Happy Holidays!

Thank you all for bringing in gifts a food today. It was really fun. Thanks to my "Secret Santas" that gave me Starbucks cards. Thank you Rachel for the lovely sweets. I will share a few with my husband...just a few. Sheena, thank you for the "Chocoloate Lovers Kit". It's fantastic. The candy at the bottom made it that much sweeter.

Another shout out to.....Alex H., Kristina, Alexis and Austyn for their help with the 2nd of two backpack projects. You all did a wonderful job getting the last of the donations and stuffed animals into backpacks for the Adopt-A-Family Program here at GHS. Ms. Ayotte was absolutely thrilled to get them. I love the tags you put on each one, being careful to mark them and make them age-appropriate. GREAT JOB!

Advance note of appreciation...thank you for helping your sites! For those of you volunteering during the holidays, feel free to call me on my cell if you have questions or concerns. Remember, each week gets its own timesheet.

Take care everyone. I will see most of you in January. A few I will see this week at site. NEXT BLOG POST.....Monday, January 4th.

Have a great time with family and friends....live, love, laugh.

Mrs. Erceg

Prepare for our Gathering Tomorrow....

First....Please read the previous blog entry. Thanks!

Now, for the potluck tomorrow, you are welcome to bring something to eat or drink. I'm looking forward to our gift exchange and for those participating, another reminder...mark the gift clearly with the recipient's name.

I will need some help tomorrow making some more backpacks for kids in need. Please bring in any donations or stuffed animals you may have. THANK YOU.

If you are volunteering between 12/18 and 1/3, please remember to take an extra timesheet if you do not have one. You'll need two extra ones if you are working in both weeks. Each week gets its own timesheet!

I'm anxious to hear all about your site experiences tomorrow, as I do each week. Remember to bring in your CC binder.

Have a great evening.

Mrs. Erceg

Happy Just Before the Holiday Week

Hi Everyone,

Tomorrow...make sure your time sheets are signed and ready to go for Wednesday. I had two people not turn them in on time last week. Let's work toward 100% this week.

So far, students have done a great job calling me with absences and/or schedule changes. I REALLY APPRECIATE that and it is the professional thing to do. It is crucial to the success of the program for us all to communicate well and for us all to be on the same page. Speaking of that, please make sure you come to me with ANY changes to your site assignment, working during the holidays or any other changes that are otherwise unexpected.

Do not make arrangements with a site supervisor without consulting with me first, especially if it is a significant change in schedule or location. THANK YOU ! I have already heard about a few students making arrangements to work at a site they are not assigned to. Eeeeeek!

On Wednesday, we will have a potluck (bring anything you like to eat or drink) and a gift exchange. If you decided to participate, don't forget a gift, clearly marked with the person's name on it. It's a secret regarding who it is from! "Secret Santa"....you know.

OPPORTUNITY: Please call me or see me on Wednesday if interested in some holiday volunteer hours available with Physical Therapy/Sports Medicine. You can also sign up to help with sports physicals in early February.

I am seeing so much progress at your sites. GREAT JOB EVERYONE !!!

Check the blog tomorrow....

Mrs. Erceg

Hi Everyone

I'll be out of town tomorrow and Friday. Please call my cell if you are not going to site for any reason. Urgent issues: Call Tri-Valley R.O.P. at (925) 455-4800. Speak to anyone there.

Great seeing you again. Nice work today. Make sure you get your timesheets signed on Friday!

See you next week.

Mrs. Erceg

Happy Tuesday to Yoooooou

Hi Folks,

The meeting at Valley Care was incredible. I'll tell you all about it.

Some reminders for tomorrow:

Bring in your CC Binder and make sure you have a signed timesheet with you. Points applied for on-time arrival.

HOMEWORK: We'll work a little on your career portfolios tomorrow, so please bring in a resume sample from http://www.about.com/ Just print one out. Go to "template resume high school graduate". You may also go to "entry level".

I need these books right away please: For those of you who received nursing books/texts from me, would you kindly check for two that I need to temporarily borrow back?
"LIPPINCOTT MANUAL OF NURSING PRACTICE" - 8TH EDITION
"CLINICAL NURSING SKILLS AND TECHNIQUES" - 6TH EDITION THANKS!

I will be out of town on Thursday, Dec. 10th and Friday, Dec. 11th. Please contact the R.O.P. office if there is an emergency of some kind. Call me on my cell as well and leave me a message. R.O.P. Office: (925) 455-4800 - You can talk to Susan Pereira or Anna Lisa Hutchinson. Anyone there can help you.

Have a wonderful evening and I look forward to seeing you tomorrow.

Mrs. Erceg

Welcome to a New Week...with Snow too!

Hi Everyone...

ALL ATTENDING the Valley Care Meeting tomorrow on the "VIRTUAL TUMOR BOARD" at 11:30 a.m., please CALL (925) 734-3315 and REGISTER. Thank you.

FOR WEDNESDAY: Bring your CC Binder and make sure your timesheet for 11/30 to 12/6 is in it and signed by a supervisor.

Keep writing your experiences in your CC Journal at your site daily. It's very important to keep this up as a future assignment will be given using that log as a reference.

GREAT JOB everyone !!!! I love getting reports from your supervisors about the wonderful work you are doing. Think of how nice your resume and portfolio will look!

See you Wednesday!

Mrs. Erceg

Greetings Medical Professionals !

Hello Everyone,

I am already getting reports from supervisors on the wonderful job you are doing at your community classroom sites. Thank you for representing the program so well.

For KAISER folks....the following students have been cleared to start tomorrow on Friday, Dec. 4th: Patrick, Kelsey A., Nicole A., Allison, Alex H.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ruby, Morgan, Tanu and Esha- I will calling you tonight to finalize your placement information...hang in there! We'll get you four started as soon as possible.

TO REGISTER for the Dec. 8th meeting at the Valley Care Medical Plaza on "Virtual Tumor Board" - CALL (925) 734-3315 soon to get a spot. The meeting is from 11:30 to 12:30. Please call me and your site if you are going.

Remember to call my cell with any questions or concerns....I'll be happy to help you.

Great job everyone!

Mrs. Erceg

VERY IMPORTANT....

KAISER STUDENTS: Please report to your career centers from 1 to 3 (or 2 hours) tomorrow and Friday. I hope to have your test results on Friday.
This does not apply to Sarah, Ryan or Adam.

Please call my cell in the morning if needed. (510) 305-5111. Give your parents that number too so they have it handy. They should have your site number/supervisor as well.

REMINDERS:

Meeting - Tuesday, Dec. 8th 11:30 - 12:30 at Valley Care (Virtual Tumor Board)
Bring in sheet protectors (10) for the Career Portfolio
Have your CC binder with you at all times! Thank you.
Check into some scholarships soon with your career center!

SECRET SANTA! If you are interested, sign up next week on 12/9 - gift value will be maximum $10.00. We'll go over the details next week.

Have a great week.

Mrs. Erceg

Day Two and Going Strong!

Hi Everyone,

I am anxious to see you in class.

For tomorrow:

Your Community Classroom Binder.....Bring it to class every Wednesday and make sure you have it with you at all times at site. Keep all notes, packets and information neatly filed in the binder. We will have "Seminar" each Wednesday which is a brief discussion about site experiences, challenges and goal planning.

We will be reviewing requirements for the Career Portfolio tomorrow. Bring in any materials you'd like to add to your binder. I have certificates to hand out.

V.A. and Axis folks: You will be in the same departments from 12/1 to 12/18 and then we will look at a different schedule for January 2010.

Kaiser folks: Please adhere to the time you have set with your supervisors. Kaiser is very strict about your shift/timeframe.

Do you need to practice taking blood pressures? Please see me.

