February 9, 2024

Highland Appoints Chief Human Resources Officer

Cheryl A. Ryan has been appointed to the pivotal role of Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) at Highland. She will join us on Monday, February 12.

As CHRO, Cheryl serves as part of the hospital’s senior leadership team and is responsible for the development and implementation of Highland’s human resources strategy. This includes planning, implementing, and administering the human resources function in alignment with the hospital’s strategic plan, including talent acquisition, education and training, leadership development, employee relations, state and federal compliance, policy and procedure development, leave administration, compensation, and benefits. She will have specific responsibility for development of goals and objectives for the Human Resources and Organizational Learning Departments.

February Is Black History Month

February is Black History Month, a time to reflect upon, honor, and celebrate the contributions of African Americans throughout the United States and the world. Recognized by U.S. presidents since 1976, a specific theme is designated to every year’s observance. This year’s theme is African Americans and the Arts.

Visit the Highland intranet for a list of some of the local events planned in observance of Black History Month and a list of Black-owned businesses to visit this month and throughout the year!

Facility Updates

North Building Stairwell Closure

Stairwell 2 in the North Building will be closed from 7 a.m. Saturday, February 10 to 7 p.m. Sunday, February 11 for repairs. Signages with alternative routes is posted.

UR Space Planning Team Tour

UR Space Planning Team continues to visit units and non-clinical areas throughout the hospital to assess the current usage of areas. The team will provide recommendations regarding best utilization of available space as a follow up.

Members of the UR Space Planning Team are wearing work badges while touring the hospital. If you have any questions, please contact Senior Project Manager John Childs at (585) 341-8270.

ICARE Rounds on February 13

ICARE Rounds presents “Ensuring a Respectful Environment for Patients and Staff” on Tuesday, February 13 from 12 to 1 p.m.

The discussion will be led by:

Thomas Goodsell, BSN, RN
Shawna King, BSN, RN
Sara LaCava, MS, RN
Emily Salib, MD
Edward Shanley, MD

Join this virtual session on Zoom or by phone using the information in the Updates section of the Highland intranet.

Ash Wednesday at Highland Hospital

The Department of Spiritual Care will observe Ash Wednesday by offering ashes-to-go to all who would like to receive them in the Highland Hospital Chapel on Wednesday, February 14 from 12 to 2 p.m.

A chaplain will be present to say a short blessing. The participant will then be invited to administer their own ashes from an individual cup. We ask that everyone observe health and safety guidelines.

A chaplain will also round on the units later in the afternoon for staff and patients who are unable to make it to the chapel.

The Highland Hospital Chapel is located on the main floor, next to the ICU Waiting Room.

Highland Employee Excellence Awards

Don't Forget! Last Days to Nominate a Colleague!

Highland's Employee Excellence Awards will be held during Beat the Blahs week. The call for nominations for the 2023 Annual Employee Excellence Awards is open through Friday, February 9. We have much to celebrate and recognize, especially with the extraordinary year we have had providing outstanding care for our community. This year will again feature seven individual awards as well as two team awards, the John R. Williams Legacy Award for Innovation and Improvement, as well as the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Champion Award.

For more information on the award categories and general criteria, please see the 2023 Nomination Form.

Nominees for recognition may be full-time or part-time staff members. Individuals may be nominated by any active Highland Hospital leader, staff member, or physician. Awardees will be honored at a ceremony during our Beat the Blahs week, which will take place from March 4–10.

Team Highland at the Polar Plunge

About 1,700 people took part in the annual Polar Plunge at Ontario Beach Park in Charlotte. Proceeds from the event benefit Special Olympics of New York.

Among the participants were some current and former team members from Highland Family Medicine who posed with Jordan Health staff members. Current HFM staff who braved the icy waters included: Tracy Bergeron, MA; Michele Christiano, MA; Amy Gottermeier, NP and Heidi Tompkins, RN manager, Highland Family Medicine. Former residents, faculty, and staff who joined them included Dr. Steve Schultz, Dr. Tyler Batey, Dr. Alex Snow and Paula Van Minos (former finance manager at HFM, now at Jordan Health).

Highland Cardiology Goes Red for Women

Highland Cardiology dressed in red for Go Red for Women on February 2. It's an annual one-day observance during National Heart Month in February. It raises awareness about the #1 killer of women in the U.S.--heart disease.

Social Media Spotlight

Share with friends, family, and colleagues the great work that can only take place at Highland Hospital. Like, follow, or view us to stay connected.

In Case You Missed It in Past Issues...

Get to Know URMC CEO and Dean

On February 1, URMC and its affiliated welcomed David Linehan, MD, as CEO of the University Rochester Medical Center (URMC), dean of the School of Medicine and Dentistry (SMD), and senior vice president (SVP) for health sciences. Learn more about Linehan here.

Electronic W-2 Forms Available

Electronic 2023 W-2 forms are available in MyHR. Employees who opted into receiving forms electronically can view their W-2 by logging into MyHR.

W-2s are in the mail for those who did not Opt Out of receiving a paper copy.

Please note in Box 14 of the W-2, Bonus 1 or Bonus 2 refers to any Health Care Worker Bonus received.

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