“We take care of people at some of the most important –and often challenging –times in their lives, and we make a difference. THAT IS LOVE. We provide nursing care that is evidence-based, data-driven and patient-centered. THAT IS EXCELLENCE.”
Christiana Care nurses see excellence as an ongoing journey — a shared commitment to being exceptional today and even better tomorrow. It is a pledge to seek new knowledge, ask for feedback and be open to change. It is a promise to use resources wisely and effectively, to be curious and to continuously look for ways to innovate. It is a vow to be true to their word and follow through on commitments.
As one of the leading academic health systems in the U.S. and twice Magnet®-designated for nursing excellence by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, Christiana Care Health System attracts nurses who practice at the top of their license to impact health with excellent, evidence-based clinical skills, valuable leadership experiences, innovative approaches and technologies, and strategic partnerships — one patient and family member at a time.
To further advance the exemplary nursing that is a hallmark of Christiana Care, clinical nurses from across the health system unveiled important new tools in 2017
to align their nursing practice and to serve together to advance their shared profession.
For patients, this work results in improved care delivery from a team of expert, clinical nurses who are professionally aligned and empowered with the opportunity to do their best work.
For nurses, the impact leads to improved tools, resources and outcomes; strategic partnerships with their leadership team; and the opportunity for their voices to be heard when they request assistance day-to-day and support for evidence-based practice.
To help bring Christiana Care’s new Nursing Professional Practice Model to life, each nurse was invited to inscribe a leaf with a meaningful example of how We Serve Together, Guided by Our Values of Excellence and Love.
Every day, in every patient encounter, Christiana Care nurses model Excellence and Love as they serve together to advance The Christiana Care Way. Chief Nurse Executive Ric Cuming, Ed.D., RN, NEA-BC, FAAN, shares how 2017 was a pivotal year for Nursing at Christiana Care with the nurse-led creation of a new Nursing strategic plan, professional practice model and governance structure; a new inclusive model of care that aligns nurses in acute and community-based practice areas and partners them with clinicians; and a restructured Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice program that builds a robust, strategic nursing research agenda.
What drove the new framework for Nursing at Christiana Care?
I am continually inspired by my colleagues’ commitment to quality, patient safety, excellence and service to our community in support of our mission — The Christiana Care Way. I see each and every day that Christiana Care is an incredible health care organization that lives its mission and takes its values to heart.
Since our health system’s new Values and Behaviors were announced in June, we have worked as an organization to embrace them as they help us live our mission.
Very significantly and tangibly this year, our nurses led us toward our mission with their initiative to standardize nursing practice across the organization (see story, page 4). Whether a nurse works on an acute-care unit or cares for our neighbors in a community-based program, we committed to align efforts and provide focus and transparency on the professional practice of nursing in a
way in which all nurses could relate. A taskforce of clinical nurses developed guidance documents that direct their own practice and empower nurse leaders to support their staff in a professional governance structure that improves professional practice and positively influences patient outcomes. Our shared commitment here at Christiana Care to serve together, guided by our values, Excellence and Love, can only benefit patients by bringing together all nurses across the continuum of care.
How does this new inclusive model of care help Christiana Care nurses serve together more effectively?
Health care today is a team sport. We all have to work together in service to the patient. No one person can do this alone, but together we leverage the power of teams. Everything is moving so much faster today. This makes effective teams that much more important!
Serving together calls on us to be open to learning from one another about challenges we share and about those that are unique. It compels us to be creative and curious, and to solve problems together. The synthesized relationship between acute and community care is critical to create systems of care that our neighbors value. When we align our practice, we ensure that we have the resources at the ready to provide the right care, at the right time, in the right place with the right providers involved. Whether a patient requires acute, inpatient nursing care, clinical oversight to recover at home, or community-based support to manage a chronic condition, Christiana Care nurses stand ready, stand strong and stand together at every point along the continuum of care to serve with Excellence and Love.
How does the restructured nursing research program elevate nursing practice?
In a culture of evidence-based practice, nurses need to be able to assess, appraise, translate and implement evidence. When we apply best practices, provide care with compassion and generosity, explore creative ideas and employ innovative tools and technologies, the outcome is better care, better experiences and better outcomes for our patients and their families.
Christiana Care is building a robust, strategic nursing research agenda, with a director of evidence-based practice and nursing research and with two nurse scientists to actively help nurse colleagues conduct nursing research and to advance the scientists’ own research. (Meet the new team on page 13.)
When the question, “Is this the best way to do that?” hasn’t been answered, there lies the opportunity to conduct nursing research and develop and publish our
own evidence. Now, when another nurse anywhere in the country — in the world — asks the same question, he or she will find the answer because work done here at Christiana Care contributes to the existing knowledge base of nursing science.
You are known for your admiration of nursing pioneer Lillian Wald, who referred to nursing as “love in action.”
What is a favorite example of this at Christiana Care?
When I think about our nursing staff demonstrating love in action, I’m reminded of:
• The ICU nurses who brought a longterm ICU patient outside in his hospital bed with all of his IV pumps so he and his family could enjoy the warmth of the sunshine and fresh air. You should have seen the smile on the faces of that patient and his family — and the nurses’ smiles, as well!
• The nurse who stayed with a family even after the end of his scheduled shift so he could support them through the withdrawal of life support and eventual passing of their loved one.
• The labor and delivery nurses who wheeled a laboring patient up to the preop area so she could see her mother who was heading into the operating room for a critical surgery. When they reunited mother and daughter after the surgery, the joyful reunion included a third generation!
There are so many more wonderful examples. I invite our nurses to share them with one another as a reminder to each of us why we do what we do — and why we share this passion for the practice of nursing. To me, there is no greater example of love in action than the care and compassion and expertise of a nurse.
Developed by and for nurses, a new Department of Nursing strategic plan, mission and vision statements, the newly redesigned nursing professional governance structure and a reenvisioned professional practice model, all created in 2017, drive the delivery of exceptional patient care in acute, ambulatory and home care practice areas.
These statements, and the new professional practice model, reflect the many facets of nursing and are inclusive of the entire representative body of professional nurses at Christiana Care.
“This culmination of a dynamic year’s worth of work in 2017 by our nurses sets us on course for evolving our own professional practice and toward our collective goal of improving patient care and outcomes,” said Michelle Collins, MSN, APRN, CNS, ACNS-BC, RN-BC, LSSBB, director of Magnet Recognition. “Our engagement helps us create a culture that attracts and retains nurses and their colleagues.”
Task force members brought their own perspectives to the table, and vetted feedback from clinical nurse colleagues and nursing leadership, Magnet ambassadors, members of the Magnet Steer and Nursing professional development specialists. The Nursing Value Council (formerly the Nursing Coordinating Council) gave final approval.
“Being part of the task force to create the new professional practice model has enlightened me, allowing me to be involved in something that exemplifies being a truly exceptional nurse,” said Lauren Barone, MSN, RN, OCN, LNCC, research nurse coordinator with the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center & Research Institute, member of the Professional Nurse Council and task force member. “It is empowering to be part of a nurse-driven process that is going to stay with Christiana Care for a very long time.”
Maria Brown, BSN, RN, PCCN, of the Transitional Surgical Unit and past chair of the Professional Nurse Council, chaired the 13-member Professional Practice Model Task force.
“Our new professional practice model uses the visual of a tree to show how we, as nurses, practice, collaborate, communicate and develop professionally to provide the highest-quality care for our patients and their families,” she said. “It also speaks to Christiana Care as a supportive, rewarding and professionally engaging environment for nursing practice.”
The model (see page 7), envisioned by the task force of nurses representing acute, ambulatory and home care practice areas, builds on national standards for nursing practice and incorporates American Nurses Credentialing Center Magnet model components for nursing excellence. It helps nurses understand and appreciate the importance of their practice and its roots in The Christiana Care Way — the health system’s promise to its neighbors.
“All nurses in Delaware work under their nursing licenses and the state Nursing Practice Act, but the way we have organized nursing practice and science at Christiana Care is very different and special,” said Chief Nurse Executive Ric Cuming, Ed.D., RN, NEA-BC, FAAN. “Everything we do in Nursing is patient-centered, evidencebased and data-driven. This is reflected in our nurses’ expertise, their engagement and their leadership, and it shines through in the care they provide to our patients.”
As part of the new professional practice model, Christiana Care has a new professional governance structure — 11 nursing councils organized around the Magnet model components: Structural Empowerment; Exemplary Professional Practice; New Knowledge, Innovations & Improvements; Empirical Outcomes and Transformational Leadership. Chairs, chairs-elect and advisers of the system-level councils form the new Nursing Value Council.
At the practice-area level, the new governance structure shifts from multiple unit councils to a single practice council. Developed by a workgroup of nurses using evidence-based research, the more streamlined structure and new bylaws reduce variance in council structure and emphasize council-specific accountability for the Nursing strategic plan.
Christopher Otto, BSN, RN, CHFN, PCCN, CCRN, of the Cardiovascular Critical Care Complex and chair of the Nursing Value Council, chaired the council on revising the governance structure. He said the evolution and advancement of professional governance demonstrates nurses’ commitment to their practice, to their patients and families, and to each other.
“Professional governance ensures that nursing professionals are evaluating and incorporating nursing science into practice,” said Otto. “It provides a voice for all nurses across the health system and empowers us to be leaders in our own practice.”
As part of the revitalization of nursing practice, task force members expanded Christiana Care’s former patient- and family-centered care delivery model to one of relationship-based care.
The new relationship-based care framework keeps nurses focused on their relationships with patients, families and colleagues, and encourages nurses to take care of themselves.
“When all members of the team are cared for, it provides a healthy working environment where we can be the best version of ourselves and provide care,” said Rebekah Crawford, BSN, RN, SCRN, of the Neuro Critical Care Unit, Magnet ambassador and Professional Practice Model task force member.
Nurses as change agents
Paige Merring, BSN, RN, CCRN, of the Medical Intensive Care Unit and chair-elect of the systemwide Professional Nurse Council, said the task force’s work underscores that nurses are both the heart of patient care and change agents for their own professional practice, making a visible and well-defined impact within the health system.
“Our profession automatically brings a sense of privilege and joy as we are gifted the ability to care for others in their time of need,” said Merring. “Being a nurse at Christiana Care escalates those positive feelings into pride and accomplishment. I am incredibly proud to work for an organization that places such value on its nurses.”
To illustrate the growth of nurses and the components that guide nursing practice across Christiana Care, task force nurses chose the schematic of a tree to illustrate the new professional practice model.
“Our new professional practice model speaks to Christiana Care as a supportive, rewarding and
professionally engaging environment for nursing practice.”
MARIA BROWN, BSN, RN, PCCN Chair, Professional Practice Model Task Force
A Professional Practice Communication Toolkit, developed by Christiana Care nurses, helps guide discussions, understanding and implementation. View the video at vimeo.com/christianacare/ppm
• At its foundation are The Christiana Care Way and the new professional governance structure. The roots represent how Christiana Care nurses have roots steeped in ethics, national standards and practice and in Christiana Care Values and Behaviors.
