Author

The Patient Safety Committee explored oppor-

tunities to meet compliance standards with the

Joint Commission Standard PC-02.01:19 and

the National Patient Safety Goal 13.01.01

which state “The hospital informs the patient

and family how to seek assistance when they

have concerns about a patient’s condition.” As

a result, the Committee was charged with ful-

filling these compliance standards and to fur-

ther the implementation of the LUHS Strategic

Quality Plan which calls for us to educate and

involve patients and families in the LUHS

Safety Program. Working together, this com-

mittee has created a Patient/Family-Initiated

Rapid Response Team workflow, patient edu-

cation materials and staff education materials.

The original program on which this is modeled

is “Condition H”, developed in response to an

incident that occurred at Johns Hopkins Hospi-

tal in 2001 involving 18-month old Josie King,

who died as a result of dehydration despite her

mother’s attempts to alert staff that something

was wrong. Her mother, determined that

something good would come from her infant

daughter’s death, has since established the

Josie King Foundation. Mrs. King has worked

with stakeholders from Johns Hopkins Hospi-

tal to improve patient safety, including the

development of the Patient/Family-Initiated

Rapid Response Team concept. This form of

Rapid Response Team is intended to empower

patients and families to summon emergency

medical attention while in the hospital.

This program does not change the Rapid

Response Team process that is currently in

place. The only addition to the current process

is to now empower the patient or family to

initiate a RRT.

Many hospitals have implemented a Patient/

Family-Initiated RRT, and have found that

there are very few inappropriate activations of

the RRT by patients and families.

We have piloted the Patient/Family-Initiated

RRT on 5 Tower, 2NE/2Neuro ICU and

3NEWS and are now spreading the program to

adult inpatient units. The nurses and staff of

these units have received education regarding

this program, and includes the requirement of

completing a Nursing Computer Based Learn-

ing module.

Our Go-Live date was January 31, 2012.

We hope you will support this effort that em-

powers families and patients to participate in

this important patient safety initiative.

If you have any questions or concerns please

contact:

Anita Koeller, at 6-5488

Sharon Englert at 6-5142

Magnet education programs were conducted

on all Fridays in January. Information was first

extended to all council co-chairs and

managers. Staff nurses were invited too

through emails and Gottlieb nurse managers/

staff also attended. The education program

involved a review of all the information

required for document submission in 2013.

Our document will include outcome measures

from April 1, 2011 through March 31, 2013.

Continues on page 3

Patient/Family-Initiated Rapid Response Team

Nurse Link J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 2 V O L U M E 6 I S S U E 1

2013 Magnet Launch

Transformational

Leadership

New Knowledge,

Innovations, &

Improvements

Exemplary

Professional

Practice

Structural

Empowerment

I N S I D E

T H I S I S S U E :

Patient Rapid

Response

1

Magnet Launch 1

CNE Corner 2

Reflections of a

Nurse

4

Kudos to

Nursing

4

Ethical

Considerations

5

Spiritual

Corner

6

Clinical

Ladder

7

Nurse Navigator 8

Certification

Corner

8

Transfusion Safe-

ty Update

9

Magnet

Ambassador

10

APN Council 10

Education &

Professional Dev.

10

Nsg Professional

Practice

10

Nsg Quality &

Safety

11

Nsg Research 11

Magis & OPEX 12

Ask me About 13

Educational

Offerings

14

Magnet Forces

1 Quality of Nursing Leadership 2 Organizational Structure 3 Management Style 4 Personnel Policies and Programs 5 Professional Models of Care 6 Quality of Care 7 Quality Improvement 8 Consultation and Resources 9 Autonomy 10 Community and the Hospital 11 Nurses as

Teachers 12 Image of Nursing 13 Interdisciplinary

Relationship 14 Professional Development

Structural

Empowerment

Paula A. Hindle, RN,

MSN, MBA

Chief Nurse Executive

CNE Corner Thank you all for your hard work over the past several months. In particular, the last month we have been excep-tionally busy due to construction pro-jects limiting the number of available beds and an unusual increase in the patient volume. However, we have risen to the challenge continue to pro-vide exceptional care. Again, thank you for your commitment to our pa-tients.

We are currently recruiting a number of nursing positions. To date, we had over 60 nurses begin orientation from mid-December through January. These nurses are now coming off orientation. Next week we have scheduled an Open House to expedite the recruiting pro-cess and as of Monday, February 20th, we had 134 nurses signed up. Human Resources and nurse managers will be on site to interview and offer positions pending reference checks and Human Resource screenings. To attract experienced nurses to the job fair we are offering a one-hour educational program with Kathy Ostrowski, RN, Risk Manager, on legal issues in nurs-ing. The presentation will be given twice. In addition, the first 100 attendees will be given a $5.00 Star-bucks gift card and all attendees will be eligible for a drawing to win an iPad. Managers and staff will be available to provide tours to anyone interested. So if you know someone who would be a great compliment to our staff, please invite them to register. The Open House is February 29th from 2:00 – 8:00

p.m. in SSOM, room 150. I will keep you informed about the results of the fair.

