Week of July 1, 2024
Michael Garcia
Chief Executive Officer
Houston Methodist Sugar Land
As we enter the last two phases of our 5S journey, it is essential to reflect on what we have achieved. We sorted supplies and equipment, cleaning out what we didn’t need. We stored what was left in easy-to-reach and clearly labeled locations. We’ve shined our work areas, cleaning, repairing and painting.
Now, we’ll standardize our processes and workspaces to allow all staff to succeed, regardless of which part of the hospital they work. This phase reduces confusion, minimizes errors, maximizes our space and helps us eliminate non-value-added activities that keep us from doing the work we enjoy — taking care of our patients.
Then, we’ll work to sustain, gaining discipline through repetition until 5S becomes a key element in how we work. We will utilize workplace techniques that make keeping equipment and supplies in good working order easier. We will also conduct regular 5S assessments of our units, looking for ways to improve even more. Sustaining our work environment promotes quality, safety, efficiency and enhances our commitment to accountability.
These last two phases require everyone's active and involved participation. How we set up and maintain our work areas during the standardize and sustain phase impacts our day-to-day operations and activities immensely. Everyone’s input is essential, and a broad range of ideas is critical to developing the best possible setup.
Of course, how well we sustain our 5S will depend on all of our efforts — Everybody, Every Day! Working together, we can create a safe and efficient workplace. Let’s keep the commitment to 5S going strong!
Finally, this Thursday is Independence Day. I want to thank all of you who will be caring for our patients and their families over the holiday. For those of you who will get a short break, I hope you enjoy your time off and stay safe. Whether you are here or away, let us all pause and think about those in uniform, defending our freedoms this Independence Day.
Enjoy your week,
Michael Garcia
Chief Executive Officer
Houston Methodist Sugar Land
Hurricane Season Continues
We are one month into hurricane season and disaster preparedness is key. For a severe weather event, make sure you know your assigned role - ride out or recovery. Also make sure your contact information is updated in MARS, so you can receive special systemwide text and email announcements in case of an emergency. Please note, it's important to confirm receipt of these text messages when you receive them.
To update your contact information, go to the MARS portal. Log in with your user ID and password, find the Personal Details section and select Contact Details. Under Phone, select the + icon to add a phone number. You can also click on an existing phone number to change or delete it. Important: it's crucial that your cell phone number is labeled "mobile" so you can receive emergency texts.
Payday Will be Wednesday
July 4 is a federal holiday, and banks will be closed. Because of this, you will receive your pay on Wednesday, July 3. If you are working on the holiday, thank you for all you do to care for our patients. You will be able to bank the holiday time to use on another date.
Self-Evaluations Due Friday
This is your last week to complete your self-evaluation as part of the annual Focal Point Review process. The deadline is Friday, July 5. Please review these tips on how to complete the evaluation. View the FPR schedule to be aware of the entire FPR timeline.
Beginner Zentangle Art Class
The Center for Performing Arts Medicine is hosting a beginner-level Zentangle art class on campus this week. Zentangles are a simple and easy-to-learn art form that involves creating structured patterns using dots, lines and simple curves. The class is Wednesday, July 3 from noon to 1 p.m. Click here to sign up. Class location will be shared with registered participants.
Food Mobile Ordering Option
Have you tried the new mobile ordering and pick up option at the Garden Café? You can now save time and skip the line by going to myEATzapp.com. First, select HMSL for the location. Then you can select the Garden Cafe to order your food and select your pick-up time. The pick up shelf is by the beverage cooler. Use the code HMSL15 for 15% off (only available for the Garden Café). Mobile ordering is available weekdays from 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. at the grille and 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the deli. On weekends, mobile ordering is available from 7 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the grille. The deli is closed.
Scholarship Opportunities
Applications are open for both nursing and non-nursing scholarships. We want you to have the opportunity to pursue further education and training. The eligibility requirements are the same:
- Be employed with HMSL for at least 6 months
- Be accepted into an accredited program related to your desired profession
- Have a 3.0 GPA or higher
- Be in good standing with your department/unit
The deadline to apply for both scholarships is July 19. Part-time students can receive up to $6,000 and full-time students up to $12,000 in scholarship funds for the school year.
Disruptive/Violent Patient Behavior Education
LMS lessons for the Houston Methodist Disruptive/Violent Patient Behavior education are now active. If you work with patients, courses have been assigned to you. Click here for more information. These courses are part of the strategic effort to promote workplace safety and workplace violence prevention. Disruptive, violent (patient and guest) behavior is prohibited and will be addressed in a manner that protects the safety and dignity of all individuals. Click here to read the Patient and Guest Disruptive Behavior Policy.
