HCAs Attended the Hearts and Hands Conference
The Hearts and Hands Conference for healthcare assistants, presented by SafeCare BC, took place in Langley on Oct 2. The conference celebrates healthcare assistants while also providing education on navigating mental health, dealing with grief, and practical ways to support those living with dementia with their activities of daily living.
Speaking about the conference, Tonya Neufeld, HCA in Menno Hospital said, “The feedback was so positive. They all felt that they learned something and were truly appreciated.”
We’re delighted that a number of our Menno Place care aides were able to attend!
Cyber Month week 2: The Most Resourceful Generation
Every generation needs the right tools to succeed, especially when it comes to staying safe online. Becoming part of Generation Cyber Safe means getting familiar with the tools and resources needed to protect yourself from cyber threats. This is a great time to talk to the Gen Zs in your life, as 88% of this generation uses tools like multi-factor authentication (MFA) regularly! Here are some of the topics for this week.
Anti-virus protection
Anti-virus software is one of the best ways to protect your computer against viruses and malware . It works by scanning your devices to detect, identify and remove malicious files. Some anti-virus software can also warn you of malicious websites and monitor suspicious program behaviours. Discover how to choose the right anti-virus software for your needs.
Automatic updates
Keeping your operating system and software updated is one of the easiest ways to protect your devices and your information from cyber threats. Updates fix security issues and add new features that allow you to get more out of your device. Find out why enabling automatic updates for all software on your devices can make cyber safety even easier.
Virtual private network (VPN)
A virtual private network (VPN) is a secure connection between your device and the internet. A VPN provides you with additional security and privacy while you’re online by securing and encrypting your data. This can be helpful when you’re connecting to an unsecured network , like the free Wi-Fi at your favourite coffee shop. Discover how and why a VPN is a critical tool to help you get cyber safe.
Cyber security awareness training
Cyber security awareness and training is important at home, school and work. You can become a cyber champion by encouraging challenges or activities that get everyone involved – like seeing who can report the most scam emails in a month. This week, be sure to look into cyber security training resources like the Cyber Centre’s free online training course.
Malware and ransomware
Malware, or malicious software, is a common method that cyber criminals use to infect systems and devices. Ransomware is a form of malware that infects your computer or device and locks you out of accessing the system and files. Cyber criminals will trick you into downloading ransomware by disguising links or downloadable files to look legitimate. Find out about the methods and tools you can use to protect yourself.
Conclusion
The right tools and training can help you become part of Generation Cyber Safe! Learn more about anti-virus protection, automatic updates, VPNs and how to protect yourself from threats like malware and ransomware.
All Nursing Staff: Please take Palliative Care Survey
To: All Nursing Staff – Menno Home, Menno Hospital and the Apartments
From: Loveleen Sekhon
Date: October 7, 2024
Re: The Palliative Care Survey
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Lara, a Palliative Nurse Educator, will be working with Menno Place temporarily to help improve our Palliative Care Approach. As part of this initiative, we are conducting a survey to gather valuable feedback from nurses on how we can enhance our palliative care practices.
Please take a moment to complete the survey using the link below. We would appreciate it if you could complete the survey by October 15, 2024. Your insights are essential to us as we work together to improve the quality of care we provide:
https://forms.gle/zhmcPQJQ4XVBtjGQ9
If you have any questions or additional suggestions regarding palliative care, feel free to reach out to me at loveleen.sekhon@mennoplace.ca
Message from Lara:
Hello, I’m Lara, and I’m excited to collaborate with the team to make a meaningful impact. My palliative care journey began as a bedside nurse, where I saw firsthand the profound effects of compassionate care on patients and their families. These experiences deepened my commitment to holistic care, focusing on both comfort and dignity. I am also passionate about supporting the clinical team, as your dedication and expertise are crucial for providing exceptional care. I look forward to sharing my experience and enthusiasm with you as we work together to deliver outstanding palliative care to our residents and their families.
Garry Janzen – Life Enrichment Menno Home & Hospital – Staff Prayer Oct 3
Kerry Dyck lead our prayer time with a devotional out of Philippians 1 and we prayed for Garry Janzen, Life Enrichment Coordinator for Menno Home & Hospital.
Cyber Month week 1: The Most Secure Generation
October is Cyber Security Awareness Month in Canada and this year we’re ushering in a new generation: Generation Cyber Safe.
Online security affects all Canadians, regardless of what year they were born. That’s why this year’s theme, Generation Cyber Safe, celebrates the unique strengths each of us has when it comes to staying safe online. This generation is all about attitude: being committed to keeping yourself secure online and making the internet a safe place for everyone.
