2024

July 18, 2024

OUR MISSION:

To Enrich the Health and Lives

of the People We Serve

St. Marys Manor hosted a retirement reception for Cheryl Herrman last Friday, July 12. Cheryl worked for CHCS for 30 years!


It was a nice reception and Cheryl had some tears but a lot of smiles! 

As CHCS continues to grow and expand services, we are excited to announce that we have opened 2 new positions:


  1. Revenue Cycle Integrity Coordinator
  2. Human Resources Generalist


To learn more about these positions, visit our Careers page at Careers | Community HealthCare System | Onaga, Kansas | Community HealthCare (chcsks.org)


If you know anyone would be a great fit for one of these positions and for Community Healthcare System, encourage them to apply.



Also, don't forget you could be eligible for up to $1,000 in bonuses for referring an applicant to one of the positions below.


Controller

Nurse Manager Acute

RN Acute

RN Eastridge

C.N.A Eastridge - must be 30 hours a week or more.


Listening Tips


By - Psychologist Dr. Richard Flanagan.



Being a good listener isn't always as easy as it seems. Since people typically talk at a rate of only 125 words a minute, but think around four times that fast, we often miss what's being said if we are not listening attentively. Here's a few things you can do to improve your listening skills:



First, try to eliminate distractions. If someone wants to talk and you're in the middle of something, ask them to wait just a moment so you can give your undivided attention. When listening try to maintain eye contact as much as possible without making the speaker feel uncomfortable.


Second, always let the other person finish their thought before responding and try not to let your own thoughts wander ahead in the meantime. You might miss something important if you are busy mentally forming your response. It often helps to reflect back your understanding of what was said before expressing your own thoughts. This simple process can eliminate many misunderstandings.


Finally, listen to what they don't say. Most people dislike difficult situations and try to avoid conflict. You may notice discomfort in their voice or body language. They may avoid eye contact, fidget or even cross their arms defensively. You can help by offering encouragement and refraining from an emotional response. It's best to seek more information if you are getting mixed messages. You'd be surprised how often a simple difference of definitions can confuse a conversation.


As a good listener you don't have to agree with what you hear, but try to offer understanding and acceptance. Give the person speaking to you the gift of active listening and they'll find a safe place to explore ideas and work through problems. You'll have the benefit of developing closer personal and professional relationships. Relationships reinforced by a strong foundation of shared understanding.

 

Fit Testing


Fit Testing for associates for an N95 respirator. This includes any staff that may wear a respirator for their job, and have not been fit tested in 2024.


We still have 100 associates who need to be Fit tested!


THIS IS AN ANNUAL OSHA REQUIREMENT! Managers will be given a list of associates that are due to be fit tested in 2024. Managers are responsible for getting their staff signed up with Employee Health for fit testing.


This applies:

To Nursing, Providers, C.N.A., Lab, Rehab, Respiratory Therapy, EVS, Social Worker, Long Term Care, Assisted Living and Radiology. 

 

Testing considerations:

  • Cannot fit test pregnant women. 
  • No smoking 1-2 hours prior to test. 
  • No eating, gum chewing or flavored beverages 15 minutes prior to test. May have plain water.
  • No facial hair must be clean shaven for test and have to remain clean shaven when wearing N95 for work.

 

Upcoming Dates, Times and Location

  • Friday, 07-26: 0830 to 1600 (break from 1100-1200): Employee Health Nurse Office
  • Wednesday, 07-31: 0830 to 1600 (break from 1100-1200): Employee Health Nurse Office
  • Tuesday, 08-06: 0830 to 1400 (break from 1100-1200): Employee Health Nurse Office
  • Friday, 08-09: 0700 to 1500 (break from 1100-1200): Employee Health Nurse Office
  • Wednesday, 08-14: 0830 to 1600 (break from 1100-1200): Employee Health Nurse Office


*** Eastridge and St Mary’s Manor have Port-A-Count Machines at each location. Chelsea Dillon and Trevor Shuler will offer fit testing at their locations, in addition to above fit testing. If you cannot make it to one of the fit testing sessions above, please contact either Trevor or Chelsea to see when they are offering testing.



Sign-Up Link - https://www.signupgenius.com/go/508044DAAA82DA3F58-49842842-2024



Deadline is 08-14-2024 to have all affected staff fit tested for 2024.

