Cool down on these hot, summer days with a delicious and wholesome treat. Choose from one of the recipes below, or plan to make them all!

Citrus Rush

Ingredients: 

Blend all ingredients in a blender until smooth, about 2 minutes. 

Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie

Ingredients: 

1 cup soymilk, plain
1 medium banana, quartered
1 tbsp. peanut butter, creamy
3 ice cubes

Blend all ingredients in a blender until smooth, about 2 minutes.

Chocolate Raspberry Smoothie

Ingredients: 

12 ounces fresh or frozen raspberries
6 ounces chilled silken tofu
3/4 cup nonfat soymilk
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1 1/2 tsp. flaxseed powder

Blend all ingredients in blender until smooth, about 2 minutes.

This Wellness Recipe is part of Employee Wellness Program’s “Recipe for Success!” initiative. These recipes meet healthy nutritional guidelines, as specified by the program.

Find other recipes and learn more about “Recipe for Success!” here.

Nutritional Facts

Citrus Rush: Serv. Size: 1 cup or 8 oz, Servings per Container: 2, Amount Per Serving: Calories 200, Fat Cal. 5, Total Fat 0g (0% DV), Sat. Fat 0g (0% DV) Trans Fat 0g, Cholest. 0mg (0% DV), Sodium 65mg (3% DV), Total Carb. 46g (15% DV), Dietary Fiber 2g (8% DV), Sugars 27g, Protein 5g, Vitamin A (15% DV), Vitamin C (180% DV), Calcium (20% DV), Iron (2% DV). Percent Daily Values (DV) are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Peanut Butter Banana: Serv. Size: 1 cup or 8 oz, Servings per Container: 2, Amount Per Serving: Calories 150, Fat Cal. 60, Total Fat 6g (9% DV), Sat. Fat 1g (5% DV) Trans Fat 0g, Cholest. 0mg (0% DV), Sodium 100mg (4% DV), Total Carb. 20g (7% DV), Dietary Fiber 3g (12% DV), Sugars 11g, Protein 6g, Vitamin A (6% DV), Vitamin C (8% DV), Calcium (15% DV), Iron (4% DV). Percent Daily Values (DV) are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Chocolate Raspberry: Serv. Size: 12 oz, Servings per Container: 2, Amount Per Serving: Calories 170, Fat Cal. 40, Total Fat 4.5g (7% DV), Sat. Fat 0g (0% DV) Trans Fat 0g, Cholest. 0mg (0% DV), Sodium 45mg (2% DV), Total Carb. 25g (8% DV), Dietary Fiber 5g (12% DV), Sugars 11g, Protein 6g, Vitamin A (6% DV), Vitamin C (8% DV), Calcium (15% DV), Iron (4% DV). Percent Daily Values (DV) are based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Lift safely
Improper lifting technique can lead to strains, dislocations and even muscle tears, with most injuries occurring in the back. Whether you’re organizing your inventory or decorating your home, make sure you’re practicing these safe-lifting guidelines.

• Stretch beforehand so your body gets warmed up
• Keep your back straight and bend your knees – remember to never twist or bend your back
• Make sure you’re on solid ground with your feet shoulder-width apart
• Keep the box or object close to your body
• Lift with your legs, not your back
• Limit the amount of weight you carry – it’s better to make two trips than to carry too much at once
• Ask for help to carry heavy, bulky or large loads
• Keep pathways clear of tripping hazards

Setting up a home office
More and more workplaces are providing telecommuting and working from home options to help maintain a better work-life balance for employees. While these options may be convenient, don’t forget to make sure home offices are set up ergonomically correct. Here are some basic things to check off your list:

• Chairs have proper lumbar and arm support, and can be adjusted for height
• Feet are flat on the ground or footrest
• Viewing distance from your eyes to the monitor is at least 18 inches
• Keyboard and mouse are at approximately elbow height
• Lighting is sufficient enough that you don’t have to strain, but not too bright where glare is an issue
• Proper accessories, such as a document holder or phone headset, may be necessary depending on the work

Each session focuses on a topic designed to help you and your family be well, and provides the opportunity to interact with experts in the field from Loma Linda University Health. Wellness Webinars are approved by Loma Linda University Health Organization Wide Learning (OWL). Space is limited, so registration is recommended.

Log on to ce.llu.edu and search "wellness," or call 909-651-4007 to register.  

Upcoming topics include: 

Car crashes remain a leading cause of unintentional death in the U.S., with nearly 100 people killed on our roadways every day. Fortunately, these crashes can be prevented if we all take steps to ensure one another’s safety.

On the road, off the phone
Cell phone use – texting or talking on a handheld or hands-free device – is involved in an estimated 26 percent of all crashes each year. Hands-free is not risk-free, either. Even if your hands are on the wheel and your eyes are on the road, your brain is distracted by the cell phone conversation.

Before you set out, make sure:

• Your cell phone is turned off and put in a purse, trunk or glove compartment
• To designate a passenger to answer the phone for you if you’re expecting a call
• To schedule breaks to check voicemail, texts and emails

Get plenty of sleep
An estimated 1,550 people are killed each year in crashes involving drowsy drivers. You should never get behind the wheel if you are tired or have been taking certain medications.

To make sure you don’t get tired during the drive:

• Take a pre-drive nap, and pull over for a “power nap” if you get tired
• Drive with a partner, and switch drivers every two hours
• Schedule frequent breaks to get out and stretch your legs

Protect your new teen driver
Half of all teens will be involved in a car crash before graduating from high school. Many of these crashes will be simple fender-benders, but too many others will claim precious young lives. Parental involvement can significantly reduce teens’ crash risk.

When your teen gets a license, make sure to:

•  Practice driving with him or her for at least 30 minutes each week
•  Outline household rules in a New Driver Deal, available at DriveitHOME.org
•  Limit the number of passengers your teen can drive with
•  Limit nighttime driving, when visibility is low and crash risk is higher

Source:  National Safety Council, National Safety Month Material 2015

____________

This article originally posted in Environmental Health & Safety’s Speaking of Safety Blog. Environmental Health & Safety is a division of Risk Management. Visit the Speaking of Safety Blog here.

Oyoyo is a biostatistics consultant for for the Loma Linda University School of Dentistry and School of Medicine Department of Radiology. This course is for researchers involved in protocol development, research staff, and anyone curious about how statistics is key to making research meaningful. 

Date: June 9, 2015
Time: 12 noon - 1 pm
Location: 
Research Affairs Main Conference Room 201P
24887 Taylor Street
Loma Linda, CA

Learn more or register.

Enjoy this wholesome curry with brown rice or quinoa. 

Sweet Potato & Chickpea Curry

Serves: 7

Ingredients: 

Directions: 

Print recipe here.

This Wellness Recipe is part of Employee Wellness Program’s “Recipe for Success!” initiative. These recipes meet healthy nutritional guidelines, as specified by the program.

Find other recipes and learn more about “Recipe for Success!” here.

Nutritional Facts Serv. Size: 1 cup, Servings per Container: 7, Amount Per Serving: Calories 150, Fat Cal. 30, Total Fat 3g (5% DV), Sat. Fat 1.5g (8% DV) Trans Fat 0g, Cholest. 0mg (0% DV), Sodium 125mg (5% DV), Total Carb. 26g (11% DV), Dietary Fiber 5g (20% DV), Sugars 8g, Protein 5g, Vitamin A (35% DV), Vitamin C (15% DV), Calcium (10% DV), Iron (10% DV). Percent Daily Values (DV) are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Loma Linda University Health also offers a variety of Living Whole wellness services to employees, such as programs to help lose weight, stop smoking and manage diabetes. Learn about the health plans and these wellness benefits at a new website that puts all the information in one place. Visit myllu.llu.edu/livingwhole, where you will also find healthy recipes, educational videos, individualized learning modules, walking maps and wellness handouts to share with friends and family.

The website also offers the ability to sign up for cooking demonstrations, monthly Living Whole webinars and the weight and diabetes management programs.

One of the videos on the website (also embedded below) features Mark Hubbard, senior vice president for risk management and payroll, explaining how Loma Linda University Health offers superior health plans for employees.

“We are self-insured in part because we want to be able to control both our costs as well as the benefits that we provide to our employees,” Hubbard says. “Our costs have gone up very modestly over time, and in contrast to a lot of other employers, we’ve been very focused on avoiding shifting costs back to our employees. “

How so? While many other employers have systematically increased the cost of health coverage per month, Loma Linda University Health has rarely increased the price of coverage for full-time employees. Additionally, unlike with the majority of health plans, employees at Loma Linda University Health don’t pay an annual deductible — which averages about $1,200 per year at many places — before their health insurance kicks in.

Furthermore, last year Loma Linda University Health launched the Wholeness Plan to empower employees to take a greater role in managing their own health. In addition to costing less than the base plan, employees joining the Wholeness Plan also received the benefit of a comprehensive wellness check with biometric screening. This helps employees understand their own health so they can make positive steps to improve their wellness.

“This has been a great opportunity for employees to get a very comprehensive health assessment and better understand where they can invest in their own health,” Hubbard says, noting that the results are kept confidential are not used to qualify or disqualify employees from coverage.

Learn more about the benefits of health plans at Loma Linda University Health in this video, during which Hubbard is interviewed by Olivia Moses, DrPH, wellness program administrator in the department of risk management. 

To:           All Facilities

From:       Transportation Department

Date:        04/29/2015

Shuttle Route Changes:  Elimination of the Yellow Route and reroute of Blue, Red, and Green Routes. See the schedule below for new routes and stop information.

Business Functions:  All employees, patient and visitors who use the shuttle system will be affected.

Changes Will Begin:  The change will begin on Monday May 4, 2015.

Reason for Service Changes:  Better utilization of Loma Linda Health resources.

Contact:  If you have any questions, please contact the Transportation Department at (909) 651-3020 or extension 53020, or e-mail transportationservices@llu.edu.

Interested in getting involved with the Nepal earthquake response? Scheer Memorial Hospital in the Banepa region of Nepal is currently serving the patients and the local community affected by the earthquake. 

Your support of Scheer Memorial Hospital, a member of Adventist Health International, is one way you can contribute. 

Learn more here. 

With the recent strange weather, such as, draught, heavy snow, and extreme rain fall, we might have to agree that the earth’s climate is changing. Earth’s climate is changing in ways that affect our weather, oceans, snow, ice, ecosystems, and society.

Natural causes alone cannot explain all of these changes. Human activities are contributing to climate change, primarily by releasing billions of tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other heat-trapping gases, known as greenhouse gases, into the atmosphere.

What are the greenhouse gases?

Greenhouse gases (sometimes abbreviated GHG) are gases in an atmosphere that absorbs and emits radiation within the thermal infrared range. The primary greenhouse gases in the earth’s atmosphere are water vapor (H₂O), carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane, (CH₄), nitrous oxide (N₂O), and fluorinated gases.

Why are greenhouse gases a problem? 

As greenhouse gas emissions from human activities increase, they build up in the atmosphere and warm the climate, leading to many other changes around the world—in the atmosphere, on land, and in the oceans. Because many of the major greenhouse gases stay in the atmosphere for tens to hundreds of years after being released, their warming effects on the climate persist over a long time and can therefore affect both present and future generations.

What can happen if our climate changes?

Climate change affects our environment and natural resources, and impacts our way of life in many ways. For example:

• Warmer temperatures increase heat waves, which can pose health risks, particularly for young children and the elderly.
• Rising sea levels threaten coastal communities and ecosystems.
• Changes in the patterns and amount of rainfall, as well as changes in the timing and amount of stream flow, can affect water supplies and water quality and the production of hydroelectricity.
• Changing ecosystems influence geographic ranges of many plant and animal species and the timing of their lifecycle events, such as migration and reproduction.
• Increases in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, such as heat waves, droughts, and floods can increase losses to property, cause costly disruptions to society, and reduce the availability and affordability of insurance.

Where do greenhouse gases come from?

What is a Greenhouse Gas Report?

Reporting of greenhouse gases by major sources is required by both federal EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) and the California Global Warming Solutions Act (AB 32, 2006). All GHG emissions data reports must comply with the regulatory requirements and be submitted via the e-GGRT and Cal e-GGRT reporting system. Loma Linda University Health is also required by law to report direct greenhouse gas emission.

At Loma Linda University Health, one of our major greenhouse gas emitter is our Power Plant. In addition to this major emitter, we also have to report entire stationary combustion units, including small Bunsen burners in the labs. The Environmental Health & Safety department prepares these reports on behalf of Loma Linda University Health and annually submits them to the federal EPA and California Air Resource board. In California, it is also required by law that the greenhouse gas reporters must hire a third party to verify this report to ensure the reported data is accurate and conformance with the law. The following is the greenhouse gas reported from LLUH from the years 2008 to 2013.

Environmental Health & Safety is committed to providing excellent service to ensure LLUH remains regulatory complaint.

Reference:

1.  NRC (2010). Advancing the Science of Climate Change. National Research Council. The National Academies Press, Washington, DC, USA.

2.  http://www.epa.gov/ghgreporting/

3. http://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/reporting/ghg-rep/ghg-rep.htm

____________

This article originally posted in Environmental Health & Safety's Speaking of Safety Blog. Environmental Health & Safety is a division of Risk Management. Visit the Speaking of Safety Blog here.

The LLUSS employee forum schedule is as follows:

To: All LLUH Employees
From: Brett McPherson, Director of Environmental Health & Safety
Date: March 24, 2015
Subject: Pesticide Form

Here's what's happening...

And here's why...

Questions?

Please call Julia Fischer, Environmental Health & Safety at on-campus ext. 58150

This year’s conference, “United We Stand,” will focus on the important role veterans play as a part of Loma Linda University Health’s workplace commitment to diversity and inclusion.

The two-day event is open to employees and the public and will include presentations and panel discussions from top government officials, internationally acclaimed subject matter experts, best-selling authors and motivational speakers on how to build on the culture of inclusion in the workplace. Conference admission is free except for a special lunch session on March 31 and a food festival on April 1; see more information about both below.

“Loma Linda University Health is looking forward to the message the United States deputy surgeon general will bring to our campus,” said Cari M. Dominguez, PhD, chief talent and diversity officer at Loma Linda University Health. “This organization is blessed to be richly diverse, with individuals of all backgrounds, races, nationalities, career experiences and personal characteristics coming together to make a positive difference in the lives of others. We believe that diversity inspires creativity; inclusion unites individuals; and access provides opportunities. We celebrate and promote these three messages on our campus.”

Rear Admiral Lushniak will kick off the event on March 31 with a keynote address on promoting inclusion in wellness at 9:00 a.m. in the Centenniel Complex, 24760 Stewart Street, Loma Linda.

Following Lushniak’s keynote, a special lunch session with actor, best-selling author, motivational speaker and wounded United States Army veteran J.R. Martinez will take place in the Wong Kerlee International Conference Center, 11175 Campus Street, Loma Linda at 11:30 a.m. This limited-seating portion of the event is $15 and includes lunch. Also known for his season 13 win on “Dancing With the Stars,” Martinez will share his story of survival, strength and spirit. Pre-registration is recommended and available on the Power of Inclusion website.

Other notable speakers scheduled to present at the two-day conference:

• Juana Bordas, president, Mestiza Leadership International
• Greg Crouse, United States Army veteran and 2016 Paralympic Games candidate
• Sue Hoppin, MA, expert on military spouse and family
• Lieutenant Commander Heidi Kraft, PhD, clinical psychologist military combat stress specialist
• Susan R. Meisinger, SPHR, JD, author and former CEO of Society for Human Resource Management
• Anthony Odierro, MBA, retired United States Army First Lieutenant, Bronze Star and Purple Heart recipient

Power of Inclusion will conclude with an international food festival on April 1 from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Loma Linda University Drayson Center. Tickets are available for $5 which includes entry into the event as well as food representing eight continents, with over 30 delicious dishes to enjoy. Veterans and active military that attend in uniform will get free admission into the food festival. Tickets will be available at the door or can be purchased in advance on the Power of Inclusion website.

For more information on the event, including tickets and registration, visit powerofinclusion.org.

In order to enact change, the project needs feedback from the Loma Linda University faculty, staff, students, and our general Loma Linda community. Current cyclists and non-cyclists are welcome to share their input.

Give us your input about cycling in Loma Linda by completing this survey. Once you've shared your input, tell a friend so they can participate too in making Loma Linda a more bike friendly community.

11.  Start a new habit of being organized. Who says New Year’s is the only time for resolutions? Make a spring resolution to keep your desk organized, putting five minutes into your daily calendar to go through all of the things that you have on your desk.

10.  Do it in sections.  Any task can seem daunting if you do it all at once. Take it in sections. Even if you only clean a little bit of your office space, you’ll feel better than if you don’t clean at all.

9.  Ditch the ink. What’s more frustrating than reaching for a pen, only to find out it doesn’t work? Non-working pens seem to outnumber the working ones by a five-to-one margin. Go through your pens. If it doesn’t work, toss it out. Life’s too short for scribbling and shaking.

8.  Sort your papers. Your email inbox isn’t the only thing that’s overflowing. Go through that stack of papers that’s been growing since the last time you cleaned your desk. Make a system and keep up with it. An excessive amount of paper in an office is a fire hazard. One of the reasons that fires spread so quickly in offices is due to the abundance of combustible materials. Loose paper, discarded packaging, waste bins and furnishings provide plenty of fuel for fires. Although the risk created by these materials cannot be completely removed, it can be significantly reduced by taking steps to keep the office tidy and free from unnecessary paper and packaging.

7.  Clean your computers and other electronics. We use them every day, spill coffee on them, and sometimes take them into the bathroom with us. Take a few minutes and clean your electronics (with special wipes for your screens, a keyboard cleaner that picks up junk in between the letters, and even a spray can of air should do the trick). Also, spring is a great time to check your office fire extinguisher and batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detector. This might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of spring cleaning, but it’s an essential supply in any office.

6.  Contain the cords. At the very least, find a way to contain all of the cords that are running from your various (newly cleaned) electronic devices. To reduce the risk of a fire starting due to damaged cords, the wiring for all electrical equipment should be inspected on a regular basis and replaced if it is becoming worn. Remember the cords on the floor can become tripping hazards. Cleaning the cord clutter on the floor can avoid falls.

5.  Organize your emails. The inbox full of papers only gets filled every so often. But every day welcomes you to hundreds of new emails demanding your attention. Keep this organized, even if you’re the only one who sees it. Keep your emails safe by locking your computer when you leave your desk too.

4.  Get a better to-do list. As long as we’re going through your email, use it as a communications tool (as it was originally intended) and not as a to-do list.

3.  Get a basket (or two). Sure, there are tons of great design ideas in all of those magazines that you’re subscribed to, but they’re taking up a huge chunk of space on your desk. Get a nice-looking basket for under your desk where you can keep all of these great ideas.

2.  Ask the tough questions. As great as all of those design magazines, brochures and vendor swag may be, are you ever really going to use them? What about that memo from last month about the changes in benefits you never really understood?  Set yourself a 1 month date – if you haven’t looked at it in a month, send it to the trash. In all your cleaning, remember to lift with your limits. Spring cleaning usually entails some lifting of piles of heavy magazines, boxes, or furniture. Take time to rest and don’t overexert yourself. Be safe when cleaning and moving items.

1.  Remember the round (or trash) file. If you have to ask if you need it, you probably don’t.

Although there are a seemingly infinite number of tasks involved in spring cleaning, safety should be on the top of any spring checklist. By keeping the above tips in mind, you can help make sure that your yearly deep clean leaves your office tidy and safe for you and those you work with.  Good luck!

For further motivation, keep in mind that “Organize Your Files Week” is April 12–19. Click on the link for tips on file organization: http://organizinginri.com/1/post/2013/04/its-organize-your-files-week.html

____________

This article originally posted in Environmental Health & Safety's Speaking of Safety Blog. Environmental Health & Safety is a division of Risk Management. Visit the Speaking of Safety Blog here.

• Ronald McDonald House 
• United Way 
• Gifts to LLUAHSC (coming soon) 

This new feature provides you the on-line convenience of managing your charitable contributions without submitting a request form to the Payroll department. 

• Do you want to verify your active deduction for one of the above charities? Go on-line. 
• Do you want to change an active deduction amount, goal amount or end date? Go on-line. 
• Do you want to stop an active deduction? Go on-line. 
• Do you want to start a deduction for one of the above charities? Go on-line. 

 PeoplePortal Access: *Applicable to employees of LLUMC, LLUCH, LLUBMC, LLUSS, LLUHS, LLU and LLIECHE

Need Support? 

View the How-To Guide

View the Employee Self Service User Guide (Go to page 39)

Questions? 

Contact HRIS at PeopleSoftSupport@llu.edu, 909-651-4114 or on-campus ext. 14114.

Ingredients: 

Employee Appreciation Day means iPad® and Mac® can be purchased “tax-free”  on Thursday, February 26. Presented by iLLU Tech at the Campus Store, Loma Linda University’s on-campus resource for Apple® technology, the day will also include two free workshops on iCloud™ management for users and devices. Workshops will be held at the LLU Campus Store starting at 3 pm and 5 pm.

All employees are eligible to receive the education discount on select Apple technology at iLLU Tech, including iPad Air, iPad mini, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and more. Employee Appreciation Day will provide additional “tax-free” savings beyond the education discount. 

iLLU Tech provides Apple technology service and instruction to Loma Linda University Health. Proceeds from purchases made at iLLU Tech and the Campus Store go directly to the Loma Linda University Foundation, the principal steward of gifts and endowments for the entire Loma Linda University Health enterprise.

To pre-order or learn more, e-mail illutechstore@llu.edu or call (909) 558-4129.

View event flyer here. 

To:

LLUH Workforce

From:

Corporate Compliance

Date:

February 23, 2015

Subject:

Corporate Compliance Department Electronic Forms

S (Situation)

As an enhanced service to all staff, the Compliance department now provides an online option to quickly and conveniently contact our office to request consults, training, and report concerns.   Staff may submit online requests or reports of concern 24 hours a day, seven days a week (24/7).

B (Background)

The Compliance department continuously strives to enhance its processes and in this effort, we will be providing additional communication options for LLUH staff to contact us via the Intranet.  LLUH staff may still contact Compliance directly via telephone or email during standard business hours or utilize the existing Compliance Hotline for anonymous reporting 24/7.

A (Assessment)

Effective immediately, the following online forms for contacting the Compliance department are available via the Intranet: (1) Request for consults (2) Request for training and (3) Reporting of compliance concerns, e.g. privacy concerns, conflict of interest concerns, EMTALA concerns, Stark concerns, etc.  

These online forms are easily accessible via the link below and can be submitted to the Compliance department 24/7.  For anonymous reporting, staff have the option to either call the Compliance Hotline 24/7 at 1-800-249-9953 or to submit the report through a newly available online method hosted through our third party vendor's secure online portal also available 24/7.

R (Recommendation)

Visit the Compliance web page on the Intranet to access the new online forms:

• VIP Intranet:  http://vip.mc.llumc.edu/vip/Departments/LLUHS-Departments/Compliance/Submit-a-Request-or-Report-a-Concern/Index.page?
• Murrieta Home Page:  Available in the following locations: Express Menu, Employee Services, and on the Quick Link Buttons on the landing page under, “Compliance Concern/Question.”

Questions?  Please contact 909-651-4200 or ext. 14200, or submit your question online by using the “Question or Request for Consultation” form at the above link.

Ingredients: 

Learn how to practice wellness at monthly free webinars, hosted each month by the Living Whole Employee Wellness Program. Each session focuses on a topic designed to help you and your family be well, and provides the opportunity to interact with experts in the field from Loma Linda University Health. 

On February 25, learn how to "Live Heart Healthy" at the webinar featuring Esmerelda Guerrero, MS, RD. 

Wellness Webinars are held the last Wednesday of every month, and are approved by Loma Linda University Health Organization Wide Learning (OWL). Space is limited, so registration is recommended.

Log on to ce.llu.edu and search "wellness," or call 909-651-4007 to register.  

The schedule for 2015 is: 

Digital Production Ink is the new name for specialty printing, copying, embroidery, laser engraving and many other services at Loma Linda University Health. Formerly known as Loma Linda University (LLU) Printing Services, the department has provided service to the organization for several decades. The new name becomes effective February 2015.

“Digital Production Ink is more than just a new name,” says Jeremy Hubbard, director of business innovation at Loma Linda University Shared Services, “It’s our commitment to seek innovative service solutions that support Loma Linda University Health and our organization’s mission.”

The Digital Production Ink team is what makes the business unique. With a wealth of experience and expertise, team members have a combined total of over 400,000 service hours, and are committed to providing excellent customer service solutions.

Why the change? Digital Production Ink has expanded its offerings to include a variety of services that go outside the realm of traditional printing. In April 2014, embroidery and laser engraving services became available, and large format banner printing, digital offset printing, a variety of expanded finishing services as well as electronic form design have been added over the past several years.

“Our team is excited to find new ways to support the organization,” Jennifer Rowland, manager for the department, adds, “We look forward to a bright future with Digital Production Ink.” 

Join in the celebration! Mention this article to receive 10 percent off your next order at Digital Production Ink.* Bring ideas to life with personalized cards, invitations, canvas prints, custom embroidery, photo prints and more. 

Proceeds from Digital Production Ink sales go directly to LLU Foundation, the steward of gifts and endowments for the entire Loma Linda University Health enterprise.

Learn more about Digital Production Ink.

*For individual purchases only. Discount available through February 27, 2015.

