UKG Kronos transition: We're almost there! |
|
Thank you to everyone who has been dual-punching in two time systems, to managers who have been testing and completing edits in two systems, and to all who have been diligently watching the UKG Kronos training videos assigned through PowerDMS (ahem ... be sure to watch them if you haven't already!).
|
|
All of us at CHCS owe an especially HUGE thanks to Cindy Flentie, HR Director, and Monica Holthaus, Chief Financial Officer. Monica and Cindy have been working long hours to make this transition as smooth as possible for all of us. Their efforts have been extraordinary and are demonstrative of our Core Values to pursue growth and seek knowledge, to create and sustain change, and to live with passion and purpose. They have shown all of us what it means to embrace innovation and to take pride in their organization.
We also owe our thanks to our Stacey Womack, our new Payroll Specialist, who has jumped in with both feet to help everyone understand the capabilities of the new system. Thank you, Stacey, and welcome!
You know the saying: Change is hard. We appreciate Cindy, Monica, and Stacey for making it less hard for everyone. We also know that although the transition may not be simple or easy, having a fully functional HRIS system will make us much more efficient. In a few weeks, we'll be settled in, and we'll all be glad we made the switch! We'll be smiling, just like the UKG logo.
|
|
Celebrate a special anniversary |
|
Tomorrow is the the one-year anniversary of the COVID-19 vaccine's arrival at CHCS (Dec. 17, 2020). Since that day, we've given more than 3,100 vaccines and nearly 800 boosters. Since approval of the pediatric vaccine, we've given 69 doses for kids ages 5-11.
The vaccine is safe and effective. Boosters are now approved and recommended for everyone age 16 and up, and everyone age 5 and up can get the vaccine to protect against infection and severe illness.
Below is the video we made the day the vaccines arrived. Let's recapture that spirit of optimism and defeat COVID-19 once and for all! We CAN go on the offensive. It's never too late to get vaccinated!
|
|
CHCS well represented in Kansas, nationwide |
|
Two recent events demonstrate how fortunate CHCS is to have excellent staff representing us at both state and national levels. |
|
NHCPC21
Michael Bomberger represented CHCS and the NE Kansas HealthCare Coalition as a speaker at the 2021 National HealthCare Coalition Preparedness Conference
in Orlando, Florida. Michael serves as chair of the NE Kansas HealthCare Coalition, which covered his expenses, is chair of the Kansas Statewide Healthcare Coalition Steering Committee, and is 1 of 9 members of the national conference advisory committee.
Michael's panel presentation, "Level of Care Transitions: Long-Term Solutions for COVID-19 Problems," was one 1 of 40 sessions chosen from 161 applications nationwide. A sampling of other entities presenting included Atrium Health, Houston Methodist, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, New York Pediatric Disaster Coalition, 3M, UCLA Medical Center, and the University of Nebraska Medical Center.
The goal of the conference is to help coalitions build resilience, meet emergency needs, and facilitate a more relevant, timely, effective and efficient response to disasters. NHCPC is proud to partner with Give Kids The World as its annual philanthropic project. Attendee contributions provide a magical resort experience for kids with critical illnesses.
Photos (above right and below) depict the NHCPC Program Advisory Committee and Opening Session with the MESH Coalition leadership, left to right: Michael; Joe Anderson; Jennifer Pitcher; Tania Glenn (keynote speaker); Virginia Cane, MD; Sheila Guenin; Jim Floyd, M. Ed., CCHW; and Charlie Miramonti, MD.
|
|
340B advocacy
Hali Brown, PharmD, provided testimony last week to the 340B interim committee chaired by Kansas State Representative Susan Concannon (R-Beloit). The committee met to hear more about other states' experiences with protecting the 340B program through state statutes.
