As a UMMC employee, and a part of the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS), you will enjoy a comprehensive benefits program designed with you and your dependents in mind. Subject to any eligibility waiting period, all of the benefits described on the following pages are available to regular full-time employees and most benefits are available to regular part-time employees who are regularly scheduled to work twenty (20) or more hours per week. Many benefits are provided at no cost to employees. For others, the cost is shared between UMMC and employees.

Click here to learn about our unique benefits for experienced Registered Nurses.

Health Care Plans
UMMC offers three health care plan options from which to choose along with the option to waive participation if you have other coverage. Prescription drug and vision care benefits are included in each plan.

Coverage is available to eligible full-time and part-time employees and their dependents, including domestic partners, on the first day of the month following date of hire. Employees can enroll in one of four categories of coverage (individual, parent/child, employee/spouse, and family). The cost of coverage is shared between UMMC and employees.

• University Network Quality Care is a triple-option plan that allows you to self-refer to any provider. Your choice of provider determines your level of coverage and benefit. Most services provided by a UMMS provider are covered in full, some after a small co-payment. Prescription drugs are available for a variable co-payment depending on whether it is a generic or brand name drug.
• Maryland Preferred Provider is a PPO plan with in-network and out-of-network benefits. Most in-network services are covered in full, some after a small co-payment. Prescription drugs are available for a variable co-payment depending on whether it is a generic or brand name drug.
• Kaiser Permanente is a managed care plan. Under this plan, benefits are available only when subscribers utilize the services of specified providers. Most services are covered in full, some after a small co-payment. Prescription drugs are available for a variable co-payment depending on whether it is a generic or brand name drug.

Waiver of Coverage
Eligible full-time employees who choose not to enroll in a medical plan because they have other coverage are eligible to receive an annual rebate in lieu of enrolling in one of the medical plans.

We offer a health plan rebate program for all full-time employees who have medical care benefits elsewhere and choose not to participate in one of the UMMS medical care plans.

Dental Care Plan
The dental care plan provides coverage for diagnostic and preventive care, basic and restorative care, major surgical procedures, major restorative procedures, and orthodontics. The plan is administered by CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield. Coverage is available to eligible full-time and part-time employees and their dependents, including domestic partners, on the first day of the month following date of hire. Diagnostic and preventive care services are covered at 100%. Other services are subject to a small deductible and co-insurance. The cost of coverage is shared between UMMC and employees.

Disability Plans
UMMC provides short-term disability and long-term disability coverage for eligible employees. There is no cost to employees for this benefit.

• Short Term Disability coverage is available to eligible full-time and part-time employees upon completion of six months of employment. Benefits begin on the 30th day of disability and continue up to the 180th day of disability. Non-exempt employees receive 60% of their base pay while disabled. Exempt employees receive 100% of their base pay up to the 90th day of disability and 60% of their base pay thereafter up to the 180th day of disability.
• Long Term Disability coverage is available to eligible full-time employees upon completion of six months of employment and commences following the expiration of short term disability payments. Eligible employees receive 60% of their base pay while on long term disability.

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) allow employees to pay for certain health care and dependent care expenses on a pre-tax basis through payroll deductions. UMMC offers a health care FSA and a dependent care FSA. New employees can enroll in either or both FSAs during their first 31 days of employment or, thereafter, during the annual open enrollment period.

• Health Care FSA This plan can be used to pay for certain medical, prescription drug, dental, and/or vision care expenses including costs associated with plan deductibles, coinsurance and co-payments. Employees can allocate up to $3,000 each year to their Health Care FSA.
• Dependent Care FSA This plan can be used to pay for a variety of eligible child care and/or elder care expenses. Employees can allocate up to $5,000 each year to their Dependent Care FSA.

Step Up To Good Health
Good health is important to everyone, including our employees. UMMC has developed a comprehensive program that enables and encourages employees to better manage their personal health and medical conditions. The program has five components: a health risk assessment (HRA); healthy living programs; a 24 hour health information line; WellCoach; and a chronic condition management program. Many programs offer incentives for participation. The program is administered by a third-party health enhancement and disease management company, and all information is maintained in strict confidence by the program administrator.

