Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Employees Have a Chance to win a Vacation!



Florida Hospital understands the importance of working with friends and family who share values and work ethic. That is why Florida Hospital has created an Employee Referral program designed to reward employees who refer friends and family to work for Florida Hospital! I was actually referred to work at Florida Hospital by my husband.

I wanted to give a quick overview of the program:
-A specific website was created to submit referrals for all departments/specialties.
-Points are awarded for each referral, and employees can earn even more points if the referral is hired!
-As the points accrue, employees can shop over 1,300 name brand items without having to worry about taxes or shipping fees.
-The shopping atmosphere is similar to Amazon.com.

“The reason we switched from a monetary to points-based rewards system was value. Cash has no lasting effects. If you were to receive a flat-screen TV for your referrals, every time you look at it, you will remember that Florida Hospital values your friends and family,” says Elizabeth Philcox, Referral Program representative.

This summer, Florida Hospital has a neat challenge for employees: The individual who refers the most RNs who are hired between now and September receive an all-expenses paid vacation of their choice!

Monday, June 21, 2010

Florida Hospital Nursing Award Finalists

I would like to personally congratulate six extraordinary Florida Hospital employees who recently received nominations for Nursing Spectrum’s 2010 Nursing Excellence Awards. These nursing heroes were nominated by their peers for the contributions they make to their patients, each other and the profession. Below are the Florida Hospital finalists and the areas they were recommended:

• ADVANCING AND LEADING THE PROFESSION:
RNs who have made contributions that advanced and strengthened the nursing profession or the delivery of patient care. These nurses have made broad-reaching contributions that affect the entire profession rather than a single organization.

Kevin Metzing, RN, BS, CNOR
OR Supervisor
Florida Hospital, Orlando
Nominated by: Patricia Lewis

Janet Celli, RN, BSN, PCCN
Assistant Nurse Manager
Florida Hospital/CPR Associates of America, Orlando
Nominated by: Susan Jane Whitney

• CLINICAL CARE:
RNs who demonstrate excellence in direct-care delivery in any clinical setting. This category celebrates nurses who work directly with patients and their families.

Lori Hadas, RN, MSN, CCRN-CSC, CCNS
Cardiovascular Clinical Nurse Specialist
Florida Hospital, Orlando
Nominated by: Monica Niece-Dechau

Katie Franklin, RN
Staff Nurse
Florida Hospital Orlando, Orlando
Nominated by: Cathy Downs-Phoenix

• MANAGEMENT:
RNs who have demonstrated exceptional management of nursing or patient care services in any setting. This category honors managers who have a talent for developing successful employees and systems.

Debbie Pusateri, RN, MSN
Vice President, Critical Care Services & Emergency Services
Florida Hospital, Orlando
Nominated by: Monica Niece-Dechau

Jean Turcotte, RN, MA, CCRN, CSC
Administrative Nurse Manager, CVICU
Florida Hospital, Orlando
Nominated by: Monica Niece-Dechau

The winners in each category will be in the running for the 2010 National Nurse of the Year Awards!

To view the finalists’ profiles, visit:
http://news.nurse.com/article/20100614/FL01/106140070
http://news.nurse.com/article/20100614/FL02/100611005

Friday, June 11, 2010

Tips for Skin Cancer Prevention and Detection

This weekend the Ultraviolet (UV) Index in Orlando is 11+ which, according to the CDC is extreme exposure!

If you are planning to be outside during midday hours, be sure to take steps to reduce sun exposure. A shirt, hat and sunscreen are a must, and be sure to seek shade. Also, beachgoers should know that white sand and other bright surfaces reflect UV and can double UV exposure!

The lifetime risk for Americans to develop melanoma is 1 in 74! Dr. Dennis Rousseau, Director of Surgical Oncology at the Florida Hospital Cancer Institute, shared some insight to Florida Hospital employees that are valuable tips for all individuals this summer:

#1 Reduce sunlight exposure – The more sun exposure and the more times you get sunburned, the more likely you will develop skin cancer or melanoma.

#2 Consider your complexion – The fairer your complexion, the higher risk you have for developing skin cancer or melanoma.

#3 Know your family history – A family history of melanoma increases your risk by three to eight times.

#4 Protect yourself from the sun- Normal clothes like T-shirts provide minimal protection. Always use a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.

#5 Beware of tanning beds - Younger people (who start using tanning beds younger than 30) who use them more than 10 times a year are seven times more likely to develop melanoma.

ABCDEs of melanoma and moles – Look out for these signs and consult a healthcare professional if you observe any:
Asymmetry: Any mole that is not perfectly round
Border irregularities: If the edge of the mole isn’t smooth
Color variation: If the mole is more than one color
Diameter: Mole is greater than 6 mm
Enlarging Lesion: Any mole that’s getting larger

And, don't forget, Wear Your Sunscreen!!!

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

2010 Nursing Excellence Awards

Every year, Florida Hospital hosts the Nursing Excellence Awards for nurses who have gone above and beyond who care for their patients, families, and co-workers. Please enjoy some images from the day.