CARTI Connect

Fall 2023 | Edition 4

CARTI CONNECT C O N N E C T I O N | C O L L A B O R AT I O N | C O M M U N I T Y

CARTI

INFORMATION

ASSOCIATION OF IMMUNIZATION MANAGERS (AIM) 2023 IMMUNIZATION CHAMPION AWARD Congratulations to Catherine Smith, recipient of the 2023 AIM Immunization Champion Award for the state of Arkansas.

Award presented by Heather Mercer, Executive Director Immunize AR. Pictured are members of the CARTI Adult Immunization grant team from left to right; Carla Randall (Director of Research), Heather Mercer (Executive Director, Immunize AR), Catherine Smith (Adult Immunization Program Manager), Dr. Sam Makhoul (Medical Director, Clinical Research), Amy Ehrhardt (AVP, Nursing), Traci Niece (Interim Director of Quality, Safety & Risk) and Donita Harris (Director of Pharmacy).

Through the CDC/CMSS Adult Immunization Grant, CARTI is able to focus project initiatives that improve assessment and accessibility for the seasonal vaccines Influenza and COVID for all CARTI patients, beginning in October. As well as provide equipment and supplies to support the sustainability and transport of vaccines to CARTI clinics throughout the state that include medical refrigerators, generators and vaccine approved travel coolers.

PALLIATIVE CARE PROGRAM IS EXPANDING Dr. Jaclynn Elias is expanding the Palliative Care Program to the CARTI Cancer Center in Pine Bluff. Starting on October 25, she will see patients on every other Wednesday, in Pine Bluff. This specialty will be delivered in tandem with CARTI’s multi-faceted oncology care. If you feel you have a patient who may benefit, please refer them to Dr. Elias.

CARTI FLEET VEHICLE USE CARTI provides vehicles to CARTI Team Members who travel frequently on CARTI business. Prior to approving a driver and periodically thereafter, Human Resource will check the Team Member’s driving records. Once an MVR check is completed there are additional steps that need to be completed, so please plan, and provide at least two weeks’ notice when requesting a fleet vehicle. Use of a fleet vehicle is not allowed until the driver has been successfully added to the list of cleared drivers. Fleet vehicles can be requested via the CARTI Intranet page at https://carti-intranet1/Intranet/Main.aspx?tid=271 If you have any questions, please contact Mary Rankin at ext. 3050.

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DAISY

AWARD

JAMES LAW, RN We proudly recognize our exceptional nurse, James Law, who recently received the prestigious DAISY Award. With extensive experience in oncology nursing, James shares his wealth of knowledge and mentors young nurses, going beyond his duties to ensure both the physical and

JAMES LAW, RN

emotional well-being of his patients.

One remarkable instance of James’ dedication involved a rectal cancer patient suffering from severe pain while sitting. James tirelessly sought a solution, eventually finding the perfect chair for the patient at our infusion center and arranging for her to receive one at home. This act of compassion exemplifies James Law’s commitment to patient care, making him a symbol of the compassion and excellence we value at CARTI. Join us in celebrating his remarkable contributions to our healthcare community.

NOMINATE

THE NEXT DAISY AWARD WINNER

Each quarter, CARTI will recognize a DAISY honoree. One team and one leader will also be recognized annually during the Nursing Excellence Awards.

For more details on the next nomination round please contact Amy Ehrhardt at 501.906.3099

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WATCH THE DAISY PRESENTATION AND MORE GREAT CARTI VIDEOS AT

VIMEO.COM/CARTIARKANSAS

CARTI

IMAGING NORTH REMODEL

As we remodel the building currently known as CARTI Imaging

Imaging capabilities

North to become what will be known as CARTI Urology, we are also

will still be located

upgrading our CT and MRI capabilities! Our new equipment will feature a dual-energy CT, as well as a stronger 3 Tesla MRI. Downtime is scheduled to begin in early December and will take approximately three months to complete. To accommodate volume during this changeover we will utilize Little Rock and Pine Bluff Cancer

inside the same building but the exterior of the building will say “CARTI Urology.”

Center’s MRI as well as all available CT locations. Please keep this in mind when talking to patients about future imaging availability.

