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Go Chiefs!
Super Bowl LV is almost here! The CHCS Spirit Squad is looking forward to celebrations at all locations.
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Turn in your Super Bowl Prediction Game sheet by close of business TODAY (Feb. 4).
- Wear your jeans and team shirts tomorrow (Feb. 5).
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Enjoy Super Bowl fun at your location, and be sure to send photos to news@chcsks.org
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When will masking policies change?
This question is on everyone's mind now that COVID-19 vaccines have been given to many of our associates and are becoming available for Phase 2 recipients in our communities.
Please note that CHCS has no plans to relax mask requirements or eye protection requirements for associates in the near future. The vaccine does offer an additional layer of protection, but vigilance remains important to avoid asymptomatic spread of COVID-19.
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Kansas 'Find My Vaccine' Map
KDHE recently unveiled a website dedicated to COVID-19 vaccine. One feature of the site is a "Find My Vaccine" map. The map (see screenshot, above) shows vaccine distribution locations and allows users to search by ZIP code.
Onaga shows on this map as a gray dot, meaning that we have been approved as a future vaccination site but have not yet been allocated vaccine. Individuals who do not read the legend with the map may find it confusing and may call asking questions about it. At this time, the best thing for patients interested in receiving the vaccine to do is to sign up through their county's public health department. Read our blog post to help direct patients.
We know that interest in receiving the vaccine is high and patients may be insistent or upset. Thank you for answering their questions calmly.
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GoodRx goodies
St. Marys Manor received a care package earlier this week from GoodRx.
A note inside said that the Manor was nominated in appreciation of hard work. "[We] want to say thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for protecting our communities .... Through all of this, your stead hand on the wheel has helped patients weather the storm."
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USD 322 thanks healthcare workers
USD 322 Onaga students and teachers visited our Onaga hospital yesterday to thank healthcare workers. It was such a lovely surprise! We now have the students' beautiful signs and drawings hanging in work spaces around the hospital.
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Surgery earns national safety recognition |
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Surgery at CHCS has always been safe, but it recently became even safer. CHCS has earned the Go Clear Award (Gold Level, the highest recognition) from the Association of perioperative Registered Nurses, or AORN, and Medtronic for its achievement in eliminating hazardous smoke from surgical procedures.
Surgical smoke is the by-product of energy-generating devices used in many surgeries. The smoke can include toxic chemicals as well as viruses, bacteria, blood, and cancer cells, so inhalation and absorption of surgical smoke can pose serious risks to both patients and surgical staff.
“Our team completed training and education modules and learned how to use devices that removes smoke during surgical procedures. We successfully implemented the new procedures in our OR according to a recent chart audit, monitoring compliance and criteria set for by AORN and Medtronic,” said Kay Lyn Mueting, RN, CNOR, and CHCS Surgery Manager.
CHCS is one of only 300 hospitals nationwide that have gone smoke-free, and it’s the only hospital in Kansas to earn the honor.
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Sweet & Sassy success: Clara Niehues |
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Many associates do amazing things outside of their work at CHCS. Our occasional series of profiles to help us learn more about the great people who work here.
Clara Niehues is celebrating her fifth year of working in registration at the Holton Clinic. She also makes Clara's Famous Sweet & Sassy BBQ Sauce. Clara recently took time to answer a few questions.
What do you like about your job at CHCS?
I enjoy my job because I have wonderful co-workers, and all the staff here is like a second family. I also appreciate the opportunity to assist people with getting scheduled to have their healthcare needs met.
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How long have you been making BBQ sauce commercially, and how did you get started?
I have been making BBQ Sauce commercially for seven years now. The sauce is a simple recipe I used for my family when my children were growing up. When our oldest daughter was engaged, my husband was asked to do a whole-hog barbeque for the bachelor/bachelorette party, and I was asked to provide the BBQ sauce. It seemed to be a hit and was requested at numerous events over the years. My children encouraged me to keep the recipe a secret and produce it for retail. After attending a meeting sponsored by Glacial Hills, we began the process to produce it commercially.
