Nursing Annual Report
2021
Welcome from Kenmore Mercy Nursing Leadership Dear Kenmore Mercy Hospital Nursing Team, Once again our Nursing Annual report reflects upon the exceptional care that is delivered by all of you to our patients and the community. In looking back on our journey since our last annual report, I am so proud of what this team has been able to achieve given the many community barriers presented in 2021. The foundations of professional nursing at Kenmore Mercy Hospital are reflected and demonstrated in our professional practice model, our commitment to excellent patient care and our dedication to each other. In this report, we share examples of how nurses participated in evidence-based practice, nursing research and processes which implemented changes in practice. As a Magnet® designated organization, Kenmore Mercy Hospital nurses are the “gold standard” in leading healthcare in Western New York. As we continue to collaborate and engage in shared decision making with the entire clinical team, we reinforce our culture of nursing excellence and professionalism through our Professional Practice Model (PPM). Please enjoy learning and reflecting about the important recent contributions of all Kenmore Mercy Hospital nurses and how we continue to share our vision to be a leader in the region and nationally recognized in transforming healthcare for patients and their families. Thank you for your continued dedication to the patients, each other and to Kenmore Mercy Hospital. Sincerely,
Heather Telford, MS, BSN, CEN, NEA-BC Vice President of Patient Care Services & Chief Nursing Officer
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Kenmore Mercy Hospital Nursing Professional Practice Model (PPM)
Kenmore Mercy Hospital Nursing by the Numbers 292
37
18
Registered Nurses
Nurse Mentors
Surgical Technologists
85
Mentees
14
10 8
Nurse Attendants
28
SPD Technicians
Advanced Practice Providers
New Nursing Hires
24
Nurse Leaders
10 Individual and Team Awards DAISY Award • Beacon Award • Nurse of Distinction Outstanding Staff Nurse Outstanding Nurse Attendant Emergency Nurse of Distinction Angel of Care Award, Nursing Team 2021 Advanced Practice Provider of the Year Surgical Technologist of the Year SPD Technician of the Year
Evidence-Based Improvement & Research Projects in 2021 ED Process Improvement • My Chart Bedside Epic Optimization • Nurse/Anesthesia Hand-Off Communication Pre-surgical COVID Testing Shed • Pressure Injury Reduction
more than
12
nurses in school
77%
of our nurses hold a bachelor’s degree or higher
16%
of our nurses eligible for certification are certified
14%
of our nurses participate in professional organizations
Average Nursing Experience is
11.2 Years Foundation funded Mini-Grants NYONEL Annual Meeting & Leadership Conference 2021 Stroke Symposium Webinar Annual Conference NAON- Virtual BCEN Certification for six Emergency Department Nurses Association for Radiologic & Imaging Nursing Event Medical Laser Safety Training Course Magnet Conference - Virtual Staff Break Room Fridge
Point of Distribution (POD) COVID Vaccination Clinics
Metrix Set
Capacity Management Redesign
Cardiac Monitor/Ortho Nerve Blocks
Patient Falls Prevention • Early Ambulation
Thompson/Farley Retractor Set
CAUTI Prevention • Optimizing Glucose Management
Syringe Pumps for Spinal Anesthesia MG Transport Chairs Bariatric Recliner
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Transformational Leadership Kenmore Mercy supports community vaccination centers As the calendar flipped to 2021, nurses at Kenmore Mercy Hospital were filled with hope after the arrival of the first vaccines in December 2020. Frontline staff working in the red zones – Emergency Department, Intensive Care Unit, and the COVID Unit on 2 South – received the first vaccinations, followed shortly after by staff throughout the hospital. “This really was the first time that we felt genuinely hopeful that we could turn the corner on this,” said Anne Hedges-Creighton, BSN, MS, RN, Kenmore Mercy’s Director of Nursing Perioperative Services, who also led the POD efforts at the hospital. Nurses have long played a prominent role in delivering and advocating for vaccines, going back to the 1900s when polio, tuberculous, and the Spanish Flu required public immunization clinics. Nurses at Kenmore Mercy Hospital followed in the steps of their predecessors, supporting and completing the many vaccine PODs (Points of Distribution) for Catholic Health throughout the year. New York State Department of Health eligibility continued to evolve, allowing other segments of the community to be vaccinated. The nurses assisted healthcare workers from throughout the community, educators, senior citizens and individuals with select comorbidities and underlying conditions with our vaccine clinics. According to Anne, the Kenmore Mercy POD has safely administered over 6,760 vaccinations during the 39 scheduled vaccination dates since December 2020.
