Employee Communications Hub Online 11.17.23

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Cute Little Turkeys On The Loose In Nursery

Happy Thanksgiving And Happy Shopping!

We are excited to spread some Thanksgiving cheer with a small token of gratitude to our employees for all you do – day in and day out.

Kroger gift cards are being distributed by directors by Monday. Anyone who does not receive one by Monday will have them mailed to their home.

Please note, per the IRS, a gift card is considered cash and must be reported as taxable income. As an extra measure of gratitude, Williamson Health is covering the cost of the associated FICA tax and will be grossing up the amount of the gift card on employees’ paystubs.

If you have questions, please contact in HR: Sissie Riley at 435.5103 or Edee Tutler at 435.5108.

HUB Holiday

The HUB newsletter will be taking next week off for the Thanksgiving holiday and will return Dec. 1.

Upholding Our Culture Of Compliance

On behalf of Phil Mazzuca, CEO:

November is the month when we recognize the importance of Corporate Compliance & Ethics.

It makes me think about how proud I am of our employees, as stakeholders of the organization, for your commitment to upholding our core Mission and Values – we respect the needs and value the dignity of every individual, including our patients, employees, physicians, and our partners.

Williamson Health’s Mission and Values is an overarching approach to our Compliance & Ethics program and how we treat others with respect, how we follow the

organization's rules, and how we do things the right way.

This approach is who we have been since we opened our doors in 1958, and who we are now as we continue to strive to be better daily. This month, and throughout the year, let us remember our commitment to embracing the important work we do by which is guided by our common purpose…our Mission and Values.

Hurry To Schedule Low-Dose CT Promo

The United States Preventive Services Task Force recommends annual screening with a low-dose CT scan for people at the highest risk of developing lung cancer.

Some risk factors include:

Smoking
Family history of lung cancer
Personal history of other lung conditions
Secondhand smoke
Exposure to carcinogens

A low-dose CT scan at Williamson Health takes only minutes and helps detect small, firm lumps on the lungs that could indicate cancer. Physicians can order additional tests and procedures when needed and watch any suspicious findings over time.

Should patients have a suspicious finding, Williamson Health proudly offers state-of-the-art technology called Illumisite. This allows physicians to create a virtual map of a patient’s lungs and navigate accurately through their airway for a thorough biopsy of lung nodules.

Are you overlooking a non-invasive screening that could detect lung cancer earlier when treatment can best save your life?

Some patients who meet certain risk factors may qualify for a lung cancer screening covered by insurance. However, for the month of November, Williamson Health is offering a special $150 self-pay screening to anyone who wants one – even if they do not qualify for insurance.

Patients simply need to call (615) 435-5361 by the end of business on Thursday, Nov. 30 to schedule an appointment.

Talking with a primary care physician can help high-risk patients determine if they qualify for insurance coverage of the screening, however this special opportunity does not require a physician approval. Those scheduling a self-pay screening appointment will, however, be asked to provide their primary care physician’s name for follow-up purposes.

A $150 payment with a credit or debit card is required upon scheduling a screening appointment. Callers are encouraged to leave a message if needed because this special opportunity ends on Nov. 30.

Screenings will be performed at the convenient Williamson Health Outpatient Imaging Center at 4601 Carothers Pkwy.; Suite 100.

Click here to learn more about Williamson Health lung health services as well as lung cancer risks.

Lung Cancer Survivors Celebrated

Williamson Health honored lung cancer survivors last Monday. Guests enjoyed a catered meal, fellowship, music and a special gift for them to take home. Thank you to our event's generous sponsor, Medtronic.

Be Antibiotics Aware: Protect Your Patients

U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week is Nov. 18-24, and the Pharmacy team invites everyone to participate in a fun trivia game in Buchanan’s Cafe from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. either Monday, Nov. 20 or Wednesday, Nov. 22.

Come learn about the common causes of common respiratory infections and whether antibiotics are truly needed.

The Center for Disease Control’s "Be Antibiotics Aware" educational effort encourages healthcare professionals to only prescribe antibiotics when they are clinically indicated. Antibiotics are only needed to treat certain infections caused by bacteria, not viruses like those that cause COVID-19. You can do harm by prescribing antibiotics when they are not needed.

For more information, click here to visit the CDC.

The Survey Says…

79% of our employees shared their perspectives on engagement and provided ideas of how we can both improve service to our patients and identify ways to improve processes and outcomes.

Williamson Health is in the top half of hospitals in the nation regarding engagement scoring at the 53rd percentile. This is an improvement in our overall engagement while the industry continues to trend downward.

Strengths: Employee feedback highlighted strengths like enjoying the work they do, recognizing the work makes a difference in the community and having positive relationships with their leaders.

