Colleagues,
Wow. This has been an amazing week. And just as I predicted last month, I am incredibly proud of not only our nursing team but also the entire UAMS Health team supporting us. We are one step closer to Magnet designation.
From the dozens of nurses and Team UAMS members who lined the halls early Wednesday morning to the sessions yesterday afternoon, it’s been incredible. I’ve enjoyed hearing about all the stories you’ve shared with the ANCC team. I was aware of most of the information shared with our guests, but seeing the energy around these achievements over the span of a couple of days and hearing about their reaction really magnifies the impact. (I wish I was allowed to be in these sessions in person!) We are so fortunate to have such strong and dedicated nurses.
Our site visit will continue until 3 p.m. today. The next step of our Magnet journey is waiting to hear from the Magnet Commission on the determination of our Magnet designation, which we expect will be in January 2025.
We have more important UAMS events coming up this month. The first is the Day of Giving on Thursday, Oct. 10. When you give to UAMS on this day (or any other), you have an opportunity to designate where your gift will go. One of the options is the “Center for Nursing Excellence Fund,” listed toward the bottom under UAMS Medical Center. Donations made to this account support the work of our Center for Nursing Excellence, including our Magnet journey, recognition programs such as the DAISY and BEE awards, professional development, and other programs that support clinical and professional nursing practices that lead to excellent care and a superior work environment.
Another upcoming event to note is flu shots. There have been upgrades at Student and Employee Health (SEHS) that make this year’s process a bit different. Mass immunization clinics begin today and will continue until the deadline on Nov. 16. All on-campus clinics will be held on the ground floor of Ed II in the hallway near the Parking 2 entrance to the Central Building. Click here for a complete schedule.
You’ll need a UAMS MyChart account, even if you get your flu vaccine somewhere other than UAMS. All flu shot documentation, including requests for medical or religious exemptions and proof of immunization outside UAMS, must be submitted through MyChart, as SEHS is now using Epic as its medical records system. Click these links for information about opening a MyChart account, submitting exemption documentation, and scheduling your vaccine. You’ll need to complete your consent form within 48 hours of your appointment.
Please encourage your family members and patients to get their flu vaccines too. Flu shots and COVID vaccines are available for patients and the public at our Outpatient Pharmacy. We’ve got a busy fall ahead, and we need everyone healthy.
Let’s continue to impress the ANCC site visitors for the remainder of their visit. I’m so proud to be part of our amazing Team UAMS. Keep up the good work!
Tammy Jones, PHD, RN, NE-BC
Chief Nursing Officer
Associate Vice Chancellor for Patient Care Services & Clinical Operations
Perioperative, Interventional & Imaging Services Division