2013 Annual Observances of Health Professions

January

January 22-28 National Nurse Anesthetist Week
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists, CRNAs, are advanced practice nurses who are the hands-on providers of approximately 32 million anesthetics given in the United States each year. They administer every type of anesthetic, work in every type of practice setting, and provide care for every type of surgery or procedure, from open heart to cataract to pain management. National Nurse Anesthetists Week is celebrated the last full week in January on an annual basis. At the Health Center, our certified registered nurse anesthetists work in collaboration with anesthesiologists to determine what anesthetic technique will be best for the patient.

February

February 4-8 Pride in Food Service Week
Pride in Food Service Week was established by the Dietary Managers Association to recognize the efforts and achievement of food service workers across the nation. Here at the Health Center, Sodexho food service workers are devoted to ensuring that our patients have healthy and well-balanced meals on their plates. These coworkers are vital members of the healthcare team who demonstrate dedication to quality, service excellence and patient care. Please take this opportunity to recognize these caring individuals who play such an important role in our patients’ well being.

February 10-16 Cardiovascular Professionals Week
This nationally recognized week, sponsored by the Alliance of Cardiovascular Professionals, celebrates the work performed by professionals working in invasive, noninvasive, Echo, EKG and Cardiopulmonary Departments. These administrators, supervisors, nurses, technologists, and technicians are invaluable in supporting all aspects of care delivery in cardiovascular settings. Here at the Health Center, cardiovascular professionals at The Pat and Jim Calhoun Cardiology Center support a wide range of services from preventive cardiology to today’s most sophisticated interventional and surgical procedures. Please join us in celebrating all that this UConn team has to offer!

March

March 1-31 National Professional Social Work Month
Sponsored by the National Association of Social Workers, this national observance highlights the many ways that professional social workers make a difference every day. These “positive change agents” work throughout a variety of Health Center settings including inpatient, outpatient and psychiatry services as well as research and correctional facilities. They are on the frontlines, addressing serious health and life challenges and helping to find appropriate solutions. This month is a perfect time to recognize the special contributions of social work professionals throughout our organization.

March 3-9 Dental Assistants Recognition Week
This week-long tribute to dental assistants has been designated by the American Dental Association in cooperation with the American Dental Assistants Association. Whether taking digital x-rays or working chair side with the dentist, dental assistants play an important role in the delivery of quality dental care. Here at the Health Center, these versatile team members support dental practitioners within the School of Dental Medicine and at off-campus dental clinics. Take a moment this week to celebrate and recognize the dedication and commitment of these valuable members of our dental health care teams.

March 13 Registered Dietitian Day
American Dietetic Association has dedicated this day to honor our nation’s food and nutrition experts, Registered Dietitians. Here at the Health Center, Registered Dietitians evaluate nutritional needs, develop patient meal plans and provide education and counseling. We hope you’ll take a moment today to recognize these valued professionals and their commitment to improving the health of our patients and community.

March 30 Doctor's Day
Sponsored by the American Medical Association, Doctor’s Day celebrates the contribution of physicians who dedicate their lives to providing high quality care every day. This observance dates back to March 30, 1933 which marks the anniversary of the first use of general anesthesia in surgery. Thank you to all of our Health Center physicians and dentists whose exceptional care and hard work has helped many lives.

April

April 1-30 National Occupational Therapy Month
The American Occupational Therapy Association hosts a month long celebration showcasing the importance of Occupational Therapy. Occupational Therapists and Assistants provide individuals of all ages the skills they need to promote health and optimize independence after an illness, injury or disability. At the Health Center, Occupational Therapy is provided on every inpatient unit of John Dempsey Hospital, as well as in our outpatient units. Please take the time this month to recognize the contributions of our valuable occupational therapy team members.