Have a great evening "INTERNS" !!!

Mrs. Erceg

Happy First Day....

First day of Community Classroom....done! Congratulations !!! I got to see a lot of you today and it was a real pleasure seeing you in uniform, looking very professional. You are expected to represent this program well and I know you are just the people to do it. Thank you.

Some reminders:

Kaiser folks - AM students: LIVERMORE Kaiser at 9:45 for 10:00 orientation with Kareen.
PM students: PLEASANTON Kaiser at 1:45 for a 2:00 with Kareen.

Take your CC binder EVERY DAY to your site....remember to bring it on WEDNESDAY too !!!! I am anxious to see what you wrote in your journal. Keep tabs on those hours (in the log) and mark your timesheet daily - time in, time out and total for the day/week. You'll turn in your first time sheet on Wed. 12/9.

See you Wednesday at the normal time in class. Jhoana....remember 1:00 on Wed!

Take care,

Mrs. Erceg

GOOD LUCK !!!!

Hey Medical Professionals !!!

GOOD LUCK on your internships!!!! Please show your parents the CC binder.

NO MED OCCS CLASS FOR FHS AND AVHS TOMORROW 11/20/09.

Have a wonderful holiday week. I am very proud of all of you.

Mrs. Erceg

Our Last Day of Academic Instruction, BOO HOO!

Remember to prepare yourself for the midterm exam tomorrow and turn in the take-home medical terminology test.

Don't forget to call your supervisor to met them. Make an appoinment to meet them before Wed next week.

For students working with Valley Care Physical Therapy or Sports Medicine please contact Kim Conners at (925)373-4545 to make an appoinment to meet your supervisor.

Check with Mom and Dad, ask them how your uniforms look and do your pants need to hemmed?

Have a GREAT evening.

Mrs. Erceg and Allison B.

You All Look FABULOUS in Your Uniforms !

Great job today...and perfect attendance for the pictures too. That makes me very happy.
For those of you who made it through the Valley Care Orientation gauntlet...congratulations! Keep studying your materials, please.

Some reminders...

Tomorrow we will finish up our CC Binders and complete curriculum, including prep for midterm exam on 11/19.

DUE TOMORROW 11/18, yes...tomorrow....The Site Research Paper. This will go into your CC binders later.

DUE on THURSDAY 11/19....The take-home Medical Terminology Test. In -class MIDTERM 11/19 too.

Have a great evening. I am very excited for all of you.

Mrs. Erceg

You're Lookin' Good! (You will tomorrow!)

Hello Students!!!

Don't forget to bring in your uniform, badge/lanyard tomorrow for the class picture!!

The medical terminology portion of the midterm is due on Wednesday, but you may turn it in tomorrow.

Darlene from Tri-Valley Haven will be here at 9:00 AM to pick up the 62 backpacks that are goin to kids in need. CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL WHO PARTICIPATED!!!!!! THANK YOU!!!

Students that are going to Kaiser (PM class) MUST bring in their permission slips tomorrow for the Nov. 30 orientation.

Print out your calenders tonight for your community classroom binder.

All friends and family members are invited to the CMAA meeting this Saturday. Please RSVP to (925) 606-4800 ext. 3640.

Have a great evening.

Mrs. Erceg

Dr. Smith's Office....How May I Help You?

Keep practicing your telephone etiquette. You'll be perceived as the professional you were trained to be!

Parent letter and assignment due 11/18.....Please show your parents....THANK YOU.

Print out Nov/Dec and Jan-June calendars from: www. printable-calendars.com
Have these for your CC binder on Monday.

TAKE HOME MEDICAL TERM TEST: DUE on 11/19 MIDTERM EXAM: 11/19

AGENDA FOR NEXT WEEK:

Monday: Build a Binder, Reproductive System, Orientations: Kaiser/V.A./Axis

Tuesday: Prepare for the Midterm, CLASS PICTURE, and Valley Care Orientation

Wednesday: Site Research Paper is DUE and Binder Check and Internship Prep

Thursday: Midterm and Internship Prep

Friday: FHS and AVHS here with me - internship prep and perhaps some candy.

SATURDAY, NOV. 21 - CMAA Meeting 10-12 at 1015 E. Stanley Blvd. Livermore.
SEE YOU THERE!

Don't forget to wash your hands....break the "chain of infection"!

Have a great weekend!

Mrs. Erceg and Caitlin T.

Please Read this Blog Entry - and the Previous One!

Helllllooooooo Students!

Tell your parents..............the parent letter is coming home soon regarding your internship requirements. Please read this carefully along with your family.

Kaiser PM students: PLEASE bring in your permission slip for 11/30.

Class Picture - Tuesday 11/17 Wear your uniform !!!!!
MIDTERM - 11/19 - prepare for both the midterm and take home MT test.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UPCOMING MEETINGS:

Diabetes - Tonight at Valley Care Medical Plaza
CMAA - 11/21 at 10:00 a.m.
Virtual Tumor - 12/8 11:30 a.m.

How about a handwashing demonstration at home?

Take care,

Mrs. Erceg

We need more donations!!

Hey Folks,

Some wonderful students helped me with the holiday backpack program. We need some special items to complete the project. We need more items mainly for teen boys. These items would really help us out (this list also works for other backpacks):

- pens, pencils, erasers, rulers
- notepads
- pencil holders
- disposable razors

- disposable camera
- small football/ Frisbee/ Koosh ball
- headphones
- socks
- wallets (boy colors)
- gloves
- playing cards
- DVDs/CDs
- toothbrush/ toothpaste/ floss/ mouth wash
- brush/ comb
- deodorant
- cologne

- face wash
- moisturizer
- body spray

- gum
- sports team apparel and equipment

- board games

- electronic hand held games

- watches

- PJ's

- scarves, gloves, and hats

- coats

- sweatshirt/pants
- granola bars
- Chapstick
- gift certificates (movies, Target, Wal-Mart)

By the way don't forget to wash your hands!! :)

Have a nice evening.

Mrs. Erceg

Feeling a bit GASSY?

We are learning about the digestive system this week. Hey do you know what flatulence means? How about borborygymus? We'll find out tomorrow...just "listen" carefully.

Contracts and binders............please!

Good Job Today - You had a lot of wonderful competitive spirit playing Jeopardy!

PRINT OUT CALENDARS.....Print out some printable calendars - each month is an 8-1/2 x 11 sheet - NOV, DEC, and then JAN to JUNE 2010. These are for your CC Binder.

UNIFORMS - Ask parents for help. They must fit properly.....hems, etc. You'll need proper footwear, lanyard and badge. Hey.....Don't forget the class picture is coming up !!!!!

Tri-Valley Haven NEEDS YOU..please bring in your donations soon. Deadline is 11/16. Karen, thanks for the Target Gift Card and to all of you who keep bringing in things from the list.

See you tomorrow and let's keep getting ready for internship!

Mrs. Erceg

That's Entertainment !

WOW !!! The medical terminology songs, poems, haikus and raps were AWESOME today. I have to say, several of you did way more than you had to in the name of entertainment!!! Thank you all very much for a job well done. A few of you not here today can perform on Monday.

Contracts, forms, fingerprinting, etc. are due right away....and binders too! PLEASE !!!!

PRINT OUT CALENDARS.....Print out some printable calendars - each month is an
8-1/2 x 11 sheet - NOV, DEC, and then JAN to JUNE 2010. These are for your CC Binder.

UNIFORMS - Ask parents for help. They must fit properly.....hems, etc. You'll need proper footwear, lanyard and badge. Hey.....Don't forget the class picture is coming up !!!!!

KAILA - Once again...congratulations to you! You're our newest CMAA member.