POWER OF INCLUSION AWARD

Loma Linda University Health has served the local, national and international communities for over 100 years through excellence in education and health care. LLUH’s successes and medical breakthroughs have been attained by an unwavering commitment to the teaching and healing ministry of Jesus Christ. Part of that commitment is fostering a culture of inclusion, where all of God’s children can learn, heal and thrive in harmony.

The Power of Inclusion Award is designed to recognize members of the LLUH community, be it an individual or a department, as well as members of the surrounding communities at large, exemplifying the highest commitment to a culture that is supportive and inclusive of diversity.

NOMINATION PROCESS

A nominee will have demonstrated evidence that may include, but is not limited to, one or more of the following:

• Leadership in building a culture of inclusion on campus and/or community.
• Visible support and commitment of programs and events that promote multicultural understanding and inclusion.
• Involvement in driving efforts to overcome areas of underrepresentation in diversity of student, faculty, and staff positions within area(s) of responsibility.
• Support of community and philanthropic efforts that work to advance quality of life for those disadvantaged by economic or social conditions.
• Participation in research or similar initiatives that focus attention on health/educational imbalances associated with diversity issues.

SELECTION PROCESS

Nominations will be evaluated and finalist(s) selected by a designated Power of Inclusion Committee. A member of the Committee will notify finalist(s). The Award, which will consist of an engraved plaque and gift certificate, presented at the International Food Festival to be held on Wednesday, April 1, 2015 at the Drayson Center.

NOMINATIONS

In support of the nomination, please complete the nomination form found on the Power of Inclusion website and address the following:

• Description of specific initiative, action(s) or accomplishment.
• Explanation of why nominee is deserving of the Award.
• Documentation of any results and effect upon campus and/or community.
• Alignment of results with organizational mission and values.
• Any additional comments or testimonials.

Nominations are due by Monday, March 16, 2015 to the Office of Talent Management and Diversity. Fill out the electronic form on the website or send nominations to:

11060 Anderson Street, Magan Hall 104
Loma Linda, California 92354

or via email to dconkerite@llu.edu

Loma Linda Academy will host its annual Open House and Enrollment Events on February 22 and February 23. Events include programs for prospective students and parents. This is the enrollment event where applications are accepted for the 2015-2016 school year.  

Beginning Sunday, February 22 at 12:45 p.m., LLA welcomes parents, students & anyone new to LLA including Transitional Kindergarten & Kindergarten. The program runs from 12:45-2:15 p.m. Then, at 2:30 p.m., returning parents & students grades 1-6 can drop-in from 2:30-4:00 p.m. to submit their applications.

On Monday, February 23, the Junior High Visitation Day is scheduled for students to visit the campus from 12:15-3:15 p.m. They will meet in the Junior High Courtyard at 12:15 p.m.

Junior High applications will be accepted from 5:00-6:00 p.m. near the Junior High Gym entrance. Then, the Junior High parent information meeting will be presented from 6:00-7:00 p.m. in the Multi-Purpose Room.

The High School’s Academy Day for students to visit takes place from 12:15-3:15 p.m. beginning in the Student Services Building. Applications will be accepted from 5:00-6:00 p.m. near the Junior High Gym entrance. The High School Parent Information meeting will take place in the Junior High Gym from 6:00-7:00 p.m.

For more information about these and other events at Loma Linda Academy, call 909-796-0161 or visit their website, www.lla.org.

1. Know the hazards of the chemicals you use, and how to deal with them.  If you have questions, contact Susan Davey, Lab Safety Specialist at EH&S at extension 58162.
2. Label all chemicals, solutions, wastes, and dispose of them properly.
3. Always wear proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as lab coats, gloves, and safety glasses when handling hazardous chemicals.
4. Use a fume hood for all work with volatiles and hazardous chemicals.
5. Store flammables in safety cabinets. Remove only the quantity required for the current procedures.
6. Do not work with hazardous chemicals at night, or weekends – especially when you are alone in the laboratory.
7. Maintain clear access to exits, showers, and eyewashes. Be aware of all emergency procedures including building evacuation plans.
8. Keep all work areas, especially hoods, free of clutter. Floors must be free of trip hazards.
9. Wash promptly when a chemical has contacted skin, and upon leaving the laboratory. Use emergency eyewash or/and shower whenever necessary.
10. While at the lab bench, do not eat, drink, smoke, chew gum, apply cosmetics, or pipette by mouth.
11. Keep workplace neat.
12. Develop an attitude of safety awareness.

Good chemical safety means less accidents!

____________

This article originally posted in Environmental Health & Safety's Speaking of Safety Blog. Environmental Health & Safety is a division of Risk Management. Visit the Speaking of Safety Blog here.

Lyndon Edwards, MBA, MHS, is being promoted to senior vice president for East Campus, the newly re-named Surgical Hospital, Highland Springs Medical Plaza and the Behavioral Medicine Center. This is a promotion with the addition of the Behavioral Medicine Center to Edwards’ portfolio. His experience with mental health care in previous positions in Florida has prepared him well for this new role. 

Ed Field, MBA, has been appointed vice president for the Behavioral Medicine Center. He has served most recently as controller for Behavioral Medicine Center, with a history of 18 years at that facility.

Roger Hadley, MD, was appointed chief medical officer over all six hospitals of Loma Linda University Health. He will hold this administrative position in addition to his longtime roles as dean of the School of Medicine and executive vice president for medical affairs at Loma Linda University Health.

Angela Lalas, MBA, has been appointed senior vice president of finance. In her new role, she will have direct oversight over hospital finance operations for the six hospitals of Loma Linda University Health, and she will provide oversight and coordination for decision support, including financial planning, analysis and reporting for Loma Linda University Medical Center and affiliates, LLU and LLUSS. 

Rod Neal, MBA, will have his scope of responsibility as senior vice president of finance for LLU and Loma Linda University Adventist Health Sciences Center expanded to include direct oversight over Foundation administration, which includes investment administration, trust administration, Foundation accounting and Foundation retail and real estate operations, as well as certain LLU Shared Services departments under real estate management, including transportation, parking, fleet and rideshare services. 

Rhodes (Dusty) Rigsby, MD, will become vice president for transitional care at LLU Medical Center. This is a new position; he is currently responsible for home care. In his new role, he will actively manage patient flow and length of stay. Rigsby has had extensive experience in case management over his more than 20 years at Loma Linda University Health. He is also the mayor of Loma Linda.

Jim Seager has been appointed vice president for finance at Loma Linda University Health and will provide oversight over technical finance areas, including accounting, financing and tax for LLU Medical Center and LLU Shared Services. 

Trevor G. Wright, MHA, will assume the position of senior vice president for the adult hospital. He comes to Loma Linda from Shawnee Mission Health in Overland Park, Kansas, where he has served as senior vice president/chief operating officer since 2011. Wright’s outstanding record of performance in that position includes improving Shawnee Mission’s financial and patient care metrics across the board. He served in prior positions at Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center in Torrance, California; the Studer Group (medical consultants) of Gulf Breeze, Florida; Paradise Valley Hospital, National City, California; and Ukiah Valley Medical Center, Ukiah, California. He will begin his role at LLU Medical Center in 30 to 40 days.

SBH is offering the opportunity to send a singing telegram to a sweetheart, friend, colleague, department (requisitions accepted)—or even someone you secretly admire!

Your contribution of at least $25 per singing telegram will benefit the SBH Scholarship Fund.

All orders must be received by February 6, 2015. Telegrams will be delivered during the week of February 9-13, 2015. Each telegram includes a small token and your personalized message.

Order here! Contact Diana Krueger for any questions.

Have you heard about your local community emergency response team (CERT)? The CERT Program educates people about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area. It also trains in basic disaster response skills including fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. CERT is an important component of disaster preparedness since first responders (fire, police, and EMS) are often overwhelmed in a disaster.

The program also serves many functions even when a disastrous event has not occurred. Team members  volunteer for public events, assist city leaders to educate citizens in emergency preparedness, and build camaraderie by meeting or training together throughout the year.

The CERT training course is free and upon completion you will receive a backpack with emergency preparedness gear. Sign up for training at your local municipality to learn how CERT can pay off for your family, your community, and even at work.

Learn more about CERT from these links:

www.lomalinda-ca.gov emergencyprep VolunteerPrograms

riversideca.gov/fire/CERT

Cert Dates

This is the mission of the LLUH patient decontamination team.  In fact, it’s our number one mission during any patient decon event; keep contaminants out of our hospital.  If our facility, staff, patients, and visitors become exposed or contaminated we run the risk of complicating whatever situation has been dropped on our doorstep.  Our staff is our biggest asset; we must protect them so that they may serve the community who depends on them during times of crisis.

Synergistically, our mission is also to clean contaminants off of any patient coming in to our hospital so that they can receive medical treatment from our world class medical professionals.

Please join our team and help “Protect This House”.

How & Why the Decon Team is Implemented

The Loma Linda University Medical Center Patient Decontamination Team is called to action when a mass casualty incident occurs and may overwhelm the emergency department’s resources. 

The decon team is alerted through a mass notification, including pager, mobile phone, and e-mail communications.  After being notified, decon team members converge on what will become the emergency treatment area.  Concurrently, other designated team members mobilize and haul emergency decon trailers that house all equipment from their staging area to the predetermined emergency treatment area (usually outside the emergency department), at which time a perimeter is formed, equipment is set up, decon tents are erected, and the team prepares for action.

To:  BMC, MC, USS, UHS Employees

From:  Patricia Larios-Gil, Director-Benefits - Talent Management Services

Date:  January 19, 2015

Subject:  Blood Club Policy Change

Here’s what’s happening…

Effective January 1, 2015, the blood club policy has been changed. Employees donating three or more units of blood or blood products will no longer receive paid leave hours. This is the only change.

It remains that employees donating blood or other blood products will receive a gift meal ticket from LLUH to encourage blood replacement and should not be considered payment for services rendered.

We continue to encourage our employee to give back to those in need by the donation of one unit (or designated fraction) of blood, plasma, platelets, or granulocytes.

Market night is located at the campus plaza on the corner of Anderson and Mound Streets in front of the Councilors Student Pavilion. 

Music at the Market provides student and local musicians with the opportunity to share their talents with the Loma Linda University Health campus and the community. A great event for the whole family, the market is the place to enjoy new, healthful and delicious market night eats; explore local fare; or choose from locally grown farm-fresh fruits and vegetables.

Interested in getting involved with Music at the Market? Email Nancy Blaire at nblaire@llu.edu, or call 909-558-4000, ext. 48171, to learn more about bringing your talent to the stage.

Music at the Market is presented by Loma Linda University Health Wholeness Institute, Institute for Community Partnerships, Campus Store and Printing Services, in partnership with the Loma Linda Chamber of Commerce.

If you are interested in becoming a VIP team member, visit lomalindavip.org to learn more and fill out an application.

“But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31

Enjoy this flavorful pilaf with grilled vegetables or as a delicious side.

Ingredients

6 cups low sodium vegetable broth
1 cup pearl barley, dry
3⁄4 cup millet, dry
3⁄4 cup quinoa, dry
1⁄2 cup green onions, chopped
1 cup onion, diced
2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
12 oz. baby bell mushrooms, washed well, halved and sliced
1 1⁄2 tbsp. garlic, minced
2 tbsp. sesame seeds
2 tbsp. sesame oil
6 cups spinach, triple washed, de-stemmed and roughly chopped
1⁄3 cup freshly chopped parsley
2 tbsp. low sodium soy sauce
1⁄2 tsp. ground black pepper
1⁄8 tsp. cayenne pepper 

Directions:

Please take a moment and watch the video to ensure your safety.

Before purchasing a portable heater for your area at work, please read the LLUH policy on Appliance Safety.  If you have questions, contact Environmental Health & Safety x14019.

____________

This article originally posted in Environmental Health & Safety's Speaking of Safety Blog. Environmental Health & Safety is a division of Risk Management. Visit the Speaking of Safety Blog here.

B (Background) 
The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) establishes the minimum wage, overtime pay, recordkeeping and child labor standards affecting workers in the private sector and in Federal, State and Local Governments. Provisions have been made to the Fair Labor Standard Act (FLSA) regarding minimum wage. Employers must comply with the highest standard and strictest law that provides greater protection for employees.

A (Assessment) 
Talent Management Services conducted an audit and identified those employees that will be impacted. The employee pay change report will be sent separately to the respective department heads.

R (Recommendation) 
Please notify the respective employees regarding the compensation changes. Talent Management Services will be mailing information to all affected employees.

Questions? 
If you have any questions, please contact the following Compensation Representatives:

• Cindy Pinero at ext. 14036 (MC/BMC)
• Leo Alon at ext. 14022 (CH/LLU/USS)
• Kristy Keers at ext. 14174 (UHC)

Thank you for your immediate attention to the minimum wage implementation!

To:

Department Heads/Supervisors/Managers

From:

Brett McPherson, Director of Environmental Health & Safety

Date:

December 22, 2014

Subject:

Pesticide Form Approval Process

Here’s What’s Happening. . .

Situation

• EH&S has changed the process for completing and approving the Pesticide Form (part of B.L.U.E. Book).  The process is now digital and completely paperless.
• Supervisors are to approve the employee’s form to complete the process.

Background

• LLUH is required to document annual training on the use of pesticides for every employee. 

And here’s why. . . 

Assessment

• Employees are completing and submitting the form.  Approximately 5,000 Pesticide Forms are still unprocessed and can be found in the supervisor’s LiquidOffice Inbox

Recommendation

• All supervisors MUST approve employee’s Pesticide forms.
• As employees complete their Pesticide Form, supervisors will receive an email notification from (lo@llu.edu) LIQUIDOFFICE. From the email, supervisors MUST click on the link for the Pesticide Form to view the employee’s form (or LiquidOffice Inbox) and then open form to approve. 

• To approve all outstanding Pesticide Forms, supervisors must access the LiquidOffice Inbox and approve.

• For detailed step by step instructions on how to approve, please click here and scroll to page 4, section “Supervisors and Managers only – approving the Pesticide Form”.

Questions?

Please call Julia Fisher at ext. 58150 or email EHS@llu.edu.

Enjoy this yummy treat with a mug of hot cocoa, friends and family. Happy holidays! 

Ingredients

Shop Apple technology, including MacBook Pro and iPad, to give a gift that keeps giving. Employees and students are eligible to receive the education discount on Apple technology at iLLU Tech, and our organization benefits from each purchase at the Campus Store. That’s a gift that won’t fit under the tree!

Holiday hours at LLU Campus Store are as follows: 

Christmas Eve, 12/24: 8:30 am – 3:00 pm
Christmas Day, 12/25: CLOSED
12/26: CLOSED
New Years Eve, 12/31: 8:30 am – 3:00 pm
New Years Day, 1/1/2015: CLOSED
1/2/2015: CLOSED 

Call (909) 558-4567 to learn more, or visit llu.bncollege.com.

From all of us at LLU Campus Store, a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

• Whether it’s indoors or outside, use only lights that have been tested for safety. Make sure your lights have a label from an independent testing laboratory;
• Check each set of lights, new or old, for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections. Discard damaged sets or replace them before using;
• Use no more than three standard-size sets of lights per single extension cord; and
• Turn off lights on trees and other decorations before going to bed.

Don’t let disaster ruin your festivities! Learn more ways to “Put a Freeze on Winter Holiday Fires” with USFA’s colorful infographic and give the gift of safety by sharing this important information with family and friends.

Happy Holidays!

____________

This article originally posted in Environmental Health & Safety's Speaking of Safety Blog. Environmental Health & Safety is a division of Risk Management. Visit the Speaking of Safety Blog here.

Plan now to attend the launch of Zipcar, a service that is coming to the Loma Linda University Health campus in January 2015. Zipcar members have the use of a car by the hour or day on a self-serve basis, reserving cars online or using a mobile device. 

According to Juan Carlos Belliard, PhD, assistant vice president, community partnerships and diversity, many Loma Linda University Health students and staff will no longer need to purchase a car when they move to Loma Linda. This service will allow greater freedom for students to engage with the local community without the burden of car ownership. It will also help improve street congestion, and will help make the campus more bike and pedestrian friendly.  

The service will be available to Loma Linda University Health students, faculty, staff, volunteers and the community. The launch will take place Jan. 7 at noon in front of Magan Hall. 

Here’s what’s happening…

Christmas holiday is a time to rekindle and develop friendships, making time to fellowship when otherwise we are too busy.  On Tuesday, December 16 from 3:00PM to 5:00PM, Talent Management Services will be closed for our annual staff Christmas Celebration. 

Here’s why…

To provide a celebratory opportunity to thank God for the holidays and thank God for each other.

Questions?  Please contact Iris Ram at iram@llu.edu or ext.14040. 

We had fantastic attendance at the Employee Benefits Fairs on November 4-6, 2014 with almost 4,423 employees in attendance over the three days.  There were many lucky prize winners at each of the seven fair locations and five grand prize winners. Special congratulations to the grand prize winners who won an iPad mini and UR Beats by Dre. 

Kandyce Edwards – UHS

Albin Grohar – USS

Corey Virgilio – MC

Courtney Crook – BMC

Krisit Racine - CH

If you are a winner and have not yet claimed your prize, you may come to Talent Management Services during our regular office hours Mon-Thurs 8:00-5:00 and Fri 8:00-2:00. 

For more information contact Talent Management Services at ext. 14001. 

Discover the development, deployment, and management of Apple iBooks for education on Friday, December 12 at “There’s an App for That: Apple Technology in Education and IT.” The workshop, a learning opportunity for Loma Linda University faculty and staff, will be held from 8-10 am at the Chen Fong Conference Center, Centennial Complex. Tim Parker, Sr. Systems Engineer at Apple, Inc., is the featured presenter for the session.

“There’s an App for That” is hosted by iLLU Tech at the Campus Store, Loma Linda University’s Apple Authorized Campus Store. Apple and iLLU Tech personnel will be available to answer questions and discuss ideas.

Register or learn more at myllu.llu.edu/owl (Search for: “Apple”), or call iLLU Tech at (909) 558-4129. Registration requested, but not required.

From: Kevin Lang, LLUSS President/CEO

Date: November 12, 2014

Subject: Leadership Changes - Transportation, Parking & Fleet Services

I am pleased to announce recent leadership changes in LLU Shared Services that will contribute to fulfilling the entity's vision of providing customer service excellence in the most cost effective and efficient manner. 

Effective October 1, 2014, Kevin Fischer, Executive Director for Real Estate Management, has agreed to expand his role to include provision of leadership to our Transportation, Parking, Fleet, and Rideshare Services. Kevin joined LLUH in March 2011 and has led in the management of our residential and commerccial rental properties and other holdings for LLUSS and LLU. He is involved with development of properties to serve various departments within LLUH. 

Kevin has shared with me his excitement about this opportunity. In Transportation, he is eager to work with the team and stakeholders in looking at ways to most efficiently provide shuttle services including tracking monitors at key shuttle locations. For Fleet, working with Dominic Reichmuth, Manager for Fleet Services, he would like to assist our entities in better managing capital expenditures and maintenance expenses on company vehicles. Lastly, he will be working with Cori Stiles, Manager for Rideshare, Parking and Traffice Services, on augmenting our parking services and participation in the Rideshare program so that employees enjoy the intended benefits. 

I would also like to thank Dominic Reichmuth for serving in the interim leadership role for Parking, Transportation, and Fleet Services. 

Due to my increased responsibilities at the Medical Center, I have asked Angela Lalas to increase her leadership responsibilities in Shared Services, and as such, Kevin will be reporting to her. 

I am thankful to Kevin for his willingness and commitment to serve in support of our LLUH mission. Please join me in congratulating him as he leads in his new role. 

Thank you. 

From: Kevin Lang, LLUSS President/CEO

Date: November 12, 2014

Subject: Leadership Changes - Security

I am pleased to announce recent leadership changes in LLU Shared Services that will contribute to fulfilling the entity's vision of providing customer service excellence in the most cost effective and efficient manner. 

John Marshall has transitioned to the Director of Security role effective November 10, 2014, a position he had effectively served in the interim. His 25-year journey with our security department began in 1990 as a part-time night watchman during the construction of the Children's Hospital. Since then, John has trained and worked with three police canine partners, taught safety classes and given lectures internally and at local colleges, taken on a police canine trainer role for the local law enforcement agences, and has met the security needs of our LLUH enterprise, including providing interim security services to LLUMC-Murrieta. 

John has shared with me his excitement about the opportunity to continue to be a part of our growing Security family. In this new leadership role, he will continue his work with our LLUH family to ensure the best customer service while providing the safest learning and working environmental for our students, patients, employees, and entire community. 

Due to my increased responsibilities at the Medical Center, I have asked Angela Lalas to increase her leadership responsibilities in Shared Services, and as such, John will now be reporting to her. 

I am thankful to John for his willingness and commitment to serve in support of our LLUH mission. Please join me in congratulating him as he leads in his new role. 

Thank you. 

Read the full blog post here.

____________

This article originally posted in Environmental Health & Safety's Speaking of Safety Blog. Environmental Health & Safety is a division of Risk Management. Visit the Speaking of Safety Blog here.

In a celebration of going against the ream on Thursday, November 6, Enterprise Content Solutions (ECS) planted an ash tree on the east side of the LLUAHSC 101 building this week. Gerhard Steudel, director of landscape services, assisted with the demonstration.

 ECS challenges Loma Linda University Health employees to join in taking the pledge to be paper free for World Paper Free Day 2014 on Thursday, November 6. If paper is an important part of daily work processes, ECS encourages employees to think about how these can be made faster, more efficient, and more environmentally friendly.

“This is an important initiative for us,” states Jeremy Hubbard, director of business innovation for Loma Linda University Shared Services (LLUSS), “Eliminating paper is not only better for our environment, but it allows us to work more efficiently.”

ECS, an LLUSS department, partners with departments across the organization to provide business process and enterprise content management solutions. Business applications like LiquidOffice, PolicyTech, WorkSite, and others assist with daily work processes, taking important steps towards a more paperless, efficient workplace.

Join ECS in making the pledge to be paper free. The process is easy. Simply make the pledge and spread the word.  For each pledge made, AIIM make a donation to The Arbor Day Foundation.

Warm up with this homestyle dish while the weather cools down.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup lentils
1/8 cup table salt
6 ounce mushrooms, sliced
2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
1 yellow onion, diced
1 medium carrot, diced
1 1/2 tsp. fresh sage, minced
1/4 tsp. dried thyme
1 each garlic cloves
1 tbsp. all purpose flour
1 tbsp. whole wheat four
1/2 lb. Yukon gold potatoes
4 tsp. low sodium soy sauce
1 tbsp. unsalted tomato paste
1/2 cup all purpose flour
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
6 tbsp. cornmeal
1 1/4  tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
4 tsp. unsalted margarine
1/2 cup unsweetened soy milk

Directions:

For the filling:

1. Combine 3 cups cold water, lentils, and 1/8 teaspoon salt in a medium saucepan; bring to a boil.
2. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until lentils are tender, 25-30 minutes. Drain and set aside.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Add fresh mushrooms and sauté for 3 minutes.
4. Add 1 tablespoon oil, onion, carrot , sage and thyme. Sauté for 4 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Reduce the heat to medium/low.
5. Mix the flour into the vegetables and cook for 1 minute.
6. Mix in the potatoes, soy sauce, and tomato paste.
7. Cover; simmer until potatoes are tender, stirring occasionally, for about 13 to 15 minutes.
8. Add the lentils, season with salt and pepper.
9. Lay filling in a baking dish.

For the topping:

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
2. Combine the flour, cornmeal , baking powder, and salt in a food processor and blend for 5 seconds.
3. Add margarine pulse until mixture resembles coarse meal.
4. Add soy milk; pulse until dough forms moist clumps.
5. Turn dough out onto lightly floured surface and flatten to cover filling.
6. Bake pot pies on baking sheet until tester inserted into biscuit topping comes out clean. About 30 minutes.

Print recipe here.

This Wellness Recipe is part of Employee Wellness Program's "Recipe for Success!" initiative. These recipes meet healthy nutritional guidelines, as specified by the program.

Find other recipes and learn more about "Recipe for Success!" here.

Nutritional Facts Serv. Size: 1 cup (227 g), Servings per Container: 5, Amount Per Serving: Calories 320, Fat Cal. 80, Total Fat 9g (14% DV), Sat. Fat 1.5g (8% DV) Trans Fat 0g, Cholest. 0mg (0% DV), Sodium 390mg (16% DV), Total Carb. 50g (17% DV), Dietary Fiber 9g (36% DV), Sugars 3g, Protein 12g, Vitamin A (40% DV), Vitamin C (20% DV), Calcium (6% DV), Iron (20% DV). Percent Daily Values (DV) are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

1. Hazardous Chemicals
2. Blood, Body Fluids
3. Chemotherapeutic Materials
4. Mercury Spill
5. Radioactive Hazardous Materials

Depending on the severity of the spill or hazardous material incident, you have the opportunity to either utilize an appropriate spill cleanup kit or call Environmental Health & Safety for assistance.

Our highest priority is to protect the health and safety of our employees and students. On that basis, LLUH employees and/or students should not attempt to clean up an “uncontrolled spill”. According to the definition below, uncontrolled spills shall be cleaned up only by those with Emergency Response Training and appropriate safety equipment.

Uncontrolled or Complex Spills
An uncontrolled release is one where significant safety and health risks could be created.  The American Chemical Society uses the term “complex” spill.

