Week of January 28, 2019

Cervical Health Awareness Month

January is Cervical Health Awareness Month. Nearly 13,000 women in the

U.S. are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year. Perhaps that number

could dwindle if more people practiced prevention. In fact, the disease can

be prevented with appropriate screening (Pap and HPV tests) and

vaccinations. Take care of yourself! If you haven’t had your annual exam, do

it now! You could save your own life.

Trauma Center Quest

Our quest to be named a Level II Trauma

Center passed a major hurdle recently when the State Health Planning Board voted unanimously to approve our application.

In key testimony, Gary S. Horan, Trinitas CEO, reported that Elizabeth is the only one of New Jersey's major cities to not have a trauma center. Situated in what Homeland Security officials have described as "the most dangerous two miles in America," Elizabeth in in unique danger of traumatic accidents and terrorism. Designation of Trinitas as a Level II Trauma Center "will close a critical gap in New Jersey's trauma system. We here in Elizabeth are not second-class citizens. Trinitas has more than met the standards of a trauma center by treating more than the required minimum number of 350 trauma cases for each of the last 6 years," he explained. He also relayed that having a trauma center at Trinitas would not materially affect any neighboring institution.

We are indebted to the legislators who made the trip to Trenton to testify on our behalf. Senator Joseph Cryan, Assemblyman Jamel Holley, Freeholder Sergio Granados, Elizabeth Council President William Gallman, Elizabeth Council representatives Patricia Perkins-Auguste and Manny Grova, and Elizabeth Director of Health and Human Services Director Krishna Garlic (on behalf of Mayor Chris Bollwage), our own Dr. John D'Angelo, Chairman of Emergency Medicine, and testimony from Assemblywoman Annette Quijano were united in testifying to the need for a trauma center for Elizabeth and Union County. Also in attendance were many members of Trinitas administration. The Planning Board's recommendation will go to the State Health Commissioner who will make a final, hopefully positive determination in the near future.

Ninth Annual Three Kings Day

Thanks to Assemblywoman Annette Quijano for

organizing, planning and hosting the annual Three Kings Day Celebration for Trinitas' children at New Point Campus. City of Elizabeth Mayor Chris Bollwage was there as well as Senator Joe Cryan, City of Elizabeth Firefighters FMBA Local 9, NJ FMBA, NJ State PBA, State Troopers Fraternal Association of NJ, National Coalition of Latino Officers, Hispanic Law Enforcement Association of Union County, Historic Midtown Elizabeth Special Improvement District, Union County Sheriff's Office, and many more! But most of all, the kids were happy and appreciative.

Congrats to the Nursing School Grads Congratulations to the January

2019 graduates of Trinitas School of Nursing, including all 112 students who received their nursing diplomas at the Trinitas School of Nursing’s 161st Convocation Ceremony held at St. Michael’s Church in Cranford. Surrounded by family, friends, and staff that supported their efforts every step of the way, 99 women and 13 men proudly accepted their pins and diplomas.

Decorative Doors in Substance Abuse Services

According to Krystyna Vaccarelli, LCSW, LCADC, Director of Substance Abuse

Services, the door decorating contest on the Substance Abuse Services Unit go

up each year for the Feast of the Three Kings. The winner of a gift card this year

was Tannia Fassett, who decorated the door shown here.

Runners up were: Darlly Mariano for the “Giant Snowman” door, and Tanisha McCall for the “Christmas Present from Jesus” door.

Calling All Women

Join us at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 12 at

Garden Restaurant in Union as we learn

how to defend ourselves against the leading

killer among women in the U.S. Our own Dr.

Mirette Habib, Interventional Cardiologist,

will break it down into small bites, for

instance, after 55 we become more prone

to heart disease. There is so much we can

do to prevent becoming a statistic. If you’re

hungry for information, give me a call

(Yolanda, ext. 5139) and get your name on

the reservation list!