Darlene from Tri-Valley Haven gave us a lot of good info today...please bring in your donations soon. Deadline is next week.

Take care,

Mrs. Erceg

NEW CMAA MEMBER !

CONGRATULATIONS KAILA !!!

You are now a member of the premier medical assisting organization in California...

The California Medical Assistants Association - www.cmaa-ca.org

You will be receiving a letter from CMAA along with your membership card, which of course goes in your professional career portfolio.

I hope to see you at the CMAA meeting on November 21st! You will be honored as our newest member.

Great job.

Mrs. Erceg

SECRET CODES!!!!!!

CPT & ICD-9 coding knowledge can become a lucrative career. I hope you had a lot of fun with codes today. Kaiser volunteers MUST bring in your form tomorrow. AXIS volunteers please get your fingerprinting done ASAP. Please call me if you have any questions!

Contracts must come back to me tomorrow. Make sure to have a parent sign them.
The community classroom information will be added soon.

Binders..... Need those binders in. Make sure you have two. One for community classroom and one for those lovely portfolios.

Donations for holdiay backpack program-bring them in!

11/6 (this Friday)- No school.
11/11- No school.
11/17- CLASS PICTURE-WEAR YOUR UNIFORM
11/21-CMAA meeting
11/23 thru 11/27- No school. (Enjoy that Turkey Day.)
11/30- First day of community classroom. (Internship)

Have a great evening.

Mrs. Erceg

Don't Jump In! - not into the intestines anyway...

Hi Everyone,

Why "Don't Jump In"? Duodenum, Jejunum and Ileum - The components of the small intestine. This is an acronym to help you remember the order - thus....D J I.

We talked about patient reception and telephone etiquette today. Listen carefully to how others answer the phone at their residence or in the workplace. Does it sound polite? Professional???

BINDERS BINDERS BINDERS BINDERS BINDERS BINDERS BINDERS
CALENDARS CALENDARS CALENDARS CALENDARS CALENDARS CALENDARS

For the Holiday Backpack Project - We will email ourselves the flyer tomorrow so you can email it to others. DEADLINE for receipt of donations is NOVEMBER 16th. Please help.

Some upcoming dates: NO SCHOOL ON Fri, NOV. 6th OR Wed. Nov. 11 !
Tuesday, Nov. 17th - CLASS PICTURE IN UNIFORM !
Saturday, Nov. 21st - CMAA Meeting in Livermore 10-11:45
Monday, Nov. 30 - COMMUNITY CLASSROOM BEGINS

Take care !

Mrs. Erceg

Are You Ready To Make a First Impression?

Hello Students!

Here is the agenda for the week...

Patient reception and telephone etiquette

Appointment scheduling

CPT/ICD Coding Using the "superbill"

Managing Office Inventory (OSHA)

DO NOT FORGET TO BRING IN 1' BINDERS!! YOU NEED TWO OF THEM!!

Please talk to your parents about the item(s) you chose to donate to our holiday backpack program.

A draft is due tomorrow of the assignment that is due on Thursday.
This is the medical terminology poem, song, rap, etc...


Have a wonderful evening,

Mrs. Erceg

Blood, Guts and More.....

Hey Wait !

That's what we're learning about in Medical Occupations!

We are reviewing the digestive system next week - your guts!
Ewwww.

Keep practicing those vital signs. Take a pulse now and then
so you feel really comfortable about approaching a patient.

BRING IN YOUR BINDERS - two, 1-inch white binders with a window front. We have to put our CC binders together!!!

Look around the house for new items that you can spare for our backpack project, thanks!

Have a great weekend and be safe.

Mrs. Erceg

p.s. MED OCCS ROCKS !!!

WHOOSH ! SQUISH ! LUB DUB ! BOOM !

We're tracing blood through the heart....we're making some fun noises to simulate what happens as blood travels from the body, through the heart, to the lungs, back to the heart and then out to the body. Whew!!!

We learned about Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura today. Tell your parents how cool that is.

For those of you that went to the meeting last night...congratulations for being there and continuing your medical education. I am so proud of everyone in the class. You are all so dedicated to health and wellness...and to this program.

See you tomorrow and have a great evening.

Mrs. Erceg

p.s. Congratulations to all of you that were in the skit today. Fabulous job.

Meeting Tonight!

For those of you attending, there is a meeting tonight at Valley Care Medical Plaza (this is not at the hospital) and here is the address: 5725 West Las Positas Blvd 2nd floor conference room in Pleasanton. Hope everyone can attend. REMEMBER IT STARTS AT 6:30!

Here are some of the terms we will be working on tomorrow:

arrythmia
atherosclerosis
claudication
embolus
and
hypercholesterolemia

Tomorrow we will also be tracing the flow of blood through the heart, and more BP practice.

Love,

Your favorite teacher (Mrs. Erceg)
written by: Justin

What is a SPHYGMOMANOMETER?

Well, tell your family all about it. Why does OSHA discourage the use of mercury spyygmomanometers?

PLEASE WEAR A SHORT SLEEVE SHIRT TOMORROW so we can practice taking each other's blood pressure. Wear your sweatshirt or jacket over the t-shirt. Wear appropriate clothing that is not revealing...that goes for the girls and the boys!

Do you have a blood pressure cuff at home? If so, practice tonight. You can look up instructions on the Internet.

WEDNESDAY 10/28.....MEETING - "Eating Disorders in Teenagers" 6:30 p.m.

Take care and I'll see you tomorrow.

Mrs. Erceg

There have been some "site" sightings.......

It's time to get going on site assignments. Some of you have already been told which site you'll be assigned to. I'll be calling everyone up to see me in class to talk about the location that has been chosen for you.

THIS WEEK: Site assignments, problem-solving techniques, T-P-R-BP, medical coding, office inventory, OSHA and JEOPARDY!!!!

KEYBOARDING SKILLS - Everyone must be able to type 30-40 words per minute with little or no errors prior to going to site. Talk to your CAREER CENTER or LIBRARY folks for help with a TYPING TUTOR program. Try typing this sentence over and over. It contains all of the letters in the alphabet:

"The quick red fox jumped over the lazy brown dog".

BINDERS: Please bring in two white binders with a window front. See previous blog entry.

10/28 VALLEY CARE MEETING- Eating Disorders in Teenagers ( 6:30 p.m. )

11/21 CMAA Meeting - I would love to see you there! (10:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.)

Have a great evening,

Mrs. Erceg

Is all of this sinking in?

You know what....? You have been absorbing vast amounts of information on a lot of educational topics in Medical Occupations!

We have four weeks of the program remaining (full-time in the classroom), then Thanksgiving week....then it will be time for community classroom/internship starting on Monday, November 30th.

Please take time to work with your parents on having reliable transportation, a properly fitted uniform and don't forget to keep that badge and lanyard handy! Please bring in those two white 1" binders....very important. Bring them in next week.

There will be a class picture taken the week before Thanksgiving, so please be prepared to bring in your uniform on Tuesday, November 17th. We have to have perfect attendance for the class picture, so please arrive on time that day.

Take care and good job everyone!!! Have a great weekend.

Mrs. Erceg

Safety First !

Thank you to all the volunteers that assisted our guest speaker Betsy Leff. Good work lifting James the mannikin! We learned about ergonomics and patient transfer techniques. Tomorrow... Circulatory System, Introduction to Medical Coding, and much more!

Take care!

Mrs. Erceg

What are your career choices?

Hi Everyone,

I am looking forward to seeing your career research papers tomorrow. Please make sure you have followed the directions. If you have done an interview, you will only have one career paper and one interview script. THIS ASSIGNMENT DUE TOMORROW, 10/22.