April 1-7 Healthcare Access Personnel Week
This week-long tribute to Patient Access professionals is sponsored by the National Association of Healthcare Access Management. Health care access professionals drive quality care in patient registration and all of its support processes. Here at the Health Center, our health care access team includes patient service representatives, ED admission specialists, financial counselors, clinic office assistants and administrative support staff. These “goodwill ambassadors” are most often responsible for providing patients and visitors with their first impressions of our organization. Join us in acknowledging these dedicated team members and their commitment to putting every health care visit in motion.

April 1-7 National Public Health Week
Every April, the American Public Health Association celebrates this week as a means for the public health community to focus on issues that improve the public’s health. At the Health Center, many departments and professionals work on programs and services that work to establish the solid foundation needed for a healthy nation through research, policy making, injury and disease prevention. Please join us this week in thanking our public health professionals who play a critical role in ensuring a healthy community.

April 21-27 National Volunteer Week
Created by executive order in 1974, this week is about inspiring, recognizing and encouraging people to seek out imaginative ways to engage in their communities. Here at the Health Center, volunteers contribute over 50,000 hours of their time each year through our Volunteer Services Department. In addition, faculty, staff, students and volunteers fulfill the mission of the Health Center outside its wall every day – in the community, the region, the country and around the world. Thank you to all who contribute their time. For information regarding ways to participate in volunteer activities please visit our Volunteer Page.

April 22-28 National Medical Laboratory Professionals Week
Sponsored by ten laboratory professional organizations, this week celebrates the important contributions that are made every day to healthcare and public health by laboratory professionals. Here at the Health Center, it is a time to honor the more than 100 medical laboratory professionals who perform laboratory tests, help save lives and keep people healthy. Medical laboratory professionals represent a variety of specialties, including medical technologists, clinical laboratory scientists, medical laboratory technicians, histotechnologists/technicians, cytotechnologists, phlebotomy technicians, clinical chemists, microbiologists, educators and information technology specialists. Since they often work behind the scenes, the dedicated efforts of these laboratory professionals often go unnoticed. Please join us in thanking our medical laboratory professions for their hard work.

April 24 Administrative Professionals Day
Created in 1952 by the National Secretaries Association, now known as The International Association of Administrative Professionals, this day honors the work of the professional staff that support day to day operations of office environments. Working in almost all departments and divisions of the Health Center, this resourceful group hold many job titles including but not limited to clerks, administrative program coordinators, administrative coordinators, administrative program assistants, clinic office assistants, patient services representatives, executive assistants, administrative fiscal assistants, head unit clerks, and patient services representatives. Please join us today in thanking them for the great service they provide.

May

May 1-31 Better Hearing and Speech Month
Sponsored by the American Speech-Language- Hearing Association, this month raises awareness about communicative disorders and promotes treatment that can improve the quality of life for those who experience problems with speaking, understanding or hearing. At the Health Center, Audiologists and Speech Language Pathologists who work in the Voice and Speech Clinic, the department of Surgery and Ear, Nose and Throat department, evaluate, analyze and rehabilitate patients with these disorders. Please join us in recognizing the value and efforts of our audiologists and speech language pathologists who enable and empower individuals with communication disorders to lead independent, productive, and fulfilling lives.

May 5-11 North American Occupational Safety & Health (NAOSH) Week
Created by the American Society of Safety Engineers, the Canadian Society of Safety Engineering and OSHA’s Alliance Program participants, this week raises awareness about occupational safety, health and the environment. At the Health Center, occupational safety and health professionals work in a variety of departments such as the Office of Research and Safety, Materials Management, Facilities, and the Health Center’s Occupational and Environmental Health Center. These professionals are dedicated to making our work environment safe and to promote our own health while on the job. Please take the time this month to recognize the contributions of our occupational safety and health professionals.

May 6-12 National Nurses Week
Sponsored by the American Nurses Association, National Nurses Week recognizes contributions that nurses and the nursing profession make to our community. At the Health Center, this week’s celebration, hosted by the Nursing Department, offers extensive educational programming. The nursing professionals at the Health Center are registered nurses, advanced nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, nurse anesthetists, nurse managers, correctional nurses, and correctional head nurses that work tirelessly to provide quality care to patients across the state. Please join us in showing our support and appreciation to our dedicated nursing staff. For more information about the Health Center’s Nurses Week, visit the Nursing Department website.