• Relationship-based care, the newly adopted care delivery model, is etched into the trunk of the tree. This model includes the nurse, patient, family and all Christiana Care colleagues.
• New Nursing mission and vision statements clearly define purpose and describe how Christiana Care nurses care for their neighbors, their colleagues and each other; and challenge nurses to drive and support improvements in health care.
• The five Magnet model components are represented by the branches and correspond with descriptive words on the leaves that are important to the nursing profession. The Magnet model branches extend and are farreaching as nursing practice continues to evolve.
As part of the new professional practice model, Christiana Care has a new professional governance structure: 11 nursing councils organized around Magnet model components. Chairs, chairs-elect and advisers of each System Nursing Council form the new Nursing Value Council. At the practice-area level, the new governance structure shifts from multiple unit councils to a single practice council. Developed by a workgroup of nurses using evidence-based research, the more streamlined structure and newly crafted bylaws reduce variance in
System Nursing Councils will provide 120-day cycle reports on success toward Nursing strategic plan goals.
Chair: Tammy L. Layer, MSN, RN, OCN
• Presented DAISY monthly award; implemented annual Leader and Team awards.
• Coordinated annual dinner celebration recognizing all DAISY winners.
• Finalized patient gown selection and implemented project.
Chair: Christina Hoddinott, BSN, RN III, CEN, CPEN
• Partnered with Human Resources to discuss recognition collaboration.
• Planned Rising Star retreat for RN IIIs in support of clinical ladder.
• Coordinated Certified Nurses Week activities.
OFF-SHIFT
Chair: Kristina Manners, BSN, RN II, CPN, VA-BC
• Investigated and applied ways to improve off-shift retention.
• Explored the expansion of education opportunities/staff meetings to accommodate off-shift lifestyle.
• Investigated safety enhancements specific to off-shifts.
Chair: Paula Tomanovich, MSN, RN-BC
• Led discussions regarding assigned Nursing strategic plan goals and the restructuring into a professional governance group.
Chair: Kathy Crawford, MSN, RN III, CCRN
• Developed strategies to educate reassigned nursing staff of practice area priority initiatives and to retain nurses eligible for retirement.
• Enhanced the AACN Healthy Work Environment attributes of true collaboration and appropriate staffing; addressing decreased cycle time from discharge order entered to room ready.
• Assessed the ongoing sufficiency of the nursing staffing plan, implemented nursing-specific components of the capacity plan and applied techniques to reduce horizontal violence and incivility.
Chair: Tina Hendler, MSN, APRN, NNP-BC, RN
• Supported professional growth for APRNs through quarterly APRN Grand Rounds, fall and winter lectures, the annual APRN Pharmacology Conference and annual Town Hall meeting with the chief nurse executive.
• Collaboratively reviewed the onboarding and orientation process to increase the retention rate of newly hired APRNs.
• Established APRN representation on the Medical Executive Credentialing Committee.
Chair: Sarah C. Chambers McCall, BSN, RN II, CCRN
• Implemented a systemwide revised travel ticket to improve patient handoffs.
• Collaborated with key stakeholders to revise the patient flu vaccination assessment form, update numerous policies and safe practices and develop an environmental auditing tool to improve nursing safety.
• Provided staff education on safety practices focused on the nursing sensitive indicators and demonstrated improved visibility of quality and patient safety metrics via electronic data boards.
Chair: Kelsey A. Brinkman, BSN, RN III, RN-BC
• Aligned current clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) with Lippincott procedures to maximize resources.
• Revised hyper/hypoglycemia plan of care.
• Provided input on the Christiana Early Warning System; provided input and realigned CPGs to Approved Nursing Orders project.
Chair: Tara Salvadori, MSN, RN II
• Increased level of knowledge by dissemination of system-based quality improvement and research projects through hosting of monthly Nursing Grand Rounds.
• Increased clinical nurses’ knowledge base and confidence level in interpretation of nursing research through the “Tell It in a Poster” workshop and contest.
• Created a submission database to increase recognition of clinical nurse-driven, evidence-based quality improvement projects.
Chair: Brianna Buzzuro, BSN, RN III, CEN, TCRN
• Under former Nursing Technology Council in cooperation with Nursing Informatics team, led implementation of Infusion Management process and initiated discussion of new telepaks.
• Reviewed changes to iView throughout the calendar year.
Nurses at Christiana Care are curious and continuously look for ways to innovate.
Under a new inclusive model of care introduced in 2017, two newly appointed chief nursing officers — one for acute care and one for community-based care — partner with chief medical officers to drive innovative ways to add value for Christiana Care patients. Both CNOs report to Chief Nurse Executive Ric Cuming, Ed.D., RN, NEA-BC, FAAN.
Chief Nursing Officer for Acute Care Catherine Shull Fernald, DNP, RNC-OB, NEA-BC; Chief Nurse Executive Ric Cuming, Ed.D., RN, NEA-BC, FAAN and Chief Nursing Officer for Community Care Cynthia Griffin, MS, RN, CPHQ.
Cynthia Griffin, MS, RN, CPHQ, is the new chief nursing officer for Community Care. A long-standing nurse leader with Christiana Care, in this new role Griffin oversees nursing care in Christiana Care-owned and affiliated community-based primary care services. She works alongside Christine Donohue-Henry, M.D., chief medical officer for Community Care, and plays a critical role in communitybased care development and primary care practice optimization in advancing population health management. Nursing leaders for the Primary Care & Community Medicine and Cancer service lines report to Griffin.
Catherine Shull Fernald, DNP, RNC-OB, NEA-BC, is the new chief nursing officer for Acute Care. Fernald, who joined Christiana Care in December, partners with Kert Anzilotti, M.D., MBA, chief medical officer for Acute Care, to ensure a unified clinical strategy for the
optimization of care delivery at the acute care level. She oversees nursing care in Christiana Care-owned and affiliated hospital and facility-based acute care services with a focus on strategic vision, network development, clinical technology implementation and leveraging nursing informatics. Nursing leaders for the Acute Medicine, Heart & Vascular, Neurosciences, Musculoskeletal Health, Rehabilitation Services, Surgical Services, Women & Children’s and Behavioral Health service lines report to Fernald.
“As we strengthen the alliance of our nursing team with this re-imagined model, we provide an extra layer of assurance to our neighbors that the care they receive in any interaction with our health system — from ambulatory and primary care settings out in our community to acute care units within the walls of our hospitals — will be consistently excellent,” said Cuming.
More than 150 Magnet ambassadors share working knowledge of Magnet requirements and processes across Christiana Care. These nurse leaders are recognized by leadership for their excellent communication skills, high professional standards and a commitment to maintaining Christiana Care as a Magnet-designated hospital system by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. A new charter developed in 2017 embeds Magnet ambassadors in all practice councils to:
• Obtain and share information from Magnet Ambassador meetings and communications.
• Facilitate Magnet readiness of clinical area staff.
• Serve as a feedback source for Magnet readiness to unit and departmental leadership.
• Support and communicate excellence in nursing.
Nursing at Christiana Care is exceptional today, even better tomorrow.
Christiana Care’s Nursing Advancement Scholarship Program was revised in 2017 to more strategically support nurses’ professional growth and advancement. The redesign aligns the skills and talents of our extraordinary nursing team with our patients’ health care needs, while providing good stewardship of valuable resources.
RN-to-BSN Scholarship
To promote optimal patient outcomes and advance our journey to achieve a predominantly BSN-prepared workforce in keeping with the standards as a Magnet organization — and aligned with the educational goal endorsed by the National Academy of Medicine — Christiana Care continues to provide scholarships to nurses obtaining a BSN by working with approved academic partners.
MSN Nursing Scholarships
Nursing Advancement Scholarships also support the career growth of nurses in their current positions, and provide an opportunity for nurses interested in roles that require advanced degrees.
Nurse Leader Scholarship
For qualified BSN-prepared nurses seeking a role as a people leader.
Nursing Professional Development Specialist/Staff Education Manager Scholarship
For qualified BSN-prepared nurses seeking a role as an educator.
Acute Care Bridge Nurse Practitioner Scholarship
For qualified nurse practitioners working in an acute-care setting and seeking acute-care certification based on the APRN Consensus Model.
72.2% of Christiana Care nurses hold a BSN or higher. 49% of eligible nurses are specialty certified.
Nurse Practitioner Scholarship
For qualified applicants seeking a nurse practitioner role in one of six targeted specialties: family/individual across the life span; adultgerontology (primary care and acute care); pediatrics (primary care and acute care); neonatal; women’s health/gender-related; psychiatry/mental health.
Direct Care Clinical Nurse Specialist Scholarship
For qualified acute care RN II and RN III applicants interested in advancing on the nursing clinical ladder and providing clinical expertise while remaining at the bedside. In addition to acute care, Christiana Care will explore academic programs specific to clinical nurses in the ambulatory/community setting.
Certified Nurse Midwife
For qualified applicants seeking a role as a nurse midwife.
Nursing Advancement Scholarship Academic Partners
Christiana Care is excited to partner with the following academic institutions:
Delaware Technical Community College
Immaculata University
Johns Hopkins University
Thomas Jefferson University
University of Delaware
Wesley College
West Chester University
Widener University
Wilmington University
Christiana Care nurses seek new knowledge, ask for feedback, and are open to change.
Christiana Care’s Critical Care Nurse Residency Program is accredited with distinction as a Practice Transition Program by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.
This is the first Christiana Care nursing residency program to be formally accredited and one of only 15 accredited programs in the United States. Christiana Care also offers nursing residencies in Emergency, Neonatal, Progressive Care and MedicalSurgical Nursing.
Thea Eckman, MSN, RN-BC, CCRN-K, manager of staff education for the Critical Care and Progressive Care nurse residency programs, and Jennifer Painter, MSN, APRN, CNS, RN-BC, OCN, AOCNS, director of Nursing Professional Development and Education, lead the 24-week program that integrates educational components with preceptor-led clinical experiences to ease the transition to critical care nursing.
Christiana Care launched an Advanced Practice Nurse Residency program to prepare newly credentialed nurse practitioners for open positions in Christiana Care primary care practices. The 12-month full-time, intensive program for newly graduated nurse practitioners with less than 18 months of experience includes precepting by experienced nurse practitioners, specialty rotations and additional didactic education in caring for patients in the primary care setting.
In a culture of evidence-based practice, nurses need to be able to assess, appraise, translate and implement the evidence in our practice. Christiana Care is expanding opportunities for nurses to contribute to the ever-growing body of clinical knowledge that helps shape health care practice.
Monica F. Rochman, Ph.D., RN, was appointed program director of Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice in August. Rochman is a Christiana Care Value Institute nurse scholar, and a senior fellow of the Center for Health Outcomes and Policy Research at the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Nursing. She is leading Christiana Care’s nurse research enterprise with nurse scientists Susan Birkhoff, Ph.D., RN, who specializes in mobile health tracking technology, and Julie McCulloh-Nair, Ph.D., RN, APHN-BC, CCRE, a bioethicist specializing in population health. Both are Value Institute scholars.
