Self-Evaluations | COVID Information | New ICU Director | PTSD Awareness | Preparing for Discharge | Houston Methodist Blog
Week of June 20, 2022
Complete Self-Evaluations by July 8
Focal point review (FPR) is now underway. You will need to complete your self-evaluation and your 11 annual systemwide in-services. If you work in clinical departments, you may also have hospital or department-specific in-services. New hires who started on or after March 27, 2022 are compliant with their in-services and do not need to retake them. If you are an RN, you will also need to complete peer feedback in MARS. Self-evaluations and peer feedback are due July 8.
Training guides with screenshots can assist you with completing a self-evaluation and peer feedback.
The FPR process is required for all Houston Methodist employees. If you do not comply with your in-services by the required deadline, you will be suspended without pay as a disciplinary action. See the policy HR 07 for more details of disciplinary action for not completing these requirements.
COVID-19 case numbers continue to rise. Please read this email from Dr. Rob Phillips about being cautious during these times.
You can see the latest COVID-19 numbers at HMSL by clicking here.
Meet HMSL's New ICU Director
HMSL is excited to announce Kabir Rezvankhoo, M.D. as the new ICU medical director overseeing critical care services effective immediately. Rezvankhoo has worked at HMSL since 2016 as a full-time intensivist. For the past two years, he has served as the COVID-19 response leader. In his time here, he has gained the respect and admiration of patients, colleagues and staff for his tireless dedication to patients and staff. You can read the full announcement here.
June is PTSD Awareness Month
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), post traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD) is prevalent in veterans who served in combat situations. Roughly 11 to 20 percent of veterans who served in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom suffer from PTSD in a given year. The rate is even higher for those who served in the Vietnam War (as high as 30 percent). Additionally, about 55 percent of women and 38 percent of men have experienced sexual harassment in the military, which may also trigger PTSD symptoms. The Veterans Alliance ERG provides a safe space for Houston Methodist veterans to discuss their experiences and reach out for help. Contact the ERG for more information. Houston Methodist also provides a wide range of mental health resources for employees and their families.
Preparing for Discharge Course
The Q2 Preparing for Discharge Course (ID #1617057) is open now. The live, in-person, one-hour course with 1 CNE/CEU credit is posted in LMS. It is available to all inpatient med/surg nurses and inpatient case managers and social workers. Sessions are available throughout the system and staff can take them at any location. HMSL will offer 30 sessions through July 22. More information can be found here.
Houston Methodist Blog
Did you know that Houston Methodist has a blog? It's full of helpful health and medical information. Below are a few that can help you and your family this summer:
PATIENT COMPLIMENTS
From a PT/OT Outpatient: "Victoria was very pleasant and knowledgeable. She explained what she was going to do in detail and made sure that I understood and answered all my questions. She gave me paperwork with home exercises and went over each one. It was a very good visit."
From an Endoscopy Patient: "I was treated by the best nursing staff I have seen. Professional, friendly and relaxed. I was so impressed with the team. While the doctor is fantastic, the interaction is obviously limited. The nurses are the ones who calmed me down, explained everything and laughed at my nervous jokes. This team made my procedure easy and made me feel like someone cared. I cannot say enough about this team."
From a Main 6 East Patient: "I'd return to Houston Methodist Sugar Land 'in a heartbeat.' I am so sorry if there are patients and non-patients who might not appreciate everything the healthcare professionals are doing. So thankful for these people!"
IMPORTANT DATES
Wednesday, June 22: PTSD Awareness Month Panel. Hosted by Veterans Alliance ERG. Join here.
Friday, June 24: HMSL Blood Drive. Reserve your spot here.
Wednesday, June 29: Moms of Methodist ERG celebrates Father’s Day at Noon. Discussion will offer tips and techniques for parenthood. Register here.
Thursday, June 30: LGBTQ+ Health Symposium. Discussion will explore patient care and needs of LGBTQ+ community, effective communication and more. Register here.
JUST FOR FUN DATES
Tuesday, June 21 - Wednesday, June 22, vs New York Mets
Thursday, June 23 - Sunday, June 26, @ New York Yankees
Tuesday, June 21 - Sunday June 26, vs Tacoma Rainiers
Friday, June 24: Kid Rock, Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
Saturday, June 25: Chicago and Brian Wilson, Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
JOKE OF THE WEEK
Hippos can run faster than humans on land, and swim faster than humans in water.
Which means the bicycle is your only chance of beating a hippo in a triathlon.