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Leadership profile
Leadership profile

Kenny Shafer: Hitting the right keys

To showcase our leaders across Ballad Health, we’re doing a series of profiles to help team members across our organization, and people throughout the community, get to know them a little better. We hope you’ll take the time to read about these hardworking and talented people to learn what they do with Ballad Health, what they enjoy doing outside of work and what inspires them in life! As CEO of Johnson City Medical Center, Kenny Shafer is no stranger to pressure. However, nothing could have prepared him for the anxiety of playing the piano in front of an audience for the first time. Kenny began taking piano lessons four years ago and has since participated in a few recitals. That initial performance brought him a whole new level of nervousness. “It was terrifying,” he says. “I can speak in front of 1,000 people and wing it and have no nerves, but you play piano in…

Leadership profile
IT & Epic
IT & Epic

Don’t Fall for It: QR codes and safe scanning

QR codes have become a common, convenient way to access links quickly or manage cash transfers, but they also offer cybercriminals another method of delivering attacks. QR codes could be a trap Because you don’t know where a QR code will take you before you scan it, it’s easy for criminals to create QR codes that take you to unsafe links or download dangerous apps. Cybercriminals may: Pose as someone else online, posting malicious QR codes on social media Leave enticing signs, stickers or posters with malicious QR codes in public areas Replace or cover up legitimate QR codes with malicious ones How to scan safely Check for tampering before scanning a QR code. If it looks like someone put a sticker over another sticker, or if something seems out of place, don’t scan it. If you’re in a place of business, like a restaurant, check with an employee to ensure a code hasn’t been…

IT & Epic
System Updates
System Updates

Check out our Mission Moment Dashboard and share inspiring stories

Did you know there’s a place you can share inspiring team member moments you’ve witnessed? If you’ve seen someone embody Ballad Health’s values recently, please share the story on the Mission Moment Dashboard! This is a place to collect and discover moments of team members living out Ballad Health’s mission: to honor those we serve by delivering the best possible care. You can submit a Mission Moment yourself at this link, or you can submit through your manager. You’ll also find the link on the home page of the Ballad Teams app and under the intranet Quick Links as HRO Mission Moment Form. Whether or not you have a story to submit yet, you can view and enjoy the growing collection of mission moments here. To view the dashboard, you will need to create a Smartsheet account with your Ballad Health email – an easy process that just takes a minute. Going forward, if you…

System Updates
HR & Benefits
HR & Benefits

Important reminder: Flu vaccination deadline is Wednesday, Nov. 6

Dear Colleague, The deadline for team members to get the flu vaccination is next Wednesday, November 6, at 4 p.m., unless a medical or religious exemption approval has been obtained. Flu shots are available at Team Member Health offices and Ballad Health retail pharmacy locations. Click here to see a list of Team Member Health offices and hours. (NOTE: You must be on a Ballad Health network device to access the intranet.) Flu shot key information The flu vaccination is mandatory for all team members, employed physicians, students and volunteers, unless they have an approved exemption. Team members can also get their flu vaccinations from their primary care provider or at other places where it is offered, but would need to provide documentation to Team Member Health by next Wednesday, Nov. 6, at 4 p.m. by uploading your health record to Infor Employee Space (please refer to this tipsheet for detailed instructions) or by delivering the…

HR & Benefits
IT & Epic
IT & Epic

Don’t Fall for it: Recognizing charity scams in the wake of a disaster

It’s a sad truth that there are people who seek to use tragic events to their advantage. Cybercriminals may try to prey on people’s increased sense of urgency or compassion following a major event or natural disaster like Hurricane Helene. But just knowing a few safeguards can protect you from further harm during an already difficult time. How to detect and defend against disaster scams The key to avoiding these scams is to be suspicious of anyone who reaches out to you. The greater the sense of urgency, the more likely the request is an attack. Here are some of the most common indicators of a charity scam: Be very suspicious of any charity that requires that you donate via cryptocurrency, Western Union, wiring money or gift cards. Cyber criminals can change their caller ID phone number to make their phone call look like it’s from your local area code or from a trusted name….