As you know, February is “Marathon” month for CPR and clinical competencies. Please remember to review the video educational program available in e-learning in advance of attending the marathon. There have been many changes in the CPR standards. Also, while you are at the marathon, you will see coming attractions describing the new infusion pumps, beds, and cardiac monitoring equipment that will be purchased with-in the next several months. These pur-chases are part of Trinity’s capital in-vestment in Loyola. The infusion pumps will roll out mid-April, then the beds (after we trial beds from 2 vendors), and then the cardiac monitoring systems throughout the house. Eventually, the pumps and monitors will automatically download patient data directly into Epic. These are wonderful projects that support the nursing staff and improve the work flow for staff.

Finally, we have also completed an evaluation of lift equipment to reduce/eliminate the need for staff to do heavy lifting. We are finalizing the products and the proposal over the next month. I see all of these initiatives to support and assist you in patient care.

CNE Corner P A G E 2

N U R S E L I N K

New Knowledge,

Innovations, &

Improvements

Exemplary

Professional

2013 Magnet Continuation

P A G E 3 V O L U M E 6 I S S U E 1

Evidence to support written descriptions is needed and

teams are being formed for Transformational Leadership,

Structural Empowerment, Exemplary Professional Prac-

tice, and New Knowledge, Innovations and Improvements.

Please contact Debbie Jasovsky, Magnet Program Direc-

tor, at djasovsky@lumc.edu or 708-216-4604 if you are

interested in joining one of these teams.

And

the winner is… Be sure to nominate the

most deserving RN to the

2012 Nursing Excellence Awards.

Applications due March 2.

In Celebration of American Heart Month

Please feel free to wear red turtlenecks or long sleeved

tees under your scrubs during the month of February.

DON’T FORGET!!

Clinical ladder

application are due:

April 30, 2012

July 31, 2012

October 31, 2012

January 31, 2012

P A G E 4

Kudos to Nursing Presentations:

Sandra Weszelits APN, MSN presented a Skill Lab-working

with Gastrostomy Tubes to Surgery

Residents (11/11) and a Lecture about Feeding Access in

Children to to Pediatric Residents (12/11)

Publications:

Mary Kay Larson BS MSN CNN APRN-BC, Nurse Practi-

tioner at Homer Glen contributed to a manuscript: The Addi-

tion of a Nurse Practitioner to an Inpatient Surgical Team

Results in Improved Utilization Resources. Larson is listed

as one of the co-authors as well as L.Robles, M. Slogoff, E.

Ladwig-Scott, D. Zank , G.V. Aranha and M. Shoup

Mary Maryland, PhD, MSN, APN-BC, American Cancer

Society Nurse Navigator at the Cardinal Bernardin Cancer

Center., published an article in The Online Journal of Issues

in Nursing, January 31, 2012. The article is entitled: Patient

Advocacy in the Community and Legislative Arena

Certifications:

Elmer R. Dulce MBA, BSN, RN

Operational Excellence Leader, received certified in Nurse

Executive

Acknowledgements:

Linda Flemm, MSN, APN, AOCNS was appointed to the

first individual learning needs assessment (ILNA) develop-

ment committee for the AOCNS® ILNA Program. ILNA

is a new option for renewing oncology certification that

will involve the use of an assessment to determine the indi-

vidual learning needs of the certified nurse.

Erin Fruth, RN-BC was selected by The Academy of Med-

ical Surgical Nurses (AMSN) to participant on a Clinical

Leadership Development program for bedside nurses. The

charter requires the 8 nationally selected task force mem-

bers to determine curriculum and whether or not the pro-

gram grants a certificate.

Academic Advances:

Sarah Born MSN, RN from 3 NEWS

Graduated, May 14, 2011 from Lewis

University with a Nursing Education degree.

Sima Patel MSN, RN from 3 NEWS

graduated from Loyola Niehoff School of Nursing, May

14, 2011 as an Adult Clinical Nurse Specialist with Cardi-

ac focus.

Judy Rey MSN, RN from Cardiographics graduated from

Loyola Niehoff School of Nursing, December 2011

many obstacles came in my way and that was

one of the best decisions that I made; going into

nursing. I know this will sound cheezy but I do

feel this is what I am supposed to be doing.

