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RPC home > Message from the Superintendent (July 28, 2006)

Riverview Psychiatric Center

Message from the Superintendent (July 28, 2006)

What we have to learn to do, we learn by doing." - Aristotle

I apologize for not having written a weekly-update for a couple of weeks. Although there have been a lot of things going on, I sometimes need to remind myself how important on-going communication is to healthy organizations, and relationships. So no excuses, just a commitment to try and not let other things get in the way.

First, the Fiscal Year 06---Jul-2006-Jun 2006 (the year state government uses for Services/Budgets) recently ended and for the second time in the history of AMHI/Riverview, we ended the year in the black. Good news, and a significant achievement, so thanks to the financial folks for paying the bills, managing the contracts, balancing the books.

Second, we have been heavily involved in the CMS licensing effort over the past several weeks, and I will give you a quick snapshot. First, the inspectors went to the Portland Clinic, 3 days after the "micro-burst" of heavy rains several weeks ago that flooded the clinic and caused damage to the floor and walls. As a result we have had to spend allot of time at the clinic for renovations. Those renovations have been completed and the clinic is up and running, newly remodeled, and ready for business. Thanks to the clinic staff for keeping the phones open and clients rescheduled.

The CMS staff also found some fire code issues with the canopies and thus, we have had those removed and will be looking to reconstruct something different to place in the doorways for protection of falling snow.

Maintenance continues to install keyed locks for all critical access doors on the units so staff can exit with a key in the event the swip-cards become inoperable. All outside exits have been done and at this time the project is 85% complete with 65 of 75 new locks installed. Thanks to the Maintenance staff.

We are approaching August. The final month of an all to brief summer. Please take time to enjoy the final four weeks of this beautiful weather in this incredible state.

Last week I got the chance to host a luncheon with the Behavioral Response Committee. Just a chance to thank them for their fine work. During the meal, I asked each of them what they would do if they were the Superintendent for one day. Each offered something insightful. In an attempt to improve my performance, I will try to put the suggestions to work. These include increasing the use of horticulture and animal facilitated therapies, providing time for work groups to complete strategic planning in "retreat" atmosphere, initiate a staff morale committee, initiate a "Family and Friends Event", do more public relations work, do more staff recognition activities, and expand our "Service Excellence" program. One suggestion, a good one, that I will not be implementing in the near future was to work each unit for 4 hours as a mental health worker. The reason I am not implementing that suggestion is the clients deserve a better MHW then me. Also, believe it or not, my first job in mental health was as a Psych Tech (a mental health worker 1 at the Nebraska Psychiatric Institute). I do value the hard work and incredible contribution our Mental Health Workers do here. Although I will never know the job like our Mental Health Workers know their job, I understand the range of responsibilities and challenges they face. Lastly, and probably most importantly, I have a hard time getting my job done. I look forward to sharing a meal with other Riverview Psychiatric Center staff and continuing my education.

As always, "Thank You" for your continued good work and dedicated service to those searching for, attaining, and living their recovery.

In Service,

David S. Proffitt

"The most important motive for work in school and in life is pleasure in work, pleasure in its result, and the knowledge of the value of the result to the community." - Albert Einstein