VOLUME 13 ISSUE 6, AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017
New space, new vision for the future A $6.6 million renovation project at Cox College will update the look of the facility’s exterior from its current state (right). Improvements inside will include enhanced student spaces (below) and larger classrooms to accommodate growth.
Poised for growth President Dr. Amy DeMelo and her passion for education will guide the school’s evolution.
C
ox College President Dr. Amy DeMelo knows plenty about the power of education to transform lives. Growing up, she says she wasn’t the kid everyone knew would be an dence College – a team-taught Development Student Group Study Cox artist or a mathematician. She of College Western Civilization class – she knew she was the one who always wanted had found her calling. to learn more, about everything. “Those professors were the coolest “My parents constantly people ever. I was enthralled by the depth DeMelo encouraged me – telling me and breadth of their knowledge. I knew I that to get ahead and have a nice life for my wanted to be that well educated.” family, I needed to be educated,” she says. “I didn’t know that would translate to a Her passion for learning drove her to college presidency someday,” she says with become the first person in her family to a laugh. attend college. In her first course at ProviThat’s exactly what happened in July,
when she was named to her new role. Dr. DeMelo has been at Cox College since 2014, when she became vice president of academic affairs. She made the move to higher education after a career in K-12 education, teaching and serving in a variety of roles at Springfield Catholic Schools. Now, her lifelong 19commitment to education has her poised to lead the college in a time of change – as the school expands to serve more students and enhances innovative approaches to meet student needs. “For students, education is what’s going to change their lives,” she says. “I’m honored to be given this opportunity – it’s a tremenSee ‘WE HAVE,’ Page 4
Work-life balance
Going beyond Purposeful hourly visits save staff time and boost patient satisfaction. See how 800 West did it.
Nurse Kella Lee has lost 50 pounds through on online fitness program at Cox Monett.
Skype workouts, coaching bring wellness to your home Kella Lee, a nurse in the Medical-Surgical unit at Cox Monett, first heard about the Journeys weight-management program at Cox Monett from a colleague. She says she was interested in the class because she knew she was overweight, and because she wanted to be a healthy example for her two young children. Kella asked Nancy Ridgley, dietitian at the Center for Health Improvement and the Journeys instructor, about the traditional classroom-style program, but she was too late to register. Nancy asked Kella if she’d be interested Are you seeking results in a new program called Journeys From Home that like Kella’s? The success of featured online coaching via Skype. the Journeys From Home “With my odd work schedule, I wasn’t able online weight-management to go to all of the classes of the original Journeys program has inspired a live program, but I could do the new program and Skype exercise class via Skype. with Nancy,” Kella says Kella. “It Anyone can take their was perfect for my schedule.” first Exercise From Home “She needed to be with her class free. The class meets kids, which she is able to do,” says Wednesdays, 5:30 - 6:15 Nancy. “It’s a great fit for Kella’s Ridgley p.m. Cost: $50 for 10 lifestyle.” classes. Call 354-1280. During the eight-week program, participants meet once a week with Nancy via Skype or video. In between these face-to-face video meetings, Nancy emails participants to find out how they are doing. “Nancy is always there for me when I need anything – answering my questions or explaining how to do something,” says Kella. Each week Kella sends Nancy a food and exercise log, as well as a photo of her scale with her current weight. Kella says keeping the logs has been helpful so she can go back and see what she did certain weeks that led to losing more weight than another week. “As I’ve gone through this and changed my lifestyle I’ve learned to be more accountable to myself,” says Kella, who has lost 50 pounds. “I’ve also figured out how to eat healthy and how to show my kids to eat healthy, too. My 4-year-old daughter helps me measure ingredients while cooking meals.” With exercise, Kella’s main goal was to be able to be active at home with her kids. Through guidance from Nancy and a personal trainer she learned to incorporate exercise into her life. For example, she walks with her 1-year-old son in the stroller and runs around the backyard with her daughter. Kella’s advice: “It’s hard to do it by yourself. You need to find a program that works and is supportive – that’s the best thing.” 2
I
