EMPLOYEE TEAM PAGE

Team,

You have undoubtedly noticed there are “help wanted” signs at nearly all businesses. Miravida Living is no exception – we need more great people to join our core team. We regularly advertise our open positions on Indeed, Facebook, our website, and at area colleges. There are fewer and fewer applicants and more vacant positions than ever. To make sure we have staff, we contract with temporary staffing agencies and offer minimal-part-time work. To provide best quality care and a great place to work, we are committed to expanding our core team and ending reliance on agency staff and overtime.

With that in mind, we are working on several strategies:

• We are in the process of hiring 6 registered nurses and 10 certified nursing assistants from an international placement organization. These professionals will join our core team for a minimum of 3 years, and many will remain on the team for the foreseeable future. At best, the nurses will be here in less than 9 months and certified nursing assistants a while longer.

• We regularly offer Certified Nursing Assistant training. Over the summer, we added 27 CNAs to our team.

• At Eden (only), we are transitioning our minimal part-time positions into a Float Pool. In addition to the 4 shifts currently required, Float Pool employees have an opportunity to pick up additional shifts and will be incented to do so as follows:

• Shifts 5 & 6 in same four-week schedule = base rate plus an additional $3.00/hour
• Shifts 7 & 8 in same four-week schedule = base rate plus an additional $4.00/hour
• Shifts 9+ in same four-week schedule = base rate plus an additional $5.00/hour

To support our core team, the Float Pool employees will not be able to sign up for shifts until Week 2 of posting the schedule.

• We implemented 12-hours shifts at Bethel and are looking at expanding this strategy to Eden.

• We have received notification there will be an increase in our Medicaid rates which accounts for about half the revenue at Bethel and a small percentage at Eden. When we learn the details of the increase including the amount and regulatory requirements, we plan to invest further in our team.

At orientation, when I interview new employees and ask them how they learned about us and decided to apply, nearly all of them report they have been referred by someone they know, or a family member has had a stay on our campus. Some apply through Indeed but, the vast majority know us in some way. Please think about who you might invite to join our team – it will make a difference in their career and our work.

We welcome all ideas about recruiting. Please contact Kari Hawkinson, Vice President of Human Resources, or me.

In closing, thank you for all you do – your commitment to our residents and one another shines through in your work – we are blessed you are on our team – you make a difference!

Sincerely,

Theresa M. Bertram
Chief Executive Officer

• Employees who have completed their vaccinations can expect to see a special payroll payment of $100 less taxes on October 1, 2021.
• For those in the process of completing their vaccinations by November 1, 2021, there will be a special payroll in November.

September 9, 2021

Team,

Eighteen months ago, our lives and work were upended by the pandemic. We came together and demonstrated that together, WE ARE MIRAVIDA STRONG. We have risen to meet the many challenges of COVID and together done whatever it takes to care for our residents and support one another. I am proud of you and what we have accomplished.

Today, with positivity rates rising, the pandemic continues to be at our doorstep. With every round of tests, we come face-to-face with the possibility of COVID in our midst. With even one positive test result, our residents face isolation in their rooms. With group dining and activities suspended, residents dine in their rooms and miss their favorite activities. Families and friends must use the safe spaces to visit. Visits are through plastic barriers and the time together is limited. Additional personal protective equipment is required. Admissions are postponed or canceled.

To be consistent with our purpose, Miravida Living must take every measure possible to reduce the risk faced by our residents, team members, and operations including requiring COVID vaccinations. Effective November 1, all staff will be required to have completed their vaccinations as a condition of employment. Download the policy here. 

Since an unvaccinated person presents a direct threat to the health and safety of our residents, there is no option but to proceed with the mandate. In our conversations with unvaccinated staff, we have learned you may resign rather than be vaccinated. While hoping you will choose to be vaccinated and continue your work with Miravida Living, we accept this may happen. Some are fearful of the vaccine. If this is the case, we will work with you on understanding the science of the vaccine. Some do not want to be told what to do. We support your right to follow your personal convictions, however, providing for the health and safety of our residents and maintaining the financial viability of our organization require all staff be vaccinated.

In closing, Miravida Living is responsible for the well-being of our residents and ensuring a best experience in this last chapter of their lives. To fulfill this responsibility, all staff are required to be fully vaccinated by November 1 and obtain a booster vaccination when required. Our pharmacy routinely offers vaccinations. Please watch the Team Page on our website for clinic times or contact Kerri Schueler, Pharmacy Director.

We appreciate your commitment to our residents and their care. As always, if you have any questions or comments, please contact me at tbertram@miravidaliving.com or 920.232.5228.

Sincerely,

Theresa M. Bertram
Chief Executive Officer

EMPLOYEE COVID TESTING

Universal testing will be TWICE weekly, per the recommendations of the State of Wisconsin Department of Health Services and Winnebago County Health Department. Your commitment to the testing is appreciated as we continue to work together in creating a safe environment for our residents and employees.

• BETHEL HOME | Resident Family Lounge, in the basement across from the library
• UNVACCINATED STAFF ONLY
• NEXT TESTING:
  • Mondays & Fridays, 6-9am and Noon -3pm

• EDEN MEADOWS | Rehab Conference Room
• UNVACCINATED STAFF ONLY
• NEXT TESTING:
  • Tuesdays & Thursdays 10am-Noon

CHEERS TO 200 YEARS!

WELCOME TO THE TEAM!