Examples of conditions that could create a significant risk are:

• Large-quantity releases
• Small-releases that could be highly toxic
• Potentially contaminated individuals arriving at hospitals
• Airborne exposures that could exceed a permissible exposure limit (PEL) or published exposure limit
• And employees who are not adequately trained or equipped to control the release

Incidental or Simple Spills
LLUH employees are permitted to clean up “incidental releases”. An incidental release is one that can be safely controlled at the time of the release and doesn’t have the potential to become an “uncontrolled release”. The American Chemical Society uses the term “simple” spill. If there is an exposure or other hazards to the employee responding to the spill, it is NOT an incidental or simple spill.

Spill Basics
Laboratory, Engineering Service, and Facility Management employees are responsible for minor or incidental spills of chemicals they commonly use. Clean up of incidental or simple spills is part of managing lab or shop chemicals properly.

All labs, shops, and other campus facilities where hazardous materials are used or stored must maintain spill kits for the type of materials in their area.

Employee/staff
If you can answer “Yes” to all of the following questions, you may clean up the spill.

Ask yourself these six questions:

1. Do you know what spilled?
2. Do you know the hazards of the spilled material? See SDS.
3. Is the spill contained within the immediate area?
4. Is the danger to people or property controlled?
   Consider:
   - Injuries or illness potential
   - Fire or explosion potential
   - Flammable vapors and ignition sources
   - Toxic vapors or dust
   - Material is a strong oxidizer
   - Material is air, water, or otherwise highly reactive
5. Do you have the right spill cleanup kit?
6. Can you protect yourself and others from the hazards?

If you answer “NO” to any of these questions, do NOT clean up the spill. Call 911. Stay on the line so that Environmental Health & Safety can collect information to facilitate an appropriate response. If needed, evacuate the area and activate the building alarm.

If you are involved in the incident, you may be asked to join the Incident Command Center. Please stand by outside the affected area until released from the scene.

The Office of Environmental Health and Safety will have responsibility for assisting in the event of chemical spills, while the Office of Radiation Safety will be responsible for all spills of radioactive hazardous materials.

In the event that a spill/hazardous material incident occur, employees and students should be able to refer to the spill kit for specific instructions on how to deal safely with the spill.

A “Code Orange” will be called in the event of a large number of individuals are contaminated during a spill that require decontamination prior to treatment in the Emergency Department.

A Hazardous Material Incident Report shall be completed providing information on the details of the spill, corrective actions taken, and any follow-up that may be required.

A copy of the Hazardous Materials Incident Report will be sent to the responsible individual for the department in which the spill/incident occurred, along with any pertinent recommendations that need to be instituted.

The Office of Environmental Health and Safety will consider any hazardous material incidents requiring extensive follow-up and will perform a quarterly review of hazardous material incidents to analyze emerging spill trends and common occurrences. This information will be made available to the entity’s Safety Committee as scheduled.

Read the full blog post here.

____________

This article originally posted in Environmental Health & Safety's Speaking of Safety Blog. Environmental Health & Safety is a division of Risk Management. Visit the Speaking of Safety Blog here.

Organic: The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has created national standards for the use of the word "organic." These foods are produced without antibiotics, hormones, pesticides, irradiation or bioengineering. In addition, adherence to specific soil, water conservation methods and humane treatment of animals is required.

GMOs: The World Health Organization defines genetically modified organisms (GMOs) as organisms in which the genetic material has been altered in a way that does not occur naturally. The technology is often called "genetic engineering" or "modern biotechnology." This technology is used for many reasons. For example, crops can be produced to resist plant disease caused by insects or viruses. 

Free Range: This term is used interchangeably with "free roaming." Producers must demonstrate to the USDA that poultry has been allowed access to the outside. 

Sustainable: The USDA monitors "sustainable agriculture" to ensure that an integrated system of plan and animal production practices are met. The site specific application of this term takes into account long-term effects. 

Local Food Systems: There is no consensus on the definition of this term in regard to the geographical distance between production and consumption. However, local based marketing arrangments are generally recognized such as farmers selling directly to consumers in regional farmers' markets.

Super Food: This is a marketing term that is used to advertise foods that have potential health benefits. This term does not have standards that are regulated. 

What you eat has a direct correlation to your health. Therefore, isn't it time for you to start eating better? The following resources provide a fun and easy way to increase your fruits and vegetables. 

• Orange Grove Farm share: The farm share consists of weekly deliveries of local produce with a number of pick up sites throughout the region. Visit oldgrovefarmshare.com.
• Washington Produce: A wholesale food service company that provides fresh produce and other items whole or chopped including stir fry and salad kits for your convenience. Visit washingtonproduce.com.

__________

This article originally appeared in the Living Whole Employee Wellness Program Newslatter, Summer 2014 issue. The Living Whole Employee Wellness Program newsletter is part of Loma Linda University Health Risk Management, and services as a communication tool for the Employee Wellness Program office to provide information promoting a healthy lifestyle among the employees of Loma Linda University Health corporate entities, as well as publicize past and upcoming events and activities. 

View or print the newsletter here.

On Thursday, November 6, join forces against the ream and join Enterprise Content Solutions (ECS) in making the pledge to be paper free for one whole day. The process is easy. Simply make the pledge and spread the word. 

Research by AIIM, the global community of information professionals, shows that reducing paper in everyday processes is not only better for the environment but also leads to other benefits in efficiency, collaboration and well-being.

For each pledge made, AIIM make a donation to The Arbor Day Foundation. So get involved with World Paper Free Day 2014. You might even save yourself a paper cut or two.

_____

ECS is a division of Loma Linda University Shared Services, and provides business process management, electronic forms, information storage and other solutions for the organization. If you’re interested in extending World Paper Free Day to be all year long through development of electronic forms or other electronic solutions, please contact the ECS department at on-campus ext. 42582. 

iLLU Tech is Loma Linda University’s Apple Authorized Campus Store and provides Apple technology solutions and service to the campus. Employees and students of Loma Linda University Health are eligible to receive the education discount at iLLU Tech on select Apple technology including iMac, MacBook Pro, iPad and iPad mini.

To learn more about the October 31 sale or other services call iLLU Tech at (909) 558-4129.

 _________

*Please note October 31 one-day sale items are available for individual purchase only, while supplies last. 

The Center for Christian Bioethics will show the film on Wednesday, October 22 and Thursday, October 23 as part of the Ethics in Great Films series. Dr. Richard Hart will report on the latest Adventist involvement with the Ebola crisis after the film on Wednesday, October 22.

The film screening will be held from 6-8 pm in Centennial Complex, Amphitheater 3113 on October 22 and 23. For more information, contact the Office for Christian Bioethics at (909) 558-4956. 

• 29 major and minor bones (many people have a few more).
• 29 major joints.
• At least 123 named ligaments.
• 34 muscles which move the fingers and thumb:
  • 17 in the palm of the hand, and
  • 18 in the forearm.
• 48 named nerves:
  • 3 major nerves.
  • 24 named sensory branches.
  • 21 named muscular branches.
• 30 named arteries and nearly as many smaller named branches.
• The bones in your fingers are no stronger than a lead pencil.

Here are some hand statistics from the CDC and OSHA:

• If all workers, from medical to industrial and everything in between, would just wear gloves, then more than 1 million hospital emergency visits by U.S. workers per year could be avoided (according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).

• Hand Injuries have cost employers over $500 million dollars in the US last year (lost time, settlements, etc).

• Non-compliance of PPE hand protection is among one of the most common OSHA citations to date, costing employers on average $4,000 per citation.

OSHA 1910.132(h)(1) requires that protective equipment, including PPE, shall be provided by the employer at no cost to the employees.  It’s not a one shot deal- as a business owner, you have to be compliant every hour of every day. Safety has to be top of mind, comfort leads to compliance. Don’t let your workers become a statistic!

Read the full blog post here.

____________

This article originally posted in Environmental Health & Safety's Speaking of Safety Blog. Environmental Health & Safety is a division of Risk Management. Visit the Speaking of Safety Blog here.

The Environment of Care (EC) Department Self-Tour form for the 4th quarter is available on the Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) website. Click here to print the form.

Each quarter Department Head/Managers are responsible for identifying, initiating correction and documenting corrections of EC issues that occur during this audit.

Here's Why...

Completing the EC Self-Tour form will ensure that regulatory agency requirements are met (i.e., CMS & Joint Commission).

Recommendation

This EC form is to be completed by October 31, 2014 and filed in your department until Environment of Care tours take place in your area. This reminder is sent out quarterly for your convenience.

For questions regarding the following categories, please contact the appropriate entity. 

• General EOC, Emergency Management, HazMat, and Fire Safety Concerns: EH&S Complaint Form

• Utilities/Repair Concerns: MC Engineering Work Order Request or Campus Engineering Repair Request

• Housekeeping Concerns: EVS Mail

• Security Concerns: Security Email or dial x44320

• Medical Equipment Concerns: Clinical Engineering Medical Equipment Service Request Form

Ingredients:

1 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
1 onion, diced
1 tbsp. all purpose flour
32 oz. low sodium vegetable broth
4 red potatoes
2/3 cup soy milk, plain
2 cup frozen corn
1 cup frozen peas
2 cup fresh carrots, chopped
2 garlic cloves
4 tbsp. nutritional yeast flakes
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. ground black pepper

Directions:

1. In a large saucepan over medium high heat add olive oil and sauté onion about 5 minutes, until tender.
2. Mix in flour, coating the onion. Add broth and bring to a boil, whisking constantly until smooth.
3. Reduce heat, add potatoes and simmer 20 minutes until tender. Slightly mash potatoes in soup, then stir in corn, peas, carrots and soy milk.
4. Cook another 5 minutes, remove from heat. Season with salt and pepper.

Print recipe here.

This Wellness Recipe is part of Employee Wellness Program's "Recipe for Success!" initiative. These recipes meet healthy nutritional guidelines, as specified by the program.

Find other recipes and learn more about "Recipe for Success!" here.

Nutritional Facts Serv. Size: 1 1/2 cup (340 g), Servings per Container: 10, Amount Per Serving: Calories 190, Fat Cal. 20, Total Fat 2.5g (4% DV), Sat. Fat 0g (0% DV) Trans Fat 0g, Cholest. 0mg (0% DV), Sodium 350mg (15% DV), Total Carb. 38g (13% DV), Dietary Fiber 6g (24% DV), Sugars 7g, Protein 7g, Vitamin A (90% DV), Vitamin C (30% DV), Calcium (6% DV), Iron (10% DV). Percent Daily Values (DV) are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Presentations throughout the day will feature on- and off-campus speakers with learning opportunities for basic scientists, social and behavioral researchers, community investigators, public health researchers, clinical scientists, clinical trial coordinators and research directors and administrators. 

Continuing education credits available. For more information, call (909) 558-4831 or ext. 44831.

"Into the Future: LLU Research"
Thursday, October 30, 2014
8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Wong Kerlee Conference Center

Learn more here, or register here. 

The 4th quarter Fire Extinguisher training schedule is available on the Environmental Health & Safety website. 

To register for Fire Extinguisher Training, visit the Owl Portal.

Prior to decorating, it is best to review your Decorating Policy T-17 and Purchasing Process T-50. You may review these policies by going to PolicyTech on the VIP page.

Let’s review Policy T-17; here are the highlights:

1. All decorations must have State Fire Marshal’s label or proof of fire retardant application.
   1. Follow display regulations
   2. Must be U.L. approved
   3. No candles or open flame
2. Christmas Tree Stipulations
   1. Artificial trees must have State Fire Marshal’s seal
   2. Safely secure and use approved locations
   3. Follow removal process

It is important to follow these steps as decorations will be reviewed and held to the outlined process within the applicable policy. Please remind others not to purchase decorations on their own, and that they will be asked to remove decorations if they were not obtained by the purchasing process.

Even approved decorations can be hazardous when placed in locations that obscure views or access to emergency equipment. Always take into account that the Hospital & University is continuously reviewed by regulatory authorities. Patient care areas and laboratories are examples of sensitive areas that should be carefully reviewed prior to decorating. It is best for those decorating their respective departments to review the policies and to contact Environmental Health & Safety at x14019 with any questions.

Let’s keep this holiday season safe and festive for all those we serve.

Read the full blog post here.

____________

This article originally posted in Environmental Health & Safety's Speaking of Safety Blog. Environmental Health & Safety is a division of Risk Management. Visit the Speaking of Safety Blog here.

We have over 500 extinguishers at the Medical Center alone. A lot goes into these first aid devices: monthly checks, annual servicing and a six-year breakdown; activities which are performed on all extinguishers. When in use, extinguishers only last about 8-12 seconds depending on their size, but are normally effective at extinguishing 80 percent of the fire they are used on according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

Above is a short video that shows exactly how fire extinguishers are prepared. I, for one, did not realize how much detail goes into them and found it very interesting.

____________

This article originally posted in Environmental Health & Safety's Speaking of Safety Blog. Environmental Health & Safety is a division of Risk Management. Visit the Speaking of Safety Blog here.

Ingredients: 

1 1/2 cup water
1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 cup whole wheat couscous
2 tbsp. chopped cilantro
2 tbsp. chopped unsalted pistachios
1/4 cup pomegranate seeds
2 tsp. lemon zest
1 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
1/8 tsp. salt

Directions: 

1. Add cinnamon, olive oil and salt to boiling water. Stir in the couscous, cover and remove from the heat. Let stand 5-10 minutes.
2. Transfer the couscous to a large bowl and fluff with fork. Mix the herb, pistachios, half of the seeds and lemon zest. Sprinkle top of couscous with remaining pomegranate seeds.

The Living Whole Employee Wellness Program hosts Wellness Wednesday Webinars on the last Wednesday of each month. Upcoming topics include gluten free diets and staying healthy during the holidays. 

To attend the webinar, register through the OWL Portal. Go to ce.llu.edu, select "Self-Register," then search "Wellness Webinar." Attendees must register for each month's webinar separately.

Innovation Seminar
Date: September 25, 2014
Time: 11:30-13:00
Location: Centennial Complex - Amphitheater 3111

Learn more or register here.

Interim Life Safety Measures or ILSM is a concept and program that sometimes can be a challenge for staff to remember.  We’ve seen this come to light through results from Fire Drills as shown in the following chart:

Although the fire-drill-citing trend is downward, which is fantastic, 3 out of 10 drills reporting that staff don’t know what ILSM stands for means we have not yet attained Excellence!  We are working to change this through performance improvement activities.  Our goal was 30% by the end of this year, which looks feasible.  Next year we want to bring it down even further.

One of the ways you can help us improve is through education.  Make sure your staff know how to speak to this concept when asked by a surveyor.  Make sure they know how to report construction or deficiencies like blocked exits and other life safety hazards to Environmental Health & Safety, so that proper Interim Life Safety Measures can be implemented.  To help you help us, we have uploaded a new resource on our VIP, EH&S Training Page: ILSM 10-Minute In-Service http://vip.mc.llumc.edu/vip/forms/departments/LLUHS-Departments/Environmental-Health-and-Safety/Training/ILSM-10-Minute-Inservice.pdf.

____________

This article originally posted in Environmental Health & Safety's Speaking of Safety Blog. Environmental Health & Safety is a division of Risk Management. Visit the Speaking of Safety Blog here.

Ingredients:

6 cups low sodium vegetable broth
1/8 tsp. saffron
1 tsp. paprika
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, seeded and sliced
2 garlic cloves, minced
3 medium tomatoes, diced
1 1/2 cup short grain brown rice
1 medium bunch thin asparagus, chopped 2” length
6 canned artichoke hearts in water, halved
1 cup frozen peas

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. In a saucepan, bring broth to a simmer and stir in saffron, paprika, cayenne and salt. Remove from heat; set aside.
3. Heat oil in a large ovenproof skillet on medium high heat. Add onion, bell pepper and garlic. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring often.
4. Add tomatoes and rice; stir to combine. Pour in reserved broth and bring to a boil. Cover, place in oven, and bake for 30 minutes.
5. Remove skillet from oven, uncover and place asparagus and artichokes on top, pushing vegetables into the rice. Scatter peas over the top. Cover and return to oven for 10 minutes. Uncover and cook for 5 minutes more, or until all broth is absorbed. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Print recipe here.

This Wellness Recipe is part of Employee Wellness Program's "Recipe for Success!" initiative. These recipes meet healthy nutritional guidelines, as specified by the program.

Find other recipes and learn more about "Recipe for Success!" here.

Nutritional Facts Serv. Size: 1 cup (227 g), Servings per Container: 13, Amount Per Serving: Calories 130, Fat Cal. 15, Total Fat 1.5g (2% DV), Sat. Fat 0g (0% DV) Trans Fat 0g, Cholest. 0mg (0% DV), Sodium 190mg (8% DV), Total Carb. 25g (8% DV), Dietary Fiber 3g (12% DV), Sugars 4g, Protein 4g, Vitamin A (15% DV), Vitamin C (40% DV), Calcium (4% DV), Iron (8% DV). Percent Daily Values (DV) are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

The session will explore critical safety strategies every leader should know, and will answer the question, "What is my role in the hospital's emergency management plan?" 

The class will be held Thursday, August 14 from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon in the Medical Center Lobby Level Conference Room. At the end of this session, participants will be able to identify their own role in the Emergency Management Plan, identify the existing emergency management plan, and explore safety strategies every leader in the organization should know.

• Beginning Friday, August 1st, the LLUSS Accounting Office will moveout of Room BC 209 to a temporary location.

Here’s why…

• The LLUSS Accounting Office is undergoing a remodel in Room BC 209.

Here’s what you need to know…

• We expect to return to Room BC 209 by Monday, August 25th.
• It is best to contact us by email or phone during the remodel, our temporary location is not easily accessible.
• Please visit the LLU Accounting Office in Room BC 206 for all pickups and deliveries

(use Inter-Campus Mail when possible).

• LLU’s regular hours are 8:30 to 4:30 Monday through Thursday and 8:30 to 1:00 on Friday.
• Please contact the LLUSS Accounting Office directly with any questions about checks held for pickup.

For more information, comments and questions…

• Please call or email your regular LLUSS Accounting Office contact person or ext. 44516 for general questions.

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) and similar organizations have concerns with some sunscreen ingredients such as oxybenzone. Oxybenzone is a common UV filter, and one of the most widely used organic UVA filters in sunscreens today. It is also used in nail polish, fragrances, hairspray, and cosmetics as a photostabilizer. Despite its photoprotective qualities, much controversy surrounds oxybenzone because of its possible hormonal and photoallergenic effects.

Dermatologists say there is no reason to toss your sunscreen since many of the studies that claim oxybenzone is hazardous were performed by injecting the compound directly into the test animal, while sunscreen is applied topically. “If you covered your entire body with oxybenzone in the concentrations that are in sunscreens and used it every day, it would take over 30 years to get to the point of what these rats were fed in these studies,” says dermatologist Darrell Rigel, MD, FAAD, who is a clinical professor of dermatology at New York University Langone Medical Center.

Nearly all top experts and skin-health groups including the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) agree that sunscreen is safe — and works when used properly! A major study tracked more than 1,600 adults over 10 years. Those who wore sunscreen every day cut their risk of melanoma in half.

What else should you know about using sunscreen? Read about sunscreen and the rest of this post here. 

Monday - Thursday: 
8:30 am - 6:30 pm

Friday: 
8:30 am - 3:00 pm

Sunday:
Open for graduation and special events only. 

For more information about LLU Campus Store hours or products and services provided, call (909) 558-4567 (on-campus ext. 44567), or visit www.llu.bncollege.com.

Remember to bring your cell phones to provide your feedback for LLUSS employee polls. The forums will be held at various times and locations throughout the day to accommodate LLUSS employees. Refreshments will be served at each forum.

Attend an LLUSS employee forum at one of the following times and locations: 

All forums held on Monday, August 4, 2014. 

For questions regarding the LLUSS employee forums, e-mail ussconnect@llu.edu, or select the "Feedback" button at the top of the page.

There will be a surprise announcement to reveal so you will want to be there in person, as it will define the next 100 years at Loma Linda University Health. To learn more or to watch the event live, visit lluhvision2020.org.

Joyce W. Hopp, Ph.D., MPH will speak on the topic of paper submission, including the following key points: 

• Becoming familiar with journal guidelines and choice of style manuals governing submission of articles
• Identifying one's own common errors in grammar and syntax
• What to do with recommendations or rejection of a submitted research article. 

The luncheon will be held in the Research Affairs main conference room. Lunch is provided with RSVP. To learn more or to RSVP, e-mail researched@llu.edu.

Research Affairs hosts presentations on research related topics will occur on the 2nd Tuesday of every month. 

Print the event flyer here. 

You might be expecting chaos…and with any emergency or disaster, some feelings of chaos may be normal.  However, if education and training has been performed correctly and staff has participated in drills, positive instincts should start to kick in.  This can effectively turn the situation into “organized chaos” instead of outright pandemonium.

Our formal organization of the chaos is really very simple and concise…the R.A.C.E. Fire Plan.  Although it’s not necessary in this venue to explain R.A.C.E., I’ll do so briefly just to ensure everyone is on the same page: 

R – Rescue anyone in immediate danger, including yourself.
A – Alarm by activating the manual pull station and calling 9-1-1.
C – Contain the fire by closing doors to prevent the spread of smoke and flames.
E – Extinguish the fire if safe to do so.
E – Evacuate the area if directed to do so by the fire department, Security, or hospital leadership.

Although, when each nurse has one to five patients, it’s not as simple as all that.  Can one nurse evacuate five patients to their vertical or external relocation point in a timely manner?  Probably not.  No big deal, the firefighters will evacuate them, right?  I can’t tell you the times I’ve heard our local fire department’s leadership say, “Don’t expect our help with evacuation in a fire, we’re going to be focused solely on the fire.  Evacuation is your job.”  But don’t start feeling hopeless just yet…this has already been considered and well-planned in our UH and CH Life Safety & Fire Prevention Plans.

Make sure you know what to do in case of fire. Read the rest of this Speaking of Safety blog post here.

Join the LLUH Center for Strategy & Innovation on Tuesday, July 15, 2014 from 12 noon to 1 pm for a dynamic presentation by Dr. Molly Coye. Dr. Coye is the Chief Innovation Officer and director of the Institute for Innovation in Health at UCLA. Her presentation will discuss the importance of innovation and sustainable business models in healthcare. 

The seminar will be held in Amphitheater 3111 of the Centennial Complex. For additional information, contact the LLUH Center for Strategy & Innovation at (909) 558-3841. 

Learn more or register here.

Enjoy summer's bounty of fresh tomatoes and peppers with this healthful, delicious salsa.

Ingredients: 

1 1/8 cup fresh tomatoes, diced
1/3 cup onion, diced
1 tbsp. garlic, minced
1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
1 jalapeno, seeded and chopped
2 tbsp. fresh lime juice
3/4 tsp. black pepper
1/4 tsp. salt

Directions: 

1. Combine first five ingredients. Season with lime juice, salt and pepper.
2. For liquid salsa, put all ingredients in blender until smooth, 30 seconds or less. No chopping of ingredients necessary.

Print recipe here.

This Wellness Recipe is part of Employee Wellness Program's "Recipe for Success!" initiative. These recipes meet healthy nutritional guidelines, as specified by the program.

Find other recipes and learn more about "Recipe for Success!" here.

Nutritional Facts Serv. Size: 1/2 cup (127 g), Servings per Container: 1, Amount Per Serving: Calories 70, Fat Cal. 0, Total Fat 0g (0% DV), Sat. Fat 0g (0% DV) Trans Fat 0g, Cholest. 0mg (0% DV), Sodium 250mg (10% DV), Total Carb. 4g (1% DV), Dietary Fiber 1g (4% DV), Sugars 2g, Protein 12g, Vitamin A (10% DV), Vitamin C (2% DV), Calcium (6% DV), Iron (15% DV). Percent Daily Values (DV) are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

You're invited to a retirement celebration open house Monday, June 30, 2014 from 1 pm - 3 pm. The celebration will be held in Wong Kerlee Conference Center, Shearer-Heidar Room. 

During week one, Environmental Health & Safety provided information on preventing prescription drug abuse. Prescription drug overdoes are one of the fastest growing causes of injury deaths, and according to the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 15,000 people die annualy from overdoses of prescription medicines.

Read the full post here.

In week two, Environmental Health & Safety discussed methods to stop slips, trips and falls. Falls are one of the leading causes of unintentional injuries in the United States, accounting for approximaely 8.9 million visits to the emergence department annually (NSC Injury Facts 2011). 

Read the full post here.

This week, Environmental Health & Safety cautions to "be aware of your surroundings." Today, there are multiple things competing for your attention, and a lack of focus on the task at hand can lead to tragedy, especially in riskier situations.

Read the full post here.

Follow Environmental Health & Safety's Speaking of Safety blog for ways each week you can stay safe in and outside of the workplace.

Clinical Engineering

Staff had an overall performance score of 94%, well above our 90% required compliance. During the assessment, Clinical Engineering staff reviewed clinical equipment, record keeping by staff, and new equipment not currently being tested. During the second round of EOC Tours, it was determined that staff needed additional training in daily record keeping for code carts and that patient equipment was provided with a visible inspection tag.

Emergency Management

LLUH is well above the standard for conducting Emergency Management drills. We are currently performing quarterly disaster drills that test the knowledge of staff and the ability to put our resources in action. Staff knowledge of how to access these disaster plans, Emergency Operation Plan (EOP) & Hospital Emergency Protocols, was at 76%. In order to better assist staff in finding the disaster plans, you can easily find the “Emergency Preparedness & Response” page by going to the VIP Page and clicking General  Emergency Preparedness & Response or by clicking here.

Facilities Management

Staff are great when identifying a facility problem and reporting it to Facilities Management. 96% of patient-care areas were found to be in good repair and without outstanding work orders. This is a great compliance score that reflects the work you are doing as a result of completing your EOC Self-Audit form and following through with work orders. Thank you for taking pride and ownership of your department.

