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ASTER Terminal Clock User Authentication
 When ASTER goes live across DHS, some workforce members will need to do biometric enrollment. Below you will find key information on what biometric enrollment is, who will need to perform it, and what to expect.
All terminal clockers will have to tap their GREEN badge to complete a 1-time biometric enrollment using their fingerprint, which will allow you to use all applicable clock functions from that point on.
Please reference the ASTER User Group Identification Tool to determine if you are a terminal clocker.
Will this fingerprint identify me for background checks or other purposes?
- No, this fingerprinting only captures & stores 5-6 points of identification & is not extensive enough to use for background checks and other purposes.
- The validation occurs on those 5-6 points on the terminal clock. It is a security system much like iPhone & Android devices.
Is my fingerprint stored in a way that could compromise my security?
- No, fingerprint data is stored as a record, not a picture. Workforce software further secures employee data through the following practices:
- The enroller or authority is required to enroll users in biometrics and can auto-enroll employees so that the first time you punch in it will create a biometric template.
- Fingerprint data cannot be duplicated.
- Employee fingerprint data is not distributed outside the customer time and attendance environment.
- Fingerprint data cannot be used to gain personal information about an employee.
The latest information regarding ASTER can be obtained by visiting our SharePoint site, emailing ASTER@dhs.lacounty.gov, or texting “ASTER” to (323) 409-8000.
In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
 A reflection on the role of nonverbal communication for the patient-provider encounter
This month we celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. We pay tribute to all of the Asians and Pacific Islanders who have made historical and cultural contributions and who continue to do so through their achievements. One need not look hard to observe how aspects of Asian cultures influence our language, our palette, and our landscape in America.
AAPI is an umbrella term that includes over 100 languages in addition to English, and includes nearly 50 ethnic groups from East and Southeast Asia, the Indian subcontinent and the Pacific Islands and their diasporas.
According to our annual encounter data, our Asian and Pacific Islander patient population identify with languages including Tongan, Samoan, Japanese, Hindi, Thai, Urdu, and Hawaiian. Additionally, according to the DHS Language Report (FY 2021-22), five of the top ten languages were Asian: Korean, Tagalog, Mandarin, Cantonese and Vietnamese. Along with spoken language comes cultural, nonverbal communication, such as vocal tones and facial expressions, which can be just as informing as verbal communication. It is important to pay attention and acknowledge these cultural and nonverbal signals as they can help gauge how a person ultimately feels in sensitive situations, including a patient-provider encounter.
Some nonverbal communication you may want to pay attention to is eye contact, personal spacing, and touch. For example, for some in the Asian culture, direct eye contact is considered to be aggressive and disrespectful. Similarly, the Pacific Islander culture uses minimal direct eye contact and when made, it tends to be fleeting. When it comes to touch, people from the Far East tend to avoid physical contact. In regard to personal space, both cultural groups tend to favor added personal space. For instance, Samoans tend to leave an arm’s length of personal space in their interactions.
As noted in a recent Healthcare Communication Matters blog article titled, “Nonverbal Communication,” when dealing with cultural differences in nonverbal communication, it may help to:
- Have an open body posture when facing the patient. Also, a smile can put the patient at ease.
- Be aware of where you position yourself in the room or in a space. Observe how the patient responds if you sit too close or far away from them. They may adjust themselves accordingly to feel more comfortable. Take note of this and try not to react.
- Show empathy by giving them your attention and listening. For example, try leaning in to show that you are listening.
Following these tips can help make a difference in the patient-provider encounter and contribute to the patient’s satisfaction with their visit. Furthermore, it is more likely that the patient will be engaged in their care. So, when speaking with a patient, remember to pay attention to all the ways they are communicating with you.
Minute for Medicine - Storytelling In Health care
Welcome to Minute for Medicine. Storytelling is a powerful tool in healthcare. Stories have been used throughout history to influence people, and they can be used to connect with patients and colleagues in healthcare. By learning the stories of patients, healthcare professionals can better understand their needs and desires. Sharing stories among colleagues can provide a space for professionals to share their experiences and promote transparency in the workplace. Patient stories can also help promote transparency and improve healthcare outcomes. See you next time on Minute for Medicine.
DHS is Growing –
Recruiting for the Ambulatory Care Network
 We all know that DHS is unique in serving complex patient populations and that it takes a robust team of dedicated professionals to care for our patients. This is why DHS leadership is investing in bringing dozens of new staff onboard to serve alongside teams across DHS.
As we grow, we invite you to grow with us!
Periodically, we will be highlighting some of our current job opportunities. As one of the largest integrated health organizations, DHS offers unique opportunities that reach across numerous medical specialties and the communities in Southern California.
The Ambulatory Care Network (ACN) seeks to hire a highly-qualified individual to fill the Secretary IV position within the ACN Administrative Office. The individual will provide secretarial assistance to the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) and support various departmental programs and initiatives.
To learn more, click here and review opportunity.
And please feel free to refer the position to anyone interested in working with us!
DHS Nurse of the Year
 National Nurses Week is celebrated between National Nurses Day, May 6, and Florence Nightingale’s birthday, May 12, and acknowledges the contributions of individuals who perform some of the most difficult and personal tasks in health care.
Eleven nurses across LA County were recognized as Nurse of the Year.
We are especially proud of the DHS Nurses who were recognized for their unrelenting commitment to our patients:
- Yvette Burns – Olive View
- Jerlon Burton – Ambulatory Care Network
- Jane Heng – Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center
- Sara Mejia - LA General Medical Center
- Bamitale Oseni – Juvenile Court Health Services
- Sara Rasnake – Emergency Medical Services
- Tsuiling Tsai – Correctional Health Services
- Jessica Tung - Harbor-UCLA Medical Center
Congratulations to them and thank you to all of our DHS nurses for your hard work and dedication to our patients.
Critical Care Recognition Month
 May is Critical Care Recognition month to recognize workforce members working in our Intensive Care Units.
Critical care physicians and staff, in particular, battled on the front line of the COVID-19 crisis, at great personal risk, to save lives in a high-risk setting where the risk of infection was and continues to be a common occurrence.
As Los Angeles County begins to move past the pandemic, please thank our teammates in our ICUs and wear something blue to support and thank them for their dedication to our community, to all of us at DHS, and to offering the best healthcare to everyone in need.
National Hospital Week
 May 7-13 is National Hospital Week allows us to celebrate each and every person working at DHS who helps to provide quality healthcare every day.
Our work is stressful and challenging but very satisfying. We help and care for our friends, neighbors, and the communities of Los Angeles County. We give everyone a chance to improve and grow stronger.
This week thank teammates for their decision to work alongside each other to care for our fellow Angelenos. And take pride in the noble work that you provide to the public.
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