CARTI

WAY TRAFFIC

Speeding is a contributing factor on CARTI Way and all our facilities. Due to increased traffic volumes, we are asking all Team Members to be mindful of your speed limit when traveling on our premises.

Pedestrian safety for patients, families, and Team Members are an important part of our organization.

When drivers fail to yield, pedestrians pay the prices. Busy intersections and shorter days mean that drivers need to be extra careful during fall and winter. As the weather changes and daylight hours decrease, pedestrians become more vulnerable. Nearly half (43%) of crashes involving pedestrians happen between October and January.

CARTI

INCLUSION COUNCIL

The CARTI Inclusion Council meets monthly to address needs and initiatives related to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. CARTI was recognized in AMP Diversity in the Workplace in the October issue of AMP: Arkansas Money & Politics for their efforts around Diversity and Inclusion. CARTI’s workforce is united by the mission of making trusted cancer care accessible to every patient it serves through compassion, innovation and purpose.

Its nearly 1,000-person team recognizes that embracing diversity is critical to achieving its goal. The not-for-profit provider is executing strategic, sustainable efforts, including launching an inclusion council to identify potential areas of improvement. Leveraging internal feedback as a guide, CARTI implements initiatives that foster engagement, celebrate team contributions and ultimately boost productivity and performance. With each, CARTI is building a culture that intentionally values the uniqueness of its employees and those it serves.

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Find more information about the Inclusion Council on the CARTInet.

CARTI

UROLOGY

Urology is taking to the NE AND NW Regions moving at CARTI warp speed. The remodel at Imaging North is getting closer to being completed under a new name of CARTI Urology. Imaging services will still be in their space with a new MRI and CT. We will be adding ultrasound to our services once an ultrasound tech is hired. December 4th is the project construction completion date with clinic starting on December 18th with Dr. Kuhn. Toronsa Simpson, APRN has started having clinic in North Little Rock Cancer Clinic every other Friday, with a start date of October 13. She will move into the newly renovated Urology space on December 18th. We have added a laboratory in the new Urology space for lab only patients in hopes of making the patient experience better by decreasing the wait time.

Toronsa Simpson, APRN, and her team spend Thursdays in Searcy seeing urology patients.

We hope to have a new leased space from Unity Hospital inside their Pyeatt Oncology Clinic within the next month. Once a lease is signed, we will need to credential our providers before moving into the space. Over time we would like to expand some of The Bridge services to Searcy as the new space at Unity gives us an opportunity to do this.

Christie Dumbroski, APRN, has started seeing patients at the CARTI Cancer Center in Conway. She started on Friday, October 6. She will alternate Fridays with Dr. Mendelsohn.

Her patient schedule is filling up as Christie’s hometown is Conway.

CARTI

CLINICAL RESEARCH TEAM

We are thrilled to introduce the latest additions to our dynamic clinical research team, each of whom brings a wealth of talent and promise to our organization. As we continue to support CARTI’s mission through cutting-edge research, it is with great pride that we welcome Logan Edmondson (clinical research coordinator), Rebecca Sell (clinical research nurse), Rachel Dodwell (research billing coordinator), McKenzie Tucker (clinical research coordinator), and Forrest Kelly (clinical research coordinator) [left to right]. With their diverse backgrounds and fresh perspectives, we anticipate a wealth of innovative ideas and exciting developments in our clinical trials portfolio. The addition of these new members will allow us the opportunity to open more clinical trials here at CATTI, expanding cancer care opportunities for our patients. Join us in extending a warm and hearty welcome to our new colleagues as we embark on this journey of growth and expansion.

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CARTI

CLINICAL LABORATORY

• A new position, Laboratory Billing Specialist, was created this fiscal year. This is a welcome addition to improve the lab’s workflow and dedicate more attention to lab billing. Tiara Boyd is the new Laboratory Billing Specialist.

• Blood Culture Contamination Rate was 0%. Awesome job to our Medical Assistants!

• The lab has partnered with Infusion at CARTI Cancer Center in Little Rock to perform port draws on the 4th floor.

This has created a better experience for our patients by reducing wait times.

• The lab implemented monthly events to improve engagement by creating an environment for lab staff to get to know each other.

