@ Mercy Medical Center

One of our Physical Therapists, Maria Alcantara, has been raising money for the Philippines Relief. Maria has been making cookies and selling them as a way to raise funds to help the victims of the Philippines. Her efforts have proven very productive and I feel Maria is truly embracing humankindess.

If you are interested in purchasing some home made cookies or would like to contribute to the Philippines Relief fund, contact Maria Alcantara, PT at 209.564.5066.

November 22, 2013November 22, 2013

We already have two days for getting deals, Black Friday and Cyber Monday. So now let's help promote a new day for giving thanks—Giving Tuesday.

On Tuesday, December 3, 2013, global charities, families, businesses, community centers, students and more will come together to promote Giving Tuesday.

It’s a simple idea. Just find a way for your family, your community, your company or your organization to come together to give something more. Then tell everyone you can about how you are giving. Be a part of a national celebration of our great tradition of generosity.

For more information go to www.supportmercymerced.org and click on the Giving Tuesday link.

Relay For LifeYou can now sign up for Mercy’s Relay For Life team. Our team name is “Mercy Medical”, click here to sign up. (Just search for our team name)

Relay For Life of MercedWhen: Saturday, April 26, 2014Where: Merced Community CollegeTime: Begins at 9:00am and lasts for 24 hours

Mercy Medical Center’s Relay for Life team is starting their first fundraiser for the 2014 Relay For Life event. They will be in the Garden Cafe this Friday from 11:00am - 1:00pm taking See’s Candies pre-orders. They will also be in the Garden Cafe on Tuesday, November 26 from 11:00am - 1:00pm. You can also call or email Diane Taylor or Lindsey Gallagher to place an order. See the last page for the order options.

Diane Taylor: 564-3612 diane.taylor@dignityhealth.org

Lindsey Gallagher: 564-5077lindsey.gallagher@dignityhealth.org

@ Dominican Medical Foundation (Santa Cruz)About one month ago, I was driving to work earlier than usual and it was absolutely freezing outside and dark. I live in Santa Cruz, CA. I was at a red light and looked to my left and there was a homeless man laying on a bench with his arms wrapped around himself, shivering and it looked like he was crying. The light turned green and the Ford F250 in front of me stayed in its place, and naturally I was a little annoyed. Then I saw the young construction worker jump out of his truck and run over to the man, laying a large blanket over him and handed the man a thermos. When he ran back to his truck in front of my headlights he waved apologetically and I nodded that I understood. It brought tears to my eyes! And it made me want to do the same for another human being the next time that I get that chance!

EMpLOYEE OF ThE MOnThNovember

Robin ReeseMammography Tech

Robin has been a technologist here since June of 1997and she is steady, dependable and always gives more than expected. Robin is ALWAYS prepared to work before her start time and works until the absolute end of her shift, with zero wasted time (in fact, she needs to be watched so that she doesn’t do extra work on her own time). Robin makes the correct decision every time and I have never seen her flustered or at a loss of how to handle any patient care situation.

She has the ability to make every patient feel like they recieved special care, which is a huge relief for the already anxious mammo patients. Robin strikes up conversation about something, the brooch on her shirt for example, or remembers something personal from prior visits to follow up on, and next thing the patient knows, their mammo is done. I continue to be amazed by the number of patients that send me a letter, note or compliment Robin for the care they received as well as how many patients ask for her specifically to do their mammograms.

Robin orchestrates the mammography program and it is her diligence and oversight that binds together all of the hard work done by all the technologists and clerks as a team. She keeps up on all documents and regulations that pertain to mammography and we have done excellent on our last 3 state inspections, due largely to her efforts. She also oversees onerous notification and tracking processes for mammography. Robin is extremely organized; there is no running around worrying when an inspection is looming because she is always ready for the next one.