What do you enjoy about the BBQ sauce business? Do you make other products?
It is fun to hear that people enjoy something that I make. I've been told, "We use it with everything, like a dip with fries and chips." In the past, I have made a couple flavors of fudge and baklava [a layered pastry dessert made of filo pastry, filled with chopped nuts, and sweetened with honey] to sell at holiday events.
What makes your sauce special? Where is it available for purchase?
Clara's Famous Sweet & Sassy BBQ sauce is very simple, sweet and tangy, not overpowering -- but enhancing to the flavor of the meat. Folks can find the sauce at the CHCS Coffee and Gift Shop, a couple of stores in Holton and Seneca, Fulmer's at Belvue, Centralia and Hearthside at Sabetha.
What advice do you have for people interested in their own food business?
People interested in marketing a product will need to be prepared to be licensed to cook at a commercial kitchen, have the product tested, and choose packaging and labeling. Depending on what you make, there are many regulations to follow, and it requires investment of your time and money.
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Do you know of a CHCS associate who would make a great profile? Email Sarah at sarahhancock@chcsks.org or call extension 5133.
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The CHCS Spirit Squad invites everyone to play our "Match the Manager" game.
Here's how to play:
- Look below at the cutest baby pictures you've ever seen.
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Download the matching game worksheet, contemplate the list of participating managers' names, and fill out your worksheet.
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Email your worksheet to news@chcsks.org by 8:00 a.m. Wednesday, February 17 OR send hard copies to Sarah Hancock in Onaga. MAKE SURE YOUR NAME IS LISTED AT THE TOP! (It's also OK to just list your answers in an email if that's easier; send it to news@chcsks.org before the deadline.)
Winners will be announced in the February 18 edition of the
E-Connection. Prizes (and bragging rights) will be awarded!
List of participating managers:
Dominic Freeman, Alycea Lakin, Lorraine Meyer, Andrea Lutz, Christina Hasenkamp, Cindy Flentie, Holly Schmitz, Jason McKinsey, Jes Hipp, JoAnn Mott, Kay Lyn Mueting, Kim Lovvorn, Lacey Niehues, Lana Sauvage, Leah Zwonitzer, Liz Murphy, Lura Flentie, Merica Surdez, Mindy Olberding, Monica Holthaus, Manda Thompson, Sarah Hancock, Shelli Wimberly, Suzanne Lundberg, Todd Willert
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(The babies. Yes, they are twins! TWO names go with this photo.)
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14
(The dark-haired sweetie on the right)
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Reminders: Mark your calendar!
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The next Community Blood Center Blood Drive at CHCS will be Friday, February 12 in the Walsh Conference Room/Teleconference Room. Book your appointment now at savealifenow.org/group and enter group code TPJR. Contact Marlene Wolfe at ext. 5002 or marlenewolfe@chcsks.org for help.
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A Mental Health First Aid course is available for associates on March 2 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the Walsh Room in Onaga. This special blended course requires two hours of self-paced online instruction and a five-hour in-person, instructor-led class. The course is limited to 8 associates to allow for social distancing. Deadline to register is February 16; email Marlene at marlenewolfe@chcsks.org or call extension 5002.
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Coffee Shop special
February 8-12
Snickers Latte
- Chocolate, caramel, and hazelnut
- 16 oz., $4
- Hot, cold, or frappe
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Shop local for Valentine's Day!
Need special Valentines for that special someone, your kids, your mom, your dad, or a friend? The CHCS Gift Shop has you covered!
Looking for flowers? We have those! Flower preorders are due Friday, February 5 at 3:00 p.m. All items must be picked up Friday, February 12 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. View the order form.
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CHCS menus: Onaga and Eastridge |
Note: St. Marys menus are available each morning through the Activities chronicle
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Did you miss your Connection?
Important information is relayed every week in the E-Connection. If you miss it in your email, an archive is available on our website. Visit the For Associates page, then click E-Connection Archive.
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Send items for the E-Connection or for sharing with our broader social media audience to sarahhancock@chcsks.org. Please send items by close of business on Tuesdays when possible. Ideas are welcome!
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