In the fast-paced environment of health care, it can be all too easy for service practices like hourly patient rounding to get lost in the shuffle. Outstanding customer service is more important than ever and nursing leaders are taking new steps to keep rounding top of mind and make the practice more effective, for both patients and caregivers. “Performing hourly rounds is just as important as giving a medication or doing a test for a patient. It’s that important,” says Shannon Rantz, nurse manager on 800 West. “As a staff member, rounding also helps you. Done properly, it gives you more time back and it decreases your steps.” The 800 team has spent the last year focusing on rounding, with impressive results. In early August, Rantz presented the eighth floor’s successes to a national audience, speaking at the 2017 What’s Right in Healthcare Conference, hosted by the Studer Group. The project has the numbers to Performing hourly show it’s working: Since the spring of 2016, the unit’s responsiveness rounds is just as scores have risen from the first important as giving a percentile to the 50th percentile. medication or doing In the meantime, call lights are less a test for a patient. frequent and the unit is working Shannon Rantz toward a 50 percent reduction over nurse manager, 800 West the next year. At the conference, Rantz detailed strategies the floor has used to make their rounding both more consistent and more purposeful. Rantz says the key has been reminding everyone of the value of rounding and of making the hourly visit with patients really count. “You don’t want to just pop your head in and say, ‘Just checking, do you need anything?’” she says. Instead, staff members can use the rounding time to anticipate patients’ needs. Something as simple as remembering the 5Ps can make a big difference: Potty – Helping patients get to the restroom can prevent falls and increase comfort. Position – Once patients have used the restroom, staffers should make sure they’re positioned comfortably in the bed. Pain – Staff members check the patient’s pain level and make note of when pain medication is due – leaving detailed notes on the plan-ofcare board. Personal items – Make sure the patient has everything he or she needs for the next hour (TV remote, glasses, cup of water, etc.).
“
”
‘just checking in’ Nurse Matt Broyhill rounds with patient Rebecca Johns on 800, going over medications as she prepares for discharge. Broyhill says focused hourly rounding has made a huge difference, reducing the number of call lights and improving patient satisfaction.
News in brief
Join us for 25th Pink Ribbon Rally Mark your calendars: CoxHealth is hosting the 25th annual Pink Ribbon Rally for breast cancer awareness on Saturday, Oct. 7, at Hulston Cancer Center. The event features a luncheon program, educational and family activities, and special guests who will discuss the evolution of breast cancer care. Be watching Connect Daily and the intranet for the full schedule.
Meet our new family medicine residents
Rounding with purpose: step by step Complete the 5Ps: (Potty, position, pain, personal items, check the IV pump). Remember to knock, introduce yourself and acknowledge family and guests. Take time to explain hourly rounding, reminding patients that you’re working for their safety and comfort. Pump – Make sure the IV pump is plugged into the wall to conserve its battery. To perfect the rounding process, teams on the eighth and fourth floor participated in interactive skills labs. The teams practice rounding on a mock patient and then offering one another critiques of their performance. “After each round, we all talked together about what was good about that round and what were things that we could improve on,” Rantz says. The labs were a great refresher on the best way to do a round,
Use the plan-of-care board to note hourly updates so staff, patients and families can be on the same page. Ask: What else can I do? Set expectations: Let the patient know they can use the call light for urgent needs, but you will be back in one hour. reminding staff to execute the steps in proper order (including visiting the restroom first) and training everyone to make the best use of the plan-of-care boards. “We want everyone to mark the patient’s pain scale estimate on the board and note the last time they used the restroom,” Rantz says. All staff members were encouraged to make notes on the board. In addition to the training, leaders have also spent time validating the hourly rounding, taking time to observe rounds and offer feedback. Rantz and her assistant nurse managers are able to work
with all staff members during rounds at least once a month. Rantz has also made an effort to focus on nights as well. Once a quarter, she works a week of nights, observing everyone during their rounds. “We’re not reprimanding anyone, we’re focusing on the positives. We’re working to reinforce all the things staff are doing well.” Rantz says rounding sets the right tone and the right expectation for patients. “It lets them know that we are concerned with meeting their needs,” she says. Patients will have been to the restroom, they will have had water, they will have been repositioned and have what they need to be comfortable. Rantz says it’s important to tell patients “I will be back in an hour.” “Rounding helps patients know we are looking out for their safety, we’re managing their pain and we are anticipating their needs. It makes it clear to patients that we are on top of it.”