Kevin Telford, husband of Vice President of Nursing Heather Telford, here with Anne Hedges-Creighton, got his vaccine in the spring.
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Nursing Director Jeanette Hughes’ mother Laura Meloon received her vaccine at Kenmore Mercy.
Nurses receive Angel of Care Award As part of the Kenmore Mercy Foundation’s 2021 Tribute to Angels event, the nurses of Kenmore Mercy Hospital were recognized with the Angel of Care Award. The newly created award recognized the nurses for their leadership, compassion, and unwavering commitment to their profession and the mission of Catholic Health. “When we discussed this new award, we knew we needed to celebrate the outstanding contributions to healthcare, especially after such an unprecedented year,” said Dr. Michael Slate, co-chair for the event. “Our nurses were an obvious choice. They have truly been living examples of our hospital mission.” As part of the virtual presentation, nurses were shown passing the award to one another as a demonstration of the teamwork and collaboration. Scan this QR code to view the presentation.
ICU nurse honored with WNY regional award Emily Jerge, MS, RN, CHSE, a member of the Kenmore Mercy Intensive Care Unit team and clinical associate professor in D’Youville’s Patricia H. Garman School of Nursing, was named the 2021 Nurse of Distinction in Education by the Professional Nurses Association of Western New York (PNAWNY) in June. Emily was recognized for her innovative use of technology as a Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator. She helped implement virtual learning and simulation experiences for her students during the COVID-19 pandemic, which were brand-new clinical environments for both students and faculty. In her role as clinical coordinator, she works closely with local hospital systems to increase their number of Dedicated Education Units. Emily received a master of science in nursing from D’Youville in 2013 and joined the faculty full-time in 2014. She was named the Nursing Faculty of the Year for 2017-18. She began her career at Kenmore Mercy Hospital in 2009. During her twelve years with Kenmore Mercy, she was a key member of the ICU team and was well-known for her passion for patient care.
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Retired nurses play integral role in COVID-19 fight Retirement ended up shorter lived than expected for several Kenmore Mercy Hospital nurses who answered the call to action during the COVID-19 pandemic. One of those individuals was former Vice President of Nursing Cheryl W. Hayes, MS, ANP, NEABC. The lifelong nurse helped to administer vaccines at community clinics in 2021, and in spring 2020 she helped coordinate staffing at the St. Joseph Campus COVID Treatment Center. “I thought I would not be doing my job as a nurse if I at least did not offer my services,” said Cheryl.
Cheryl Hayes spend a number of days at Kenmore Mercy Hospital administering vaccines.
She was in good company with longtime nurses and Kenmore Mercy leaders Mary Hojnacki, BSN, RN, who oversaw the Knee & Hip Center, and Margy Donofrio, BSN, RN, former manager of the Ambulatory Surgery Unit, who also stepped up when New York State requested assistance at hospitals to assist with COVID-19 efforts. For Mary, she made her decision to come out of retirement shortly after being hospitalized and received wonderful care at the hospital where she had worked for 45 years. Margy (to the left) was a fixture at a number of Catholic Health’s LIFE vaccination clinics for religious Sisters residing in local convents. Thank you to these leaders and the many other nurses who re-ignited their healthcare careers and showed courage and compassion as they returned to the industry to help save lives. Sister Mary Walter, RSM, FNP, the last of the Sisters of Mercy at Kenmore Mercy, retired in April 2021, ending her 31 year run of service at the hospital. Most recently a member of the Pre-Surgical Testing team, her co-workers shared fond memories of Sister Mary. This included stories of how she gave of her own stipend to help poor individuals and helped students who needed a little extra guidance. Her team looked to her as a resource, because of her knowledge and her determination to find answers. “She is truly the most gracious person I have met. In the last months prior to her retirement, she actually went to live with a person who needed physical care,” recalled Mary K. Dowd, NP, from the Pre-Surgical Testing team. Not long after her retirement, Sister Mary Walter returned as a volunteer and has continued serving the patients in our community. The Sisters of Mercy began their history in Kenmore in the 1940s when they began raising funds to build the northtown hospital that opened its doors in 1951.
