The Clinical Nurse Leader: An Emerging Role for Nursing in the 21st Century

Mary Lou Wesley, senior vice president and chief nurse executive

The Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) role was developed by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) in response to the increasing complexities of healthcare environments, the need to ensure safety and high standards at the point of service (the bedside), as well as to meet diverse client and healthcare environment needs.  It is the newest role in nursing since the Nurse Practitioner role was introduced 40 years ago. The CNL is prepared at the master’s level as a nurse generalist, accountable for clinical and healthcare environment outcomes.  The CNL oversees the coordination of care of a distinct group of patients at the unit level, is a resource for clinical decision-making and serves as a lateral integrator of care.  The CNL puts evidence-based practice into action to ensure that patients benefit from the latest innovations in care delivery.  The CNL mentors and guides other registered nurses in their care of patients and serves as a patient advocate, facilitating the optimal patient experience, while helping the patient and family navigate through the healthcare system.  The recent Institute of Medicine report, “The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health,” lists the establishment of the CNL role as an important strategy to effectively respond to the increasing acuity of patients and complexity of the healthcare system.

In the Fall of 2010, a partnership with the University of West Georgia was established to bring the Master of Science in Nursing CNL program to WellStar Health System. It is a full-time, four-semester program (36 credit hours). At the completion of the program, graduates must successfully pass the CNL certification exam in order to practice as a CNL. The first cohort of 16 CNLs graduated in April 2013 and sat for the certification exam on May 15. The CNLs are part of the staffing model at the bedside, placed strategically on units where they can have the greatest impact on outcomes related to quality, cost, coordination and satisfaction.  A second cohort began in Fall 2012 and will graduate in Spring 2014. For more information on the CNL role, go to Clinical Nurse Leader at http://www.aacn.nche.edu/cnl.

We already started seeing positive outcomes of the CNL role while they were in school. These outcomes included:
•            Decreased fragmentation of care
•            Improved effectiveness and efficiency of multidisciplinary rounds and hand-offs
•            Improved clinical workflows and processes
•            Reduction in hospital-acquired conditions and infections
•            Improved core measure compliance
•            Improved patient and family satisfaction
•            Improved physician satisfaction

REFERENCES
Hartranft, S. R., Garcia, T., & Adams, N. (2007). Realizing the anticipated effects of the clinical nurse leader. Journal of Nursing Administration, 37(6), 261-263.
Harris, J. L., Tornabeni, J., & Walters, S. E. (2006). The clinical nurse leader: A valued member of the healthcare team. Journal of Nursing Administration, 36(10), 446-449.
Porter-O’Grady, T., Clark, J. S., & Wiggins, M.S. (2010). The Case for CNLs: Guiding Nursing Practice into the 21st Century. Nurse Leader 8(1), 37-41. DOI:10.1016/j.mnl.2009.11.002.

WellStar Physician Leadership Academy Graduates

The fourth cohort of the WellStar Physician Leadership academy received their Certificates from the Coles College of Business at Kennesaw State University in a special ceremony at the  Marietta Country Club on May 8. Reynold Jennings, president and CEO, spoke about the importance of lifelong learning and the value that WellStar places on physician leadership.  The Physician Leadership Academy has now graduated 119 physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants.  The program will be suspended for a year while we engage in WellStar Connect implementation and return in September 2014.

Graduates of the class included:
Travis Bowles, M.D.
Danny Branstetter, M.D.
Sonya Camphor, M.D.
Said Elshihabi, M.D.
Marla Franks, M.D.
Dauda Griffin, M.D.
Tony Griffin, M.D.
Jill Hendrix, P.A.
Amyn Hirani, M.D.
Andrea Huffman, P.A.
Ahmad Khaldi, M.D.
Maureen Lamm, M.D.
Harry Lightfoot, M.D.
Louis Lovett, M.D.
Jennifer Matthews, P.A.
Shameka McElhaney, M.D.
Ginny Merrill, P.A.
Prashant Mishra, M.D.
Vijay Nath, M.D.
Barry Renz, M.D.
Chris Riddell, M.D.

Make the Connection: We Are Almost There!

It is difficult to believe it has been one year since the formation of the WellStar Connect project team. Yet here we are, entering the project’s testing phase, with just over 100 days until the first go-lives in September. “We have come a long way,” said Jon Morris, senior vice president and chief information officer. “Everyone involved should be extremely proud of the WellStar Connect project and the dedication it’s taken to make it a reality.”