Being a part of Generation Cyber Safe means understanding the importance of securing your accounts – which is something that 95% of Baby Boomers are leading the way in! This week, we’re exploring the various ways to improve your account security. Here are some topics we’re covering during week one:
Strong passwords and passphrases
Passwords and passphrases are your first line of defence when it comes to protecting your accounts. This week, find out how to create strong and unique passwords and passphrases for your accounts and why it’s so important. To get started, make sure your passwords are at least 12 characters long and include random numbers and characters. Your passphrases should be at least 15 characters long and include four or more random words.
Password managers
Creating (and remembering) strong and unique passwords and passphrases for each of your accounts can feel overwhelming. Password managers can help! Learn how to choose the best password manager for you and how password managers can save you time and effort when it comes to account security.
Multi-factor authentication (MFA)
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds an extra layer of security to your accounts by requiring a second form of verification in addition to your password or passphrase . This can be a PIN, a biometric (like a fingerprint or facial recognition) or an object you own, like a token. Be sure to enable MFA whenever possible to improve your account security.
Credential Stuffing
Credential stuffing is an automated cyber attack that uses stolen credentials from one website to gain unauthorized access to other accounts sharing the same username, email and password combination. It’s one of the main reasons why you should use unique passwords and passphrases for each of your accounts. Using unique passwords, MFA and password managers can help prevent these attacks.
Limiting the information that you share online
Cyber criminals are experts at stealing information. One of the ways they do this is by looking at your social media accounts or searching information about you online, like discovering where you work and who you’re connected with online. Limiting the information that you share online can help to avoid your accounts from getting compromised.
Conclusion
Join Generation Cyber Safe by learning how to secure your accounts with MFA, password managers, strong passwords and passphrases and more. We’ll have more tips each week this month.
Change of Office Location: Sandra Hayes
Sandra Hayes, Clinical Systems Lead, is moving offices. On Wednesday, Oct 2, she will leave her current office by Menno Home Entrance A and will set-up in her new office in Menno Hospital East 2. Please update your records accordingly.
Kim Scott – DOC Menno Home – Staff Prayer Sept 26
Ann Thakkar lead our time time with a devotional out of Proverbs 3:5-8 and we prayed for Kim Scott, DOC for Menno Home.
Menno Place Observes Truth and Reconciliation Day
Menno Place will be honouring Truth and Reconciliation Day on Thursday, September 26, 2024.
Staff are invited to wear an orange t-shirt on Thursday. (Read about why we wear orange shirts on Truth and Reconciliation Day.) There will be a presentation for the residents by Cecelia Reekie, a member of the Haisla First Nation, at 2:00 in the Menno Hospital Chapel. Staff who are not on shift are also welcome to attend.
As the Honourable Justice Murray Sinclair, Chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, said, “Education got us into this mess and education will get us out of it.” Leaning into this need to start with education, staff from Menno Place participated in a series of discussions based on the Listening to Indigenous Voices curriculum. The discussions were facilitated by Bridget Findlay, Mennonite Central Committee BC Indigenous Neighbours Coordinator, along with guest speakers from local indigenous communities.
If you would like to go through this material it is available online at: http://ltiv.ca
Taking Steps Towards Reconciliation
As we honour Truth and Reconciliation Day it can be hard to know where to begin to tackle such a complex and painful history. In the final report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada the authors wrote about the importance of all Canadians practicing reconciliation in our everyday lives.
Here are 5 ways you can step into the conversation and practice reconciliation:
- READ about residential school history
https://nctr.ca/education/teaching-resources/residential-school-history/ - EXPLORE the stories of the victims and survivors
https://witnessblanket.ca/explore - LISTEN to kids from the Sk’elep School of Excellence sing “We Won’t Forget You”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0YYkvIWbng - WATCH stories of survivors:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJHR1STq_-s - PARTICIPATE in the Stetís ímexstowx Gathering at The Reach Gallery Museum in Abbotsford
https://thereach.ca/events/stetis-imexstowx-gathering/
MEMO: Sick Calls on the Long Weekend
To: All Menno Place Staff
From: Jessy Manhas
Date: September 16, 2024
Re: Long weekend Announcement Regarding Sick Calls
Dear Team,
In the past, we have noticed a pattern of increased sick calls over the long weekend, followed by staff working on the statutory holiday the next day. All staff scheduled to work during the long weekend are expected to report to their shifts as usual.
Due to this recurring pattern, we will be requiring proof of illness/doctor’s note as per the Collective Agreement from anyone who calls in sick on September 28 and 29, 2024. Additionally, if you call in sick on September 29, 2024 and then come to work on the statutory holiday, September 30, 2024, an investigation will be initiated by your Manager with a Shop Steward and a doctor’s note is mandatory. Failure to comply will result in disciplinary action and a risk of no sick time pay.
We appreciate your understanding and dedication to our residents’ care. Adhering to these guidelines will help ensure smooth operations throughout the long weekend.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your department manager.
Sincerely,
Jessy Manhas
Manager of People & Culture
604-851-1346