December 26, 2023

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Positive Patient Comments
Green Team Tip of the Week

Santa and the Grinch Team Up for Holiday Cheer

Guess who put their differences aside this holiday season? That's right Santa and the Grinch joined forces to spread some extra holiday magic to staff and patients at Aspirus Keweenaw.


Santa brought the gift of joy and laughter, while the Grinch learned the true meaning of Christmas spirit.


We caught them spreading cheer, sharing smiles and maybe even a few sweet treats. Who would have thought these two would make such a dynamic duo?

Special Thanks to Santa (Joe Panijan, Environment of Care & Emergency Management Projects Administrator) and the Grinch (Jenn Jenich-Laplander, Communications and Engagement Coordinator).

Aspirus Ironwood Sunflower Award Winner: Daniel Haughom

Congratulations to Daniel Haughom, Imaging Technologist, who was chosen as a recipient of the Aspirus Ironwood Sunflower Award. The Sunflower Award is a recognition program at Aspirus Health specifically for support staff who demonstrate compassion, accountability, collaboration, foresight and joy in patient care. Support staff may be nominated by co-workers, patients and families.


Dan was nominated by a co-worker who said, "Dan is consistently kind, helpful, always eager to help with my questions such as 'where is this?', 'can this machine be positioned differently?', 'how about removing this platform?' when preparing our video swallow studies. I have noticed even his colleagues go to him for training and assistance in these situations, knowing Dan 'knows everything' about the equipment and supplies. Dan also helped me with positioning a few patients more effectively for these studies, knowing where to locate different-sized wheelchairs and brainstorming positioning options. I find Dan so wonderful to work with for these reasons and he makes my job so much more like teamwork and support."

 

The Sunflower Award allows a way to recognize support staff for the extraordinary care they deliver every day.

 

Please congratulate Dan when you see him.

Patient Thanks AIW

Patient Thanks Aspirus Ontonagon

Emergency Preparedness Question of the Week

Question

What is the appropriate process for transferring command during an incident?


The Incident Command System recognizes that personnel initially assuming a command position may be relieved by someone with more experience or during a shift change. This "transfer of command" begins with a transition meeting in which the outgoing commander briefs the replacement on the situation (situation report), response needs, and available resources. Health, medical, and safety concerns are addressed when appropriate, and, if relevant, political sensitivities may also be discussed. After the transfer of command is completed, proper documentation is prepared and, where appropriate, broadly announced over the radio, overhead pager, e-mail, or other appropriate communication resources. It is important that the Incident Commander ensures that each appointed command officer is properly briefed on response issues and objectives.

Aspirus in the News

Aspirus in the News


Letter to the Editor - Aspirus Ontonagon Hospital (Ontonagon Herald)


Doctor shares tips for a stress-free holiday season (Vilas County News Review)


Aspirus shares tips on how to stay active during the winter (WLUC TV6)

Aspirus Hospitals Recognized for Stroke Care

Way To Go

In support of the ongoing quality improvement efforts of participating hospitals, the Coverdell Learning Collaborative (CLC) analyzes Wisconsin Coverdell Stroke Program aggregated hospital stroke data and discusses evidence-based practices and processes that are involved in achieving sustained high performance.

 

In December, the CLC acknowledged and celebrated the Stroke Coordinator with the fastest arrival to CT completion time. The coordinator shared QI efforts which assisted their site in reaching this high level of performance.

 

Fastest time to CT initiation in those stroke patients arriving <4.5 hours from Last Known Well for Q3 2023:

  • Howard Young Medical Center

 

A PI focus for the CLC is the EMS Pre-notification measure. In Q3 2023, there were four Aspirus hospitals who achieved 100%.

  • Aspirus Ontonagon Hospital
  • Aspirus Iron River Hospital
  • Aspirus Ironwood Hospital
  • Aspirus Riverview Hospital

 

All Michigan and Wisconsin hospitals are invited to be part of the Wisconsin Coverdell Stroke Program. The aim of the program is to support the implementation of comprehensive stroke systems for individuals at highest risk for stroke events and to improve the quality of care for stroke patients across the continuum of care. Hospitals can choose to participate as a Partner or Champion Hospital.

 

To learn more about the Wisconsin Coverdell Stroke Program, please click here.

Help Our Team Grow

Growth

You can help our team grow by reviewing your personal and professional networks for prospective team members and refer candidates to our organization.


You could earn a referral bonus of $500 for any new employee that is hired. You can earn a referral bonus of $2500 for any new employee hired into one of the following positions: RNs, EMTs/Paramedics, Med Techs/MLTs, Phlebotomists, CNAs & CMAs, Respiratory Therapists and Surg Techs.


See the Employee Referral Bonus Program policy in PolicyStat for full details and the referral form. Visit aspirus.org/careers to view current career opportunities at Aspirus. If you know someone right for a position, let them know we'd love for them to join our team.


Visit careers.aspirus.org to view current career opportunities at Aspirus. If you know someone right for a position, let them know we'd love for them to join our team.

Holiday Fitness Tips

Kick off the new year on a healthy note

Tips

Starting the new year with a commitment to fitness is a great initiative for overall well-being. Here are some fitness tips to help you kick off the new year on a healthy note...