WellStar Connect Video Minute

The latest WellStar Connect Video Minute highlights Nursing Involvement. Mary Lou Wesley, Senior Vice President & Chief Nurse Executive, covers the important role WellStar's Nursing team members will have on the Epic transition - before, during and after Go-Live. Watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_kGNpLj6mI&feature=youtu.be.

All WellStar Connect Video Minutes are available on the WellStar Connect website on eSource.

“Life Well-Lived: WellStar – The First 20 Years” Chronicles History of System

On May 14, 2013, WellStar launched Life Well-Lived: WellStar – The First 20 Years, at a 20th anniversary celebration attended by members of the WellStar Board of Trustees, Hospital Authorities, Regional Health, Hospice and Foundation boards.

That evening, copies of the 20th anniversary commemorative book also were given as a gift to team members honored at the annual team member service awards banquet.

Life Well-Lived: WellStar – The First 20 Years chronicles the System’s history – the journey that began with the uniting of our five community hospitals through becoming a nationally-recognized health system.

In the near future, a complimentary copy of the book will be offered to team members and volunteers who have more than 20 years of service (as of 2013). We also will offer a free, downloadable file of the book to all team members. Details coming soon! The books also will be given as a door prize at the summer Town Hall meetings (June 17-21).

Currently, books are available to the general public at all WellStar hospital gift shops for $25. Proceeds benefit the WellStar Foundation. It also is available to the public on http://www.wellstar.org/giving as a downloadable file with a minimum online donation of $10 to the WellStar Foundation.

WellStar Douglas Hospital Breaks Ground on ICU Expansion, ED Renovation

On May 16, WellStar Douglas Hospital broke ground on its intensive care unit expansion and emergency department renovation. The $18-million project, projected to be complete in 2014, will double the number of ICU beds from eight to 16. Plans also include relocating the cafeteria and new triage/treatment rooms in the ED. The project includes construction of an additional 43,270 square feet and the renovation of 10,702 square feet of existing space.

Changes Coming for PerfectServe

The following are updates to the PerfectServe technology:

Download the New DocLink App
The new DocLink app is now available. The new app is easier to read, allows for secure texting and allows for secure messaging to groups. Go to the Apple or Andriod app store to download. 

Secure Texting
Feedback from the original pilot group using PerfectServe’s secure texting feature has shown that the PerfectServe app and DocLink can work effectively in all WellStar hospitals. The final security audits are currently being completed. On July 1, secure texting will be available for all users of PerfectServe and will allow confidential patient information to be included in text messages. Training for staff and physicians will be rolled out in June to prepare for the System wide use of this feature. Once this feature is activated, there will be no confidential information transmitted to an unsecured text platform. 

Masking Your Cell Number
The DocLink app on your smart phone will allow you to mask your cell phone number when making calls to patients or others. When making a call, open the DocLink app and tap the Call Patients icon. The number that will be seen by the person receiving the call will be the PerfectServe switchboard number. 

Administrators on Call to be added to PerfectServe
Under the Groups setting in the DocLink app, you will soon see Admin on Call for each hospital, which will allow providers to quickly reach administration. The hospitals will be listed consistent with the current settings with WSC for Cobb, WSD for Douglas, WSK for Kennestone, WSP for Paulding, and WSW for Windy Hill. 

In June, a PerfectServe day will be held at each facility to allow providers to meet with the PerfectServe rep to help optimize your PerfectServe experience.

Making CME More Convenient for Providers

The Physician Education Program at WellStar strives to meet the continuing education needs of all providers.  Given the need for WellStar Connect training over the next several months, we want to be sure you know that there are many CME opportunities available to you at your computer. Please do not hesitate to call (770-22-MYCME (69263)) and let us help you with your CME needs.

WellStar Connect Training
The hours that you will spend with WellStar Connect training will be eligible for CME credit. 

Success Factors Learning
Success Factors Learning is WellStar’s Learning Management System.  Follow the instructions posted on the Medical Staff Services page of eSource to access Success Factors Learning.  Browse for “Physician Education.” 

UpToDate
UpToDate is an ACCME-accredited provider.  Earning and redeeming CME/CE/CPD credit is a simple process.  Access UpToDate through the Physician Portal or from the Library Page on eSource.  You can earn CME credit by simply searching a topic once you have registered your account through the physician portal.

