Flu epidemic causes local hospitals to change visitation rules

STAFF REPORT

Widespread flu in the area has prompted SIH to restrict some people from visiting patients at its hospitals.

Children under the age of 18 may not currently visit patients at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale, Herrin Hospital or St. Joseph Memorial Hospital in Murphysboro.

In addition, patients are limited to two visitors at a time, and potential visitors who have flu-like symptoms – fever, cough, stuff nose, sore throat or body aches – are asked to stay home.

SIH’s decision comes on the heels of a recommendation from the Illinois Department of Public Health.

SIH announces photo contest for new community resource center

Southern Illinois Healthcare has announced a photo contest to help decorate a community resource center the company is opening at University Mall in Carbondale.

SIH calls the center “The Place,” and says it will be convenient place to get information on SIH resources and ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

“There are significant resources available in southern Illinois for individuals to optimize their health and wellness,” said Woody Thorne, Vice President of Community Affairs. “The problem is that people often are not aware or do not know how to access these services.”

The company says the mall will be a central location to offer information about those health resources. Construction is underway.

Residents of Southern Illinois can help bring The Place to life by submitting photographs to be displayed throughout the facility. Photographers are encouraged to use their cameras to showcase what southern Illinois living means to them. Images should convey the beauty and benefits of living in southern Illinois.  Possible subjects may include nature, events, or people.

The Place Photo Contest will end on Dec. 15, 2012 and finalists will be selected in January of 2013.  Winning photos will be unveiled during the grand opening of The Place in 2013.

For more information and official rules for The Place Photo Contest, visit www.sih.net/theplace or call 877-480-4040.

SIH to hold program on nursing jobs Nov. 27

STAFF REPORT

Southern Illinois Healthcare will highlight job opportunities for registered nurses at the RN Open House on Tuesday, Nov. 27, from Noon until 4:00 PM at the SIH corporate office at University Mall in Carbondale.

Representatives from several nursing units will answer questions about current job openings at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale, Herrin Hospital and St. Joseph Memorial Hospital in Murphysboro.

SIH Employment Manager Kristin King said several opportunities for employment are available in multiple units, such as Acute Rehabilitation, Intermediate Medical Care Unit (IMCU), ICU (Intensive Care Unit), Medical/Surgical, Case Management, RN Flex Pool, Emergency Department, Cardiac Diagnostic Unit, Surgical Services, the Cardiac Cath Lab and Obstetrics.

“Nurses will learn about our hospitals’, culture, scholarship and loan forgiveness programs, weekend scheduling program and much more,” said King.

For example, the RN Flex Pool, developed in 2009, offers nurses a flexible schedule and exposes them to many areas of nursing.

“Flex Pool nurses are scheduled throughout the system filling critical vacancies in the areas they are competent to work. It is an opportunity for nurses to work in a variety of settings. Many nurses in the Flex Pool love the variety and challenge of working on different units at multiple facilities, while others look at it as an opportunity to search for a permanent unit to transfer to,” said program manager Mary Vaughn.

RN candidates must have a minimum of one year of Registered Nursing experience to apply. Upcoming or new graduates should contact the Human Resource Department to learn about SIH’s new RN Residency Program.

For information call 618-457-5200, extension 67803 or visit www.sih.net/careers.

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