She always has an upbeat and cheerful attitude. She happily represents us anytime we need her at community events. Robin is naturally friendly and open; she makes people feel comfortable enough to come to our displays and answers any questions. These events are important for both the health education of our community and to attract patients to our services. Robin always demonstrates Mercy’s values in every aspect of her job performance.

by Anthony Cordeiro, Director of Imaging

Got One, Take One

Tip OF ThE WEEk

by Dennis McCabe, RN BSN PHN CPHQQuality Facilitator

In a fundamental shift, the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology have changed their recommendation for the cholesterol lowering drugs, statins.

Instead of targeting a particular lab value, new guidelines use a more comprehensive model. If you answer yes to any of the following four questions, you’re likely to benefit from a statin:

• Do you have heart disease? • Do you have diabetes (Type 1 or 2)?• Do you have a bad cholesterol (LDL) level more than

190? • Is your 10-year risk of a heart attack greater than 7.5%?

An online tool is available on the American Heart Association website.

The new guidelines may double the number of people currently taking statins, many of which are generically available. Moving from treating a lab value, to looking at patient’s risk factors is a major shift and should positively impact our approach to cardiovascular disease. The Circulation study is available online here.

AnSWER TO LAST WEEk’S QuESTiOn:

Minerva Silveira, RnCancer Center

paulina Bruns, Rn4th Floor (nights)

LAST WEEk’S WinnERS

How long before incision should antibiotics be administered to achieve the most relevant tissue concentration?

A: 30 minutes before, but no longer than one hour prior to incision.

JuST FOR nuRSES

November 22, 2013

Mercy Outpatient Center-Cafeteria, 2740 M Street

A Toyland HolidaySaturday, December 7, 2013Yosemite Hall (Commerce Bldg) Merced Fairgrounds

6:30pm - 11:30pm

• Bring a toy to donate to Kops for Kids • Catered by España’s • Photobooth • Employees are free and can purchase one guest ticket

for $5.00

SAVE ThE DATETickeTS Now AvAilAble

Administration

(333 Mercy Ave)

human Resources (2740 M St)

Family Care Clinic (D St)

Medical Staff *for doctors only(333 Mercy Ave)

Mercy’s employee Holiday Party

What is the Stroke

Support Group?

Our Stroke Support Group will

give you an opportunity to share

your experiences with others,

learn from those who share or

just make new friends. You are

not alone, we’re here to help

and provide support along the

way of your recovery.

Stroke Support Group

The development of the 

Stroke Support Group

Made possible through the

generosity of the Mercy

Foundation donors.

Empowering through education, supporting progress and recovery.

Open to anyone that has survived a stroke.

Family, friends and caregivers are welcome.

Mercy Medical Pavilion Third Floor, Classroom A 315 Mercy Avenue Merced, CA 95340

4:00 pm - 5:30 pm

Second Thursday of every month

There is no cost or registration required to attend.

For further information contact:

Lillian Sanchez at 209.564.4310

MERCY MEDICAL CENTER

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

2013 Winter Fundraising ProgramPre-Sell Form

1487-8 0713

Truffles1 lb $19.90 Item#902

Dark Chocolates Gift-wrapped for Christmas

1 lb $17.50 Item#330

Milk Chocolates Gift-wrapped for Christmas

1 lb $17.50 Item#326

Assorted ChocolatesGift-wrapped for Christmas

2 lb $35.00 Item#3191 lb $17.50 Item#318

Assorted Lollypops1 lb 5 oz $16.75 Item#296

Mini HolidayAssortment

4 oz $7.25 Item#596

Toffee-ettes®

1 lb $17.50 Item#316

Nuts & ChewsGift-wrapped for Christmas

2 lb $35.00 Item#3351 lb $17.50 Item#334

Peanut Brittle1 lb 8 oz $17.10 Item#355

Assorted Molasses Chips8 oz $8.75 Item#360

Assorted Peppermint Wafers

8 oz $8.75 Item#358

Jolly SnowmanGift Box

4 oz $7.25 Item#9127

Gift Certificate1 lb $17.50 Item#767

Contact Diane Taylor to place an order 209.564.3612•diane.taylor@dignityhealth.org