In 2017, Christiana Care nurses published nearly 50 peer-reviewed articles and presented on more than 100 local, regional, national and international stages. Christiana Care nurses also advance new knowledge through capstone research projects for master’s and doctoral degrees. Christiana Care annually hosts a Nursing Research Conference and Tell It in a Poster competition to further stimulate nurse involvement in nursing research and
“Through nursing research and evidence-based practice, we hope to ignite a spirit of inquiry and curiosity among Christiana Care nurses as leaders in the advancement of new knowledge and innovation to promote high-quality, exceptional care for every patient.”
evidence-based practice. (See pages 34–36 for a list of publications and presentations by Christiana Care nurses.)
Linda Daniel, MSN, RN, CPHQ, director of quality and patient safety for the Women and Children’s service line, is leading a research project on diminishing pain in early labor using a pain management option called transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). Offered to eligible women at triage, TENS may foster continued mobility, reduce false labor
encounters and reduce the length of time women need to be in the hospital during labor. It may also allow more women to attempt delivery without an epidural.
“Research goes hand-in-hand with performance improvement,” Daniel said.
“I am delighted to see nurses taking an active role in improving patient satisfaction and honored to support my colleagues in their journey to help find alternative, drugfree pain options for their patients.”
Ours is an environment that attracts top nurses to bring their very best every day in service to our mission and in service to our neighbors. Our extraordinary people have the tools they need to do their jobs, and they feel joy and meaning in their work. Excellence means all of those things, and we achieve it together.
Wilmington Hospital earned three-year verification by the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma and designation by the State of Delaware as a Level III trauma center.
The verification reflects an enhanced level of competency and confidence by nurses and their clinical colleagues in both the Emergency Department (ED) and on acute care units in caring for critically injured patients. A core group of ED nurses completed extensive education as trauma clinical leaders prepared to drive performance improvement. ED and
inpatient nurses now serve on education and performance improvement committees and trauma care is now embedded in nursing orientation at Wilmington.
As a Level III trauma center in Delaware’s statewide trauma system, Wilmington Hospital has the capability to initially manage and resuscitate all trauma patients in the ED. Less severely injured patients are admitted to the trauma service at Wilmington Hospital for the continuum of care; more severely injured patients are seamlessly transferred to Christiana Hospital for Level I trauma care.
An innovative pilot program embeds a behavioral health consultant in the Medical Intensive Care Unit (ICU) to support critically ill or injured patients and their families. The program, Psychological Support for Intensive Care Unit and Pulmonary Patients and Families, is known as PIC UP, referring to how the program helps patients and families pick up and move on from their ICU stay and start living their lives following an intensive care hospitalization.
Behavioral Health Consultant Michele Cavanaugh, MS, APRN, BC, reaches out to patients or families identified by attending physicians who might benefit from support as they struggle to manage stressful, emotional situations. She uses techniques such as guided imagery and motivational interviewing to help patients cope with anxiety and change behaviors to promote health. She also educates the nursing staff on the behaviors of patients and families under stress so they can provide more effective, compassionate care.
The PIC UP program is aligned with widespread efforts throughout Christiana Care to embed behavioral health services and consultants into primary care and other practices.
Behavioral health consultant Michele Cavanaugh, MS, APRN, BC, huddles with staff on the Medical Intensive Care Unit at Christiana Hospital to learn about patients or families on the unit who might benefit from her support.
“I use myself as a guide. What would I be thinking or feeling the need to know if I were in this family’s position?”
MICHELE CAVANAUGH, MS, APRN, BC Behavioral Health Consultant, ICU
Christiana Care launched a new welcoming, convenient and patient-focused primary care model in three primary care practices that matches each patient with a personalized care team familiar with their needs. Each Patient-Anchored Care Team (PACT) includes a primary care physician, a registered nurse, two or more medical assistants and often a nurse practitioner or resident, each empowered to practice at the top of their license. The model leads to greater continuity of care and improved access in a greater range of care settings, including office visits, group medical visits, telephone
24% increase in number of patients who receive mammograms thanks to PACT.
Using communication and data technologies, the PACT model is changing patient outcomes. At Wilmington Adult Medicine, the PACT team has focused on increasing the percentage of patients who follow through with getting mammograms. In just five months, the number rose from 55 to nearly 68 percent.
In at PACT meeting at Christiana Care’s Family Medicine Center at
Road, Shelby Lyn Carter, RN (seated, center), and team members create personalized care plans for their patients to offer an exceptional experience as they work as a team toward optimal health.
Christiana Care is fighting the ongoing opioid crisis in its hospitals and in the community. This work includes a groundbreaking opioid withdrawal clinical pathway, which screens hospital admissions to find people going through withdrawal and connect them with resources to overcome their addiction. Nurses screen more than 70 percent of medical admissions; 3 percent are at risk of withdrawal, and 25 percent of those patients experience opioid withdrawal. Nurses work closely with providers to treat patients’ withdrawal symptoms and with Project Engage engagement specialists — peers in recovery — to help patients get into drug treatment after discharge. Engagement specialists are living examples that recovery is possible and offer hope to patients and staff. The health system has also standardized its discharge processes to allow patients to enroll in long-term treatment in as little as 12 hours.
One of the first patients to benefit from the new pathway recently returned to Christiana Care to visit with Patient Care Facilitator Dori Barnes, BSN, RN-BC, one of the team members he credits with turning his life around. Today, the young man, 23, is clean, runs a landscaping business and plans to build a home for his young family.
“I just wanted to do the right thing,” said Barnes, delighted to see her patient’s progress. “I saw a kid, a young boy who deserved to get out of where he was.”
As Delaware’s leading maternity hospital delivering more than 6,000 babies each year, Christiana Care nurses are also at the forefront in caring for infants with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) from exposure to opioids before birth. The Continuing Care Nursery in Christiana Care’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) cares for about 200 infants a year with a medical regimen that weans infants off opioids in the hospital and helps parents adapt to their new responsibilities. Infants with NAS who are cared for in this specially designed, family-centered environment of the Special Care Nursery stay at the hospital for 11 fewer days than those babies treated in the NICU.
“I just wanted to do the right thing.”
When these infants are released from the hospital — no longer dependent on opioids and their withdrawal symptoms eased — the illness is not over. Forming a mother-child bond is essential in the weeks and months after hospital discharge. Nurses from Christiana Care Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) teach parents how to massage their infants and calm them with skin-to-skin contact. They also evaluate the safety of the home and the readiness of parents.
“We offer a crucial service for these new moms,” said VNA Nurse Jennifer Velasco, BSN, RN.
Christiana Care’s highly specialized geriatric nurse team played a key role in helping redesign and safely transfer elderly patients to a new 30-bed Acute Care for the Elderly Unit at Wilmington Hospital in March.
Hourly rounds, telemetry monitoring and nursing stations throughout the unit keep staff in tune with patient needs and progress. Sizable private rooms with interior windows visible from nursing stations allow staff to keep a close eye on their patients and are a hallmark of the unit that cares for older adults with complex medical needs. Wide hallways with handrails encourage safe mobility. Low, adjustable, alarmed beds provide an extra fall prevention measure.
“Patients come to us with chronic conditions, so the environment of care for these older adults needs to be conducive to safety and very adaptable to patient needs,” said Nurse Manager Paula Tomanovich, MSN, RN, BC. “We have given a lot of attention to how we can have the best possible communication between our care team members, patients and their families.”
A nurse-designed optimization project based on best practices in patient flow, patient safety and increased communication is getting patients from the Emergency Department (ED) to stepdown units faster and safer.
Amanda Latina, BSN, RN-BC, assistant nurse manager of the Transitional Surgical Unit and Jessie Pyle, BSN, RN III, CEN, from the Christiana Hospital ED were part of the project that not only enhanced the efficiency of readying a room and moving the patient, but also ensured that the placement was clinically appropriate before the patient was moved. Stepdown nurses now meet the patient in the ED to assess appropriateness for the bed placement and participate in a bedside handoff with the ED nurse.
Nurses from the ED and stepdown units shadowed each other for a greater understanding of the workflow and needs of the other units. “Seeing the workflow on another unit firsthand is eye-opening,” said Latina. “Those are our sisters and brothers down in the ED. We are all on the same team and we need to help them out. It’s what is best for our patients.”
“Those are our sisters and brothers down in the ED. We are all on the same team and we need to help them out. It’s what is best for our patients.”
AMANDA
LATINA, BSN, RN-BC Assistant Nurse Manager, Transitional Surgical Unit
handle an average of 800 calls per week.
practices, the call is referred to a triage nurse. In many cases, the nurse can offer home care advice to help patients manage symptoms until an appointment is available, if needed. When symptoms indicate the need for same-day care, the patient is referred to a medical aid unit or behavioral health specialist.
“Red flag” phrases, such as chest pain or shortness of breath, immediately escalate routine appointment requests to a triage nurse to determine level of urgency and best location for care. In true
medical or psychiatric emergencies, the triage nurse maintains phone contact with the patient while summoning help through the 911 system.
The service is an important gateway from community-based to inpatient care. In all, the team of 11 triage nurses that serves seven primary care offices and one specialty practice received or returned more than 40,000 calls in 2017. In one case, an elderly patient’s description over the phone of muscle pain in the chest led the triage nurse to redirect the woman to lifesaving emergency treatment for a dissecting aorta.
“Triage nurses have exceptional assessment skills,” said Susan Straughn, BSN, RN, nurse supervisor for the Access Center. “Our only tools are the telephone and our sense of inquisitiveness, so we must ask the right questions, really listen to how the patient responds, and often go with our gut. Our calls are always driven by a blend of protocol and compassion.”
A standardized, consistent approach to ensuring evidence-based nursing practice across the continuum of care is making care safer, improving workflow for the clinical team and leading to greater patient experiences.
A new Nursing Bundle for relationship-based care launched in 2017 combines best practices, including purposeful hourly rounding, bedside shift report, leadership rounding and a quiet environment. Clinical nurses were directly involved in formulating and educating colleagues on the bundles, which are driving top box scores in patient experience.
Nurses have a huge impact on patient experience in all domains,” said Tracy L. Bell, MBA, PMP, Christiana Care’s senior program manager for Patient Experience. “As nurses across the system
consistently and purposely incorporate these best practices into their daily routines, every part of the patient experience improves.”
Two additional components — service recovery and “teach-back,” a dialogue to ensure that patients and family members comprehend the education they receive about their health — will be added to the bundle in 2018.
Christopher Otto, BSN, RN, CHFN, PCCN, CCRN, of the Cardiovascular Critical Care Complex and chair of the Nursing Value Council, said nursing bundles renew a nurse’s focus on patients and families.
“In this high-tech age of 21st-century nursing, a patient’s personal interaction with his or her nurse still drives the overall experience,” said Otto. “This approach focuses us on the fundamentals and brings us back to the core of nursing — caring.”
“In this high-tech age ... a patient’s personal interaction with his or her nurse still drives the overall experience.”