IT & Epic
HR & Benefits
HR & Benefits

Deadline to cash in unused PTO has passed

Dear Colleague, The PTO Cash-in/Donation Request form is live and the deadline to cash-in is Wednesday, Oct. 30, at 5 p.m. Team members can cash in up to 20 hours of PTO. For those looking to make a broader impact, you can donate some or all of your cashed-in hours to the Team Member Emergency Fund, which supports fellow team members affected by recent flooding. By donating, you can help provide much-needed relief to colleagues who are facing difficult circumstances. Here are the details about this year’s PTO cash-in opportunity: A team member can cash in up to 20 hours from their regular PTO bank. Team members may also choose to donate up to 10 additional hours to the Team Member Emergency Fund to support flood relief and other critical needs, for a total of 30 hours. You may choose to cash in fewer hours (fewer than 20) and donate more hours to the Team Member Emergency Fund. (For example, you…

HR & Benefits
System Updates
System Updates

Your health matters to us: Schedule an annual mammogram today

We understand life can be hectic, and it’s easy to let your health take a back seat. However, please take a moment and consider: when was your last mammogram? If it’s been a year or more, it may be time to schedule your appointment. This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we’re reminding you that your health matters. For women aged 40-74, it is important to get a mammogram, which is an essential preventive screening test for breast cancer. Mammograms are a powerful tool in the fight against breast cancer. Starting at age 40, regular screenings play a vital role in early cancer detection and improved outcomes. By taking this simple step, you’re not only caring for yourself, but also for those who cherish you. Women’s health matters. Your health matters, and we’re here to help. Make your appointment today. Please call 833-8-BALLAD to schedule, or visit balladhealth.org/services/mammograms for more information.

System Updates
System Updates
System Updates

Ballad Health leaders, Kingsport community celebrate Indian Path Community Hospital’s 50th anniversary

KINGSPORT, Tenn. – Ballad Health leaders, Kingsport community members and former team members gathered on Thursday to celebrate Indian Path Community Hospital’s 50th anniversary. Rebecca Beck, chief executive officer of Indian Path, and Dwight Owens, chief operating officer and administrator of Indian Path, joined Monty McLaurin, former chief executive officer, and Bob Feagins, chief communications and development officer for the Kingsport Chamber of Commerce, to speak during a public event held on the hospital campus to celebrate the momentous occasion. Current and former team members, as well as community members, who attended were treated to cake and refreshments.   “For five decades, we’ve embraced new technologies and innovations, ensuring that we deliver the highest quality care to our patients,” said Beck. “But what truly sets us apart is our commitment to serving this community, as a place where compassion and medical expertise go hand in hand. I’m deeply honored to celebrate this incredible milestone with…

System Updates
System Updates
System Updates

New Ballad Health Center for Early Learning now enrolling in Abingdon

Partnership with employers, government and community organizations is a national model for increasing access to high-quality early learning ABINGDON, Va. – Continuing to deliver on its commitment to enhance access to high-quality childcare across the Appalachian Highlands with a new $4 million investment, Ballad Health has opened its newest Center for Early Learning in Abingdon developed in partnership with EO Companies’ Regional Workforce and Child Development Hub, Head Start, Washington County Schools, the Commonwealth of Virginia, K-VAT and the Wellspring Foundation.     The Ballad Health Center for Early Learning in Abingdon is now enrolling in the newly renovated Regional Workforce and Child Development Hub off Interstate 81’s Exit 17 – site of the old Kmart. Serving up to 300 children in approximately 25,000 square feet, the facility is the largest Center for Early Learning opened so far by Ballad Health. The Abingdon location is the fifth new Center for Early Learning to open as part…

System Updates
HR & Benefits
HR & Benefits

Important notice from HR: Change Healthcare data breach

We would like to inform our team members about a recent privacy event involving Change Healthcare (CHC), a company that works with OptumRX, Ballad Health’s team member insurance pharmacy provider. We recently became aware that CHC has started to reach out to impacted team members by mail. According to the notice from Change Healthcare, the breach was detected on Feb. 21, 2024. Unapproved activity was found in CHC’s computer system between Feb. 17 and Feb. 20. Although CHC acted quickly to stop the activity, investigate the situation and involve law enforcement, a cybercriminal was able to access and copy certain data. CHC has notified their clients, including OptumRX, and is in the process of alerting affected individuals. What should you do? Not all team members with Optum coverage were impacted. If you receive a notification, we encourage you to remain vigilant and monitor your healthcare accounts, billing statements, and financial activity for any unusual behavior….