Talent Talk Tuesdays
If you want to get to the next level in your career, the Talent Talks program is for you. If you have been at HMSL less than a year, schedule your 30-minute session with an HR Talent Consultant. They can help with resume building, interview coaching, mock interviews and career guidance. Sessions will be held on Tuesdays from 1-5 p.m. Click here to register.
Office of Sustainability Will Host Virtual Lunch and Learn
The Office of Sustainability will host Vizient’s Environmental Sustainability Tools virtual lunch and learn from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 10. The guest speaker is Rebecca Hou, an environmental sustainability program manager at Vizient. Her presentation will focus on key strategies hospitals can take to reduce their carbon footprint. It will also examine how Vizient’s Environmental Sustainability team can support Houston Methodist’s efforts to tackle sustainability issues in energy, waste, water, transportation, design, climate and sourcing. All Houston Methodist employees are welcome to join. Please register for the event by clicking here.
Culture of Safety Awards
Houston Methodist is committed to delivering the highest quality care in the safest environments possible, all while providing an unparalleled experience. Thanks to you, we achieve this by vigorously upholding a strong culture of safety. To recognize your efforts, the System Quality and Patient Safety nomination committee is accepting nominations for the Culture of Safety Awards. Please submit nominations by July 12, 2024. Awardees will be notified on September 20, 2024. For nomination and judging instructions, please click the link here.
2024 Excellence in Nursing Award
Nominate a colleague for this year's Excellence in Nursing Award, sponsored by Crowning Achievement Awards for excellence in nursing. We invite you to nominate an exceptional nurse colleague who you feel is OUTSTANDING! The first-place winner will receive $15,000. Nominations are due Monday, September 9. Click here to submit your nomination.
HMSL Digital Library
We are halfway through the year – and whether it’s your FPR development goals or goals set back in January, there are titles to support you in the HMSL Digital Library! Consider these new titles:
- What the Most Successful People Do Before Breakfast: A Short Guide to making Over Your Mornings – and Life
- Stolen Focus: Why You Can’t Pay Attention – and How to Think Deeply Again
- The High 5 Habit: Take Control of Your Life with One Simple Habit
- Designing Your Life: How to Build a Well-Lived, Joyful Life
- Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life…And Maybe the World
- Hello, Habits: A Minimalist’s Guide to a Better Life
Remember that the HMSL Digital Library is free to access via the Libby App with your HM credentials. Click here for helpful instructions. Happy reading!
July is known as Ultraviolet Safety Awareness Month. During this time, the mission is to spread awareness about how important it is to protect our eyes and skin from the side effects of UV rays. Doctors at Houston Methodist recommend wearing sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and reapplying it every two hours and after swimming or sweating. They also say to wear protective clothes, wide-brimmed hats and UVA- and UVB-blocking sunglasses. Limit sun exposure. Ultraviolet rays can damage skin in about 15 minutes. Click here to read about others raising awareness or celebrating this month.
IMPORTANT DATES
Monday, July 1: New PTO accrual limit begins
Wednesday, July 3: Zentangle Art Class. More information.
Thursday, July 4: Independence Day holiday
Friday, July 5: Deadline for staff to complete self-evaluations
Friday, July 12: Coffee Talk: Setting Boundaries. More information.
Friday, July 12: Deadline for Culture of Safety Award nominations. More information.
Sunday, July 14: Disruptive/Violent Flag scheduled to go live in Epic. More information.
Friday, July 19: Deadline to apply for 2024 HMSL Nursing Scholarship. More information.
Friday, July 19: Deadline to apply for 2024 HMSL Non-Nursing Scholarship. More information.
Tuesday, August 6: Patient satisfaction bonus payout
Friday, August 23: Deadline to complete bariatric sensitivity module in LMS
Monday, September 9: Deadline to nominate 2024 Excellence in Nursing Award. More information.
JUST FOR FUN DATES
Monday, July 1 - Thursday, July 4: @ Toronto Blue Jays
Friday, July 5 - Sunday, July 7: @ Minnesota Twins
Monday, July 1 - Wednesday, July 5: @ Round Rock Express
Thursday, July 5 - Saturday, July 6: vs. Round Rock Express
Thursday, July 4: Red, White and BOOM celebration, Sugar Land Memorial Park
Saturday, July 6: Sarah McLachlan, Smart Financial Centre
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
"Hearts that beat to the tune of kindness can change the rhythm of the world."
- CJ Peterson
Join The HMSL-CEO Corner Facebook Page
If you are an HMSL employee, you can join the employee-only Facebook page. Join us as we celebrate promotions, graduations, hospital events and more! Click here to join the fun.