I must be honest, even though I complain about

work issues, I do love being a nurse. I can’t see

myself doing anything else and there is nothing

better than knowing that you helped someone or

that feeling that you made a difference in a life

of that one patient.

While I was in high school my

grandparents moved into our house

because they needed help. My grandma

had diabetes and had suffered from

multiple strokes. She needed assistance

with bathing, insulin injections and meal

preparation. I stepped in to help out

whenever my mom needed a break.

I enjoyed helping grandma and she told me

I would be a good nurse.. I took her advice

looked into nursing and never looked back.

I never changed my mind no matter how

N U R S E L I N K

Reflections of a Nurse Dawn Mack, RN, BSN,

OCN

New Knowledge,

Innovations, &

Improvements

Exemplary

Professional

Practice

Structural

Empowerment Transformational

Leadership

Mark G. Kuczewski, PhD

The Fr. Michael I. English, SJ, Professor of Medical Ethics

Director, Neiswanger Institute for Bioethics & Health Policy Loyola University Chicago Ethical Considerations

P A G E 5 V O L U M E 6 I S S U E 1

What’s in a Hug? Professionalism & Touching

In the age of high tech medicine, we no longer place as much

emphasis on touch as the healing professions once did.

However, even in our current age, it is clear that the relation-

ship between the patient and the caregiver is of therapeutic

benefit. But the limits of such touching raise questions of

professional boundaries. So, ethicists sometimes hear the

question, is it OK to hug a patient? One of the frustrating

things about ethicists is that we tend to begin all answers the

same, “It depends. . .” Here are some things on which it de-

pends.

Such an expression of affection should seem appropriate to

the relationship and context.

In general, we speak about professional distance as a key

component of the relationship with a patient. For instance,

when one takes a history or physical, an objective and neutral

affect and tone create a judgment-free quality to the

environment that enables the patient to discuss problems that

could be very awkward in other social settings. As a result,

the nurse or physician does well not to introduce an especially

personal element to the environment. But, the dramas of birth,

life, and death are often partially lived out in the clinical

setting and these can introduce a very personal dimension to

the relationship. There are certainly situations in which the

patient has experienced something personally transformational

such a bad news, good news, seems demoralized after a trying

round of treatment. If the patient has developed a rapport with

the caregiver, they may reach out for a sign of support such as

a hug. If it seems natural and unforced, it may be helpful and

probably no real cause for concern.

The less powerful person should be initiating the hug. When

considering if it is ethical to hug patients, the issue of the

power imbalance in the relationship is paramount. While nurs-

es and physicians may consider patients outspoken based on

some memorable experiences, most patients understand that

they do not want to anger or alienate their nurse or

physician. Patients know that they are dependent on the good

will of their health-care providers for timely and effective

care. As a result, if a provider initiates a hug, the patient may

not feel empowered to decline even if he or she feels very

uncomfortable. Thus, in most cases, the less powerful person

in the relationship, the patient, should be the initiator. Of

course, there can be exceptions to this rule, e.g., a child one

has treated for a long time for a challenging illness.

When in doubt, substitute a handshake or similar sign of

support. And doubt early and often. In general, the occasional

benefits of a hug between a provider and patient are not

dramatic enough to outweigh even a few negative events. As

a result, the default position is clear. Any time you question

the propriety of a hug, just don’t do it. One can often easily

and graciously deflect the momentum toward a hug by

extending one’s hand for a handshake.

The cases in which doubts are least likely to arise typically

involve elderly patients with whom the caregiver has a

long-term relationship. The most dubious situations tend to

involve patients with whom the nature of the show of

affection could be misunderstood as intending a romantic or

sexual meaning. And, of course, this is bi-directional. If the

caregiver suspects that such might be a patient’s intention, he

or she should refrain from hugging and deflect this via a

handshake or other strategy. While it might seem awkward at

the moment, setting such a boundary immediately is far less

uncomfortable than having to dispel the patient’s misconcep-

tions later on.

In conclusion, a simple matter such as hugging is actually a

somewhat complicated issue. This is because being a

professional is a complex role that combines job skills and

one’s very being. Nurses and physicians do not leave their

personal side at home when they come to work but bring their

passion and personality to bear on their work. As a result,

drawing specific boundary lines can be difficult.

Nevertheless, keeping few simple considerations in mind can

help one to be more effective and avoid frequent missteps.

A Practice TJC Visit Mary E. Altier, MSN, RN, CPHQ

Center for Clinical Effectiveness

2012 Joint Commission Mock Surveys by Schweighoefer &

Associates for Hospital & Home care settings were complet-

ed February 6-10th and in the Ambulatory setting on Febru-

ary 15-17th.

Consultants (1 physician, 2 nurse's and a life safety engineer)

will be visiting units and procedure areas throughout the

health system, interviewing

staff, reviewing procedures, and

inspecting our facilities.