The Cox Family Medicine Residency recently welcomed nine new physicians who are now seeing patients and doing rounds in CoxHealth facilities. You can meet the class of 2020 and see brief bios of the physicians on the CoxHealth intranet.
UpToDate reference tool now available CoxHealth recently launched UpToDate Anywhere, a mobile reference tool that is available for use by any CoxHealth nurse, medical assistant, provider or student. UpToDate includes more than 10,500 topics and more than 20 specialties; a drug database; more than 1,500 patient education topics; over 28,000 graphics; and links to more than 400,000 references. Visit the CoxHealth intranet for full details on how to access UpToDate Anywhere, including frequently asked questions and a step-by-step tip sheet. Please note: current or past UpToDate users should use their existing UpToDate username and password. 3
‘We have a true mission to ed From Page 1
dous responsibility.” The first major change at Cox College will be one of the most visible: a $6.6 million campaign that will revitalize the campus – renovating classroom space, adding new equipment and refreshing study areas. First impressions make a difference: Dr. DeMelo points out that students are graduating from state-of-the-art high schools and they have high expectations of a college facility. A modernized campus will be key in helping Cox College increase enrollment, which in turn will help meet the growing need for health care professionals. “At CoxHealth alone, there will be a need for 400 nurses in the next five years and we’re gearing up to meet that need,” she says. Dr. DeMelo says the renovations will help the facility better reflect the excellence of the education the college offers. “Right now, there’s a disconnect between the education and the building,” she says. “That’s going to change.”
Renovations will drive first impressions, growth For 110 years, training within the walls of Cox College has transformed students into medical professionals. Now, in preparation for the greatest need health care has seen in recent history, those walls are getting some attention with a plan that will allow the college to grow and attract students. “The college was a gift to us in 1907 out of a great demand for nursing care,” says Lisa Alexander, president of the CoxHealth Foundation. “Today, donors are reinvesting in this campus, appreciating that without the professionals it graduates, we could face critical shortages in our hospitals.” The renovations touch all four floors of Cox College. The lower level will incorporate a new student lounge area to encourage social interaction and relationship development between lines of study. The first floor will be totally focused on student services, featuring areas for registration, Alexander “The bottom line is that to grow our student populafinancial aid, student government and bookstore services. tion, weInnovation need to growCenter the college,” Alexander says. “The idea is to take an older building and make it new and welcoming,” Student Since the campaign began this summer, several donors Alexander says. “Studies show 62 percent of students reported that building and have already contributed more than $2 million to the project. campus appearance is the number one influence in their choice of a college.” Alexander points out that employees and Burge/Cox The renovated academic floors will hold student study and activity spaces, new conference and group learning rooms, as well as larger class- College graduates who donate to the project will be honored with a special recognition wall at the college. rooms for intended growth. “We hope employees and our community will respond The college is approved for more nursing students than any other similar college in the region. With the proposed improvements, the aim is to increase to our campaign and share the opportunity with friends and the number of students the Missouri State Board of Nursing will allow the family who might be interested in nursing, higher education college to accept. Currently, the college can accept 250 new nursing students and the future of health care,” she says. For more information or to donate, call the Foundation every year. Leaders hope the improvements will allow the cap to change to at 417-269-7109 or visit coxhealthfoundation.com. 275 and eventually 300.