HR & Benefits
System Updates
System Updates

Bug of the Month: For October, we look at influenza

Did you know there are more than 1,400 known species of human pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, fungi and protozoa? Each month, our Ballad Health infection prevention team is highlighting one of those pathogens that you might encounter in your work. See what you know, or can learn, about these “bugs” through our “Bug of the Month” series! This month, we’re spotlighting a virus that’s familiar to just about everybody — influenza, otherwise known as the flu. As we all know, it’s flu season. And as a reminder, Ballad Health’s deadline for team members to get a flu shot is Nov. 6, unless there is an approved exemption. If you have questions or want more information, please reach out to your infection preventionist. Click here to see the flier below in PDF format.

System Updates
Policies
Policies

As cold weather arrives, here’s a reminder about Ballad Health’s class cancelation policy

Clinical Education, Organizational Development (OD) and Epic have an INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY FOR CLASSES (OD-100-007-BH). The policy was created out of concern for team members attempting to travel to classes when road conditions are potentially unsafe. Team members will be notified of the decision to cancel educational classes via the Ballad Teams team member app on their phones, and at Balladhealthnews.org. In the event of bad weather, team members should check these two resources to receive the most up-to-date communication concerning schedule changes. An announcement about class cancelation will be posted to Ballad Health News as soon as possible after the decision is made, and an accompanying notification will be sent out through the Ballad Teams app, linking to the announcement. Important note on Ballad Teams app You must have the Ballad Teams mobile app downloaded to your phone, and have your notifications turned on, to receive the notification. If you do not have Ballad Teams on…

Policies
IT & Epic
IT & Epic

Cybersecurity Awareness Month: Protecting your mobile device

So much of our lives these days is on our phones, and hackers are always developing new ways to access your information through your mobile devices. Ballad Health utilizes multi-factor authentication as an important tool to protect personal devices from hacking. Using MFA wherever possible is the most effective step you can take to protect your devices and accounts. Here are some other quick tips to help safeguard your device, yourself and others. Wi-Fi Don’t allow your device to auto-join unfamiliar networks. Always turn off Wi-Fi when you aren’t using it or don’t need it. Never send sensitive information over Wi-Fi unless you’re absolutely sure it’s a secure network. Apps Only use apps available in your device’s official store — NEVER download from a browser. Be wary of apps from unknown developers or those with limited or bad reviews. Delete apps if they’re no longer supported by your store. Keep all apps updated to ensure…

IT & Epic
System Updates
System Updates

Seasoned healthcare leader Bob Bender selected as chief financial officer of Ballad Health’s Northern Region

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. – Bob Bender, an accomplished executive with more than 20 years of finance experience, has been selected to serve as chief financial officer of Ballad Health’s Northern Region. Bender will oversee all the finances of the Northern Region, which covers the health system’s hospitals in Bristol, Kingsport and Southwest Virginia, including Bristol Regional Medical Center, Holston Valley Medical Center and Johnston Memorial Hospital. In this new position, Bender will be responsible for ensuring the region’s financial stability, growth and strategic success. He will oversee budgetary processes and develop financial strategies to promote the long-term sustainability and success of the hospitals within his region. “I am truly honored to serve as the chief financial officer for Ballad Health’s Northern Region. Having previously worked within the health system for eight years, I’ve seen firsthand the dedication of our team members and the positive impact we make on our communities,” Bender said. “I look forward…

System Updates
CEOC
CEOC

CEOC update: 24/7 advanced urgent care clinic opening in Unicoi County

TO: Ballad Health All FROM: Ballad Health Corporate Emergency Operations Center DATE: Monday, Oct. 14 ACTION: Please post and cascade to all team members SUBJECT: 24/7 advanced urgent care clinic opening in Unicoi County Ballad Health Medical Associates will open a 24/7 advanced urgent care clinic in Unicoi County on Tuesday, Oct. 15, at 1 p.m. to continue providing uninterrupted, critical healthcare services to the community. Staffed by Unicoi County Hospital team members and board-certified physicians, the Advanced Urgent Care – Erwin will provide services at 800 S. Mohawk Drive, Suite C, across from Unicoi County High School. Advanced Urgent Care – Erwin is accepting both uninsured and commercially insured patients, and will treat conditions such as: Animal or insect bites Cold, flu and COVID-19 symptoms such as fever, chills, cough, headache and sore throat Ear and eye infections Sinus infections and strep throat Small cuts, minor burns and skin rashes Sprains and minor bone…

CEOC
HR & Benefits
HR & Benefits

Reminder: Flu vaccination deadline is Nov. 6, unless an exemption has been approved