Fire & Life Safety

Patient-care departments scored a compliance rate of 85% for 2013. The main contributing factor for this score was availability of documentation. Departments are required to show the last two quarters of EOC self-audits and fire drill forms when EOC Tours are conducted. Unfortunately, if these forms are unavailable at the time of request, it is assumed that the department did not complete the requirements for those quarters. Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) has improved this process by introducing a digital fire drill form available for all departments. It would be in the department’s best interest to complete the fire drill form digitally to ensure records are accurately kept and easily accessible should TJC request these during a survey. Already, we are seeing higher compliance for 2014 and are well on our way to beating last year’s score. Great job!

Environmental Services

Environmental Services completed a 90% compliance score last year. They focused on overall cleanliness of the department, as well as a detailed assessment of alcohol-based hand rub dispensers. Departments did a great job in ensuring that their departments were well maintained and, of course, this could not have been done without our fantastic EVS department.  A big congratulations goes to EVS Director, Kelvin Moore, and his team!

Hazardous Materials & Waste Management

The focus of this discipline was mainly on staff competency and the segregation of hazardous waste. The overall program score was 81% with majority of the low scoring in staff competency. The staff was asked if they knew how to access the Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and if they knew the procedures should a hazardous material spill occur. There is definitely opportunity for departments to become more familiar with these processes. The good news is that EH&S is here to assist you with filling in these educational gaps.

Radiation Safety

Departments had an overall compliance score of 94% when knowing Radiation Safety procedures. Although there was overall successful compliance for this program, there still may be opportunity to help coach staff on who is allowed to handle radioactive waste and where to find radioactive waste containers. The need to know this information may not apply to some departments as much as others. In conclusion, staff seems to be well prepared and understand the overall processes of Radiation Safety.

Security

The need to know Security procedures is always at the top of our list. Whether we are dealing with an angry family member or assisting in a Code Pink drill, this knowledge is extremely important to know and you have all proven well that you know it! Departments had a compliance score of 95% in 2013. This number surely instills confidence in our staff and our Security Department for educating and taking a lead role in our disaster drill. Thank you Security and staff!

I hope this information is useful to you and assists you in opportunities for improvement. Most of all, congratulations goes to YOU for an outstanding performance.  As we are concluding the first half of 2014, we can already see the increased compliance in staff knowledge for most of these areas.  Thank you for your continued passion in safety by ensuring your environment is cared for and your staff is educated.

____________

This article originally posted in Environmental Health & Safety's Speaking of Safety Blog. Environmental Health & Safety is a division of Risk Management. Visit the Speaking of Safety Blog here.

Ingredients: 

2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
1 lb. eggplant, peeled and cubed
2 garlic cloves
4 large tomatoes, diced
3 oz. green olives
2 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
1/3 cup garbanzo/chickpeas, unsalted, drained and rinsed
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. black pepper
1/4 tsp. crushed red chili flakes
12 oz. whole wheat angel hair pasta
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Directions: 

1. Put a pot of water on to boil.
2. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat and sauté garbanzo beans until golden brown and crispy.
3. Add eggplant and cook, stirring occasionally, until just softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, 30 seconds to 1 minute.
4. Add tomatoes, olives, lemon juice, salt, pepper and crushed red pepper and cook, stirring, until the tomatoes begin to break down, 5 to 7 minutes more.
5. Meanwhile, cook pasta in boiling water until just tender, about 6 minutes or according to package directions.
6. Drain pasta. Spoon the sauce over the pasta and sprinkle parsley on top.

Print recipe here.

This Wellness Recipe is part of Employee Wellness Program's "Recipe for Success!" initiative. These recipes meet healthy nutritional guidelines, as specified by the program.

Find other recipes and learn more about "Recipe for Success!" here.

Nutritional Facts Serv. Size: 1 1/2 cup (340g), Servings per Container: 5, Amount Per Serving: Calories 380, Fat Cal. 90, Total Fat 10g (15% DV), Sat. Fat 1g (5% DV) Trans Fat 0g, Cholest. 0mg (0% DV), Sodium 410mg (17% DV), Total Carb. 64g (21% DV), Dietary Fiber 11g (44% DV), Sugars 8g, Protein 11g, Vitamin A (30% DV), Vitamin C (45% DV), Calcium (6% DV), Iron (15% DV). Percent Daily Values (DV) are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Now through June 16, contribute to the global mission of LLUH by supporting Malamulo Hospital at the Loma Linda University Campus Store. Partnering with the Global Health Institute, LLU Campus Store is collecting funds for hospital project needs.

Donations will be collected in-store through Monday, June 16. The LLU Campus Store and iLLU Tech Store will match each dollar raised to a combined donation of up to $500, providing additional support for donations.

Malamulo Hospital is an LLUH field station, providing healthcare and wholeness to the southern region of Malawi, Africa. A member of Adventist Health International, Malamulo Adventist Hospital serves a population in which the doctor to patient ratio is 1 to 88,321, and 61 percent of the population lives under the international poverty line of $1.25 per day.

Since 2011, 19 students, 32 medical and management residents, and 49 employees and volunteers from LLUH have served in Malawi. The Loma Linda University Department of Surgery established an ACGME-approved surgical rotation to Malamulo Hospital in 2012, and LLUMC Surgery and Family/Preventive Medicine medical residents spend one rotation at the hospital as part of their residency program. LLUH management residents may also choose to spend one three-month rotation at the hospital as part of the international component of the Talent Management Services two-year management residency program.

To get involved at Malamulo Hospital or other international service opportunities, contact the Global Health Institute via e-mail at ghiservice@llu.edu.

To learn more about Mission: Malamulo and how you can support Malamulo Hospital, visit LLU Campus Store or call (909) 558-4567 (on-campus ext. 44567). LLU Campus Store is located in the Loma Linda Campus Plaza on the corner of Anderson and Mound streets.

This session will be answering some of the following questions: 

• Do you  understand the difference between a static budget and a capital budget? 
• Do you know how to determine the baseline productivity by department? 
• What are the four types of budget?
• Why is financing and budgeting critical to LLUMC's future? 
• What are the components of a budget development overview? 

Join this session of Leadership Essentials and discover how your decisions impact the organization's financial future. 

Leadership Essentials - Finance & Budget
Date: 6/12/2014
Time: 10:00-12:00
Location:
Loma Linda University Medical Center
Lobby Level Amphitheater
11234 Anderson St. 
Loma Linda, CA 92354

Register here.

To: All Employees

From: Corporate Compliance

Date: May 12, 2014

Subject: 2014 Annual Compliance Training

The Compliance Department would like to thank everyone that has already completed the required 2014 Compliance Training Requirements.

Each department at 100% by April 30, 2014 was entered into a drawing for a SPECIAL TREAT.

Compliance is in the process of arranging delivery of the treats.

WINNERS!

 Cost Centers

• M9761 – Employee Spiritual Care
• MUR 8660 – Employee Wellness
• MUR 7651 – PET/CT - POB

Martin Zaragoza, a designer ar Printing Services, adjusts an embroidery machine for best results

The industrial orchestra of printing presses, copiers, and technicians at work has been joined by the sounds of needles, thread, and laser engraving. Known for its excellence in creating a breadth of finished printed products, Loma Linda University Printing Services recently added two new service lines to its business, increasing customer options. Custom embroidery and laser engraving was formally made available for customer orders in mid-April. 

“Our team has been so excited to expand our services,” says Jennifer Rowland, manager of LLU Printing Services. “Our goal is to continue to build relationships with our current and new customers, and to provide excellent service and quality products.”

With these new services, Loma Linda University Printing Services has expanded its focus to production of embroidered and engraved promotional and personalized items. Situated conveniently on the Loma Linda University Health campus, both on- and off-campus community customers will be able to order custom embroidered and laser engraved items for business or personal use.

“At Printing Services we’re always examining the print value chain and adapting to our evolving industry,” explains Jeremy Hubbard, Director of Business Innovation for the Loma Linda University Foundation. “As we look beyond traditional print, I’m proud to offer these new services. Our customers deserve the very best, and that’s what we’re committed to providing.”

From clinical apparel to hats, athletics to outerwear, Loma Linda University Printing Services is able to embroider logos, business designs, personal names and more. Customers can also rely on the store to customize technology, clinical, office and home accessories and gifts with laser engraving.

Loma Linda University Printing Services provides the city of Loma Linda and surrounding communities with printing, copy, graphic design, promotional items and other related services. An established part of local commerce, the store was honored as the Loma Linda Chamber of Commerce 2013 Business of the Year, and regularly sponsors local fundraising events and organizations.

Watch a Printing Services embroidery machine create the Loma Linda University logo.

Pack this hearty salad in your lunches for a quick, delicious, and wholesome meal. 

Ingredients:

2 cups low sodium vegetable broth
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup quinoa, rinsed well
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 small cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1 small yellow bell pepper, diced
1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
1 cup diced cucumber
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/2 cup chopped fresh mint
1 (6 ounce) package baked smoked tofu, diced

Directions:

1. Bring low sodium vegetable broth to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add quinoa and return to a boil. Reduce to a simmer, cover and cook until the water has been absorbed, 15 to 20 minutes.
2. Spread the quinoa on a baking sheet to cool for 10 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, whisk lemon juice, oil, garlic, the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper in a large bowl.
4. Add the cooled quinoa, tofu, bell pepper, tomatoes, cucumber, parsley and mint; toss well to combine.
   

Print recipe here.

This Wellness Recipe is part of Employee Wellness Program's "Recipe for Success!" initiative. These recipes meet healthy nutritional guidelines, as specified by the program.

Find other recipes and learn more about "Recipe for Success!" here.

Nutritional Facts Serv. Size: 1 1/2 cup (340g), Servings per Container: 5.5, Amount Per Serving: Calories 260, Fat Cal. 80, Total Fat 9g (14% DV), Sat. Fat 1.5g (8% DV) Trans Fat 0g, Cholest. 0mg (0% DV), Sodium 300mg (13% DV), Total Carb. 35g (12% DV), Dietary Fiber 7g (28% DV), Sugars 8g, Protein 12g, Vitamin A (70% DV), Vitamin C (280% DV), Calcium (10% DV), Iron (20% DV). Percent Daily Values (DV) are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

"After the devastating fires in San Diego, we took a pretty big hit in emergency management, because we didn’t have a plan to take care of all the animals," explains Brett McPherson. "After the disaster, we created plans to deal with everything from a horse to a mouse. Because of this event, the citizens were asked to have a plan in place for their pets."

In many cases, people have stayed behind to make sure their pets are being taken care of. "Search the archives of Katrina, Sandy, and other disasters we have had nationally, and more than likely, you are going to see families clutching on to their pets while being rescued," he adds. "Why didn’t the people leave their homes? They didn’t leave because they didn’t want to leave their pets behind."

Read about emergency safety tips for pets and the rest of this week's Speaking of Safety blog post here.

OASIS is an opportunity for LLUH employees to renew themselves as they celebrate creativity.  Plenary speakers and breakout sessions will focus on personal  renewal and ways to incorporate creativity in ways that will strengthen both work and home life.

Keynote speakers include Dr. Carla Gober-Park, Director of Loma Linda University's Center for Spiritual Life & Wholeness, and Hazel Curtis, Director of Talent Development for Loma Linda University Medical Center - Murrieta. 

OASIS will be held Thursday, May 29 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm at Azure Hills Seventh-day Adventist Church. The cost to attend is $25. A light breakfast and lunch will be provided.

Learn more or register.

This week is dedicated to you and the steps that you take each and every day to live our mission, vision and values.  Every day we demonstrate Compassion when we provide quality care to our patients with dignity and respect without regard to status.  We respect patient autonomy and we always want to do what is right and provide medically necessary care.  Whether in service to our patients, colleagues or community, we fully embrace Integrity in making the right decisions even when there is a tough decision to be made. Integrity is our ethical and moral compass upon which we rely to avoid conflicts of interest or any dealings that might negatively affect, alter or influence our decision-making.  If we are unsure about the right action to take we stop and ask questions.  We each have a reputation to uphold; and, we hold in high esteem our institution’s world-class reputation.  We strive for process Excellence in all that we do, integrating key quality, financial, regulatory and compliance drivers into process design to achieve desired results.  We continuously strive to get things done right the first time and solid Teamwork helps keep us accountable and going strong.  

Doing things right with a commitment to excellence sometimes takes more time and fortitude than doing things wrong.   It is good to know that just when we need it the most, there is rest, healing, and rejuvenation in Wholeness.  Compliance Week is an acknowledgement of all we can accomplish together as a team.  Thank you for all you do.

Celebrating Who We Are…

Your partners in Compliance

Corporate Compliance Department

http://vip.mc.llumc.edu/vip/Departments/LLUHS-Departments/Compliance/Index.page?

This spring, the LLUH Employee Wellness Program added the LLU Shared Services Customer Service Excellence award to its collection of recent awards and accomplishments. The department was recognized during the March employee forums for its commitment to service.

A division of LLUH risk management, the Employee Wellness Program is led by Olivia Moses, DrPH, wellness program administrator, and seeks to make LLUH a healthier place to work. The program empowers employees to be their best selves and understands the importance of good health for a productive workplace.

The Employee Wellness Program has been particularly instrumental in facilitating the process for transitioning LLUH employees to the wholeness health plan. To date, the department has provided biometric screenings and health risk assessments for over 12,000 employees and their spouses.

During the past year, Dr. Moses and her team have implemented a variety of successful initiatives including the Step It Up pedometer program, which aided 1,650 employees in taking steps towards better health. The department also collaborated across the organization on healthy workplace strategies, qualifying LLUH as a American Heart Association Gold Level Fit-Friendly Employer. 

The Employee Wellness Program provides a variety of resources for employees seeking to invest in their health through Living Whole. Living Whole campus-wide programs include Wellness Wednesday webinars, A Recipe for Success, the Breathe Smoking Cessation Program, B.U.I.L.D. diabetes management program, Say N.O.W. weight loss program and others.

To learn more about the Employee Wellness Program, call (909) 651-4007, or e-mail livingwhole@llu.edu. 

Conducted by Frank Fetta, the symphony will perform Tchaikovsky’s “Symphony No. 5” and Rachmaninoff’s “Piano Concerto No. 3.” Guest piano soloist Norman Krieger will perform during the latter. 

A native of Los Angeles and trained at the Julliard School, Krieger regularly performs with major orchestras throughout North America. He has also been appeared as a guest soloist with orchestras in Hong Kong, the Czech Republic, Turkey, New Zealand, and Taiwan.

The performance will take place on the campus mall between Prince Hall and the Loma Linda University Church. Chairs will be available on a first-come first-served basis. It is suggested that guests bring a blanket to sit on.

The concert is free and open to the public. Picnics are welcome, and vendors will be on site offering food and drinks.

To:

All LLUH Entities

From:

Service Desk

Date:

April 10, 2014

Subject:

PolicyTech email notifications

_______________________________________________________________________________________

S (Situation) 
Since April 1 users have received email notices from PolicyTech stating, “You are required to read ______________ Policy.” These system-generated notices were mistakenly sent out for LLUMC policies 439 G-3 and 388 A-1. If you received a notification please ignore as these notices were issued by mistake. 

B (Background) 
Any accessible PolicyTech user can be assigned as a required Reader. When a document is published, all assigned Readers receive an email notification and a task to read the document.

A (Assessment) 
Requests to read the aforementioned documents were issued by mistake. All published Institutional Documents in PolicyTech are accessible to users that have access to the sites and departments assigned to a given document.

R (Recommendation) 
The notifications issued from PolicyTech worked as we anticipated. This error was the result of improper assignment of users who were not actually required Readers. Please continue to read and act on any future PolicyTech notifications. We apologize for any confusion this may have caused.

Questions? 
If you receive a notification that does not belong to you, please notify the Service Desk x48889. For questions related to PolicyTech, please contact Jeremy Hubbard x48172 orjehubbard@llu.edu.

Why should I have a working smoke alarm?

A properly installed and maintained smoke alarm is the only thing in your home that can alert you and your family to a fire 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Whether you’re awake or asleep, a working smoke alarm is constantly on alert, scanning the air for fire and smoke.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, almost two-thirds of home fire deaths resulted from fires in properties without working smoke alarms. A working smoke alarm significantly increases your chances of surviving a deadly home fire.

What powers a smoke alarm? 

Smoke alarms are powered by battery or they are hardwired into the home’s electrical system. If the smoke alarm is powered by battery, it runs on either a disposable 9-volt battery or a non-replaceable 10-year lithium (“long-life”) battery. A backup battery is usually present on hardwired alarms and may need to be replaced.

These batteries must be tested on a regular basis and, in most cases, should be replaced at least once each year (except for lithium batteries).

Smoke alarm maintenance

Is your smoke alarm still working? Smoke alarms must be maintained! A smoke alarm with a dead or missing battery is the same as having no smoke alarm at all.

A smoke alarm only works when it is properly installed and maintained. Depending on how your smoke alarm is powered (9-volt, 10-year lithium, or hardwired), you’ll have to maintain it according to manufacturer’s instructions. General guidelines for smoke alarm maintenance:

Smoke alarm powered by a 9-volt battery

• Test the alarm monthly.
• Replace the batteries at least once per year.
• The entire smoke alarm unit should be replaced every 8-10 years.

Smoke alarm powered by a 10-year lithium (or “long life”) battery

• Test the alarm monthly.
• Since you cannot (and should not) replace the lithium battery, the entire smoke alarm unit should be replaced according to manufacturer’s instructions.

Smoke alarm that is hardwired into the home’s electrical system

• Test the alarm monthly.
• The backup battery should be replaced at least once per year.
• The entire smoke alarm unit should be replaced every 8-10 years.

Never disable a smoke alarm while cooking

A smoke alarm is just doing its job when it sounds while you’re cooking or taking a shower with lots of steam.  If a smoke alarm sounds while you’re cooking or showering, do not remove the battery. You should:

• Open a window or door and press the
• “hush” button,
• Wave a towel at the alarm to clear the air, or
• Move the entire alarm several feet away from the location.

WARNING:  Disabling a smoke alarm or removing the battery can be a deadly mistake.

Additional Smoke Alarm Resources

• Children and Smoke Alarms
• Fight Fire with Facts – Smoke Alarms
• Prevent Fires. Save Lives. 50 Plus Campaign
• USFA Kids Page
• White Paper: Home Smoke Alarms (PDF, 371 Kb)

Source: www.usfa.fema.gov

_____________

This article originally posted in Environmental Health & Safety's Speaking of Safety Blog. Environmental Health & Safety is a division of Risk Management. Visit the Speaking of Safety Blog here.

On April 8 at 12 pm and April 10 at 5:30 pm, attend “Apple TV in 1-2-3” to discover how to use Apple TV with computers and devices. Interested to switching to a Mac from a PC? Attend April 8 at 5:30 pm or April 10 at 12 pm for the “PC to Mac: Got Apps?” session. Both sessions are 30 minutes long and will provide an open forum for questions regarding Apple technology following featured training topics.

All sessions are free and open to the campus community, and will be held at iLLU, located in the Campus Store. The Campus Store is in the Campus Plaza on the corner of Anderson and Mound Streets, next to the Loma Linda Market.

To learn more, call (909) 558-4129, or view the event flyer. 

Ingredients: 

2 garlic cloves
1 cup basil, chopped
1/4 cup cilantro leaves, chopped
14 oz. edamame, shelled
1/2 cup low sodium vegetable broth
2 tbsp. lemon juice
1 tsp. extra virgin olive oil
3/4 tsp. salt
2 tbsp. nutritional yeast flakes
10 oz. whole wheat linguine
1 tsp. extra virgin olive oil 
1 red onion, chopped
1/2 lb. mushrooms
2 garlic cloves
1 tsp. thyme
1/8 tsp. salt
1 sprig basil

Directions: 

1. Bring a pot of water to a boil.
2. Prepare the pesto: pat dry basil, cilantro and edamame. Place garlic and basil in food procssor and pulse a few times to chop.
3. Add the remaining ingredients (cilantro, edamame, vegetable broth, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and nutritional yeast) and blend until relatively smooth, scaping down the sides to incorporate. Add a little more vegetable broth if the mixture seems too stiff. Set aside until ready to use. 
4. Preheat a large pan over medium heat. At the point your pasta water should be ready, so add the linguine. 
5. Saute onion in oil for about 5 minutes. Use a splash of water if pan becomes too dry. Mix in mushrooms, garlic, thyme, and salt. 
6. Cover pot and cook 5 more minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Drain linguine. 
8. When the mushrooms have cooked down, add linguine and pesto to the pan. Use a pasta spoon to stir and coat the linguine. Continue to saute and mix well to ensure the pesto is heated through, about 3 minutes. The pesto should be relatively thick, but if it's too thick, add a few tablespoons of water. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped basil.  

Print recipe here.

This Wellness Recipe is part of Employee Wellness Program's "Recipe for Success!" initiative. These recipes meet healthy nutritional guidelines, as specified by the program.

Find other recipes and learn more about "Recipe for Success!" here.

Nutritional Facts Serv. Size: 1 cup, Amount Per Serving: Calories 360, Fat Cal. 80, Total Fat 9g (14% DV), Sat. Fat 1g (5% DV) Trans Fat 0g, Cholest. 0mg (0% DV), Sodium 420mg (18% DV), Total Carb. 52g (17% DV), Dietary Fiber 7g (28% DV), Sugars 4g, Protein 18g, Vitamin A (20% DV), Vitamin C (20% DV), Calcium (8% DV), Iron (20% DV). Percent Daily Values (DV) are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

The double certification is through both Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and California Specialized Training Institute (CSTI); what this does is raise the level of training, expertise, and commitment of our patient decon team.  In accomplishing this, LLUH is better prepared for a mass casualty incident that involves hazmat or weapons of mass destruction.  In fact, through the efforts of many dedicated people here at LLUH, other local area hospitals are asking about our training model and have even requested to attend our training here.

Our mission is far from complete, however. We have grown substantially in 2013, are still in need of many more dedicated team members to join the ranks of the LLUH Decon Strike Force. With that said, the next training class is quickly approaching.  The next opportunity to train for these certification is at classes scheduled April 9^th and 10^th, 2014. 

Increase awareness about this important aspect of our overall preparedness plan by recruiting more members.  Get the word out that there is still room in the upcoming class.  For more information please contact Joe Bruno, visit the Decon Team Webpage, or simply sign up through OWL.

Join the team as we … Protect This House!

Remember to bring your cell phones to provide your feedback for LLUSS employee polls. The forums will be held at various times and locations throughout the day to accommodate LLUSS employees. Refreshments will be served at each forum.

Attend an LLUSS employee forum at one of the following times and locations: 

All forums held on Monday, March 31. 

For questions regarding the forum, e-mail ussconnect@llu.edu, or select the "Feedback" button at the top of the page.

As we prepare to participate in the upcoming Employee Engagement survey, perhaps it’s a good time to be reminded of opportunities for magic.

Gallup research indicates that people who focus on their strengths at work are three times more likely to report having an excellent quality of life and are six times more likely to be engaged in their work. Additionally, when teams share a common strengths language and know about each other’s natural talents and non-patterns, they are more likely to be collaborative and have sustained high performance. Resonant of the African proverb, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”

Sounds like some individual and team magic to me! Let’s discuss an idea of how we can get there: adjusting the balance and content of conversations. Embedding Strengths in Your Company’s DNA (2) reminds us that all too often our conversations with teams and employees focus entirely on the task or an immediate short term issue. In other words, we’re attentive to the tactical work; hands on, single outcome.

While we admittedly need to discuss these, perhaps we should consider the longer term benefits of changing the balance of the conversation to more talent and behavior based. Maybe we move the dial and increase the percentage of time spent identifying and recognizing recurring behaviors that are contributing to desired outcomes and identifying and isolating habitual behaviors that aren’t. Then, we spend part of our ongoing dialog in growing the behaviors that are contributing and addressing those that aren’t in balance with the tactical topics.

By changing the structure of our conversations, we are providing clear behavioral support and corrections that go beyond the task. Thus, we’re better prepared for growth, long-term sustained, and predictable outcomes.

“A strengths-based approach encourages managers to reframe these conversations to focus on how employees can use their talents to consistently perform their tasks at excellence.” (2)  Tom Rath, author of Wellbeing, suggests that 75% of a manager’s time should be spent building on people’s strengths. (3)  How much time do you spend doing so? Should you begin to adjust the balance?

 There is a connection between individual talents and deliberate behaviors and performance towards expected outcomes. Strengthening Your Company’s Performance (4)  explains, “To maximize performance, you need both engagement and ability. Ability -- an innate talent for the job or task at hand -- is one key component.” The article continues, “when they also ensure that people have the opportunity to use their strengths and do what they do best every day -- a kind of organizational MAGIC happens.”

When we start to move the dial and change the balance of our conversations from tactical to behavioral and learning from immediate issues in order to creating long term predictability and sustained outcomes, we get some of that magic to happen. We still address the tactical and topics for today and we begin to spend a greater percentage of the discussion towards more advanced and abstract concepts like communication and conflict resolution. Considering the phrase, “You can’t force a flower to grow on the sidewalk,” strengths-based focus can be nutrients and soil for growth.

When we are able to discuss our work in terms of behaviors, talents, and strengths we are better at recognizing and growing our skills, we understand our gaps and are equipped to deal with them. We have a clear understanding of ourselves and our team members and we have more positive interactions. We look forward to going to work and we achieve more daily. We are more satisfied personally and as a team. We bring the best of ourselves to work each day and the most satisfied of ourselves home to our family.

