ESC employees and Directors of Rehabilitation from our facilities met at the Jackson Country Club's Grand Ballroom for a full day of learning, fellowship, and fun. With the coming changes concerning PDPM, Mid South wanted to make sure our Directors of Rehab were prepared for all that is to come.
Yesterday was a humid, end of July day here in Jackson, Mississippi. It was the kind of sticky heat that comes after a night of rainfall in late summer, so everyone participating in the annual DOR training was glad we were meeting inside. Our DORs signed in and took their seats, some picking up their thank you gifts of thermal travel mugs as they went. The room was abuzz as people greeted old and new colleagues and chatted over breakfast beverages, chicken and honey biscuits, and fruit.
CEO and President, Steven Cole, welcomed guests, told a quick joke, and gave a devotional to the group. I, Lee Catherine Collins, introduced myself to the company and ran through a few things I am working toward with our website, social media, newsletters, and marketing in general. Teresa Manning and Annelle McGee spoke to the group about billing, and Clinton Mayes addressed the crowd with some privacy guidelines and a fun Kahoot game.
For the rest of the day, breakout groups met in rotations with Human Resources, Finance, Compliance, and Clinical Operations. The group enjoyed a lovely lunch as we heard from KK Harrington with Mississippi Dysphagia Specialists. She informed us all of the benefits of the portable FEES system that she is certified to use for testing. Everyone learned so much from her, and it was obvious to see that her specialization will be an asset in the future. Between breakout sessions, Clinton awarded door prizes of white Mid South thermal tumblers and Wal-Mart and Visa gift cards. As DORs headed back home, they picked up the last few travel mugs and extra copies of the latest newsletter.
It was a great day of learning and continuing everyone's education, but the best part of the day was certainly the fellowship and the ability to converse face to face. Many new DORs and staff members had the opportunity to meet people they had only talked with over the phone or emailed previously. It was a great time to ask questions, make plans, and just generally enjoy time together.