For additional information on standards and accreditation,

please visit the Joint Commission Readiness web page or

contact the CCE at 63290.

Exemplary

Professional

Structural

Empowerment

P A G E 6

Spiritual Corner By: Bob Andorka, Chaplain

TAKE TIME While driving to the hospital

one morning, I began to think

about all the things on my TO

DO list for the week. I remem-

bered my new 2012 calendar

which I had organized the

night before. This week would

be filled with meetings, phone

calls, computer work, people

to follow up with and ongoing

projects. There would be daily

responsibilities of patient care

visits, charting and mentoring

new students. Outside of work,

the calendar reminded me that I promised my kids I’d get

them back to college and that I would help my wife with her

fundraising work. Not to mention I would have to deal with

the washing machine that just stopped working and needed

repairs.

As I pulled up to the stoplight, I felt myself getting

anxious about all that was now on my plate. Then I noticed

the license plate on the car ahead of me. It read “NT

ENGH TM”. It stated what I was feeling - NOT ENOUGH

TIME. It was a feeling I had a lot over the last few past

years. Like the Jim Croce’s song, “There never seems to be

enough time to do the things you want to do once you find

them.”

As I thought about it more, I realized that the deeper

issue here was not having enough time, but rather whether I

felt control over the time I had. In other words, would I begin

this New Year allowing time to control me or could I resolve

in 2012 to take control of time? It is an interesting question

and one that, as healthcare workers, is worth reflecting on.

Do I feel overwhelmed by all the demands made on my

time? How can I take time back? Are there ways that I can

better control my time rather than time control me? Are there

ways that others might be able to assist me? Do I need to say

“No” more than I do now? Can I schedule in time for myself

for relaxation, regeneration, reflection?

A New Year is upon us with new opportunities and new

challenges. Vow to take time to do some of the things you’ve

always wanted to do but couldn’t find the time.

Consider these ideas that columnist Ann Landers offers for

using time:

Call up a forgotten friend. Drop an old grudge, and replace

it with some pleasant memories.

Take better care of yourself. Remember, you’re all

you’ve got. Vow to eat more sensibly. You’ll feel bet-

ter and look better, too.

Share a funny story with someone whose spirits are

dragging. A good laugh can be very good medicine.

Vow not to make a promise you don’t think you can

keep.

Free yourself of envy and malice.

Encourage some youth to do his or her best. Share

your experience, and offer support. Young people

need role models.

Make a genuine effort to stay in closer touch with

family and good friends.

Find the time to be kind and thoughtful. All of us

have the same allotment: 24 hours a day. Give a com-

pliment. It might give someone a badly needed lift.

Think things through. Forgive an injustice. Listen

more. Be kind.

Apologize when you realize you are wrong. An

apology never diminishes a person. It elevates him.

Examine the demands you make on others.

Lighten up. When you feel like blowing your top, ask

yourself, "Will it matter a week from today?"

Avoid malcontents and pessimists. They drag you

down and contribute nothing.

Express your gratitude. Give credit when it’s due—

and even when it isn’t. It will make you look good.

Read something uplifting. Help feed your soul.

Return those books you borrowed. Reschedule that

missed dental appointment. Clean out your closet.

Take those photos out of the drawer and put them in

an album.

Don’t be afraid to say, "I love you." Say it again.

They are the sweetest words in the world.

N U R S E L I N K

P A G E 7 V O L U M E 6 I S S U E 1

Using nursing skill to enhance patient care in anoth-er unit or department (collaboration)

Participating in health or professional promotion activities (health walk, donating blood, 2 hours of flu vaccination administration or employee health fair attendance = 1 point/event) (Mentor/preceptor)

Points will be given to those who participate in the research e-journal club or those who encourage others (quality improvement)

When utilizing the criteria under “Mentor/Preceptor: Mentors level 2 nurses to advance to level 3 and assisting level 3 to advance to level 4, the date that the newly leveled nurse must be included.

An applicant can take credit under the criteria Mentor/Preceptor: primary preceptor or relief preceptor but not both.

Reminder letters to submit renewal applications or sabbatical letters will not be sent. Additionally, you will not receive a letter when your sabbatical letter is accepted.

Under the criteria Mentor/Preceptor section, “Participates in health or professional promotion related activities”, be sure to fulfill the asterisks with email, pictures or other documentation for

evidence of participation

The roster for CPR, PALS or NRP classes taught does not need to be submitted unless the letter from nursing education does not include the dates.

Applicants who wish to be recognized as a medical interpreter in either Spanish or Polish must

complete requirements set by the Interpreter Services. Contact Patient Relations for more information. (Communication)

Sabbatical Letter:

There is no need to submit last year’s Sabbatical Letter with a renewal application.

