I am writing to inform you that I recently became your Union representative at Garfield. I have been inserting my business card into lockers in the break room areas so if you need to reach me, you can do so by email or by calling my cell phone. I have received many more communications by email, which has been great. I have several issues that I have addressed regarding vacations, documentation, and abuse by doctors in the workplace. I can not express to you just how important documenting any and all communication you have when it comes to handing over patient care for breaks and shift changes.
Also, when you take vacation, do not stay longer than you have been given off unless an unforeseen circumstance should take place. Make sure you communicate these circumstances to your manager.
I have taken steps to report what I consider a hostile work environment and patient safety issue. I have also reported this concern to the California Medical Board and we have made contact with JCAHO regarding this unacceptable behavior.
Call or email me if you have any questions or concerns. We had a great general membership meeting and I encourage you all to attend our next general membership meeting.
Thank you, JoAnn Valdez-Kaiser
Cell:(909) 292-6915 or
valdezj@seiu121rn.orgHealthGradesGOLDEN, CO (January 26, 2010) Hospitals rated in the top 5% in the nation by HealthGrades have a 29% lower risk-adjusted mortality rate and are improving their clinical quality at a faster pace than other hospitals, according to a new study issued today by HealthGrades, the leading independent healthcare ratings organization. (Garfield Medical Center was listed in the top 5 percent.) Hospitals rated in the top 5 percent can be found at
www.healthgrades.com.
Read more >>
Our patients at Garfield Medical Center have powerful advocates — nurses and nursing directors. And we’re working together to make sure patient issues such as staffing, equipment repairs, patient transportation, adequate cross-training and patient satisfaction scores are addressed properly and in a timely manner.
Click here to view Patient Care Committee flyer.Having a Clinical Ladder for these two hospitals will be a great retention and recruiting tool. A Clinical Ladder enables all nurses to develop their clinical skills and expertise, to participate in and to contribute to patient care delivery and to flourish in their professional practice without leaving the bedside. As more and more nurses attain higher levels of a Clinical Ladder, job satisfaction increases, teamwork increases and patient and family satisfaction increases.
Our Clinical Ladder committee has begun meeting and working on the criteria to be used for Clinical Ladder. Our committee members want to make sure that it is easy to understand and use, and will be objective so there is less chance for subjective interpretation of skills and ability. It will emphasize clinical relevance but limit the amount of time needed to fill out the “tool” (or the activity record needed to show you’ve met the criteria for a particular level) and limit the number of steps needed to achieve a level. The best part is that both staff and management will benefit from this tool.
Are there issues on your unit that you would like someone to help with? Contact the Patient Care Committee and have those issues heard! The committee would love to hear from you regarding any and all issues involving patient care. This committee addresses and works together to find solutions to make patient care safer. Contact a committee member, drop off a letter to HR addressed to the PCC, or contact your union rep today. The next meeting is December 10 from 1-3 p.m. in the in-service classroom.