December 2012 CCHS Hours of Operation Administrative Offices “ Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me… Jill Jackson Miller, Actress and Songwriter Monday - Friday 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM Computer Lab Hours Dec. 1 - 14: Monday - Thursday 8 AM - 7:30 PM Friday 8 AM - 4:30 PM Saturday 11 AM - 4 PM Sunday - Closed Special Operating Hours: Dec 11: Closed 8 AM -2 PM For Special Testing Dec. 15 - 23: 8 AM - 4:30 PM (No evening or weekend hours) Dec. 24 - 25: Closed Dec. 26 - 30: 8 AM - 4:30 PM (No evening or weekend hours) Dec. 31 - Jan. 1: Closed Charlotte AHEC Library (Med Ed Bldg, 1st Floor) Monday - Thursday 8:30 AM - 6:30 PM Friday 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Special Operating Hours: The AHEC Library will be closed on the following dates: 12/3, 12/24, 12/25, 12/31, & 1/1. 2nd floor study rooms open 24/7 via badge access. Happy holidays from the Charlotte AHEC Library Staff. Find us on Facebook: Carolinas College & Carolinas College Alumni Association Graduation Reminders It’s almost here! The December graduation is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 14 at Pritchard Memorial Baptist Church, at 1117 South Blvd. The graduation starts at 3:30 p.m. but students should arrive no later than 2:45 in order to dress, and line up for the processional. The awards breakfast honoring your accomplishments and the ceremony rehearsal are that same morning in the church’s fellowship hall at 8:30 a.m. It may not be too late to order your graduation supplies including announcements, invitations and other items by visiting Herff Jones online at www.herffjones.com/ college. Remember, you need to purchase a cap, gown, and tassel in order to participate in the ceremony. The graduation speaker is Ophelia Garmin-Brown, MD, Charlotte Business Journal’s 2010 Businesswoman of the Year. Student of the Month The College is pleased to announce that Ulani Givens, Level 2 student in the Radiologic Technology program, is our December Student of the Month. In addition to her ongoing success as a radiography student, Ulani serves as the president of the SGA and as co-president of PTK. Ulani has been and continues to be involved in numerous outreach activities with PTK, Bright Blessings, Alumni Phone-a-thon, and most recently with the CCHS Day of Service at the Second Harvest Food Bank. Ulani has consistently maintained high grades and accolades in her didactic courses and clinical education rotations in the Radiography program. Throughout her four semesters, Ulani has modeled the core values of CHS, promoted the College, and represented the professional values of Radiology. Ulani is also the 2012 Susan Stricker Scholar. Congratulations Ulani! Ulani Givens 2013 Graduation Composite Photo Dates are Set - Save the Date Each year as a gift to graduating students, the college has a large composite photo made of their class. Each graduate receives an 11 X 14 souvenir copy, as well as two small individual pictures, ideal for using with your certification exam application. A large framed composite hangs in the lobby for the next 12 months, and a smaller framed version hangs in the portrait hall forever. DON’T be left out! The photographer will be on campus Monday and Tuesday, Jan. 28 & 29, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. A signup sheet will be posted in the lobby. All students who will graduate in 2013 should have their pictures taken as this will be the only time this year that the photography company will be on campus. Drapes will be provided for the ladies. Gentlemen please bring a white shirt and tie to wear. From the Admissions Office... We’d like to welcome all new students in Pre-Nursing, Nursing and Medical Laboratory Science. In addition, two new programs are starting in the spring: 1) General Studies Associate Degree, and 2) Histotechnology. A reminder to all incoming clinical and non-clinical students: New Student Orientation is Jan. 3; Clinical Program Orientation is Jan. 4. Calling All Yoplait Yogurt Eaters! Please save your lids and place them in the basket in the student locker room. For every lid redeemed thru June 30, 2013 Yoplait donates 10¢ for breast cancer research. It all adds up! Kimberly Yarborough, MLS Instructor, will redeem them through Yoplait in honor of those who have fought and those who currently fight! Thanks for participating! CHS/CCHS Holiday Cheer Project Gifts Are Due If you elected to sponsor a child, an Angel, Silver Bell, or fill a stocking, this is a reminder that all gifts