The “Why” behind our Healthcare Service Excellence Initiative

Over the recent months, we've embraced the vision of being a five-star organization and aspiring to be our region's provider and employer of choice. We've shifted our language to honor our team, preferring the term "caregiver" over impersonal labels like "employee" or "staff." Amidst discussions about OASIS and SEA teams, the SEC, and a whirlwind of acronyms, the core purpose remains clear: 

This is all for YOU.

My commitment to each of you is unwavering. It's disheartening to witness any of you feeling frustrated or upset in your professional environment. Reflecting on the feedback gathered from last year's Ignite the Patient Experience Event, it's evident that urgent calls for cultural transformation, concerns about staff happiness, and the need for morale improvement and retention have been loud and clear.

This initiative, while termed as Service Excellence, is in its heart a drive for Staff Excellence—or more aptly, Caregiver Excellence. Our collective effort over the next three years and beyond is aimed at addressing the minor yet significant irritants that mar your work experience. We're not just striving to alleviate stress; we're here to enhance the fulfillment and joy you derive from your work. Let's continue to excel, not for the accolades, but for the genuine difference we make for the people we care for and each other's lives.

The journey towards this noble goal commences next week, and I firmly believe that you all deserve this effort. As a sneak peek into what's ahead, I'm excited to share a glimpse below of the upcoming launch party.

Together, let's embark on this path of Excellence, driven by a shared commitment to care, improve, and make a difference.

~ Dr. Al

The 5-star achievement certificate presented to OAHS/FWV by the National Rural Rating System spent the week in Health Information Management (HIM). Pictured with the award are Megan, John, and Marlee. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Through this award, we celebrate the significant contributions each of you makes in providing exceptional care for our patients and residents! Where will it go next? 🤔 Stay tuned ...

We have formed an exploratory committee to discuss a potential name change to replace "Catered Living" and we want YOU to be a part of it! Our aim is to find a name that provides clarity while preserving the unique spirit that defines Catered Living.

Your creative input is invaluable, and we're eager to hear your ideas for a new name or any suggestions you may have. Also, please share your thoughts if you think the name should stay the same!

Please take a moment to submit your ideas through the form linked below. It offers you the option to remain anonymous if desired.

From the Employee Engagement Committee:

Thanks to all who joined our Valentine's Day cookie decorating event! Check out the fantastic creations below and cast your vote for your favorite using the link provided.

CONGRATULATIONS on your milestone work anniversary!

Kayla Haben

10 YEARS on February 10

February is National School-based Health Care Awareness Month! This is a time to recognize the impact that school-based health centers have on access to health care. Tune in to KDIO Health Corner to learn about the services offered by Trojan Clinic. You can find KDIO on 94.5 FM, 1350 AM, or bigstoneradio.com.

OAHS and Fairway View are sponsoring a blood drive on Thursday, February 22, in the RSR building located on the OAHS campus. Donors who give blood in February will receive a $20 Amazon Gift card by email from the Red Cross.

To schedule your appointment:

📞 Call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767)

🌐 Visit https://bit.ly/3UykGSP

Employees who didn't get an influenza vaccine this season need to continue to mask.

Don't forget about the basket options! ⬇️

➡️ If you have a safety concern or suggestion on how to improve the safety of our campus, please submit the form HERE. Your submission will be reviewed by the Safety Committee for consideration.

• To reduce risk of contamination, call cords shouldn’t be so long that they touch the floor. 

• Call cords also shouldn’t be higher than 6-8 inches off the floor. When cords are too high, if someone falls, they might not be able to reach it.

• Call cords should hang freely and not be wrapped around the grab bar. If someone falls, they might not be able to reach it. Also, when they are wrapped, it might not appropriately activate the nurse call system so you could have someone laying on the floor and unable to call for help other than verbally.

• Remind contract cleaning companies of this expectation as we discovered some of their staff were wrapping the cords as they mopped the floors.

Walking is one of the most versatile and simplest ways to get active and stay active. With each step you take, you travel further down the path to a healthier lifestyle!

Tips to 

• Before you go to bed, get your walking clothes and shoes ready for the next day.
• Schedule your lunchtime walk into your calendar, think of it as an important appointment.
• Recruit some friends to join you so you can keep each other on track.
• Get motivated by listening to your favorite music.

Thank you, GV Staff!

Our caregivers on Granite View rocked the weekend cleaning and planning a super bowl party for the evening! Then on Tuesday Betty made dinner for the house with the help of Jackie and Heather. Homemade chili and grilled cheese cut into hearts. Every caregiver working was awesome interacting with the residents! So glad for our caregivers! ~ Anonymous

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Thank you, Brenda T, Betty W, Lois B!

Huge shout-out for the great day with the MN Viking Legends. So much fun had by all. And the SMILES!!!! ~ Jackie and All!

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Thank you, Sara Mattison, Joett Nicholson, Becky Ash, Kristen Ohm!

The coders have been rock stars at getting our diagnosis codes to us as soon as possible, this makes charting on our end a little easier! ~ Home Health Team

Sincerely,

Dr. Al Ross, CEO

Ortonville Area Health Services