Natural Standard
Natural Standard provides evidence based information about complimentary and alternative medicine.  Founded by clinicians and researchers provides graded evidence-based information and continuing education credit.  Access Natural Standard from the Library page on eSource.

MD Consult
MD Consult is a comprehensive database of clinically compiled, regularly updated information on patient evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, tests, and prevention.  Providers can earn CME credit by viewing topics.  MD Consult is available through the Library page on eSource.

IHI Open School
WellStar has enrolled as an IHI Open School site.  The Open School provides courses in quality improvement, patient safety, leadership and other areas.  Most courses can be completed in an hour.  The Course Catalog and instructions for accessing the courses will be posted on eSource in the CME area under the Organizational Learning tab.

WellStar Paulding Nursing Center Receives Five-Star Rating

WellStar Paulding Nursing Center team members proudly display their Five-Star Rating certificate.

WellStar Paulding Nursing Center recently received a five-star rating, the highest possible, from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for its overall performance in health inspections, nurse staffing and quality of medical care. Only 10 percent of nursing homes in America earn this top rating, and only about 17 percent of the more than 350 nursing homes in Georgia earned an overall five-star rating.

“This is the first time we have achieved this rating,” said Carol O’Connell, administrator of Long-Term Care and assistant vice president of Support Services at Paulding Nursing Center. “I could not be more proud of our entire team – they have worked so hard. It’s extremely difficult to receive this stellar rating.”

The nursing home rating report is on Nursing Home Compare, a website run by CMS, which sets and enforces standards for nursing homes enrolled in Medicare or Medicaid. It incorporates data reported through March 31, 2013. Nursing homes are rated for:

•            Overall quality
•            Health inspection
•            Quality measures (using data from second, third and fourth quarters of 2012)
•            Staffing
•            RN staffing

According to U.S. News & World Report, an estimated 3.3 million Americans will live in the nation’s nearly 16,000 nursing homes during 2013. That number translates to one in seven people ages 65 and over, and more than one in five 85 and older.

Approximately 150 team members serve the 182 residents of Paulding Nursing Center.

WellStar Kennestone Hospital CCU Receives Second Beacon Award for Critical Care Excellence

WellStar Kennestone Hospital’s Coronary Care Unit (CCU) has once again been honored by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses with a Beacon Award for Critical Care Excellence.
The CCU received its first Beacon Award in 2010. At that time, the award was a non leveled or tiered award and length of the recognition was one year.

Currently, the Beacon Award is awarded in three levels, bronze, silver or gold, with WellStar Kennestone Hospital’s CCU receiving the silver award. The designation is valid until 2016.
The Beacon Award recognizes unit caregivers who successfully improve patient outcomes and align practices with AACN’s six standards for a healthy work environment. Units that achieve this designation meet national criteria consistent with Magnet Recognition, the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award and the National Quality Healthcare Award.

“We are honored to once again receive this award and are so proud of our talented team, whose work made these recognitions possible,” said Marsha Kadner, nurse manager, Kennestone CCU.

WellStar Cobb Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit also recently received a silver-level Beacon Award.

WellStar Cobb and Kennestone Hospitals Awarded CARF Accreditation

WellStar Cobb and Kennestone hospitals were recently awarded accreditation for their Adult Medical Inpatient Rehabilitation Programs and Inpatient Rehabilitation Stroke Specialty Programs. This latest accreditation is the seventh consecutive three-year accreditation that CARF, the international accrediting body, has awarded to both Kennestone and Cobb.

This represents the highest level of accreditation awarded. Organizations receiving three-year accreditations undergo a rigorous peer review process and demonstrate to a team of surveyors during an on-site visit that their programs and services are of the highest quality, measurable and accountable.

“WellStar Cobb and Kennestone are extremely proud of this important accreditation,” said Vimala Nair, M.D., medical director for WellStar Rehabilitation Services. “The rehabilitation team works tirelessly and is dedicated to outstanding patient outcomes, and this accreditation is a testament to their efforts."

CARF, formerly known as the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities, is an independent, nonprofit accrediting body whose mission is to promote the quality, value and optimal outcomes of services through a consultative accreditation process that centers on enhancing the lives of the persons served.