Opportunities: Employees also shared that they would like to be more involved in decisions that affect their work, would appreciate more opportunities for recognition as well as additional career development opportunities. In addition, compensation continues to be a challenging topic.

Welcome Our Newest Employees!

Nagib Badee, Radiology; Abigail Colquette, BJIT; Kiara E. Costero, Williamson Health BJIT MRI; Taylor Flippin, Admitting; Tina M. Hearn, Williamson Health Medical Group Pulmonary & Sleep; Teresa S. Hexter, Emergency Room; Tawana G. McCarthy, Williamson Health Medical Group Nolensville; Renda K. Moore, Environmental Services; Amber-Leigh Orth, Cardiac Cath; Callie O. Roberts, 6th Floor Nursing; Heather Robertson, Environmental Services; Karen Saliski, Obstetrics; Mary Simmons, Nursing Administration; Courtney N. Vaughn, Admitting; and Brittany D. Williams, Obstetrics.

November Is Hospice Palliative Care Month

November is National Hospice Palliative Care Month, a time to raise awareness about the specialized care that hospice and palliative care provide to patients and their families. Both focus on the patient’s needs, comfort, and quality of life.

Hospice teams provide care, support, and comfort for People with a serious illness who have a life expectancy of six months or less and when a cure may no longer be possible.

Palliative care focuses on relieving symptoms and stress of serious illness, can be provided at any age and any stage of the illness, and is available while receiving curative treatment.

This year’s National Hospice and Palliative Care Month theme is "Courageous Conversations," which encourages discussions about the care patients wish to receive when facing a serious illness, and to do it before a crisis hits. Having courageous conversations can help patients and families develop personalized care plans that will meet their needs.

If you or your loved one is facing a serious illness, do not hesitate to find out how hospice or palliative care can help. The sooner you get the care you need, the sooner you can benefit from an improved quality of life. Learn more here.

Thank you to our Williamson Health Medical Group team: Sam Webb, MD and Shari Seaman, PA-C for providing supportive and palliative care services.

Diabetes Is The Fastest-Growing Chronic Disease

Throughout November, which is American Diabetes Month, organizations including the American Diabetes Association are highlighting advancements in diabetes technology and treatments, the challenges people living with diabetes face daily, and the continued fight to prevent and cure diabetes and improve the lives of all people impacted by the disease.

Diabetes has become the fastest-growing chronic disease in the world and the most expensive in the United States. More than 37 million people have diabetes in the United States, with many unaware that they’re living with the condition.

Today, diabetes causes more deaths than breast cancer and AIDS combined. And in November alone, 116,500 Americans will be diagnosed with diabetes, and sadly, 23,500 Americans will lose their lives to diabetes-related illness.

Every 23 seconds, someone is newly diagnosed with diabetes in the U.S. Many people living with prediabetes or diabetes may experience an initial shock after their diagnosis, worrying about costs, care, and how day-to-day life will change as they learn to manage it.

Visit diabetes.org/WeFight to learn more.

Thank you to our Williamson Health dietitians: Lisa Mathews, MS, RDN, LDN, CDCES; Deanna Dillon, RD, LDN, CDCES; and Melanie Parnell, RD.

Williamson Health celebrates "GivingTuesday" on Nov. 28, joining millions around the world participating in the global generosity movement.

GivingTuesday is a global generosity movement, unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and their world.

It was launched in 2012 as a simple idea: to create a day that encourages people to do good. Over the past 11 years, this idea has grown into a global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity.

People demonstrate generosity in many ways on GivingTuesday. Whether it’s helping a neighbor or stranger out, showing up for an issue or people we care about, or giving to causes we care about, every act of generosity counts.

Please consider a gift on "GivingTuesday" by clicking here to visit the Foundation.

Your donations to the Williamson Health Foundation support a wide variety of efforts to improve and expand the exceptional care we offer our community including:

Area of Greatest Need
Breast Health Center Fund
OB/NICU Fund
We Care Fund
Cardiac Fund
Palliative Care Fund
Bone and Joint Institute of Tennessee Fund
Scholarship Fund

Short And Sweet

Want to share your department news briefs with colleagues? Have a special day, week or month to tell us about? We want to hear from you! Our weekly deadline is noon Thursday. Simply click here to email Marketing and Communications with your news!

A Vintage Affair Returns With Gift For NICU

Since 2005, A Vintage Affair has been providing support through the Williamson Health Foundation for our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Representatives stopped by earlier this week to present a $40,000 gift to our Foundation, including Capital Campaign co-chairs Vicki McNamara and Caroline Bryan (above, third and fourth from left.)

In that time, A Vintage Affair has been among our most loyal partners, providing more than $800,000 in funds for more than 90% of the equipment used to care for our youngest patients. We are fortunate to have a superior NICU and we are grateful to A Vintage Affair for helping us to provide this critical lifesaving service to our patients and their families.