• Performance Improvement from our SPEP team, Ryan Calloway and James Hines, on widening the reportable ranges and reducing send outs.

• Lab Patient Satisfaction data from January through June 2023 reflect that our patients are pleased with the care they receive in the lab. This was across the board at all locations. Job well done, Lab Team!

CARTI

EVS TEAM

It takes more than a clinic, surgery building, medicine, high-tech medical equipment, experienced nurses, doctors, and technicians to keep our community healthy. Working behind the scenes and before and after appointments and procedures are the dedicated people in CARTI Environmental Services (EVS). EVS technicians play a critical role in keeping and maintaining the safety and wellness of patients, healthcare workers, and the broader community.

Now more than ever we need our EVS technicians to properly clean and disinfect spaces throughout the hospital to keep everyone safe from disease and infection. EVS technicians go through rigorous training to learn about disinfection practices, chemical dilution ratios, appropriate chemical dwell times, the right solution for the right surface, and the necessary tools for various cleaning/disinfecting jobs.

As you can imagine, cleaning and disinfecting CARTI Centers are a 24/7 job. Infections and germs do not take the weekends or holidays off, so EVS technicians must apply their learned infection prevention practices constantly and consistently every day.

While our healthcare professionals focus on treating the symptoms of patients, the EVS team focuses on preventing some of the symptoms from ever happening. To do this we use modern equipment to electrostatically charge particles to help disinfect hard to reach areas, we keep up to date on what chemicals kill different viruses or bacteria, and our team maintains certifications for expert cleaning in a healthcare environment.

As an organization we have decided to do all housekeeping service in-house. In the month of October, we will be hiring at the following locations: Byant, Cone Building, Stuttgart, and Searcy. We also have divided the state into regions. There will now be a Region Manger in the South and North areas. Cynthia Burnett will be the North Region Manger and Betty Prowell will be the South Region Manager. Please reach out to them with any concerns Betty 501.519.3465 and Cynthia 501.414.5411.

CARTI

HUMAN RESOURCES

OPEN ENROLLMENT BEGINS ON MONDAY, NOVEMBER 6TH AND RUNS THROUGH FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17TH. Once Open Enrollment begins, the HR team will be rounding and visiting several locations to assist team members. The schedule for rounding is below:

Monday 11/6

Tuesday 11/7

Wednesday 11/8

Thursday 11/9

Friday 11/10

Rounding

1 - 3 p.m.

Open Enrollment

Rounding

11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Open Enrollment

Rounding

3rd Floor Conference Room

CSC Conference Room

Monday 11/13

Tuesday 11/14

Wednesday 11/15

Thursday 11/16

Friday 11/17

Pine Bluff Saline

Conway Russellville

El Dorado

North Little Rock Searcy Heber Springs

Cone

HR RESTRUCTURE WITH REGIONAL ALIGNMENT With the continued growth of the organization, the HR Team has recently restructured to best meet the needs of team members across the state. The new structure features an assigned HR Business Partner for each region and leader.

• Michelle Wilson, HR Business Partner will support the Southern Region • Colin Bridges, HR Business Partner will support the Northeast Region • Sonya Rainey, HR Operations Manager will support Cone and the Northwest Region You will see these team members rounding in locations near you during open enrollment beginning 11/6/23.

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CARTI

FOUNDATION

INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING FOR FESTIVAL OF TREES? Each year, the CARTI Auxiliary dazzles thousands with beautifully decorated trees and the spectacular events that make up Festival of Trees.

IN ORDER TO DO THAT, WE NEED YOU! Volunteer shifts are available Tuesday, Nov. 14 through Sunday, Nov. 19 Opportunities include tree decorating, auction attendants, swag bag stuffers, and more! All volunteers receive a Festival of Trees Volunteer T-Shirt.

TO SIGN UP, GO TO https://signup.com/client/invitation2/ secure/1142754690058/false#/invitation

SUBMISSION

IDEAS

Do you have ideas for improvement involving the patient experience, team member experience, or other?

Submit your ideas in our Idea Bank on the Intranet.

Do you want to submit something into the next newsletter?

Send your submissions to Michelle.Odom@CARTI.com.