October 13, 2021

Stephanie Anderson Announces Retirement

Stephanie Anderson will be retiring later this year after 31 years at Woman’s Hospital. Most of you know Stephanie as our Chief Administrative Officer, but did you know that she has been responsible for most of the hospital’s major expansions and financial changes that have positioned Woman’s to become a powerhouse in women’s care?
Stephanie is a trailblazer for women in finance, starting in the field while it was male-dominated, and she’s left her mark. Unassuming yet relentless, Stephanie’s mantra was to always work hard and let your actions speak for themselves. She’s well-known for her strong negotiations in the insurance industry which built the base of Woman’s financial strength for decades. Anderson also oversaw the $319.5 million sale of tax-exempt bonds that financed construction of the hospital’s current campus.
Under her leadership, the hospital began an HIV transmission prevention program with the goal of protecting newborns from contracting the disease from their mothers. An HIV-positive baby has not been born to a mother enrolled in that program since its inception in 2005. The Woman’s Center for Wellness was also Anderson’s vision and she was responsible for several programs to secure additional funding for caring for under-insured members of our community.
A mother to three boys, all of whom were born at Woman’s, Stephanie has been dedicated to improving the lives of children by supporting Our Lady of Mercy Catholic School and Catholic High School programs for decades. She was also actively involved in many community organizations that serve children, including McMains Children’s Developmental Center and Big Buddy Program. She has been recognized as Outstanding CPA in Business and Industry (Society of Louisiana Certified Public Accountants, 2016); Esprit de Femme award winner (LSU Women’s Center, 2013); and a Most Influential Women in Business (Baton Rouge Business Report, 2011).
Stephanie’s drive for excellence has led to improved health outcomes for thousands of women and infants in our community, and she will be greatly missed. Wishing her the best in her retirement!
Read the full press release detailing Stephanie’s many accomplishments throughout the years.

Bariatric Surgery: Center of Excellence

The Woman’s Bariatric Surgery program was awarded the Bariatric Center of Excellence (COE) accreditation from the Clinical Sciences Institute of Optum. Woman’s is the only Optum COE in Baton Rouge and one of 397 nationwide. The Optum COEs have fewer complications and readmissions and are able to boost:
  • 15% lower mortality compared to non-COE providers
  • 16% lower inpatient hospital readmission
  • 12% lower reoperation rate for bariatric procedures
  • $4,239 lower average cost per surgical episode
Woman's offer the area’s only comprehensive weight loss surgery program dedicated solely to women. Our Weight Loss Surgery Program is designed around the patient. Our team not only provides surgical support but also provides patients with tools essential for long-term success.

Safe Sleep

How and where our babies sleep makes a big difference in their health. October is SUIDS Awareness Month (Sudden Unexpected Infant Death Syndrome) and one of the best ways to help prevent this from happening is practicing safe sleep. As the state’s largest birthing hospital, Woman’s has partnered with the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) to develop and implement initiatives to promote safe sleep practices among our patients and in the community. LDH has even named Woman's a “Safe Sleep Champion” for its efforts aimed at reducing the rate of SUIDS.
There are many resources available to help caregivers create a safe sleep environment for babies, but a simple way to remember the basics is ABC:
  • Alone
  • On my Back
  • In a Crib

Nominate a Family for Holiday Helpers

Helping families during the holidays has become a longstanding Woman's tradition. Do you know a family in need of holiday cheer? Nominate them for Holiday Helpers! You may nominate yourself, a co-worker, friend, neighbor or relative. Please note:
  • Nomination deadline is 4:00 PM on November 1, 2021. Only forms with all information completed will be accepted.
  • All nominations must be made by hospital employees.
  • Nominations are reviewed by a committee, and the nominator will be contacted regarding whether or not their family was selected.
  • Families that have been adopted will be notified in writing.
  • Adopted families must pick up their gifts on Thursday, December 23, 2021.
  • Nomination does not ensure selection.
Click here to submit a nomination online or download a nomination form to submit to HR. Contact holidayhelpers@womans.org with any questions. 

COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic

A COVID-19 vaccine clinic for employees will be held Friday, Oct. 15 from 11:30 AM-1:30 PM in Conference Room 5. Appointments are not required and you must bring your vaccine card with you if you are getting your second dose. Contact vaccine@womans.org with any questions. 
Boosters Coming Soon
Woman’s Hospital will begin offering COVID-19 vaccine boosters the first week in November. Boosters will be available during employee COVID-19 vaccine clinics, no appointment necessary. More information about boosters including dates and times will be communicated soon.

Happy Halloweenie!

On Friday, Oct. 29, the $2 hot dog special will be available for employees in the Cafe and offsite locations. The lunch combo includes a hot dog with chili and cheese, chips, cookie and drink.
Cafe
Lunch | 11 AM - 2 PM
Pay at cashier and bring receipt to hot dog table
Dinner | 5-8 PM
Night Owl | Saturday, Oct. 31 | midnight - 3 AM
Offsite Locations
Place an order with your site coordinator by Wednesday, Oct. 27 at noon. Meals will be delivered for lunch on Oct. 29.
BAT Center - Eric Johnson
Wellness Center - Rhonda Chube

Employee Resource Group

We want to hear from you! Woman’s is looking to put together an Employee Resources Group (ERG) to help foster a diverse, inclusive workplace aligned with our organizational mission and standards. If you are interested in joining the ERG, please complete the interest survey below. Contact Angel Wright or Lacy Dicharry with any questions.

Department Recognition

Medical Ultrasound Awareness Month
Everyone knows that ultrasounds are famous for its use during pregnancy but it’s also instrumental in producing diagnostic images, scans and videos for many different medical reasons. At Woman’s, our sonographers contribute to the exemplary level of care we provide to our patients. Thank you for all that you do.

BUST Out: Community Events

The list below are community fundraising events happening this month that will support our BUST Out campaign to help women in need to access lifesaving mammograms through Woman’s Mammography Coaches.
  • Brows and Bras, Bumble Lane Beauty Bar (Perkins Rowe)
    Receive a brow or lash service today and tomorrow (10/14-15) and 15% of the service value will be donated to the BUST Out campaign.
  • Breast Cancer Bash, Messengers Gifts
    Shop at Messengers Gifts on Saturday, October 16 and enjoy door prizes, bites, discounts, and of course - supporting the BUST Out campaign.
  • Pink Pong, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices | United Properties
    Participate in the 4th Annual Serve for the Cause ping-pong tournament on Wednesday, October 27 at The Oasis. All proceeds will be donated to the BUST Out campaign.
  • Shop for Good, Kendra Scott
    When you shop online or in-store on October 23-24, Kendra Scott will donate 20% of your purchase to the BUST Out campaign. Mention BUST Out at the register or use code GIVEBACK-ATEYE at checkout. 

Open Enrollment Coming Soon

Mark your calendar! Open Enrollment benefit elections for the 2022 calendar year will be open Nov. 3-19, 2021.
During that time, you will have the opportunity to enroll, cancel or make changes to your benefits through your account in ESS. All full-time and part-time employees must either elect or decline the medical and dental plans by Friday, Nov. 19 at midnight. Click the button below for more information about Open Enrollment.
Our Woman’s Benefits Team will be available in Conference Rooms 1 and 2 in the main hospital on Nov. 3-5 to help employees with enrollment and answer any benefit-related questions. 
Wednesday, Nov. 3: 10:00 AM-4:00 PM
Thursday, Nov. 4: 7:00 AM-2:00 PM & 9:00 PM-12:00 AM
Friday, Nov. 5: 2:00 PM-8:00 PM

Nursing Notes

The following nurses have been approved for Career Ladder.
RN2
Jaimi Ashley, Labor & Delivery
Alicia Boudreaux, Med Surg/Oncology
Chelsea Bradford, AICU
Charlotte Carlisle, Med Surg/Oncology
Nicole Fair, Surgery Care Unit
Erin Ferguson, High Risk Unit
Lacey Jarreau, High Risk Unit
Kara Lear, High Risk Unit
Joelle Lemoine, Surgery Care Unit
Sarah Lewis, Mother/Baby
Angela May, Mother/Baby
Adrienne Robicheaux, Mother/Baby
Joynita Rogers-Harris, Mother/Baby
Emily Stewart, Operating Room
RN3
Rebekah Blanchard, NICU
Tina Covington, Labor & Delivery