When completing sabbatical year application, the only requirement is the Application Sabbatical Letter and the 16 contact hours. No other

documentation is necessary.

~New Updates to be aware of for 2012~

The clinical ladder application is more than just a compilation of a stack of papers. It is your own

personal professional portfolio and something to very proud of!

The Clinical Ladder Oversight Committee has

listened to feedback and has made criteria changes to emphasize bedside expertise and activities.

Always review and use the most updated criteria and forms on the Intranet.

Some highlights:

Beginning July 31, 2012 application points

requirements will increase:

Weighted points required for level 3: 20

points

Weighted points required for level 4: 40

points

The level 4 required project has been

eliminated. Projects will still be awarded

(5 points) for involvement in a project that reaches beyond one’s own department or unit.

Added clinical practice criteria/points:

Technical expertise (clinical competence)

Incorporation of patient’s cultural or spiritual customs (clinical competence)

Completing the validation as an interpreter and using this skill (communication)

Climbing the Clinical Ladder

(Updates)

Sonja Winkler RN CPN

Julie Liberio RN, MSN, CCRN, TNCC

Michelle Krauklis RNC-NIC, MSN

Transformational

Leadership

Exemplary

Professional

Practice

Structural

Empowerment

P A G E 8

Certification Corner PCCN: Progressive Care

Certified Nurse

K. Thomas MS RN PCCN

The designation, PCCN, is a

registered service mark of the

American Association of Criti-

cal Care Nurses (AACN) Certification Corporation. It

refers to nurses who are certified in progressive care, a

term used to describe acutely ill patients in intermedi-

ate, step down, telemetry, transitional care, direct ob-

servation units and emergency departments. Progres-

sive care is part of the continuum of critical care.

The most recent practice analysis of progressive care

nursing, undertaken in 2008,verified that a specialized

level of nursing skill, knowledge, and task

performance is required of the nurses in those areas,

given the level of acuity of the patients in a progressive

care area.

A nurse eligible to sit for the certification exam must

have current, unencumbered license as an RN or APRN

in the U. S., as well as 1,750 hours in direct bedside care

within the last two years of nursing practice, with 875 of

those hours in the most recent year prior to application.

Many applicants misread that as a two-year requirement,

missing the important modifier of “within the last two

years”.

Membership in the AACN benefits the exam applicant

by reducing the cost of the exam, as well as qualifying

the applicant for CE upon completion of an AACN-

approved PCCN review course. If you are interested in

pursuing the PCCN, contact Karen Thomas at kthom-

as@lumc.edu or office, 61717.

N U R S E L I N K

PCCN

American Cancer Society Patient Nurse Navigator

Mary Maryland, PhD, RN

Your American Cancer Society’s Patient Navigation Services Center is located

in the Lower Level of the Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center. Cancer patients and their

caregivers can access comprehensive resources for any cancer-related concern.

As your American Cancer Society Patient Navigation staff person –also known as a “ nurse navigator” – I

will serve as a personal guide by providing individual support, resources, services and assistance to address the

day-to-day challenges of living with cancer. The service is free and confidential, and places an emphasis on helping

patients overcome barriers to quality care; whether logistical, emotional or financial.

As each cancer experience is unique, I will help connect patients and caregivers with the most appropriate

American Cancer Society (ACS) programs and services to help improve each individual’s access to health care and

quality of life. Whether it is getting patients and caregivers the information they need to make treatment decisions and

better understand their disease, helping them deal with the day-to-day challenges of living with cancer, such as

transportation and insurance issues, or connecting them with resources such as local support groups or clinical trials,

the American Cancer Society provides help throughout the disease continuum – from the time of diagnosis, through

treatment, into survivorship. Research has shown that these services are able to increase treatment compliance and

follow-up care.

Fighting cancer is a difficult, challenging journey, but I am here to help you so our patients don’t have to go

through it alone. To contact me, please call extension 73080, I am typically here from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. Please

feel free to just stop by, and remember all ACS services are free of charge.

Exemplary

Professional

Practice

Exemplary

Professional

Practice

Structural

Empowerment

Structural

Empowerment

New Knowledge,

Innovations, &

Improvements

Blood Type Verification– The Why

P A G E 9 V O L U M E 6 I S S U E 1

On January 10, 2012 we started a

new process ~ verification of the

patient’s blood type before

transfusions take place. Why in

the world would we do that???

There are two really good reasons

~ first, the organizations that

regulate the Blood Bank told us to.

But more important, it helps

improve patient safety.