Life Insurance
Eligible full-time and part-time employees are covered by a term life insurance policy in the amount of their annual base pay, up to $300,000. Coverage begins on the first day of the month following 60 days of employment. There is no cost to employees for this benefit. Eligible employees may also purchase additional life insurance for themselves, their spouse, and/or dependent children through the convenience of payroll deductions.

Retirement Savings Partnership
UMMC provides eligible employees with two opportunities to save for their retirement, an employer-funded 401(a) retirement plan and a voluntary 403(b) plan. Lincoln Financial Group administers both plans.

• 401(a) Retirement Plan
  Regular full-time and part-time employees who are at least 21 years of age and who have completed one (1) year of service with at least 1,000 credited hours will participate in the 401(a) retirement plan. Once a participant, UMMC contributes 5% of your eligible pay into your individual account. No contributions are required to be made by you. You choose how the Medical Center's contributions are invested from among a wide range of investment options. You become partially vested in the contributions and earnings after only 2 years and fully vested after 5 years.
• Voluntary 403(b) Plan
  All regular employees are eligible to voluntarily enroll in a 403(b) plan under which contributions are made on a pre-tax basis through payroll deductions. Contributions and withdrawals must be made according to certain federal retirement plan rules. Both contributions and earnings are excluded from federal income tax until withdrawn.

Vacation
Eligible full-time and part-time employees accrue vacation benefits from their date of hire. Vacation time is credited each pay period. Accrued vacation can be taken upon completion of six months of employment. Full-time employees accrue vacation according to the following schedule:

Eligible part-time employees accrue vacation time on a pro-rated basis.

You may accumulate unused vacation time up to 1½ times your annual accrual rate.

Sick Leave
Eligible non-exempt full-time and part-time employees begin to accrue sick leave upon hire and may take accrued time upon the completion of sixty (60) days of employment. Sick leave is credited each pay period. Full-time employees accrue sick leave at the rate of 10 days (80 hours) per year and can accumulate up to 65 sick days (520 hours). Eligible part-time employees accrue sick leave on a pro-rated basis.

Exempt employees participate in a salary continuation plan under which they receive 100% of their base pay for up to the first 29 days of absence due to a non work-related illness or injury.

If an illness or injury extends beyond 29 days, short term disability coverage may become applicable.

Holidays
UMMC observes the following holidays:

Eligible non-exempt employees required to work a holiday will be paid at 1½ times their regular rate of pay and will receive a compensatory day off with pay.

Personal Leave Days
UMMC provides eligible full-time employees with twenty-four (24) hours of paid personal leave each year. New employees are credited with personal leave on a pro-rated basis during their first year of employment. Thereafter, you will be credited with 24 hours of personal leave each payroll year. Personal leave must be taken in the payroll year in which it is credited. Eligible part-time employees are credited with personal leave time on a pro-rated basis.

Educational Assistance Benefits
UMMC provides employees with three types of educational assistance: tuition reimbursement, continuing education, and dependent tuition assistance.

• Tuition Reimbursement
  Eligible full-time and part-time employees may receive tuition reimbursement for undergraduate or graduate courses related to their current job or a hospital-related position. Full-time employees can receive 100% reimbursement for the tuition cost for courses taken at the University of Maryland, other state universities and/or community colleges, and 75% reimbursement for courses taken at all other colleges and universities. The maximum reimbursement for full-time employees is $5,000 per calendar year for graduate courses and $3,000 per calendar year for undergraduate courses. Full-time employees attending the University Of Maryland School of Nursing are entitled to a maximum reimbursement of $10,000 per calendar year for graduate courses and $6,000 per calendar year for undergraduate courses. The calendar year maximum reimbursement is pro-rated for eligible part-time employees.
• Continuing Education
  Eligible full-time and part-time employees can receive payment of registration and application fees for job-related conferences and seminars, advanced certification review courses, advanced certification examinations, and courses that offer continuing education units (CEUs). The maximum annual benefit is $500 for eligible full-time employees and $250 for eligible part-time employees.
• Dependent Tuition Assistance Program
  UMMC provides tuition assistance for eligible full-time patient care clinical staff whose dependents are enrolled in undergraduate studies at an accredited college or university. The plan covers tuition expenses up to an amount determined each academic year for up to four years of study.