GUEST SPEAKER TOMORROW - Betsy Leff from Kennan and Associates will be here to talk about safety in the workplace and ergonomics (look that one up). Please go online and look up CAL-OSHA and ERGONOMICS and prepare for tomorrow. It would be so nice to have some really good questions prepared for our speaker. Bring in five questions and you can have 15 points E.C. - SOME OF YOU NEED THOSE 15 POINTS!

Jeopardy Game prep is going well. I can't wait to see all of your answers and questions! Please talk to your parents and practice playing Jeopardy by watching it on T.V. A few of you need some help on the concept of the answer popping up and the responding in the form of a question....like this - "I'll take diseases of the human body for $100 Alex"

ANSWER "HEPATITIS" ~~ RESPONSE: What is "Inflammation of the liver"?

PARENTS: Please provide your son or daughter with two one-inch white binders with a window front. One will be for community classroom/internship and one will be for the career portfolio we are building. Some students have already started the career portfolio, which is great! Students will need 10 sheet protectors for the portfolio as well.

Please ask your son or daughter to show you the "Holiday Backpack Program" handout. As a holiday project, we are filling small backpacks with toys and other items for children and teens that are living in a shelter during the holidays. I do not want anyone to have to purchase these items, but if you have any of these items that are brand new, and not needed, please send them to school with your student. If you have any programs that are potential recipients of these backpacks, please let me know. (925) 606-4800 x 3640 or lerceg@livermore.k12.ca.us

By the way.......have you seen your Medical Occupations Intern in uniform yet? How does it fit?

Take care and have a good evening.

Mrs. Erceg

Feel that pulse? That's you!

HOMEWORK DUE AS YOU ARRIVE TOMORROW: 15 points !!!!!

Please write the following down near your bed tonight.....

Name _______________ Date ______________ MED OCCS

My resting heart rate on the morning of 10/21/09 ________________beats per minute.

Turn this in to me as you walk into the classroom.

Don't get out of bed and take your radial or carotid pulse for 60 seconds. THEN get out of bed and get to school. LOL

Sleep well,

Mrs. Erceg

Congratulations !

Hello Wonderful Students !

Congratulations to our newest members of the California Medical Assistants Association...!

PATRICK - ARMANDO- SAMUEL -RACHEL - GLAD TO HAVE YOU ABOARD! Please check out the CMAA newsletter at cmaa-ca.org It's filled with great information about M.A.'s in California. Current members are: TYLER, KAREN, NICOLE A., LARA, AND KARISSA

All student participants were a BIG HELP on Saturday at the conference. THANK YOU !!!! ....and tell your parents about how professional and helpful you were.

What did you learn about TEAMWORK today? Are YOU a team player? What does that mean?
This week - communication, medical records/CPT-ICD9 codes, circulatory system and vital signs, PDR and the JEOPARDY! game.

Reminder: Meeting coming up at Valley Care - Eating Disorders. Please sign-up.

GUEST SPEAKER ON THURSDAY 10/22 and the CAREER RESEARCH paper(s) are due. Don't forget to read the directions! There are many small details to adhere to.

Stay dry,

Mrs. Erceg, Sonia and Esha

PDR's.....Exercise your mind...and your arms!

Heavy, huh? Luckily, PDR's are not widely used any longer, now that electronic versions of it are available. We'll look at meds again next week and make a new patient medication list.

Have a great weekend and I'll see some of you tomorrow at the CMAA Education Day at LPC !

If you need to call me, please call me on my cell....(510) 305-5111.

Mrs. Erceg

Hello You Good Looking People !

I am already imagining how wonderful you will look in your new uniforms! Please wash them -(shirt inside out due to saving the silkscreening). Wash with a dark load, okay?

FOLKS GOING ON SATURDAY TO THE CMAA CONFERENCE: Please work on getting your uniform, shoes, lanyard and badges ready to go. Make sure you bring your parking pass and leave it on your dashboard. Bring a camera too...there will be a lot of photo opportunities. If you are arriving in the morning, please arrive at 7:45. If you are arriving in the afternoon, please arrive by 12:45.

Keep working on the CAREER RESEARCH assignment! DUE THURSDAY 10/22 Please see me if you need help!

Tomorrow.......we're looking at a lot of different medications in the PDR....how many ways can medication be administered? We'll see!

Take care and have a great evening.

Mrs. Erceg

Keep those records neat and organized!

Tomorrow we'll have a guest speaker, Guy McCord from Bibbero Systems. His company is the one who manufactures and distributes all of the medical record folders and products to maintain records in health care facilities.

REMINDER: Talk to your parents and to your doctor about obtaining a copy of your pediatric records for transfer to your new physician (family practice or internal medicine) before you turn 21. Pediatric records do not have to be retained after you turn 21. Remember, the doctor owns the original record and the patient owns the information inside of it. That is why you can have a copy!

Please invite folks to Saturday's CMAA seminar! Everyone is welcome and we'll take the registrations at the door if needed. They will need a parking pass!

CONGRATULATIONS TO RUBY AND KELSEY C. !!! They volunteered for the GOOD NEWS BEARS group last weekend. More later......

Take care everyone and I'll see you tomorrow.

Mrs. Erceg

p.s. NO CELL PHONES, NO GUM in class! A few of you needed reminders today........eeeeeeek!

I Feel Better Already

Hi Folks!

Good job to those who shared today with compassionate communication toward your patient. I really appreciate you being concerned, yet informational.

I loved hearing about your "Fact vs. Fiction" research.

What do you think of this product? Does it really work?

http://www.vimeo.com/vitality or go to rxvitality.com GLOWING PILL BOTTLES ! WOW!

We'll continue to work on our lessons this week on communications, records and PDR. The game we are creating will have an answer first.....then the response comes in the form of a question...just like Jeopardy on t.v. Did you watch it last night? How about this one for $100.00- "hepatitis" response: "What is inflammation of the liver"? Each group will make a study guide for the other groups to review.

Have a nice, warm, dry, evening.

Mrs. Erceg

Thank You All !

I REALLY APPRECIATE your lovely testamonials that you emailed today. How wonderful you all are to step up to the plate for R.O.P. programs. You are helping pave the way for yourselves and future students too.

Homework: Watch JEOPARDY! tonight....get into the pace and the challenges ahead as we prepare the game using our topic areas.

Medical records, PDR and Communications this week.

Take care,

Mrs. Erceg

Compassionate Communication

Dear Medical Professionals:

I am anxious to experience continue compassionate communication with those of you that did not have me as your "patient" today. You really get it. It takes a very special person to have empathy, topped with excellent communication skills. I felt well-cared for and assured.

We have a big week scheduled next week. Get plenty of rest and good nutrition, be happy and smile a lot.

I will ask that you email me, next week, a testamonial for the Medical Occupations Program and answer a few questions about your future plans. (There's a certificate in it for you!)


UPCOMING EVENTS: THIS weekend - OctoBEAR Affaire at Alden Lane Nursery. Great gifts for sale and fun drawings for prizes. Go Karts! Fundraiser on 10/16, CMAA Meeting at LPC on 10/17 and on 10/22 - your career research paper is due. Please see me if you need help !!!

Have a great weekend.

Mrs. Erceg

GREAT DAY!

Thank you all for working hard today! You demonstated being proactive versus reactive very well. Very nice! Tonight, prepare MTP #3 and turn it into patient education to inform and enlighten. Highlight and develop the dialogue to inform and educate others about your disease. Tomorrow we will discuss them in class.

Have a great evening, I am looking forward to seeing you tomorrow!

Mrs. Erceg and Katelyn and Nicole! :)

Proactive....or Reactive?

Try smiling in the face of adversity!

Be prepared TOMORROW (10/8) for the bell work. Please write up a

scenario in which a proactive response replaces a reactive response.