Want Some Extra Cash?

Williamson Health is hiring, and we need more employees like you. Did you know you’re eligible for a referral bonus? All you must do is refer someone as awesome as you to join us, and once they’re hired and show some tenure, you get paid!

Here’s how you can help:

- Tell your friends about our amazing expansion and how much you love working here.

- Encourage them to apply online and put your name in the "referred by" field.

- Collect your bonus, half after they’ve completed 90 days and half after their six months.

Click here to contact HR with any questions.

Give Blood, Get Cool Turkey Socks

Williamson Medical Center and Bone and Joint Institute of Tennessee are partnering with Blood Assurance, the sole provider of blood products for Williamson Health, to help build up reserves during the busy holiday season with a blood drive on Tuesday, Nov. 28, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Donors are encouraged to sign up here via the Blood Assurance website for an appointment time, though walk-ins are welcome. The November blood drive will be held in the Blood Assurance mobile unit in the Bone and Joint Institute parking lot on our campus.

Donors will receive a pair of "Turkey and Football" socks inspired by the show "Friends" while supplies last.

"This time of year can be hard on

hospitals and medical providers so we want to ensure that they have the resources they need to care for their patients," said Max Winitz, spokesperson for Blood Assurance.

Donors must be at least 17 years old (16 years old with parental consent), weigh 110 pounds or more and be in good health. Donors are asked to drink plenty of fluids — avoiding caffeine — and eat a meal that is rich in iron prior to donating.

Cybersecurity Tips Keep Everyone Safe

Only enter your system login ID and password when you are doing so to intentionally work.

Never enter login and password info when prompted from an e-mail, a random link or any other source.

Williamson Health does not send DocuSign emails to staff. Please delete from work emails and use only your personal email address if working with an outside professional like a Realtor.

Please do not forward suspicious email to IT or anyone else – just delete questionable emails or use the blue "phish alert" link in an email.

Shoe Sale Coming Dec. 7-8

David Parker Shoes will be on sale in the Williamson Health Gift Shop, Thursday, Dec. 7 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday, Dec. 8 from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Various styles and sizes including Hokas, boots and winter shoes will be featured.

Holiday Events Sneak Peek! Get Ready

Above, Beyond, Caring

"Awesome Awards, Kindness Matters And Nice Notes"

Look Who All Has Been Caught In The Act!

Mercedes Estes from 3 Main went above and beyond to help her fellow coworkers. It was a very busy shift, and she was more than willing to help others! I and many others were happy she was there that shift.

Joseph Ferreira in Maintenance deserves a thank you for fixing our mobile endoscopy equipment efficiently and quickly so we could complete our urgent endo case without further delay. We appreciate your competence and how friendly and willing you were to go above what we even asked by anticipating what we would need next.

Carol Ciarimboli of Rehab Services (PT) stayed longer on a Saturday to apply a wound vac to a patient, allowing the rest of the staff to focus on the other patients. She was lifesaver, and always goes the extra mile for her patients and co-workers.

Aristide Immacula from 6M helped bathe and change linens for a patient who had a male tech but requested a female tech. Aristide was kind to the patient and her co-worker to help with this task.

Praise For You From Williamson Patients

"I was a patient at the ER Sunday morning, Nov. 5. As a pharmacist, I know how difficult healthcare can be. I wanted to take a moment to praise Shelly Cohen and Dr. Stephen Lutzak.

Going to an ER is not very fun, but the staff at your ER was quite impressive. I was met with kindness and expertise. The phlebotomist, Mike Sanders, was also great.

(Continued)

I know it is human nature to complain more than praise; so, I wanted to let you know what a stupendous job your staff is doing. Keep up the good work."

"I was a patient on the fifth floor in September before and after a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) performed by Dr. Patrick Selph. I wanted to offer my sincere thanks to the nursing and tech staff.

Everyone showed us the highest level of compassion and care we could have ever hoped to receive. I hope you all realize your skills are needed and greatly appreciated."

What's Cooking

Find food trucks in the Purple Lot southeast of the hospital. You can partake in their provisions from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Food trucks subject to change. Menus at this link.

Nov. 22: Persian Flame

Dec. 6: The Love Bus

Dec. 20: The Table of Cuba

Building More Together

Recent scenes from outside the West Tower, below left and top right, and demolition work from the ER fast track nurses station, bottom right.

Scene at Williamson

Giving Tuesday is right around the corner, and we're grateful for Williamson Health employees who generously donate to our Foundation via our employee giving campaigns. The Larry Hough Employee Relief Fund is one of the many ways employees not only give back to the community, but to each other. Click here to learn more and make your gift. Thank you!