November/December 2015
The Kenmore Kronicle A Newsletter for the Nursing Staff at Kenmore Mercy Hospital
Hospital Earns Three Certifications from The Joint Commission Fall was a busy season for associates at Kenmore Mercy Hospital. It is Christmas every time you let God love others through you... yes, it is Christmas every time you smile at your brother and offer him your hand. ~ Mother Teresa
A Note From Cheryl As we enter the holiday season, let us reflect on this quote from Nishan Panwar, “Christmas is a time to reflect on the whole year, A time of renewal and hope, giving, helping and sharing, but most of all, love! As you reflect back on this year, please consider the significant and honorable profession you have chosen and the work that you do. This work is inspired by your commitment to others and most importantly it is because of your love to your fellow man. Thank you for your dedication and sharing of yourself and your talents to help our patients. I admire and am grateful to you.
Not only did the hospital earn The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for its hip and knee replacement programs, it was also awarded Advanced Certification as a Primary Stroke Center. To earn these distinctions, a disease management program undergoes an extensive, on-site evaluation by a team of Joint Commission reviewers every two years. The program is evaluated against Joint Commission standards through an assessment of a program’s processes, the program’s ability to evaluate and improve care within its own organization, and interviews with patients and staff. Kenmore Mercy Hospital’s knee and hip replacement programs were evaluated in October. Then, in November, the hospital was visited for the Primary Stroke survey. Preparing for certification is a demanding process and Kenmore Mercy Hospital is the first and only hospital in Western New York to earn this dual distinction since it was first certified in 2011. “The work that we do here is a team effort,” said Cheryl Hayes, MS, ANP, NEA-BC, vice president of Patient Care Services. “It’s obvious that we have many dedicated, committed and engaged physicians, midlevel providers and associates that have helped to create our award-winning hospital.”
May God reveal his blessings to all of you and your families during this holy season. ~ Cheryl Associates on 2 West and the ICU were recognized for their help in the Joint Commission survey with departmental celebrations.
Welcome to our November hires.
Heather Becker, NA - 3 East Shontoya Greene, NA - 2 East/ 2 South Crista Rodriguez, RN - Operating Room Ashley Territo, UC - 3 East Registered nurses Amber Mazurek, Deb Micholas, Cindy Stogsdill, Cheryl Tumia, Kathy Vitthuhn, and Annett Gillies attended a conference sponsored by the Parish Nurse Ministries of NY on November 2. The speakers covered various topics regarding advance directive planning, how to begin the conversation about end of life wishes, and how different religions view the death and dying process. Thank you to the Kenmore Mercy Foundation for making it possible for these nurses to attend this conference.
Peer Review Pointers
When verifying blood products, please make sure the time is exactly the same for the two signatures. The form is a legal document that shows that the blood was correctly verified with two staff. It is difficult to prove it was done appropriately together if the times are five minutes apart Silence kills. Please speak up if you see an unsafe situation or practice happening in any context with a physician, nurse or any other staff. Report it to your manager or supervisor. We are to be patient advocates and be their voice. You would want that for your loved one as well. If a provider is paged without a response in a reasonable time frame, please alert the supervisor to move up the chain of command appropriately. If it is an urgent patient care issue, do not hesitate to call a rapid response.
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Collaboration
Integrity
Faith-Based
Innovation
Healthy Work Environment
Burgundy Mullen-Dedde, RN, accepted a new position as Kenmore Mercy Hospital’s senior clinical advisor for Perioperative Services.
Mutually Established Goals
Relationship Building/Therapeutic Conversations/Empathy Professional
Amy Baker, RN, BSN, recently accepted a new position as Kenmore Mercy Hospital’s stroke program coordinator.
Improved Patient & Family Outcomes
Development
Sherri Denga, RN, clinical coordinator, at Ken-Ton Family Care Center completed the Catholic Health New Manager CORE Orientation Program.