WellStar Kennestone and Paulding Hospitals Place on Quality Honor Roll

WellStar Kennestone and Paulding hospitals have been named to the Georgia Hospital Association’s (GHA) Partnership for Health and Accountability (PHA) Core Measures Honor Roll. Kennestone and Paulding are two of 18 hospitals in Georgia to be placed in the Presidential category, one of the highest on the list. The honor roll is based on clinical data provided by the federal Centers for Medicaid & Medicare Services (CMS). The data was collected from October 2011 to September 2012.

Hospitals are required to submit care data to CMS, which details how well a hospital’s caregivers adhere to a list of Value-Based Purchasing (VBP) core measures. These measures are the clinical processes of care known to be the most effective methods of treatment for surgical patients and patients who have suffered heart attacks, pneumonia and heart failure.

For instance, a recommended treatment to help prevent a heart attack is to take aspirin either before or upon arrival at the hospital, as well as at discharge. A suggested treatment for pneumonia is to administer an antibiotic within four hours of a patient’s arrival. It is recommended that surgery patients are given an antibiotic one hour prior to surgery to prevent infection. The VBP core measure is a composite measure that determines whether or not a patient received the right care at the right time. A hospital’s adherence to these recommended clinical practices usually leads to better outcomes.

The Essential Prescription That All Children Need - Avril Beckford, M.D.

Most all parents understand it takes a “village” to raise children. From caregivers and family to teachers, this group also includes medical professionals who understand and take a vested interest in the overall well being of youth. As Chief Pediatric Officer for WellStar Health System, Avril Beckford, M.D., lives and teaches this philosophy and recently had the opportunity to speak about it as the keynote speaker during the Penn State Hershey Medical Center Advocacy Dinner.

Dr. Beckford’s presentation, “The Essential Prescription That All Children Need,” focused on the importance of partnerships not only between physicians and parents, but educators and the community, to build resilience and character. She also stressed the importance of teaching moments in order to help parents and medical professionals impact the emotional and intellectual intelligence of children – they are our future leaders.

Dr. Beckford explained some barriers to coping & success in children. Many children are:

• Pressured
• Under-nurtured
• Over-protected/Over-indulged/Over-scheduled/Micromanaged

“Increasingly parents are rescuing children from the natural consequence of making mistakes and navigating and negotiating their every step – in academics and on the sports field,” explained Dr. Beckford. “Being held accountable and responsible is critical to learning and essential to the development of independence, character and leadership.”

The secret to overcoming these obstacles comes in the form of a “prescription for parents” - ten tips to help your child be their best and set the foundation for success.
Rx:

• Allow failure.
• Expecting perfection is a recipe for disaster.
• Role model: Mistakes are essential to learning.
• Be there when they succeed, but especially when they fail.
• Partner with your child’s teacher.
• Don’t negotiate.
• Don’t make excuses.
• Listen.
• Laugh, chill and enjoy.
• Unconditional Love.

“Life is a journey – a journey of growth, development, learning, health, wellness, illness and challenge,” Dr. Beckford continued. “Children will succeed and they will make mistakes. More than anything, they need to know that our love is unconditional – that there is nothing that will make us stop loving them and supporting them.”

Dr. Beckford is a board-certified pediatrician practicing at WellStar Medical Group, Pediatric & Adolescent Center and is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Nominate a 2013 Georgia Hospital Hero!

Know a WellStar team member, volunteer or physician who exemplifies world-class patient and family centered care at or away from the bedside? Please take a few minutes to recognize this person’s compassion and commitment to others by nominating them for the Georgia Hospital Association’s (GHA) 2013 Hospital Hero Award.

Nominations are due no later than July 31, 2013.

Ten GHA Hospital Hero Awards will be given to Georgia hospital employees or volunteers whose exemplary leadership and dedication have significantly enhanced patient care as well as their organizations and communities.

A Lifetime Heroic Achievement Award also will be given to one Georgia hospital employee who has dedicated a lifetime of service to a Georgia hospital (at least 30 years) and has made a significant impact in enhancing the operations and patient care of that particular facility.

For important details and guidelines or to submit your nomination, click here or visit www.gha.org.

May New Providers

Ronnika Colbert Harley, M.D.
Dr. Harley earned her bachelor’s degree from Emory University in economics and her medical degree from University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis, Tenn. She completed her internship and residency in pediatrics at Medical College of Georgia.