If you haven’t already gotten

yourself a copy, I highly

recommend Patrick Kennedy’s

book, A Common Struggle, a tell-all about his ongoing battle to get a grip on his

mental, physical and emotional health. If you care anything about the Kennedys,

and happened to be around and remember where you were when you heard the

news of Patrick’s uncle, John F. Kennedy’s assassination, you’ll appreciate it. The

book is packed with interesting stories that paint a vivid picture of what it must

have been like growing up in perhaps one of the most politically prominent

families in history. The book is signed and your contribution will benefit our

“Peace of Mind” Campaign.

Hundreds of Lives Saved

Earlier this year, NJBIZ honored Gerard

Muench, Director of Pre-Hospital

Services, in their “Honor Roll” series. His

profile appeared again in NJBIZ’s year-

end profile of 2018 honorees.

Congratulations to the following Pat on the Back

Monthly Random Winners for the Fourth Quarter

of 2018.

October Ana Castelan Rodriguez, Environmental Services, WSC

“Ana went above and beyond the scope of her duties and did an exceptional job. Our staff was really impressed. It means a lot to us on 3North.”

November Evelyn Munoz, Food & Nutrition, WSC

“Evelyn helped in securing food for dietary restrictions.”

December Darkiris Gonzalez, Behavioral Health & Psychiatry, NPC

“Darkiris stayed well after her shift was over to assist some patients that were stranded during a recent snowstorm. Darkiris was caring, compassionate, and went above and beyond the scope of her duties to support the patients and help get them a safe ride home. The patients were grateful and administrative staff is proud to have her on the team.”

Gold Seal Approval

Trinitas Regional Medical Center has once again announced

earning The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for

Disease Specific Certification for Total Hip and Total Knee

Replacement. Trinitas was the first in Union County to achieve

this important designation in 2016, and underwent a rigorous

onsite survey by Joint Commission experts, who evaluated

compliance with disease-specific care standards for total hip and

total knee replacement, including pre- and post-operative patient

education, patient safety, prevention of infection, restoration of

patient function and patient monitoring after discharge from the

hospital. This certification is for Joint Commission-accredited

hospitals, critical access hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers seeking to elevate the quality, consistency

and safety of their services and patient care. Trinitas continues to be the only health organization in Union

County to receive this certification.

In the photo, Dr. James Dunleavy, Director of Rehabilitation Services, encourages a long-time patient.

Maria Galinha (aka Fatema), Environmental Services/Patient Transport, has dedicated three

years and nine months to Trinitas, and has been selected as Employee of the Month.

There are some things about Fatema you

must know:

She is a very friendly, professional and

quality oriented team member with a

perpetual smile on her face. She is

admired for her consistent positive

outlook and dedication to making

Trinitas a great place for our patients to

come to for their healthcare needs.

She has a kind word for everyone that she

comes into contact with. She is an absolute

delight to work with and demonstrates genuine

hospitality. She has been known to go out of her way to please customers and the proof is that such

customers have made it a point to convey their appreciation on a regular basis.

Fatema is assigned to 6 South and has done an outstanding job including significantly raising our EVS HCAHPS

scores on that unit.

Fatema is also highly respected by her peers and supervisors. She takes pride in her work and knows that it

reflects on her commitment to excellence. She is a wonderful representative for TRMC who has earned

credibility with her peers because she is recognized as having a high level of integrity and walks the talk by

being a dedicated employee.

Fatema demonstrates integrity by standing for the right things. She is an honest, hardworking asset to the

TRMC organization who sets a great example for others to follow. She truly wants what is best for the hospital

and goes out of her way to provide the most courteous service she can to our patients.

Congratulations, Fatema! We appreciate you!

By Phil Solomon, Safety Officer/Emergency Preparedness Coordinator covers a variety of topics and issues to educate and inform Trinitas employees about safety.

