Weekly Updates: Week of Nov. 2
News
Penn State Health approves 2021 organizational goals
Penn State Health recently presented its Fiscal Year 2021 organizational goals to serve as the organization’s roadmap for the coming year.
Click on each goal for more details:
Quality and safety―Provide the highest quality, safest care to every patient, every time.
- Reduce serious safety event rate by 2%
- Increase the number of Medicare patients obtaining annual wellness visit by 3.4%
Patient Experience―Provide patients with an extraordinary experience with the health system at every step of their journey.
- Increase patient satisfaction across the hospitals and outpatient practices by 2%
Employee―Provide a culturally diverse and inclusive environment.
- Increase its commitment to diversity and inclusion by achieving four of five of its targeted organizational initiatives
Financial ―Generate an operating margin that allows the health system to invest in a diverse workforce, patient care, discovery, education and community outreach.
- Achieve an operating margin of 2%
Learn more about Penn State Health’s mission, vision and find full details on each of the organizational goals on the CEO Infonet site.
Increasing diversity in research: College of Medicine participates in national mentoring study
The College of Medicine is taking part in a national trial aimed at increasing the diversity of researchers. Called the “Building Up” career development intervention, the study is evaluating the efficacy of a mentoring program for postdoctoral scholars and junior faculty members who are underrepresented in health-related sciences.
“I hope our participation in this trial spurs new ideas for how we can foster an environment of diversity and inclusion in the College of Medicine’s research and education communities,” said Dr. Rebecca Phaëton, assistant professor in the departments of obstetrics and gynecology and microbiology and immunology. “Programs like ‘Building Up’ are a unique initiative for engaging underrepresented minorities that will complement programs we already have in place.”
St. Joseph to offer COVID-19 testing at its Downtown Campus
St. Joseph will provide COVID-19 testing at its Downtown Campus at 6th and Walnut streets in Reading from 1 to 4 p.m. on Wednesdays beginning Nov. 4.
Patients who have been evaluated and given an order by a provider are eligible. No appointment is needed. Patients must present their doctor’s order, photo identification and insurance card, if applicable. They should enter the building at the Walnut Street entrance.
Answers to your frequently asked questions about COVID testing
In recent Penn State Health town halls, employees have asked questions about testing for COVID. Dr. Melissa George, interim chair of the Department of Pathology at Hershey Medical Center, and Dr. Cynthia Whitener, chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases at the medical center, have provided answers to some frequently asked questions:
Q: Can you discuss the difference between the nasal swab and the blood tests for COVID?
A: The deep nasal swab for COVID testing, while uncomfortable, is used to diagnose active infection and provides fewer false negatives than other types of swabbing. The blood test, also known as an antibody test, looks for an immune response to the virus. This is not used to diagnose active infection as it can take one to three weeks to develop antibodies after symptoms occur.
Visit the Infonet to see all of the questions and responses.
United Way campaign hits halfway point. Pledge your support today.
We’re halfway through the Penn State Health and Penn State College of Medicine 2020 United Way campaign, and there’s still plenty of time to help change the lives of people in our community. Even the smallest contribution can make a meaningful difference for those in need.
Here’s a quick glance at where we stand in the campaign:
- $297,548: Amount pledged
- 547: Total donors
- 45: New donors
- 6: Percentage of participation (based on 15,000 employees)
Ways to Give to United Way
- Hershey Medical Center, Shared Services and Medical Group employees: Click on this link: United to Give pledge site.
- College of Medicine employees: Download the College of Medicine United Way pledge form from Box (Penn State access ID login required). Fill it out, save and email it to UnitedWayPayroll@psu.edu.
St. Joseph employees: The St. Joseph campaign, which supports United Way of Berks County, concluded on Oct. 31. We will report the results as soon as they are available.
Safety Reset: Staying safe during breaks and meals
Infection rates of COVID-19 are rising while the outdoor temperatures drop. As heading outside for meals becomes less practical, it’s critically important that staff social distance while dining or taking a break. When masks are down, risk goes up.
Recently, a half-dozen employees were in a breakroom together, sitting close to one another and not wearing masks. While it wasn’t apparent to anyone at the time, one of those gathered was infectious with COVID-19. The employee didn’t develop symptoms until the next day. The five colleagues who were in the breakroom with the contagious employee are undergoing testing.
In addition to incidences of staff not social distancing while on break, there also have been reports of family members coming into a Penn State Health facility to have coffee or lunch with an employee. Only patients are permitted to have a family member or support person visit.