That’s a magic that all of our teams deserve and that we can reflect to those we serve.

Reposted from the Developing Your Strengths Newsletter March 2014 Issue. Read more from the Developing Your Strengths newsletter here.

___________________

References
1: Winseman, Albert, Clifton, Donald, and Liesveld, Curt. Living Your Strengths. Gallup Press. Third Edition 2008.
2: http://businessjournal.gallup.com/content/155036/Embedding_Strengths_Company_DNA.aspx?utm_source=twitterbutton&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=sharing#1. Embedding Strengths in Your Company’s DNA. Gallup Business Journal. June 12.2012. 
3: Rath, Tom C. [@TomCRath]. (2014 February 3). Managers should spend at least 75% of their time building on people’s strengths. [Tweet]
4: http://businessjournal.gallup.com/content/146351/Strengthening_Company_Performance.aspx#1.      Strengthening Your Company’s Performance. Gallup Business Journal. March 1, 2011.

Grow Together emphasizes drawing on the collective strength of employees, recognizing that if every employee gives even a small amount, the accumulated total is significant. “There is power in numbers,” notes Taylor Khoe-Mupas, manager of annual giving. “When we look at the growing number of employees, it’s easy to imagine what a difference we can make if every employee participated.”

Alumni and Donor Relations is a relatively new addition to Advancement, but serves to add significant value to philanthropic efforts at LLUH. Part of Loma Linda University Shared Services (LLUSS), the department is responsible for securing annual gifts, promoting two-way communication between donors and the organization and coordinating communication between alumni directors of all the schools.

“Our alumni and donors deserve to be informed as to how their commitment makes a difference at LLUH,” says Khoe-Mupas. “Employees who contribute also deserve this recognition,” she adds.

Employees may wonder why it’s important to give back to LLUH in addition to their dedicated daily service. As summarized by Advancement, “Grow Together allows every member of the LLUH family to help support our mission, patients and students through personal financial contributions.” Employees have the opportunity to choose where their gifts will be allocated, and may choose a one-time gift or give continually through payroll deductions.

Alumni and Donor Relations invites employees to give, no matter the amount. Since the program’s beginning in 2011, loyal participation has provided assistance to a variety of areas across LLUH.

“The Family Fund is the most popular fund of choice employees contribute to,” reports Khoe-Mupas. “Because of their continuous support, we are able to provide financial assistance to employees in need through this fund.”

Alumni and Donor Relations also coordinates the annual phonathon, which raised more than $111,000 in 2013 from alumni and is implementing a coordinated giving program for donors. Recently, the department also facilitated 12 regional meetings with alumni at locations around the country, and developed a first-time donor program acknowledging gifts from new donors.

To learn more about Grow Together contact Taylor Khoe-Mupas at (909) 558-5358 or e-mail growtogether@llu.edu. To learn more about the Alumni and Donor Relations department, contact Janya Mekelburg at ext. 55355 or e-mail jmekelburg@llu.edu. 

At first glance, the Gallup survey seems very simple.  You are asked to answer twelve questions based upon a satisfaction scale of 1-5.  If you are fast, it will take you about two minutes to read and answer the questions. If you are thoughtful, it may take you twice as long.  If you include the time it takes you to click on the link to the Gallup survey and enter in your special password, the whole process may take you five minutes.  It is not until you get the results, that you think about the survey again.

If you are like most people, you have forgotten about the survey because you have work to complete, people to talk to and meetings to attend.  However, when you begin to review the results, that simple five minute process does not seem so simple anymore.  It takes a lot longer to review the results than taking the survey. For some people, this is where the process ends until the next Gallup survey. The results may or may not align with your personal responses.  What do the results mean?  You scored a one on the question regarding a best friend at work, however, you find out that it did not literally mean that you had "best friend" at work.  It meant that you had someone to confide in. You find out that a score of 3 means that you tend to be dissatisfied in that particular area, not just neutral about it.  So, why didn't the Gallup people rephrase the questions to be more forthright?  The answer to that question is science.

The Details: Where did Gallup come from?

Those simple twelve questions arise out of the academic career of Dr. George Gallup who began a worldwide study of human needs and satisfaction.  He was a pioneer in the process of sampling popular opinion. We see it today in the Gallup poll results which seem to appear during election periods.  Also, during this period, Dr. Donald Clifton began studying success in education and business.  In 1988, Dr. Gallup's work was merged with Dr. Clifton's work blending opinion sampling with management science.  The Q12 Gallup survey was the result of this merger.

Evolution of an idea: How Gallup has become a best practice

From the 1950s to the 1970s, Dr. Clifton studied the work environment to determine factors which led to a positive environment.  Early versions of some of Q12 questions were tested during this period.  In the 1980s, the Gallup team studied high performing individuals and teams.  They conducted many interviews to learn the causes of employee turnover.  In the 1990s, the Gallup scientist developed the first version of the Q12 survey.  In 1997, the Gallup scientist conducted a meta-analysis of 1,135 business units (an analysis of multiple separate study results as one pooled study). The researchers determined that the meta-analysis supported the assumptions of the individual Q12 questions.  By 1998, the Gallup scientists completed the Q12 in its present form. To date, the Q12 survey has been administered to 25 million people worldwide.  The Gallup team indicates that the twelve questions are the best indicators to measure "employee perceptions of the quality of people related management practices in their business units."  In order for Gallup to insure the validity of their Q12 data, the questions must remain the same.  The science of the Q12 makes its determination on a personal level a little more difficult.

The Numbers: How Gallup Works

The Q12 results are reported utilizing the statistical measure called a mean.  A mean is simply the total score divided by the number of people answering that particular question.  Your answer becomes part of the mean.  In smaller groups, your answers will have more effect upon the overall mean. However, each group must have five or more people.  Sampling five people limits biased results by one person's different responses and allows anonymity.  Your particular answer will never become truly known in the results.  The Q12 survey is not meant to measure personal satisfaction, it is meant to measure the overall satisfaction of your team, department or group.   The twelve questions are indicators, measures of how the team feels on that particular day.  The Q12 survey does not have the capability to determine causation of workplace satisfaction or dissatisfaction; it only indicates the level of satisfaction or dissatisfaction.  In the end, the Q12 survey is just the beginning of the process.  It will be up to you and your team to find out why the team "feels” a particular way about a Q12 indicator and more importantly, you and your team will need to work toward defining your optimal work environment.

Gallup: Why it matters

The Q12 survey is based upon psychology, biostatistics and years of study.  However, in the end, it is just a survey, nothing more.  With the exception of the infamous "best friend" question, most of the questions are simple and straightforward.  However, this Gallup poll is not as straightforward as those polls projecting the outcome of a political election.  You will need to ask two more questions: (1) why did we answer a particular Q12 question the way we did? And (2) what does the answer to question one say about our work environment?  Lastly, you will need to act to address those areas of your work environment, which would make work a better place for you and your colleagues. 

____________

Ken Iwakoshi is the Director for Trust Administration, a Loma Linda University Shared Services department. 

In the fall of 2013, LLUH unveiled a sneak preview of “PolicyTech,” a new web platform for managing policies, procedures, and other institutional documents. As of March 3, 2014, PolicyTech will officially serve as the permanent home of institutional documents for LLUH.

PolicyTech replaces several existing intranet sites while simplifying policy creation, collaboration, and distribution. PolicyTech also provides advanced search capabilities, making institutional documents much easier to find and manage. Users will still access policies much the same way as before, via links to institutional documents on VIP. These links will now simply redirect them to PolicyTech.

Instructions are available on VIP. Additional training for advanced roles will be disseminated by entity policy managers.

Questions? Please contact the Service Desk at x48889.

Why do we need a Business Emergency Contingency Plan?

Any business that uses, generates or stores hazardous materials is required to comply with State and Federal community right to know laws. The primary purpose of these laws is to provide readily available information regarding the location, type, and health risks of hazardous materials to emergency response personnel, authorized government officials, and the public. These requirements are found in the:

• California Health & Safety Code (CHSC), Division 20, Chapter 6.95, Sections 25500 – 25520
• California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 19, Division 2, Chapter 4, Article 4, Sections 2729 – 2732
• Title 40, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), and EPA (SARA, Title III)

Why are we required to submit the Business Emergency Contingency Plans?

1. Any business that uses, generates, processes, produces, treats, stores, emits, or discharges a hazardous material in quantities at or exceeding 55 gallons, 500 pounds, or 200 cubic feet (compressed gas) at any one time in the course of a year. Thresholds are increased to 1,000 cubic feet for compressed gases that exhibit only the hazard of simple asphyxiation & release of pressure. Thresholds for hazardous substances, solid or liquid, that are defined as hazardous solely as an irritant or sensitizer are increased to 5,000 pounds.
2. All hazardous waste generators, regardless of quantity generated or size of container.
3. Any business that handles radioactive materials for which an emergency plan is required.
4. Any business subject to the Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act.

What should be included in the Business Emergency Contingency Plans?

• Business Activities
• Business Owner/Operator Identification
• Emergency Contacts
• Agency Notification
• Emergency Response Plans & Procedures
• Chemical Inventory
• Inventory Summary Form
• Hazardous Material Inventory Chemical Description Form
• Maps: Area Map, Site Map, Facility Map
• Map Grid Form – Site Map
• Map Grid Form – Facility Map

Who prepares the Business Emergency Contingency Plans for Loma Linda University Health?

In order to comply with these regulations, Environmental Health and Safety prepares 13 different Business Emergency Contingency Plans for the Loma Linda University Health each year.  There are 11 located in the San Bernardino County and 2 in Riverside County.

Beginning in 2013, the new California Health & Safety Code requires all regulated businesses and all regulated local government agencies, which are called “Unified Program Agencies” (UPA), to file required unified program information online. This includes facility data regarding hazardous material, regulatory activities, chemical inventories, underground and aboveground storage tanks, and hazardous waste generation.  All required information relating to the Loma Linda University Health has been submitted electronically by using the California Environmental Reporting System (CERS), a statewide, web-based system to the Local Certified Unified Program Agency (CUPA) on time to reflect the compliance.

_____________

This article originally posted in Environmental Health & Safety's Speaking of Safety Blog. Environmental Health & Safety is a division of Risk Management. Visit the Speaking of Safety Blog here.

Ingredients:

22.5 oz.-can black beans, unsalted
2 husks of corn
1/3 cup green onion, chopped
1 ½ tbsp. jalapeno, chopped
3 tbsp. green bell pepper, chopped
1 1/3 cup fresh tomatoes, diced
1/3 cup cilantro, chopped
3 tbsp. red onion, chopped
2 tsp. garlic cloves, minced
¼ tsp. salt
¾ tsp. ground black pepper
3 tbsp. lime juice
1 ½ tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp. oregano

Directions:

1. Rinse and drain black beans.
2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Place corn husks directly on the oven rack and roast for 30 minutes or until corn is soft.
3. Remove roasted corn from the cob and combine with the beans in a large mixing bowl.
4. Add chopped green onions, seeded and minced jalapeno peppers, chopped bell pepper, diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, chopped oregano, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, lemon zest and lemon juice.
5. Mix well to combine and chill in refrigerator for about 1 hour before serving.

Print recipe here.

This Wellness Recipe is part of Employee Wellness Program's "Recipe for Success!" initiative. These recipes meet healthy nutritional guidelines, as specified by the program.

Find other recipes and learn more about "Recipe for Success!" here.

Nutritional Facts Serv. Size: 3/4 cup, Amount Per Serving: Calories 150, Fat Cal. 30, Total Fat 3g (5% DV), Sat. Fat 0g (5% DV) Trans Fat 0g, Cholest. 0mg (0% DV), Sodium 105mg (4% DV), Total Carb. 25g (8% DV), Dietary Fiber 6g (24% DV), Sugars 5g, Protein 7g, Vitamin A (15% DV), Vitamin C (30% DV), Calcium (4% DV), Iron (10% DV). Percent Daily Values (DV) are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

For more information, call (909) 558-4567.

View the event flyer here.

With your help we have hundreds of eyes to observe, find, and inspect, as well as, remove, eliminate, and correct a potential injury/illness hazard. In our eyes, you are the front line and you are the experts in knowing the potential hazards within your departments. If the hazard seems too far out of reach or bigger than one person should handle, call for back up. The EH&S department will stand by and give the support you deserve in promoting a safe environment.

Continued reading about injury prevention on the Speaking of Safety blog here. 

Lunch is provided for attendees who RSVP. Contact lsarmiento@llu.edu to learn more or RSVP. The Research Affairs Conference Room is located at 24887 Taylor Street, Suite 201. 

View the event flyer here. 

Ingredients:

½ cup water
¼ cup quinoa
¼ tsp. salt
1 ½ tbsp. olive oil
½ cup red onion
1 garlic clove, minced
2 ½ cup pinto beans, well drained
1 tsp. paprika
½ tsp. cumin
3 tbsp. fresh cilantro, chopped
3 tbsp. cornmeal, plus 1/3 cup for coating burgers
¼ tsp. ground pepper
6 whole wheat hamburger buns, toasted
6 lettuce leaves
6 tomato slices
Guacamole ingredients:
1 avocado, ripe
¼ tsp. salt
2 tbsp. cilantro, finely chopped
1 tbsp. lemon juice
1 tsp. red onion, finely chopped
1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper
1/8 tsp. salt

Directions:

1. Bring water to a boil in a small saucepan. Add quinoa and return to a boil. Reduce to a low simmer, cover and cook until the water has been absorbed, about 10 minutes. Uncover and let stand.

2. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and fragrant, about 3 minutes. Add beans, paprika and ground cumin and mash the beans to a smooth paste with a potato masher or fork. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and let cool slightly. Add the quinoa, 3 tablespoons cilantro, 3 tablespoons cornmeal, salt and pepper; stir to combine.

3. Form the bean mash into 6 patties. Coat them evenly with the remaining 1/3 cup cornmeal and transfer to a baking sheet. Refrigerate for 20 minutes.

4. To prepare guacamole: Mash avocado with a potato masher or fork. Stir in cilantro, lemon juice, onion, garlic, cayenne and salt.

5. Preheat oven to 200°F. 6. Heat oil in a large cast-iron (or similar heavy) skillet over mediumhigh heat. Reduce heat to medium and cook 3 burgers until heated through and brown and crisp on both sides, 2 to 4 minutes per side. Transfer to the oven to keep warm. Cook the remaining 3 burgers with the remaining 1 tablespoon oil, reducing the heat as necessary to prevent overbrowning. Serve the burgers on buns with lettuce, tomato and the guacamole.

Nutritional Facts Serv. Size: 1 burger, Amount Per Serving: Calories 360, Fat Cal. 90, Total Fat 10g (15% DV), Sat. Fat 1.5g (8% DV) Trans Fat 0g, Cholest. 15mg (5% DV), Sodium 380mg (16% DV), Total Carb. 58g (19% DV), Dietary Fiber 13g (52% DV), Sugars 6g, Protein 13g, Vitamin A (10% DV), Vitamin C (15% DV), Calcium (10% DV), Iron (20% DV). Percent Daily Values (DV) are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

For more wellness recipes, visit A Recipe for Success program at the Employee Wellness Program VIP Page.

Print this recipe here.

View calendar options here.

Brett McPherson, Emergency Management Supervisor for Environmental Health & Safety, provides solutions to four personal preparedness questions and identifies how your family can better be prepared for any emergency. These include backing up important documents, what supplies you should gather for an emergency, assigning a meeting place, and preparing for cell phone outage. 

Read the full post here to learn how your family can beat the statistics. 

View the 2013 Annual Payroll Newsletter here.

• How much is enough to be an author versus an acknowledgement?
• In collaborative research, is there an accepted protocol for dual principal investigator recognition (i.e., journals require a single corresponding author)?
• ...and others.

Guest speakers include Kimberly Payne, BS, MST, PhD; Kerby C. Oberg, MD, PhD; William J. Pearce, BS, PhD; and Juli Unternaehrer, PhD. 

Research Affairs regularly hosts presentations on research related topics on the second Tuesday of each month. Lunch is provided with RSVP to lsarmiento@llu.edu. All presentations are held at the Research Affairs Conference Room, 24887 Taylor Street, Suite 201. 

Learn more about the presentation or print the event flyer here.

Why we are subject to this report?

Every facility that had emission of criteria pollutants and 24 Toxic Air contaminants and Ozone Depleting Compounds (TACs ad ODCs) that exceeded the following threshold is subject to this program per Rule 301 requirement and Loma Linda University Health is one of those permitted facilities.

Emission Threshold Chart

What should be included in the emission report?

We should report all emissions from all permitted and non-permitted stationary and portable sources, and processes. Examples; Permitted Turbines,Permitted Boiler(Capacity>2MMBtu/hr.), Non-permitted boiler, Permitted Internal Combustion Engines (>50BHP), Material usage/handling/processing, use of Organic materials, etc. All the emissions are calculated based on fuel usage, material usage and appropriate emission factors.

Who prepares the report and how the data are collected?

Environmental Health & Safety office prepares the Annual Air Emission Report on behalf of the Loma Linda University Health and submits to the South Coast AQMD then the emission fee is paid by department of Risk Management. The data are collected mainly from the Power Plant, LLUMC Facility Management, LLU Campus Engineering, Clinical laboratory, Pathology laboratory, Anatomy Laboratory,  Printing Services, Fleet Services  and other areas that subject to this reporting.

When is the deadline for the report?

The deadline for the submission of AER report usually is March 1 of each year. It takes few weeks for EH&S to organize the data, calculates the emission, generate the report and create the check.  In order to submit the report in accuracy and timely manner, EH&S encourage all pertinent departments submit their data to the EH&S as early as possible and latest by January 31. EH&S will send a courtesy email beginning of the year to remind all pertinent departments to submit their data to the EH&S.

Environmental Health & Safety is committed to provide excellent services to ensure LLUH remains regulatory complaint.

Have questions or comments about the report? Visit the Speaking of Safety blog to join the conversation. 

This post appears in the Environmental Health and Safety Speaking of Safety blog, a two-way communication tool created to increase communication among LLUH safety coordinators and the Department of Environmental Health and Safety.

It's Thursday afternoon in the Loma Linda University Medical Center. I am down on the basement "A" level waiting for the staff elevator to carry me up several floors to the Pharmacy Department for a teleconference with a software vendor. We need to discuss why the vendor's very expensive program doesn't work after two years of frustrating effort.

The wait is long. Traffic is congested. Orderlies and transport teams are pushing a convoy of gurneys with patients from the Emergency Department onto the elevators. The doors slide open to even more patients on the ride up from being x-rayed or scanned on the "B" level below.  IV's are pumping and telemetry is beeping.
There is the usual antiseptic reek that always leaves me with the uneasy question of what exactly required the last wash-down of that strength.

Another car arrives full of a large and complicated piece of equipment being moved from repair to service by the Engineering Department. Slender medical students wearing their blue scrubs as a proud fashion statement crowd in wherever they can find a space.

Patient care and medical and nursing education are the core businesses of the Medical Center and take precedence over negotiation with a vendor. I don't have any choice but to cool my heels.
I am possessed of a classic Type "A," hard-driving personality. Waiting is not something that I do well and the elevator foyer of "A" Level offers no incentive to linger. It is simply a bare-walled, florescent-lit passage for medical professionals and employees to get from here to there in a hurry.

Anything spiritual in that space has to be carried in the heart of those passing through and carried right out again. At least, that's the way it's always been for me until today.

If you haven't discovered it for yourself yet, I am telling you that grace is absurd. The Lord breaks into our ordinary days and expectations in most unreasonable and incongruous ways. I once wrote a book about the phenomenon of grace found in unexpected places.

It's been my experience that the ordinary places of our every-day lives is where we most need grace. A place doesn't get more ordinary than "A" Level in the Medical Center. The walls were recently repainted an "earth" brown and the carpet replaced with a matching gray-brown pattern. It is the current thinking among design consultants that earth tones contribute to a healing environment, but in the absence of green, growing things "earth brown" looks like . . . well . . . dirt.

I notice that a few gurneys haven't quite cleared the turn into the elevator on the first try. There are vivid white scratches and scuff marks where the metal has scraped through to the drywall.

Lifting my fidgeting eyes I am surprised to see what I first perceive to be graffiti.  Psalm 46:10 in white calligraphy on the wall between two of the elevators -- "Be still and know that I am God." The "Mission and Culture" guys upstairs must have been at work.

My first reaction is to chuckle. This is a busy route to surgeries, colonoscopies, echocardiograms, angioplasties, and intensive care in the nine floors above me. Time is of the essence. Stillness is the last thing on anyone's mind when they come through here. "What's going to happen next?" is pretty much the question of the day.

No doubt prayers are prayed on the fly here. They are probably more of the "Help! Help! Help!" variety than any thoughtful reflection on the nature of the Deity. But I am only a lawyer passing through with a briefcase full of contracts. What do I know?

I take another look. "Be still and know that I am God" is a succinct statement of hope. That thought is the seed of healing grace planted in the earth tones of the walls and carpet. It is the first element of worship, the idea of the Doxology --

Praise God from Whom all blessings flow; 

Praise Him, all creatures here below . . . .

Before starting that elevator ride up for work, for diagnosis, for treatment, for surgery, for the hospital stay that has an uncertain outcome, the one essential truth to think about is that there is a God in charge of everything and he cares about us. Other thoughts shadow us  -- our illness, injuries, work, budgets, what we've left back home or in the classroom -- but this thought needs to stop us in our hasty, anxious tracks -- "Be still and know that I am God."

It is the reality of grace that the busier the day, the greater the need for a stillness of heart; and the more responsibilities and concerns that cram into our thinking, the less we need to know anyone or anything else but God.

I make it into an elevator on the third try and go on to my teleconference, but the Lord was kind to me when he made me wait here. As Jeremiah once observed during a particularly sad and difficult time --
 

The Lord is good to those who wait for him, 

   to the soul who seeks him. 

It is good that one should wait quietly 

   for the salvation of the Lord. 

                          Lam 3:25-26

Who knew that the elevator foyer of the Medical Center’s "A" level could be holy ground? The Word of the Lord come to life in a waiting heart makes it so.

Each summer, about a dozen students and recent graduates convene at Human Resources Management to begin their journey as a Loma Linda University Health management resident or business intern. Candidates experience a rigorous application process and a series of interviews for an opportunity to be part of the program, and are recruited from across the nation.

The program, founded in 2007, focuses on providing leadership opportunities for college students and recent graduates who are Seventh-day Adventist. The management residency and business internship program combines hands-on training and work experience with professional development to create a pipeline of dedicated, competent, and service-minded leaders for LLUH.  

Participants in the program are given the opportunity to use their talents, discovering the academic healthcare setting, and are encouraged to explore their passion for excellence and innovation. An international rotation has been added to the management residency, encouraging residents to participate in the global mission of LLUH.

Applications are due December 31, 2013. Visit llu.edu/hrm to apply or learn more about application requirements, or contact Shaunielle Abreu at sabreu@llu.edu. 

During the month of December, Printing Services is featuring a variety of holiday gifts and services. Work with a Printing Services designer to send customized holiday greeting cards to your family, friends, or favorite departments, or transform your favorite family photos to framed canvas art in a variety of sizes. For LLUH departments, order laminated, dry erase calendars with personalized logo and name.

Starting January 2014, Printing Services will offer customized embroidery and laser engraving services, and will be preparing for the opening of the Campus Ship, Pack, & Print Center in Spring 2014.

Printing Services provides LLUH and the surrounding community with professional printing, copying, graphic design, promotional marketing and specialized services. By bringing the most creative, economical, and efficient solutions, the department strives to assist the organization in daily business processes.

To learn more about Printing Services or to place an order call 909-558-4552 (ext. 44552), or e-mail printjob@llu.edu.

(1) Sweet potatoes – rich in dietary fiber, beta carotene and vitamin C

(2) Cranberries – contains fiber, vitamin C and Manganese

(3) Pomegranates – good source of vitamin C, Potassium and Polyphenols

(4) Pumpkin – good source of fiber vitamins A & C and Potassium

(5) Pecans – good source of protein and good fats

(6) Greens – good source of fiber, vitamins A, C, E and Calcium

(7) Brussle Sprouts – good source of fiber, vitamins A & C and Potassium

(8) Chestnuts – contains vitamin C and Manganese

(9) Apples – good source of fiber and vitamin C

(10) Figs – rich source of fiber, Calcium and Potassium

As you can see all of these foods have health benefits. For example, fiber helps maintain bowel health, lowers cholesterol levels and aids in weight loss. Vitamin C aids in the production of collagen, carnitine, and neurotransmitters and has antioxidant abilities. Vitamin A aids in vision, gene transcription and skin health.

So remember that not all holiday foods are unhealthy – when prepared in a conscientious way they can actually be good for you! This definitely makes it a happy holiday!

This article appeared originally in the Living Whole Newsletter, a communication resource providing by the Employee Wellness Program through LLUH Risk Management. To learn more about the Employee Wellness Program, call ext. 14007. 

Listed below are a few Christmas tree safety tips:

• Make sure your tree is fire retardant and has the proper label/certification on it. If you have chosen a fresh tree, make sure the needles are green and do not fall off when you touch them.
• Make sure your tree is at least 3 feet from any heat source (fireplaces, space heaters, etc.).
• Use lighting that is UL listed to decorate your tree. Plug in the lights directly into a wall outlet if possible; if not, use surge protected extension cords.
• Always turn off your Christmas lights before leaving your house or going to bed.
• After Christmas, don’t forget to throw your tree out (if you went with a live tree). If the needles on the tree fall off when you touch them, it’s time to get rid of it.