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Nurses celebrate retirement of peers Over the last year, Kenmore Mercy celebrated nearly 150 years of collective service with the retirement of the following Patient Care Services associates. Ambulatory Surgery Unit Dagmar Lieder, RN - 6 years Kathleen Stancliffe, RN - 33 years Intensive Care Unit Elizabeth Woods, RN - 36 years
Dagmar Lieder
Medical Rehabilitation Unit Nanci Backlund, RN - 18 years Suzanne Harper, RN - 43 years 3 East Karen Duerr, RN - 16 years Thank you to all of these retirees for their years of dedication.
Elizabeth Woods
Suzanne Harper
North Tonawanda community honors those we lost On the twentieth Anniversary of 9/11, The Erie Niagara Sunrise Exchange Club, along with the Exchange Club of the Tonawandas, proudly remembered the magnitude of loss by assembling a solemn formation of flags on September 10, 11 & 12, at Gratwick-Riverside Park in North Tonawanda. Kenmore Mercy Hospital was a sponsor of this event, which included a special tribute to healthcare workers during the opening ceremony and dedication on September 10. During the program, they honored Kenmore Mercy alumni who had passed away in the last year - registered nurse Lindsay Canali, from 2 East, and nurse’s aide Margaret Johnson, who most recently served on the 2 East and 2 South units.
Lindsay Canali
Margaret Johnson
This event allowed everyone to share memories of and celebrate Lindsay and Margaret for all they did for the Kenmore Mercy community. We were also saddened by the sudden loss of Michele Eichler, CST, in October 2021. She is remembered as a strong hard working woman with a caring presence and kind heart. She joined Kenmore Mercy Hospital in 2009 and was the Surgical Technologist of the Year in 2019. A brick will be dedicated in Michele’s memory in the hospital’s healing garden this June.
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Structural Empowerment Luminaria event shared message of hope
Kenmore Mercy nurses helped with readings at the hospital’s event.
One year after the COVID pandemic first began in Western New York, Kenmore Mercy Hospital’s associates continued to feel sadness, fear, and uncertainty, but also started to see signs of hope and resilience. Along with other Catholic Health facilities, the hospital hosted Lights of Hope, Gratitude and Remembrance on March 26, 2021. Nearly 600 luminarias were lit throughout Catholic Health, to remember patients and residents who lost their lives to COVID-19, during the special event and prayer service. “This was a beautiful opportunity to join with family and friends whose lives were forever changed by this pandemic and to shine a light on all of our caregivers for their courage and dedication,” said Johanna Boyd, BSN, RN.
MRU team lifts holiday spirits The Kenmore Mercy Medical Rehabilitation Unit team was making spirits brighter for patients who spent the holidays at the hospital this past year. The caregivers took it upon themselves to ensure their patients felt the spirit and love of the holidays. The MRU staff collected donations of gifts, cookie kits, and homemade blankets to be given to their patients. “Being in the hospital for the holiday can damper your spirits. So we wanted to do something nice to bring our patients some holiday cheer for Christmas...,” Christine Schwinn, MSN, BSN, RN, CNML, nurse manager of the unit said. The gifts and treats were met with gratitude and appreciation from all of the patients.
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Unit clerk Jennifer Horvath helped to distribute gifts to the MRU patients.
3 East team showing solidarity with matching tatoos As a symbol of solidarity, a telemetry patient care team at Kenmore Mercy Hospital honored each other and their work with some ink. “We all decided to get a tattoo to show our love of our job, and as a reminder of why we do this,” they said. There were ten of them, nurses and nurses’ aides, who got tattoos in different areas of their body. As telemetry staff, they work with patients who suffer from heart disease, heart failure and complications associated with cardiac conditions. A heart and heart rhythm was an obvious choice for the team’s tattoo which is now on ankles, arms and wrists.