Every time you send a sample to

the Blood Bank, we check the

patient’s history, that way we are

alerted to potential type

discrepancies between specimens

which could indicate the

misidentification of a patient at the

time of sample collection. Patients

who are new to Loyola don’t have a

history to check. In order to keep

them safe as well, we will always

verify the blood type on a second

specimen (collected at a different

time) before we give them blood.

In emergency situations, group O red

blood cells issued with an Emergency

Release Form from the blood bank

can always be given.

Keep transfusion safe ~ for you

AND your patient!

Questions?? Call Cathy Shipp, RN,

Transfusion Safety Officer

at extension, 64836 or pager 10691

The most important thing to remember is that your patient

needs to be observed for signs of transfusion reaction. If

your patient is scheduled for a test or treatment delay the

transfusion until their return if possible. If your patient

has a fever and their transfusion can be delayed treat the

fever first.

Certain medications are problematic with blood transfu-

sions. Medications should never be given in the same IV

line as a blood component. In addition, if your patient is

receiving IV anti-fungal medication (especially

Amphotericin) wait for an hour after the medication is

infused before your transfuse platelets. This will allow

your patient to optimize their benefit from the platelet

transfusion.

Finally, if your patient is going home after their

transfusion make sure there is someone who will be with

them for an extended time to observe them for delayed

transfusion reactions ~ especially Transfusion Related

Acute Lung Injury (TRALI) which can develop hours

after the transfusion is completed.

Keep transfusion safe ~ for you AND your patient!

In nursing school we learned the “5 Rights” of medica-

tion administration ~

Right Patient

Right Medication

Right Dose

Right Route

Right Time.

Right?

Now let’s think of the “5 Rights” of Blood

Administration. We still want the Right Patient and we

still want the Right Time. Instead of the Right Medica-

tion we want the Right Blood Component. And finally,

we want the Right Indication and the Right

Documentation. Over the next few editions of Nurse

Link we’ll take a look at each of these Rights.

Last month we looked at the Right Patient. Now let’s

consider the Right Time!

Does timing matter when it comes to blood transfu-

sions? The answer is not as simple as you might think.

Transfusion in an emergency can be lifesaving and

needs to take place as soon as possible but in

“non-emergencies” you can make things easier for both

you and your patient if you think for a minute about

how you time the transfusion.

Transfusion Safety Update Catherine A. Shipp, RN, BSN, HP(ASCP)

Transfusion Safety Officer

New Knowledge,

Innovations, &

Improvements

Exemplary

Professional

Practice Structural

Empowerment

P A G E 1 0

Magnet Ambassador Council

Last October, the Magnet Ambassador Council hosted its second annual Magnet Celebration. The celebration honored Judy McHugh and Patricia Hummel who were both recipients of prestigious awards at the national Magnet conference. Loyola’s council representatives’ exhibited ingenuity by presenting their work through clever and entertaining skits and presentations. Artistic talent aside, Loyola’s nurses exemplified their dedication and innovation through their various programs and projects. Whether it was designing a continuing education program, improving patient outcomes or coordinating hospital-wide events, these councils proved that the work of a few can have a significant impact on many. Through the work of the Help for the Holidays committee, the council found a way to treat the human

spirit by embodying the Christmas spirit. Led by Jennifer Johnson and Erica Dixon, many of the nurses helped raise funds for Loyola staff in need of financial assistance throughout the holiday season. Jennifer and Erica spear-headed the project by coordinating Taffy Apple sales, bake sales and “keep the change” collection boxes throughout the cafeteria. As a result, the Help for The Holidays committee raised $1880.54 to help many of our employees ’ families. The Ambassadors decided to celebrate their hard work with a cookie and recipe exchange at the December meeting. It was a great opportunity to build relationships within the council, and many great ideas were suggested for a fantastic 2012. The Magnet Council meets the first Tuesday of every month at 7:00am-8:30am in the SSOM, Room 170.

N U R S E L I N K

MAC contacts: Barb Devereux, BSN, RN Erin Fruth RN-BC

EPC contacts:

Barb Hering RNC,MSN APN/CNSD

Diane Stace RN, MSN, APN, CCRN, CCNS

Education Stipend calendar changed back to January to January, $300 per person per year

March Legal Conference at LUHS, sponsored by Education & Professional Development Council & Nursing Education Department, date March 10, 2012

Certification Campaign Kickoff on March 19th, National Certification Day!

APN Council APNC contacts: Pat Hummel, RNC, MA, NNP, PNP, CCRN, CCNS

The APN group is forming it's yearly goals, including increasing billing and increasing the number of APNs with DNP or PhD degrees. Other goals include documenting how the APN's impact nursing care, and increased APN involvement with journal review, CQI, and research.

