Being an Employer of Choice

WMHS strives to be an employer of choice so that we can retain our employees, as well as recruit new ones when needed.  Compensation is certainly important to employees, and WMHS is committed to providing competitive salaries.  Last fiscal year when our financial situation improved, we gave $1.4 million in bonuses to employees since no raise actions had been planned due to our projected financial loss for FY13.  We were able to include pay raises in the budget for FY14, and $2.5 million in raise actions became effective last month.

WMHS also is committed to offering a valuable benefits package as part of our total compensation.  Overall, benefits on average are equal to 22 to 30 percent of an employee’s salary.  More than $31 million went toward benefits for our full and part-time employees last year. The largest amount--$18 million--is for medical and prescription drug coverage.  Employees also have dental and vision coverage available.

Our pension plan, 403(b) program, and variety of insurance options help employees plan to the future. Paid-time off (PTO) is provided to full and part-time employees for holidays, personal time vacation, and personal or family illness.

WMHS also is committed to the well being of our employees.  We provide a free, on-site fitness center and our Win with Wellness initiatives focus on ways they can improve their health.  We also promote their professional growth.   Continuing education is available at no cost through a multitude of on-site classes and workshops, and tuition assistance is available for other educational opportunities and for college coursework.

We are meeting the challenges of healthcare change thanks to our employees, and we want them to know how valued they are.  

Godspeed, Homer

After 46 years, Homer Hardinger is working his last day today.  He had planned for a number of years to retire on 11/12/13.  Gotta love that sense of humor.  Homer is retiring at the age of 69 as an RN in Perioperative Services aka Surgery, but he still looks like he is 49 and has the energy to prove it.  WMHS is losing a wonderfully positive advocate for the System and our patients.  Homer is always smiling, he's energetic, and he is an all round positive force who will be missed.  Godspeed, Homer, and thanks for all of the 46 years.

Veterans Day - In War, There Are No Unwounded

Today is the day that we should all seek out a veteran or a member of the active military and simply say, "Thank You."  The sacrifice that each member of the military and our veterans have made pales by comparison to pretty much everything else.

And, if you think that sacrifice is only for those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, then you are mistaken.  To be on the dock when my daughter Lauren returned from her last deployment to the Middle East and to see those husbands, wives and children embracing each other for the first time in ten and a half months, it brings tears to your eyes.  First off the ship were the 60 fathers who had never seen their newly born sons and daughters in person.  Talk about sacrifice.  

What these people have done for us in preserving our freedom for well over two hundred years is just short of amazing.   Every man and women who has served or is currently serving is a hero and deserves the thanks of a grateful nation.

Flu Shots

It's time to get your flu shot, especially if you are affiliated with WMHS.  You have until December 7th to get your shot.  Last year, the cut off was December 31 and it presented challenges for those last-minute shot seekers around the New Year's holiday and the scheduling of staff.

In order to help understand and explain the many myths that are out there, I have attached an article on debunking the myths of flu shots.  Now, I know if you are looking for a flu shot exemption, you would want to see the science that supports the debunked myth.  It may not be included in this article, but it's certainly out there.  

The bottom line is that we are in the business to provide the best care possible to our patients.  Having our employees vaccinated against the flu is one way of protecting our patients.  So far, around 70 per cent of our hourly employees have gotten the flu shot and management including, employed physicians, are at around 80 per cent.  We have a ways to go for both groups, but I am sure that all will look at the mission and values of our organization and realize the importance of getting the flu shot.

http://io9.com/lets-just-debunk-every-flu-vaccine-myth-in-one-fell-sw-1454237689#

Disturbingly Profound

I am in DC this week for a series of meetings.  After today's meeting, I had some time this afternoon so I met Pamela and went to the Newseum.  It has been highly recommended as a place not to miss.  My meeting was only up the street from the Newseum so I figured that it was a good day to visit.  I only got to tour two floors due to the late hour, but it is an amazing place.  Pamela is heading back in the AM.

The mission of the Newseum is to champion the five freedoms of the First Amendment.  It is truly a one of a kind.  Pamela and I agreed that the most interesting of the 15 galleries was the Pulitzer Prize Photographs Gallery.  Every Pulitzer Prize winning photograph is in this gallery.  We also agreed on the most profound photograph in the entire gallery out of the hundreds displayed.  As I have entitled this blog, it is "Disturbingly Profound."  It is both disturbing and profound in a number of ways.  First, it is of a starving child in the Sudan in 1993.  Secondly, behind the child is a vulture playing a waiting game; sensing that the little girl was near death.  Thirdly, the photographer shooed the vulture away, but left the child to die as she was trying to reach the feeding center.  According to the photographer, people were dying at a rate of 20 per hour and he was told not to touch anyone as they were carrying diseases.  Lastly, he left the child to die and regretted it for the rest of his entire life.  You see, he could no longer bear the guilt and a year later committed suicide at the age of 33.  I have attached the photo to this blog not to focus on the morbidity of the moment, but for all of us to realize that in this day and age, no one should ever go hungry.  As a society, we need to do everything humanly possible for that not to happen at home and abroad.

Bullies in the NFL.............Really?

I have been reading with amazement about the Richie Incognito situation.  Richie was an offensive lineman with the Miami Dolphins up until Sunday, when he as suspended indefinitely.  He was apparently bullied in the sixth grade and his father straightened him out at that time.  So much so, Richie has acted like he has a few screws loose since college.  Fights, arrests, dirtiest player in the NFL accusations and now a bully.  He is accused of bullying a second year, 345-pound lineman who also played for the Dolphins.  

I can't fathom bullying in the NFL.   As one friend said, "He is the Conrad Dobler of the 21st century."  This stuff happens all of the time and you deal with it.  Remember Dez Bryant when he arrived in training camp in Dallas his rookie season?  He was told that he was going to carry a fellow player and veteran's helmet to and from practice every day.  He said, "no" end of story.  I have little sympathy for Jonathan Martin, the 345-pound victim of bullying.  Put on your big boy pants and deal with it.

I also have a suggestion for the Pittsburgh Steelers.  Sign Richie Incognito.  They sure as heck can use a quality offensive lineman and he would bring a whole lot of fire and excitement to that locker room.