Megan Schermerhorn, Bobby Gross, Danielle Krebbs, Angela Bellavia, and Marli Grey show off their tatoos.
Celebrating a tradition of caring at Kenmore Mercy Kenmore Mercy Hospital prides itself on its sense of family. During Mother’s Day week 2021, Spectrum News helped celebrate our multi-generational healthcare families, with a story about Ellen Colan, BSN, CNOR, RN, and her daughters. A senior clinical advisor for the Perioperative Department at the time, Ellen oversaw education for nursing and sterile processing associates at all levels of their career. With two daughters, Rachel and Ashley, who have followed in her footsteps, they are a family of healthcare heroes. Rachel is now a nurse at Kenmore Mercy, while Ashley is a nurse at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center. Each of the Colan women is proud to call D’Youville their alma mater.
Rachel and Ashley with their mother Ellen Colan (center).
“I’ve wanted to be a nurse since I was a little girl,” said Ellen. “It was my lifelong calling.” Ellen joined Kenmore Mercy’s surgical department as a staff nurse in 1992, and has been in nursing for more than thirty years now. She became a nurse educator in 2017, putting those years of experience to good use by teaching new nurses, coordinating annual competencies, and keeping associates abreast of the most recent changes in healthcare. “I remember when my girls were young. I used the Operation game to describe my job,” said Ellen. “And today, they are exploring are own nursing careers. I’m so proud of them. It warms my heart.” When you listen to her daughters, and the many associates she taught at Kenmore Mercy Hospital, it is obvious that Ellen, who is now a nurse manager for the Operating Room, has inspired them. “As a nurse, I believe at that the end of the day, no matter how challenging it was, I have impacted someone’s life for the better,” said Ashley.
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Nurses recognized through national DAISY program DAISY, an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System, is the name of a national program established in 1999 by the family of Patrick Barnes, a young man who died from Idiopathic Thrombocytopenia Purpura. The family was so moved by the compassion displayed by Patrick’s nurses that they created the DAISY Foundation in his memory to recognize extraordinary nursing care across the nation.
The DAISY (Diseases Attacking the Immune SYstem) Award is an international recognition program started by the DAISY Foundation that honors and celebrates the skillful, compassionate care nurses provide every day.
Kenmore Mercy Hospital was proud to honor two nurses this past year with DAISY Awards. Congratulations to Tara Groulx, a nurse in the Stress Lab, who received the DAISY Award in summer 2021. This honor celebrated her professional skills, kindness, and thoroughness when working with a cardiac patient.
was there to comfort and reassure the daughter of her patient after a trying night in the Emergency Department.
Tara
Samantha Belter, a registered nurse on the 2 East Patient Care Unit, received the DAISY Award for winter 2021. She was chosen for her professional skills, compassion, kindness, and thoughtfulness. Samantha
Samantha
In addition to Tara and Samantha, the following registered nurses were nominated for the DAISY Award in 2021.
Congratulations! Rachel Cattoi – 2 East Molly Cryan – Intensive Care Unit Angela DiSorbo – 2 West Mark Giangregori – 2 West Victoria Hoeltke – 3 East Lauren Murray – 2 South
3 East nurse honored with LOVE Award Janice Ruffino, a registered nurse on Kenmore Mercy Hospital’s 3 East Patient Care Unit, was the first quarter LOVE Award winner in 2021. Janice was nominated for her compassion and guidance shown to a family at the time of their father’s death. Thank you, Janice, for your kindness, concern and experience during this difficult time and for living Catholic Health’s mission and values. The LOVE Award recognizes outstanding associates who demonstrate a personal commitment to Catholic Health’s core values. Janice (r) with 3 East nurse manager Elaine Schrutt.