CHRISTOPHER OTTO, BSN, RN, CHFN, PCCN, CCRN Cardiovascular Critical Care Complex, Chair of the Nursing Value Council
Christiana Care’s Evergreen Center — Delaware’s only Alzheimer’s-specific adult day program — offers a full-day model of therapy featuring stimulating activities that help participants with social skills, stress management and self-confidence.
The team includes nurses, certified nursing assistants and a certified therapeutic recreation therapist. Three certified dementia practitioners, including the program director, who is an RN, stay current with trends, ethics, regulations, medications and new developments that pertain to memory disorders and are able to direct families toward community-based resources and facilitate conversations with neurologists to adjust medications and treatment plans.
“Our families tell us they wouldn’t know what to do without us,” said Evergreen Center Program Director Brooke Groff, BSN, RN, CDP. “We become part of their family. We are their respite.”
The staff provide daily updates, weekly reports, monthly nursing assessments and regularly scheduled care plan meetings to help families monitor progress, identify needs and make necessary adjustments.
The Evergreen Center also helps train the next generation of dementia specialists, serving as a clinical site for University of Delaware nursing students and for resident physicians enrolled in the geriatric medicine rotation.
Christiana Care nurses anticipate the needs of others and help with compassion and generosity.
Guided by Our Values of Excellence and Love
We commit to being exceptional today and even better tomorrow.
We seek new knowledge, ask for feedback, and are open to change. We use resources wisely and effectively.
We are curious and continuously look for ways to innovate. We are true to our word and follow through on our commitments.
We anticipate the needs of others and help with compassion and generosity. We embrace diversity and show respect to everyone. We listen actively, seek to understand and assume good intentions. We tell the truth with courage and empathy. We accept responsibility for our attitudes and actions.
Christiana Care’s Values and Behaviors speak directly to the practice of nursing. With the co-leadership of Chief Nurse Executive Ric Cuming, Ed.D., RN, NEA-BC, FAAN, more than 400 Values Ambassadors — nearly half of them nurses — representing every facet of the organization, collaborated in 2017 to define and develop our commitment to the community. United by these tenets, the extraordinary people of Christiana Care strive to deliver better care, better experiences and, ultimately, better outcomes for patients and their families.
Multifaceted, multidisciplinary efforts by a nurse-led team to standardize care and decrease practice variation reduced tracheostomy-related pressure injuries by 73 percent between February and August 2017, far exceeding the team’s goal of a 50 percent reduction for that time period.
Based on literature review of best practices, Christiana Care switched to a flexible tracheostomy tube, standardized guidelines for tracheostomy plate suturing, educated staff to address swelling related to tight sutures and developed a post-insertion care set bundle, including standardization of suture removal at day five, use of protective barriers, assessment and patient positioning.
Interventions led to a 73% reduction in tracheostomyrelated pressure injuries.
The team also piloted a new hydrocolloid dressing, used under the tracheostomy plate — the primary location of pressure injuries — based on evaluation of available barrier products. The integration of the automated post-insertion order set drove care standardization and reduced variation in practice. Ongoing monitoring drives continued success.
The incidence of Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) infections continues to decrease due to an intervention bundle that includes environmental monitoring of room cleaning, improving staff awareness of C. difficile rates, hand hygiene compliance, antibiotic stewardship, minimized use of proton pump inhibitors and flags in the electronic health record to indicate a patient’s history of C. difficile and alert physicians about recent laxative use (which can lead to misclassifying a patient as having C. difficile).
In April 2017, an interdisciplinary C. difficile “tiger team” that partnered Nursing with Infection Prevention, Pharmacy, Environmental Services and physicians, launched a new alert in the PowerChart electronic health record. Activated more than 36 hours after admission, the alert requires assessment of documented diarrhea and laxative administration within the previous 24 hours.
With this hardstop alert, average daily testing for C. difficile decreased by 42 percent, and cases of hospital-onset of infection decreased by 44 percent. To date, no delayed diagnoses or empiric treatment without testing have been detected.
“Through innovation and curiosity, we were able, as a team, to follow through on a commitment and work together in addition to utilizing our resources effectively. This was an exemplary illustration of our commitment at Christiana Care to serve together to do better for our patients.”
JAMIE AYALA, MSN, RN-BC Infection Prevention Nurse, Nursing Lead, C. difficile Tiger Team
Integrated, systemwide efforts to standardize fall prevention interventions and care management guidelines helped reduce the fall rate for fiscal year 2017 by 4 percent compared to the previous year. The overall fall rate continued to decline through the first half of fiscal year 2018.
“Our collective focus on preventing falls is making a difference.”
DENISE LYONS, DNP, APRN, AGCNS-BC, LSSGB Co-Chair, Systemwide Fall Prevention Team
The systemwide Fall Prevention Team — restructured in 2017 to include a nurse leader from each of the nine system service lines, in addition to staff nurses and representatives from Pharmacy, and Physical Therapy — has standardized and streamlined care management guidelines for fall prevention by practice area.
Formal weekly post-fall debriefs are also now standardized at the unit, service line and systemwide levels and provide the opportunity for learning and sharing lessons to prevent future occurrences. Identifying patients at risk for a fall-related injury and applying the indicated interventions continue to be keys to prevention. In addition to inpatient and Emergency Department practice areas, the Fall Prevention Team is looking at ways to address falls in Christiana Care’s outpatient primary care practices.
Christiana Care’s Zero Harm Awards recognize units that reach 12 consecutive months without patient harm in key patient safety measures. These units achieved Zero Harm Awards in 2017.
Catheter Associated Urinary Tract Infection (CAUTI)
Christiana Hospital: Medical Intensive Care Unit, 4C Surgery/GYN, 5B Medical, 5D Medical, 6C Stroke Treatment and Recovery, Medical Intensive Care Unit, Transitional Medical Unit*, 7E Spine/Joint Replacement Surgery*
Wilmington Hospital: 7S Center for Advanced Joint Replacement*
Central-Line-Associated Bloodstream Infection (CLABSI)
Christiana Hospital: Transitional Surgical Unit, 3A Antenatal Stepdown, 4D Surgery Stepdown
Wilmington Hospital: 4N Medical, 4W Surgical, 6S, Wilmington Intensive Care Unit
Clostridium difficile (C. difficile)
Christiana Hospital: 3B/3C/4B Well Mom and Baby, 4A Pediatrics/GYN
Wilmington Hospital: 3N Extended Stay Unit, 4W Surgical, 7S Center for Advanced Joint Replacement*
Falls with Major Injury
Christiana Hospital: 2C Surgical*, 3B/3C/4B Well Mom and Baby, 5A Medical 5C Medical*, 5D Medical*, 6A Acute Care for the Elderly Unit, 6B Oncology, 6C Stroke Treatment and Recovery Unit, 6E Medical, Neuro Critical Care Complex*, Surgical Critical Care Complex
Wilmington Hospital: 3N Extended Stay, 4N Medical, 4W Surgical, 6S, 7S Center for Advanced Joint Replacement
Hospital Acquired Pressure Injury (HAPI)
Christiana Hospital: 5E Heart Failure, 6B Oncology, 7E Spine/Joint Replacement Surgery
Wilmington Hospital: Extended Stay Unit, 4N Medical, 6W, Wilmington Intensive Care Unit
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
Christiana Hospital: 2C Ortho/Neuro/Trauma Surgery*, 4C Surgery/GYN, 4D Surgery Stepdown, 4E Cardiac Stepdown, 5E Heart Failure, 6A Acute Care for the Elderly*, 7E Spine/Joint Replacement Surgery, Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Surgical Critical Care Complex*, Transitional Medical Unit*, Transitional Surgical Unit
Wilmington Hospital: 4N Medical, 6S
* indicates the unit achieved 24 months or more
The DAISY Awards for Extraordinary Nurses recognizes those who exceed the expectations of their patients and families, as well as their colleagues, by living The Christiana Care Way through exceptional clinical skills, compassion, respect and partnership.
In addition to honoring a frontline clinical nurse each month, the Professional Nurse Council presented the first DAISY Leader Award and DAISY Team awards in 2017.
Leader Award
Danielle Weber, MSN, MS, RN-BC, nurse manager of the Neuro Critical Care Unit and Transitional Neuro Unit and Neurosciences service line nursing leader, received the inaugural DAISY Leader Award at the Professional Nurse Council celebration.
DAISY Individual Honorees
Kristen Barrett, BSN, RNC Labor and Delivery
Jennifer Biehl, MSN, APN
Christiana Emergency Department
Melanie Chichester, BSN, RN, RNC-OB, CPLC Labor and Delivery
Amy Collett, BSN, RN Cardiovascular Critical Care Complex
Erin Colozzi, BSN, CCRN
Medical Intensive Care Unit
Katlyn DeAngelis, BSN, RN Per Diem Nursing
Stephanie Forester, BSN, RN II Labor and Delivery
Kristy McMaster, BSN, RN Neuro Critical Care Unit
Kimberly Meloro, BSN, BS RN-BC, CCRN
Surgical Critical Care Complex
Terri Paul, BSN, CEN
Christiana Emergency Department
Michael Screpesi, BSN, RN Cardiovascular Critical Care Complex
Lindsay Smith, BSN, RNC-OB Labor and Delivery
Christiana Care’s Forensic Nurse Examiners earned the first DAISY Team Award for their unique, powerful blend of compassion, skill and specialized care in supporting victims of violence and leading programs to prevent it.
The Wilmington Intensive Care Unit won the first communitynominated DAISY Team Award for skills and compassion. The team was nominated by Christiana Care Trustee Jamie Murray for the care of his wife, Mary, center, who returned to present the award.
Three critical care units earned Beacon Awards in 2017 from the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses for excellence in professional nursing practice, optimal patient outcomes and exceptional experiences for the hospital’s most medically vulnerable patients.
GOLD
Cardiovascular Critical Care Complex — second consecutive top honor
The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) recognized the unit for its focus on sustaining a restraint-free environment and extubating patients from ventilators as soon as medically appropriate. AACN also noted the unit’s innovative physical environment designed to promote healing and improved patient outcomes and satisfaction.
SILVER
Surgical Critical Care Complex
The award recognized this unit’s comprehensive approach to exceeding key performance measures and nurse-driven improvements for effective patient transfer to and from the unit to promote safe, highquality, relationship-based care.
BRONZE
Transitional Medical Unit
Among this unit’s noted strengths were bedside shift reports and effective processes for patient transfer to and from the unit, safe medication practices, opportunities for professional growth and joint accountability for continuity of patient care.
Beacon Awards also recognize excellence on the part of the hospital in providing a healthy work environment for the safety and satisfaction of its nurses. Christiana Care exemplars include a robust mentoring program to foster a healthy work environment for emerging nurse leaders and a systemwide commitment and process for a safe work environment for all staff.
“We help patients and their families deal with devastating diagnoses. This type of nursing is emotionally difficult, and it is not for everyone. Our nurses really love this work — and the value they bring to our patients and their families. It shows naturally in the care they provide every day.”