Nursing Professional Practice Council NPPC contacts:

Erin Podgorny BSN,RN,CCRN-CMC

Renee Niznik BSN, RN

Continue to coordinate monthly grand rounds for nurses & residents that offer continuing education credits.

Promoted nursing staff to attend and prepare for 2013 Magnet Launch presentations, continuing education credit available.

Discussed Q shift vital signs including accurate temperature assessment. Discussion of a temperature quality project to be determined.

Presented the J-tip Local Anesthetic Injection process to the Pain Committee. This alternative will be piloted in our hospital-based, pediatric population.

Education and Professional

Transformational

Leadership Structural

Empowerment

Exemplary

Professional

Practice

New Knowledge,

Innovations, &

Improvements

P A G E 1 1 V O L U M E 6 I S S U E 1

Nursing Research Fellowship Program The current Nursing Research Fellows, Karen Thomas, Jillian Erlander, and ah Suchecki, are engaged in data collection and are excited to be working on their research projects. They look forward to completing their data collection, data analysis, and sharing the findings of their research with their nursing colleagues. We all have questions about our nursing practice, what is yours? The Nursing Research Council is currently preparing for the 3

rd cohort of Nursing Research Fellows. Watch for future

e-mails regarding the application process to the Nursing Research Fellowship Program. Current Research If you are currently participating in a nursing research study or worked on a study between September 2010 and December 2011 please e-mail the details of your study to bpudele@lumc.edu. Please include the following information:

Study title

IRB approval date

Study status: in progress or completed

Data collection dates

PI & co-PI name and credentials

Role of the organizational nurses in the study (PI, team member, etc)

Study scope: internal to a single organization, multiple organizations within a system, or independent organization

collaborative

Study type: qualitative or quantitative

Publication and/or presentations related to study

Nursing e-Journal Club The 5

th Nursing e-Journal Club article will launch soon. The title of the study is “The impact of nurse-directed patient educa-

tion on quality of life and functional capacity in people with heart failure.” Rose Lach, PhD, RN and Karen Thomas, MS, RN, PCCN developed the research critique for this study. Remember that participating in the Nursing e-Journal Club provides a great opportunity for you to:

Learn to interpret research articles by reading prepared critiques

Access clinical research with possible implications for practice

Share your thoughts and opinions about the identified study with your colleagues via the on-line communication system

EARN CONTACT HOURS. After completing the required steps of the e-Journal process, print and complete

the evaluation form and send it to Pam Clementi, room 0701, Mulcahy.

Nursing Research Council

NQSC contacts:

Judy McHugh RN, MSN

Nancy Forcier RN

Meliza Lee RN, RN-BC

Karen Thomas RN MS, PCCN

Stephanie Wolski BSN

Nursing Quality & Safety Council

Continued to monitor the core measures and nurse sensitive indicators with the information and results presented

by the appropriate leaders.

Paula Hindle discussed the Trinity Balanced Scorecard. We need to strive on obtaining improved patient satisfaction because

CMS will reimburse funds based on patient satisfaction scores.

Eagle and SOS e-learning are going live in January.

Volunteers are still needed for Restraint/Fall/ Bed Enclosure Marathon.

If interested contact the Nursing Staff Education Office.

Transformational

Leadership

NRC contacts:

Pam Clementi PhD, APRN, BC

Barb Pudelek, RN-BCC, MSN, ACNP

New Knowledge,

Innovations, &

Improvements

Exemplary

Professional

Practice

Structural

Empowerment

P A G E 1 2

MAGIS & OPEX

Fish bones are an important part of fully delivering the Magis

commitment here at LUHS. Yes indeed, you read that cor-

rectly, fish bones are critical to fulfilling the promise of

more. If you hang in here with me for a bit, I think you will

find yourself in agreement… While Magis simply means

“more”, it implies a greater commitment to helping all LUHS

constituents more fully realize potential, more completely

utilize talents and make more dreams actualities. It is

essentially about actualizing untapped potential for

good. This actualization needs a foundation upon which it

can take place. Our buildings, people, processes and services

are that necessary platform.

The nuts and bolts of care provision and community support

are less glamorous than complex medical procedures, yet are

of equal impact and value to the whole patient care cycle.

Replenishing supplies, house cleaning, billing, patient

appointment setting, meal delivery, staff scheduling, patient

placement planning and all manner of decidedly operational

tasks is simply vital to the competent and compassionate

delivery of highly reliable patient care. Ensuring operations

are effective, efficient and beneficial, is crucial to LUHS’

fulfillment of its Magis commitment.

You might have heard the phrase “no margin means no

mission”. A better way to think about it might be “smooth

operations aid care and secure the mission”. LUHS has set

about revitalizing and expanding its Operational Excellence

program to achieve this very state—smooth operations that

do not hinder, but rather complement or bolster patient care.