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2021
Recognizing our excellent nursing associates Nurse of Distinction
Outstanding Staff Nurse
Lori Ann Meder
Sharon Fairl
Post Anesthesia Care Unit
Intensive Care Unit
BSN, RN, CCRN
Outstanding Nurse’s Attendant
Jacqueline Mobley 3 East
BSN, RN
Advanced Practice Provider of the Year
Nora Verity
DNP, FNP, BSN, RN Pulmonary Services/ Palliative Care
Surgical Technologist of the Year
Sonya Roberts Operating Room
Central Sterile Processing Technician of the Year
Ray Washington Sterile Processing
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Nursing associates honored at Gateway Harbor concert Kenmore Mercy’s nursing team had fun being part of the 2021 Tonawanda Gateway Harbor Concert Series, which was sponsored by the hospital. Associates gathered in August 2021 for a special recognition night at the West of the Mark concert, where the healthcare heroes were honored for their extraordinary work caring for the community. As a Magnet recognized hospital, Kenmore Mercy’s nurses seek out opportunities like this to demonstrate their commitment to community service. They can also be seen at the Riviera, Kenmore Village Improvement Society events, as well as the Chambers of the Tonawandas, and Ken-Ton Chamber activities.
Nursing team living Catholic Health’s mission Despite the pandemic, nurses at Kenmore Mercy Hospital found ways to continue their commitment to community giving. As summer approached, they demonstrated Catholic Health’s values of “Community” and “Compassion” by collecting picnic baskets packed with food and supplies to donate to Family Promise of WNY, a local non-profit that supports families experiencing homelessness. In November, they continued the tradition of preparing Thanksgiving baskets, complete with turkeys and all the trimmings, that were donated to local churches to distribute to families in need. While this was a very different year, what didn’t change was the nursing team’s giving spirit and dedication to Catholic Health’s mission at Kenmore Mercy Hospital.
Registered nurse Jennifer Rennells and Echocardiography supervisor Erik Musielak push a cooler full of picnic supplies down the hallway.
Local students give back to the hospital The hospital has been blessed by the many caring members of the community who have made meaningful donations to our healthcare heroes throughout the pandemic. As part of her Fuel the Frontline project, WNY’s first female Eagle Scout candidate Quinn Flaherty donated 85 meals to Kenmore Mercy’s night staff in February. During Hospital Week, Ken-Ton students proved that physical distancing during the pandemic wasn’t stopping them from finding ways to make a difference. In addition, Town of Tonawanda Youth The Youth Board was up early distributing Board student representatives handed out handmade cards and handmade cards to nursing team members. Spot coffee to hospital staff. Also, Kenmore West High School Shared Decision Making Team in conjunction with the Kenmore West Student Council and Supportive Ken-Ton Community raised funds to purchase chicken dinners for Kenmore Mercy Hospital’s entire night staff this week. Thank you to all these students for their amazing generosity in giving to the nursing and clinical teams!
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Recognizing our Certified Nurses Adult Nurse Practitioner (ANP) Esther Sprehe, ANP-BC
Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) Heather Telford, RN Sue McClure, RN Amanda Grisanti, RN Ellen Doyle, RN Board Certified Nurse Practitioners (CNP) Mary Dowd, NP Andrea Campagna, NP Esther Sprehe, NP Sister Mary Walter, NP Colleen Storms, FNP
Interventional Radiology Nurse Certification (CRN) Deborah Arnet, RN Kathleen Daley, RN Christine McGee, RN Robert Morello, RN Wound Care Certified (WCC) Robert Gross, RN Kristen Nazaruk, RN Maryjane Lodico, RN Sue Zeisz, RN Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) Jeanette Hughes, MSN
Certification in Cardiac Medicine (CMC) Sandra Conti, RN
Certified Infection Prevention (CIP) Leah Cowles, MSN
Certified Gastroenterology Nurse (CGRN) Heidi Frushone, RN Janet Gonzalez, RN Jane Weidner, RN