Do you have any tips you'd like to share? Visit the Speaking of Safety blog to get involved.

This post appears in “Speaking of Safety blog,” a two-way communication tool created to increase communication among LLUH safety coordinators and the Department of Environmental Health and Safety.

Explore challenges and opportunities of leadership in Staff Development's education opportunity "Pursuit of Excellence: Leadership Essentials." The class, offered Thursday, December 12 from 10:00 am until 12:00 pm, will cover how to begin developing the leader within each of us. 

Upon completion of the workshop, participants will be able to identify the characteristics of leadership and learn how to develop their leadership potential.

Learn more or register here.

Ingredients:

1 onion, chopped
2 garlic, minced
1 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
2 cups brown rice, cooked
2/3 cup dried cranberries
2/3 cup carrots, chopped
1 apple, peeled and grated
½ cup walnuts, chopped
2 tbsp. parsley, chopped
¼ oz. dried sage
¼ tsp. salt
3 acorn squash
½ cup dried cherries
1 cup low sodium vegetable broth

Directions:

1. In a small pan, sauté onion and garlic in oil over medium heat until soft but not browned.
2. Place in a large bowl and add cooked rice, cranberries, chopped carrot, peeled and grated apple, chopped walnuts, parsley, and sage.
3. Season with salt and pepper and set aside.
4. Preheat oven to 375°F.
5. Slice acorn squashes in half, and scrape out seeds and strings. Place face down in large casserole or roasting pan and fill with 1/2 inch of vegetable stock, and bake for 15 to 20 minutes.
6. Remove, reserve any remaining stock, and place face side up in pan.
7. Fill each cavity with about 1/2 to 2/3 cup stuffing. Drizzle with remaining stock, and cover tightly with foil. Bake until squashes are cooked and slightly soft to the touch, about 30 minutes.
8. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking.

Print this recipe.

Nutritional Facts Serv. Size: 1/2 squash, Amount Per Serving: Calories 360, Fat Cal. 10, Total Fat 10g (15% DV), Sat. Fat 1.5g (8% DV) Trans Fat 0g, Cholest. 0mg (0% DV), Sodium 140mg (6% DV), Total Carb. 67g (22% DV), Fiber 11g (44% DV), Sugars 24g, Protein 6g, Vitamin A (70% DV), Vitamin C (50% DV), Calcium (10% DV), Iron (15% DV). Percent Daily Values (DV) are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

For more wellness recipes, visit A Recipe for Success program at the Employee Wellness Program VIP Page.

"We’ve all learned the fire plan during new employee orientation, through B.L.U.E. Book, via Fire Extinguisher Training, at Fire Drills, ad infinitum," writes Preston. "So it should be automatic to initiate R.A.C.E. (Rescue, Alarm, Contain, Extinguish/Evacuate), right?"

Preston goes on to explain that sometimes in the face of an emergency, sometimes we don't always do what we think we would do.

"During the past several years, three fires have occurred inside our buildings where the employee’s response hasn’t followed the R.A.C.E. fire plan," writes Preston.

You can practice fire safety through department safety drills. "We have several scenarios that you can use for your next drill here.  This encourages employees to give situational thought to the implementation of RACE," Preston continues.

Read all three cases and fire safety tips from Environmental Health & Safety here.

Here are a few tips to help you travel through the holidays a little healthier.

1) Remember that when you reach your final destination, you will probably have plenty of food waiting for you. Try to make healthier choices on your way there like leaving out the fries and the soda.

2) It's likely that when you reach your destination, you will have many of your favorite items, so don't waste calories on things you don't really like or enjoy. Stick to the items that make your mouth water and leave everything else alone. 

3) For long road trips, pack snacks such as nuts, dried frut and baby carrots. This will keep you satisfied and you will not have to make as many stops. Plus you will not be as tempted to buy snacks at the gas station convenience store. 

4) Pack a peanut butter sandwich or hummus wrap if you are going to be flying. Most airports and airplanes do not have a variety of healthy food options. In addition, the food is expensive. Pack a banana or nuts to hold you over until you reach your destination. If you have to buy food, stick to the package of nuts at the magazine store, the fruit cup or oatmeal at the coffee shop. 

5) Always, always, always drink water. 

Traveling doesn't have to be bad for your health. It only takes some small changes to your regular travel routine and you will fly or drive your way right into better health! 

Olivia Moses, DrPH
Administrator, Wellness Program

In a typical healthcare education enterprise, the boundaries between research and treatment, practice, or training can seem blurred. This practical session will provide opportunity for interaction and dialogue to help researchers implement a decision framework for applying a human-subject determination. 

Examples will include case studies, program planning and evaluation, community and public health interactions, use of QA/QI data, needs assessment, and nuances of research involving archival data versus secondary data. 

Linda Halstead is Director of LLUH Research Protection Programs and serves as IRB Administrator. 

To RSVP or learn more e-mail lsarmiento@llu.edu.

View or print this event's flyer here.

Ingredients:

1 small fennel bulb, cored and finely diced, plus 1 tbsp. chopped fronds
1/2 cup pearl barley or short-grain brown rice
1 small carrot, finely chopped
1 shallot, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
2 cups low sodium vegetable broth
1/4 cup water, divided
1 1/2 tbsp. dry white wine, non-alcoholic
1 cup frozen French-cut green beans
1 tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese
2 tsp. freshly grated lemon zest
1/4 tsp. freshly ground pepper
1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
4 acorn squash, split and steamed

Directions:

Coat a 4-quart or larger slow cooker with cooking spray. Add diced fennel, barley, carrot, shallot and garlic into slow cooker. Add broth, water and non-alcoholic wine and stir to combine. Cover and cook until the barley is tender, but pleasantly chewy, and the liquid is thick and creamy, 2 1/2  hours on low.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Cut acorn squash in half. Remove seeds with spoon. In a 9x13 baking dish add 1/4 inch of water. Place squash inside down and bake for 30 minutes or until tender. Remove from oven and hold warm. Shortly before serving, cook green beans according to package instructions and drain. Turn off the slow cooker. Stir the green beans, Parmesan, lemon zest and pepper into the risotto. If it seems dry, add some warm water and stir into the risotto.

Serve sprinkled with the chopped fennel fronds and pomegranate seeds. Fill each split acorn and serve.

Print the recipe here.

Nutritional Facts Serv. Size: 2 cup, Amount Per Serving: Calories 200, Fat Cal. 10, Total Fat 1g (2% DV), Sat. Fat 0g (0% DV) Trans Fat 0g, Cholest. 0mg (0% DV), Sodium 110mg (5% DV), Total Carb. 48g (16% DV), Fiber 9g (36% DV), Sugars 10g, Protein 5g, Vitamin A (110% DV), Vitamin C (60% DV), Calcium (15% DV), Iron (15% DV). Percent Daily Values (DV) are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

For more wellness recipes, visit A Recipe for Success program at the Employee Wellness Program VIP Page.

Public education on the safe operation of appliances, heaters, fireplaces, and internal-combustion engines, as well as increased emphasis on the installation of carbon monoxide detectors are essential in preventing carbon monoxide poisonings.  According to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), “carbon monoxide detectors are as important to home safety as smoke detectors are.”

Read tips for Carbon Monoxide Safety and the rest of this Speaking of Safety blog post here.

This post appears in “Speaking of Safety blog,” a two-way communication tool created to increase communication among LLUH safety coordinators and the Department of Environmental Health and Safety.

Chris Kana, Fire Protection Systems Technician for Environmental Health & Safety, explains why the alarms are important and how they work in this week's Speaking of Safety blog. 

View the blog post here. 

For questions or to learn more about Environmental Health & Safety, call ext. 14018, or e-mail EHS@llu.edu.

Brett McPherson, Emergency Management Supervisor, discusses interesting facts about HAM radio in this week's edition of Speaking of Safety. HAM radio is even used by astronauts in space to easily communicate with earth, he explains. 

Learn more about HAM radio at LLU Health and how you can get involved here.

Pumpkin Cream of Wheat

This recipe is vegan and soy-free. 

Select the picture to watch the FET Special Sessions Trailer

In this week's edition of Speaking of Safety, Preston Brown, Fire Safety Technician for Environmental Health & Safety, introduces a new way to complete departmental triennial fire extinguisher training. 

View Environmental Health & Safety's Fire Extinguisher Training Trailer video and read more about how your department can complete the training on the Speaking of Safety blog. 

Interested in learning more about how Apple computers fit into the LLU Health enterprise information technology structure? Attend TechTalk, an Apple corporate hosted lunch Friday, October 25, 2013 from 10 a.m. till 1 p.m. at the Centennial Complex. Apple representatives and technology specialists will be on-campus to present the newest Apple products and answer questions.

As an Authorized Apple Campus Store, the Campus Computer Store offers basic technical support and assistance purchasing or operating Apple® devices. Also find technology accessories, books, gifts, and Loma Linda University apparel at the Campus Store, located in the Campus Plaza adjacent to the Loma Linda Market.

For more information or learn more about pricing on other one-day offers, call Vincent Garcia, LLU Campus Computer Store manager, at (909) 558-4129, or on campus at ext. 44129.

To learn about services provided by the Campus Store, call (909) 558-4567 or visit www.llu.bncollege.com.

*For individual purchase only, while supplies last.

Join the new Leadership Conversations discussion groups, offered by Staff Development. The groups are facilitated by Dr. David Penner, and discuss a variety of leadership topics for a ten-week period.

Search for "Leadership Conversations" in the OWL Portal to register. Space is limited. 

Contact Staff Development at ext. 33500 to learn more. 

Employee and patient safety are the primary focus of the Office of Radiation Safety. The office has recently “updated and implemented a program to ensure compliance governing the use of radioactive materials in health care,” explains Cal Glisson, Director of Radiation Safety.  This program will provide training to patient care personnel and will assist clinical departments in development of procedures for medical use of radioactive materials.

Cal Glisson explains that the department worked together to accomplish a number of goals to execute the program.  As part of the effort, Radiation Safety executed annual quality testing of x-ray machines, as well as strategies to monitor and calculate patient radiation dose.  The team assisted with the American College of Radiology accreditation, implemented regulatory compliance monitoring, and provided consulting services.

The Office of Radiation Safety provides radiation safety services across the LLU Health entity.  Major responsibilities involve management of the laser safety program for LLU Health Care, the maintenance of the institutional Radioactive Material License issued by the State of California, and management of the radiation-generating equipment program.

The Radiation Safety team also provides radioactive waste management, dosimetry badge management, employee training, and other services to the campus. The team, led by Cal Glisson, includes Janel Mikhail, Assistant Radiation Safety Officer; Katharine Fayram, Health Physicist & Laser Safety Officer; Ervin Bannis, Health Physics Technician; and Cheryl Ketchens, Coordinator – Radiation Safety. To learn more about the Office of Radiation Safety, call (909) 651-4003. 

Explore the beta site here, then click the link to “Access PolicyTech Beta Site.”

Please note that institutional documents are still being added to the system, thus the existing institutional docs web pages will remain active until the full transition to PolicyTech is complete (anticipated January, 2014) at which time the legacy sites will be removed. Please refer to the instructions on VIP for accessing current institutional documents. There are also instructions that will guide you step-by-step on how to work in PolicyTech. 

Situation and Background

As LLU Health continues to grow, we find ourselves struggling to maintain the growing tide of policies associated with new laws and regulations. Our policy managers are often frustrated by the challenge of never-ending policy updates and publishing them to our employees in a timely manner. 

A team led by DP Harris, LLU Vice President for Information Services and Academic Information Systems, has crafted a solution (PolicyTech) that will automate creation, review, approval, and archival of institutional documents for the entire LLU Health enterprise. With electronic document management, version control, and automated workflow capabilities, maintaining these important documents will become much simpler. Rules-based workflows and alerts will keep policies moving through the process, alerting owners and managers about unread policies, and even reminding policy owners when to update or retire policies. In addition, PolicyTech provides advanced search capabilities that should dramatically improve the employee experience when searching for institutional documents. 

Questions? 

Please contact Jeremy Hubbard by e-mail at jehubbard@llu.edu, or by phone at ext. 48172.

Recently, the organization was cited regarding placement of waste receptacles by the Joint Commission survey. Henry Cairus explains, "We could easily be cited for this again if we are not intentional about compliance and where we place our waste receptacles." It is important to review the organizational guidelines for these containers in this Speaking of Safety blog post.

Mihray Sharip, in her post Labels, Labels, Labels, describes the importance of labels on waste receptacles, especially the biohazard containers.  "The label is the communication tool to identify the hazard and risk," she explains. 

Review guidelines and further explanation on these two issues in the Speaking of Safety blog. For questions regarding waste receptacles or other safety topics, contact the Environmental Health & Safety department at 909-651-4018, or on-campus at ext. 14018.

MARIA VALVERDE'S 

“A lot of people here have a big heart,” Maria says. “One of the things I like is that before everything people say, ‘We need to pray.’ Every time you need help there is always somebody willing to help you, through listening, giving advice or helping in any way they can.”

Having worked at Loma Linda University Health (LLU Health) for a total of 16 years, including spending time as a Registered Dental Assistant at SACHS Norton, Maria knows LLU Health well. 

“Coming to work is like being at home,” explains Maria. “I commute forty-two miles each way, but I’m happy to come every day. It’s a blessing for me, and I have wonderful friends and wonderful people that I work with.”

When asked what motivates her each day, Maria exclaims, “To help people.”  Maria assists with donors reaching the organization through the Foundation Grants department. 

“Whenever they call, I try to help them as much as I can, and direct them to the right person,” says Maria. 

Outside of work, Maria is always excited to serve at LLU Health.

“I love to volunteer!” Maria explains enthusiastically. Maria annually volunteers for the Children’s Hospital Gala, Children’s Hospital Foundation Radiothon and for other events throughout LLU Health as needed. One of Maria’s biggest joys in life is the time with her 19 month old grandson, Ethan. She also enjoys frequent family and friend visits from her home country of Costa Rica.

Maria’s smile illuminates the room as she says, “Here at LLU Health,” she says. “I like the way that we help people through our mission.”

♦◊♦

MICHAEL BAUTISTA, a Grants Officer for Foundation Grants, is a storyteller. It’s his goal to tell the story of LLU Health to his community and to the world. Michael formerly worked with the Children’s Hospital Foundation, where he prompted conversations with the community about supporting funding initiatives.

“Being able to go out and talk with community groups and give them updates and tell them about what they’re doing for children globally by supporting programs here at LLU Health,” says Michael, “Is a highlight as far as my experience here.”

Michael strongly believes in the mission of LLU Health, and values those others around the organization that support this as the purpose behind what they do.

“Everybody comes to work here for the mission first,” explains Michael. “To work with colleagues and physician faculty that have that drive towards mission, it makes each experience that much more important.”

Recently joining the Foundation Grants team, Michael continues his work with the Children’s Hospital Foundation, and also covers grants and foundations for the organization’s hospitals and schools.

“I have the opportunity to explain to people the mission behind what we do here, why we do what we do, and why we’ve been here for over a century,” Michael says. “Being able to tell that story to people in other countries or other states and have that type of conversation makes the mission very meaningful.”

Outside of work, Michael enjoys incorporating his family into this mission.

“As a parent living in Loma Linda, being able to bring my children to events on campus or at the Drayson Center, and having my family be involved in what we do is probably one of my favorite things about being here."

Summer Buggin': Combatting Pests

Learn more about combatting pests on Environmental Health & Safety's Speaking Safety blog.  

Loma Linda University Health employees, faculty, and students are also eligible to receive the Apple® education discount on qualifying Apple® computers, including MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and iMac. This discount is available year-round, and can be combined with the Back to School promotion.

As an Authorized Apple Campus Store, the Campus Store offers basic technical support and assistance on Apple® devices. Also find technology accessories, books, gifts, and Loma Linda University apparel at the Campus Store, located in the Campus Plaza adjacent to the Loma Linda Market.

For more information regarding receiving a free $100 or $50 app card through the Back to School offer, or to learn more about Apple products at the Campus Store, call (909) 558-4129 (on-campus ext. 44129). To learn about other services provided by the Campus Store, call (909) 558-4567 or visit www.llu.bncollege.com. 

♦◊♦

ANGEL QUINN, a Data Specialist for Philanthropy Services, knows that it was the hand of God that led her here to work at Loma Linda. Angel previously worked at a non-profit counseling center. The center was downsizing, so Angel was looking for new opportunities. Angel saw the job posting for her position in Philanthropy, and was going to apply for the position at Human Resources, but had to leave unexpectedly to pick up her husband.

“I went and got him, then came back and the position had been taken down already,” Angel explains “I was discouraged because the description of the position was so similar to what I was doing at my previous job.”

Angel had been praying about it, and decided to call about the position anyway.

“They transferred me to Ramona at the front desk of Philanthropy Services. She told me that although the position had been taken down, she would talk to the director and have him call me back,” says Angel. “I thought to myself, ‘The director’s not going to call me back. He’s probably a really busy person!’”

The director did call Angel back and asked her to apply, then asked her to come in for an interview. The evening after her interview, Angel accepted a job at Loma Linda, a decision she doesn’t regret.

“We start the week with worship and we close the week with worship. That is something I haven’t seen anywhere else. You don’t dread coming because you’re not afraid to talk about God and to pray,” says Angel. “They really care about the employees.”

Angel enjoys work in a place where spirituality and wholeness are a central part of work, and where service is a main focus.

“Working in Philanthropy, if there’s a situation where the child is hurting or in need, you can connect with the right people and things can happen,” explains Angel. “We get involved, and it’s a different mentality here. It’s just been amazing and I love working here.” 

♦◊♦

RAMONA JACKSON, an assistant in Philanthropy Services, believes in living to give back.

“When you’ve been given to, you pass it forward, you give back and you share,” says Ramona. “And you just watch God work in ways that you’ve never seen, that only the hand of God can do.”

Enthusiastic about the mission that she lives every day, Ramona enjoys coming to work.

“I sincerely love what I do because this organization has truly blessed me,” she continues. 

Shortly before Ramona started working here at Loma Linda, her daughter was diagnosed with breast cancer, a difficult journey during which she says she wasn’t travelling alone.

“I had so many people – even people I didn’t know – that were right there supporting me and helping me along the way,” continues Ramona.

“To be part of such a movement is to be part of something greater than me. I’m grateful to God to be part of this, and that’s why I get up and come to work every day. There are sick people here. And there are young people trying to go to school, and there are researchers who are discovering new cures,” Ramona says. “For me, to allow the Holy Spirit to use me in a way that I can be a difference, and that someone may see Christ in me, that’s what it’s all about.”

Even though Ramona has been part of the Adventist church her whole life, she never knew God would lead her here.
“I used to think God brought me here because of my daughter. But it is far greater than that. Because I know one day I will see my daughter again, and I’m thankful for the opportunity to be involved,” says Ramona. “It’s not about fame, it’s about getting this work done so that we can go home to be with our Savior.”

Watch Ramona’s Story

The Fire Drill Initiation Training Webinar which has been conducted every few months on WebEx has now been replaced within OWL by a training video.  This new method brings more efficiency to the training by reducing the time spent in training from 45-60 minutes to 20 minutes.  It is also available anytime and anywhere that your schedule permits.

If you are responsible for conducting fire drills for your department, this training will provide valuable insights for performing effective fire drills.  It will also provide you with the logic behind why we drill, who is responsible and what tools are available to you.

To register and participate in this OWL course, log in to the OWL Portal and search “Fire Drill Initiation Training” under the self-register link.  Be sure to spread the word about this training opportunity as we all prepare for Joint Commission’s arrival.

After you take the course, we’d love to hear your feedback, especially if you have any suggestions for improving this or future courses. 

Good luck and happy drilling!

Go to the Speaking of Safety blog to watch a short video on fire drill training by clicking the image below. 

Read more about other safety issues in Environmental Health & Safety's "Speaking of Safety" blog. 

For questions regarding Environmental Health & Safety or the "Speaking of Safety" blog, please contact Vicki Brown at vibrown@llu.edu. 

Remember, our first operational thought is Safety, which is a shared responsibility across our fine organization.  If handling a chemical and there is a spill or release, get to a Safe location: even if the substance is relatively benign.  Do a self assessment to ensure you are not contaminated.  If you are contaminated, then change your level D protective clothing (aka everyday work wear) and wash hands or body & flush eyes as needed. 

The big miss-step I have seen is in Isolating the spill.  If a person spills a chemical that they work with everyday they may take this situation for granted.  Even when I am notified of a spill, I have shown up and witnessed people still working in the area, and even though your diligence is inspirational, it is not Safe to yourself or the environment.  Additionally, it complicates the spill cleanup process via cross contamination.  Walking through the contaminated area only slows the remediation process because it will take longer to properly clean a larger area from tracking it around.  Isolation is a very important step in the SIN method, ifIsolation does not take place than Safety is not an operational thought.

Once the area is Safely Isolated, Notifications must be made.  First, communicate this information to people who work in the area (including supervisors); they can help with Isolation.  Most units and labs have a limited capability to Safely clean up small spills, if you can do it Safely, clean up the spill.  At this point, submit a hazardous waste removal form to EH&S which can be found on our web page.  If the chemical spill is beyond your capability or you need technical assistance, please notify us immediately.  After hours Security Control Center has our on-call group on speed dial—someone is always available to help.

Read more about other safety issues in Environmental Health & Safety's "Speaking of Safety" blog. 

For questions regarding Environmental Health & Safety or the "Speaking of Safety" blog, please contact Vicki Brown at vibrown@llu.edu. 

Donna Samson

Join us as we congratulate Donna on many years of dedicated service

Date: Thursday, August 22, 2013
Time: 2:30pm - 4:00pm
Location: LLUAHSC Conference Room, Chan Shun Pavilion 11008

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention about 90% of Americans eat more sodium than is recommended for a healthy diet. The majority of adults should aim to stay below 1,500 milligrams of sodium a day with being careful not to exceed 2,300 milligrams according to the Institute of Medicine and the current dietary guidelines for all Americans. To put this into perspective 1 teaspon of salt contains 2,325 mg of sodium. Therefore, reading food labels and identifying foods that are high in sodium is important. 

The American Heart Association has come up with the "The Salty Six". These are popular high sodium foods that can sabotage your low sodium goals. Using fresh foods and limiting/eliminating prepackaged items can make a big differences in your sodium intake. In addition, making foods at home allows you to monitor how much salt is in your foods.

At times we lose sight of the fact that what we eat every day can have a profound impact on our health, longevity, and quality of life. We must continue to realize that the seemingly small things we do every day for our health really matter. Therefore, today let's make a decision that at our next meal we will improve our salt intake!

Republished with permission from the Living Whole Newsletter, Spring 2013. To learn more about the Living Whole Employee Wellness Program, click here.

This form is required to be completed on the first month of each quarter (January/April/July/October) before the required deadline, which is indicated in the reminder email that is sent out by Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S). If the deadline has past, it is still important to complete it and document any observed deficiencies. Once the form has been completed, the department should ensure that all observations are presented to the appropriate department (i.e., Environmental Services, Facilities Management, Clinical Engineering, department staff). These departments are responsible for repairs and/or follow-up (depending on the finding). Once the deficiency is forwarded to the appropriate department, it is important that the department ensures that the correction(s) has been made.

Departments are not required and should not send their forms to EH&S. The responsibility of follow-up is on the department staff only. Instead, use the department of EH&S as a resource if you should have any questions or would like additional help in coordinating your corrective action.

Article continues on Environmental Health & Safety's blog, Speaking of Safety. Visit Speaking of Safety to access forms for the Environment of Care Self-Tour and University Safety Checklist. 

Kelly explains that the mission statement of the department is “ to partner with external corporations to maximize marketing and philanthropy opportunities.” Formerly organizing marketing campaigns and events for Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital, Kelly admits that corporate relations is a new focus for LLUH as a whole. Kelly hopes to orchestrate strategies across the organization to foster “one conversation” with corporate partners, leveraging the remarkable product set that LLUH has to offer.

One of the first initiatives of Strategic Alliances has is to create an “event program menu” that touches each area of the organization. Kelly explains that this type of understanding will provide internal and external sponsors with a comprehensive list of opportunities to support LLUH, and designates this approach as “maximizing our relationship.” This will also offer internal stakeholders of LLUH – students, employees, and patients – a better understanding of organizational events and accomplishments.

The road to establishing corporate relationships is one still to be explored in the coming weeks and months. “The first step,” says Kelly, “is to identify our goals.” Strategic Alliances will continue to promote collaboration across the organization, uniting development initiatives, as LLUH becomes a national name for healthcare, research, education, and wholeness

Arlene realizes that her job is one that affects not only the employees involved, but also their teammates and the entire department. “I depend on the mission and values to guide me as I review and investigate the facts presented by each challenge.”

Arlene appreciates that she has the opportunity to incorporate her spiritual life at work. “The whole idea that we embrace God in our every day work is so important. It’s a big part of who I am, so away from work I still get to be the same person that I am here.”

“I have worked in Employee Relations for eleven years,” Arlene continues, “And I know how fortunate I am to have spent these years working for an institution that provides staff an opportunity to embrace the ministry of Christ in our thoughts, words and actions.”

“The work that is done by Employee Relations assures that our most valuable commodity – staff – are provided a work environment that is safe, fair, and directed by comprehensive policies and procedures, as well as compassion.” Arlene says.

Arlene enjoys sharing her other talents with the Human Resources team. “The serious nature of my work is balanced with a life shared with a spiritual and loving family, and the pursuit of my interest in art,” Arlene smiles. “I thank God for the gift he has given me and enjoy sharing my art and teaching others how to paint.”