DUE TOMORROW: Proactive/Reactive Scenario (have one ready) MTP # 4 Nobel Prize Winner(s) Assignment

I'm asking all students to think about a testimonial....a short one or two paragraphs that describes your experience in R.O.P. so far. I'll provide you with a handout to complete this task. ALL students that do this will receive a certificate for their portfolio.

What are the three "R's" about? Preventing stroke - Reduce risk, Recognize symptoms and Respond by calling 9-1-1. We'll talk about the brain tomorrow and some careers associated with the nervous system.

Keep thinking about the "MTP #3 Transition to Patient Education". Highlight or copy your paper in preparation to discuss talking to a patient about their diagnosis. DUE FRIDAY 10/9. This is part of therapeutic communication....with compassion.

Have a great evening.

Mrs. Erceg

This won't hurt a bit....yes it will, but just a little.

Flu shots (seasonal, not H1N1) are recommended for all students. H1N1 (Swine Flu) vaccination is not readily available quite yet. Please contact your physician to talk more about that. Children, teens and elderly folks are more susceptible to the H1N1 strain.

CMAA Meeting 10/17 !!! Saturday, October 17th will be a GREAT opportunity to earn certificates. Half-day - $15.00 (no lunch included). Full-day $30.00 (lunch included).

I am so PROUD of you all ! Chapter 3 is no easy task !!! Please tell your parents about your wonderful knowledge of legal terms. We'll get through all of that, I promise. You'll be a valued volunteer having learned all of this.

MTP # 4 - What is your topic? Please do not wait to find one....ask me for help if needed !!!
DUE THURSDAY - and don't forget the assignment for the Nobel Prize Winner(s) for 2009 also due on Thursday 10/8.

Have a great evening.

Mrs. Erceg

I just can't believe it's true....

How about finding an interesting topic for MTP #4? Remember, a product or service that makes you say to yourself...."Hey....is that for real"? "Does that REALLY work"? Ask parents to help. Look at the internet too. Follow your notes! Use terms like psychosomatic, placebo, power of suggestion, etc. from the PPT today.

We'll continue with our lessons on brain and spinal cord, therapeutic communications, and more.

PROGRESS REPORTS are being given out this week and they are to be returned with student and parent signature.

Take care and have a great evening.

Mrs. Erceg

Wishing you a Great Weekend....

Hi Folks,

I hope you enjoyed the film today. Isn't it amazing how times have changed. You are very lucky to have all of the opportunities in the world to become anything you want to be. But wait...there's more - I'm here to help you so pleeeeease....ask!

Have a great weekend and get plenty of rest and get your "brain" ready....next week we will study the brain and spinal cord. Here are some terms we'll learn.... CVA, TIA, cerebral palsy, encephalitis, epilepsy, hydroencephalus, meningitis, MS, neuralgia, Parkinson's Disease and more. Have you ever heard about the signs and symptoms related to a stroke? We'll also look at the "Special Senses" - sight, hearing, touch, taste and smell - is there a "sixth sense"???

We will also look at "Therapeutic Communication" for the health care worker. You know there will be more....fun that is!

See you Monday,

Mrs. Erceg

Woo Hoo!

I just love my students! They will bring me cookies and flowers tomorrow. HA HA (That's what the afternoon class said) LOL

No really.....I had to compliment all of you on an outstanding job this week. We've had some pretty intense discussions. I also want to repeat a compliment from Mary at the Valley Care Health Library. She is so impressed with all of you - your maturity level and commitment to learning more about medicine. At the last meeting regarding prostate cancer, many of you took care of older people in the audience by giving up your seats or helping escort someone to the front so they could hear or see the presentation a little better. Oh my, I do have a wonderful group!

Bring in a white 1" binder (with a plastic window on the front) soon with some sheet protectors. Let's start making those portfolios! You may keep your portfolio here in the classroom.

I am looking forward to seeing you tomorrow...

Mrs. Erceg

Happy Wednesday !

Hey Everyone,

MTP # 3 DUE TOMORROW - Thursday 10/1

Keeping an eye on nobelprize.org ??? Due 10/8 along with MTP # 4

We'll continue discussing Hospice, check out Ch. 3, the muscular system and more....Hey! Do YOU want a nice cover page and a table of contents for your fabulous PORTFOLIO ??? Just ask !! Many of you have already started.

SPREAD THE WORD - CMAA Day of Education - LPC OCTOBER 17th !!! Please invite folks to come. Anyone can register!

Take care,

Mrs. Erceg

Project 3 and 4....and More !!!!

Project 3 due date is approaching fast.....topics that I've heard so far are fascinating. I'm looking forward to getting those papers! Please follow the directions on the board for the format required. This paper is an informational essay that will convert later into a "Patient Education Project". Write the paper to inform and I'll show you how to "teach" your patient all about the disease using your paper.

Project 4 and the 9/28 blog assignment - DUE 10/8

We'll continue to work on Ch. 3 - PLEASE check out the online learning center for the APMA book. (See previous blog entry). We'll continue talking about Hospice, the muscular system,
and if you have the "Skills to Pay the Bills". Are you paying attention to your professional development? (see 9/28 blog) - pssssst. "CMAA".

MARK YOUR CALENDAR - College Fair at AVHS on October 12th - 6:30 to 8:30

Have a great evening!

Mrs. Erceg

Busy Day!

Hi Everyone,

We had a lot going on today and I have to say, you sure kept up with me! We covered part of Chapter 3 today and glanced at the muscular system. This week we are learning about hospice and what careers are associated with that area of care. What does "palliative care" mean? When you walk in tomorrow, tell me as you walk in the door and I'll give you a comforting treat.

ASSIGNMENT ALERT!!! Who will be the winner of the Nobel Prize in Medicine this year? Well, you'll receive 25 points when you bring me a two-paragraph (typed) paper on who won, who they are and why they won. This is due on October 8th. GO TO nobelprize.org and keep an eye on it! The winner will be announced on October 5th.

Jeanie from Good News Bears came in today to pick up the stuffed animals. Our counter is "bare", not beary good, right? Please go on Facebook, text, leadership groups, emails, church, community service classes, library, sports teams, handouts for all of your teachers, store and your family!!! How can YOU help? Go to goodnews bears.org for more information. Another way to help.....Good News Bears calendars are on sale in the classroom now......only $10.00.

Please tell your family and friends via Facebook, emails, etc. about the "CMAA Day of Education" at LPC on October 17th. All students, parents friends and co-workers are invited. You do not have to be in the medical field. The topics will include "Cervical Cancer and HPV", "Hepatitis", "Medical Billing Resources", "Patient Advocacy" and "Alzheimer's Disease". Please call Mrs. Erceg for more information.

Congratulations to all that attended the meeting on "Prostate Cancer" last Thursday.

Have a great evening and thanks for being here today.

Mrs. Erceg

Have a Great Weekend and Make Some Muscles.

GREAT JOB TODAY ! I have a REALLY smart group of medical professionals in training!

The discussions on ethical dilemmas really sparked interest in many of us. What do you do in difficult situations? You talk it out with someone else and learn about options! Tough times call for tough measures sometimes.

Next week we'll work on Chapter 3 and the muscular system, and of course, much more!

Take care,

Mrs. Erceg

p.s. THANK YOU SAM, NICOLE A., AND NICOLE M. !!! Send your forms to me before 1:00 on Monday and see you TUESDAY!!!

Psssst....Have you heard about So and So ?????

Sheesh! What's a health care worker to do??? ......NOT talk about private health information...that's what! We are not only defining HIPAA, but determining what we can do to ensure that patients, families and our co-workers are not at risk. Practice confidentiality and security of information. Memorize your SS#, keep the original SS card in the bank safety deposit box or safely hidden, don't carry it around! Copy the contents of your wallet, front and back, in the event your wallet is stolen. Talk to your parents about the strategies that keep your private information safe.