Blast from the Past


Pictured below are (L to R): Phil Mayhew, Terry Mayhew, Fran Baker, Sue Randel, Martha Bettencourt and Norma Baxter.


According to an article in the September 21,1978 edition of the Onaga Herald, these six individuals, along with the Community Hospital Administrator, Jim Cazier, took 24-hour call shifts and were enrolled in an Emergency Medical Technician course.

They were staffing the new Pottawatomie County ambulance that was stationed at the hospital. The modular-type ambulance was of the latest design and could transport four patients and a medical technician.



We had a great associate turnout for the Jackson County Fair Parade! Thanks to all for representing CHCS!

A special thanks to Gordon Beightel for getting the trailer set-up and for driving in the parade!



Pictured are: (Front - L to R) Donna Jewell, Lura Goff and son Ian, Elaine Stephenson, Nicole Huey, Brandy Watkins, Kelly McCauley, Pam Holaday, JoAnne Myers and grandson, Flint and Kim Lovvorn.

Back: (L to R) Grayson and Adalynne Huey, Dr. David Allen, Kerry Herbine, Heather Myers, Jenise Herbine, Dallas Ruckman, Annie Allen, Gordon Beightel and Amaris Howerton.


Special note: Nicole Huey's daughter, Adalynne entertained parade watchers with her amazing gymnastic skills!



Picture courtesy of Nolan Schuetz, Gordon's grandson.

Upcoming Teammate Birthdays


Kelly McCauley - Holton-Radiology: 7/19

Kaitlynn Fairchild - St. Marys Manor: 7/19

Lisa Hostetler - St. Marys Manor: 7/20

Emiliana Childs - St. Marys Manor: 7/21

Samantha Watkins - Onaga-Social Services: 7/21

Fofoga Daniels - Onaga-Acute Nursing: 7/22

Nicole Huey - Holton-Provider Clinic: 7/23

Jessica Swart - Onaga-Medical Records: 7/23

Joseph McDowell - Onaga-Patient Transportation: 7/24

Nichole Rivers - Holton-Registration :7/24

Dana Burdiek -Holton-Provider Clinic: 7/24

Mary Budenbender -Onaga-Provider Clinic:  7/25


The Nemaha County Fair Parade is set for Sunday, July 28th! Line-up starts at 5:30p.m. at 2nd and Main in Seneca. The parade starts at 6p.m.


Nemaha County Fair Parade sign-up!



The Pottawatomie County Fair parade is planned for Sunday, August 4th! Line-up starts at 12:15 with the parade starting at 1p.m.


Sign-up here for the Pott County Fair Parade!




Please use these Google sheets for sign-up!


Remember: Non-exempt (hourly) associates are paid for their time walking and representing CHCS!


Also, don't forget to get the CHCS banner and candy for each parade from Pam. And please send pictures to Pam Holaday!

Harmful Algal Blooms



Harmful algal blooms (HABs) monitoring is concurrent with the water recreation season, April 1 through October 31. The public is encouraged to stay informed year-round because exposure through contact or ingestion can cause illness for animals and humans. Blooms are unpredictable. They can develop rapidly and may move across a water body due to wind or water current, so lake visitors must use their best judgment. 

Current Advisories

The three advisory levels are Watch, Warning and Hazard. Current advisories are listed in the table or view the current lake advisories map. To  hear current advisories, call the HAB hotline at 855-HAB-LAKE or 855-422-5253.

Ice Cream Treats Next Week!

CHCS Menus:


Onaga Breakfast:

July 22-26


Onaga Lunch: July 22-26


Eastridge: July 22-26





St. Marys menus are available each morning through the Activities chronicle.


Coffee Shop Special


July 22-26:



White Chocolate Strawberry: White Chocolate and Strawberry


$4.25 - Hot or Cold



View the full Coffee Shop Menu

CHCS Gift Shop - Summer Sale

Shop online and we will courier your items to you!

Local Area Events

Lots of activities at the County Fairs and benefit golf tournaments!

Pottawatomie County Softball Tournament | Facebook

Final funny

Did you miss your Connection?


Important information is relayed every week in the E-Connection. If you miss it in your email, an archive is available on our website. Visit the For Associates page, then click E-Connection Archive.

Send items for the E-Connection or for sharing with our broader social media audience to news@chcsks.org. Please send items by close of business on Tuesdays when possible. Ideas are welcome!

Facebook  Twitter  Linkedin