Changes approved for Penn State Health COVID-19 Patient Visitation Guideline
The Patient Visitation Guideline – COVID-19 has been updated, with related resource documents reflecting these changes. The revisions are based upon feedback from patients, families and staff and an analysis of the current COVID-19 environment.
The Patient Visitation Guideline ― COVID-19 changes include:
- Allowing Pediatric Emergency Department patients who are not suspected/not COVID-positive to be accompanied by two family/support person(s)
- Adding new language for pediatric patients, changing language from “parent/guardian” to “family/support person”
- Updating the policy to include sections for all patients, adult patients and pediatric patients
All employees should review the Patient Visitation Guideline – COVID-19. The changes also will be posted to the Medical Centers’ public websites.
Compliance and Ethics Week: Five things you should know
For National Corporate Compliance and Ethics Week, Penn State Health’s Compliance Department is presenting a series of updates to help employees understand their role in ensuring that Penn State Health maintains the highest standards of legal and ethical excellence and the resources available to help them.
Five things every employee should know:
- Everyone is responsible for compliance.
- Employees can call the Compliance Hotline at 800-560-1637 – anonymously, if necessary – if they know of or suspect any conduct that could be illegal, unethical or a potential violation of a federal health care program requirement or the policies of Penn State Health or its subsidiaries.
- Penn State Health policy prohibits retaliation against anyone reporting a concern in good faith.
- Most health care noncompliance issues involve patient safety, the privacy of patient information and billing practices.
- Electronic data breaches and service technology create major compliance issues.
Watch for your 2021 annual compliance training assignment coming this January.
Visit the Compliance Infonet Site to stay informed about the latest compliance news.
Compliance and Ethics Week: Fostering a culture of compliance
For National Corporate Compliance and Ethics week, Penn State Health’s Compliance Department is presenting a series of updates to help employees understand their role in ensuring that Penn State Health maintains the highest standards of legal and ethical excellence and the resources available to help them.
Compliance means more than adhering to federal law and Penn State Health policies. Penn State Health employees strive to create a culture of compliance to protect their colleagues, their patients and their communities.
Penn State Health’s compliance team regularly audits various departments. They conduct monthly checks to make sure employee and vendor transactions are free from fraud or abuse and permitted to participate in federal and state health care programs, such as Medicare or Medicaid. To learn more, review the Excluded Parties Verification Policy.
Compliance and Ethics Week: Code of conduct
For National Corporate Compliance and Ethics week, Penn State Health’s Compliance Department is presenting a series of updates to help employees understand their role in ensuring that Penn State Health maintains the highest standards of legal and ethical excellence and the resources available to help them.
The consequences of unethical conduct or failing to comply with federal law and Penn State Health policies can be disastrous. Minor breaches can lead to financial loss, security vulnerabilities, poor patient care, license revocation and damages to reputation.
Penn State Health developed and maintains a code of conduct to provide an overview of its mission, vision, and values. It can help you protect yourself and understand the right way to conduct business to comply with federal and state laws. You can consult the code for answers to ethical dilemmas and information about when and how to report them. Review the Penn State Health Compliance Code of Conduct.
Penn State Health will distribute its revised code of conduct with the 2021 annual compliance training.
Compliance and Ethics Week: Seven elements
For National Corporate Compliance and Ethics Week, Penn State Health’s Compliance Department is presenting a series of updates to help employees understand their role in ensuring that Penn State Health maintains the highest standards of legal and ethical excellence and the resources available to help them.
The Office of Inspector General and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services say there are seven fundamental elements for any effective compliance program:
- Written policies, procedures and standards of conduct
- Designated compliance officer and compliance committee
- Effective training and education
- Effective lines of communication
- Internal monitoring and auditing
- Enforcing standards through well-publicized disciplinary guidelines
- Responding promptly to detected offences and undertaking corrective actions
How do Penn State Health and you measure up? Visit the Compliance Infonet Site for details.
Children’s Hospital delivers safe, spooktacular Halloween to pediatric patients
There were no tricks―only treats ―for Children’s Hospital patients and their families on Oct. 30. Staff delivered about 150 treat bags to pediatric patients in the Emergency Department, inpatient pediatric units and outpatient areas, including Pediatric Radiology, Pediatric Preoperative Preparation/Surgery and the Pediatric Hematology-Oncology and Infusion Clinic.
