Uniforms for the GBMC Team

We are building a culture in our healthcare system that values teamwork. Caring for patients is complex and it requires varied talents to get the job done the way we would want it for our own loved ones. The team is made up of physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, therapists, housekeepers, billing people, food service workers and many others. There is great fun in being on a team. Anyone who has ever played sports knows that. I remember playing basketball in high school and how proud I was to put on our uniform and how close I became with my teammates. Uniforms unite people in a common cause. Just walk around Camden yards before or after an Orioles game and see how many fans are wearing Orioles gear.

Uniforms also identify people and their respective roles. In the hustle and bustle of today’s healthcare world, patients are often confused about who is who on the team. When everyone comes in wearing scrubs, it is difficult for the patient to figure out who is doing what and to whom they should address their questions. “Many times, patients don’t know who the nurse is versus the techs and even housekeepers who wear scrubs. So by moving to standard and different colored uniforms, patients will be able to identify their caregiver, along with their specialty, easier. It also gives our staff a more professional look,” explained Sue Bowen, RN, BSN, NE-BC, Administrative Director of Maternal Child Health.

So, GBMC is working to improve the sense of pride, purpose and team membership among our people and working to make it easier for patients and family members to identify team members by outfitting bedside staff with new uniforms. Sue is spearheading the uniform initiative and reports that most of the staff is quite happy with the new uniforms and many were involved in choosing colors and styles.

This week, clinical staff members have the opportunity to attend the GBMC Fit Line where they can try on scrubs and choose from a variety of styles and fits before orders are placed.

Which Color Are You?

GBMC’s clinical and bedside staff will be in the hospital-provided uniforms by November 1 so know who’s who by color:

Nursing staff – Navy blue
Technicians – Black
Pharmacy – Caribbean Blue
Respiratory – Gray
OT/PT – Galaxy blue
Radiology – Pewter
Laboratory – Eggplant
Advanced practitioners – Wine
Radiation Oncology – Teal
Sitters – Khaki

Welcome to GBMC’s New Chief Financial Officer

I’d also like to extend a warm welcome to our new Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Lisa Goodlett, CPA, MBA, who started this week in her new role. Lisa is an accomplished financial leader with more than 20 years in the healthcare industry, having previously served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Dimensions Healthcare System in Hyattsville, Maryland. She also possesses in-depth knowledge of the Maryland waiver with Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and also has significant experience in working with Maryland’s Health Services Cost Review Commission (HSCRC) in the all-payer rate setting system.

Lisa says, “I am excited to join the GBMC team.  I was drawn to the vision of GBMC with putting the patient first via the patient-centered care team, the work in population health and its bold steps to be a leader in generating value.  I look forward to working with such a strong team with the will for change.”

Please join me in extending a warm welcome to Lisa.