New Professional Practice Model Guiding Nursing Practice
Communication
Congratulations
Nursing Professionalism Caring / Knowledge / Evidence-Based Practices / Advocacy / Compassion / Trust-Worthiness
Nursing’s Foundational Components
Six months after Kenmore Mercy Hospital nurses and clinical staff formally committed to achieving Magnet designation through the application process, the group took the next step toward excellence by unveiling a Nursing Professional Practice Model (PPM). Staff got their first glimpse of the new model during the Associate Forum sessions in October. Designed by clinical nurses, the Professional Practice Model schematically depicts how nurses at Kenmore Mercy Hospital deliver patient-centered care, serves as a visual representation of nursing practice, and represents the professional commitment to our patients and their families. Nursing is represented as the first step as the foundation of the model (the groundwork that supports the structure). The second step represents the concepts the clinical nurses feel embody nursing professionalism at Kenmore Mercy Hospital. “The pillars of our nursing practice are labeled with the characteristics the clinical nurses feel are the most important that we carry out in our professional practice,” said Amber Mazurek, RN, BSN, BS, patient care services project advisor. Each pillar embodies what nursing practices each and every day and in turn act as a support system for building relationships with our patients, families, and inter-professionally. Nursing utilizes these characteristics to aid in obtaining mutually established goals with our patients. Improved patient and family outcomes are represented at the top/peak, because the care of patients is our top priority. Positive outcomes for our patients was identified by our clinical nurses as what we strive for every day. Cheryl Hayes, MS, ANP, NEA-BC, vice president of Patient Care Services, has been supportive of Kenmore Mercy’s Magnet nursing process and how it is elevating nursing excellence. “Creating the Kenmore Mercy’s Nursing Professional Practice Model solidifies our commitment to nursing excellence and providing quality care to our patients. As we move forward on our Magnet journey, I continue to be humbled by the amazing work our nurses do every day,” she said.
Upcoming Meeting Dates Take the Time to Treat Everyone with Dignity and Respect As an associate at Kenmore Mercy Hospital, each of us are members of a team that is committed and dedicated to serving our customers. That includes our patients, but also physicians, fellow employees, and our community. Each of us have the responsibility to make all of our customers feel special by treating them like we all want to be treated – with courtesy, dignity, respect, and professionalism. The following are expectations that we should all follow when serving our customers, especially our patients. Respect Space – For patients, their room is a temporary home. Knock before entering. Use Common Courtesy – Common courtesy is increasingly uncommon while it’s one of the simplest things one can do everyday. Something as simple as making the effort to look someone in the eye, to smile, or greet others cordially upon entering a room stands out. Use “Thank You” and “Your Welcome.” Listen Generously - Listening is important in communication. It is responsible nursing practice and requires concentration of attention and mobilization of all the senses for the perception of verbal and non-verbal messages emitted by each patient. By listening, nurses assess the situation and the problems of the patient; they enhance his/ her self-esteem and integrate both the nursing diagnosis and the process of care at all levels. Know that Non Verbal Communication Speaks Loudly - Studies show that non-verbal communication – expressed by facial expressions, gestures, posture and physical barriers – represents over 55 percent of all communication. Convey Respect – When communicating with anyone, don’t assume they know who you are. Take a moment to introduce yourself. For patients, sit down and take the time to explain your role in their treatment plan. Avoid using “honey,” “darling,” “dear,” “sweetie” and other names that may be perceived as discourteous. Instead, address them as Mr., Mrs., or Ms. until you know how they prefer to be addressed.