SONYA STOVER, MSN, RN, CCRN, NE-BC Nurse Manager, Transitional Medical Unit
Green Belt Projects
Ann-Marie Baker, MSN, RN-BC
Reduce Delays to Procedural Start Time in HVIS
Jennifer Benson, BSN, RN
Reducing the Rate of Abdominal Hysterectomies Performed at Christiana Care
Gale Bucher, MSN, RN, CPHQ, COS-C, FABC Improve Revisit Documentation Timeliness in Home Health
Christiana Care’s Lean Six Sigma program trains employees as quality improvement experts able to recognize opportunities, identify root causes of problems and develop quality improvement interventions to deliver meaningful, sustained value in health care. Nurse-led projects in 2017 were:
Black Belt Projects
Jennifer Painter, MSN, APRN, CNS, RN-BC, OCN, AOCNS
Greg O’Neill, BSN, RN, CCRN
Improve Patient Education Regarding Medication Side Effects
Susan Foster, MSN, RN Increasing the Utilization of Mother’s Own Milk in the NICU
Nancy Homan, MSN, MBA, MHS, APRN-BC, RN
Decrease Time from Arrival to Room for First Cases at Wilmington OR Dawn Johnson, MSN, MBA, RNC-OB
Mary Stirparo, MSN, RN, NE-BC
Reduce Transfer Time from LDR to Postpartum
Angela Patchell, MSN, AGCNS-BC, RN-BC, CPAN
Improve the Percent of Stroke Patients with Dysphagia Screen
Arno "Skip" and Mary Loessner know well how caring and knowledgeable nurses can make an enormous difference to patients and their families. They experienced it firsthand, when Skip was diagnosed with cancer in 1993 and again in 2000. Throughout these difficult times, the Loessners found that the nursing staff at Christiana Care went above and beyond to provide excellent care.
“The nurses were exceptional, and also very caring,” reflected Skip Loessner, a long-time Trustee. “They helped my family and me get through a difficult situation.”
To show their great appreciation for the care their whole family received from Christiana Care nurses – including excellent clinical support in the home from the Visiting Nurse Association — the Loessners established a fund to support professional practice education for nurses to further contribute to positive patient experiences.
“We think it’s important for nurses to know that the people they serve remember them,” he said. “We hope that our gift will inspire others to consider how they might like to give to the hospital in a way that is meaningful to them.”
Christy Poole, BSN, RN, CRNI Outpatient Neurology Practice Access Improvement
Lesley Tepner, MSN, APRN, AGCNS-BC, RNC-OB Increase Patient Satisfaction in OB Triage for “Time Seen by Provider”
Sharon Vickers, MSN, RN, CEN, RN-BC
Improve Emergency Department Observation Bed Utilization
Their gift also will help support the health system’s holistic shift to relationship-based care, which provides a compassionate, healing environment for patients, families and staff.
"The Loessners' generous gift helps support the future of nursing care," said Ric Cuming, Ed.D., RN, NEA-BC, FAAN. “When all members of the team are cared for, as in a relationship-based model, the result is a healthy working environment where we are at our best, and can offer the best possible care to our patients and their families.”
Research shows that each additional year of nursing experience on a clinical unit corresponds to improved patient outcomes.
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Kelli Cloud Augustine, MSN, RN III, MSBC Cardiology Short Stay Unit
Tara Babka, BSN, RN III, OCN 6B Oncology
Jessica Baez, BSN, RN III, RN-BC 4C Uro/GYN
Jay Baltazar, BSN, RN III, CEN Middletown Emergency Department
McKenzie Beasley, BSN, RN III, CCRN Surgical Critical Care Complex
Marlo Bowser, BSN, RN III, RN-BC 4D Surgical Stepdown
Brittany Boyle, BSN, RN III, CCRN 3E Medical
Valerie Bradley, BSN, RN III, RNC-OB Labor & Delivery
Ashley Braxton, MSN, RN III, RN-BC 4C Surgery/GYN
Kelsey Brinkman, BSN, RN III, RN-BC 5B Medical
Jessica Bull, BSN, RN III, CCRN Surgical Critical Care Complex
RN IV / EXPERT CLINICIAN
Brianna Buzzuro, MSN, RN III, CEN, TCRN
Kristen Callaghan, BSN, RN III, RN-BC Acute Medicine
Joy Cannon, MSN, RN III, CCRN Neuro Critical Care Unit
Alexandra Cessna, BSN, RN III, CEN Christiana Emergency Department
John Chambers, BSN, RN III, CEN Pre-Hospital Services, Flight Nurse
Nicole DiBattista, BSN, RN III, CEN Wilmington Emergency Department
Kathleen DiGuglielmo, BSN, RN III, PCCN 3D Transitional Medical Unit
Served as an RN III for at least two years; has five years of acute or subacute nursing experience and at least three years in a specialty; holds a master’s degree; has chaired or served as project leader of a council or task force; is acknowledged as a role model to peers, active in a relevant professional organization and volunteers in community activities; is recognized for clinical expertise and leadership at the bedside; and demonstrates community involvement and the ability to direct, support and influence nursing practice.
RN III / PROFICIENT
Holds a BSN or MSN and three years of acute or subacute nursing experience; has advanced knowledge and skills; and is viewed as a mentor, resource and leader.
RN II / COMPETENT
Demonstrates a focus on evidence-based practice and mentoring. A nurse may choose to remain at this level or continue to advance on the clinical ladder.
RN I / NOVICE
A six- to 12-month first step on the clinical ladder for all newly hired RNs with less than six months’ experience. Focus is on skill development and education, mentoring and nursing excellence.
Tania Dossantos, BSN, RN III, RN-BC 5B Medical
Laurie Drake, BSN, RN III, CCRN
Surgical Critical Care Complex
Linda Durban, MSN, RN III, CEN Christiana Emergency Department
Gabriela Fioravanti, BSN, RN III, CEN Wilmington Emergency Department
Judy Flitcraft, BSN, RN III, PCCN Heart & Vascular Interventional Services
Lisa France, BSN, RN III, OCN Oncology/Hematology Bone Marrow Transplant Unit
Amanda Griffith, BSN, RN III, PCCN Cardiovascular Critical Care Complex
Dara Hall, MSN, RN III, RNC, NIC Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Justine Harrington, BSN, RN III, RN-BC 4D Surgery Stepdown
Maxine Higgin, BSN, RN III, RN-BC 4C Surgery/GYN
Bethany Hiriak, BSN, RN III, CCRN Surgical Critical Care Complex
Lisa Marie Iozzo, BSN, RN III, RN-BC 5D Medical
Jennifer Jaeger, BSN, RN III, CCRN Medical Intensive Care Unit
June N. Maluki, BSN, RN III, RN-BC Christiana Acute Care for the Elderly Unit
Kacey Morgan, BSN, RN III, CMSRN Radiation Oncology
Elisabeth Peck, BSN, RN III, CEN Christiana Emergency Department
Jessie Pyle, BSN, RN III, CEN Christiana Emergency Department
Ma-Rowena Reyes-Rigor, BSN, RN III, CCRN 3E Medical Intensive Care Unit
Lauren Rosenthal, BSN, RN III, CCRN Surgical Critical Care Complex
Gricel Santiago, MSN, RN III, CEN Wilmington Emergency Department
Kelly Saville, BSN, RN III, RN-BC 4N Medical
Laura Schenck, MSN, RN III, CNOR Christiana Operating Room
Jessica Schwartz, MSN, RN III, PCCN 3D Transitional Medical Unit
Lauren Smoczynski, BSN, RN III, CCRN Neuro Critical Care Unit
Stacey Strazzella, BSN, RN III, CCRN Cardiovascular Critical Care Complex
Rachel Stock, BSN, RN III, CEN Christiana Emergency Department
Steaphine Taggart, MSN, RN III, CEN
Clinical Documentation
Caitlin Thomas, MSN, RN III, CCRN Christiana Post-Anesthesia Care Unit
Janelle Thomas, MSN, RN III, RN-BC, CEN Middletown Emergency Department
Jessie Thompson, BSN, RN III, CEN, NREMT-P Christiana Emergency Department
Nicholas Tricarico, BSN, RN III, CCRN 2D Neuro Critical Care Complex
Victoria Varga, ADN, RN III, RN-BC 4N Medical
Kathleen White, BSN, RN III, PCCN 3D Transitional Medical Unit
Amanda Williams, BSN, RN III, RN-BC 6E Medical
Charles Williston, BSN, RN III, CEN Wilmington Emergency Department
RN IV
Helen Hawrylack, MSN, RN IV, CCRN Cardiovascular Critical Care Complex
Jacquelin Sunkler, MSN, RN IV, CCRN, SCRN Neuro Critical Care Unit
Shaakira Lateefa Abdul Razzaq, DNP, FNP-BC Rutgers University Newark
Susan Birkhoff, Ph.D., RN Villanova University
Laura Dechant, DNP, APRN, CCRN, CCNS Widener University
Timothy J. Eden, DNP, APRN, ANP-BC Wilmington University
Shirley Gharbin, Ed.D., MSN, RN, PCCN Wilmington University
Jill Jensen, DNP, APRN University of Alabama
Stacy A. Lourie, DNP, APRN, FNP-C Wilmington University
Patricia D. McDonnell, DNP, MSN, FNP-C, JCC Wilmington University
Jennifer Mcelveen, DNP, ANP-BC, ACHPN Wilmington University
Sex Education in the Mosque: An Abstinence-Based Approach to Prevent HIV, STDs, and Teenage Pregnancy
The Usability and Acceptability of a Patient-Centered Mobile Health Tracking App Among a Sample of Adult Radiation Oncology Patients
Implementation of a Nurse-Driven Influenza Vaccination Program in the Outpatient Presenting for Cardiac Catheterization
Risk Stratification of Patients with Unruptured Cerebral Aneurysms Undergoing Stent-Assisted Coil Embolization Utilizing P2Y12 Reactivity Testing
Interprofessional Education and Collaboration: Healthcare Students’ Attitudes and Perceptions in an Introductory Educational Experience
Decreasing Length of Stay in Emergency Department Observation Units: One Unit’s Experience
Addressing Diabetes Distress in the Primary Care Office: A Collaborative Pilot Study Utilizing an NP and Behavioral Health Specialist
Work-Life Imbalance in Women: Negative Impact on Weight
The Effect of Pulmonary Rehabilitation on Quality of Life and 30-day Readmission Rate in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Congratulations to our colleagues who join an elite group of just 1 percent of nurses nationwide having achieved the highest academic accomplishment.
GOLD
Magnet Exemplary Professional Practice
Magnet Exemplary Professional Practice
Preventing Injury from Falls While Increasing Post-op Mobility
The Christiana Care Way Awards highlight the best team efforts, improvement and successes to reduce length of stay, enhance patient experiences and improve clinical outcomes. Congratulations to the following Magnet and gold-level nurse-led winning performance improvement teams.
