News Around the State

Mississippi State Hospital honors employees for years of service

Mississippi State Hospital recently honored employees with December anniversary dates for their years of service. Service Awards are given to employees in the month of their date of hire, beginning with five years and every fifth year following. 

Employees receive a Certificate of Appreciation and a Service Award Pin. The program is sponsored by Friends of Mississippi State Hospital Inc.

Mississippi State Hospital December service award recipients include: (first row, l to r) Kendrick Hamilton of Jackson, 10 years; Linda Kirk of Jackson, 10 years;  John Crotwell of Brandon, 10 years;  Anthony Knott of Jackson, 5 years;  Theresa Reep of Brandon, 10 years; (second row, l to r)  Obadiah Stokes of Jackson, 10 years;  Ruth Turner of Jackson, 25 years;  Willie Brown of Byram, 5 years;  Pamela Redmond of Jackson, 20 years;  and Anthony Miggins of Jackson, 10 years.

Ruth Moore Turner of Jackson was recognized for providing 25 years of service and Pamela
Redmond of Jackson was recognized for providing 20 years of service.

Turner works in the Census Management Department at Mississippi State Hospital.  She has a bachelor’s degree from Jackson State University and a master’s degree from Mississippi State University. 

Redmond is a certified nurse assistant and direct care worker supervisor at Jaquith Nursing Home, located on the Mississippi State Hospital campus.

Service Awards are given to employees in the month of their date of hire, beginning with five years and every fifth year following. Employees receive a Certificate of Appreciation and a Service Award Pin. The program is sponsored by Friends of Mississippi State Hospital, Inc.

Mississippi State Hospital names December Employees of the Month

Mississippi State Hospital has named its December employees of the month, one from each of the hospital's three service areas. 

Barbara Sample from Jackson has been named Employee of the Month for Direct Care Services.  She has been employed at the hospital for 23 years.

Lottie Scales from Madison has been named Employee of the Month for Licensed Clinical Services. Scales, a Belzoni, Miss. native, is a licensed social worker at the hospital.  She has been employed at the hospital for one year.  She is a graduate of Mississippi Valley State University, where she earned a degree in social work. 

James Byrd from Harrisville has been named Employee of the Month for Support Services.  Byrd is a staffing coordinator at Oak Circle Center, the hospital’s child and adolescent unit.  He has been employed at the hospital for 24 years. He graduated from Copiah-Lincoln Junior College and from the University of Southern Mississippi.

The MSH Employee of the Month award recognizes employees who have made outstanding contributions to the hospital through their work. The program is sponsored by Friends of Mississippi State Hospital Inc.

SMRMC Announces Arrival of da Vinci Si Surgical System

Southwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center (SMRMC)  recently introduced the da Vinci® Si™ Surgical System to their operating room and to their community. 

The da Vinci® Si™ has several unique features designed to provide additional clinical benefits and efficiency in the operating room, many of which translate to patient benefits. Here are a few features of the da Vinci® Si™:

• Enhanced 3D, high-definition vision of operative field with up to 10x magnification
• New optional dual console allows second surgeon to provide assistance
• Superior visual clarity of tissue and anatomy
• Surgical dexterity and precision far greater than even the human hand
• Updated and simplified user interface to enhance OR efficiency
• New ergonomic settings for greater surgeon comfort

Together, these technological advancements provide surgeons with unparalleled precision, dexterity and control that enable a minimally invasive approach for many complex surgical procedures. Commenting on the introduction of the da Vinci Si System, SMRMC Chief Executive Officer and Administrator Norman Price said, “This state-of-the-art, robotic technology will give our patients access to the most modern minimally invasive technology available. Its precision will not only improve surgical success rates, but also decrease recovery time for our patients.”

da Vinci’s advanced level of technology takes surgery beyond the limits of the human hand. This acquisition compliments our goal of extending minimally invasive surgery to the broadest possible base of patients. It can be used for a multitude of procedures, including, but not limited to: prostatectomy, hysterectomy, myomectomy, coronary artery bypass, mitral valve repair and colorectal surgery.

Lore Chambliss Inaugural Winner of Barbara Hayman Nurse of the Year Award

Lore Chambliss, right, with the Hayman family

Wesley Medical Center recently named Lore Chambliss, R.N., the winner of the Barbara Hayman Nurse of the Year Award. Chambliss, who has been with Wesley Medical Center for 30 years, was nominated by her supervisors for the award based on her outstanding work in patient care.  

“Lore embodies everything we were looking for in our first Barbara Hayman Nurse of the Year,” said Mike Neuendorf, Chief Executive Officer for Wesley Medical Center. “Her compassion and professionalism make her a mentor to many of those around her. We’re very proud to honor her for her devotion to nursing.”

In the summer of 2011, the Board of Trustees of Wesley Medical Center inaugurated the Barbara A. Hayman Nursing Award to be presented annually to a nurse as recognition for their outstanding work and service in honor of the late Barbara Hayman, who served as a registered nurse for 54 years.