Arlene’s watercolor paintings have been hung at the Drayson Center, Human Resources, and other locations around campus.

◊◊◊

“As an employee I know Loma Linda University Health encourages and expects me to uphold its values, contributing to and living the mission even when I’m off work,” begins Harold Ghosh.

For Harold, a Senior Records Analyst for Human Resources (HR), the way that he goes about work extends beyond the hours of “8 to 5.” “I think the mission of Loma Linda is not limited your working hours. It’s a way of life. What we represent at work, we also represent outside of work,” Harold explains.

Harold is committed to “servant leadership” after 5 o’clock, when he serves three elderly gentlemen.

“Every day before I come to work, I prepare breakfast, I prepare their medications, I make their beds, and then I come to work every day.” Harold explains. “I also have opportunities to help others as I help my wife with her private patients and friends.”

Harold tells the story of one patient who, despite a severe medical condition, was full of joy in her newfound faith. One day when Harold and his wife went to visit, the patient said, “Harold, do you know that I’ve become a Christian? And I am so happy!”

“In our brief visit,” Harold remembers, “The patient said, ‘I have a song that I sing about it, and this is how the song goes, ‘I am happy today, I am happy today, in Jesus Christ I am happy today, for he has taken all my sins away, and that’s why I’m happy today.’”

Harold explains how touching this moment was for him. “I saw what a conversion experience can be like for someone who has never known Christ.”

The patient passed away a few months later and was unable to reach Harold or his wife, but gave another nurse a message to deliver to the couple.

With tears in his eyes, Harold continues, “The nurse said, ‘A few weeks ago before the patient died, she asked ‘Can you get a message to Harold and his wife?’ The nurse got busy and forgot, but just before the patient passed away, the pateint said, ‘Tell Harold he has an appointment to meet me in Heaven.’”

Harold and his wife also took care of a visitor to their church who was interested in learning more about being a Christian. “We started visiting her at home and became great friends. We would go Friday evenings and I would tell parables from the Bible,” says Harold. “We talked about the life of Christ, how he healed and how he talked.”

Remembering how he told her about the story of salvation, Harold explains how their friend came to be a Christian, and loved to sing songs about Heaven.

In closing Harold explains, “This is what Loma Linda is all about. People from all over the world come here to be trained and educated, and then they go back out into the world to serve as physicians, health educators, and administrators. So if we as employees can go outside on the street or go to Redlands or wherever our friends are, we are accomplishing and fulfilling the mission of Loma Linda.” 

As part of this initiative, Real Estate Management recently assisted in remodeling the LLUAHSC 101 building, as well as supporting affiliated departments in moving into the building. The new building provides a pleasant, well-designed space where departments that work together are able to be in a close proximity or share conference rooms for better communication. Real Estate Management defines this method of organization as “capitalizing on commonalities.”

As the campus prepares for growth and development, Real Estate Management is assisting with land preparation for vacant properties that soon will turn into offices, classrooms, and clinical centers. Each year striving to sustain the appearance and accessibility of campus edifices, some buildings have received recent modernizations, including the Loma Linda Market, the Campus Store, and the Del Webb Library.

Brian Kirk, director for Real Estate Management will assure you that managing properties in the Southern California area is not without its unique occurrences. He tells the story of a miraculous incident earlier this summer when wildfires burned below the mountains to the northeast of Loma Linda. The fires swept through the valley and reached fifty head of cattle that were grazing on six hundred acres owned by the organization.

The cattle ran parallel to the fire as it moved across the property, endangering the livestock. After some time, the wind suddenly changed directions, providing the cattle an opportunity to run to a section of the field that had already been burned. After each of the cattle had moved to the safety of the scorched area, the wind changed direction again, causing the fire to consume the remainder of the property but leave the cattle unharmed.

Real Estate Management is also responsible for managing the University’s rental properties available to students.

To learn more about Real Estate Management, call ext. 44374 or stop by the department. Brian Kirk invites the campus to visit the office anytime. “Stop by for a good chat and good food!”

Read more about safety coordinators and other safety topics in Environmental Health & Safety's "Speaking of Safety" blog. For questions regarding Environmental Health & Safety or the "Speaking of Safety" blog, please contact Vicki Brown at vibrown@llu.edu. 

Each Unit or Department in the MC, CHC, EC, and FMO are being outfitted with new language line dual handset phones or devices that will allow the Units’ staff to easily reach an interpreter.   The dual handset phones will automatically dial our in-house interpreters at LLUMC Language Services extension 42445 first.  If Language Services is busy or unavailable for interpretation it will automatically connect to Language Line Services.  You will be asked for your Department’s information.  That information has been pre-printed on each phone for your convenience.  

You can still dial from any LLUSS extension to connect to an in-house interpreter by dialing x42445 and again if they are busy you will be connected to a menu, which will give you the option of leaving a message for the in-house interpreter and automatically page them, or you can hang up and page an in-house interpreter at pager # 3715, or you can be connected directly to Language Line Services.

“When I see someone in this situation then maybe I can help heal with information that I have," He says. "We’re not directly involved with patients, but we can help each other through those difficult times.”

Fred is also passionate about extending health and healing to the surrounding community. Throughout the past decade, Fred has volunteered during his free time with the Loma Linda University Hospice Services and at the Children’s Hospital. He explains how these acts of service, in addition to his experience as an HRIS employee, helped provide a different perspective for him when was admitted into the Medical Center. 

“I was an inpatient for about ten days, and then I was at home for about three months. I got to see the Medical Center from the inside out,” Fred remembers. “I was no longer a worker supporting the nurses and doctors, suddenly I got to see the organization that I had worked so long to support – now taking care of me.”

The experience enlightened Fred as to his role. “It was a real eye-opener. How much more you appreciate something when suddenly you’re not behind the scenes, you are the scene,” Fred says. “I recognize that I’m support staff – I’m not on the front line of patient care – but I know that everything I do has a direct effect on those people who are on the front lines.”  

Fred is committed to making the place he works an uplifting and joyful one. Between his leadership and initiative to turn the department break room bulletin board into an advent calendar over the holidays last year, or writing inspiring and humorous quotes for the framed canvas photos in the HRIS conference room, Fred wants to ensure that he is helping make the office a more fulfilling place to work.

“You always know also that the moment you hit the door, somebody is going to come up and say ‘Help!’ in any number of ways," Fred explains. "I’m always thinking of what can I do to make somebody else’s life easier or more enjoyable.”

Encouraging his fellow employees with uplifting humor and support, Fred smiles as he explains, “Sometimes if things look dark, you look for the light. That’s what I try to do. The silver linings are on the dark clouds.”

◊◊◊ 

NANCY HADAWAY, an Application Analyst for HRIS, has a long-standing history with Loma Linda. “I’ve worked here for nearly thirty-seven years,” she says with a smile. For Nancy, that’s something to brag about.

“I love working here!” she explains, “I can’t imagine working anywhere else.”

Nancy has spent the last eighteen months in HRIS, a department that has been a highlight for her.   

“I enjoy being part of HRIS because the crew here is very dedicated. We serve employees, not patients,” Nancy explains, “But I’m really pleased how dedicated everybody is in serving the employees. That’s really important, because so many of the employees then serve the patients.”

Living out the mission of Loma Linda with this perspective in mind, Nancy feels inspired. “It’s the understanding that ultimately it’s for the patient, even though my role is more for the employees,” Nancy continues. “To make everything run smoothly for them, giving them some of the tools they need to make their job better, faster, easier, and more pleasing. I feel that’s how we serve the mission here.”

Nancy is thankful that Loma Linda is a little different than anywhere else that she has worked.  

“One of the things that I’m very grateful for is working for an institution where you can pray. You start your day with worship, or you pray before a meeting begins. I don’t know if employees take that for granted, but it’s very unusual. And I feel very blessed to work in a place that allows that.”

When asked about her favorite part about coming to work, Nancy doesn’t hesitate.

“The people you work with,” she says, then continues, "and also that everybody takes pride in their work and doing an excellent job. I’m still in a learning phase of this job. I learn by watching the way that the rest of the staff take their work to the ‘nth’ level to make sure that everything runs smoothly.”

Nancy loves to tell people about how Loma Linda is a great place to work.

“When I’m talking with someone I have just met, and they ask ‘Where do you work?’ I tell them ‘Loma Linda!’ with a lot of pride,” Nancy admits, “Almost everybody you meet has a story about having a loved one here as a patient. It’s great to be able to tell them, ‘It’s a wonderful place to work, too!’”

“We’re here on campus as a supportive resource to all the employees, students and their immediate families,” explains Shelby Roemer, “We’re here for people when they’re in crisis, or for people that just really want to make their lives healthier and more fulfilling.” Shelby is the Director of the Employee and Student Assistance Program (E&SAP), a department that provides free, short-term, counseling services.

“Our mission statement is about making man whole,” continues Mara Mulinari, a therapist for the E&SAP. “Making man whole has different facets, and we’re the emotional part of making man whole. We may not be able to take care of someone physically, but we are part of a big tapestry that represents what this organization is here for.” 

Mara has been at Loma Linda University Health organization for almost twenty-five years, and feels honored to be able to contribute to the journey of others. “People entrust us with their pain, with their brokenness,” Mara says, “We are lucky to be part of this journey of healing.”

“I think our clients  have a very positive experience,” says Shelby, “They come here, they’re treated with respect and they get the support and direction to make their lives healthier and more fulfilling.” Mara agrees that each employee or student must feel welcome and comfortable sharing for their department to be effective. 

“It’s important for us to be open and  help our clients feel safe. It’s difficult to walk in and tell a complete stranger your deepest pain,” she says. “One of the core values of our organization that stands out to me is compassion. We couldn’t be here and do this job if we didn’t have compassion.” 

It takes more than compassion, but also a coordination of efforts of the whole team to continue to provide this service. “If we weren’t a team,” explains Mara, “If we didn’t work together and use our strengths it would be impossible to meet the needs of each person we serve.” 

“We are a very small department,” continues Shelby. “We are all involved in every aspect of our program. We triage phone calls and I think that’s something that keeps us all very connected. We make sure that every person that comes in here has a very similar experience.”

Both Shelby and Mara admit that they must make a concerted effort to make sure wholeness is also a part of their own lives, which allows them to better serve others.
“We encourage each other to do the things that we tell others to do,” says Mara. “Just like a lot of the caregivers in this institution – a nurse is giving, a doctor is giving, administration is giving – every portion is about giving in some way. You have to be filled to be able to give in the best way possible.”

Shelby discusses how she considers this as part of what E&SAP is. “I think in our profession we are encouraged to always balance,” she says. “We are often presented with some really overwhelming situations, and you have to learn how to take care of yourself in your own life.” 

Being part of the E&SAP team isn’t a job for Shelby and Mara, it’s their passion. “I feel very blessed to be here and to have the opportunity to make a difference,” Shelby states.

“I think blessed is a really great word for it,” agrees Mara. “We are blessed.”  

Well, in slightly more technical terms, a strength is the ability to consistently produce a nearly perfect positive outcome in a specific task. Strengths are counted on, and they are appreciated.

Consider these people who consistently deliver a nearly perfect performance on a specific task.

• A waiter who is consistently one step ahead of your needs
• A call center representative who quickly “wins over” every upset customer
• A nurse who routinely administers injections so smoothly that patients “don’t feel a thing”

These are examples of people performing with strength. How did these strengths develop?

First, strength requires talent. Our talents help us understand who we are. Talents are a person’s innate abilities – what we do without even thinking about it. They are what a person does well – naturally. You might even say our talents are hard-wired.

Second, strength develops from investment. If we want to use our talents productively, we must invest in them. We do this by thinking about how we can add our current knowledge and skills to our talents. Additionally, we want to think about what new knowledge and skills we need to be even more effective.

We also invest in our talents through patience. As we become aware of our talents, we can practice using them every day. The investment of skills, knowledge, and practice propels us to strength – the ability to consistently produce a specific positive outcome.

Talent (natural way of thinking, feeling, or behaving)
X
Investment (time spent practicing, developing your skills, and building your knowledge)
____________________________________________________________________________
= Strength (the ability to consistently provide near-perfect performance)

Source: Gallup Introduction to Strengths-based Development

Republished with permission from the "Developing Your Strengths" May 2013 newsletter, written and published by LLUHC Health Information Management. For more information on "Developing Your Strengths," contact saabates@llu.edu.

Featuring stories of hope and courage, Loma Linda University Health’s TV show portrays the resilience of humankind and celebrates life. Produced by Advancement Films, the show won Emmys in multiple categories at the 39th Annual Pacific Southwest Emmy Awards on June 15.

The Winning Shows

“Loma Linda 360: Beating Cancer” won an Emmy Award in the magazine program/special category. The first episode of season four, it gives viewers an inside look at the journey of cancer patients, cutting-edge proton therapy, and the celebration of survival at the annual Believe Walk event.

In the health/science program category, the Academy awarded “Loma Linda 360: Heart to Heart.” In this episode, the Escarcega family’s worst nightmare becomes a harrowing reality. Their newborn baby is slowly dying from congenital heart disease. Doctors tell them it’s the beginning of the end … unless a heart becomes available for transplant surgery. Will Baby David receive a heart in time? “Heart to Heart” follows Baby David’s journey and reflects on the pioneering efforts of infant heart transplantation with Baby Fae.

“End It Now: A Look Into Preventing Child Abuse” won in the public/current/community affairs category. This episode gives viewers an inside look at child abuse and the dramatic effect it has on people’s lives as they mature into adulthood.

In the human interest category, the Academy awarded the story “Who I Am.” Words can’t describe how traumatic life is after a disabling injury. This film features four PossAbilities members as they show how one’s identity isn’t about physical capabilities, but about who you are on the inside.

“Can You See My Pain” won the Emmy Award in the informational/instructional category. About one in five teens cuts or self-injures his or her body. This episode tells the story of three young adolescents who strive to live life without hurting themselves and raises awareness about this notorious coping mechanism.

Third Year in a Row

This is the show’s third year to win Emmy Awards. The last season saw Emmy wins in four categories, and season two swept its categories by taking home three Emmy Awards.

Season four of “Loma Linda 360” aired last year on the PBS affiliate KVCR and KVCR-DC as well as the CBS and ABC affiliates in the Palm Springs area. It is currently airing on Hope Channel and Loma Linda Broadcasting Network, and can be viewed online at llu.edu/360, www.youtube.com/user/LLUHealth, and vimeo.com/channels/lomalinda360.

Advancement Films is currently in production on a new TV show called “Life on the Line” that is being planned for release on PBS stations nationally.

Loma Linda University Campus Tech Store is located within the Loma Linda University Campus Store, and provides Apple technology at educational pricing for the students, faculty, staff and employees of Loma Linda University Health. The store recently marked its remodel with a grand opening celebration in February. 

The Campus Store continues to celebrate grads and new alumni with Loma Linda University Alumni apparel,  gifts, diploma frames, and more. Stop by the Campus Store, located next to the Loma Linda Market, to learn more or call (909) 558-4567.

Quantities and models of third-generations iPads are limited. Save an additional $50 off of laptops, which also qualify for education pricing. For more information, call the Loma Linda University Campus Tech Store at (909) 558-4129.

Shield harmful rays

The best way to lower the risk of skin cancer is to avoid intense sunlight for long periods of time and to practice sun safety. Tanning booths and sunlamps are not a safe alternative to natural sun—they use UV rays that can still cause damage. Follow these easy precautions:

• Avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

• Look for shade, especially in the middle of the day when the sun’s rays are strongest

• Cover up with protective clothing to guard as much skin as possible when you are out in the sun

• Use sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 30 or higher; reapply after swimming, toweling dry or perspiring (it is recommended to apply a full ounce with each application)

• Cover your head with a wide-brimmed hat, shading your ears, face and neck

Don’t close your eyes to the danger

Although drowning isn’t age specific, children four years and younger have the highest deathrate due to drowning. Most incidents occur when a child falls into a pool or is left alone in the bathtub. Keep yourself and your children safe with these tips:

• Never leave a child alone near water: on the beach, at a pool or in the bathtub

• Take swim lessons – everyone needs the skills to be able to swim

• Follow the 10/20 rule around water (a supervising adult needs to position themselves to scan the area within 10 seconds and reach the water within 20 seconds)

• If you own a pool, make sure to be trained in infant and child CPR

Read more about summer safety and other safety issues in Environmental Health & Safety's "Speaking of Safety" blog. 

For questions regarding Environmental Health & Safety or the "Speaking of Safety" blog, please contact Vicki Brown at vibrown@llu.edu. 

When planning for a potential emergency, the basics of survival are important. Always consider the following items when creating your emergency preparedness kit.

An emergency supply kit should include:

• Water (one gallon per person, per day for at least three days)
• Enough nonperishable food (for at least three days) and can opener
• Battery-powered radio
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Tool kit
• Moist towelettes and garbage bags for sanitation
• Plastic sheeting and duct tape
• Cell phone and portable charger

Additional items to consider:

• Prescription medications and glasses
• Pet food and extra water for pet
• Important family documents stored in a waterproof container
• Cash and change
• Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
• Matches in a waterproof container

Practice makes perfect

Make sure your family has a plan in case of an emergency, and practices it at least twice a year. Drills are especially crucial for fires, but are also valuable for natural disasters. 

Read more about emergency preparedness and other safety issues in Environmental Health & Safety's "Speaking of Safety" blog. 

For questions regarding Environmental Health & Safety or the "Speaking of Safety" blog, please contact Vicki Brown at vibrown@llu.edu. 

Over the past several months, the Printing & Mail Services departments have been targeting innovative strategies to expand efficiency and innovation in processes such as delivery to the campus.

Since January alone, Mail Services has processed over 310,000 external pieces of mail, and nearly 400,000 internal pieces, including letters, large envelopes, and packages. To accommodate the estimated 12,500 total pieces processed each day, Mail Services recently evaluated and revised each of their routes and procedures for greater speed and accuracy. Even in handling everything from intercampus mail envelopes to patient records and hazmat items, Mail Services has received just five returned items since the beginning of the year.  

As Mail Services is implementing efficiency gains, Printing Services is increasing the speed and accuracy of processes on campus through their new electronic forms service. Partnering with Enterprise Content Solutions (ECS), Printing Services is taking the “printing” out of forms by designing forms that function online. Using Liquid Office, a software suite incorporating process automation and digital workflow, Printing Services and ECS have worked to digitize departmental paper forms, as well as create new e-forms to be used as part of revised business processes.

As Printing & Mail Services work together to increase efficiency and cost effectiveness, they also work to extend their influence to the surrounding community. This year, Mail Services played an integral role in distributing some of the organization’s charitable campaign materials, including the Grow Together campaign. Meanwhile, Printing Services has sponsored the Children’s Hospital Foundation Gala, local golf tournaments benefitting education and local organizations, the Redlands Bowl Association and more.

To learn more about Printing & Mail Services or the services they provide, contact Jennifer Rowland, Manager, at jirowland@llu.edu or ext. 44552.

Cell Phone Distracted Driving

An estimated 1 in 4 crashes involve cell phone use. To ensure the safety of yourself and those around you:

• Refrain from phoning, texting or emailing while driving – even with a hands-free device

Speeding

Speeding is one of the top unsafe driving behaviors that contributes to collisions and driving violations. Speed limits are not arbitrary, but set for safety reasons. Many drivers don’t understand the risks being taken when speeding.

• Speed determines the force of impact if you crash – the faster you go, the worse the damage

Sharing the Road

We all share the roads. Understanding the limitations and capabilities of different vehicles, especially motorcycles, will help keep all of us safer.

• Allow greater following distance behind a motorcycle
• Be extra cautious in intersections – most crashes occur when a driver fails to see a motorcyclist and turns left in front of a motorcycle

Read more about driving more responsibly and other safety issues in Environmental Health & Safety's "Speaking of Safety" blog. 

For questions regarding Environmental Health & Safety or the "Speaking of Safety" blog, please contact Vicki Brown at vibrown@llu.edu. 

In 2012, Research Administration worked diligently towards rolling out an integrated research website targeting researchers on campus. The site has also continued to be a resource for the public about research activities and clinical trials in progress. This year, the Research Protection Program has worked to offer resources on the website to help provide researchers who work with human subjects with new tools to initiate interactions with the Institutional Review Board (IRB). 

Last August marked the NIH mandated deadline for implementing substantive changes in Research Conflict of Interest requirements, and as a result, Research Administration along with Research Integrity spearheaded the implementation of an online utility to manage financial conflicts of interest. An online training program was developed within in the OWL system, and since its inception last August, over 1,400 researchers have completed the training. Research Integrity is continuing to work with Information Services and other departments to streamline the process and manage the site.

Research Affairs Financial Management (RAFM) is also working on updating processes to increase efficiency of subrecipient monitoring. Research Affairs Financial Management (RAFM) oversees and manages award funding and supports researchers in assuring compliant financial performance. In consultation with Information Services, RFAM has been developing an electronic system to simplify Personnel Activity Reporting, and is preparing for implementation this July.

Want to learn more about research at Loma Linda University Health? Join in one of the Research Affairs new monthly seminars, highlighting research questions and topics. Join the Research Affairs June 11 to learn more about “Monitoring & Audit Preparation,” or on July 9 for a discussion on “Speed Networking: Networking for Collaborative Research Opportunities.”  To learn more about the seminar series or to RSVP, contact Lorraine Sarmiento.

To learn more about Research Affairs, visit their new website here. 

Josh, a Senior HRM Assistant, talks about how he gets to work with many different people being part of the Talent Acquisition department.

“We meet so many people and get a little glimpse into their lives,” Josh continues. “We have had people who have come in who have just lost family members or have gone through traumatic accidents. I get to hear their stories of why they were attracted to Loma Linda, how they were treated here, and why they want to work here.”

Josh explains that he takes the opportunity to get to know each person that comes through Talent Acquisition and make his or her experience at Loma Linda a great one.

“Everyone loves getting a job!” Josh remarks, “They’re usually happy when they come in, but we are able to provide that front door experience and say ‘Welcome to Loma Linda!’”

Josh acknowledges that sometimes providing an excellent experience for the employees requires going the extra mile. “Whether it’s coming in early to adjust to someone’s schedule, or staying late. Sometimes I’ll come in at 7 o’clock for a resident physician, or I’ll stay late for an employee who just can’t get here.”

Josh feels strongly that he can play a part in the mission of Loma Linda by how he approaches his job each day. “It’s providing that type of service,” he says, “That helps us to really live the mission and values of this organization every day.”

◊◊◊

JOVI CO-BERMEJO, a Benefits Analyst and team member in Talent Acquisition, is a good listener. She tells of her time recently working on the benefits team where she helped process life-claims. Jovi wanted to make this difficult process as smooth as possible for these employees, and made sure that she was there for them.

“While meeting with them and taking information for paperwork, they would start crying because they are sad and have lost their loved one,” Jovi begins, “As they would tell their story, I would sit and listen to them pour their hearts out, and I would reach out and put my hand on their shoulder. If they didn’t flinch, then I would reach out and hold their hand. And normally they will enclose my hand with their hand.”

Jovi had the opportunity to listen to these people tell their stories and to help them through the hard time that they were having. “After I gathered all the information I needed to process the claim, they would hug me and thank me when they leave,” she continues. “I would receive e-mails from them thanking me just for listening. Because people sometimes just need someone to listen to them.”

Though this was one the hardest parts of Jovi’s job, it was an opportunity to be of service to others in the organization. “It is heartbreaking, but I wanted to make sure that their needs were met,” she says. 

“I contribute and live the mission of Loma Linda by being at work every day, being accountable to my team, helping my team when they get busy, and covering for co-workers who are out ill,” Jovi Co-Bermejo explains. “I’ve been working here for 27 years, and my whole family works here too. It’s a good place to work.” 

◊◊◊

JOY RIDDLE, a recruiter strategist for Talent Acquisition, has a long history working at Loma Linda. Before working in Talent Acquisition, Joy worked as a registered nurse in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of the Children’s Hospital. Joy shares how her passion for nursing and caring for patients in a faith-based organization inspires her to share her story with nursing students from around the area.

Joy recruits RN’s at the local nursing schools, and a few weeks ago was speaking at a local community college.  “When I talked about Loma Linda I spoke of it as a nurse myself,” she says. “I let them know that it is a Christian hospital and that we don’t apologize for that.  This either draws them to find out more about us or helps them make a decision to choose other places to apply.”

Joy remembered a time when, as a NICU nurse, she had the opportunity to meet the spiritual needs for the family of her patient, right when they needed it most. “It was at shift change and the family was desperately waiting for their pastor to arrive so he could pray for their baby before rushing him to the OR for emergency surgery. When we found out the pastor wouldn’t make it in time, I asked the family if I could have the privilege of saying a prayer of protection for their baby and to ask God to guide the surgeon’s hands,” she says. “How grateful they were that I would even offer and what a blessing it was for me to be able to do it!  So even though I speak to secular campuses, I want to give an example of what it meant in my life to be able to do that.”

Joy’s story made an unexpected impact on many of the nursing students she had talked with that day. “I do not know how many students came up to me, called me later or e-mailed me, saying, ‘I’ve never done any clinical rotations at Loma Linda, but as soon as you said that, all I wanted to do is work there.’”

Joy explains that this opportunity to tell her story and connect with these students connects her to what she does.

“When I look at the job applications on my computer, I see each one as a real person. And if I think about it that way – even if I’m tired or I feel too busy – I can still stop and just remember why I’m here and why I do it,” Joy says. “I’m truly interested in their story or what they need because, sometimes, one little thing we do or say can change everything.”