Thank you for keeping up with a fast-paced curriculum. We have to move fast in order to be the respected medical professionals that will be sent out to community classroom (internship).

We'll continue with our lessons for the week...Medicine and the Law, Body Planes, Skeletal System, etc.

By the way....ask your parents to look at this site with you - www.cmanet.org
This is the website to order your "Advance Directives" booklet.

Take care,

Mrs. Erceg

I can feel it in my bones.....

Hi Folks!

I can feel it in my bones....My students are going to be wonderful on Community Classroom Assignment (Internship). Your critical thinking skills are improving daily. Consider all the ethcial dilemmas we are discussing this week...wow.

Turn in MTP #2 tomorrow Start thinking about MTP #3 - What will your topic be????
Choose a disease, illness or condition that you can write a two-page essay to educate and inform others.

There's one more day to turn in E.C. - a printout from the Internet about an "Ethical Dilemma" related to the medical field.

See you tomorrow...and have a great evening.

Mrs. Erceg

Hey...Uniform Deadline Today!

There are a few of you left...please contact Michele @ http://www.screamingmimistees.com/ or call her. Her number is under the section of the site "contact".

What a wonderful bunch of students I have. You all did a good job today.

Thank you for your wonderful responses as we start our journey into Chapter 3 - Legal and Ethical Issues - and don't forget HIPAA.

Do you know inferior from superior? Lateral and medial? How about the transverse plane and the coronal/frontal plane? Show your family with a fun demonstration!

Here are some good websites:

http://www.valleycare.com/ - Community Education Meetings

http://www.acsmb.com/ - Medical Terminology

http://www.studystack.com/ - Medical Terminology and a whole lot more

http://printfree.com/Calendars.htm - Print your own calendars !!! Keep one and practice time management and advance planning skills!

FOR THURSDAY: MTP # 2 DUE 9/24---MTP #3 - Do you have a topic yet???? Due 10/1

Take care and have a wonderful evening.

Mrs. Erceg

p.s. To all of my afternoon students, especially C.K., thank you for being here every day and
getting here on time. It means so much to me and the future of this program to have such
great students.

Happy Monday

Make sure uniforms are ordered, okay?

This week:

Body planes, directions and cavities
Skeletal System
Chapter 3 APMA - Study the terms in your workbook - first page of Ch.3

Look up a really interesting ethical dilemma regarding health care - EXTRA CREDIT - 10 Points!

Take care and I'll see you tomorrow.

Mrs. Erceg

Have a Great Weekend !

Another great week! Thank you for giving me so much confidence in you.

ORDER YOUR UNIFORMS - Due date is Monday for that. See me if you need help.

We had a lot of students go to the Diabetes seminar....Alex, Jhoana, Karissa, Daryl, Nick, Tanu, Andrea, Sam, Sonia, Tyler, Allison, Patrick, Aimee, Nicole A., Caitlin, and....Lisa! Great Job. You will be receiving certificates for your attendance and participation in continuing medical education.

Thank you for your participation with our speaker, Mr. Vasquez today. Please continue to be aware of behaviors at school or work that may be some form of harassment. Feel free, please...to come see me if anything happens that makes you feel uncomfortable. Ask me, a parent, a counselor or someone you trust for help.

Next week: Chapter 3 in APMA. Do you have few moments this weekend? Go on the Online Learning Center (see previous blog entry) and check out Chapter 3 activities. Don't forget ----MTP #2 is due on Thursday 9/24. Next Body Systems: Skeletal System, Muscles and Body Planes, Directions and Cavities. What's a "thoracic cavity"?.

By the way...It wasn't appropriate today....so feel free to talk like a pirate on Monday. I'll need to celebrate that event with you then. Would thut be all righty with you Matey? Arrrrggh.

Take care,

Mrs. Erceg

What a Colorful Day!

Thanks again for another nice day. You did some good work around developing medical terms from color word roots. I am so proud of all of you - you really work hard in this class and it really shows. I want you to know that preparation for internship is not to be taken lightly and I feel you are all on your way to becoming volunteers in medical facilities.

NEW CMAA MEMBERS! Woo Hoo ! NICOLE A.,KARISSA AND LARA Good Job!For those who do not want to join at this time, just download the application for membership and keep it in your binder or box of future portfolio contents...that's fine too.

DIABETES MEETING TONIGHT - 6:30 to 8:00 5725 W. Las Positas / Medical PLAZA
at Stoneridge. Call 734-3315 if you need help. Make sure to map it first so you can find it. Take notes and bring them to class with the instructor/M.D.'s initials.

Study the Sexual Harassment information and highlight, write notes, circle info, etc. in preparation for tomorrow's discussion. Don't forget! Ask a lot of questions, okay?

Take care and of course, have a wonderful eveing.

Mrs. Erceg

Dr. Travis - to the E.R. STAT!!!!

Travis was a good surgeon today. He and some others did a "punch biopsy" of tissue from a patient here in the classroom. Well, the patient is a piece of cheese with a nose drawn on it - but he didn't feel any pain. We anesthetized him first with some 1% Lidocaine - WITHOUT epinephrine. Tomorrow, the A.M. class will get a chance to do the same. We'll do the biopsy of tissue and then prepare it so it can go to pathology for examination. We need a report to tell us the nature of the tissue right? Is it BENIGN? Is it MALIGNANT?

Speaking of skin....we'll look at colors tomorrow - special medical terminology that represents colors. For instance, define cyantoic, jaundice, albino, and erythema. If I ask you tomorrow, will you know?

We'll work on Chapter 2 - let's get that done, shall we? We have more exciting events and lessons to get to!

MTP #1 DUE TOMORROW

There is room for you at the "Diabetes Education Seminar" tomorrow night !!! See me for details.

Keep up with that packet for Friday. Come prepared for discussion.

YOU WERE ALL GREAT TODAY !!!! Thanks for being a wonderful audience and asking good questions. I encourage all of you to tell me what's on your mind....I'm very interested!

Have a great evening.

Mrs. Erceg

Congratulations Karen! Our newest CMAA Member!

Good job Karen....what a great career move! You are now a member of a professional medical organization.

Integumentary system.....more tomorrow. By the way - ask family......what is the largest organ of the body.....no, not the heart...or the liver...it's the skin! The skin we're in has to be taken care of and we can try our best to prevent skin cancer and premature aging. Hey Mike H. - Check out that sunburn through the window issue....okay?

ORDER your uniforms...please contact Michele deCesares if needed. Her number is on the website under "contact".

There is a SEMINAR on DIABETES Thursday evening 9/17 at 6:30. Take a friend or family member. Earn CME certificates for your portfolio!

Keep reviewing the sexual harassment packet for Friday's discussion. Please do not read it just before the discussion....! Not good! I need you to engage in conversation in order to understand the content of the packet.

Take care and have a great evening.

Mrs. Erceg

New CMAA Member ! - Congratulations Tyler !

Congratulations Tyler...you are the first (of many) to become a student member of the California Medical Assistants Association. CMAA is the premier organization for Medical Assistants. Joining a professional organization is a real boost to your career and commitment to this program. Get that portfolio started with a nice letter and membership card from CMAA!

Please order your uniforms this week. (Elizabeth and Adam - wait until tomorrow, after you've tried on your scrub tops). The website is: http://www.screamingmimistees.com/
Go to the bottom left section of the home page and click on "Granada High Mrs. Erceg" and it will take you to the right page for ordering. You know what size top, and for the bottom, click on
"Click HERE for SIZE INFORMATION CHART". Want to order by phone instead of online? Call Michele deCesare at 925-895-3045. Contact me immediately if you have questions or concerns. DEADLINE 9/21/09 - or a late fee will be charged.