In her testimony, Hali highlighted the importance of contract pharmacies for organizations similar to CHCS that do not have in-house pharmacies. She also discussed the impacts CHCS has seen with discriminatory practices by Pharmacy Benefit Managers, or PBMs, related to 340B savings cuts and how these affect services for patients. Read a writeup from KHA about the meeting. CHCS will continue to engage in advocacy efforts on both state and federal levels to protect the 340B program.
|
|
We often hear about holiday stress (overwhelmed moms, grouchy shoppers, misbehaving kids, or fighting families), but the Christmas season can bring out the best in people, too! Below are a few good deeds to celebrate. Do you know of others? Send them to news@chcsks.org.
|
|
Vicki Flattery and granddaughters Ingrid (age 7) and Bridgette (age 4) van Gooswilligen from Havensville delivered coffee and cookies to Onaga hospital on Thursday, Dec. 9. The girls said Grandma made the cookies, but they helped with frosting and added the sprinkles—plus they tasted a sample. “I like a lot of sprinkles, so I made mine with every single kind,” said Ingrid. Vicki said she brought coffee and cookies last spring. She recently saw CEO Todd Willert in a restaurant and asked what she could do for staff now, and he said staff loved the coffee. “And what’s better with coffee than cookies?!” she said. “We appreciate all the staff does,” Vicki said.
|
|
Westmoreland Clinic staff donated a beautiful wreath to the Christmas in Westmoreland "Wreath Wraffle" to help raise funds for the Westmoreland Chamber of Commerce and offset the costs of the event. CHCS also provided a sponsorship to support the community event.
|
|
|
|
Frankfort Clinic participated in a downtown "Sip & Shop" event last Saturday. Clinic staff decorated for Christmas and provided snacks and CHCS giveaways to all. They also made flu shots available. The event was successful! PA Jeremy Brandt and clinic nurses Stacy Vermetten and Chantel Heinen enjoyed chatting with many visitors.
|
|
Onaga staff continue to deliver Meals on Wheels in Onaga one week each month. Earlier this month, it was Liz Murphy and Julie Rethman's turn. Thanks to all who help support this effort to bring good food and a little cheer to senior citizens!
|
|
|
|
|
Many associates have contributed gifts for families in need through the Blue Valley Giving Tree here in Onaga or through similar efforts in other communities. Thank you for helping others during the holidays!
|
|
Thank you
I would like to give a huge THANK YOU to a special Big Elf (a.k.a. Butch Meyer) who went above and beyond to help me. He noticed that my car tires were extremely bad. He knows I drive my car a lot and I have precious cargo (my twin grandbaby girls) that go with me all the time. His concern for my grandbabies and myself left my heart so full of joy and happiness. I cannot express my sincere gratitude to all who helped make a donation happen. Thank you all so very much! ♥️
Mary Budenbender
|
|
|
Reminder: Break out that Christmas sweater!
The CHCS Spirit Squad declares Wednesday, December 22 Christmas Sweater Day!
All are welcome to wear jeans and the Christmas top or sweater of your choice--ugly sweaters OR pretty sweaters are welcome. (Do we really know the difference? Maybe it's better not to ask?!)
|
|
|
Important reminders
-
CHCS will hold a retirement party for Dr. Tom Walsh on January 6 from 4 to 6 p.m. View the invitation. Be sure to RSVP by December 17 by clicking the link in the invitation. Please note that the Walsh family requests that only those who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 attend.
|
|
|
These halls are decked!
Sylvia Quenneville, St. Marys EVS, goes above and beyond to ensure that everyone appreciates the Christmas season. "I like Christmastime to look like Christmas," she said.
Sylvia, thank you for sharing your talents and decorating the St. Marys Clinic waiting area (and other spaces!) so beautifully for the holidays.
|
|
|
Ornamental ornaments
The CHCS Spirit Squad distributed ornaments to all locations for associates to customize and hang on Christmas trees (along with hot chocolate and cookies, because everyone knows you need a sweet treat while you decorate!) Associates can take their ornaments home to keep after Christmas.
Below are some beauties created by associates in St. Marys. Nice work, all!
|
|
|
 |
Coffee Shop Special
December 20-24
Pistachio Latte
-
16 oz., $4
- Hot, cold, or frappe
|
|
|
|
Think you're done with your shopping?
Think again! We have new markdowns!
Select items are 30% or 50% off!
|
|
CHCS menu: Onaga and Eastridge |
Christmas menus
- At Eastridge, the Resident's Choice Menu will be available: Ham, cheesy potatoes, green beans, cherry or pecan pie, and dinner rolls
- In Onaga, the Christmas meal will be ham, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, cranberry salad, and more!
St. Marys menus are available each morning through the Activities chronicle.
|
|
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 sarahhancock@chcsks.org. Please send items by close of business on Tuesdays when possible. Ideas are welcome!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