Cox College
A clear advantage Once students are inside, the college’s advantages are clear. “We know that if you come to Cox College, you will be well educated and you’re going to get a great job,” Dr. DeMelo says. In many cases, that great job will be here at CoxHealth. “What makes us completely different from other programs is our relationship with the health system,” she says. “If you want to work in health care, you’ll be familiar with CoxHealth culture from day one and we can help you transition into being an employee 4
at a great institution.” Cox College students work closely with nurse recruiters from CoxHealth and students often have job offers before they graduate. “If students have a positive experience on a particular floor or with a nurse manager, they have instant access if they want to work in that unit,” Dr. DeMelo says. “Our faculty members are CoxHealth nurses and they have a tremendous wealth of knowledge to help guide students’ careers.” In addition to growing enrollment, Dr. DeMelo plans to expand
the focus on a second key to the college’s success: flexibility. The college has increasingly worked to make education available for students on their schedules. The development of evening and weekend programs, like the recently added night-and-weekend ASN program, has allowed students to pursue careers in health care while working full time.
Growing programs Dr. DeMelo points to several key areas of growth: Master of Science in Occupa-
tional Therapy (MSOT) – The program is currently expanding due to demand. Night/weekend Bachelor of Science – Based on the success of the ASN program, the college is considering adding a BSN program. Psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioner – Community need is driving the development of a program focused on mental health. The new night and weekend ASN program is also an example of how Cox College is a valu-
ducate people’ Before coming to Cox College in 2014, Dr. DeMelo spent 20 years in a variety of teaching and leadership roles at Springfield Catholic Schools. While she loves Springfield Catholic, she admits she had wondered “what’s next?” “I had been to 19 proms,” she says with a laugh. “It was time to not go to any more proms.” Higher education seemed like a good next step. She arrived at Cox College in 2014 as vice president of academic affairs. We sat down with Dr. DeMelo for a few questions – here’s what she had to say:
Planned renovations include inviting study and lounge spaces to enhance the college’s campus atmosphere.
15
able resource for CoxHealth employees seeking to advance their own careers. “We know there are people in the system who want to further their careers but cannot quit their day job,” Dr. DeMelo says. “This is a model that can help, especially when you add in the 20 percent tuition discount for CoxHealth employees and CoxHealth’s reimbursement for educational expenses.” For lifetime educators like Dr. DeMelo, the ability to help people with training and knowl-
edge is more than a career. “For everyone at Cox College, this is a calling – we have a true mission to educate people.” “When you see a former student and they’re working as a radiographer or an ER nurse and they are so happy doing it, that’s the best part. “I’m passionate about education because of how it can change people’s lives, and to educate people to become health care providers who touch people’s lives in profound and tremendous ways, it’s wonderful.”
? 5
questions Dr. Amy DeMelo
What are you reading? A murder mystery by Lisa Gardner. That’s my typical thing. What are you listening to? I’ve been a U2 fan since 1986. I own every U2 album and I’ve seen them seven times in concert, most recently on the Joshua Tree tour in Chicago. It’s been 30 years since that album. It’s a humbling experience when you notice there’s a lot of middle-aged people in those crowds. What are you watching? “House of Cards” and “Ozark,” which is so dark, I had to stop after the fourth episode. What accomplishment are you most proud of? Probably earning my doctorate, or making the leap into higher education. What are people most surprised to learn about you? I had to work to become outgoing. I was quite shy in high school and college. I was more of a quiet observer. Having to control a classroom of high schoolers teaches you to be assertive and outgoing. I loved the classroom. If I could go into a classroom every day, I’d be eternally blessed.