Board certified in pediatrics, she is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics. She is in practice with WellStar Pediatric & Adolescent Center.








Folake Taylor, M.D.
Dr. Taylor earned her medical degree at Obafemi Awolowo University College of Health Sciences in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. She completed a rotational internship in internal medicine, pediatrics, OB/GYN and surgery at Ilorin University Teaching Hospital in Ilorin, Nigeria. Dr. Taylor also completed on internship and residency, and served as an acting chief resident in internal medicine at Grady Memorial Hospital.
Board certified in internal medicine, she is a member of the American College of Physicians. She is in practice with WellStar Shallowford Medical Center.

New Medical Staff as Approved at the May Governing Board Meeting

Name	Specialty	Group Name	Appointment	Current Staff Membership
Adams, Kumari N., M.D.	LTAC Coverage	Windy Hill LTAC	WH, MG
Allard, Jay E., M.D.	Gynecologic Oncology	Atlanta Gynecologic Oncology	KH
Brewer, Cheryl A., M.D.	Gynecologic Oncology	Atlanta Gynecologic Oncology	KH
Davila, Manuel A., M.D.	Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery	NW Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery	DH	KH
Ferner, David J., M.D.	Emergency Medicine	The Bortolazzo Group, LLC	CH, DH, KH, PH
Hamilton, Chad A., M.D.	Gynecologic Oncology	Atlanta Gynecologic Oncology	KH
Kinsey, Richard W., M.D.	Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery	NW Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery	KH	CH, DH
Larrivey, Roberto A., M.D.	Otolaryngology	Atlanta ENT Sinus & Allergy	WH	KH
Lightfoot, Harry M., Jr., M.D.	General Surgery	Cobb Surgical Associates	DH, PH	CH, WH, MG
Linett, Lawrence M., M.D.	Emergency Medicine	The Bortolazzo Group, LLC	CH, DH, KH, PH
Mangaliso Virgil, Nombulelo B., M.D.	Pediatrics	Kennesaw Pediatrics, PC	DH
Morris, Michael T., II, M.D.	Cardiovascular Disease	Atlanta Vanguard Medical Assoc.	CH, DH
Pervaiz, Muhammad A., M.D.	Hospitalist (Medicine)	Hospitalist Group	CH, DH, KH, PH, MG
Stany, Michael P., M.D.	Gynecologic Oncology	Atlanta Gynecologic Oncology	KH

Advanced Practice Professionals
                       

Name	Specialty	Group Name	Appointment	Current Staff Membership
Albabe, Yemeserach, PA	Physician Assistant	WellStar Hospitalist Group	CH, KH, MG
Bergman, Lindsey P., PA	Physician Assistant	The BortolazzoGroup, LLC	CH, DH, KH, PH
Del Pozo, Mandi C., PA	Physician Assistant	The Heart Clinic, P.C.	CH, DH, KH
Edwards, James V., PA	Physician Assistant	The Bortolazzo Group, LLC	CH, DH, KH, PH
Farmer, Quinton B., III, PA	Physician Assistant	The Bortolazzo Group, LLC	CH, DH, KH, PH
Goodwin, Robin L., NP	Nurse Practitioner	The Bortolazzo Group, LLC	CH, DH,KH, PH
Hurman, Wendy K., NP	Nurse Practitioner	The Bortolazzo Group, LLC	CH, DH, KH, PH
Karellas, Kristen M., PA	Physician Assistant	The Bortolazzo Group, LLC	CH, DH, KH, PH
Morgan, Amy D., NP	Nurse Practitioner	WellStar Hospitalist Group	CH, DH, KH, PH, MG
Reynolds, Ryan E., NP	Nurse Practitioner	The Bortolazzo Group, LLC	CH, DH, KH, PH
Sanford (Koran), Ola B., NP	Nurse Practitioner	Georgia Cancer Specialists IPC	CH, DH, KH, PH
Simpson, Utopia T., NP	Nurse Practitioner	WellStar Cardiovascular Medicine	CH, DH, KH, MG
Steiner, William S., PA	Physician Assistant	Marietta Dermatology Assoc.	KH
Wells, Michael L., PA	Physician Assistant	Emory Healthcare	KH