The deadline for team members to get the flu vaccination is Wednesday, Nov. 6, at 4 p.m., unless a medical or religious exemption approval has been obtained. The flu shot is available at Team Member Health offices and Ballad Health retail pharmacy locations. Click here to see a list of Team Member Health offices and hours. (NOTE: You must be on a Ballad Health network device to access the intranet.) Flu shot key information The flu vaccination is mandatory for all team members, employed physicians, students and volunteers, unless they have an approved exemption. Team members can also get their flu vaccinations from their primary care provider or at other places where it is offered, but would need to provide documentation to Team Member Health by Wednesday, Nov. 6, at 4 p.m. by uploading your health record to Infor Employee Space (please refer to this tipsheet for detailed instructions) or by delivering the documentation to a Team…

HR & Benefits
System Updates
System Updates

Ballad Health Pharmacy locations to offer flu shot clinics

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. – With flu season right around the corner, Ballad Health Pharmacy will be offering flu vaccination clinics at two locations on Saturday, Oct. 19. The clinics will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Ballad Health Pharmacy locations in Johnson City, at 523 N. State of Franklin Road, and in Kingsport at 1657 E. Stone Drive, Suite A. Appointments are not required. “As we do all we can to help the Appalachian Highlands recover from Hurricane Helene, we’re also taking measures to safeguard our communities’ health, and curbing the spread of the flu is crucial to that,” said Jamie Swift, Ballad Health’s chief infection prevention officer. “Each year, influenza causes hospitalizations and deaths around the world, including here in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. Flu shots are the best way to prevent the flu, and with that, prevent more local tragedies and loss.”   The vaccinations are free of charge…

System Updates
HR & Benefits
HR & Benefits

Healthcare career hiring event to be held at Bristol Regional Medical Center on Tuesday, Oct. 22

BRISTOL, Tenn. – An upcoming hiring event seeks to fill multiple full-time clinical and nonclinical healthcare jobs at Bristol Regional Medical Center. From 12:30-4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 22, Ballad Health leaders will be on hand in the Walnut, Willow and Spruce conference rooms at the hospital, located at 1 Medical Park Blvd., to match hopeful job seekers to open roles. A variety of clinical and nonclinical jobs are available. Key roles being sought include registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, certified nursing assistants, laboratory technicians, physical therapists, licensed physical therapy assistants, surgical technologists, imaging professionals and more. Key roles being sought include registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, certified nursing assistants, laboratory technicians, physical therapists, licensed physical therapy assistants, surgical technologists, imaging professionals and more. During the event, attendees will have the opportunity to meet with hiring managers, learn more about available roles and potentially receive a job offer on the spot. Applicants are encouraged to…

HR & Benefits
System Updates
System Updates

Exploration, Ethics, Engagement: A look at Ballad Health’s office of research operations

Ballad Health’s department of academics and research serves as the central office for multi-specialty research oversight throughout the health system. The research arm of the department has recently been renamed the office of research operations, and it has gained new leadership through Dr. Quincy Byrdsong, vice president of research operations. The office of research operations’ goal is to honor those who heroically volunteer as research subjects through the best possible care, compliance and compassion, and to provide infrastructure that builds a legacy of superior research by listening to, and caring for, those we serve. Why research is so vital All 29 counties in the Ballad Health service area have been identified as having higher rates of unemployment and poverty, which makes local access to research and advancement particularly notable. “This investment in research has created an enormous benefit for our underserved region by providing access to leading-edge research, procedures and medical devices,” said Dr. Clay…

System Updates
CEOC
CEOC

CEOC update for Thursday, Oct. 10

TO: Ballad Health All FROM: Ballad Health Corporate Emergency Operations Center DATE: Oct. 10, 2024 TITLE: System updates for Thursday, Oct. 10 ACTION: Please post and cascade to all team members. Ballad Health’s Corporate Emergency Operations Center (CEOC), which was activated due to ongoing issues caused by severe weather from Hurricane Helene, is closed as of Thursday, Oct. 10. Subgroups will continue to work on follow-up efforts related to the disaster, including developing a long-term solution for providing healthcare services in Erwin. Please see below for the most current list of system updates. The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) remains available to assist team members and their families with confidential mental health and substance abuse services through Ballad Health Counseling Services. Ballad Health provides coverage at no cost. Please review the enclosed list of locations and contact numbers at the bottom of this memo to learn more. Additionally, the 24/7 Respond Crisis Hotline can be reached at 1-800-366-1132. NEW/UPDATED INFORMATION Hospitals…

