Associates may have noticed that their PTO balances may not look like they expect them to in UKG Kronos since we converted to the new payroll system. We are aware of this problem and wanted to let you know the causes and what we're doing to correct it.
The issue has a few different causes, including the following:
- When the balances were converted, some errors occurred that caused some associates' PTO balances to be lower than they should be;
- PTO was not accruing on some types of leave; and
- PTO was accruing on hours it should not have been, such on-call hours, thus leading to some balances that were higher than they should be.
We have been working with UKG to resolve these issues. We hope to have the issues resolved and the balances validated by the March 11, 2022, paycheck.
In addition, we will have a spreadsheet available that shows the PTO hours employees had as of the last paycheck in Optimum, the number of PTO hours the associate should have earned based on the hours that should be accruing PTO, the number of hours the associate took in January-February, and the ending balance. So, once the balances are reconciled, if associates would like to verify the PTO that they are seeing in UKG Kronos is accurate, we will be able to show the details.
In the meantime, if you have specific questions, please email those to Stacey Womack. Stacey will gather the questions, and then all three of us (Stacey Womack, Cindy Flentie, Monica Holthaus) will review the messages and answer your question. Please note that our response may not be immediate because we will need time to review the questions together.
We appreciate everyone’s understanding as we continue to ensure that all PTO balances are correct.
Stacey Womack
Cindy Flentie
Monica Holthaus
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CHCS receives High 5 Premier recognition |
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CHCS has continued its commitment to improving the health of moms and babies by earning High 5 for Mom & Baby Premier recognition. High 5 for Mom & Baby is a program developed by the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund to increase and support breastfeeding in Kansas.
Congratulations to our Birth Center for achieving this important recognition and for ensuring that moms and babies have the support they need!
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Home COVID-19 tests available for associates |
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CHCS's Rural Health Clinics have received a large supply of QuickVue home COVID-19 tests through HRSA (Health Resources and Services Administration, an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services). A portion of the supply is pictured here with Andrea Lutz, director of ancillary services.
Each CHCS associate can receive 4 free boxes of tests (two tests per box) for their family's use. These will be available at all locations next week. Locations will notify associates when tests can be picked up. The following individuals will be the point of contact for distribution.
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St. Marys: Michael Bomberger
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Centralia: Jes Hipp
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Holton: Kim Lovvorn
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Onaga: Alisa Skruch and Marlene Wolfe (Administration office)
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Frankfort: Stacy Vermetten
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Westmoreland: Kayla Suther
Plans are underway to distribute tests to local communities at the discretion of providers at each clinic.
All tests will be accompanied by a handout that explains what results mean and instructing individuals to contact their primary care provider if their symptoms worsen or don't improve over time. Each box contains instructions on how to perform tests as well as a copy of the Emergency Use Authorization.
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Delivering the WOW experience |
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The following WOW experience was reported by Onaga Clinic RN Theresa Dressman.
A patient in St. Marys needed some blood work, and the deadline was looming. Both Theresa and Access Services tried to reach her, but she did not answer her phone. Danica Paloma, St. Marys medical technologist, took time during her lunch hour to stop at the patient's house -- TWICE -- to let her know and ensure that she scheduled her lab appointment.
Thank you, Danica, for taking extraordinary steps to make sure a patient got what she needed! Thank you to Theresa, too, for taking an interest in the patient and for telling us about Danica's efforts.
Have you noticed an individual or a group at CHCS delivering the WOW experience? Send it to Sarah Hancock or call extension 5133.
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Boost resilience with a self-care plan
Resilience means being able to bounce back and recover from life's challenges. Being aware of and acknowledging stress and emotions and learning to recover as we go and "hit the reset button" can help create feelings of calm, strength, and meaning throughout the day.
Resilience requires a multi-faceted, evidence-based skill set. It does NOT mean you "put your head down and power through." Take a look at the 10 facets of resilience in the graphic above (click to expand).
Self-care is an important facet of resilience. It includes all the health behaviors that help you balance the effects of emotional and physical stress. Do you struggle to make self-care part of your routine? Try filling out a simple self-care plan. Click the green button below to get going!
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Source: Karin Denes-Collar, LSCSW
Masonic Cancer Alliance / The University of Kansas Health System
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Classroom to Career: Speech therapy
CHCS Speech-Language Pathologists Ashley Edelman (at left in photo above) and Jenna Rethman (right) visited Onaga fourth graders yesterday to talk about their work through the Classroom to Career program. They told the classes what SLPs do to help treat speech, language, social communication, cognitive-communication, and swallowing disorders in adults and children. The students tried pureed potatoes, carrots, and nectar-thickened juice to show them what patients with swallowing difficulties consume, and students practiced swallowing exercises and memory exercises. Students also examined a model that shows the muscles and bones in the throat.
"The students were great! They asked amazing questions and were super interactive," Ashley said.
Thanks to Ashley and Jenna for planning excellent activities!
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Here's to our associates with March birthdays. Join us in wishing them all the best as they celebrate!
Ana Haynos, Cheryl Shepherd, Erica Smith, Shelli Wimberly, Stephen Cabler, William Flentie, Theresa Meade, Nathan Bailey, Karen Koelzer, Gracie Frakes, Julie Wren, Christina Vander Putten, Alexis VanDonge, Peter Ganstrom, Crystal Correll, Amanda Monteleone, Melissa Goulart, Trevor Shuler, Sandra Mick, Julie Rethman, Mariella LeSage, Alexis Whorton, Tracy Koch, Theresa Rethman, Meghan Vernon, Sierra Valburg, Kimberley Wild, Vicky Hurla, Sandra Rose, April Plager, Mandy Nott, Kelly Haug, Katherine Matzke.
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Important reminders
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Jeans are allowed on Fridays through the end of February--no payment necessary.
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Any individual who is currently enrolled or planning to enroll in an accredited Kansas school for health care is invited to apply for a Kansas Hospital Association Healthworks Scholarship. Preference is given to current hospital employees, particularly those working in a hospital that is licensed for 25 or fewer acute beds. Our own Alexis Whorton was a 2021 scholarship recipient! Find more information. Applications are due March 4.
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A silent auction is now available to benefit Jeanne and Steve DeVader. A benefit (pulled pork dinner and silent auction) will be held Sunday, March 6 at 11:00 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Church Centennial Building in St. Marys. Steve is fighting cancer; Jeanne has worked in registration at St. Marys for more than 20 years. Questions? Contact Julia Ingwerson.
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Coffee Shop Special
February 28-March 4
Cinnamon dolce
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16 oz., $4
- Hot, cold, or frappe
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Winter SALE continues!
CHCS apparel, Valentine's Day items, winter clothing, faith-based gifts, and more are 30 to 50% off through the end of the month. Check it out!
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What's new?
Funny birthday cards from Anne Taintor have arrived! These cards feature vintage graphics and women who deliver greetings with a healthy dash of sarcasm.
Coming soon: Easter!
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CHCS menu: Onaga and Eastridge |
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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