Patient Satisfaction Graphs

June 2013 Department Meetings

WellStar Cobb Hospital

Committee/Dept.	Date & Time	Place
OB/GYN	June 3; 12:30 p.m.	Auditorium
Credentials	June 4; noon	ABR
Surgery Department	June 10; 5:30 p.m.	Magnolia Room
Medicine Department	June 10; 5:30 p.m.	Jasmine/Wisteria Room
Family Practice	June 10; 5:45 p.m.	Dogwood Room
General Staff Meeting	June 10; 6:30 p.m.	Auditorium
Medical Executive Committee	June 18; noon	Jasmine/Wisteria Room
Pediatrics	June 25; 12:30 p.m.	Jasmine/Wisteria Room

WellStar Douglas Hospital

Committee/Dept.	Date & Time	Place
Credentials	June 4; noon	Sycamore Room
QRC PI Committee	June 6; 7:30 a.m.	Sweetwater Room
Medical Executive Committee	June 11; noon	Comm Room
Advanced Practice Professionals	June 26; 7:30 a.m.	Sycamore Room

WellStar Kennestone Hospital

Committee/Dept.	Date & Time	Place
Credentials	June 5; 7 a.m.	KMR
Medical Executive Committee	June 11; 6 p.m.	KMR
OB/GYN	June 17; 5:30 p.m.	Azalea/Camellia Room
Pediatrics	June 19; 12:30 p.m.	KMR
Medicine	June 20; 7 a.m.	KMR
Family Medicine	June 20; 5:30 p.m.	Phone Conference Only

WellStar Paulding Hospital

Committee/Dept.	Date & Time	Place
Surgery	June 12; 6 p.m.	Marietta Country Club
Medical Executive Committee	June 13; 12:30 p.m.	Dogwood Room

June 2013 CME Events

• Kennestone Surgical M&M: June 26; 7:30 a.m.; Azalea/Camellia Room; WellStar Kennestone Hospital
• Trauma Grand Rounds-KH: June 27; 7 a.m.; Auditorium; WellStar Kennestone Hospital
• Cancer Conference (TB)-KH: June 3, 10, 17, 24; 7 a.m.; Azalea/Camellia Room; WellStar Kennestone Hospital
• Cancer Conference (TB)-CH: June 5, 12, 19, 26; noon; Wisteria/Jasmine Room; WellStar Cobb Hospital
• Breast Cancer Tumor Board-KH: June 5, 12, 26; 7 a.m.; STAT Clinic; WellStar Kennestone Hospital
• Thoracic Clinic Kennestone-KH: June 5, 12, 19, 26; 5 p.m.; STAT Clinic; WellStar Kennestone Hospital
• Thoracic Clinic Cobb-CH: June 6, 13, 20, 27; 5 p.m.; STAT Clinic; WellStar Cobb Hospital
• GI Tumor Board Kennestone-KH: June 6, 13, 20, 27; 7 a.m.; Azalea/Camellia Room; WellStar Kennestone Hospital
• Neuroradiology/General Neurology Patient Care Conference: June 5; 7 a.m.; Camellia Room; WellStar Kennestone Hospital
• Cardiology Case Conference: June 25; 7 a.m.; Kennesaw Mountain Room; WellStar Kennestone Hospital
• Anesthesia M&M: June 19; 7 a.m.; Anesthesia Conference Room; WellStar Kennestone Hospital

WellStar Celebrates 20 Years as a System

In less time than it takes a human to reach full adulthood, WellStar has grown from five community hospitals to a nationally recognized integrated health system.

On July 1, 2013, WellStar will mark its 20th anniversary as a health system. We begin our celebration this month, during Healthcare Week.

You’ll be hearing more about how far we’ve come in the months ahead. Celebrate our growth and achievements! In 20 years, we have:

• Grown to become the fifth most integrated healthcare delivery system in the country
• Become the 10th largest employer in Atlanta – increasing from 3,400 team members to more than 12,500
• Expanded the WellStar Medical Group to become one of the largest physicians groups in the Southeast
• Emerged as an Employer of Choice, recognized nationally for our employee-friendly benefits
• Cultivated a culture of caring, with one of the most highly engaged workforces in the nation

Healthcare has changed immensely in the last 20 years, and all healthcare systems face challenges today. WellStar’s history has shown that we nimbly and proactively respond to change. We stand firmly on our solid foundation, ready to keep evolving and growing to meet the healthcare needs of our community. Thank you for the essential part you play in making WellStar a great place to work and to receive care.