Magnet New Knowledge, Innovations & Improvement
Turning the Hemodynamically Unstable Patient
Optimizing Medication Education: A Timed-Release Dose
Over the past year, the Center for Advanced Joint Replacement decreased length of stay from 3.3 to 1.7 days, making it difficult to effectively educate patients. The team implemented smaller doses of education, with a focus on medications. From December 2016 to April 2017, scores in the Communication with Medication domain of the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) increased from 67 to 80 percent and the GetWell Network “My Medication” score increased from 38 to 90 percent.
Nurse Leader: Lisa Mosco, MSN, RN-BC
Magnet Exemplary Professional Practice
HAPI Prevention in Hematology/Oncology Patients
From July to December 2016, the hospitalacquired pressure injury (HAPI) rate on 6B was 2.94, a rate higher than the national average for a medical inpatient unit. 6B implemented weekly rounding, monitored repositioning and use of prevention equipment and educated patients on prevention and the need to turn frequently and limit sitting. From January through July 2017, there were 0 HAPIs on the unit.
Nurse Leader: Jacqueline Cox, BSN, RN, OCN
Following an increase in falls in fiscal year 2016, 4D determined that there was a need to decrease the number of falls in fiscal year 2017, while still encouraging early and frequent ambulation of post-op patients.
4D focused prevention strategies on patients screened as high risk for injury, educated staff, patients and families, prioritized call bell response and tracked the number of days without a fall. Falls decreased by 54 percent and the number of days without a fall reached 179.
Nurse Leader: Karen McCloud, MS, BSN, RN-BC
Magnet New Knowledge, Innovations & Improvement
Save a Tree, Scan a Document
The pilot and control phases showed a significant reduction in variation from baseline for the time of patient arrival in the Emergency Department (ED) to the time that critical documents were electronically accessible on accessANYware or PowerChart. The sample mean was reduced from 36.3 to 5.4 hours in the pilot phase and to 2.8 hours in the control phase. The baseline data showed that documents were ready to be scanned on average in 10.75 hours (HIMS pickup) after the patient arrived in the ED, and the pilot phase showed that they were ready and scanned in 0.37 hours after patient arrival.
Nurse Leader: Heather Panichelli, AGCNS-BC, MSN, RN, CEN, CPEN
In fiscal year 2016, the unit acquired pressure injury (UAPI) rate in the Cardiovascular Critical Care Complex was 5.3, compared to the NDNQI benchmark of 3.03. Implemented strategies included integration of a wound ostomy specialist during weekly rounding and an algorithm for progressive mobilization. In fiscal year 2017, the UAPI rate decreased more than 18 percent to 4.3, and the number of injuries decreased from 12 to 9.
Nurse Leader: Megan Merrill, BSN, RN
GOLD
Magnet Structural Empowerment Reducing Specimen Defects in Women and Children’s Health
As a result of the interventions implemented by the project team, the overall specimen defect rate fell from 0.786 percent (7,861 DPMO) to 0.646 percent (6,460 DPMO) with the greatest impact realized around BMP blood collection defects, which dropped from 0.183 to .063 percent. Additionally, costs of poor quality related to wasted supplies and rework for staff primarily in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit were reduced by approximately $1,600 annually.
Nurse Leader: Elizabeth Igboechi, MSN, RNC-EB, FNP, NEA-BC
Neuro-Alert: Hemorrhagic Stroke Expedited Transfer Process from ED to NCCU
The Christiana Emergency Department (ED) and Neuro Critical Care Unit (NCCU) collaborated to develop a Neuro-Alert process for non-traumatic intracerebral hemorrhages to reduce transfer times and bring the Neuro Critical Care Team immediately to the ED bedside. Mean ED arrival to NCCU arrival time decreased by 60 minutes; ED arrival to NCCU consult decreased by 37 minutes; NCCU consult to arrival decreased by 58 minutes and CT completion time to NCCU arrival decreased by 44 minutes.
Nurse Leader: Kaci Rainey, MSN, RN IV, CEN
People’s Choice
Tumbling Newborn Fall Rates: A Campaign for Prevention
After review of NDNQI newborn falls data for falls in the spring of 2016 (10.8 per 10,000 live births), the inpatient Mother/Baby units realized their fall rate, at 10.8 per 10,000 live births, was higher than the national average. The unit adopted a new education process for staff and families and increased observation for sleepy families during hourly rounding. 3B/3C/4B has had 0 newborn falls since April 2016.
Nurse Leader: Elizabeth Igboechi, MSN, RNC-OB, FNP, NEA-BC
Lost in Translation — Improving Documentation of Interpreter Utilization
The Christiana ED is one of the highest utilizers of language interpreter services; however, use of services was correctly documented only 10 percent of the time. This Achieving Competency Today team’s goal was to increase appropriate documentation by residents to 35 percent in two weeks. The team decreased barriers to documentation by providing signage and note pads listing the required components and flagging patients requiring services. Documentation increased to 41 percent.
Nurse Leader: Jennifer Shiuh, MSN, MBA, RN, PCCN, CEN
Population Health
Nurse-Driven Influenza Vaccination Program in Outpatient for Cardiac Catheterization
Patients with coronary artery disease are at higher risk for development of complications from the influenza virus. During the 2015–2016 flu season, less than 1 percent of outpatient cardiac catheterization patients received the flu vaccine. Using a health promotion model, a nurse-driven vaccination program was developed. During the 2016–2017 season, 972 patients were screened and 27 percent of eligible patients were safely vaccinated before discharge.
Nurse Leader: Laura Dechant, DNP, APRN, CCRN, CCNS
Operational Improvement
Success of a Systemwide Infection Control Tiger Team
During the last Joint Commission survey, Christiana Care was cited for lack of compliance with infection control chapter standards for low- and high-level disinfection and sterilization of reusable medical instruments. A systemwide infection control tiger team was convened to rapidly evaluate and correct the citations. Algorithm process maps were developed, sites with low volumes were converted to disposables and job aids were created for reusable instrument processing. The result was a successful revisit by the Joint Commission, with no repeat findings.
Nurse Leader: Ric Cuming, Ed.D., RN, NEA-BC, FAAN
Learning
Central-Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections (CLABSI)
During 2015, Christiana Care Visiting Nurse Association experienced an increase in CLABSI from six to 20 infections. Best practices associated with central line care were implemented, patient education materials were updated and catheter kit supplies were standardized. The number of CLABSIs decreased from 20 to 11 infections, and the rate per 1,000 line days decreased from 0.8 to 0.4.
Nurse Leader: Junette Fletcher, RN
Healthy Latinas Program:
Improving Access
The program goal for Promotoras for Healthy Latin Families was to increase community knowledge of the importance of good health practices, to link families to medical homes and provide navigation to beneficial services and, ultimately, to create healthier Hispanic Delaware families. In all, 182 families have been helped, 98 percent of whom were from high-risk ZIP codes. The overall program results demonstrated that access to services improved for those enrolled in the program.
Nurse Leader: Nora Katurakes, MSN, RN, OCN
Organizational Vitality
Room Air — Quality Care
Prior to January 2017, nearly all postoperative joint replacement patients were maintained on 3L of oxygen via nasal cannula for 24 hours after surgery. New guidelines were created to align with current best practice and Nursing began titrating patients from oxygen to room air. After implementation, only 16 percent of patients remained on oxygen. This was a 59 percent decrease in the unnecessary use of oxygen and a cost savings of $360,900.
Nurse Leader: Lisa Mosco, MSN, RN-BC
Exceptional Experience
Checking In After Checking Out: The Impact of Discharge Phone Calls
On 6B in September 2016, HCAHP scores indicated a decline. Due to the complex care needs of hematology and oncology patients, a discharge phone call plan was initiated with the objective of enhancing quality outcomes and expanding on our exceptional experience.
As of April 2017, HCAHP scores showed improvement in all three areas of focus.
Communication with Nurses increased by 25 percent, The Discharge Process increased by 12 percent, and Overall Experience increased by 17 percent.
Nurse Leader: Elizabeth Dauphin, MSN, RN, OC
Optimal Health Safety
Reducing Tracheostomy-Related Pressure Injuries
Tracheostomy-related pressure injuries accounted for the highest volume (21 percent) of Christiana Care’s device-related pressure injuries. This interdisciplinary team developed and implemented a standardized process called tracheostomy-related acquired pressure injuries (TRAPI) bundle. A 73 percent reduction was seen after implementation.
Nurse Leader: Susan Mascioli, MS, BSN, RN, NEA-BC, CPHQ, LSSBB
President’s Award
You Have to Rise Before You Fall: Increasing Awareness in Reducing CLABSIs In December 2015, the Transitional Surgical Unit showed an increase in central lineassociated blood stream infection (CLABSI) events, resulting in a rate of 1.220, above the targeted benchmark of 0.70. Best practices were reinforced, education was provided and interdisciplinary rounds began addressing central-lines necessity. The results from interventions revealed a decrease in the CLABSI rate from 1.220 or two infections per 1,000 central line days to 0.576 or one infection per 1,000 central line days.
Nurse Leader: Theresa Mead, RN II
Carelink Community — Right Care, Right Place, Right Time
Christiana Care’s Carelink CareNow is a robust, predictive information technology-enabled network of care coordination support services that identifies at-risk patients and guides attention to their issues before they escalate. Carelink CareNow’s outreach includes making sure that patients get necessary care to prevent disease, smooth transitions after a hospitalization and focus on symptom management, follow-up appointments and access to proper medications to self-manage chronic conditions. The Carelink CareNow Community Program team has engaged 235 participants to date; an additional 2,000 individuals are served annually through community outreach. More than 9,200 interventions were completed, including linkages to community medical care, transportation, health education and financial assistance. Hospital utilization was reduced by 37 percent for participants completing the program, with an estimated cost savings of $181,000.
Nurse Leader: Sharon Anderson, MS, BSN, RN, FACHE
Three Christiana Care nurses were awarded one-year fellowships for leadership training by the American Organization of Nurse Executives.
Patricia Blair, MSN, APRN, ACNS-BC, CEN, CNML, LSSGB, nurse manager of the per diem pool; Dennis Harris, MSN, RN-BC, nurse manager for the Christiana Hospital Acute Care for the Elderly Unit; and Amy Kohl, MSN, RN, CCRN, nurse manager of the Post-Anesthesia, Prep & Holding and Surgical Admissions patient care units at Christiana Hospital, were selected to participate in this unique fellowship program that supports the Institute of Medicine’s Future of Nursing recommendation to prepare and enable nurses to lead change to advance health.
Tracy A. Bell, MSN, RNC, NNP, received the Thomas Jefferson University’s School of Nursing Outstanding Capstone Award.
Laura Dechant, DNP, APRN, CCRN, CNS, received the outstanding poster presentation graduate nursing student award at Widener University’s Graduate Student Research Symposium in April for the presentation “Implementation of a Nurse-Driven Influenza Vaccination Program in the Outpatient Presenting for Cardiac Catheterization.” Dechant also received the Dean’s Award for outstanding academic achievement and commitment to translation of evidence into practice from the Doctor of Nursing Practice program from Widener University.
