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Pulse Employee Newsletter - October 19, 2021

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BWFH Pulse Now Available in 150 Languages

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  • Para verlo en español, haga clic en el ícono ‘Select Language’ en la parte superior de esta página. Tenga presente que la función ‘Select Language’ solo sirve para Chrome y Firefox, no para Internet Explorer. Para usuarios de dispositivos móviles, se puede hacer clic en el botón ‘Menu’ en el extremo superior derecho y luego seleccionar su idioma.
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More News

6 South Nurse Director earns PhD

Congratulations to 6 South Nurse Director Allison Bernard who recently earned her PhD! Bernard, a lifelong learner, was inspired to continue her education by her experiences as a nurse of color in the United States.

“I was born in Trinidad and Tobago and studied nursing in Scotland. When I moved to the United States, I saw a lack of diversity in the nursing workforce,” she says. “I discovered that a major contributor to the lack of diversity is the Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQOL) of minority nurses who were pursing undergraduate and graduate degrees in nursing. Hence, my research is titled ‘Predicting Relationships Between HRQOL Conditions and Academic Outcomes for Minority Nursing Students.’ My research is applicable to both academic and clinical settings. I hope that my achievements and journey related to this work inspire others to do the same.”

Nursing Professional Development welcomes new team members

Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital’s Nursing Professional Development team recently welcomed two new Nursing Professional Development Managers. Nursing Professional Development Managers assess each learners’ needs, identify opportunities to improve nursing practice, develop programs to address learning needs or practice issues and evaluate the effectiveness and outcomes of these programs. Read more.

Deland Fellows gain experience working alongside BWFH senior leaders

The Deland Fellowship, based at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Brigham and Women's Faulkner Hospital, is a one-year administrative experience which prepares professionals to be leaders of healthcare institutions. Throughout the year, Deland Fellows focus on effective ways to bridge the worlds of science, medicine and administration. Deland Fellows pursuing administrative roles gain an in-depth understanding of the clinical aspects of healthcare; and those who have a clinical background explore the principles of management, operations and finance. Meet this year’s Deland Fellows.

Accepting new primary care patients: Andrew Warren, MD

Looking for a primary care provider? Andrew Warren, MD, at Brigham and Women’s Primary Physicians at Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital, is currently accepting new patients! Learn more.

Announcements

BWFH celebrates National Pharmacy Week - Through October 23

Pharmacy Week acknowledges the invaluable contributions that pharmacists and pharmacy technicians make to patient care in hospitals, ambulatory care clinics and other healthcare settings. It’s also a great time for Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital to say “thank you” to our pharmacy staff for their dedication to ensuring safe and effective medication use within the hospital.

Information Security & Privacy Awareness Week: Do your part, be cyber smart!

This week is Information Security & Privacy Awareness Week. From the ransomware pipeline attack to the SolarWinds breach, the last year has been hectic in the cybersecurity space. For daily tips on how you can protect your privacy and boost your cyber-knowledge, visit the Pulse.

Pillars of Excellence Awards - Nominations due October 29

The Pillars of Excellence Awards recognize and celebrate the outstanding contributions of our talented employees from across the system. This year, nominate your co-workers for their commitment to exceptional patient care, optimizing collaboration, advancing innovation and progress, enhancing efficiency, fostering community or integrating diversity, equity and inclusion. Nominations are due Friday, October 29. To submit your nomination, click here. Questions? Contact Mass General Brigham Human Resources at 857-282-9743 or PillarsAwards@partners.org.

Mandatory flu vaccination and HealthStream compliance training

To protect the safety of all patients and staff, Mass General Brigham requires that all employees receive a flu vaccine by Friday, November 12, unless they are approved for a medical or religious exemption. All staff are also required to complete their annual compliance training in HealthStream by Monday, January 3. Please review the key dates and actions items below.

Date

Action

November 12

Flu shots must be received and documented

Flu shot clinics will be held at BWFH in the Chapel area on the third floor. To make an appointment, click here. Please be sure to bring your hospital ID badge, wear a shirt with loose-fitting sleeves and observe physical distancing guidelines while waiting in line.

November 15

Enforcement of unpaid leave and loss of computer access for flu noncompliance

December 1

Termination of employment for flu noncompliance

January 3

HealthStream compliance deadline

Learn more about your annual required training on The Pulse.

Ask David: Submit your question today!

Do you have questions for BWFH President David O. McCready? Submit them to AskDavid@bwh.harvard.edu to get a response from David.

COVID-19 Updates

Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccine Policy key dates and action items for non-compliant staff

Date

Action

October 19

Non-compliant staff will be notified via email that they will be placed on unpaid leave and lose computer access; non-compliant staff will be asked NOT to report to work on October 20

October 20

Non-compliant staff will be placed on unpaid leave and lose Epic and network access

October 21-November 5

Staff who have become compliant may return to work by presenting documentation to OHS; computer access will be restored within 48 hours

November 5

Final day to become compliant via full COVID-19 vaccination — at least one dose of Pfizer/Moderna or single-dose Johnson & Johnson (J&J) and documented at vaccinecheck.massgeneralbrigham.org

November 9

Non-compliant staff will be notified of their termination of employment if no vaccine received/documented

November 10

Termination of employment if no vaccine received/documented

Pfizer booster shot reminder: Who is eligible and where to get it

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently authorized Pfizer vaccine booster doses for eligible adults who completed their Pfizer vaccination primary series (i.e., the first 2 doses of the Pfizer vaccine) at least six months ago. Click here for full details regarding the CDC’s recommendations. COVID-19 booster shots are not yet available for people who received the two-dose Moderna vaccine or the single-shot J&J vaccine.