Hayman began her lifetime commitment to nursing in 1956 and continued past retirement working as an educator at Wesley Medical Center. She was a leader in healthcare and an educator at the local, state and national level. Hayman earned the prestigious honor of induction into the Mississippi Nurses Association Hall of Fame in 2009. She also served in the capacity of Director of Education for Wesley Medical Center and Director of Human Resources.

Hayman earned a diploma degree from the Methodist Hospital in Hattiesburg, Mississippi in 1956 and a Bachelors of Science in Nursing from William Carey College in 1981.

She was a member of the Mississippi Nurses Association for over 30 years where she served as a Board Member for eight years.  As part of the MNA, she served as First Vice President from 1983 – 1984, was awarded Staff Nurse of the Year in 1981, was awarded Administrative Nurse of the Year in 1984, was Educator of the Year in 1985 and was Nurse of the Year in 1988.

Hayman represented Mississippi at the first Women and Heart Disease conference in Washington, DC in October of 1989.  She was a member of the American Diabetes Association from 1987 – 1995, a member of the National Nursing Staff Development Organization from 1990 – 1995 and was a member of the National Council of State Board of Nursing, Inc. Communications Committee from 1992 – 1994.

In tribute to the influence of her life’s work, the Barbara Hayman Nurse of the Year Award will be given annually, to a Wesley Medical Center nurse who demonstrates honesty, enthusiasm, compassion and personal integrity in their nursing work.

SRHS honors Employees of the Month

Singing River Health System has honored Zadie Rogers, Renee’ Sadler and Casie Russell as Employees of the Month.

Singing River Hospital has honored Zadie Rogers, social worker, patient resource management, as the November Employee of the Month.

Rogers was born and raised in Marion, Ala and attended Francis Marion High School She earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in social work at the University of Alabama and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Southern Mississippi. Before working with Singing River Health System, she retired from the Department of Human Services after 25 years as a social worker and then Regional Director. She’s worked with Singing River Hospital’s Case Management Department for over five years as a Social Worker Case Manager.

Rogers currently lives in Moss Point and is married to Steven Rogers, who works for Ingall’s Shipbuilding.  They have one daughter and one grandson.  In her free time, she enjoys gardening, volunteering at her church, and decorating her home.

Rogers enjoys working for SRHS because she’s able to help people in her community.  “It is always my desire to leave a positive reflection of this hospital.”

Ocean Springs Hospital has honored Renee’ Sadler, diversified technician, Labor and Delivery/Recovery/Nursing, as the November Employee of the Month.

Sadler was born in Independence, La. and raised in Kentwood, Ala. and St. Martin. She attended St. Martin High School and Southwest Mississippi Community College.  Before working with Singing River Health System, she worked for Hood Memorial Hospital as a nursing assistant and unit clerk. She has worked with SRHS for more than seven years and began her career with Ocean Springs Hospital on Three East. She later transferred to Labor and Delivery.

Sadler currently lives in Latimer and is married to Andy Sadler who works for Academy Sports and Outdoors as a Senior Team Leader.  She has one child. Sadler enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, watching movies, and playing with her two family dogs. 

Renee’ enjoys working for SRHS because she enjoys being part of a special moment in patient’s lives when they welcome a new member into their family.  “My patients leave remembering that they were treated like a person and that we at SRHS really do care about them.”

The Outlying Facilities have honored Casie Russell, receptionist, SRHS Clinics - Gautier, as the November Employee of the Month.

Russell was born and raised in Gautier. She attended Gautier High School, Pearl River Community College and Blue Cliff College. She earned an associate degree from William Carey University and is a Certified Medical Assistant. She has worked for SRHS Clinics in Gautier since July 2011.

Russell currently lives in Gautier and is engaged to Brandon Riley, who works for Haynes Electric as an electrician. They have one child. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family, shopping, and spending time outdoors.

Russell enjoys working for SRHS because she’s able to work with patient’s and co workers alike who lift her spirits.  “I help give patients anything they need and if I can’t do it, I find someone who
can.”

 

Knight Named New ED Director at CMMC

Laura Knight has recently been named director of the Emergency Department at Central Mississippi Medical Center (CMMC). 

Knight is a registered nurse and has been working at CMMC for more than seven years, serving as an assistant nurse manager in the post-surgery department and, most recently, as the telemetry nurse manager. 

Knight earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Southern Mississippi and was a cum laude graduate. She was also a member of the university’s Honors College and received the National Collegiate Nursing Award. 

“CMMC is committed to serving our community for their health care needs and emergency needs,” said CMMC Chief Executive Officer Charlotte W. Dupré.  “Laura’s appointment will help us meet that commitment in this vitally-important area of our hospital. She understands the Emergency Department is the front door to the hospital for many patients. I am very pleased Laura has accepted this position, as I am confident she will work as hard as anyone to make sure patients receive great care on a consistent basis.”

In previous positions, Knight has shown she is a strong clinical nurse, hard working, and also a team player, added Lorie Ramsey, CMMC’s chief nursing officer.

“Laura will do an excellent job of facilitating the Emergency Department working with numerous other departments in the hospital to reach the high expectations patients have of our Emergency Department,” Ramsey said.  