Patients younger than 3 years old received a special stuffed animal and a book. Staff gave older patients a treat bag filled with treasures donated by various teams across Penn State Health, including Play-Doh, rubber ducks, stress balls, Halloween glasses and masks, bubbles, coloring books and more.
Parents and caregivers received special treats of their own. Paid for by a community member’s donation of Chick-fil-A gift cards, the Child Life team distributed bagged lunches to parents and caregivers on the inpatient pediatric units.
College of Medicine pandemic response Friday round-up – week of Oct. 26-30
College of Medicine leaders updated faculty, staff and students on Oct. 30 about the ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic:
- College of Medicine employees may be eligible for benefits under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.
- Several employees have brought personal visitors on-site recently. Only business-related visitors are permitted, and they must complete the External Professional Visitor form.
- When eating lunch with other employees, people should not sit across from each other. They should maintain more than 6 feet of physical distancing.
- In-person lab meetings are not permitted until the College moves to research Phase 5.
- There are no plans to implement a quarantine period for faculty and staff who travel domestically during the Thanksgiving and winter breaks.
- All pre-clinical courses for MD and PA students, including graduate studies courses, will move online after Nov. 20.
- The College will offer free, voluntary on-site COVID testing to any student before they leave for Thanksgiving break.
Annual Peace Tree program seeks funds
The Association of Faculty and Friends of Hershey Medical Center and the College of Medicine has launched its 33rd annual Peace Tree program. Each year, staff decorates a tree on the grounds of the Medical Center with white lights in memory or in honor of a loved one or someone who has touched lives in a special way.
Due to the pandemic, this year’s Peace Tree Lighting ceremony will be a small, private event on the front lawn of the Medical Center just outside the Children’s Hospital.
Levels of support for the 2020 Peace Tree range from $10 to $100. All donors will receive a printed copy of the program, which will contain the list of all those being honored or remembered this year. Donations received by Thursday, Nov. 19, will be included in this year’s program booklet.
See the 2020 Peace Tree flyer for details and to make a donation. The association promotes medical education, research, clinical care and scholarship and serves the needs of the community.
New media consent form for patients available
Penn State Health has updated its media consent form for patients. The new form is available on the Digital Storefront. Replace old versions saved on desktops or elsewhere with this new version.
People
Weisz remembered for persistence, passion in research
Dr. Judith Weisz, professor of obstetrics and gynecology, passed away last week at the age of 94. She was one of the longest-serving faculty members at the College of Medicine with more than 45 years of service and was the first female faculty member to be granted the rank of full professor.
She was born in Budapest in 1926, but her family was forced out by the Nazis and escaped to England, where she completed her undergraduate and medical studies.
She came to Penn State in 1972 and studied a variety of topics, including the prevention and development of breast cancer. She mentored many students and faculty over the years.
“Dr. Weisz’s dedication to her research was impressive, but her willingness to collaborate and share new ideas, her efforts to mentor and support students and faculty, and her commitment to equity in academia are what her colleagues will remember her for,” said Dr. Kevin Black, interim dean of the College of Medicine, in a message on Friday.
Phaeton recognized for Exceptional Moments in Teaching
Dr. Rebecca Phaeton, assistant professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the Department of Microbiology and Immunology, is featured for November in the “Exceptional Moments in Teaching” program.
“Dr. Phaeton is a wonderful role model and physician,” the student wrote. “She maintains an awareness of all the learners she has under her care in the OR and makes sure to engage them in dialogue and questions during surgery. Over the course of my month-long OB/GYN clerkship, Dr. Phaeton stood out as someone who cared greatly about my education because of the time and attention she took in asking me questions.”
Psychiatry resident Piper honored for exceptional teaching
Dr. Luke Piper, a fourth-year psychiatry resident at Penn State Health, was recognized in October 2020 as part of the Exceptional Moments in Teaching program of Penn State Health and Penn State College of Medicine.