Continuing Education
The Professional Development educational programs are designed around content considered essential to prepare staff for care provider roles with a variety of patient populations as well as preceptor and teaching roles. Most courses are approved for nursing continuing education credit by the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN). Contact hours and registration fees are specified in each course description. Most courses are designed for nurses, but they are open to other patient care staff as indicated.

Our office is open Monday through Friday, 7:30am – 5:00pm. If you have questions regarding these programs, please call our office at 410-328-6257 or email professionaldevelopment@umm.edu

• Cardiac Education:
  
  • ACLS Instructor
    Pre-reqs: Current ACLS and Healthcare Provider cards
    Instruction in accordance with American Heart Association guidelines to be an instructor of ACLS courses
  • ACLS Provider
    Pre-reqs: Current Healthcare Provider card, basic knowledge of cardiac pharmacology and EKG skills
    Instruction in accordance with American Heart Association guidelines and practicum to provide Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) card. This course is designed for individuals who have never taken ACLS training or if their ACLS card has lapsed. Cards are valid for 2 years from month/year of instruction. Effective January 1, 2007, purchase of ACLS manual (Fall 2006 ed.) is required.
  • ACLS Renewal
    Pre-requisites: Current Healthcare Provider and ACLS cards
    Instruction in accordance with American Heart Association guidelines instruction and practicum for certification of Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS). This course is designed for individuals who have previous certification in ACLS (must not be lapsed beyond 30 days). Care is valid for 2 years from month/year of completion. Effective January 1, 2007, purchase of ACLS manual (Fall 2006 ed.) is required.
  • BLS – Healthcare Provider Renewal
    Pre-Requisites: Current Healthcare Provider card
    Instruction in accordance with American Heart Association guidelines and practicum to provide knowledge and skills of Basic Life Support (BLS). HCP card is valid for 2 years from month/year of instruction.
  • BLS – Healthcare Provider Instructor
    Pre-Requisites: Current Healthcare Provider card; instructor approval
    Instruction in accordance with American Heart Association guidelines to become a Healthcare Provider (HCP) instructor. Instructor card is valid for 2 years from month/year of course.
  • Cardiac Rhythm Interpretation Course
    Pre-Requisites: none
    Prepares nurses to identify cardiac dysrhythmias. A review of cardiac anatomy and physiology is followed by a description of the conductive pathway and myocardial action potential. Emphasis is placed on correlation of the effect of the dysrhythmia on actual myocardial function. Treatment modalities are also discussed. Principles of defibrillation are reviewed and demonstrated, and participants have an opportunity to practice using the defibrillator.
  • Interpreting 12-Lead EKG
    Pre-Requisites: Licensed RN or NP
    This course is for the direct patient care RN or NP who regularly reads 12 lead EKGs. This course includes:
    • Normal 12 Lead EKG
    • Identifying Ischemia, Injury, and Infarct on a 12 Lead EKG
    • Cardiac Rhythms
    • Intraventricular Defects and Delays
    • Atrial and Ventricular Enlargement
• Clinical Programs:
  
