, Cardiology Beverly Stensen, Respiratory Care Lynn Weber, Occupational Therapy

20 YEARS

Pamela Fisher, Respiratory Care Sharon Jackson, Nutrition Services Kimberly Johnson, Patient Services Carma Koller, Physical Therapy Jo Anne Pretasky, Critical Care Vicki Schroeder, Cardiac Rehab Lynn Schwartz, Neuro/Peds Julie Swenson, Short Stay Care Donna Thiess, Communications Marilyn Wickre, Pharmacy

15 YEARS

Marrianne Berg, Patient Transport Sheryl Bosher, Maternity Patricia Des Forge, Surgical Services Marcia Hickey, Emergency Joan Huppert, Radiology Services Linda Martin, Patient Transport Mark Nelson, Nutrition Services Dawn Schindler, Emergency Mark Schmidt, Respiratory Care Pamela Schuh, Dialysis Teresa Schultz, Materials Management Judy Scott, Registration Margaret Soukup, People Services Damaris Spindler, Emergency

10 YEARS

Alison Atkinson, Maternity Nora Baird, Surgical Services Katherine Bauer, Radiology Services Stephanie Benner, Laboratory Services Bonnie Brantner, Materials Management Corinna Brixen, Nutrition Services Kimberly Bruesewitz, Maternity Paulina Carlson, Nutrition Services Heidi Christianson, Laboratory Services Shannon Coen, Short Stay Care Jason Crnic, Information Systems

Marcia Danzinger, Short Stay Care Nicole Dodge, Oncology Verna Farwell, Short Stay Care Lauri Fenno, Ortho/Surgical Geraldine Fish, Nutrition Services Angela Forehand, Cancer Care Center Jeannette Frechette, Registration Richard Geissler, Materials Management Connie Grimm, Behavioral Health Katie Harris, Case Management Christine Hawkins, Switchboard Brian Jensen, Laboratory Services Kathleen Jesse, Service Center Brian Jorgenson, Information Systems Amy Kjentvet-Segerstrom, Healing Place Judy Klingbeil, Cardiology Jean Kuesel, Patient Accounting Jamie Lamberson, Environmental Services Serena Larson, Laboratory Services Renee Lato, Health Information Lance Levendowski, Cancer Care Center Mary Lighthizer, Nutrition Services Tess Lokken, Maternity Ruth Longhenry, Critical Care Surgical Mark Loughridge, Behavioral Health Michael LuCore, Radiology Services Cynthia Madison, Nutrition Services Bernice Manhardt, Ortho/Surgical Karrie Morris, Behavioral Health Audrey Otto, Radiology Services Ann Paffel, Surgical Services Mary Price, Speech Therapy Karla Rasmussen, Surgical Services David Robertson, Behavioral Health Diana Rubendall, Behavioral Health Amy Rykal, Emergency

Linda Schweigert, Environmental Services Mark Sergey, Materials Management Debbie Sommerfeld, Quality Resources Mary Sommerfeld, Ortho/Surgical Pamela Sorebo, Emergency Janelle Stearns, Laboratory Services Kristi Swartz, Radiology Services Tammy VanGelder, Dialysis Jennifer Vaughan, Cardiac Rehab Laura Weiner Bergh, Speech Therapy Roberta Wrobel, Behavioral Health

5 YEARS

Mallory Anderson, Respiratory Care Melissa Bauer, Surgical Services Miranda Bauer, Cardiology Brett Berg, Security Ewa Bernat, Cardiology Rebecca Biasi, Emergency James Brekke, Ortho/Surgical Nicole Bremer, Dialysis Kimberly Bremness, Short Stay Care Aimee Cameron, Laboratory Services Shirley Cervantes, Surgical Services Deborah Chopper, Cardiology Heather Cook, Ortho/Surgical Tammie Custer, Radiology Services DeeAnn Davis, Cancer Care Center Joan Dehnke, Quality Resources Melinda DeMars, Neuro/Peds Kristi Dysland, Ortho/Surgical Beth Eckwright, Respiratory Care Kira Gilbertson, Behavioral Health Amy Hedrington, Laboratory Services Brian Hedrington, Security Michael Hendricks, Electrodiagnostics Heidi Isaacson, Anesthesia Katie Jelinek, Maternity Kathleen King, Surgical Services Karen Kramschuster, Critical Care