CEOC
HR & Benefits
HR & Benefits

Message from HR: PTO Cash-in/Donation Request Form now live

Note: This email was sent from HR to all Ballad Health team members on Monday, Oct. 7. Dear Colleague, The PTO Cash-in/Donation Request form is now live. Team members can cash in up to 20 hours of PTO. For those looking to make a broader impact, you can donate some or all of your cashed-in hours to the Team Member Emergency Fund, which supports fellow team members affected by recent flooding. By donating, you can help provide much-needed relief to colleagues who are facing difficult circumstances.  As an organization, we are committed to protecting your well-deserved paid time off (PTO) and helping our team members in need. Here are the details about this year’s PTO cash-in opportunity:  A team member can cash in up to 20 hours from their regular PTO bank. Additionally, team members may donate up to 10 hours to the Team Member Emergency Fund to support flood relief and other critical needs, for…

HR & Benefits
IT & Epic
IT & Epic

Cybersecurity Awareness Month: Be careful when it comes to using AI

AI, or artificial intelligence, can be a helpful tool, but it comes with some serious security hazards you should be aware of. AI makes phishing more dangerous One of the dangers of AI is that it can be used by cybercriminals to create highly effective phishing emails. AI can reduce spelling and grammatical errors – things often used to identify phishing emails. AI can copy the style and tone of leaders in an organization, helping cybercriminals create well-written, believable, professional emails in seconds. AI can also sort through a vast amount of data relevant to hackers, using things like your recent vacation, your coworkers’ names and various personal details to create a convincing, targeted message quickly and easily. Finally, AI can learn from successes and failures, meaning it gradually gets better at bypassing spam filters. What still works? Thankfully, there are still some reliable tips to stay safe in an era of AI-aided phishing attempts….

IT & Epic
System Updates
System Updates

Bristol Regional Medical Center celebrates 30 years of service

BRISTOL, Tenn. – Bristol Regional Medical Center recently celebrated its 30th anniversary. In January 1994, the new Bristol Regional Medical Center was ready to serve the community through physician partnership, technological innovation and growth. The 348-bed facility was built on 120 acres adjacent to I-81. With the new facility about to open, patients were moved across town from the hospital’s former site. Opening a new hospital across town was one thing, but moving the patients posed an entirely different challenge. Three decades ago, the team at Bristol Regional Medical Center successfully undertook the monumental task of relocating more than 200 patients from the former Bristol Memorial Hospital. Today, Bristol Regional is home to leading-edge medical technology, such as stereotactic radiosurgery with TrueBeam STx with Brainlab, multidimensional cardiac catheterization laboratories and surgical robotics, including DaVinci Xi for minimally invasive surgery and MAKO for joint replacement surgery. Three decades ago, the team at Bristol Regional Medical Center…

System Updates
System Updates
System Updates

Team members are invited to help with Spooky Trail event at Niswonger Children’s Hospital on Halloween

All Ballad Health team members are invited to dress up and participate in the new and improved Spooky Trail! This is a safe, indoor event that allows for all of our pediatric patients to have to opportunity to Trick-or-Treat, despite being in the hospital on Halloween. The event takes place on Thursday, Oct. 31, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. To participate, RSVP to our Child Life team by emailing ashley.scharf@balladhealth.org by Monday, Oct. 23. Please include how many will be in your group, what you plan to dress up as, and which of the following time slots you prefer: 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m. or 1:30 p.m. Click here to see the flier below in PDF format.

System Updates
System Updates
System Updates

Excellence Awards project submission deadline extended to Dec. 2

If you’ve been involved in a performance improvement project at Ballad Health, we want to honor you. That’s why, after a five-year hiatus, the Ballad Health Excellence Awards are back! And the submission period has been extended to Monday, Dec. 2. These awards are an initiative designed to recognize and celebrate the exceptional contributions of our dedicated team members and medical staff. If you’ve been involved in a project to improve your work and can show positive results – whether it’s clinical, cultural, financial or in other ways – this is a chance to share your improvement story and be recognized for your success. The submission period opened on Aug. 15 and lasts through Monday, Dec. 2, with winners to be announced at a special awards ceremony in February 2025, when we will come together and celebrate the incredible achievements within our organization. Click here to access the submission form. NOTE: You must be on a…

System Updates
HR & Benefits
HR & Benefits

HR & Payroll Service Center site on the intranet has an updated look

Team members using the HR & Payroll Service Center page on the Ballad Health intranet may notice some minor changes to the way the page looks – although functionality and navigation is largely the same as always. HR has given the page some aesthetic updates in an effort to enhance the overall user experience of the platform. These changes took effect at the beginning of October. There is a slightly different layout when navigating the system, including a lighter color scheme for the navigation menu, and the addition of icons and an easily accessible “quick-action” section. See below for a step-by-step look at what’s changed. Or click here to view the instructions below in PDF format. If you have any questions, please email Human Resources at HR4U@balladhealth.org or call 423-431-4748.