Operational Excellence (OpEx), as a term, carries different

meanings. Please allow me to share what it means to me as

the new System Director for Operational Excellence.

OpEx enables and preserves LUHS’ ability to deliver care,

teaching and innovative practices through the elimination of

wasted time, effort, materials, knowledge and talent.

OpEx believes in a responsibility to educate and be educated

through work and service to others. OpEx will educate the

organization in Lean Six Sigma techniques to recognize

instability and waste in practices and procedures, to mitigate

that waste, to bring stability. OpEx will constantly learn

from internal partners.

OpEx recognizes that the holistic care of the patient includes

meeting physical, psychosocial and spiritual needs. Through

every action taken, every analytical tool applied, every

process change suggested, OpEx will ensure patient

care partners can address these needs fluidly, quickly

and effectively.

OpEx believes that we have a responsibility to work

together to respect yet continuously improve the

various processes we use.

OpEx is inherently about providing a supportive

environment that enhances the quality of care and

services. The function’s existence and name

exemplify the pursuit of excellence and this

philosophy.

The tools with which we deliver upon our

commitment are numerous and varied—because

opportunities to improve are numerous and varied.

They are primarily drawn from the Lean and Six Sig-

ma disciplines. Over the next 12 months, the

entire system will be offered the chance to learn and

apply these tools, to know OpEx, bring more to the

organization, and more to our patients.

Among these tools is the Ishikawa diagram—a simple

way to capture and show commonalities among our

improvement opportunities. When completed, the

Ishikawa looks like a fish skeleton—heads, spine,

fins and even a little tail. It is often called the fish

bone diagram. The Ishikawa diagram is foundational

in all OpEx work because it readily captures the state

of reality, in order to target the right opportunities, in

the right way and get things on a transformative path

for the better. So you see it really is true, fish bones

are an important part of fully delivering on the

promise of more, of Magis, here at LUHS.

N U R S E L I N K

Amber Gravett, PhD., LSS, MBB

P A G E 1 3

Go Green Tip

ASK ME ABOUT... Be sure to use EVERY opportunity to

educate patients and families about

various health topics:

All information is available on the patient

education web site:

http://www.luhs.org/internal/clin_res/

edusupp/index.htm

February: Heart Awareness

March: Nutrition/Obesity Awareness

April: Donate Life Awareness

May: Stroke Awareness

Please keep in mind that Loyola recycles but how much depends on YOU.

Don’t forget to put any recyclable items in the blue recycle bins.

This includes all clean plastic [including bags], Styrofoam, and

non-protected paper – paper with no confidential information on it.

Confidential paper must be put in the grey bins for shredding or shredded on

site. This does NOT include glass, paper towels, gloves, or facial tissue.

N U R S E L I N K

Nurse-driven

campaign to

educate the

public about

national health

initiatives

Transformational

Leadership

New Knowledge,

Innovations, &

Improvements

Exemplary

Professional

Practice

Structural

Empowerment

Nancy Madsen BSN, BA, RN–BC

Educational Offerings

Executive Editor: Deborah A. Jasovsky

Managing Editors: Theresa Pavone

Kristi Dombrow

Linda Flemm

Nursing Department: February thru May 2012 Legal March 10 Trauma Pearls March 24 Palmer Research Symposium March 31 (this program is sponsored by the Niehoff School of Nursing) Preceptor Workshop May 5 Organ Donation May 19

Oncology Nursing Courses: OCN Review Course April 28 and May 19 ONS Chemotherapy and Biotherapy Class May 4 and May 11

Contact Linda Flemm for more information lflemm@lumc.edu or go to the

Loyola Nursing Oncology Website

HR Department:

General Staff:

Employee Information Exchange

03/15/2012 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM 04/19/2012 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM 05/17/2012 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM 06/21/2012 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Putting Your Strength to Work 02/22/2012 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Dealing with Difficult People 03/21/2012 1:00 PM - 3:15 PM 03/28/2012 1:00 PM - 3:15 PM CEU Credits: 4 (Must attend both Classes)

New Manager HR Systems Overview

Performance Management 03/07/2012 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM CEU Credits: 4

06/13/2012 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM CEU Credits: 4

Crucial Conversations 02/29/2012 1:00 PM - 4:15 PM

03/07/2012 1:00 PM - 4:15 PM

03/14/2012 1:00 PM - 4:15 PM CEU Credits: 10 (Must attend all 3 classes)

Coaching for Development and Improvement 03/14/2012 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM CEU Credits: 2

05/02/2012 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM CEU Credits: 2

New Manager HR Systems Overview 03/22/2012 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Leave of Absence Management 04/18/2012 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Hire to Fit 05/16/2012 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Nurse Link Staff