Med-Surg Certification (CMSRN) Johanna Boyd, RN Nancy Chojecki, RN Brenda Cramer, RN Annette Gillies, RN, MSN Jessica Cianfrini, RN Carole Woomer, RN Kelly Ford, RN Kayla Hoffman, RN Deborah Green, RN Elizabeth Kaminski, RN
Certification for Nurse Managers and Leaders (CNML) Christine Schwinn, RN Certified Nurse Operating Room (CNOR) Rachel Achtziger, RN Linda Butski, RN Cara Howitt, RN Melissa Kowalski, RN Esther Sprehe, ANP Ellen Colan, RN Jason Meder, RN Linda Gromada, RN Deborah Hays, RN Marilee Cosgrove, RN Laureen Spencer, RN Crista Rodriguez, RN Colleen Olsen, RN Kristiane Piskor, RN Certified Trauma Nurse (TCRN) Jennifer Earls, RN Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse (CPAN) Scott Berube, RN Pam Farrell, RN Sue Hartl, RN Rene Marriott, RN Certification in Wound Ostomy Nursing (CWON) Beth Clarke, RN Lindsey Baldo, RN Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) Julie Marshall, RN (CCRNK) Sandra Conti, RN Brenda Cramer, RN Mary LaMartina, RN Lori Ann Meder, RN Kristen Parisi, RN Maria Richardson, RN Bridget Walborn, RN Elizabeth Wood, RN Emily Rotolo, RN Samantha Ruda, RN Sue Conover RN, Scott Berube, RN
Nurse Executive, Advanced-Board Certified (NEA-BC) Heather Telford, RN Sandra Gibson, MS Nurse Executive, Board Certified (NE-BC) Elaine Schrutt, RN Jeanette Hughes, MSN Orthopedic Nursing Certification (ONC) Delreta Billips, RN Alan Chittley, RN Briana Geddis, RN Holly Grimm, RN Pamela Koetzle, RN Amber Mazurek, RN Deborah Micholas, RN Susan Wasielewski, RN Suzanne Zeisz, RN Certified Case Manager (CCM) Nina DiCarlo, RN Deb Hurd, RN Ella Mendez, RN Sandy Olear, RN Chris O’Mara, RN Janet Kay, RN Certified Registered Nurse First Assistant (CRNFA) Esther Sprehe, ANP Colleen Storms, FNP Stroke Certified (SCRN) Joy MacNeil, RN Sandra Conti, RN Nephrology Nurse Certified (NNCC) Carol Ruhland, RN This list includes certifications completed prior to December 2021.
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Exemplary Professional Practice ER team take their excellent response outside the building
Kudos to Kenmore Mercy Hospital Emergency Department associates for their quick response to a car accident that happened on the hospital campus in June 2021. The team raced through the parking lot to assist a man who had crashed into multiple cars after suffering a medical emergency. They were joined by other first responders, including Town of Tonawanda Paramedics and Police. Together, they resuscitated and intubated the patient in the parking lot before bringing him into the hospital. Thank you to unit clerk Sisophia Sok; nurses Allie Cavagnaro, Jen Earls, Liz Engiert, Lindsey Guzdek, Natalie Maranto, Kristin Mathewson, Hana Mehmedmovic, Dennis Protas, and Rachel Santana; and Dr. Rick Figurasin for their swift, lifesaving action. Paramedics on the scene were Diona Baumgartner, David Rice, and Scot McDonald.
Sophie
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“Great Catches” prevent potential patient harm The Great Catch program is a Quality & Patient Safety initiative designed to help Catholic Health catch and avoid situations that have the potential to cause harm to patients. Brenda Renfroe, unit clerk, from Ambulatory Surgery Unit, was recognized in January 2021. Christine Fleming, RN, and Nancy Nikisher, RN, from the GI Unit, were recognized in February 2021.
Brenda
Holly Grimm, BSN, ONC, RN, Orthopedic Educator, was recognized for her Great Catch in May 2021. Hannah May, RN, from the Emergency Department, was recognized in June 2021. Christine Rose, RN, from Pre-Admission Testing, received the Great Catch in August 2021. Natalie Maranto, RN, from the Emergency Department, was recognized in December 2021.
Ellen Colan, BSN, RN, CNOR, perioperative educator, was recognized with the Great Catch from Catholic Health in August. She identified a process issue with the malignant hyperthermia cart, used in an anesthetic crisis earlier that spring. Her catch resulted in a system-wide change in policy and procedure that impacted training and how the carts are routinely stocked.
Christine
Nancy
Holly
Hannah
Christine
Natalie
Ellen Colan was awarded her Great Catch by Quality & Patient Experience Director Laura Verbanic.