We are studying the integumentary system this week. Feel free to take a peek at the A, B, C, D and E of melanoma. Look up online - (for about 5 minutes) what melanoma is, what it looks like and if it is treatable. This is not an EC assignment, just a recommendation to students for a preview.


DUE tomorrow 9/15 FAMILY PREP ACTIVITY: Elizabeth, Ryan, Nick, John, Michelle, Adam and Justin

DUE 9/17 - Thursday: MTP #1

DUE 9/18 - Students will have reviewd the sexual harassment packet and viewed
the website: http://teenadvice.about.com/library/weekly/aa060102a.htm

Thanks for another great day.

Mrs. Erceg

My Quest for Knowledge!

Hello Everyone,

I'm off to the CMAA conference in about an hour, and I will bring back materials and information for you. Please take very good care of the substitute teacher tomorrow. Here's the plan:

Classroom Managers: AM - Rachel and Michelle PM - Travis and Allison

Please sign in and be seated as usual. Start your drawings of the urinary system and the cross-section of the kidney. Use the tracing paper and your textbooks. This will only take about 20-30 minutes.

Next, fill out the learning styles assignment and the paragraphs assigned for the back page. Please do this quietly and keep to yourself. Do not talk to others while doing this assignment. These will be kept in a confidential file by my classroom managers. You will be given 20 minutes to complete that task. This is due immediately and is not to be taken home.

Please finish Chapter 2 in your workbook using your text for the remainder of the class. If you finish that and still have time, start filling out the B's, C's, D's, etc. of your medical terminology flash cards or notes. Keep building up your medical terminology cards and/or the notes in your binder. Remember, copy word parts....not the abbreviations.

I left all the notes on the board for anyone who needs them. Next week.....Integumentary system...what's that? HINT: "Your epidermis is showing" Ha Ha oooops... I mean...LOL!

On Monday.....9/14 - The Family Preparatory Assignment is DUE !!!! Please do not forget to complete and turn in on Monday. Ask all parents unable to attend BTSN on 9/9 to call me on Monday. (925) 606-4800 x3640 THANK YOU!

Thank you all in advance for your cooperation tomorrow and your hard work.

Mrs. Erceg

Happy Back to School Night !

Hello Everyone,

What a great audience you were today...participation is key in all discussions. I want to hear what is on your mind! Thank you for your comments regarding the meeting at the Valley Care Health Library on "Guided Imagery". What a fascinating option for pain management, stress reduction and overall well-being. I will be sure to have certificates for all those in attendance at that meeting today. Next meeting is on "Prostate Cancer" 9/24.

Review the OLC website associated with your APMA text. www.mhhe.com/medicalassisting3 --- go to "student edition" on the left, and then to "Course-wide Content" - check it out -what do you think? Feedback please. REVIEW all questions in your workbook in CHAPTER 2.

I'm looking for recipes for low-fat, healthy meals. Care to earn some extra credit? Just print out a recipe and bring it to class.

Review the packet on sexual harrassment. Please be prepared for discussion next week. I'll have a PowerPoint presentation on that subject. Please come prepared for that - don't be left in the dark on what your rights are in school, as an employee or a volunteer.

Attention: CMAA Student Members wanted ! Consider joining this wonderful organization. Go to cmaa-ca.org and download a membership application. Put it in your binder and we'll transfer it to your portfolio later. Just keep the blank one on hand..just in case!

Take care and I'll see you tomorrow.

Mrs. Erceg

Prostrate or Prostate...that is the question!

Hi Folks,

A lot of people are mistaken when they try to pronouce the name of this gland...it is the prostate gland. (not prostRate) When males cannot urinate easily, it is usually attributed to the enlargement of this gland, compressing the urethra, the tube through which urine passes out of the body. An enlarged prostate gland is also known as known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH for short).

We'll be studying the urinary tract system this week and the associated pathology, medical terms and specialists. What can you do at home to prepare yourself regarding this topic?

The skits were GREAT today. Congratulations on a job well done. I can see I have some very clever, imaginative people in the classroom!

Take out your calendar! Record the following......

UPCOMING EVENTS: Back to School Night tomorrow night, Wed. 9/9 6:00 GHS.
GHS Rally Schedule Friday 9/11
*CME: "Guided Imagery" 9/9 - 11:30 to 12:30 Valley Care Library
*CME: "Prostate Cancer" 9/24 - 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. " " "
AVHS Senior Picnic 9/15 AVHS Homecoming Rally 10/23
FHS Senior Picnic 9/16
LHS Rally 10/2
*CME = Continuing Medical Education (for your portfolio !!!)

FOR TOMORROW: Review the OLC website associated with your APMA text.
www.mhhe.com/medicalassisting3 --- go to "student edition" on the left, and then to "Course-wide Content" - check it out -what do you think? Feedback please.
This is not a written assignment, just jot down a few notes and prepare to give me your opinion of the site. We will also get some ideas on some very healthy snacks tomorrow.

Also for tomorrow....please look up sexual harrassment and familiarize yourself with what it is. Can merely looking at someone in a certain way constitute sexual harrassment? As a group, will be learning more about this.

Take care,

Mrs. Erceg

p.s. Pssssst.....Please turn in any missing assignments!!!

Happy Friday

Thank you all for another great week. Keep up the good work. Make sure you are participating during class discussion - that is part of your grade. I really appreciate your comments and questions...be brave and raise your hand!

Next Tuesday, we'll do our skits and ........ HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!

Mrs. Erceg

p.s. Happy Birthday Morgan!

What's HIPAA ?

Hi Folks,

HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) is a topic that comes up all the time in class and out in the field. Why does it exist? There's 10 points of extra credit in it for you if you write a paragraph and turn it in tomorrow defining HIPAA and how it will apply to you on your internship experience.

We'll finish up our skits soon - some Friday if you are ready and maybe some on Tuesday next week.

Tomorrow GHS has an assembly. GHS students go to Period 1 at 8:00 and Period 2 at 9:05. Be on time and prepared to drop off your things in the classroom. I'll take you to the assembly.

We're almost to the point where I am in possession of all of your paperwork for immunizations, TB testing CPR - a l mo s t !!!! Those of you who still need to turn these in, keep me informed of your progress - very important.

Certificate Opportunity Alert! I need two students (one from the AM class and one from the PM class) to join me for an advisory meeting in October. Not only to attend, but to plan and produce documents. Site supervisors and managers are invited and we talk about the Medical Occupations Program. If you feel you'd like to participate, see me for more information. Do some research on advisory committees and why they are so critcal to the success of any educational program.

By the way, we'll be collecting teddy bears and stuffed animals all year for Good News Bears. Tell your friends and family to donate their gently used, clean stuffies and give them a message from me..."Thank you BEARY much".

Take care,

Mrs. Erceg

A 2-Minute Skit ?? Let's call it a "Skittle"

Just laugh at my silly jokes, okay? You know that makes me happy every day. Let me know if you need any help in putting your ESLR skit together. You'll work on it tomorrow with your group and then present on Friday, 9/4. Two minutes...no problem.

PHOTOS tomorrow for your I.D. badges.

Keep those site requests coming. I'll see what I can do. Remember, just bring me the info -thank you. Please ask your parents for some help. Do they know anyone that can help me acquire a site for you or another student?

We'll work on the APMA workbook tomorrow and also work from the text. Please continue to review the questions in chapters 1 and 2.

Remember what is due tomorrow? If you forgot, please check the previous blog post with the assignment due 9/3. Hint....organizations that support and promote medical assistants. Make sure you write a nice paragraph on both organizations.