Set Realistic Goals

  • Define clear and achievable fitness goals. Make them specific, measurable, and time-bound.
  • Break down larger goals into smaller, more manageable milestones.


Create a Schedule

  • Plan your workouts in advance and schedule them like any other important appointment.
  • Consistency is key, so find a time that works for you and stick to it.


Variety in Workouts

  • Mix up your exercises to keep things interesting and prevent boredom.
  • Include a combination of cardiovascular exercises, strength training, and flexibility exercises in your routine.


Start Slow

  • If you're new to exercise or getting back into it after a break, start with manageable intensity and duration.
  • Gradually increase the difficulty as your fitness level improves.


Find Activities You Enjoy

  • Choose activities that you genuinely enjoy to make fitness a more sustainable and enjoyable part of your routine.
  • This could include dancing, hiking, cycling, swimming, or group fitness classes.


Stay Hydrated

  • Drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially before, during, and after your workouts.
  • Proper hydration is essential for overall health and optimal exercise performance.


Prioritize Sleep

  • Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night to support recovery and muscle growth.
  • Sleep is crucial for overall well-being and can positively impact your fitness journey.


Healthy Nutrition

  • Fuel your body with a balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats.
  • Consider consulting with a nutritionist for personalized advice.


Accountability

  • Find a workout buddy or join a fitness class to stay motivated and accountable.
  • Share your fitness goals with friends or family who can offer support and encouragement.


Listen to Your Body

  • Pay attention to how your body feels during and after exercise.
  • If you experience pain (not to be confused with the normal discomfort of a workout), give your body time to rest and recover.


Track Your Progress

  • Keep a fitness journal or use apps to track your workouts, progress, and any changes in your overall health and well-being.
  • Celebrate your achievements along the way.


Mind-Body Connection

  • Incorporate mindfulness practices such as yoga or meditation to enhance the mind-body connection.
  • Mental well-being is an integral part of overall fitness.


Remember, the key to a successful fitness journey is consistency and finding activities that you enjoy. Gradual progress is more sustainable in the long run, so be patient with yourself and celebrate every step forward.

Marketing and Communications Requests

Do you need help with graphic design, website update, print, intranet, video or communication needs? There is an ONLINE FORM AVAILABLE ON THE INTRANET TO REQUEST SUPPORT FROM MARCOM. This request form should be used to request ANY marketing support.



It is crucial everyone needing Marcom support complete the marketing request form available on the Aspirus intranet. This is the most efficient way for Marcom to prioritize and manage projects and leverage the skills and experience of team members. It also helps ensure Marcom provides you the best possible service. 

 

Look for the Marketing, Communications, Graphic/Print Support link under “Service Requests” within the Work Tools & Resources menu.

Because We Love, We Lead

Every day, Aspirus staff do amazing things for our patients, visitors and each other. Here are just a few examples randomly selected from the Rewards & Recognition section on the intranet.

 

You can recognize employees who go above and beyond by visiting the Rewards & Recognition site.

Because We Love

Jessica Donnell

Director - System Patient Scheduling

Aspirus Iron River



Thank you for jumping in to answer any questions we have in the team lead chat. Thank you for hearing our inputs during meetings and jumping in to defend when needed. You're amazing :)

Brandon Ogle

Registered Respiratory Therapist

Aspirus Ironwood


You are always so upbeat, humorous, and a joy to interact with. I hear positive comments about you from patients and staff. Glad you're here!

Kari Jaeger

Patient Access Scheduler

Aspirus Keweenaw


I've said it before and I will say it again, thank you for always bringing so much joy and laughter to the team with your jokes. Thank you for the recognitions here and there that truly always bring a smile to my face. You do amazing work for our patients. We're very fortunate to have you :)

Jesse Aho

Physical Therapist Assistant

Aspirus Ontonagon


Thanks for helping out when it was needed and always having a smile on your face! Staff and patients appreciate it, and it doesn't go unnoticed.

Fruit Dip

Ingredients

  • 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
  • 1 (7 ounce) jar marshmallow creme


Instructions

  1. Gather cream cheese and marshmallow creme.
  2. Place cream cheese and marshmallow creme in a medium bowl.
  3. Blend cream cheese and marshmallow creme with an electric mixer until smooth and well combined.
  4. Serve with fruit and enjoy!

Want to Include Something in the Newsletter?

Do you have an announcement, event recap, certification or important news you'd like to include in the Upper Peninsula Regional Newsletter?

 

Please send it to Regional Communications and Community Engagement Lead Jenn Jenich-Laplander ([email protected]). Please provide any items for the newsletter by end-of-day Thursday for use the following week.

Be in the Know
Events & Information

SISU Ski Fest | January 5 & 6


CopperDog 150 Sled Dog Race | Calumet | March 1, 2 & 3


Northstar Employee Assistance Program

Aspirus Health's employee assistance partner offers mental and emotional support services for employees and their families. Click here for information.

Chris Harff
President, UP Region

Submit newsletter contributions by noon Thursday to Jennifer.Jenich-Lapla[email protected].

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