College of Medicine Graduate Education Office, departments present awards to exceptional students
The College of Medicine recognized 25 graduate students for their outstanding academic and research achievements and contributions to the campus community. Graduate faculty and students nominated them for five awards and two scholarships. Students recognized include:
Charles W. Hill Graduate Excellence Award (Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology)
- Tanay Thakar
Patrick G. Quinn Award for Outstanding Performance by a Post-Comprehensive PhD (Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology)
- David Rasicci
Richard J. Courtney Graduate Student Award (Department of Microbiology and Immunology)
- Adam Fike
- Xupeng Hong
Graduate Alumni Society Award
- Kalins Banerjee
- Emily Blanke
- Erika Dahl
- Jenna (Wilcox) Hagerty
- Xupeng Hong
- Yeon Soo Kim
- Monica Manglani
- William Miller
- Heather Ren
- Aditi Sharma
- Victoria Silvis
- Jocelyn Simmers
- Angela Snyder
- Patricia Yee
Graduate Alumni Endowed Scholarship
- Alison Celigoi
- Christopher Kendra
- Kelsey Leach
Karl H. Beyer Jr., MD, PhD Scholarship
- Melissa Butt
- Adam Fike
- Rebecca Fleeman
- Maryknoll Palisoc
- Tanay Thakar
Graduate Student Research Forum Leadership Award
- Greer McKendrick
- Quinn Wade
Read more about these awards and scholarships.
Employees honored for work milestones
Congratulations to the following Penn State Health employees who are celebrating a milestone work anniversary between Oct. 28 and Nov. 3. They put our values into action every day:
40 Years of Service
- Marsha Borata, Patient Access, Hershey
35 Years of Service
- Patricia Carroll, Cardiology Services, St. Joseph
30 Years of Service
- Susanne Brown, Revenue Cycle, Hershey
- Barbara Paul, Radiology Administration, Hershey
25 Years of Service
- Antoinette Filingeri, Patient Access, Hershey
20 Years of Service
- James Bassler, Clinical Engineering Operational Excellence, St. Joseph
15 Years of Service
- Tracie Dunkin, Pharmacy Administration and Education, Hershey
- Sangam Kanekar, Radiology, Hershey
- Kathryn Kugler, Otolaryngology, Hershey
- Stacey LaPine, Penn State Heart and Vascular Institute, Hershey
- Megan Manlove, Marketing and Communications, Hershey
- Mary Miele, Medical Laboratory Science Program, Hershey
- Macy Reall, Clinical Nutrition Services, Hershey
- Dana Shoesmith, Perianesthesia, Hershey
- James Strong, Ophthalmology, Hershey
10 Years of Service
- Joy Cotton, Penn State Heart and Vascular Institute, Hershey
- Viva Lattimore, Penn State Heart and Vascular Institute, Holy Spirit
- Molly Means, Women’s Health and Wellness Clinic, Holy Spirit
Employees are recognized for their time at Penn State Health. Recognition begins on the 10th anniversary and is given in five-year increments. Employees from every entity within Penn State Health are included in these recognitions, but not every entity may have an employee with a work anniversary during this time period. For questions about work anniversary dates, contact the HR Solution Center at hrsolutions@pennstatehealth.psu.edu or 717-531-8440.
Events
Penn State Health employee blood drive at Hershey Nov. 10
Penn State Health will run an employee blood drive in a trailer in the parking lot outside the Hershey Medical Center Academic Support Building from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 10.
Appointments are strongly recommended. Call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter “PS Hershey” to schedule an appointment.
St. Joseph offers registrations for Women2Women, De Mujer a Mujer virtual events
Women2Women, a program of the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance, will offer the following virtual event in November focused on success in the workplace.
The November De Mujer a Mujer event, “Advocating for Yourself: Salary Negotiation and Leaning In,” is set for Thursday, Nov. 12, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Gladine Frasso, a certified mental game toughness coach, will share her personal story. Frasso discovered she was underpaid, built the confidence to ask for a raise and prepared for the crucial conversation. If interested in attending this event, contact Nickey no later than Tuesday, Nov. 10.
As a founding sponsor of Women2Women, St. Joseph has a limited number of free registrations for both presentations available on a first-come, first-served basis. To learn more about Women2Women events, visit its website.
‘My Superpower is being a Nurse’ webinar Nov. 13
Theresa Brown, clinical nurse, author and New York Times contributor, will virtually present “My Superpower is Being a Nurse: Nurses’ Heroism in Times of Crisis” on Friday, Nov. 13, noon to 1 p.m.
- Zoom: https://psu.zoom.us/j/97801613196?pwd=N1dMMHlhYmppM0NmMXJCM3FIRENrZz09
- Password: 426755
Brown is the author of the New York Times bestseller “The Shift: One Nurse, Twelve Hours, Four Patients’ Lives” and “Critical Care: A New Nurse Faces Death, Life, and Everything in Between.”
For more information, email Lori Ricard at lricard@pennstatehealth.psu.edu.
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