Ann Kuechenmeister, Patient Accounting Amy Laehn, Surgical Services Piper Larson, Patient Services Teresa Lessard, Nutrition Services Lorrie MacLaughlin, Nutrition Services Geraldine Martinez, Cancer Care Center Joyce Meininger, Neuro/Peds Cheryl Miller, Behavioral Health Heather Mohr, Dialysis Glenda Nelson, Development Judith Nitz, Ortho/Surgical Krystle Pagac, Critical Care Paula Pater, Community Center Robert Perlberg, Information Systems Sarah Peterlik, Cardiology Tamara Pichler, Laboratory Services Shannon Radabaugh, Communications Alan Rau, Surgical Services Rebekah Schlewitz, Short Stay Care Jessica Schuch, Laboratory Services Denice Shepler, Emergency Laura Slowiak, Neuro/Peds Hannah Stage, Ortho/Surgical Nicole Storrar, Managed Care Emily Sylla, Information Systems Kang Thao, Emergency Fawn Turner, Maternity Jeanie Vasel, Dialysis Kevin Wang, Neurosurgery Kendra Weber, Regional Administration Cynthia White, Physical Therapy Cristine Winters, Cardiology Linda Wood-Riesterer, Patient Transport Kelli Worthing, Occupational Therapy Mary Wright, Electrodiagnostics Lemeng Yang, Materials Management Rebecca Yarrington, Health Information

Celebrating 40 years of service to Sacred Heart: Jean McKay, Health Information, Sandra Krigsvold, Behavioral Health, Cathy Werner, St. Francis Apartments, Caroline Jordan, Physiatry, Mary Lou Nelson, Service Center (Not Pictured: Kenneth Chmelik, Plant Operations, and Linda Ihus, Radiology Services)

Health Safety Tip

Don’t Forget Summer Sun Protection

Throughout the summer months, it is vital to protect your skin and eyes from the damaging effect of the sun. Exposure to ultraviolet radiation contributes to aging skin and is the main cause of skin cancer. It is always important to cover up when exposed to ultraviolet radiation, but take particular care between May and September – especially between 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. How you can protect yourself? • Wear closely-woven clothing – long sleeves, trousers, or a long skirt • Choose a broad-brimmed hat • Try to keep in the shade • Apply a sunscreen to all uncovered skin at least 30 minutes before you go out • Re-apply your sunscreen every 2-3 hours, and after swimming • Use a sunscreen with a SPF of at least 15, preferably 30 Fashion Tip - Pale is the New Tan Sun bronzed skin is no longer considered healthy or attractive. Trends change, and just as it is no longer “sexy” for men and women to smoke cigarettes, sporting a tan that looks like you spent a month at the beach is now considered “lame”.

Environmental Stewardship

Hospital Earns 2012 Environmental Leadership Circle Award On May 2, Sacred Heart Hospital was awarded the Environmental Leadership Circle Award at CleanMed, an international conference on environmentally sustainable health care, held this year in Denver. The award was given to the hospital by Practice Greenhealth for demonstrating the highest degree of commitment to environmental sustainability. This year marks the fifth consecutive year that Sacred Heart Hospital has earned this prestigious award. “All of our members are committed to improving health care’s environmental performance, but there is an illustrious group of facilities setting the highest standards,” said Practice Greenhealth Executive Director Anna Gilmore Hall. “They are the best of the best, the recipients of our top award. Sacred Heart Hospital has introduced extensive environmental strategies into health care and is committed to achieving further improvements.” The Environmental Leadership Circle recognizes health care facilities that exemplify environmental excellence and are setting the highest standards for environmental practices in health care. Award winners are chosen by the Practice Greenhealth award review team from the top Partner for Change applicants. To be considered, facilities must meet the criteria for the mercury-free award, recycle at least 25 percent of their total waste stream, have implemented numerous other innovative pollution prevention programs, and are leaders in their community. “Our colleagues have worked hard to develop and implement sustainable programs that will help guard the health of our patients, our community, and our environment,” said Wade Rudolph, Senior Director of Support Services, Sacred Heart Hospital. “Our hospital is very proud that our programs are recognized as exemplary on a national scale.”

Being a Good Neighbor

Policy Reminder: UWEC Campus Goes Smoke Free Since 2006, Sacred Heart Hospital has been dedicated to providing a smoke free campus to maintain the safest possible environment for our patients, visitors, staff, and physicians. As a community leader in environmental health and public safety, Sacred Heart is pleased to announce that our neighbor, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (UWEC), has recently enacted a Smoke Free Campus policy. In congruence with the hospital’s “Good Neighbor” philosophy, Sacred Heart colleagues who do smoke will no longer be able to smoke on the surrounding UWEC campus, including the west side of University Drive. As a reminder of Sacred Heart’s policy, smoking is prohibited in or on all hospital owned and leased property, including within personal vehicles parked on hospital property.