HR & Benefits
From the CEO
From the CEO

Message from Alan Levine: In remembrance of a special team member

Dear Colleague, It is with heartfelt sadness that I report to you that a member of our Ballad Health family, a beloved nurse at Greeneville Community Hospital, Boone McCrary, tragically lost his life in the flash floods from Hurricane Helene. It was reported he was in a boat with his dog attempting to save the life of a civilian from the rapid floodwaters. Both Boone and his dog were found by search and rescue personnel.  This is an incredibly painful moment for all of us, and our hearts are with Boone’s family, friends and colleagues at Greeneville Community Hospital, as well as everyone who is suffering during this time of profound loss. Our team will remember Boone as the ultimate caregiver who was kind and compassionate with a larger-than-life personality. The past few days we have heard our team share stories of how he sang to team members and patients to lighten the mood and that he loved…

From the CEO
Policies
Policies

Ballad Health policy reminder: Injury process for students and non-employed individuals

Students play a vital role in our organization as we help shape the future of healthcare professionals through their experiences within Ballad Health. However, the process for addressing injuries involving students in our healthcare setting differs from that of employed Ballad Health team members. It is crucial that all Ballad Health team members who interact with students during their scheduled activities are familiar with how to assist and guide students if they are injured while on clinical or work experience in a Ballad Health entity. For any student or non-Ballad Health-employed individual injured while present at a Ballad Health location, the injury must be reported in the Patient Occurrence Reporting System as soon as possible, either at the time of the injury, or as close as possible if immediate medical treatment is required. Those with Ballad Health system access (username and password) can report the event independently within the system. For those without system access,…

Policies
System Updates
System Updates

Ballad Health offering Nurse Residency, Nurse Fellowship programs to help new nurses

Ballad Health is committed to supporting new members of the nursing profession, and we offer two excellent programs to help develop nurses just joining Ballad Health out of nursing school – our Nurse Fellowship Program and our Nurse Residency Program. Applicants must have accepted an RN position with Ballad Health in order to participate. Both programs are now open for applications. Visit here to learn more about the two programs or to apply! Nurse Fellowship Program This program takes place during the student’s last semester of nursing school and helps prepare them to enter the workforce as new graduate registered nurses. Who’s eligible to apply – ADN/BSN students who are entering the last semester of an accredited nursing program with a GPA of 2.75 or above, and have accepted a post-graduate RN position with Ballad Health. Program details – Nurses work with a nurse preceptor and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, and are paid for their work. Application…

System Updates
HR & Benefits
HR & Benefits

HR update from Hamlin Wilson: Performance appraisal information

NOTE: This message was emailed on Thursday, Sept. 12, to all Ballad Health team members from Hamlin Wilson, Ballad Health’s vice president of employee relations. Dear Colleague, We are quickly approaching the performance appraisal period for Ballad Health, which takes place Sept. 16 through Nov. 30 for all team members. We want to provide you with essential information to ensure a smooth and effective evaluation process. Your contributions are invaluable to our organization, and your dedication to excellence is greatly appreciated. General information on the performance appraisal period: Dates: Annual performance appraisals are scheduled between Monday, Sept. 16, 2024, and Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, for all Ballad Health team members. Review period: The performance evaluation will cover the 12-month fiscal year from July 2023 to June 2024. Annual wage increase: Team members hired into an annual increase-eligible position before August 2023 will receive the total increase, which will be reflected on their Jan. 17, 2025, paycheck….

HR & Benefits
System Updates
System Updates

Bug of the Month: Neisseria meningitidis

Did you know there are more than 1,400 known species of human pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, fungi and protozoa? Each month, our Ballad Health infection prevention team is highlighting one of those pathogens that you might encounter in your work. See what you know, or can learn, about these “bugs” through our “Bug of the Month” series! This month, we’re spotlighting Neisseria meningitidis. It’s a mouthful to pronounce and can cause big problems if you contract it. If you have questions or want more information, please reach out to your infection preventionist. Click here to see the flier below in PDF format.

System Updates