How can eligible employees receive a Pfizer COVID-19 booster shot? 

  • The quickest, easiest way to get a COVID-19 vaccination, including a booster shot, is in your local community. There are many sites, including CVS and Walgreens, offering free Pfizer vaccine booster shots. You can search gov, visit Mass.gov or Vaccines.nh.gov to find a location near you. You can also text your zip code to 438829 or call 1-800-232-0233 to find a location.
  • Mass General Brigham began offering limited appointments for Pfizer booster shots to employees who are eligible per the CDC’s recommendation and who have completed their Pfizer primary series at least 6 months ago. Eligible employees may schedule their Pfizer booster shot appointment at a Mass General Brigham location via COVID Pass where they will find a link to our online scheduling website. Learn more by viewing this tip sheet or on The Pulse.

COVID-19 Policy updates

The following are minor changes to several policies. Click on the policy title for full details. All COVID-19 related policies are available for review on the Pulse.

Visitor Policy

  • Addition of detail regarding management of visitors less than two years of age who are unable to use a facemask per public health guidance

COVID-19 Exposure Investigations and Contact Tracing Policy

  • Update to clarify that exposures during a Mass General Brigham-defined aerosol generating procedure (AGP) are considered to have occurred during the AGP and during the time for room airing afterwards, and other minor updates for clarity

Return to Work Policy for Employees During the COVID-19 Pandemic

  • Update to description of management of symptomatic, positive for COVID-19 by antigen assay other than BinaxNOW to reference the SARS-CoV-2 Infection Status and Resolution Policy
  • Update to return to work criteria for symptomatic employees with prolonged illness lasting > 5 days to allow for OHS evaluation for alternative diagnosis with consistent improvement of symptoms
  • Removal of references related to masking and distance for asymptomatic exposed employees cleared for onsite work to align with Universal Mask Policy

SARS-CoV-2 Testing Policy

Update to clarify that patients who are asymptomatic COVID-Recovered should not be tested prior to AGPs; this does not represent a change in policy.

Save the Date

All Treats, No Tricks! An Intro to Performance Improvement - October 26

All are welcome to join the Performance Improvement team and the Emerging Leaders Committee on Tuesday, October 26, from 12 noon to 1 pm in the Mary Ann Tynan Conference Room for “All Treats, No Tricks! An Intro to Performance Improvement.” There will be a Zoom link for those who’d like to join virtually. In person seating will be first come, first serve, so sign up today! Email Katie Plante to register. Be sure to check out the new Performance Improvement pages on BWFHconnect.

Coming Together for Change: A Mass General Brigham virtual event - October 27

The Mass General Brigham Committee for Advancing Diversity & Inclusion (CADI) invites you to a community outreach event on Wednesday, October 27, from 12 noon to 2 pm. This event is open to all Mass General Brigham employees. The virtual event includes a 30-minute viewing of the documentary film This Ain't Normal, a panel discussion, volunteer opportunities and resource sharing. This Ain't Normal was a 2021 Emmy nominee for the Black feature film category of Outstanding Social Issue Documentary. RSVP here.

IDEA Symposium: Digital Health in Massachusetts - October 27

Attend the Digital Health in Massachusetts IDEA Symposium on Wednesday, October 27, from 1 to 2 pm. where internal and external organizations will examine the digital health ecosystem in Massachusetts. Partner organizations, resources and funding from public resources and engagement opportunities will be explored.

Technology in Psychiatry Summit - October 27 to 29

The McLean Institute for Technology in Psychiatry (ITP) is bringing together thought leaders in health care, data science, technology, industry, patient advocacy, academic research and more for this three-day, online event to build on the promise of technology in the diagnosis and delivery of mental health care. This event is targeted at an inclusive group of academics, data scientists, clinicians, technology developers, entrepreneurs, policymakers, investors, patient advocates and health professionals who are interested in shaping the future of mental health care. Register now to join us at the Technology in Psychiatry Summit.

Intimate Partner Violence in the Context of COVID-19: Passageway Services and Resources - October 29

In honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, please join us on Friday, October 29, from 11 am to 12 noon for “Intimate Partner Violence in the Context of COVID-19: Passageway Services and Resources.” To join via Zoom, click here.

Passageway services and resources are flexible and designed to create safe access for individuals. A person does not need to leave a relationship to use our services. We support a person’s individual choices and rights. Passageway services and resources are available Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 5 pm. Contact us at (617)-983-7854 or passageway@partners.org. To page an advocate, call (617) 732-6600, beeper #39342. All services are free, voluntary and confidential.

Virtual Veterans Day Tribute: Honoring all who served - November 10

All employees are invited to attend the “Veterans Day Tribute: Centennial Commemoration for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (Honoring All Who Served)” on Wednesday, November 10, from 8:30 to 9:30 am. We recognize the important contributions that our Veterans make to our nation and our community. In honor of Veterans Day, we are hosting our annual Veterans Day event via livestream to thank and recognize our active, reserve, honorably discharged and retired service members. In addition, all members of the community—including employees with family members who are currently serving in active duty—are invited to this special program. To watch the livestream, click here.

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