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Healthcare Associated Infections Kenmore Mercy Nursing improved Healthcare Associated Infections (HAIs) despite the many challenges of resource and supply shortages and increased capacity barriers in 2021. Specifically, CAUTI, CLABSI and MRSA infections improved by “Getting Back to Basics” with dedicated strategies through Unit Practice Councils working closely with our Infection Control experts.
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Did you guess who was who in our “Focus on Nurses” photo match game last year?
Jason Meder, RN, CNOR Operating Room
Tonya Holscher, RN ICU
Anne Marie Hawn, RN Emergency Department
Heidi Shepard, RN Ambulatory Surgery
Susan McClure, MSN, BSN, RN, CEN, Emergency Department
Mary Jane Lodico, BSN, RN, WCC MRU
Rob Morello, RN, CRN Interventional Radiology
Mary LaMartina, BSN, RN, CCRN ICU
Sarah Nielsen, BSN, RN Patient Care Services
Melissa Kowalski, BSN, RN, CNOR Operating Room
Karen Hamp, BSN, RN Pulmonary Rehab
Kristen Parisi, BSN, RN, CCRN-K ICU
Ellen Colan, BSN, RN, CNOR Perioperative
Lori Ann Meder, BSN, RN, CCRN Post Anesthesia Care Unit
Chuck Bush, BSN, RN Operating Room
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New Knowledge, Innovations & Improvements
COVID support group changing lives one meeting at a time COVID has changed so much about our lives. No matter what those changes may be, it is important to know that there is always support available. Seeing the number of individuals impacted by the virus, Kenmore Mercy Hospital set out to make a difference in their lives when it launched a one-of-a-kind monthly COVID support group in fall of 2021. Open to all COVID-19 patients and their loved ones, as well as those who want to learn more about limiting exposure to the disease, the support group has been providing a forum for these individuals to help them process what they have gone through. It was first thought of during a palliative care meeting when the multidisciplinary team noted just how much people have been impacted. “This virus hits every segment of our society, regardless of political beliefs. Everybody deals with it in their own ways,” said Dr. Michael Gough, a pulmonary and critical care medicine specialist who saw many of these patients in the Intensive Care Unit. Modeled after programs that support critical care patients, the Kenmore Mercy Hospital group has let patients and others help and learn from each other. “They are sharing strategies, learning about pandemic research and treatments, and understanding that they need not struggle alone,” said Nora Balon, NP, who helps lead the group. Sessions have covered common recovery experiences, including concerns about sleep, memory or concentration; physical and mental health; medical care; trauma related to illness or hospitalization; and changes in personal relationships. Next up, the team hopes to create a similar support group for associates who support COVID patients.
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Interdisciplinary teams works to bring fun back to hospital In early 2021, Kenmore Mercy established its “Fun in 21” team, a nurse-led interdisciplinary group dedicated to actively engaging associates throughout the site from various departments, units and shifts. Their goal was to maintain, build and re-energize a sense of community in the hospital, while caring for one other, as well as patients and the greater community. The small group of both leadership and associates undertook the challenge to help get staff through 2021. “COVID 19 took away our face to face time, our sharing a Nurses on 2 South enjoyed a visit from some pizza and conversation at lunch time, and added so many Easter friends. new stressors to our day. This team wanted to try to bring some of the enjoyment of each other back into our work lives,” said Anne Hedges-Creighton, MS, BSN, RN, Director of Nursing for Perioperative Services, one of the event chairwomen. Their creativity resulted in countless fun activities, including food related events, like kettle corn and free coffee and doughnut Mondays. There were contests like a March Madness competition and Wacky Olympics; matching of baby pictures with current pictures of physicians and nurses (see those on page 17); Buffalo Bills dress up days; an Easter Egg Hunt on the McAuley Residence lawn; a visit from the Easter Bunny; and so much more. The efforts of this team has had very positive results, improving VOA scores by greater than twenty percent in 2021.