Launch a nursing career, and keep your day job, with new ASN program There’s a new way in Springfield to become a nurse – and it doesn’t involve giving up a day job. Cox College recently announced an evening/weekend Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) program that will begin in January 2018. Classes will meet one to two nights per week, with clinical hours scheduled on Saturdays. In only four semesters, graduates of this program could earn approximately $43,000 annually as registered nurses. “We know it’s difficult for some to go back to school, because they need to keep earning income to support their families,” says Dr. Sonya Hayter, vice president of Student Affairs and College Development at Cox College. “This program is intentionally designed to help people stay in their current jobs while advancing their careers, and ultimately make a difference in local people’s lives.” 5
In a time of need,
Going above and beyond Monett honorees Jessica Aldridge, Labor and Delivery Deb Dodson, Human Resources Pat Blamey, Radiology Mark Bourey, Engineering Norma Cruz, Labor and Delivery Yadria Gonzalez-Salas, Registration Jeannie Good, Med-Surg Rachelle Heeter, Emergency Department Robert Jackson, Food and Nutrition Services
Sarah Lindsey, Labor and Delivery Jerry Marbut, Med-Surg Abby Mettlach, Population Health Amanda Miller, Med-Surg Courtney Murphy, Med-Surg Deb Ray, Emergency Department Denise Staponski, Infection Prevention Services James ‘Chewy’ Vroman, Biomedical Services Jessica Walker, Occupational Therapy
Rhonda Toler, Ambulatory Procedure Center From the nomination: ”The Ambulatory Procedure Center received orders for a patient to receive treatment three times a week for five months. The department became quite familiar with this patient. As her treatment progressed, Rhonda Toler became the patient’s favorite nurse. Although the patient received excellent treatment, her condition worsened and it soon became evident that she would not live long. She had mentioned several times that she would like to go to church but had no way to get there. With kindness and grace, Rhonda would pick her up Toler on Wednesday nights and Sundays and take her to church. One day, the patient confided that she did not think her daughter would be able to pay for her funeral. She asked Rhonda if she could help her daughter with the funeral arrangements and also sing at her funeral when she did pass. That weekend, the patient passed and Rhonda spoke with the pastor of her church and they developed a plan so that the patient would be buried with dignity and her daughter would be relieved of the added anxiety of the arrangements. Rhonda also took time off from her own job to attend and sing ‘Amazing Grace’ at the funeral. The week between her patient’s passing and her funeral were extremely stressful for Rhonda, but I have no doubt that if asked, she would do it all again.”
Branson honorees
Grant Chamberlain, PCU Doug Beckman, Nursing float pool
Nikki Markes and Judy Coombs, Ambulatory Infusion Services From the nomination: “A patient came for chemotherapy. Upon discharge, the patient insisted that he could drive home, but he was unsteady. The staff watched as he went to his car. Before he could get into his car, the patient stumbled and caught himself on his car’s hood. Markes He was then assisted back into the department for additional evaluation. He continued to insist that he was fine and wanted to go home, however, the staff could not let him drive, given his current state. The patient had no one with him and no one who could help him get home to Shell Knob. So, Nikki Markes and Judy Coombs volunteered to help the patient get home safely. Nikki drove the patient’s car and Judy followed Coombs behind so that Nikki could return to work.” 6
E
Each quarter, CoxHealth recognizes nurses who have provided outstanding care with DAISY Awards. The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses is presented in medical facilities throughout the United States to recognize the education, training, skill and compassionate care nurses provide. Here are the most recent honorees from Springfield and Branson: Cynthia Myers, Same Day Surgery, Cox South A patient nominated Cynthia for the extra time and care she took during a stressful visit to the hospital. The patient was undergoing a diagnostic colonoscopy and she was concerned about the outcome. She was trying to be brave, but she was on the edge of breaking down. Myers When Cynthia asked how she was doing, the patient responded, “OK.” Cynthia knew better. “Cynthia actually stopped and looked at my face. Immediately she said, ‘Oh no you’re not, are you?’ That brought a flood of tears, as I truly was not OK,” the patient wrote in her nomination. “Cynthia stopped what she was doing and gave me a hug. “Cynthia, to me, represents everything a nurse should be. She focused on me, the patient, instead of the computer screen. CoxHealth is lucky to have such an inspiring nurse on staff.”