Colleen D. Ellis, MSN, FNP-C, CEN, served on a Christiana Care Value Institute project researching best practices for early detection and treatment of sepsis in patients after their admission to medical and surgical nursing units. “Signaling Sepsis: Developing a Framework to Optimize Alert Design,” won a highly competitive four-year grant from the National Library of Medicine funded through the National Institutes of Health. The study is a collaboration with the University of Pennsylvania, the University of Michigan and the Medical University of South Carolina.
Deborah Hassler, MSN, RN, ACNP-BC, is president of Sigma Theta Tau – Beta Xi Chapter of the National Nursing Honor Society.
Nora Katurakes, MSN, RN, OCN, manager of Community Health Outreach & Education, received the Finer Womanhood Award from the Epsilon Rho Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., at the sorority’s 11th annual Katherine B. Ross Finer Womanhood High Tea.
Alexa Pierce-Matlack, BSN, was named in the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Scientists “Voices Under 40” list at the annual national meeting in San Diego.
Michele Savin, MSN, APRN-NNP-BC, received the Susan Schrand Award for Professionalism, Leadership and Advocacy from Thomas Jefferson University’s School of Nursing.
Susan Wilson, MSN, ACRN, HIV nurse coordinator at the Christiana Care HIV Program Wellness Clinic, Georgetown, received the Sr. Dolores Macklin Guardian Angel Award at the Delaware HIV Consortium’s 13th annual WOW Awards Celebration.
Kathleen Wroten, MSN, RN, CIC, FAPIC, nationally recognized for her achievements in the field of Infection Control and Epidemiology, has been accepted as a 2017 fellow of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control.
Christiana Care nurses are earning an increasing professional reputation for their research efforts through invitations to publish in respected nursing, medical and quality journals, as well as speaking engagements and poster presentations at regional national and international conferences.
Susan Adams, BSN, CCRN and Inga Sinyangwe, MSN. “Acute Ileofemoral DVT in the Presence of May-Thurner Syndrome.” Nursing2017. Vol. 47 (3): 32-38.
Elisabeth Bradley, MS, APRN and Janice Anderson, RN. “Cardiovascular Disease in Delaware.” Delaware Journal of Public Health. Vol. 3 (1): 32. March 2017.
Patricia Briggs, MSN, RN, CCRN, HTCP; Helen Hawrylack BSN, RN, CCRN; Ruth Mooney PhD, MN, RN-BC; Donna Papanicolas BSN, RN and Patricia Taylor, RN. “Engaging Nurses in Clinical Research.” Nursing. Vol. 47 (2): 14-16.
Gale Bucher, MSN, RN, CPHQ, COS-C, FABC. “Healthcare Worker Safety in Home and Community Health.” DNA Reporter. Vol. 43 (4): 9. November 2017. (*)
Darcy Burbage, MSN, RN, AOCN, CBCN. “Breast Disorders. Medical-Surgical Nursing: Assessment and Management of Clinical Problems.” 10th edition. 1204-1226. January 2017.
Michele Campbell, MSM, BSN, RN, CPHQ, FABC, and Gwen Ebbert, MSN, BA, RN, RN-BC. “Improving Infusion Pump Safety Through Usability Testing.” (*) Journal of Nursing Care Quality, April/June 2017. Melanie Chichester, BSN, RNC-OB, CPLC. “The Impact of Continuous Bupivacaine Infusion Via the ON-Q Pump on Postoperative Pain in Women Undergoing Abdominal Hysterectomy.” American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology. 216 (3): Supplement S615. March 2017; “Before Journal Submission, Build Your Own Peer Review Board.” Nursing for Women’s Health. Vol. 21 (2): 137-141. April 2017; and “Management of the Third Stage of Labor in Midtrimester Deliveries: A 9 Year Review.” (*) American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology. 216 (1), S421. (*) January 2017.
Coleen Dever, MSN, AGCNS-BC, CEN, TRCN. “Treating Acute Pain in the Opiate Dependent Patient.” Journal of Trauma Nursing. Vol. 24 (5): 292-299. October 2017.
Jessica Dickerson, RN III and Amanda Latina, BSN, RN-BC. “Team Nursing: A Collaborative Approach Improves Patient Care.” Nursing2017. Vol. 47 (10): 16-17.
Tim Eden, MSN, RN, APRN, ANP-BC. “Patient Preference for Transradial Access over Transfemoral Access for Cerebrovascular Procedures.” (*) Journal of Vascular and Interventional Neurology. June 2017. Kathy Gallagher, DNP. “The Development and Content Validation of a Multidisciplinary, Evidence-based Wound Infection Prevention and Treatment Guideline.” (*) Ostomy Wound Management. Vol. 63 (11):18-29. November 2017.
Helen Harrison, MSN, RN APRN-C. “The Mystery of Vulvadynia: Can It be Solved?” Nursing2017. Vol. 47 (1): 34-38.
Deborah Hassler, MSN, ACNP-BC. “Serving Others Through Mission Trips.” Journal of Trauma Nursing. Vol. 24 (1): 57-60. January 2017.
Linda Laskowski-Jones, MS, APRN, ACNS-BC, CEN, FAWM, FAAN. “Resolve to Make Healthy Living a Habit.” Nursing2017. Vol. 47 (1): 6.; “Talking Tough About Teamwork.” Nursing2017. Vol 47 (2): 6.; “The
Ins and Outs of ED Crowding.” Nursing2017. Vol. 47 (3):6.; “Fueling the Passion for Nursing.” Nursing2017. Vol. 47 (5): 6; “The Rising Tide of Workplace Violence.” Nursing2017. Vol. 47 (4): 6; “A Framework for Success in Nursing.” Nursing 2017. Vol 47 (6): 6; “Cultivate the Art of Inquiry.” Nursing2017. Vol. 47 (7): 6; “Go Public with Nursing Expertise.” Nursing2017. Vol. 47 (8): 6; “Extreme Event Medicine: Considerations for the Organization of Out-of-Hospital Care During Obstacle, Adventure and Endurance Competitions.” Emerg Med J. 34, 680-685.
Linda Laskowski-Jones, MS, APRN, ACNS-BC, CEN, FAWM, FAAN and Amy Mackley, MSN, RNC, CCRC. “A Network Model of Hand Hygiene: How Good is Good Enough to Stop the Spread of MRSA?” Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology. Vol. 38 (8): 945952. June 2017.
Amy Mackley, MSN, RNC, CCRC. “Characterization of Spirituality in Maternal-Child Caregivers.” Journal of Palliative Medicine. Epub ahead of print. January 2017; “Improving Growth Velocity Through Implementation of a Standardized Feeding Protocol for Very Low Birth Weight Infants.” (*) Delaware Medical Journal. Vol. 89 (6): 14. June 2017; “A Network Model of Hand Hygiene: How Good is Good Enough to Stop the Spread of MRSA?” (*) Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology. August 2017; and “Characterization of Spirituality in Maternal-Child Caregivers.” Journal of Palliative Medicine. September 2017.
Susan Mascioli, MS, BSN, RN, CPHQ, NEA-BC. “Data Transparency at the Point of Care: Results of Patient and Visitor Interviews” and “The Value of Data Transparency at the Point of Care: Results of Patient and Visitor Interviews in the Hospital Setting. (*) Nursing2017. Vol. 47 (2): 59-66.
Emma Max, RN. “Just in KASE: Evaluating Nursing Students’ Knowledge, Attitudes, and Self-Efficacy Toward Care for the Dying Patients.” Journal of Hospice & Palliative Nursing. Vol. 19 (4): 356-362. August 2017.
Patricia McGraw, RN. “The Unmet Need for Postacute Rehabilitation Among Medicare Observation Patients: A Single-Center Study.” Journal of Hospital Medicine. March 2017. Vol. 12 (3): 168-172.
Cheryl Muffley, MSN, RN, BC, Suzanne Heath, MS, BSN, RN, BC. “Supporting Novice Nurses in a Float Pool.” American Nurse Today. 92, 94-95. September 2017.
Joan Pirrung, MSN, APRN, ACNS-BC. “A Path to Performance Excellence: Development of a Strategic Plan.” Journal of Trauma Nursing. March 2017. Vol. 24 (2): 61-62; “Change Happens Successfully With Positive Transitions.” Journal of Trauma Nursing. Jan. 2017. Vol. 24 (1): 2; and “STN: Trauma Nurses Standing Strong Together.” Journal of Trauma Nursing. Vol. 24 (3):147-148. May 2017.
Ginny Pugh, RN, BSN. “Implementing Optune in a Radiation Oncology Department.” Oncology Nursing Forum. Online. May 2017.
Kaci Rainey, MSN, RN, CEN, TCRN. “Pediatric Cardiogenic Shock In a 7-Day-Old With Poor Feeding and Tachypnea: Case Review.” Journal of Emergency Nursing. Vol. 43 (4): 370-372. July 2017.
Monica Rochman, Ph.D., RN. “The Impact of a Statewide Coalition to Decrease Pediatric All-Terrain Vehicle Injuries.” (*) Delaware Medical Journal. Vol. 89 (3): 78-84.
Michele Savin, RNC, NNP. “Does My Baby Have Hand Foot and Mouth Disease?” Healthy Mom and Baby. September 2017. (22): 63; and “Neonatal Implications of Substance Use Treatment During Pregnancy.” Nursing for Women’s Health. Vol. 21 (2): 153-154.
Maureen Seckel, APRN. “An Official ATS/ESICM/ SCCM Clinical Practice Guideline: Mechanical Ventilation in Adult Patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome.” (*) American Journal of Respiratory Critical Care Medicine. May 2017. Vol. 195 (9): 1253-1263. May 2017; “Respiratory Compromise as a New Paradigm for the Care of Vulnerable Respiratory Patients: Report of a Working Group.” (*) Respiratory Care. Vol. 6 (24): 497-512. April 2017; “Sepsis-3: The New Definitions.” Nursing Critical Care. Vol. 12 (2): 37-43, March 2017; “Surviving Sepsis Campaign: International Guidelines for Management of Sepsis and Septic Shock.” (*) Critical Care Medicine. Vol. 54 (3): 486-552. March 2017.
Maureen Seckel, APRN, and Bridget Remel, MSN, APRN, AGCNS-BC, CCRN-K. “Evidence-Based Practice: Percussion and Vibration Therapy.” Critical Care Nurse. Vol. 37 (3): 82-83. June 2017.
Kathleen Smith, BSN, RN, CEN. “Professional Development: Branching Out Beyond the Bedside.” Nursing 2017. Vol. 47 (9): 57-59.
Tamekia Thomas RN. “Optimizing Usability and Signal Capture: A Proactive Risk Assessment for the Implementation of a Wireless Vital Sign Monitoring System.”(*) Journal of Medical Engineering. November 2017.
Kimberly Vidrine, RN. “Improving Access to Cancer Genetic Counseling Through Telegenetics — A Bayhealth-University of Pennsylvania Initiative.” Delaware Journal of Public Health. Vol. 3: 13. June 2017.