  • Applied Nursing Practicum
    Pre-Requisites: Licensed RNs only
    This six-day program is designed to assist the new graduate nurse or experienced RN with less than two years of clinical experience to care for patients in the acute and intensive care setting. Course content includes instruction as well as skills practice.
  • Applied Pediatrics Practicum
    Pre-Requisites: Licensed RNs only
    This 6 day course is designed to assist the novice pediatric nurse to prepare for tertiary practice with acute and critically ill pediatric patients. Lectures provide path physiology and care strategies for pediatric patients. The course curriculum is based on AACN core curriculum; Wong’s Care of the Pediatric Patient and current evidence-based practice and theory. Some topics include management of common respiratory illnesses in pediatrics, pediatric resuscitation, palliative care, neurological issues in children, and endocrine disorders. Skills include nebulizer treatments, infection control, Foley care, tubes/drains, tracheotomy care, Alaris pump and pain management.
  • Trauma Theory
    Pre-Requisites: none
    This five day course introduces nursing staff to concepts and principles of trauma related injuries and the special needs of patients and families. The first four days provide didactic instruction integrating required PARC curriculum. Day five focuses on validation of selected trauma competencies.
  • Critical Thinking
    Pre-reqs: none
    This is a "hands-on" workshop, where nurses have the opportunity to practice critical thinking with real case scenarios. Instructors are experts in the field and familiar with nursing clinical practice. This workshop reviews the concepts of critical thinking and its applicability at the bedside.
  • Mastering CRRT
    Pre-Requisites: 1 year critical care experience
    Designed to prepare critical care nurses to care for patients receiving CRRT. The course covers the basic physiology and technology utilized by CRRT, indications and uses of CRRT, setting-up CVVH/CVVHD and trouble-shooting the system. It elaborates on nursing responsibilities for patient’s receiving CRRT. It has a hands-on component that allows validation of essential competencies on this therapy.
  • Moderate Sedation
    Pre-Requisites: Must be a licensed RN
    This 4-hour class is designed for registered nurses who provide direct care to patients receiving moderate sedation. It is designed to assist nurses in developing competency in safe and effective management of patients receiving moderate sedation.
  • Pain
    Pre-reqs: none
    This program is designed for healthcare professionals practicing in all settings and it will present current pain management principles and strategies to provide effective analgesia. Course topics include elements included in a pain assessment, analysis of types of pain and appropriate interventions for each, current treatment options for pain management, and determine critical pain treatment from the patients’ perspective.
  • Managing Diabetes
    Pre-reqs: none
    This program is designed to increase each nurse's awareness of their critical role in diabetes education and care during hospitalization of the patient with diabetes. The goal is to improve care for patients with diabetes, minimize complications and co-morbidities, prevent re-hospitalization, and shorten length of stay.
• Certification:
  
  • CCRN Prep Review
    Pre-requisites: Licensed RNs only
    This three-day Adult CCRN/PCCN Exam Review course is designed for critical and progressive care nurses who need a review of nursing content covered on the Adult CCRN and PCCN Exams. The course is designed to:
    • Assist the prospective Adult CCRN Exam candidate in preparing for the examination based on AACN’s exam blueprint.
    • Assist the prospective PCCN Exam candidate in preparing for the examination based on the AACN’s exam blueprint.
    • Examine test-taking strategies for successful completion of the CCRN and PCCN exams.
  • Pediatric CCRN
    Pre-reqs: none
    This 2-day exam review course is based on the AACN's exam blueprint, designed for Pediatric nurses who need an intensive review of pediatric nursing content covered on the Pediatric CCRN exam. Test taking strategies are also examined to promote successful completion of the exam.
  • Oncology Cert Review
    Pre-reqs: none
    This 2-day review course prepares the registered nurse to take the exam for Oncology Certification Exam.
• Role Development:
  
  • Grand Rounds
    This Nursing Grand Rounds review research on specified topics by means of various presentation methods. The educational objectives are to review evidence-based research on the specified topics, present different perspectives on the topic and disseminate UMMC efforts to implement the specified topic.
  • Journal Clubs
    Pre-reqs: Review of journal articles for current session
    The journal club meets monthly and is devoted to reviewing current research about clinical practice. Research findings are presented, discussed, and compared to practice at UMMC. When appropriate, practice standards are revised to ensure that best practice is incorporated into patient care. The day shift journal club meets from 12:15 on to 1:15 p.m. The night shift club meets in two sessions of half hour each: 12:30 a.m. and 2 a.m.
  • Steps to Publication
    Pre-reqs: none
    This course is designed for all levels of staff, regardless of discipline or credentials, who want to write for publication and need to know the steps involved.
  • Presentation Skills
    Pre-reqs: none
    This workshop provides the first time (or anxious) presenter with the basic skills to prepare, organize and present material in a memorable way. Use of audiovisual aids, PowerPoint and adult learning principles are briefly discussed. Participants will be given the opportunity to make a short presentation, based on course principles.
  • Mentoring
    Pre-Reqs: Preceptor Course – Basic Fundamentals
    This one day course is for the patient care providers with leadership abilities. The course will include discussion of the role and characteristics of the mentor, differentiate the coach from the mentor, and integrate assessment of emotional intelligence. The goal of this workshop is to develop skills for leadership and effective mentoring.
  • Preceptor
    Pre-reqs: none
    Prepares experienced nurses for the preceptor role. Participants discuss the role of the preceptor, phases of precepting, teaching methods, and learning methods useful with staff in the clinical setting. In addition, appropriate strategies to manage situations commonly encountered while functioning in the preceptor role will also be discussed. Role-playing provides an opportunity for participants to evaluate their application of content to real-life preceptor situations and critical incidents.
• Oncology Programs:
  