POISONING PREVENTION & INTERVENTION

Poisoning is often thought of something that happens only to small

children. Poisoning can occur to anyone at any age from many sources. Poisoning can be intentional or accidental. Excessive alcohol consumption, taking too much or the wrong medication, ingestion of a chemical placed in a food container, and skin exposure to a toxic substance are examples of poisoning. Pets are especially prone to ingestion of toxic material from ordinary houseplants and residue from cleaning chemicals on surfaces. Prevention of accidental poisoning in the home is important. First, make sure all medicines and cleaning or other chemicals remain in their original container. For example, don’t put an orange colored citrus cleaner into a sports drink bottle! When you transfer a product from a bulk container into a smaller spray bottle, make sure you label the bottle appropriately with something that will not come off. Most cleaning products will erase even the best permanent markers. If you have infants or small children make sure poisons are out of reach. Place poisons in secured cabinets or on the highest possible shelf. In addition, try to use and store fewer products. Purchase smaller containers rather than bulk packaging. For the safety of your pet, search the internet or contact your veterinarian and check what houseplants are poisonous to animals and move them to a safe location. Chocolate candy can be deadly to a dog. If poisoning does occur, you can call either 9-1-1 or the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222. According to Gareth Williams, Union County Emergency Service Dispatch Coordinator, 9-1-1 should be called for situations that require immediate medical aid such as someone unconscious or not breathing. If the patient is conscious and complaining of mild or no symptoms you can call Poison Control. Poison Control Centers receive more than 2 million calls annually providing expert advice and care instructions. The signs and symptoms of poisoning vary depending on what was ingested and the effects can either be immediate or delayed. Many product labels and all Safety Data Sheets provide some instruction on what to do. In general do not induce vomiting unless specifically instructed to do so. There are other types of poisoning you should be aware of. Lead from old exposed paint, radon gas from a poorly ventilated lower level in a home and, carbon monoxide from malfunctioning heating equipment or a blocked chimney are a few. The ingestion of small button batteries has increased dramatically in the last few years. Make sure you dispose of these properly. When seeking treatment for poisoning, be sure to bring the container with you to the hospital. Save the number for Poison Control in your phone. You can also access Poison Control online at triage.webpoisoncontrol.org or download the app.

RESPIRATOR FIT TESTING

This is a reminder that employees who engage in

patient care as well as some others are required to

undergo an annual respirator fit test. The test is an

OSHA regulation requirement that takes only a few

moments for your supervisor to perform. A record of

your annual fit test must be sent to employee health.

Because it’s so important, Human Resources tracks

employees who have not been fit-tested and may

temporarily suspend you from work if not completed.

A respirator can't protect you if it doesn't properly fit your face. It's that simple. N-95 masks,

which are considered tight-fitting respirators, must form a good seal with your face to protect

you. If your mask doesn't fit your face properly, contaminated air can leak into your respirator

causing you to become ill from a patient or from certain harmful chemicals.

Once you have been fit tested, it is important to always use the same exact size during your

work. If it has been longer than one year since you have been fit tested, or you are not sure,

please see your supervisor.

Customer Service Corner

By: Yaniris Garcia – Patient Advocate

Good Manners Make a DIFFERENCE

When dealing with an abundance of patients on a daily basis, it can sometimes be easy to let the little things

slide — like your manners. During these times, it is especially important to remember that good Customer

Service makes the difference between a highly satisfied patient and a displeased one.

Employing good manners and knowing the proper rules of etiquette in the medical arena really can make a

difference in how you are perceived by the patients. Good manners are necessary to show respect for others.

Being kind and empathetic goes a long way in gaining a patient’s confidence. A visit to the hospital can be

stressful enough without having to deal with unfriendly, inattentive, and disorganized medical/non-medical

staff.

Please utilize these quick tips when interacting with others:

• Being mindful at all times of how we extend our manners.

• Be polite by saying “Please” and “Thank you.”

• Smile! It helps you look approachable.

• Always use a friendly tone and move at a relaxed pace.

• Say “I’m sorry,“ or “I apologize” when necessary.

• Listen, especially not with the intent to reply, but rather with the mission to understand.

• Be mindful of your own body language/body posture.

• Be professional at all times. Your personal appearance must be up to par.

• Avoid the use of your cell phone in patient areas. Use it during break time only.

• Keep a clean and orderly environment in and out of your work space.

Remember, no matter your job title or position, you represent Trinitas. The way you speak,

smile, the way you dress, conduct yourself and treat people in and outside the hospital…..

All these things are a direct representation of Our Hospital. You are the face of Trinitas!

Let that representation stand for friendliness, kindness, respect, and above all, great

Customer Service!