Rogers graduates from ASHE Leadership Institute

Fred M. Rogers, Rush Health Systems’ Vice President and Chief Resource Officer, recently graduated from a five-year Leadership Institute program sponsored by the American Society for Healthcare Engineering.  The program offers emerging leaders intensive training in skills they can use to manage employees, improve their productivity and become more effective leaders. 

“The Leadership Institute takes folks who are already successful and helps them take that next step in sharpening their skills, “said ASHE Executive Director Dale Woodin, CHFM, FASHE.   “We’re finding this approach to developing future leaders provides benefits to both the attendees’ organizations and ASHE.”

Rogers has been affiliated with Rush since 1995.     He is a native of Meridian and attended Marion Military Institute and the University of Mississippi.  He is responsible for the management of all construction projects including the current construction of Choctaw General Hospital in Butler, AL and the plant operations departments of all Rush-affiliated hospitals and clinics in East Mississippi and West Alabama.

DRMC promotes Couvion

Donna N. Couvion, RN, BSN, is the new clinical director of the Intensive Care Unit and Heart and Vascular Center at Delta Regional Medical Center. Couvion brings over 20 years of nursing experience with her to the unit.

Couvion received her bachelor of science degree in nursing from Mississippi University for Women in Columbus.

She has worked in several critical care areas including neonatal intensive care, cardiac care and Air Evac flight units. Her most recent position was as a team leader for DRMC’s Heart and Vascular Center.

CMMC Announces Top Employees of the Third Quarter

Central Mississippi Medical Center recently honored the most outstanding employees for exemplary job performance in the third quarter of fiscal year 2011. Three top staff were named Employees of the Third Quarter during a special awards ceremony.  Each winner receives an engraved plaque and a check for $500.

The following employees were named Employees of the Third Quarter: Outstanding Employee – Lewis Rusling, Maintenance Department; Department Manager –Kathy Holbrook, RN, Med/Surg Department and Dixie Litton, RN, Emergency Department. 

Rusling, an employee since 2008, was nominated for his dedicated service to hospital departments. His dedication and willingness to makes sure air conditioning and heating units are working properly for the comfort of patients and staff were two attributes fellow employees felt were worthy of recognition. 

“Lewis has gone above and beyond his job description in so many ways; he is very thorough with everything he does,” according to his peers. “He sets an example for all employees to follow through his dedication, precision, honesty and eagerness.”      

A 16-year veteran of CMMC’s staff, Holbrook was called “caring, compassionate and professional.” Co-workers and her staff say she is “not only a manager, she is a friend.  She is objective and listens when a shoulder is needed. She is hard working and never complains about the workload.”    

Other comments include that she always lets her staff know they are appreciated. 

Litton, a member of the nursing staff since 2003, is recognized for her willingness to work whenever she is needed, regardless of whether or not her shift has started, say co-workers. 

“Dixie comes to work ready to help; even if her shift has not started yet; she just jumps in and does what needs to be done. She is a very knowledgeable, competent nurse. She has a great attitude toward staff and patients.”

SRHS Launches New Cancer Survivor Program

Singing River Health System (SRHS) Regional Cancer Center is recruiting cancer survivors for a new program to help make the transition from active treatment to post-treatment care.  Developed by the Cancer Support Community and LIVESTRONG, the program was created to bridge the gap between cancer treatment and life following cancer. 

This is an important health care gap because according to a 2007 Institute of Medicine report, the 12 million cancer survivors in the U.S. face a heavy physical and psychological burden as they transition from cancer patient to survivor.  In fact, cancer is increasingly being viewed for many as a chronic illness.  A new report issued by the Institute of Medicine in 2008 recognized this paradigm shift of the impact on cancer on the entire family.  The report, entitled Cancer Care for the Whole Patient, states that “Good quality health care must attend to patients’ psychosocial problems and provide services to enable them to better manage their illnesses and underlying health.” This new program, Cancer Transitions: Moving Beyond Treatment™, will begin January 12, 2012 to help fill this critical gap.

“This much needed program, which is offered at no cost to participants, will provide our local cancer survivors with information and tools to make the transition into living a full and productive life as a survivor,” said Maggie Clarkson, Regional Cancer Center grants program director. “Specifically, the program addresses exercise, nutrition, emotional health, quality of life and medical management after cancer treatment ends.”

The six sessions will be held weekly, with a morning class in Pascagoula beginning January 12, and an afternoon class in Ocean Springs kicking off January 25. Expert panelists at the six sessions will include physicians, nutritionists and fitness experts who will discuss various topics. These subjects include:

• Exercise after treatment
• Specialized nutrition for people after cancer treatment
• The need for continued emotional and social support
• Medical effects of cancer treatment and long-term medical management.

"In order to improve the quality of life of people affected by cancer, it is essential to provide effective and appropriate patient care across the cancer continuum," said Andy Miller, vice president of programs and policy for LIVESTRONG.  "The Cancer Support Community has been an ideal partner to develop this program.  They have a proven track record of implementing evidenced-based programs that are relevant to the needs of communities and highly beneficial for cancer survivors."