Thank you for all the hard work you have been doing, particularly our teams in the hospital who have been dealing with record census levels. We recognize how hard you are working and your exceptional commitment to our patients as we are experiencing a nationwide health care staffing shortage. While more people than ever are trusting their health care to Cooper, the increased volume puts elevated stress on everyone. Please know that our leadership team is hard at work on plans to meet this increasing patient demand.
Last week, the Joint Commission was here and they completed their survey. The Joint Commission surveyors had many great things to say about the Cooper team, both in the hospital and in our ambulatory offices. We are very proud to work with such dedicated professionals and for the excellence that was witnessed last week by the surveyors – and experienced every day by our patients.
What You Should Know This Week:
- All Things COVID-19 Vaccine: On Monday, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) gave the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine its first full approval. Click here to read more.
- Schedule your vaccine today: If you were waiting for a COVID-19 vaccine to go from EUA to full approval, you can now schedule your Pfizer vaccine today on myCooper. The vaccine is available at the Kelemen Circle tent, primary care offices, and Urgent Care Centers. Please remember, the State of New Jersey has mandated that health care workers receive a COVID-19 vaccine by September 7, 2021, or be tested weekly.
- Third shot for immunocompromised: For team members who are immunocompromised, you can receive a third shot of the mRNA vaccines (Pfizer or Moderna) if you meet certain criteria available here. You should schedule your third shot appointment with your Cooper primary care physician at their office or at the Kelemen Circle Tent. It is not recommended immunocompromised team members get their third shot at the Urgent Care Centers.
- Booster shots: The FDA and CDC have not yet recommended booster shots for those who are not immunocompromised. When booster shots are recommended more generally, which may happen in coming months, Cooper will make them available for team members.
- Our recognitions continue – Forbes selected Cooper as one of America’s Best Employers. Due to all of your hard work and focus on driving a better health care experience for our patients and each other, we continue to be recognized. Read more about the Forbes America’s Best Employers recognition here.
- Stress Management Support. Thank you to all of our Cooper team members for your incredible work in managing higher-than-usual patient volumes. We know the high volume, in addition to the ongoing challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic, has created added stress in your work. We have resources to help you cope with stress and any difficulties you may be experiencing. Cooper’s employee assistance program through the Carebridge Corporation is offering free, online stress management support uniquely tailored to health care workers. Information about personal consultations is available here, and for support groups is available here.
- This week Governor Murphy signed an executive order requiring all preschool to Grade 12 educators and school personnel, as well as all State employees, be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by October 18, 2021, or be subject to testing. Click here to read more.
- Eight-year-old Lily Cuticchia recently donated more than 200 backpacks filled with blankets and personal care items to help homeless patients in Cooper’s emergency department and addiction medicine program. This isn’t Lily’s first act of kindness – in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, she collected more than 1,200 pairs of socks for patients in need. Click here to read more about Lily and her remarkable generosity.
- We love to hear patient feedback about their excellent health care experience at Cooper. Kudos to all who are making The Cooper Experience a reality and who received individual recognition from our patients in recent surveys, including Victoria, Colleen H., Jen, Ida, Rose, Shaun, Tori, Lydia, Kyle Winkler, and Karly. Click here to read more.
- Click here to read today’s Daily Dose, entitled, “Empathy and the Latest Wave.” As always, you can view the Daily Dose archives here.
- Topic of the Week: FDA Full Approval – Before granting full approval of a vaccine, the FDA reviews updated data from the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) clinical trials and includes a longer follow-up period in a larger clinical trial population. In addition, the FDA evaluates the manufacturer’s clinical data, vaccine testing results, details about the manufacturing process, and inspections of the sites where the vaccine is made. Click here to read more. Movie quote of the week: “Made it, Ma! Top of the world!”
We appreciate your ongoing hard work and commitment during these challenging times.
For questions, ideas, or comments, please email CEOQuestions@CooperHealth.edu.