are due on Thursday, Dec. 6. Once you’ve gotten all the items you wish to donate, put them in the bag, tag it, and place it under the Christmas tree in the main lobby. Our community involvement committee will take care of getting them to the recipients. Thank you for your generosity of spirit to those in need. Pedestrian Safety Carolinas Medical Center (CMC) is a busy place with a lot of vehicle traffic. With the walk to and from the MMP, MCP, and Scott decks, we want you to practice good pedestrian safety. First, the designated walking path is the sidewalks along Blythe Blvd. These are well-lighted, have the “blue light” emergency phones, and are patrolled by CHS Security. A map of this preferred path is available on the Information Portal in the “Student Resources” section. Second, pay attention to the traffic, especially at the intersection in front of CMC. Drivers may be distracted and not see you in the crosswalk. Finally, walk in pairs, especially at night. While CMC is a safe campus, walking in pairs provides an extra level of safety. For those students who walk Garden Terrace and Loop Road, please be aware that the energy plant construction has resulted in the sidewalk to the college being closed. For your safety, please cross Loop Road and walk the temporary sidewalk in front of Carolinas Rehabilitation. It is important that you not walk in the street as large trucks are entering and exiting the construction site. Your safety is our utmost concern… so, practice pedestrian safety! Emergency Notification Test Results CCHS conducted a test of its emergency response communication system on November 8 and all went according to plan. Based on the respondents to the survey we conducted immediately following the test, 92% indicated that they received the notification. General feedback from respondents indicated that the test was a success. Many students reported receiving multiple phone calls. The system is designed to continuously call all numbers, up to four attempts, until answered. This is to ensure that in the event of an actual emergency, you will receive the notification. The College conducts an emergency notification test every fall and spring term. The next test is scheduled for Mar. 27, 2013. For more information regarding the emergency response communication system and other safety information at Carolinas College, please contact Hampton Hopkins, Dean, Student Services, 704.355.5585 or Hamton.Hopkins@CarolinasCollege.edu Learning Resource Update - Attention iPhone and iPad Users! Ebsco offers a free iPhone app that connects to their products called EBSCOhost Mobile App for iPhone Version 3.0. When you log-in into the AHEC Digital Library, click on any of the Ebsco products and you will see at the bottom of the page a link to request the app. Gmail or Yahoo accounts work better than hospital or CCHS email. If you have any questions about getting or using the app contact a librarian at the AHEC Library. Enjoy a Treat During Final Exams! Compliments of the CCHS Student Life Committee. Come enjoy a soothing cup of hot chocolate, or cider, and while you’re there have a cookie! Treats will be set up in the lobby from 10:00-12:00 on Monday, Dec. 10 and Tuesday, Dec. 11. Good luck to all! Spreading a Little Cheer... On Oct. 31, students in the nursing pediatrics rotation had the opportunity to wear costumes for their clinical visit, joining in a yearly tradition started by the Levine Children’s Hospital staff. Among the group were cats, a ninja, a penguin, Raggedy Ann & Andy, and Minnie Mouse to name a few of the creative costume ideas that delighted the children. Lynn Jordan, nursing faculty, stated that children who had not been out of bed for days were excited to visit the lobby and participate in all the fun activities. Hard to tell who had the most fun, the kids or the students! TST Clinic Hours Yet another benefit of attending a Carolinas HealthCare System school: Free Immunizations! TST is the Tuberculin Skin Test, part of CHS’s safety plan for all patients, employees, and students. An annual TST assesses likely exposure to TB, so you can get the care you need. A TST is required during your birthday month or you can opt to get the test as much as 90 days in advance of your birthday. Free TST’s are available at CCHS and at the Employee Health Office in the Annex Building across from the CMC ED. TST’s will be administered in the college lobby on Dec. 3, 11:15 - 11:45 a.m. If you are unable to take advantage of this, visit the Employee Health office in the CMC Annex