Amy Vandiver, 300 West, Cox South Amy was nominated by one of her fellow nurses who took note of her extraordinary efforts to care for her patients. Her colleague wrote: “Amy is one of the best nurses on our floor. She shows up every day with a positive attitude and is always helpful to everyone, especially when another nurse needs help. Recently she took oxygen to Vandiver a patient on her own time after she left work. The only reason I know is that I overheard her on the phone verifying directions before she left the floor. Otherwise, she would not have mentioned it because it is part of who she is -- taking care of people here at the hospital or at their home.” Tara Loveland, Labor and Delivery, Cox South A fellow nurse nominated Tara for the effort she made to provide emotional support
EMS team members earn statewide honors Two CoxHealth PreHospital staff members were recently honored as being among the best in the state by the Missouri Emergency Medical Services Association (MEMSA). Communications Specialist Matt Lyons (left) was recognized as Emergency Medical Dispatcher of the Year and EMT Tracy Franklin was recognized as EMT of the Year at an awards ceremony in July. “Both Tracy and Matt live the CoxHealth values each and every day when they come to work,” says Mark Alexander, director of Pre-Hospital Services. “We are proud to have them on our team and grateful for the acknowledgment that they so richly deserve!” The awards were presented at the Missouri EMS Expo held at the Branson Convention Center. MEMSA is a nonprofit, statewide professional association committed to high quality emergency medical services across Missouri.
, our nurses are there Caitlin Dillon, Cox Branson Urgent Care Caitlin Dillon was nominated for the kindness she showed when a patient became nervous about getting to the pharmacy before Dillon it closed because her ride was running late. Dillon drove the patient to the pharmacy just in time. for a patient during a particularly difficult time. The patient arrived in Labor and Delivery triage with decreased fetal movement and it was soon determined that her baby had died in utero. Although Tara was not originally assigned to be the patient’s nurse, she was helping with her admission. It was soon obvious that the patient had developed a bond Loveland with her. Tara assumed care of the patient and remained with the patient until the end of her shift. The baby would need to be delivered by cesarean section, scheduled after Tara’s shift. Tara told the patient she would return for the cesarean section and take photos of her baby. Labor and Delivery staff create memory boxes with photos and footprint molds for families who have lost an infant. “Tara provided the patient with not only pictures she will cherish a lifetime, but also the reassurance and compassion this patient and family needed,” her colleague wrote in the nomination. “If only one act of kindness can make an unbearable situation a little better, then Tara accomplished that. Tara is exactly the kind of nurse CoxHealth wants taking care of our patients.”
Awards and Achievements CoxHealth’s Springfield hospitals and Cox Branson have been recognized as Best Regional Hospitals for 2017-18 by U.S. News & World Report. “We’re proud to be included in Missouri’s top 10 hospitals – not just once, but twice this year,” says Steve Edwards, president and CEO of CoxHealth. “Our wonderful staff works every day to provide exemplary care for our community. While our motivation to be the best for our patients isn’t tied to receiving awards and honors, it is nice to see the hard work recognized on a statewide level.” Cox South was named 9th in Missouri and recognized as high performing for congestive heart failure, colon cancer surgery and knee replacement. Cox Branson was named 10th in the state and recognized as high performing for congestive heart failure, COPD and knee replacement. Cox Medical Center South has received certification as a Comprehensive Stroke Center by DNV GL Healthcare, our accrediting agency, after a survey in July.
Tim Hicks, Emergency Department, Cox Branson Tim Hicks was nominated by a mother who brought her infant son to the ER with possible dehydration. She says she’ll never forget the gentle way Hicks calmed down the baby and stayed with him while he received IV fluids, talking to the child about everything from baseball Hicks to teddy bears. She credits Hicks for making that scary situation much more calming for her family. Pam Green, Pulmonology and Sleep Medicine, Cox Branson Pam Green received several nominations, including one for spending hours of extra work for a patient who needed a lung transplant. Since the patient had no insurance, Green worked with hospitals all across Green the country to line up an operation. When that didn’t work, she made it her mission to get him insurance, so he could be a candidate for the transplant.
The Comprehensive Stroke Center Certification period is for three years and will include an annual survey team visit to reinforce our continued progress and stellar patient care delivery. CoxHealth has again been recognized as a “Most Wired” hospital in the 2017 Health Care’s Most Wired Survey, released by the American Hospital Association’s (AHA) Health Forum. Implementing innovative IT solutions is a priority for CoxHealth because such efforts support great experiences for our patients. The award reflects the dedication of many individuals throughout our organization. Cox South has received the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines Stroke Gold Plus Achievement Award with Target: StrokeSM Honor Roll Elite Plus. Cox Branson received the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines-Stroke Gold Plus Achievement Award with Target: StrokeSM Honor Roll Elite. The awards recognize the hospitals’ commitment to providing the most appropriate stroke treatment according to research-based guidelines.