“Good manner open the closed doors; bad manners close the open doors.” – Mehet Murah lldan

Happy Happy Birthday, Papi

Grant Hobson, who has been a volunteer since

2007 and a Trinitas Health Foundation board

member since 2001, was recently treated to a

surprise to celebrate his 80th birthday on January

21. He loves traveling and boating, reading and

telling the staff stories. The patients call him Papi.

for a fun-filled trip to the

ost – $35.00 per person

Make Check Payable to Auxiliary of Trinitas Regional Medical Center

Bus will leave Trinitas RMC Administration Building at 10:00 A.M. (Corner of Williamson Street & Pearl Street, Elizabeth)

Free parking in the TRMC Parking Garage - Bring your Parking Ticket to the bus for free parking validation.

You may also park in the Employee Lot across from the Administration Bldg.

Trip includes

Six Hours at the Sands Casino

$20.00 Free Slot Play

$5.00 Food Voucher

SHOPPING at Shop at - Charming Charlie’s, DKNY,

Coach, Dress Barn, Nine West, Lenox, Chico’s, Under Armour & more located in the

same building – just steps from the Casino. Also SHOP – MICHAEL KORS with many

items 70% off.

For information or reservations contact the Auxiliary Office – (908) 994-8988

(Tax deductible portion for this fundraising event - $5.00)

Is there a Doctorate in the House?

You may remember that Clare Cruz, MSN, RN BC, Nurse Manager, was recently

in the news for being named March of Dimes’ Nurse of the Year. Now we can

call her doctor as she recently completed her Doctorate in Nursing Practice

degree requirements of Chamberlain University and will be participating in

commencement on February 2nd in Chicago.

Need financial help? Fidelity is there for you!

Collegiate Winter Mentoring Program

Organized by Lisa Liss and Melissa Mann, the Collegiate Winter Mentoring Program held this month had

applicants from many different schools.

The following applicants were chosen: Izabella Domain, Montclair State. Divya Dadi, Seton Hall University. Keia Snith, Kean University. Yogesh Rakholia, College of NJ. These four students (shown here) had the pleasure and the privilege of shadowing professionals for two weeks in the Cancer Center, OB/GYN, Surgery, and the Medical ER. Students received hands on experience and watched general surgeries, laparoscopic surgery, hysterectomies, and one-on-one patient care. They were very appreciative of this opportunity that helped solidified their dreams of working in healthcare. They were thankful for all the doctors, nurses, residents, medical students and staff that made their experience so meaningful.

A new group of eight students will be chosen for the Trinitas Summer Collegiate Program to be held for four weeks in June. The following three psychiatry residents who applied for a Child Adolescent Fellowship matched at the following programs.

Kavita Bommasamurdam, MD, matched at

Westchester Medical Center. Ethan Isidro, MD, matched

at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson New Brunswick. Adam

Stivala, MD, matched at University of Hawaii - John A

Burns School of Medicine and the Queens Medical

Center.

Holiday Leftovers

There Really is a Santa Claus

One of our recently hired Food and Nutrition Services

employees, Papa Mbengue, got the surprise of his

life. One morning, he went to work with his new bike, a

product of his first paycheck. At quitting time, he went

looking for his bike and learned it had been stolen,

which he reported to his managers. In the spirit of

Christmas giving and sharing, Food and Nutrition

management chipped in to buy him a new bike and

presented it to him at the Christmas party on Dec.

20th. There really is a Santa Claus! (left to right) Papa Mbengue, Junon Desrouleaux, Patient Service Manager,

and Sam Malek, Executive Chef.

Welcome to Trinitas Ana Nogueira, Director of Case Management, has experience in

various settings, such as acute care hospitals, long term acute care, and on the

group side as well as workman’s

compensation for insurance companies.

Most recently, she was outsourced as

Director of Case Management for Cross

Country Healthcare at Christ Hospital. A

graduate of Mountainside Hospital School

of Nursing, she also has master’s degrees in

Nursing as well as Healthcare Administration. But more, she’s a really nice

person! Welcome, Ana!