May12-18 National Hospital Week
Sponsored by the American Hospital Association, National Hospital Week recognizes the people, facilities and technologies that make trustworthy, reliable health care possible in our community. Over 1000 employees in a variety of disciplines provide our patients at the Health Center’s John Dempsey Hospital with the latest innovations in health care, access to clinical trials and studies testing new treatments. Please join us in acknowledging the remarkable work by our hospital faculty and staff.

June

June 13-20 National Nursing Assistants Week
The National Network of Career Nursing Assistants sponsors this week to highlight the dedication of the direct care providers who work in hospital and long term care settings. At the Health Center, Nursing Care Associates assist our nurses by performing routine tasks that monitor a patient’s progress. Their work plays a fundamental role in creating a quality care and comfortable patient experience. Please join us this week to thank our Nursing Care Associates for the contributions they make to our health care team.

September

September 9-15 Healthcare Environmental Services and Housekeeping Week
Sponsored by the Association for the Healthcare Environment, this week celebrates environmental services and housekeeping staff that are an integral part of patient care and safety, customer satisfaction and proper infection control practices. This week long observance recognizes the work of our Electrical Engineers, General Trades Workers, Skilled Maintainers, and custodians who work in our Environmental Control Center, Facilities Management and Housekeeping departments. Their work ensures our areas are safe and operational. Please join us this week in thanking them for the valuable contributions these vital departments make in the continuum of care.

September 16-20 Health Information & Technology Week
Sponsored by the American Health Information Management Association, this week highlights the work of health information management professionals that work to modernize the systems that store and secure patient health information. At the Health Center, this valuable work is done by architects, desk top technicians, health informatics nurses, system administrators, and business analysts that work primarily in the IT department but also in other divisions. Please join us in thanking these dedicated professionals for creating and administering systems that assist us in providing quality care.

September 17-21 Surgical Technologists Week
The Association of Surgical Technologists (AST) established this week to promote this profession and educate the community about the vital role that surgical technologists play in the operating room. Surgical Technologists, also called Operating Room Technicians help prepare the operating room, assemble both sterile and non-sterile equipment and assist with patient preparation. At the Health Center, surgical technologists can not only be found assisting in our operating room. They are also part of the health care teams at the Farmington Surgery Center, MM Sterile Supply and our Medical Surgery 5 unit. Please take a moment this week to recognize their vital role in the surgeries performed.

October

October 1-31 Medical Librarians Month
Created by the Medical Library Association, this observance celebrates the important role of medical librarians. Our LM Stowe Library staff work closely with our research, academic, and clinical areas providing access to databases, e-journals and other resources along with guidance and technical support in using them. They also provide consumer health information to the public. Join us this month is thanking them for their valuable and supportive role.

October 1-31 National Physical Therapy Month
This month, created by the American Physical Therapy Association, celebrates Physical Therapists and Physical Therapist Assistants role in patient care. These professionals prevent, diagnose and treat movement dysfunctions. They also help enhance a patient’s physical health and functional abilities. At our New England Musculoskeletal Institute, employees in our Rehabilitation Services department are responsible for helping individuals maintain muscle strength and endurance, restore and improve range of motion, increase coordination, promote wound healing and decrease joint pain. Join us this month in celebrating the worthwhile work these professionals make to improve quality of life for our patients.

October 4-10 Healthcare Resource & Materials Management Week
Sponsored by the Association for Healthcare Resource and Materials Management, a division of the American Hospital Association, this week is highlighting the outstanding contributions these professionals make to healthcare and the overall success of the supply chain. At the Health Center, our Office of Materials and Supply Chain Management includes Mail Handlers, Store Supervisors and Storekeepers, Supply Coordinators, Office Assistants and Directors. All of the services provided by these areas are essential in providing and monitoring the products that are needed to run successful patient care areas. Please join us this week in thanking them for their contribution to the health care team.

