Patient Experience Week | Magnet | Above and Beyond | Early Voting | March of Dimes | OT Month | New MARS Feature | WW Incentive
Week of April 25, 2022
Houston Methodist’s Patient Experience Week starts today, Monday, April 25, and runs through Sunday, May 1. At Houston Methodist, we are focused on keeping our patients at the center of everything we do throughout their health care journey. From admission to discharge to follow-up care, every one of you impacts our patients’ experiences, whether your role is patient-facing or not. We always aim to treat our patients like family and ensure they receive the safest, highest-quality care possible. Remember, each of us can positively impact the patient experience in small, personal ways by creating human connections with our coworkers, patients and their loved ones.
Each day this week, we will have a patient-centered challenge that we will communicate via email, so please keep an eye on your inbox. Each Patient Experience Week activity will take two to five minutes to complete. You are encouraged to take a few minutes each day to reflect and participate in these activities designed to help foster patient connections in small ways. You will then, submit your answers each day using an electronic form we will provide in that day’s email. You’ll receive 300 Virgin Pulse points for each activity you participate in. Additionally, if you participate in at least three of the activities throughout the week and submit your responses each day, you will be entered into a random drawing to win a set of four Houston Astros dugout tickets for the Monday, May 23 game at 7:10 p.m. game against the Cleveland Guardians. Click here for a complete list of rules.
Thank you so much for all you do that makes HMSL unparalleled.
Houston Methodist Sugar Land Granted Magnet Re-Designation
On Friday, April 22, our hospital once again achieved Magnet® recognition. This is a reflection of the level of professionalism, teamwork and superiority among our nurses and how they care for our patients. To achieve Magnet recognition, organizations must pass a rigorous and lengthy process that demands widespread participation from leadership and staff. This process includes an electronic application, written patient care documentation, an on-site visit, and a review by the Commission on Magnet Recognition.
The Commission on Magnet also found seven exemplars in areas of work, including the number of nurses earning a baccalaureate or higher degree in nursing, nurse satisfaction, and patient engagement or patient-centered care. It also was complimentary of the interdisciplinary Magnet Champions group, going as far as to say it could be a model for other Magnet organizations.
"We feel so blessed and thankful for each of our employees who are the very heart and loving hands of our hospital. This second Magnet Designation is in honor and recognition of their excellent work provided these last four years." - Janet Leatherwood, HMSL Chief Nursing Officer
"Everyone at HMSL contributes to the Magnet environment of excellence and it was evident during the virtual Magnet site visit. The phone call from Magnet Commissioner Chair Dr. Jeanette Ives Erickson confirming HMSL’s second Magnet designation is cause to celebrate the resilience and courage in each of us." - Mary Harris, Director of Clinical Education and Magnet
Congratulations to everyone who worked to make this re-designation happen, but more importantly a big thank you. All of your hard work has resulted in wonderful care for our patients as well as this stellar recognition.
Early Voting BeginsVoters will make their choices for local elections and decide on two amendments to the Texas constitution regarding taxes on Election Day, Saturday, May 7. Early voting begins April 25. Houston Methodist supports the rights of all employees to vote. Click on your county to find election information. Harris County |
March of Dimes Basket RaffleApril is coming to a close and that means we are in our final push for our March of Dimes fundraiser. All week, you can stop by the Main Atrium to buy raffle tickets for your chance to win one of the great gift baskets that are available, as well as your chance to win a reserved parking spot. This week will be capped off with the March for Babies at Constellation field. Raffle ticket and walk details can be found here. Thank you to all who have made this another successful fundraiser — from those who put it on and those who donated! |
Above and Beyond Award
The Employee Morale Committee awarded Suresh Manju Thampi with the April 2022 Above and Beyond Award. He was selected by the committee after the team in 6 West submitted a Bravo about him. You can read what they wrote and learn how to nominate a colleague here. Congratulations, Suresh!
April is Occupational Therapy Month. The profession enables people of all ages to participate in daily living or live better with injury, illness, or disability. HMSL has 19 amazing occupational therapists on staff.
"This amazing group of clinicians pours their heart and soul into what they do, routinely going above and beyond to provide high quality, evidence-based treatment interventions for our patients.”
- Sean Croft, PT, Director of Rehabilitation Services
Celebrating Occupational Therapy Month
Employee Requests in MARS
A new feature is now available in MARS. The "Employee Requests’ tile provides you with options like submitting a time off request, acknowledging your work location, applying for a salary loan, or submitting your resignation if you are leaving Houston Methodist. As always, we encourage you to use MARS to view and update your employee information.
WW Incentive for April
If your goals include losing weight or choosing a more nutritious diet, WW may help. If you join by April 30, you’ll get a free Blue Apron box that includes three meals for two people. Houston Methodist is subsidizing the cost of WW for employees. You can even earn Virgin Pulse points for participating. Learn more here.
PATIENT COMPLIMENTS
Main 4 West Patient: "The hospital stay was as comfortable as it could have been. The doctor, nurses and staff attentive and helpful. Very friendly and professional atmosphere!"
Main 6 West Patient: "I got real good care at Methodist Hospital. I will highly recommend Methodist to my friends. The nurses were very good, especially Jiya and Nikki. Received warm delicious food on time All staffs' vibes very friendly and helpful."
Brazos 5 Patient: "All in all the doctor and staff were the best!"
IMPORTANT DATES
Monday, April 25: Patient Experience Week begins
Wednesday, April 27: Administrative Professionals Day
Saturday, April 30: Deadline to apply for Scholarship for Employees' Children
Friday, April 29: System Patient Safety Symposium. This event spotlights methods and best practices to create a culture of safety for both patients and health care providers based on trust, communication and development. Click here to register.
JUST FOR FUN DATES
Astros Schedule:
Monday, April 25 - Thursday April 28: @ Texas Rangers
Thursday April 29 - Sunday May 1: @ Toronto Blue Jays
Space Cowboys Schedule:
Tuesday April 26 - Sunday May 1: @ Oklahoma City Dodgers
Music & Arts
Tuesday, April 26: Bon Jovi, Toyota Center
Wednesday, April 27: My Morning Jacket, White Oak Music Hall
Thursday, April 28: Death Cab for Cutie, 713 Music Hall
Saturday April 30: Deftones, White Oak Music Hall
Things For Laughs
Monday, April 25: National Hug a Plumber Day
Tuesday, April 26: National Pretzel Day
Wednesday, April 27: National Prime Rib Day
Thursday, April 28: National Blueberry Pie Day
Friday, April 29: National Hairball Awareness Day
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
"My mother always used to say, 'The older you get, the better you get. Unless you’re a banana.'”
- Betty White