The Remote Report April 3 -a newsletter for Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District employees

MARCa APRIL 3, 2020 H 26, 2020

Grossmont College loans ventilators

to local hospitals and state

Grossmont College is loaning 16 ventilators to two local hospitals and the state as part of an effort to increase the supply of the life-saving equipment for COVID-19 patients.

The ventilators, which are used in Grossmont College’s Respiratory Therapy program, are valued at almost $400,000, said Nancy Saks, Senior Dean of Allied Health and Nursing at Grossmont.

Six of the ventilators are going to Kaiser San Diego Hospital, five are going to Sharp Grossmont Hospital in La Mesa, and five others are going to the state Office of Emergency Services.

As the number of COVID-19 patients increases, hospitals are experiencing a severe shortage of ventilators. The state of California recently sent out a request to colleges with health-related programs to loan out their ventilators.

Saks praised Peggy Wells, coordinator of Grossmont College’s respiratory therapy program; and Respiratory Therapy Instructors Rebecca Handley and Carey Flores for their efforts in putting together the loan.

She noted that the Respiratory Therapy program just celebrated its 50 ^th year, and many of Grossmont College’s Respiratory Therapy graduates now work at the hospitals getting the ventilators.

“Students have gone to those facilities to get trained,” Saks said. “We ‘re giving back to help the community by loaning a piece of equipment that is really needed.”

My home office: Julie Kahler

Today’s home office: Julie Kahler, Cuyamaca College Instructional Operations Supervisor

1. Describe your home office.

My home office is off my dining room and kitchen. This room is separate from the living area and has a door that closes when needed. I am set up with a desk, computer, and iPad. I also have VPN access to all the required software programs at work.

2. What is a typical day for you working from home?

Each day Monday through Friday starts at 8 a.m. I keep contact with other Instructional Operations staff, Vaunette Allen and Taylor Owen, via email, teleconference, phone, or text. All of my regularly scheduled group meetings have been via Zoom. At the end of each day at 5 p.m., I take stock of what I accomplished and I set three goals for the next day. Instructional Operations has many tasks: working on the class schedules and catalog production, in addition to the curriculum. We have timelines to follow, which helps to keep us on track.

3. What tip would you pass on to other GCCCD employees?

For mental health, during my breaks and lunch, I walk around outside in my yard. Soon I will be able to take a swim in the pool. I am a garden hobbyist and I am working on my plumeria that are just starting to wake up for the season.

Take a photo of you in your home office and answer the three questions. Send them to Anne Krueger . Submissions may be edited for length or clarity.

In the Remote Report, you’ll see important updates, get your questions answered, and learn ways to help us all navigate this new world of mass telecommuting. Issues of the Remote Report will be archived on the District Remote Reports page.

If you have news to share or discovered a tip that helps you work better remotely, pass it on. Please send your items to Anne Krueger , Christianne Penunuri (Cuyamaca College) or Lorena Ruggero (Grossmont College).