October 6-12 Physician Assistants Week
This week was created by the American Academy of Physician Assistants to support, celebrate and recognize the important work of this profession in medical and surgical settings. PA’s conduct physical exams, diagnose and treat illnesses, order and interpret tests, counsel on preventive health care, assist in surgery, and prescribe medications. The PA’s at the Health Center work in departments such as the Emergency Room, Dermatology, Cardiology and Surgery 7. Please join us this week in honoring our PA’s for their valuable contribution to patient care.

October 20-26 National Healthcare Quality Week
Sponsored by the National Association for Healthcare Quality, this week highlights the influence on improved patient care outcomes and healthcare delivery systems. The Health Center’s Quality Assurance department work with all aspects of the hospital to achieve this goal. Take time this month to join us in recognizing their role in improving the patient experience.

October 20-26 National Hospital and Health-System Pharmacy Week
Sponsored by the American Society of Health- System Pharmacists, this week acknowledges the invaluable contributions that Pharmacists and Technicians make to patient care in our nation’s health care institutions. At the Health Center, these professionals ensure safe and effective medication use along with providing invaluable information that enhances patient care in our hospital as well as our correctional facilities. Please take a moment this week to thank them for their care and knowledge.

October 21-25 Medical Assistants' Week
This week is championed by the American Association of Medical Assistants. As allied health professionals, medical assistants perform a wide range of administrative and clinical duties. At the Health Center, they can be found in the hospitals inpatient units and at the UMG offices. Medical Assistants are an integral part of the doctor and patient relationship. Please join us in thanking our medical assistants for maintaining cooperative and successful relationships between patients and physicians.

October 20-26 Pastoral Care Week
Created by the National Association of Catholic Chaplains, this international recognition week celebrates and honors all practitioners of pastoral care. The Health Center’s chaplains provide spiritual and emotional support, prayer and pastoral counseling while respecting the patient’s own cultural and religious beliefs and practices. Please join us this week in honoring these caregivers for the important work they do.

October 21-27 National Healthcare Facilities and Engineering Week
Sponsored by the American Society for Healthcare Engineering (ASHE) of the American Hospital Association (AHA), this week recognizes the important role health care facility managers and engineers play in keeping the nation’s health care facilities safe and operational. At the Health Center, employees in our building services, campus planning and facilities management departments work towards providing all of us with power, running water and a clean, comfortable and safe environment. Please take a moment this week to recognize all of their efforts.

October 20-26 National Respiratory Care Week
Sponsored by the American Association for Respiratory Care, this week is dedicated to celebrating the profession of respiratory care. At the Health Center, twenty six respiratory therapists in our Pulmonary Clinic and Neonatal Intensive Care departments evaluate, treat, and care for patients with breathing or other cardiopulmonary disorder. Take a moment this week to recognize the important work they do to assist our patients.

November

November 4-10 National Patient Transport Week
Created by the National Association of HealthCare Transport Management, this week thanks Patient Transport professionals for providing safe, comfortable and efficient transport services to JDH patients and for delivering vital equipment needed for care. At the Health Center, our Nursing Transportation area includes Lead Transport Aides and Transport Aides that assist JDH patients and staff arrive at their destinations. Please take a moment to thank these professionals for their important role.

November 3-9 National Radiologic Technology Week
Sponsored by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists, this week commemorates the anniversary of the x-rays discovery by Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen and celebrates the vital work of Radiologic Technologists. At the Health Center, Radiologic Technologists work in the Diagnostics Imaging and Therapeutics Department. The images they make play an integral role in the medical process. We hope you’ll take a moment today to recognize these valued professionals and their commitment to improving the health of our patients and community.

November 11-17 National Nurse Practitioners Week
Sponsored by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, this week spotlights the work of nurse practitioners who provide caring, quality healthcare. With their unique combination of medical and nursing expertise, Health Center nurse practitioners examine, diagnose, prescribe, treat, counsel and educate patients in a variety of departments including the correctional facilities. Please join us in thanking our nurse practitioners for the care provided to our patients.