Building for your free TST, M - F, 7:30 - 4:30. Winter, Your Car, and You! Looks like it’s going to be a cold winter! Healthcare providers are out on the roads at the worst of hours. Here are some suggestions from the National Safety Council to make sure that your vehicle stays healthy through the winter months... Tune Up Your Car Check the ignition, brakes, wiring, hoses and fan belts Change and adjust the spark plugs Check the air, fuel and emission filters, and the PCV valve Inspect the distributor Check the battery Check the tires for air, sidewall wear and tread depth Check the antifreeze level and freeze line Necessary Items for Your Car A spare tire, wheel wrench and tripod-type jack A shovel Jumper cables Tow and tire chains A bag of salt or cat litter Tool kit Survival Kit: working flashlight, batteries, reflective triangles, first aid kit, ice scraper, and exterior windshield cleaner. Be Safe! For more information on this and other safety tips consult: http://www.nsc.org/news_resources/Resources/Pages/ SafetyHealthFactSheets.aspx Continuing Education BCLS for the HealthCare Provider Dec. 15 & 31, 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Cost $60. Textbook included. This course is designed for professional rescuers or students required to have professional rescuer certification for their healthcare program of study. The course provides information on adult and pediatric CPR, two-rescuer scenarios, use of the bag-valve mask, foreign-body airway obstruction (conscious and unconscious), AED, special resuscitation situations, and other cardiopulmonary emergencies. Questions about course information or requirements should be directed to Christy Dull at 704-355-5699 or Christy.dull@carolinashealthcare.org. BLS Renewal Dec. 19. 4:00 - 7:00 p.m., Cost $57. All participants must show current provider card in class. A current 2010 BCLS text issued by American Heart is included in registration fee. Questions about course information or requirements should be directed to Christy Dull at 704-355-5699 or Christy.dull@carolinashealthcare.org. Blended Families, a FREE webinar to help you effectively navigate the difficult task of merging two families after secong marriage, is spon- sored by CHS Employee Assistance Program, 720 East Blvd. December’s program, will be presented at three different times: Dec. 5, 9 - 10 a.m., Dec. 11, 6 - 7 p.m., and Dec. 13, Noon - 1:00 p.m. Discover helpful strategies for strengthening relationships in blended families. Free for CCHS students! Space is limited so please call 704.355.5021 to register. CHS’ EAP is designed to help you and members of your family with all types of issues - marital conflicts, job stress, emotional, alcohol and drug problems, and difficulties with children. Whatever the problem, if you need help, call CHS’ EAP, 704.355.5021, for a private appointment or to register for a class. Admissions Information Sessions Dec. 4 & 11, 4:00 - 5:00 p.m., Want to know more about CCHS’ programs? Contact Joy Godwin at the front desk or call 704.355.5051 to sign up for the session of your choice. Check posted schedule for room locations. For more information on our Medical Laboratory Science or Histotechnology program, contact Kelly Shirley, Program Director, at 704.355.4275. Chaplain’s Grand Rounds - Spiritual Care of Deeply Troubled People Dec. 20, Noon - 1:00 p.m. For nearly three decades our society as a whole has pulled back on the structured and intuitional care of those with mental disease. This has been further complicated by the busy schedules and hectic pace many in the field of mental health, including clergy, have experienced. A new, 9-part series is devoted to looking at the mental health dilemma we all face (patients, families, hospitals, physician practices, behavioral health centers, etc.) and hopefully find collaborative partnerships in caring fore those who too often feel disenfranchised and forgotten. All lectures will be held in the Suzanne Freeman Auditorium (aka the CMC Auditorium, located in the Cannon Research Building). December’s session, Holiday Depression, will be presented by David Johnson, Assistant Director/Clinical Pastoral Education. Bring your lunch. Free for CCHS students! Ethics Committee, Ethics Grand Rounds Dec. 5, 12 noon - 1 p.m., Third Floor Tower Dining Room, CMC. I Can’t Live Like This, A Study of Self-Directed Withdrawal of Life Support and Organ Donation. Case presentations and a panel discussion with representatives form nursing, medical staff, legal, life share, ethics. Please feel free to