WEBSITE TO CHECK OUT: http://www.studystack.com/ Find the flash cards and have fun! There are games to play too, like hangman, crossword puzzles and more! Go to "anatomy" for some word parts (root words, prefixes and suffixes).

Thanks for another nice day. Have I told you all lately how impressed I am? Keep up the good work.

Have a nice evening and get plenty of rest and good nutrition.

Mrs. Erceg

Tuesday, Schmoozday

Speaking of "schmoozing" - how about bringing me information about potential sites? Please do not approach a site on your own...that's my job and I'm happy to do it for you. Be sure to give me the name, address, phone number and email address. Include the contact person if you can.

My definition of schmoozing - "To directly engage with another person for the purpose of initiating a positive, business relationship".

Please review the 8/31 blog post for reminders.

We'll review the nutrition assignment many of you did for extra credit. What will be in your backpack tomorrow that qualifies as a "healthy snack"? Show us! Let's give each other ideas and encouragement for good nutrition.

Take care and I'll see you tomorrow.

Mrs. Erceg

Otorhinolaryngology

How's that for a medical specialty? oh-toe-rhino-laryng-goll-oh-gee - an ear, nose and throat specialist. Also known as an ENT. We will look at Medical Assisting and Medical Specialties tomorrow.

The Good News Bears teddy bear pick up today was a BIG success! We handed Jeannie over 100 stuffed animals - THANK YOU AND KEEP THEM COMING! Remember, they can be gently used. Community service hours are available with GNB.

We'll be taking photos on Thursday 9/3 for your I.D. badges. Be here on time - Thank you.

Grades - I know many of you want to keep track of your grades. For now, see me anytime for your grade in the class until I have electronic notification set up for you and your parents. There are 500 points available between now and November. Keep track of returned papers!

Immunizations, TB and CPR, OH MY! Some of you still need one or more of these requirement. Get them in now....this was supposed to be done during the summer months. Deadline for all three is steadily approaching. See me if you need help...I have some resources for you!!!!!

ASSIGNMENTS: For 10 points of extra credit due tomorrow 9/1, please bring in a handwritten list of 10, and I mean 10, non-perishable food items that are nutritious, portable, delicious and can be put in your backpack to maintain good nutrition throughout the day. Don't forget water for hydration too!

DUE 9/3: Go to cmaa-ca.org and ccbma.org and write up an accurate description of the California Medical Assistants Association is all about, as well as the California Certifying Board for Medical Assistants. Please type this up. Please be thorough and be able to answer the questions..."What is CMAA"? "What is CCBMA"? THIS IS DUE ON THURSDAY 9/3

Have a wonderful evening!

Mrs. Erceg

p.s. Welcome Kelsey A. - we'll see you tomorrow.

Have a Great Weekend !

Dear Students,

Thank you for a wonderful week. I have so much confidence in all of you. Nice work on the ASL demonstration today. I hope you feel a bit more comfortable about introducing yourself and even communicating further with a hearing-impaired person. How nice it would be to make a new friend!

Don't panic if your parent says that they received a call from Granada/Medical Occupations. I am reminding parents about "Back to School Night" on Wednesday, September 9th. This is an important meeting because I will be talking to parents about your community classroom sites and information pertaining to requirements. I will also tell them how great you are!

I will show the Orientation PPT on Monday so we can review the course requirements. I'll be happy to answer your questions. We have Jeannie coming in from Good News Bears too. So, please bring in more stuffed animals. (They use them as fast as we can provide them!) Thanks and a BIG BEAR HUG to the students who have already brought in some stuffies.

We pick up the pace next week! Here's a preview:

ESLR project - Life Skills - Learning Styles - Medical Careers - Types of Physicians

See you Monday.... I am looking forward to it. :)

Mrs. Erceg

Great job today!

Wow- very impressive, college-level behavior and responses during discussion about ESLR's today. Well done! I have a good feeling about you all....yes I do.

RALLY TOMORROW: FHS and AVHS - I'll see you folks at 1:15. Call if you will be later than 1:15. Thank you. Pack a lunch tonight...you'll need nutrition to think clearly throughout the afternoon.

Please bring in a gently used, clean stuffed animal tomorrow to add to our collection. See 8/26 post.

ASL demonstration tomorrow. I am anxious to see what you' ve planned. I hope you enjoyed the DVD on "Men in Nursing" today. Did it give you some ideas about careers? Please keep in mind that I need sites for students, so consider what careers you are interested in and what site may be suitable for you. NEVER approach a site without coming to me first...they may already be a community classroom site with Tri-Valley ROP ! Ask parents to call me with their networking connections, family and friends that may be willing to take on students. I will talk to them about that on "Back to School Night" on 9/9. Thanks so much.

Have a great evening.

Mrs. Erceg

Happy Wednesday to Yooooooou!

Hello Students!





ATTENTION: WE NEED STUFFED ANIMALS! Jeannie from "Good News Bears" will be here on Monday. Would you check your closets and bedrooms for clean, gently-used stuffed animals and teddy bears? Tell your friends and family please. See: http://www.goodnewsbears.org/

I really appreciate the wonderful participation during the film today as we practiced sign language as well as your work with your partner. Practice your demonstration at home and you'll have a little practice tomorrow before the big demonstration on Friday. You never know when ASL will help make a hearing-impaired person feel better and able to communicate with you.



Please bring in forms that are needed. Call me or speak to me in class if there are any concerns over the TB test, CPR or immunization records.

Reminders: The blog assignment is due 8/28. See previous post.

When leaving a message for me, just hit # to bypass the message on the
classroom phone.

Take care and have a great evening.

Mrs. Erceg

Hello Medical Professionals

Hi Everyone,

I have been noticing your behaviors in class, smiles and your participation. Please keep up the good work and remember to see me immediately if you have questions or concerns about the class. Good communication is critical to our success.

Keep practicing your sign language - maybe with your family? Show off your stuff. Ask your family and friends about Medic-Alert bracelets/necklaces. Is someone you know in danger and need one to protect them in an emergency?

We started medical terminology today.... here's one for you -

HEPATOSPLENOMEGALY - Enlargement of the liver and spleen. Ooooooh....impressive.

Try this website... www.studystack.com Find the science section and the medical terminology.

REMINDERS: Professionalism assignment due Friday.
Back to School Night at GHS - 9/9/09
Bring in forms due that require parent signature...Thank you.

Take care,

Mrs. Erceg

Welcome to R.O.P. Medical Occupations !

Hello Future Medical Professionals! GHS Back to School Night: Wed. 9/9

I hope you are ready for a fun and exciting year. I am very anxious to get to know all of you.

What you need to know about me is my motto...."Your success is my reward." I work hard to make your experience in my class the best it can be. I see my class as adult school, not high school. I expect behaviors consistent with the workplace; show up and show up on time, anticipate the needs of others and act accordingly. I ask that you smile, (always good) work hard and absorb all you can. What you learn in this class prepares you to work with patients and their families. Imagine what it means to be a health care professional.

Attitude is everything! Great attitudes bring great results! Have I mentioned that smiles work great with me?

Here's your first assignment: Ask your parents for two good examples of professionalism in the workplace and come up with one of your own. Write them down on a piece of binder paper (don't forget your name and the date).
This will be due on Friday 8/28 and this is a graded assignment.

Start looking at medical terminology....Here's a site to get you started: www.studystack.com (Click on the book "medicine")

I sincerely believe that each and every one of you has the potential for greatness....you are already off to a good start!


I know that the 2009-2010 year will be fantastic!

~Mrs. Erceg

p.s. Check this blog daily...make sure you are on top of all MedOccs information
and assignments.