Yash Patel, PI Coordinator in the Performance Improvement

and Infection Control Department, is enjoying his first job since coming from India in 2016 to pursue his

master’s degree in Industrial and Systems Engineering with a specialization in Healthcare Administration at

SUNY Binghamton, NY. He was hired at Trinitas in October 2018, shortly after graduation, and says he was

“welcomed with the open arms everywhere I went on the campus.

This is actually my first job and it’s been so nice. This has become my

second home. I have got the most amazing mentors and my colleagues

are just fabulous.”

In his spare time, Yash enjoys being a certified Six Sigma Green Belt,

working out in the gym, and cooking authentic Indian food. During his

department’s potluck luncheon, he made a dish called Pani-Puri, which

everyone loved. (Especially me!)

Welcome, Yash! We are lucky to have you here.

Monica Madabushi, RN, Performance Improvement

Coordinator, joined the team in November 2018. She has been an RN for the past 10 years, and for the past

three years, she worked as an Intensive Care Unit Nurse, and still works in the ICU per diem at a different

organization.

Originally from California, she says, “I made the exciting move to the east coast to live my dream of

experiencing the Big Apple. I lived in New York City for a few years before I decided to settle down in New

Jersey.”

She likes to travel/vacation with family and friends, and enjoy adventures like river rafting, parasailing,

camping and zip lining. “The craziest thing I’ve done so far is sky dive on Long Island. I would say I’m

passionate, driven and simply love to live LIFE. I’m thrilled to be joining such a wonderful team here at

Trinitas!”

Best Wishes for Carol Pepe

Carol Pepe, Director of Case Management, recently retired after 18 years of

service. At her going away party, everyone was smiling broadly, but not because we were happy to see her go. Hardly. We were, however, happy for her to glide

into the next phase of her life, which from what I can tell, is going great. She recently joined the Center for Hope Hospice as a spiritual counselor. She looks forward to being a

source of comfort to those preparing to

transition into the next phase of their

existence. We will miss you, Carol! All the

best!

Demonstrate your awareness of American Heart Month, wear red on Fridays and send me your photos!

Valentine’s Day is Almost Here While your real-life wife or husband, girlfriend or boyfriend, would not necessarily consider a TRMC item a romantic gift, your work-wife or husband, girlfriend or boyfriend (if you have one) might! Don’t wait until the last minute! Place your order today!

January 7 to 20, 2019

Name Department Years of Service

Veronica Garcia Patient Access 5

Victoria Blom Intensive O/P Tre 5

Tiffanee Johnson Extended Care-4N 5

Sofia Mendoza Transitional 7 5

Cherie Minter Patient Registration 5

Peggie Morgan Patient Access 5

Hilda Sciortino School of Nursing 5

Denise A. Dejean Inter Child Adol 25

Betty J. Thomas Transitional 7 30

Julia Rivero Short Stay 30

La-Arni V. Lu Hemodialysis Ip 31

Maria D. Diaz-Casas Chemistry 32

Maria Santos Envir Scvs - NPC 32

Orietta Rodriguez Administration 34

Denise Riordan Recovery Room 35

Leonides F. Fanco Recovery Room 35

Rosemary Danko Short Stay 38

Joanne M. Tewes Radiology Diagnostics 38

Maria Delhava Envir Services – NPC 39

Cynthia Mirabelli Nursery Icn 40

Valsamma Mattam ICU Unit 43

Eileen J. Chokov Dept of Psych Emr 46

Carolann Horning Envir Services – NPC 56

Maryetta Smith Food & Nutrition – NPC 56

Editor’s Note:

This is the closest thing to a self-portrait I’ll probably ever paint. I thrive on variety, so I chose this as my profile pic this time, a lament for my dwindling memory. If it seems that I may have forgotten an item you’re waiting for, give me a nudge, just to make sure I’ve got it ready for the next issue. Please send your info to yfleming@trinitas.org, or call me, Yolanda Fleming, ext. 5139. If you would like to receive this in pdf format, please let me know and I’ll add you to my “Pdf-ers” list. If you’d like either fewer or more hard copies of Weekly World, kindly supplied by Human Resources, just let them know.