bring your lunch. “Carolinas Medical Center – Department of Nursing is approved as a provider of continuing nursing education by the North Carolina Nurses Association, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.” Thank You, Class of 2012! Warm thanks to our 2012 graduates for the powerful and lovely black & white photos which now grace our hallway off the lobby. We treasure your thoughtfulness. Student Success News For study tips, information about peer tutoring, or questions about any of the items below, contact Nancy Watkins, Student Success Coordinator, Student Success Center, room 213, 704-355-4025, Nancy.Watkins@carolinashealthcare.org. Want the Straight Scoop on How to Be Successful in NUR202? NUR202 Forum, Monday, Dec. 3, 11:00 am, Room 219. Take advantage of this opportunity to listen to insights and experiences and hear suggestions from a group of December 2012 nursing graduates. No need to register! Study Tip of the Month Pre-test yourself! In the final 3 - 4 days before a test, don’t rely on going over the notes multiple times. Instead, create possible test questions and quiz yourself alone or with a study buddy. If you are in a clinical program, create realistic scenarios and patients to help make the theory come to life. Put aside the notes and teach the material to a study partner and answer follow-up questions. Use your own language to the degree you can; try not to rely on someone else’s wording. If you can teach it, you probably know it. Good luck with your final exams! For more study tips, as well as current opportunities for part-time and PRN employment, check out the Student Support page on the Information Portal. (Click on Student Resources, then on Student Support.) THE CENTER IS A GREAT PLACE TO STUDY! Special Thanks to Our Graduating Peer Tutors! We appreciate these wonderful volunteers who have offered their time to help other students be successful. Thank you all! Peer Tutors graduating on Dec. 14: Myriam Adams, Melissa Austin, Karey Bruton, Kathryn Cofer, Joel Comer, Caitlin Cooper, Elainea Irby-Kipper, Lindsay Middleton, Brittney Morrow, Gretchen Mortimore-Thill, Courtney Rosenthal, Rebecca Scott, Kimberly Sheldon & Megan Walsh. Talk with Nancy now about becoming involved in the Peer Tutoring Program! Human Resources Recruitment on Campus If you’re interested in part-time/PRN employment with CMC, look for Jacquelynn, our Human Resources Recruitment Specialist, in the lobby on Dec. 3, 10:00 - 12:00, in the main lobby. Contact information: Jacquelynn Williams, 704.631.0314, or Jacquelynn.Williams@carolinashealthcare.org. Lactation Room Available The college offers a small space for the convenience of lactating mothers. A bench and electrical outlet provide for your pumping needs. These upfits are in room 127 a private restroom on the hallway where Sherri Marlow and Cyndie Hobson are located. A custom designed bench allows the small but functional room to be multipurpose. To all who expressed a need for this space and are affected by the change, thanks for your patience and flexibility as we expand the ways in which we serve the diverse needs of our students and staff. It’s Snowing!!! What Do I Do Now? Should inclement weather necessitate the delay or closing of the College, we will post that status on the College’s inclement weather hotline (704.446.7854), information portal, as well as local television and radio stations. If a delayed opening is announced, count the delay from 8:00 a.m. So if there’s a 2-hour delay, the college will open at 10:00 am. Pop Quiz: Your class regularly meets 9:00 – 11:00 am on a day the College is on a 2-hour delay. What do you do? Answer: If you can do so safely, come at 10:00 am. Your class will meet for one hour. CCHS Welcomes New Board of Directors Member The College is pleased to announce George E. Battle, III, will be joining the CCHS Board of Directors effective January 1, 2013. Mr. Battle is the Chief General Counsel with Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools. Compliance Corner - Isolation Precautions The recent emergence of more highly resistant, multi-drug resistant organisms (HR-MDRO) brings the focus of this compliance corner to isolation precautions. Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE), such as Klebsiella pneumonia and E. coli, have been identified in increasing numbers at CMC. What makes these infections so dangerous is that they are resistant to medications known to treat them. These infections are spread by person-to-person contact, and by touching contaminated surfaces. It is more prevalent in patients who are immunosuppressed, have invasional lines, have long hospital or nursing home stays, or who have taken many types of antibiotics. The key to containing the spread of HR-MDRO is to follow isolation precautions. In the hospital, please remember to: Wash your hands when entering and leaving a patient’s room. If a patient is on HR-MDRO isolation precautions you must always wear a gown and gloves when entering the room. Isolation supplies must be stocked outside the patient’s room. Dedicated non critical equipment must stay in the room for multiple use. Insist on the compliance of with regard to isolation technique. Compliance with Infection Control can go a long way in containing the spread of infection. These Folks Are Amazing! Part of a culture of excellence is recognizing others. It may be that Students… person who lifted your spirits when you were down, who offered a Nursing: Caitlin Cooper, Amanda Hendren, Brittney Morrow, Whitney hand when it was needed, or went out of their way to make sure you Stephenson, & Natalie Vaughn had what you needed to succeed. To recognize someone who’s made a difference for you, complete a WOW card and leave it in the Faculty/Staff… lobby WOW box. It will be presented with fanfare, even if the recipi- Business, Finance, & Technology: Kim Bradshaw, Bo Clarke & Larry ent is not a CCHS employee. The following CCHS students or staff Turner Continuing Education: Lakisha Bennett & Susan Thomasson were recognized recently for their WOW deeds in the last 30 days: Student Services: Joy Godwin, Hampton Hopkins Student Nurses Association (SNA) Update The CCHS SNA is pleased to announce that Jackie Davis, a May 2012 graduate of the School of Nursing, was awarded the Cynthia Favorite Scholarship Award. Jackie was a committed member of the Student Government Association (SGA) during her time at CCHS. She was a good communicator and advocate bringing many suggestions and ideas for change. She gave of her time freely to support the many projects and efforts of the SGA. She was well loved by her fellow students and SGA advisors. The SNA is proud to celebrate Jackie by honoring her with the Cynthia Favorite Scholarship Award of $250.00. Congratulations to Melissa Maloney, NUR 101 student, who won the raffle for the Survival Basket! Thank you to all that supported the SNA in our Thirty-One bag fundraiser! Proceeds will be used to sponsor Christmas gifts and cooking classes for the women at Florence Crittenton Services! Anyone interested in volunteering for this heart-warming event, please email Alison Thornburg at alison.Thornburg@cchsmail.org. 31 Bag Need to bulk up your resume? JOIN AN SNA COMMITTEE! Committee opportunities will be available at the next new member meeting in January. Exact date will be announced. The new SNA Board Members will be announced in Survival Basket January as well! From the SNA Family, we wish you all a happy and safe holiday! We look forward to seeing everyone next year! Your Holiday Gift From Carolinas HealthCare System! CHS values you as a student, a potential employee, and someone who provides excellent care to its patients. As a way to say “Thanks” CHS is including all CCHS students in the 2012 gift distribution. The nice duffle bag/tote is available at multiple CHS locations over the next week. See the information portal or lobby bulletin board for dates and times and be prepared to present your CCHS I.D. badge. Happy Holidays! Important Dates to Remember...(all items described in detail in this newsletter) Dec. 3 EAP Webinar, Blended Families TST Clinic in Lobby NUR202 Forum Dec. 12 CCHS Capping Ceremony HR Rep on Campus Dec. 13 EAP Webinar, Blended Families Admissions Information Session Ethic Committee Grand Rounds, I Can’t Live Like This...A Study of Self-Directed Withdrawal of Life Support and Organ Donation EAP Webinar, Blended Families Dec. 14 Graduation Awards Breakfast and Ceremony Dec. 15 BCLS for the HealthCare Provider Dec. 19 BLS Renewal Dec. 20 Chaplain’s Grand Rounds, Holiday Depression Dec. 6 CHS Holiday Cheer Gifts Due Dec. 24 & 25 Holiday - COLLEGE & AHEC Library CLOSED Dec. 10 Student Life Committee Treats in Lobby Dec. 31 - Jan. 1 Holiday - COLLEGE & AHEC Library CLOSED Dec. 11 Student Life Committee Treats in Lobby Computer Lab Closed for Special Testing Save the Date… 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Jan 3 & 4 New Student Orientation Admissions Information Session Jan. 28 & 29 Graduation Composite Photographer On Site. Dec. 4 Dec. 5 Dec. 5