Diversity committee brings associates together To Magnet hospitals like Kenmore Mercy being on the path to transforming its culture to being more diverse, equitable and inclusive (DEI) is a high priority. With that focus in mind, the Kenmore Mercy nurses have supported and celebrated the associate-led DEI activities. That group has been leading the way in Catholic Health with innovative and fun programs ever since, developing relationships with minority organizations; reaching out to community to establish learning opportunities; and expanding our world views. This has included the growth of Black History Month activities, a Juneteenth celebration, a Pride Month speaker, a Hanukkah presentation, and so much more.
Kenmore Mercy welcomed the traditional African dance and drumming troupe Ade Jembe Folaas part of their Juneteenth celebrations.
While the goal was to create a space for openness and interest among employees, the DEI committee’s efforts have also resulted in associates feeling more connected and included in their community. Thank you to all of our nursing team members for their contributions to this important committee.
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Despite a worldwide pandemic ... life went on, families grew, and people graduated
Cara Matiash got married. * Rafael Washington was able to bring his mother home after two years in a nursing home. * Sheila Kaczmarek’s daughter surprised her with a trip to Florida to visit her brother. * Kevin Troublefield visited his grandson for a wedding in Mississippi. * Adrian Grayson moved to a new apartment. * Erica Homme graduated from her nurse practitioner program. * The 2 East team welcomed registered nurses Joshua Jimerson, Rebecca Klepp, Isabella Pullara, Alex Armbrust, Rebecca Clemons, Brooke Hendricks, and Jennifer Saxon, as well as nurse’s aides Lyllian Ettinger and Jocelyn Howard. * Victoria McDonald had a baby. * Pam Koetzle welcomed her first granddaughter and her youngest daughter got engaged.
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... Kindness was spread and new hobbies were started. MRU. .
Tammy Ricotta and Julie MacDonald’s daughters started college. * Rachel Cattoi graduated nursing school and is now a nurse on 2 East. * Dani Lalewicz’s son was recruited by the Power City Bruins travel hockey team. * Melissa Pollina and Dawn Tronolone joined the ASU team. * Kora Ettinger’s daughter graduated high school and joined the Kenmore Mercy team as nurse’s aide while she attends nursing school at the University of Buffalo. * Heather Telford’s son got married last year after having to postpone twice due to the pandemic. Her daughter performed galaxy research on the Hubbel Space Telescope. Dogs found their “furever” homes ... Grandbabies were visited and born ...
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... Milestones were celebrated, babies were born ...
Liz Budzinski had a baby boy. * Holly Grimm became a grandma. * Registered nurses Patrick O’Brien, Jaclyn King, and Conner Buchanan joined the team. * Rachel Tronolone and Zachary Boyd got married and became dog parents. * Marisa Rauber became a dog mommy. * Katelyn Ritch got married. The 2 South team mastered the “same day discharge process” for total elective joints. * Angie Gizzo got married. * Mary LaMartina, Sue Conover, and Linda Anthone joined the Pre-Admission Testing team. * Pat Harter’s son got married. Anne Hedges-Creighton’s son was accepted into a critical care fellowship at the University of Florida. Her younger son took a new job with General Motors in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
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... People learned new skills, nurses started new journeys and changed roles
Amy Klopp’s daughter got engaged in November 2021 and is planning a September 2023 wedding in Canada.* The Emergency Department added several new babies with Caitlin and Allyssa becoming moms. * Jackie Guerra bought a house. Julie Baumgartner bought two puppies. * Cortney Passineau was engaged to be married. * Daren Power’s wife had a baby. Allysa Anders had a baby. * Sam O’Conner announced her pregnancy * Michael Victor’s wife is pregnant.
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OUR VALUES
OUR MISSION
Reverence - We honor the inherent dignity We are called to reveal the healing love of and uniqueness of each person. Jesus to all. Compassion - We unconditionally demonstrate empathy, kindness, and acceptance.
OUR 2025 VISION
Integrity - We are honest, transparent, and As your trusted partner, inspired by faith accountable. and committed to excellence, we lead the transformation of healthcare and create Innovation - We continually learn, find healthier communities. creative solutions, and embrace change. Community - We work together to build community and promote social justice in our organization and in society. Excellence - We commit to exceed the expectations of all the people we meet at Catholic Health
Nursing strives to interact with our patients to achieve their goals, promote, maintain and sustain health and to ensure satisfaction of the care the patient receives.