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!

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

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!!!

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.

Happy Nurses Week

Happy Nurses Week!

May 6-12 is National Nurses Week. Here at Florida Hospital, we’d like to honor our Nurse Heroes for the work they do to Extend the Healing Ministry of Christ.

We are celebrating how our nurses positively impact the lives of patients and families through their skill and compassion.

Each campus is doing something unique each day for its nurses. Stay tuned for a video link documenting this week’s events.

Take me out to the ball game

It was a perfect day to play softball at Lake Fairview Park – partly cloudy with a slight breeze. The Cardiovascular Institute held its 5th Annual Staff Appreciation Day on Sunday, April 25th, which included a family-style barbeque, fun for the kids, and softball games.

They certainly had reason to celebrate: 5 consecutive quarters of 90-95% Top Box Patient Satisfaction Scores!!!

The Cardiovascular Institute staff work hard in the 15-story Ginsburg Tower, one of our Centers of Excellence at the Orlando campus. Each year, our team of cardiac experts sees more than 70,000 patients. That makes them #1 in Cardiology Volume, #1 in Vascular Surgery Volume, #1 in Women’s Cardiology Volume, #4 in Thoracic Surgery Volume, and #8 in Open Heart Surgery Volume!

But, Sunday was not about work – it was a time for all of the units to get together to compete in an exciting co-ed softball tournament. The games were each an hour long.

The results:

Game 1 – Cardiac Medical Units vs. Cardiovascular PCU (10-6)

Game 2 – Cardiac Surgery Units vs. Cardiology (13-4)

Championship Game – Cardiac Surgery vs. Cardiac Medical (5-4)

Anne Knoll, VTICU Nurse Manager, said, “I like being here because I feel relaxed, unrushed, and am having a great time. I also enjoy seeing everyone else having a good time.”

Everyone definitely had a good time. The emphasis on teamwork is evident both on and off the field. The CV Institute cares for one another like they care for their patients and I was honored to be a part of their day.

Start! Walk

When was the last time you took a walk? It could be a stroll around the mall, a short walk to relieve some stress, or it could be a part of your daily exercise routine.

Have you ever considered the effects walking has on your heart? I hadn’t until Florida Hospital participated in the National Start! Walking Day on April 7th, a program trademarked by the American Heart Association.

In harmony with our Healthy 100 campaign, a program designed to create a culture of health and wellness among employees and the community, over 1,000 Florida Hospital employees brought their walking shoes to work at our seven hospitals and two office complexes. A walking route was mapped out at each campus and employees were given t-shirts and water bottles. My team enjoyed being outside and getting to know individuals from other departments.

According to the American Heart Association, research shows that the benefits of walking and moderate physical activity for at least 30 minutes a day can help:

 Reduce the risk of coronary heart disease
 Improve blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and blood lipid profile
 Maintain body weight and lower the risk of obesity
 Enhance mental well being
 Reduce the risk of osteoporosis, breast and colon cancer
 Reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes

If you would like to work for an organization that values its employees and their health,

please visit, http://www.floridahospitalcareers.com/.