Retention and Recruitment Committee Tuesday, January 12 from 2:30 - 4:30 p.m. Research Committee Wednesday, January 13 from 2:30 - 4:30 p.m. Committee Day Community Room The first Monday of every other month starting February 3 at 7 a.m. (even months) Coordinating Council Community Room Wednesday, January 13 at 1 p.m. Nursing Leadership/Nursing Supervisor 2 South Conference Room Friday, January 29 at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, February 10 at 1 p.m. Friday, February 26 at 8:30 a.m. Palliative Care Committee 2 South Conference Room Fourth Friday of the month every other month ( odd months) Starting January 22 at 7:30 a.m. Unit Clerk Meeting Patient Care Services Conference Room First Friday of the month Starting Febaruary 5 at 2 p.m.
Do you want to acknowledge the good work of your fellow nursing staff? Say thank you at least once per day. Use the “Kudos” forms to recognize someone who has gone above and beyond. Nominate staff LOVE Award or a nurse for the DAISY Award. Forms for the LOVE Award and DAISY Award are available online.
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Nursing Tips & Reminders Ethics Committee
For situations involving questionable treatment, the decision making process or clarification of advanced directives. An in-house team can review the issue and make recommendations to staff. For an ethics consultation, please call Kathy Ashbery at x76103.
Sterile Specimen Collection After collection of a sterile specimen, make sure the white adapter is removed and the end is securely attached to the container before sending the specimen to the lab. After the collection of a steril speciman, do not leave the white adapter attached to the tubing. This will cause the tubing to loosen easily from the container.
Language Assistance Program Please note that the roll out of new EMR documentation of Language Assistance Program began on December 1. Implementation will begin on January 1. For information, call Kathy Kanaley at x76914.
Nurses Present at Musculoskeletal Event Thank you to the Kenmore Mercy Hospital nurses who presented at the community outreach event, A Multi-disciplinary Approach to the Musculoskeletal System, on November 14. The symposium was widely attended with 149 physician / clinician guests and 26 presenters. Kenmore Mercy Hospital nurse presenters included Alan Chittley, RN, ONC; Elizabeth LoFaso, RN, BSN, MSEd, ONC; and Deb Micholas, RN, BSN, OMNC (pictured to the left). The symposium was a comprehensive review of the important aspects of orthopedic and spine protocols for physicians, therapists and nurses. In fact, the presenters partnered with other disciplines, Elizabeth LoFaso joined Dr. Marcus Romanowski and such as physical therapy, his team to present. pharmacy, spiritual care, providing the audience with a broader sense of how musculoskeletal medicine impacts the entire hospital system.
Weight on Admission Per the Standards of Care Policy, obtain patient weight on admission, weekly and as ordered. If a discrepenancy of five percent of previous weight occurs Soarian will display an alert and the patient will need to be reweighed.
MOLST Forms
Remember to return the pink MOLST form to the patient when they are discharged to home or subacute/long term care.
UNYTS
To prevent delays in UNYTS releasting patients’ bodies, be sure to call them immediately after the patient dies.
Family Assistance & Support Team Ideally patient/family issues should be addressed by the nurses caring for the patient and the unit manager. But for those patients/ families with complex issues that may need a more formal meeting to discuss concerns and set goals, please contact Kathy Kanaley at x76194 who can assemble FAST, Family Assistance & Support Team.
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Save the Date!
Holiday Luncheon The Associate Holiday Appreciation Lunch will take place on Thursday, December 17 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. and from 5 - 7 p.m. Meals will be delivered to the night staff on Friday, December 18 from 12:30 to 1:30 a.m. Special arrangements have been made for offsite locations. Ugly Christmas Sweater Day for Helping Hands Proudly sport your favorite ugly Christmas sweater for one day only - Thursday, December 17! Our first ever Ugly Christmas Sweater Day is dedicated to raising funds to support our Helping Hands Fund that helps our own associates in need. Donate a minimum of $1 to the Helping Hands Fund to get your Ugly Christmas Sweater Day sticker and a chance to win something little less ugly, a Kenmore Mercy Hospital fleece! Stickers can be purchased starting December 14 in Administration, room 4002, or Nursing Administration, room 4005. Night shift associates can purchase their stickers from the night supervisor.