◊◊◊

DOMINIC BOKICH believes strongly in furthering the mission of Loma Linda through strategic businesspractices, both locally and globally. As a Recruiter strategist in Talent Acquisition, Dominic shares his passion for service in a number of ways, whether it is encouraging others to serve, or making it possible for those who are interested in serving to be part of the mission of Loma Linda. Dominic talks specifically about his experience with the HRM Management Residency and Internship program.

“I hire for the HRM Management Residency and Internship program and a moment that was really rewarding for me was when we hired a group of residents that came up with the concept of doing an international rotation as part of the Management Residency,” Dominic says. “This is our second year where we have one of our Management Residents going to Africa for three months.”

Dominic explains how the Management Residency impacts the global entities of Loma Linda in a very tangible way. “Our Management Resident is working on strategic planning and implementing computer training in the Human Resources department at Malamulo hospital,” Dominic continues.

HRM plays a large part in the process of being able to facilitate global service for the Management Residency. “By choosing applicants that meet the values of the institution, then watching their creativity expand, the small program that we didn’t have seven years ago has turned into the global influence for good,” Dominic explains, “It’s rewarding for me, and one of the highlights of the past few years has been getting the program started, then having it expand internationally.”

Dominic believes that what he does each day contributes to the global mission of Loma Linda. “A lot of things happen that give us the opportunity to serve in Human Resources. I’m very proud to work here.”

Kofax, Inc. is the world’s leading provider of capture enabled business process management (BPM) solutions. ECS has partnered with Kofax to automate various processes in departments such as HIM, Risk Management, Human Resources, and Finance. 

ECS develops strategies for automating paper-driven workflows in the organization, and is always looking for ways to further streamline operations, increase productivity, and better engage our customers. To learn more about ECS or about how ECS can help your department work more efficiently, call Scott Martell, Manager, at ext. 42582, or e-mail ecssupport@llu.edu .

“This is an opportunity for employees of Loma Linda University Health to nominate and recognize colleagues who are living whole,” explains Olivia Moses, DrPH, coordinator of the LLUH employee wellness program. “Last year for example, nominees included individuals who lost weight, ran marathons, started walking groups, and organized healthy potlucks in their offices.”

Ideal honorees will have made a commitment to improving personal life habits and/or advocating for better health among their colleagues.

The deadline for entries is June 7, 2013. Living Whole honorees will receive a certificate, a Living Whole gift, and have their photo posted on the Living Whole website.

The nomination process is easy. Fill out the nomination form attached to this story and e-mail it to livingwhole@llu.edu; or print out the attached form, fill it out, and fax it to extension 14170; or send your completed form via intercampus mail to: Department of Risk Management, Attn: Living Whole, LLUAHSC 101 Building.

 The Loma Linda Farmer’s Market will be located in the parking lot on the southeast corner of Anderson and Mound Streets, in front of the LLU Health Welcome Center.

LLU Health and Loma Linda Chamber of Commerce teamed up to organize the market, which builds on the LLU Health legacy of promoting healthful living, and the city’s designation by National Geographic as a Blue Zone™ (a geographic area where residents live longer lives than the rest of the population).

“We are excited to partner with the Loma Linda Chamber of Commerce to present the new Loma Linda Farmer’s Market Night,” says Richard H. Hart, MD, DrPH, president of LLU Health. “It fits in well with our efforts to promote wellness and encourage healthier lifestyles for everyone in our community; and we certainly look forward to having a venue where members of our community can come together and get to know each other.”

            Communication and training are key objectives for Transportation Services. During monthly staff meetings, employees discuss customer service initiatives, and drivers training classes are held biannually. Matt Egerer, one of the department’s commercial driver trainers, and Eva Robledo, the department’s dispatcher, train new drivers and also facilitate the biannual driver training and certification reviews for all staff.

            Eva Robledo also processes all calls that come into the department requesting service. These requests range from customers calling and asking where a particular shuttle is and how long until it arrives, to handling specimen runs, organizing special events and resolving issues that arise during daily operations. The Transportation department uses Teletrac, a GPS tracking system that locates shuttles as they move across campus, and is currently working on getting this system onto the VIP page to allow employees and staff to follow where the shuttles are at all times.

            One of the department’s key responsibilities is to coordinate the transportation of medical personnel to hospitals within a 250-mile radius to for heart, kidney, liver, and pancreas transplants. This requires special training and dedication from the team of drivers, especially since many of these phone calls occur in the middle of the night. Matt Egerer leads the Transplant Transportation team, and coordinates the transportation needs for the medical personnel.

            Every day shuttle drivers transport the employees, students, patients, and visitors of Loma Linda safely. In 2012, the Transportation department was awarded the LLUSS Certificate of Appreciation award in recognition of their dedication and commitment to service. The shuttle drivers are the heart and soul of Transportation Services. Passengers that ride the shuttles understand that the shuttle drivers really care when they ask, “How are you doing today?” offer a simple “Good Morning!” or “How was your day today?” The department recognizes this as living the mission one passenger at a time.

   “Although I knew about the Cancer Center, having the opportunity to learn more about the steps they were taking towards treating and researching cancer was eye-opening.”

   Gyasi tells how their conversation led him to draw a connection to his own life.

   “I was reflecting on the fact that my uncle died from cancer. And the director of the Cancer Center was explaining to me some of the things that she had gone through with her own cancer experiences.” Their conversation continued as they discussed how they felt their jobs at Loma Linda were also part a ministry and an opportunity to share hope, and excellence to all they come in contact with. “I was working and at the same time we were sharing the love of God through caring and empathy. It was a moment that I’ll never forget,” shares Gyasi. “As a construction manager, I manage jobs for the University, Medical Center and Shared Services, however, I also have a ministry as a Christian and a ministry as a vested member of the core values that we have here.”

   Committed to spreading the mission of Loma Linda to all that he meets, Gyasi believes that small things can make a large difference. “I believe that we should have an experience with God no matter what, no matter where we are. One of the things that I really like doing is opening up our meetings with prayer,” Gyasi explains. “I have a lot of conversations with vendors and I find myself just representing wholeness and the compassion that we stand for, and I think it’s an awesome opportunity that we all have.”

◊◊◊

TOM BECKER smiles as he talks about one of his favorite parts of working here at Loma Linda: the opportunity to work on projects that really make a difference.

   “I did a building design for a project in Malawi,” he explains, “and for quite a long time, I never knew whether it was built or not.”

   Tom remembers he was talking to another employee that had spent some time in Malawi and she was describing her experience there and the building she had stayed in. “It’s very likely that the building that I designed has been built over there to be used as part of the international mission of Loma Linda,” he continues, “It’s really cool to have a small part in it.”

   Tom works as a superintendent in the Construction and Architectural Services department, and emphasizes that even seemingly small projects can make a big difference.

   “Even though we do have small roles, in the big picture, we affect people in many ways,” Tom says. And as he describes one of the projects for an on-campus building, Tom continues, “I’m not the doctor finding the cure, but I had a hand in creating the facilities they use, and that’s part of the teamwork that we have.”

 ◊◊◊

“Our department has strong employee engagement,” MARY ANN CARTER Contracts Manager in Construction and Architectural Services, begins as she talks about the reasons why she feels her department rates high in the Gallup Q12.

   “I believe our morning worship has a direct impact on our team.  When I landed in this department five years ago, I discovered they had morning worship. What a great way to start the work day. In morning worship, everyone begins the day together, we pray together and our focus is more than just the details of projects.”

   Having this time each morning brings the team together, despite the busy work environment for the rest of the day. “If one has a problem, then we talk about it. If one has an achievement, we celebrate it.  I really think that is one of the biggest positives in our group,” says Mary Ann. “I think we’re kind of like a small family.”

   Mary Ann describes a time recently when the team had to pull together when Penny Crispin, Office Manager and Accountant, passed away unexpectedly. “It was difficult for all of us as she was such an important leader and friend.  It was incredible how the group came together, we didn’t really know all the details about how Penny did her job but as things came up we were impressed with the excellence with which she did her work.” Taking a moment to acknowledge specifically one of the team members, Mary Ann continues, “Sandy Burton was key in keeping the office running smoothly during the period after Penny’s passing.” The teamwork and synergy of the team helped them make it through this difficult time and to honor the legacy of their co-worker who was part of their department family.

Pictured above (from left to right): Sandy Burton and Mary Ann Carter

 ◊◊◊

RICK WILCOX, a Superintendent Representative, tells the story of how working in Construction and Architectural Services provides a different way to share the mission of Loma Linda with those that come in contact with the organization. He describes an interaction that he has often with outside contractors where he has had an opportunity to share what he believes.

   “We work here 7 a.m.- 4 p.m., which is pretty much contractor’s hours,” Rick begins, “So when contractors want to set-up a meeting, I ask them if we can meet at 7:15 or 7:30. Every morning our group gets together and we have worship. It’s something I feel I can’t miss.”

   Occasionally, Rick’s commitment to making departmental worship a priority becomes a topic of discussion. “A couple of times it’s sparked further conversations,” he says, “They ask, ‘What do you mean by worship?’ or ‘What do you gain from that?’”

   Rick continues that often this leads into an opportunity to tell the contractor a bit more about Loma Linda and the mission of organization. “I explain that Loma Linda University and the Medical Center is a faith-based organization. They’re not even aware of that.”

   Keeping the department’s morning worship a priority has made a big difference in Rick’s working life. “It’s a little thing, but keeping that commitment with the group I work with helps us bond,” Rick explains, “We read from the Bible, we pray together, and we pray for each other. The rest of the day we are going one hundred different directions. Being able to share, it’s just a really good way to do it.” 

Keep it Clean

• To keep dust mites at bay in the bedroom, put allergy-control covers on mattresses and pillows, and be sure to wash bedding weekly in hot water and dry on high heat.

Keep it Well-Ventilated

• Good ventilation reduces indoor pollution. Open up your windows to allow for natural ventilation during mild weather and air exchanges while cleaning. Keep windows operable and unobstructed so it’s easy to do so.

Keep it Dry

• Check plumbing fixtures to be sure connections are tight, seals properly functioning, and pipes free of cracks or other signs of deterioration.

Keep it Safe

• Keep your floors clear of anything that may cause tripping. Pick up hazards such as toys, shoes and magazines.

Keep it Pest-free

• Roaches and rodents can trigger asthma and allergies. They need food, water, warmth, and shelter to survive. You can control roaches, mice, and other pests by making these things hard to get.

Keep it Contaminant-free

• Don’t allow smoking in your house.

Read more about keeping your home healthier and other safety issues in Environmental Health & Safety's "Speaking of Safety" blog. 

For questions regarding Environmental Health & Safety or the "Speaking of Safety" blog, please contact Vicki Brown at vibrown@llu.edu. 

That’s the largest portion of the day, says the survey, with the category of sleeping at 7.6 hours and all other activities 2.5 hours or less.

For many U.S. employees, that translates to working at a desk. While there is no getting around this reality of life, there are ways to reduce the fatigue and pain of long workdays. Less pain and fatigue translates to better productivity—and better morale.

“Many times, there are fairly minor adjustments that can be made to help an employee be more comfortable at work,” points out Lynn Thornstrom, certified ergonomics assessment specialist, department of risk management and abilities accommodation, Loma Linda University Shared Services.

“You shouldn’t feel pain after a day of work,” she continues. “That does not have to be a natural consequence of putting in a good day’s work.”

Ms. Thornstrom spends much of her time following up with employee complaints of pain and discomfort, often related to worker’s compensation claims. “That’s too late,” she insists. “If the employee’s workstation is initially set up to best fit him or her, the worker’s compensation claim can be avoided.”

And so she often carries a simple toolkit with her. It contains most of the tools she would need to make adjustments to an office chair—one of the top reasons why employees develop painful symptoms due to poor posture.

“My favorite part of the job is prevention,” Ms. Thornstrom explains. “I love it when I can educate employees and managers about good ergonomics. That way, I can save the institution major dollars, while at the same time improving the quality of life for employees. Everybody wins.”

Ms. Thornstrom, who worked for a decade or so as an ergonomics consultant, is concerned when some managers think that major costs will automatically ensue following her visit to their area. It’s true that more than a simple chair adjustment may be required in some cases. A new chair may be needed, or even a keyboard tray or footrest.

“To me, that’s a small price to pay for a faithful employee who puts in long hours working diligently for the institution,” she shares. “Actually, I would love to be a part of the workplace design process in the first place, so that the same dollars could be used to purchase ergonomically sound equipment in the first place.”

Office chairs are critical to good ergonomics. They should be fully adjustable and provide good support to the back. The height of the desk has a major impact as well. “Desktops that are too high make it absolutely necessary for employees to have keyboard trays,” she details. “Since every employee comes in a different size and shape, a good keyboard tray can make all the difference.”

Lighting is an often-overlooked part of ergonomics. “Too much light creates major eye strain when viewing a monitor all day,” Ms. Thornstrom informs. “It is better to lower the overall light and accommodate the younger eyes, then provide personal lights to those who need them for desktop/paperwork.”

Before managers imagine their workplace budgets ballooning out of control, Ms. Thornstrom is quick to make an important point. “Lighting under the overhanging storage cupboards is a poor investment in almost every case,” she suggests. “Instead, invest in personal work lights. The institution will save money in the long run, and aging eyes will have the extra light needed to avoid eye strain.”

A footrest may also be beneficial to some employees. By taking pressure off the feet, back pain and other forms of discomfort can be reduced or eliminated.

“I am working to develop a list of ergonomically sound equipment for the institution,” Ms. Thornstrom confides. “Too often, we take the word of a salesperson when it comes to selecting furniture and equipment. We have to remind ourselves that his or her motivations are to move merchandise and make a profit.”

Ms. Thornstrom recognizes her personal limitations. “There are 18,000-plus employees in Loma Linda University Health and only one of me,” she admits. “That’s why I believe that I can have the greatest positive impact educating our employees and managers about the benefits of good ergonomics, and help them create better workstations and working habits in the first place.”

To learn more about LLUSSConnect, please email dsamson@llu.edu. 

Pictured, from left, are James Ponder, PR writer and editor; Rolinda Luevano, administrative assistant; Herbert Atienza, media relations specialist; Mary Clement, tour coordinator; Carol Berger, operations coordinator, Office of Public Affairs; Rachelle Bussell, CFRE, Senior Vice President for Advancement; Kevin Lang, MBA, President, LLU Shared Services; Tony Yang, MBA, Assistant Vice President, Public Affairs; Briana Pastorino, media relations specialist; Larry Kidder, MA, PR writer and editor; and Dustin Jones, MA, Associate Director, Public Relations. Not pictured are Heather Reifsndyer, MA, PR writer and editor; and Nancy Yuen, MPW, PR writer and editor.

To prepare for the event, Gerhard and his team are aerating the grass to remove compaction, monitoring the watering between functions, and coordinating the Loma Linda University logo flower arrangement. The arrangement is displayed on the lawn of the Coleman Pavilion each year, a tradition since 1998.

Landscape is committed to making the campus a beautiful place to visit, work, learn, and heal. In April, the team completed the Lindsay Hall ramp that will allow staff and students to access the student residence more easily.

Gerhard explains how a few members of his team hand laid each stone with precision, admitting, “It gets me excited that they’re proud of what they do. And that’s something that we try to encourage. You can see that [project was] done by four engaged employees.”

The average tenure of an employee at Landscape is 15 years. “My philosophy is – I want to make this a pleasant place to work,” Gerhard continues, “We’ve tried to follow the Golden Rule. I want to treat you like I’d like you to treat me.”

Landscape continues to make improvements to their service to the campus in a number of ways. They arecontinuing their green waste recycling initiative, which gathers any green waste that has been removed from the campus and to be reused. Gerhard explains that Landscape is “trying to use the environment and nature” to reduce waste and benefit the department’s projects. After the green waste is collected, it is ground into mulch that is used as a soil amendment or ground cover in campus projects.

Landscape also plans to cut irrigation costs this year and implement water saving initiatives throughout the campus and at the new parking structure.

Gerhard acknowledges that Landscape has one key goal in mind. “We create the first impression,” he says. “I feel very blessed, privileged and fortunate to be part of it.”

To learn more about the Landscape Department, call extension 44557. 

The Advancement Films team (L to R): Cosmin Cosma, Video Production Specialist; Mike Wolcott, Video Production Specialist; Patricia Kelikani, Associate Director; and Melody George, Video Production Specialist)

On Telling the Stories of Loma Linda

Patricia: We were talking about it and I think what’s nice is that we do tell other people’s stories and I think that a lot of times when we interview them, they inspire us. And at the same time, it’s therapeutic for them. They impact our lives because they’re telling us the story of how their life was transformed. At the same time it’s an outlet for them to tell their story so they can help others, making what they went through have meaning.

When we interview someone with cancer, someone who had their legs amputated, or someone who was abused as a child, they are able to share their experience and help another person. They are able to share what they did that helped them get through and give someone hope. It gives meaning to that negative incident.

Melody: I edited a video on child abuse and we interviewed a few people who were victims of abuse. One of the girls in particular was abused as a teenager. She told us that if her interview impacts one person or one life, it is worth it to her to be able to share what she went through. It’s very empowering to know that our telling of her story is changing lives. It’s giving her the opportunity to change lives and turn her negative, terrible experience into something positive.

On Collaboration & Core Values

Cosmin: We work really good as a team, and I think that’s the secret. It is the collaboration and the common goal of making everything that comes out of our office as excellent as possible. Even with a small team and limited equipment sometimes we do the best we can out of what we have.

Mike: We all have our own strengths, and we try to take advantage of that in collaboration. We’re always asking each other to “Come look at this”, “What would you do with this”. I think that’s what really helps a lot.

Patricia: We really try to use our resources to their fullest. Sure, it would be easier to have a bigger budget, but we work with what we have to give our look high quality.

Cosmin: When we go meet with our peers from television stations and production companies around the area, they ask us how big our team is and nobody believes us. It comes down to the story, though. If you have a good story and you execute it well, I think that’s a secret.

Patricia: And Loma Linda is full of great stories!

Cosmin: Our goal is to make our videos a two-way communication. We want people to use our videos for anything that they think can push Loma Linda’s mission, and it’s nice to get response back. We want to hear where that video was screened, we want to hear whom it was given to, and we want to see how it was used and what it resulted in.

Melody: Everyone has the same goal, which is to make high quality content that is really going to serve the mission of the institution.

Cosmin: I think this helps us be focused on actually telling the story and Loma Linda’s vision.

Melody: I think it’s a great example of living the mission of the institution because it’s the way that I feel like God designed us to interact as people, in positive ways, encouraging each other and just being able to do work and be productive in a way that is benefitting humanity

Cosmin: I think the most important thing is that we have fun. Coming to something that’s fun in the morning, something to look forward to, then getting paid for that on top of it is even better! 

To learn more about Advancement Films call ext. 46185. 

When you walk into the Shared Services Accounting Office, it’s certain you will be greeted with a smile and a cheerful “Hello! How can we help you?” Focused on providing customer service and excellence, Pramila Thadi and Chase Tikker work together to lead the accounting team of Myra Arroyo, Vanessa Cerna Carmona, Marina DosSantos, and Rhonda Englehart. The team is dedicated to keep the accounting functions of Shared Services on track. 

Continuing this year is the department’s concerted effort to increase efficiency and productivity. For example, Shared Services Accounting was the first department on campus to utilize an electronic accounts payable system, electronic expense reports, and electronic payment vouchers. 

Chase Tikker, Manager - Financial Support for Shared Services, states, “Shared Services Accounting has made a significant push to go paperless and automated.” This year, the department has also made electronic approval for journal entries possible, an improvement that has increased efficiency and the speed of approvals.   

Other departmental accomplishments include managing over 8,000 vendor relationships, have processed over 4,500 invoices already this year, and have added the Real Estate Business unit to the department’s responsibilities.

This year, the accounting team focused on LLUH’s core value of Compassion by contributing and collecting food, clothes and supplies that were donated to SACHS clinic and the Ronald McDonald House. The department also provided handmade lap blankets to the Seniors Heritage Home.

Through their commitment to service and excellence, Shared Services Accounting is doing their part to fulfill the mission of Loma Linda University Health, “to make man whole”. 

“My main focus is to provide the best customer service I can to everyone: faculty, students, staff, and visitors. We patrol looking for people that need help and people that may need our assistance, whether they have locked their keys in their car or need us to restart their car.

I also work in the ED, which is probably the most hectic part of my job. We deal with loved ones, deal with patients, deal with people who have lost their loved ones. We try to be cordial helping them, as opposed to just turning our back on them. I pride myself in treating other people the way I’d want to be treated. I represent the department the same way. I’ll treat everybody the same way I would want my family to be treated when they come here, and just give them the best customer service possible.”

Mike Harvey, Officer
Security

Some time ago, one of our officers, John Micum, was walking around the University Church area and he heard a big noise. He walked around the church and a kid who was 11 or 12 had crashed into the window and the plate glass had fallen on his arm. John applied compression and walked him up to the emergency room.

Our guys help people every day. That’s what they do. They help calm people down, they lift people up, they clear the way if someone needs to get somewhere and a family is in trouble, we always help as much as we can. 

Susan Douma, Director
Security

There are many different types of interview questions. These include behavioral, situational, and psychological, to name a few. So, what can you do to prepare for interviews at our organization? Keep track of your workplace successes daily and highlight our values in these accomplishments. Doing this can have positive effects on your career and personal life.

Here are 3 reasons why:

1. Good Interview Stories. When you interview for a promotion, you’ll have plenty of good examples in response to interview questions. And you’ll appear like an engaged employee.
2. Your Resume Writes Itself. When you draw from your documented successes, updating your resume can take minutes instead of hours. 
3. Builds Self-confidence. When you are aware and recognized for your contributions, your confidence will grow. This can affect your overall well-being. 

Accomplishing and tracking workplace success is the #1 thing you can do to prepare for your next interview!

Dominic Bokich, Recruiter Strategist

Article reposted from LLUH Newsletter, published biweekly by Human Resources Management.

All health care professionals are invited to attend.

For a complete listing of courses, locations, dates and times, CE credits, and speakers, visit alliedhealth.llu.edu/homecoming. Register by March 29 for a 10 percent early-bird discount.

All School of Allied Health Professions faculty, staff, alumni and guests are welcome to attend Homecoming Weekend events. In addition to continuing education, the weekend will also include the annual Alumni Recognition Banquet, the annual Lunch on the Lawn, "Operation: Service," a new GOLD (Graduate of the Last Decade) alumni event, and much more.

Alumni of the clinical laboratory sciences (AKA medical technology) programs are invited to join the celebration of the 75th anniversary of the CLS department.

Ethics in Great Films 

Featuring: The Cove
2010 Emmy Award Winner for Best Documentary Feature
2009 Audience Award Winner at Sundance Film Festival

The film screening is free and will be followed by a brief discussion of the ethical issues raised by the film. All are welcome.

Keynote speaker: Lori Ciccarelli, director of community relations at Mammoth Hospital

Presented by Employee Spiritual Care and Wholeness.

Register on the OWL Portal for $24; cost includes a light breakfast and lunch. Two CE hours are offered.

The office will resume normal business hours Monday, Feb. 25.

The new office is located southeast of LLUAHSC 101 at 125 Club Center Drive. From its previous location, continue south on Club Way, turn east on East Club Center Drive, and enter the first driveway on the right. Take an immediate right into the green wrought iron fence area.

Shuttle services will be available during normal business hours.

For more information, call the Department of Transportation, Parking and Traffic at 909-651-3025 or ext. 53025; or email parkingdept@llu.edu.

Ingredients:

2 tbsp. canola oil
11.5 ounces extra firm tofu
3 1/2 tsp. turmeric
2 tsp. paprika
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 yellow onion
2 tsp. fresh ginger, minced
3 3/4 cup shredded coconut
1 3/4 cup brown basmati rice
4 cups low sodium vegetable broth
1 1/4 pound cauliflower
1 3/4 cups frozen peas
4 ounces raisins
1 cup cilantro, chopped
1/4 tsp. salt

Directions:

1. Heat canola oil in a large frying pan over a medium-high heat, add the pieces of tofu and stir fry for a few minutes until golden on all sides.

2. Remove from the pan and drain on absorbent paper.

3. Add the remaining oil to the pan along with the mustard seeds and heat over a medium-low heat until the seeds begin to pop.

4. Add the turmeric, paprika and cinnamon and over a low heat combine the spices with the oil until you have a paste.

5. Add the onion and continue to stir fry until the onion is soft.

6. Add the ginger and coconut and cook for just a minute before adding the rice.

7. Combine the rice well with the spices and onion, add the cauliflower and cooked tofu and increase the heat.

8. Add the broth and bring to the boil.

9. Cover and decrease the heat to low, allow the pilaf to cook for about 10 minutes until rice is tender and broth nearly absorbed.

10. Add the peas, stir through quickly and cover and cook for a few minutes until broth is fully absorbed and rice cooked.

11. Add the raisins and cover again and stand for 5 minutes before tossing through the fresh cilantro.

Nutritional Facts Serv. Size: 1/2 cup, Amount Per Serving: Calories 320, Fat Cal. 70, Total Fat 8g (12% DV), Sat. Fat 1.5g (8% DV) Trans Fat 0g, Cholest. 0mg (0% DV), Sodium 170mg (7% DV), Total Carb. 54g (18% DV), Fiber 7g (28% DV), Sugars 14g, Protein 11g, Vitamin A (10% DV), Vitamin C (60% DV), Calcium (10% DV), Iron (15% DV). Percent Daily Values (DV) are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

For more wellness recipes, visit A Recipe for Success program at the Employee Wellness Program VIP Page.