  • Chemotherapy Course for Non-Cancer Units
    Pre-Requisites: none
    This course is designed to provide the RN with the clinical information necessary to administer cytotoxic and biotherapeutic agents. The course focuses on chemotherapeutic agents, administration techniques and management of oncologic emergencies.
  • Chemotherapy–Biotherapy (ONS)
    Pre-Requisites: Licensed RN, with a minimum of 6 months clinical experience
    The Oncology Nursing Society's (ONS) Chemotherapy and Biotherapy Course provides a comprehensive review of the knowledge needed to administer cytotoxic and biotherapeutic agents. Upon successful completion of the course and post-test, participants will receive an ONS Chemotherapy and Biotherapy Provider Card. This card validates the participant has the theoretical foundation needed to administer cytotoxic and biotherapeutic agents. The card is valid for two years.
  • Complications of Cancer
    Pre-reqs: none
    This eight-hour course is designed to provide the RN with the clinical information to identify and address the complications associate with cancer patients. This course compliments the content and instruction in the course "Leukemia & BMT".
  • Leukemia & BMT
    Pre-Requisites: none
    This eight-hour course is designed to provide the RN with the clinical information to care for the leukemia and bone marrow transplant patient. The course focuses on symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of leukemia. Paired with other course offering: "Complications of Cancer" provides basic skills for cancer patient care.

Other Benefits

• 529 Savings Plan
  UMMC employees have the opportunity to participate in a 529 Savings Plan using payroll deduction. The 529 Savings Plan is an investment plan operated by the state, designed to help families save for future college costs.
• Bereavement Leave
  In case of a death in the immediate family, full-time employees will receive up to three scheduled work days off with pay. Eligible part-time employees will receive time off on a pro-rated basis. Immediate family includes your spouse, domestic partner, children, parents, parents-in-law, brothers, sisters, stepchildren, grandparents, grandchildren, and those for whom you are a legal guardian.
• Credit Union
  You and your family may join the State Employees Credit Union (SECU). A variety of checking, savings and loan privileges are available to members.
• Direct Deposit
  UMMC offers you the opportunity to have your biweekly paycheck directly deposited into your checking account at any financial institution.
• Cafeteria Discount
  As a UMMC employee, you are eligible for a discount in the hospital cafeteria when you display your employee badge.
• MTA Commuter Benefit Program
  The MTA Commuter Benefit program allows employees to save money on their monthly MTA passes. These passes can be used for unlimited travel on local buses, the Light Rail or the Metro Subway.
• Employee Assistance Program
  The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a free, confidential counseling and referral service available to all employees and their family members. The EAP is staffed by trained mental health professionals, and all EAP services are provided free of charge to employees.
• Employee Discount Programs
  As an additional benefit of employment at UMMC, employees can take advantage of special discounts on select products and services including:
  • Automobiles and automotive services
  • Alternative health and wellness services
  • Auto, home and other personal lines of insurance
  • Cellular phone service
• HIV Benefit
  Because UMMC is concerned about your health and welfare, an employee diagnosed as HIV positive within six months of a documented work-related injury or exposure will be provided compensation equal to two times their annual base pay, to a maximum of $250,000. There is no cost to employees for this benefit.
• Military Service Leave
  Employees who are members of the U.S. Armed Forces or National Guard will be granted a leave of absence for military service, training or other obligations in compliance with applicable federal and state laws. UMMC will pay the difference between military pay and the employee's regular base pay for up to two weeks.
• Social Security
  UMMS contributes equally to the cost of this government plan. Social Security is designed to provide you with retirement income, as well as benefits in case of disability or death, and Medicare benefits at age 65.
• Workers' Compensation
  You are covered for medical expenses and lost work time due to injury or illness that is job-related. Also, your survivors are protected in case of your death due to a job-related injury or illness.
• Unemployment Insurance
  In the event that you are laid off or you lose your employment through no fault of your own, and you are actively looking for another job, you may be entitled to unemployment compensation benefits. This benefit is a certain portion of your salary and is administered through the Maryland Department of Economic and Employment Development (DEED). DEED determines your eligibility for this benefit; however, the unemployment benefits are funded dollar-for-dollar by UMMS.