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Smart Square will update its scheduling software with a modern, mobile-friendly look on June 29 between 2 a.m. and 3 a.m. This is the program Ballad Health facilities use to schedule clinical and clinical support team members. This update will primarily affect the menus within Smart Square. It will not change any of the information on Smart Square or alter any of the schedules. However, it will provide a new, smoother navigation experience that will make it easier for both team members and schedule editors to locate the tools they need. You will no longer need to toggle to Classic Smart Square to view everything you need. All scheduling tools will now be organized on the left side of the page, and preferences, notification settings and tutorials are contained in one list in the top right corner of the page. If you view your work schedule on Smart Square, please review this tip sheet before…

As part of our effort to strengthen our nursing workforce, Ballad Health is implementing a Nurse Ambassador Program, where some of our current nurses can return to their alma mater and talk about the opportunities and benefits of working at Ballad Health. Nurses who join the program can earn a $1,500 bonus for each new nurse they recruit! Key details about the program The schools we are targeting are just outside Ballad Health’s geographic footprint, between two and four hours’ driving distance from Johnson City, Tennessee. Eligible nurses can apply by emailing Academic Recruitment Liaison Amanda Blevins at Amanda.Blevins@balladhealth.org. The email should include your name, position, work location, phone number, alma mater and direct supervisor’s name and title. Nurses must be licensed and in good standing and have their nurse manager’s verbal recommendation, which will be obtained by the human resources department. Traveling nurses are not eligible for the Nurse Ambassador Program. Participants will be…

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. – Ballad Health has named John Goetz, an experienced healthcare policy leader, to serve as its vice president of community and government relations. Goetz brings more than 15 years of experience in healthcare policy to his new role, and he replaces Andy Hall, who retired last year. He will represent Ballad Health before elected officials at the federal, state and local levels to advocate for patients’ and communities’ health and well-being in the Appalachian Highlands. “The experience and relationships John brings to the table will strengthen Ballad Health’s presence in the community,” said Anthony Keck, Ballad Health’s executive vice president for system innovation and chief population health officer. “He is well respected by legislators and staff on both sides of the aisle and has developed strong relationships at all levels of government. He is actively involved in community organizations and is a passionate advocate for the region.” A Chattanooga native, Goetz is…

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. – The Ballad Health Niswonger Children’s Network has started to “Raise the Roof” on Niswonger Children’s Hospital, kicking off the first phase of a construction project that will enhance services for children and families across the Appalachian Highlands. “Ballad Health made a promise to invest in our region’s children – our region’s future – through the creation of the Niswonger Children’s Network,” said Ballad Health Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Alan Levine. “Already, the services this network is providing are changing lives. “With this expansion, we’re adding new services and capacity, with a goal of improving health outcomes and well-being for children and families. Furthermore, this investment in our children’s hospital demonstrates that our region is the right place for families and businesses to thrive.” What’s being constructed The first phase of construction consists of the conversion of an attached medical office building to a new institute – the J.D. Nicewonder Family…

Looking for a way to give back to Niswonger Children’s Hospital? Be sure to visit any of the below Children’s Miracle Network partner locations in the Appalachian Highlands during their June campaigns and round up the change on your order to benefit Niswonger Children’s Hospital! Dairy Queen: June 1-July 28 Publix Super Markets: June 1-12  Ollie’s Bargain Outlet: June 12-July 9 Walmart & Sam’s Club: June 13-July 10 In 2021, Children’s Miracle Network partner campaigns raised nearly $380,000 for Niswonger Children’s Hospital through well-planned campaigns and generous donations from customers!

Starting this week, all Ballad Health team members will have the opportunity to participate in the Everbridge emergency notification system. What is Everbridge? Everbridge is an international leader in emergency communications and is used in multiple industries, including the healthcare industry, to coordinate notifications during critical events. As a single, automated notification system, Everbridge can be used to communicate critical information during events such as a pandemic, natural disasters, manmade disasters, power outages or workplace violence. Ballad Health is already using the platform in some areas within the organization. Making the software available to all our team members will increase the efficiency of crisis communication, which in turn will lead to better outcomes for our team members, patients and visitors when it comes to disaster planning and other emergency situations. How does Everbridge work?  This week, you’ll receive an email from Ballad Health Emergency Alerts with the subject line “Register for Emergency Updates from Ballad…