First Priority: Safety

Hospital Enters Into Partnership with OSHA On April 30, Sacred Heart and the construction company managing the curtain wall project, The Samuel’s Group, entered into a partnership with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to ensure the safety of workers throughout the renovation process. The partnership features a specific safety and health OSHA, The Samuel’s Group, and Sacred Heart representatives prepare to sign the partnership program that includes weekly safety meetings, a daily stretch and flex program, and hazard specific training. “Safety is our highest priority,” says Mark Preston, Director of Construction Management, Sacred Heart Hospital. “We are very excited about this partnership with OSHA because of their expertise and what it means for the safety of our workers.” Julie Manas, President & CEO, Sacred Heart Hospital

Construction Update

An ‘Always’ Hospital Service Tip of the Week New HCAHPS Survey Pays for Quality of Care With publically reported HCAHPS surveys currently underway, creating a culture of ‘Always’ has never been more important. HCAHPS measures our patients’ perception of the consistency with which we meet their needs; ensuring that facilities will be reimbursed based on the percentage that those needs are ‘Always’ met. ‘Always’ is about every patient, every department, every shift, and every day. In an experience-based survey, patients must experience excellent care on all shifts and with every interaction.

Exterior Renovations Enhance Safety and Patient Care Sacred Heart Hospital recently embarked on a three year, $20 million process to enhance the patient experience. In addition to replacing the heating and cooling induction units in every patient room, this renovation will also include replacing the original windows and supports installed when the hospital was first built in 1964. Beginning on the North side and ending on the front of the hospital, this process will not only completely change the look of the hospital, but most importantly, it will enhance safety and create a more comfortable healing environment for our patients.

Update:

Construction is completed on column 37, which means the remaining rooms of that column will be returned for patient use. This means that construction efforts have now transitioned to the room 39 column. The scaffolding of Column 37 will be taken down beginning Monday, May 14, revealing a small portion of the hospital’s new exterior.

In the effort to better inform our patients of the benefits of the inevitable noises associated with construction, all staff are encouraged to stay updated on the progress in their area. When asked about construction noise, colleagues should reassure patients of the Quiet Hours (8 pm - 8 am), remind them of the project’s benefits, and apologize for any inconveniences.

HCAHPS question:

Q. During your hospital stay, how often did the hospital staff do everything they could to help with your pain?

Available responses:

A. ALWAYS, Usually, Sometimes, Never

St. Francis Apartments Hosts:

Learning the Basics Hospital Offers Babysitting Classes this June Sacred Heart Hospital is offering two babysitting classes this summer – June 11 and 12. Both classes will be held from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m., and both will be held at the hospital’s Center for Healthy Living office at 2103 Heights Drive, Eau Claire. The cost is $30, and includes all materials, guest speakers, lunch and snack. This instructional one-day workshop is designed for young adolescents (10 to 12 years old) to learn the basics of babysitting. The program includes baby care, personal safety, behavior management, basic first aid, ethics and more. Completion cards will be given out to students who pass a written exam. For additional information, and to register, please contact the Center for Healthy Living at (715) 717-1600.

Free Successfully Aging Seminar Series Held at 2:00 pm on the 3rd Thursday of each month through October, this Successfully Aging Seminar Series will be held at St. Francis Apartments (851 University Drive). Space is limited, so please RSVP to Cathy Werner at 715-834-1338. Refreshments and door prizes will be provided. Thursday, May 17 Healthy Eating as You Age Learn about healthy choices and ways to incorporate them into your daily eating routine from Diane Dressel, Dietitian with Mayo Health System of Eau Claire.

Your Voice Matters Colleague Engagement Survey Deadline Extended Thank You to all of the Sacred Heart colleagues who have taken the time to provide your input by completing the 2012 Colleague Engagement Survey. It is through your feedback that Sacred Heart will continue to improve and become a better place to work, a safer place to serve our patients, and a shining example for our community. For that reason, the deadline to complete the Colleague Engagement Survey has been extended to Friday, May 11, at 5 pm. Currently, more than 80% of Sacred Heart’s colleagues have completed the survey; well on the way to our goal of 90%. Upon completion, please print the coupons for $1.50 off at the Sacred Heart Gift Shop and a $25 daily prize drawing to be dropped off in the Colleague Engagement Survey box in the hospital’s cafeteria. Drawing winners will be announced daily via e-mail. In addition, if we reach the 90% target participation, an additional drawing will be made for one week of PTO.

How to participate? To take the survey, please visit the below link:

bit.ly/HSHSColleagueSurvey Canticle is a Sacred Heart Hospital newsletter that appears on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month and is available internally on the hospital’s Pillar Boards & Intranet. It is also distributed by email and mail, and posted under the Media Center link at www.sacredhearteauclaire.org. Please direct comments, suggestions or requests for email newsletter (e-Canticle) subscriptions by phone at (715) 717-4256; or by email to [email protected]; or by writing the Communications Department, 900 West Clairemont Avenue, Eau Claire, WI 54701. A “canticle” is a sacred song and is a reminder of our Franciscan tradition, the Hospital Sisters’ healing ministry and Joy (one of our Core Values). Our newsletter’s name is a tribute to “The Canticle of the Sun,” by St. Francis, which praises God for all creation.