Investing in employees
Introductory wages boosted to $9.50 Entry-level wages across CoxHealth got a boost in August, thanks to a plan that raises the organization’s minimum compensation to $9.50 per hour, with a bump to $10 per hour after six months of service. “This is an investment in our most important asset: our people,” says Andy Hedgpeth, vice president of Human Resources. The increases are expected to help CoxHealth recruit and retain employees and reduce turnover. CoxHealth’s previous entry-level wage of $8.08 is on par with hospitals across Missouri, but HR leaders say raising wages is key for our growth, and as an investment in our community. “We strive to be an exemplary employer and we are continually challenging ourselves to set a high standard for our community,” says Steve Edwards, CoxHealth’s president and CEO. Leaders have dedicated more than $3 million to the plan, which will make our introductory compensation highly competitive with non-health care entry-level positions in the community. Here’s how the change will work: • The move raises wages and simplifies the grades of pay across hundreds of job codes. Under the new model, there will now be five introductory pay-rate grades, ranging from $9.50-$11.50 per hour (all rising by $.50 after six months of service). • The new grades will not have a traditional pay range. Instead, the rate of pay for each group will be a standing rate of pay. The new rate will be tied to the prevailing wage for similar positions in the local market, which will be reviewed annually. As wages rise in the community, CoxHealth’s rates of pay will be adjusted accordingly. • During the April common review, employees will be eligible for merit adjustments or a lump sum payment. • Employees who are currently earning more than the new rates of pay for their group will receive a one-time $.25 per hour adjustment. They will continue to progress in the pay ranges of the previous model until the market adjustments catch up with their rate of pay. At that point, they will be transitioned to the new compensation structure and will be eligible for lump sum merit compensation each April. 7
Flu vaccination season now underway The 2017-18 season will begin on Sept. 13, 2017, and conclude on Oct. 20. This year, there is no registration required -- simply arrive at one of the scheduled flu clinics. A complete list of planned clinics is available on the intranet. If you received your vaccination outside of the CoxHealth Vaccination Program (private physician, other employer, retailer, etc.), you must submit proof (please note your employee identification number on your documentation) of that vaccination to Employee Health. Egg-free vaccinations are available for those with an egg allergy in any of the Employee Health offices. Vaccine is free to those employees and dependents who are covered under Cox HealthPlans (CHP). If your family member is not covered under CHP, they may be vaccinated for $25, via payroll deduction. Family members can present at any public flu clinic or call 269-5000 to schedule a time to receive vaccination at the Clinic at WalMart.
Magic Word
Find the magic word and you could win your choice of a shirt or coffee mug from 1906, The Employee Store. Call 269-4154 and leave a message with the magic word and the page on which it can be found. Include your name,
department and phone number. The 33rd correct answer will win. Clue 1: To notice or perceive. Clue 2: Comply with: “we should ________ the rules of the game.”
3850 S. National Ave. Springfield, MO 65807
Connection is a monthly publication for the employees of CoxHealth 3801 S. National Ave. Springfield, MO 65807
Email us any time at CorporateCommunications@coxhealth.com Editor: Randy Berger 269-3171
Contributors: Kaitlyn McConnell Teri Watts
Russ Weller Yvette Williams
August / September 2017
Building the future of Cox College
Student Group Study
Cox College
New look, new leader: Meet Dr. Amy DeMelo, a lifelong educator now at the helm of Cox College. Page 5
Rounding with purpose
Done right, hourly rounding reduces call lights and improves satisfaction. Find out how 800 West is leading the way. Page 2
Reflecting excellence
Renovations will make the school’s environment match the quality of the education offered within. Page 1
Inside the CoxHealth Foundation’s $6.6 million capital campaign driving the improvements. Page 4
Skype exercise
A Monett program allows participants to work out with a trainer from home. Page 2
19