Elizabeth Acton, RN. “CLABSI Prevention in the Outpatient Infusion Center.” Wilmington University Capstone. Wilmington, Delaware. August 2017.
Susan Adams BSN, CCRN and Inge Sinyangwe, MSN. “Acute Ileofemoral DVT in the Presence of May-Thurner Syndrome.” 3rd Annual HVIS Conference. Newark, Delaware. November 2017.
Maria Albert, MSN, RN, CPHQ. “Participation in a Patient Navigator Program to Improve Transitions and Reduce Avoidable Readmissions.” American College of Cardiology National Cardiovascular Data Registry Annual Conference. Washington, D.C. March 2017.
Justin Bartels, BSN, RNII and Melanie Ries, RN II. “Comprehensive Improvement of the Patient Experience Starts at the Beginning of the Shift.” Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses. Palm Springs, California. October 2017.
* Not first author
Marilyn Bartley, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC. “Revaccination Compliance After Trauma Splenectomy: A Call for Improvement.” Society of Trauma Nurses TraumaCon. St. Louis, Missouri. April 2017.
Elisabeth Bradley, MS, APRN. “Helping Inpatient Tobacco Users Stay Quit After Discharge.” The Society of Behavioral Medicine Annual Meeting. San Diego, California. March 2017.
Darcy Burbage, MSN, RN, AOCN, CBCN. “Innovative Roles in Oncology Nursing: Nurse Navigation,” and “Innovative Roles in Oncology Nursing: Nurse Navigation.” 42nd Annual Oncology Nursing Society Congress. Denver, Colorado. May 2017; “Team Collaboration to Improve the Patient/Caregiver Experience with Financial Toxicity and Distress.” Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer. Washington, D.C. June 2017; “Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral Neuropathy in Breast Cancer Survivors.” International Breast Cancer Rehabilitation Summit. Brisbane, Australia. July 2017; “Overview of Patient Navigation: Navigator Perspective” National Cancer Policy Forum on Establishing Effective Patient Navigation Programs in Oncology. Washington, D.C. November 2017; and “Palliative Care Across the Continuum.” We Improve Senior Health Geriatric Symposium. Wilmington, Delaware. November 2017.
Darcy Burbage, MSN, RN, AOCN, CBCN, Kathy Coward, BSN, RN, OCN, Charlene Marinelli, BSN, RN, OCN and Tammy Brown, MSN, RN, OCN, NEA-BC. “Optimizing the Christiana Care Breast Cancer Nurse Navigation Program Using a Lean Six Sigma Approach,” 42nd Annual Oncology Nursing Society Congress. Denver, Colorado. May 2017. Rebecca Byrne, MSN, FNP-BC. “Risk Management Strategies for Lower Extremity Joint Replacements within MJR Bundles.” Association of American Medical Colleges: Webinar on strategies for identifying high-risk patients. February 2017.
Melanie Chichester, BSN, RNC-OB, CPLC. “Caring for the Caregiver: The Second Victim.” Chesapeake Society of PeriAnesthesia Nurses. Newark, Delaware. February 2017; “More Than Meets the Eye: The Pregnant Perianesthesia Patient” and “What PACU Nurses Need to Know When Recovering a Woman After Cesarean Delivery.” National American Society of PeriAnesthesia Nurses. Indianapolis, Indiana. May 2017; “Perinatal Loss Chaplain Utilization: What Nurses Request and What Patients Actually Need.” Sigma Theta Tau International Biennium. Indianapolis, Indiana. October 2017; “Meconium Happens!” Delaware Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric & Neonatal Nurses Fall Conference. Dover, Delaware. October 2017; and “Where Do Babies Come From? NOT the ED!” Delaware Emergency Nurses Association. Dover, Delaware. November 2017.
Mary Ciechanowski, APN. “Achieving 15 Minute IV tPA (Alteplase) Door to Needle Consistently.” AANN Stroke Conference. Chicago, Illinois. August 2017.
Michelle Collins MSN, APRN, CNS, ACNS-BC, RN-BC, LSSBB. “Evidence-Based Leadership: Nurses as Change Agents.” Delaware Organization of Nurse Leaders Summit. Newark, Delaware. May 2017.
Danielle Coyne, RN. “Bridging the Gap by Supporting our Future.” ANPD Conference. New Orleans, Louisiana. July 2017.
Susan Craig, MSN, RN. “Implementation of a Pathway to Transition Uncomplicated Seizure Patients Seen in the Emergency Department to Outpatient Care.” American Epilepsy Society. Washington, D.C. December 2017.
Linda Daniel, MSN, RN, CPHQ. “Synergy Makes a Difference and Reduces Severe Maternal Morbidity.” Association of Women’s Health Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses National Convention. New Orleans, Louisiana. June 2017 and “Implementing the Council on Patient Safety SMM Review Process.” Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health Webinar. December 2017.
Laura Dechant, DNP, APRN, CCRN, CCNS. “Development of an Influenza Vaccination Program by the Unit Based Clinical Nurse Specialist in the Outpatient Presenting for Cardiac Catheterization.” National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists 2017. Atlanta, Georgia. April 2017; “Implementation of Influenza Vaccination Program in the Post Cardiac Catheterization Patient Population.” Pinnacle Health 26th Annual Research Conference: Recognizing Missed Care — To Cultivate Change at the Bedside. Hershey, Pennsylvania. April 2017; “Implementation of a Nurse Driven Influenza Vaccination Program in the Outpatient Presenting for Cardiac Catheterization.” Widener University Graduate Student Research Symposium. Chester, Pennsylvania. April 2017; “Implementation of a Nurse Driven Influenza Vaccination Program by the DNP CNS Student in the Outpatient Presenting for Cardiac Catheterization.” 2017 Tenth National Doctor of Nursing Practice Conference: Celebrating 10 Years: Diversity & Inclusion in Practice. New Orleans, Louisiana. September 2017; and “CCRN/PCCN Review: Respiratory.” TRENDS in Critical Care. Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. October 2017.
Kandie Dempsey, DBA, MS, RN, OCN. “Reducing Administrative and Regulatory Burdens in Oncology Clinical Trials.” American Society of Clinical Oncology, Research Community Forum. Alexandria, Virginia. September 2017.
Catherine Donahue Smith, APN. “Calling the Shots, Case Studies in Adding Basal Insulin and GLP1 Agents.” APN Pharmacology Update. Newark, Delaware. April 2017.
Lauren Duddy, BSN, RNIII, CEN, PCCN. “Streamlined Orientation and Preceptor Guidance for the Cardiovascular Observation Nurse.” 12th Annual Nursing Research Conference. Newark, Delaware. November 2017.
Kathy Gallagher DNP. “A Case Review Series of CCHS Experience with Negative Pressure Wound Therapy Instillation,” “A Case Review Series of Negative Pressure Wound Therapy with Instillation and Dwell Time (NPWTi-d)Using Hypochlorous Acid (HOCl) Versus Sodium Hypochlorite (NaOCl) or 0.9% Normal Saline Instillation in Complex Infected Wounds,” “Collagen/Oxidized Regenerative Cellulose on Donor Site Reduces Bleeding and Pain Cost-Effectively,” and “Medical Grade Honey: An Alternative to Operative Debridement.” Symposium on Advanced Wound Care. San Diego, California. April 2017; “Seeking Standardized Donor Site Care.” Plan of Action Meeting. Denver, Colorado. June 2017; and “APN’s Guide To Acute Wound Management.” Trauma APN Meeting. Newark, Delaware. October 2017.
Lija Gireesh, MSN, FNP-BC. “Substance Use Disorder Among Hospital Workers.” Nursing Grand Rounds. Newark, Delaware. January 2017.
Deborah Hassler, MSN, RN, ACNP-BC, TCRN. “Case Presentation: Serotonin Syndrome Versus Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome.” Society of Trauma Nurses TraumaCon 2017. St. Louis, Missouri. April 2017, and “Impacting Global Healthcare through the Development of the Beta Xi Global Service Initiative.”
STTI Honor Society of Nursing 44th Biennial Convention. Indianapolis, Indiana. October 2017. Helen Hawrylack MSN, RN IV, CCRN. “Mentoring Bedside Nurses through the Research Process” and “Self-Care: Setting Healthy Boundaries to Manage Stress and Anxiety.” AACN Trends. Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. October 2017.
Tamie Hotchkiss, RN, Gina Moore, BSN, RN, CPHQ and Amy Mackley, MSN, RNC, CCRC. “Improving the Turnaround Time (TAT) from Order to Administration of First Dose Antibiotics in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).” Pediatric Academic Society Annual Meeting. San Francisco, California. May 2017. Elizabeth Igboechi, MSN, RNC OB, FNP, NEA-BC. “A Bundled Intervention: Including Pulse Oximetry Prevents Sudden Unexplained Postnatal Collapse.” Pediatric Academic Society Annual Meeting. San Francisco, California. May 2017.
Jill Kane MSN, RN III. “A Comparative Pilot Study of Supply Tray Management in the Medical Intensive Care Unit.” TRENDS in Critical Care Nursing Conference. King of Prussia, PA. October 2017 and 12th Annual Nursing Research Conference. Newark, Delaware. November 2017.
Amy Kohl, MSN, RN, CCRN. “Green Means Go: Safer PACU Transitions.” OR Manager. Orlando, Florida. October 2017.
Linda Laskowski-Jones, MS, APRN, ACNS-BC, CEN, FAWM, FAAN. “Snake Bite,” “Ski Patrol Operations” and “Wilderness Wound Care.” Wilderness Medical Society Annual Medical Elective.” Roanoke, Virginia. February 2017. “Design Diagnostics: Bringing Evidence to the Planning Process.” PDC Conference. Orlando, Florida. March 2017; “Summer Emergencies.” Sinai Hospital’s Auxiliary Nursing Lectureship. Baltimore, Maryland. April 2017; “Wilderness Wound Management and First Aid.” St. Luke’s Wilderness Medicine Conference. Macungie, Pennsylvania. April 2017; “Substance Abuse / Misuse in Nursing.” A.I. duPont Hospital for Children. Wilmington, Delaware. April 2017; “Professionalism in Nursing: Leadership as the Foundation for Nursing Excellence.” Beebe Healthcare Nursing Excellence Ceremony. Georgetown, Delaware. May 2017; “Caring for Patients with Psychiatric/Behavioral Health Issues in the ED.” Nursing Service Organization Advisory Board Annual Meeting. St. Pete Beach, Florida. October 2017; “Bad Boys, Bad Boys, Watcha Gonna Do?” Nursing Management Congress 2017. Las Vegas, Nevada. October 2017; and “Writer’s Workshop: Part 1 & Part 2.” 10th Annual Nursing Research Conference. Newark, Delaware. November 2017.
Amanda Latina, BSN, RN-BC. “15 or Less Transfers the Best.” American Nurses Association Annual Conference. Tampa, Florida. March 2017.
Amanda Latina, BSN, RN-BC and Jessie Pyle, BSN, RN III, CEN. “ED to SD Workflow Optimization Update.” Nursing Grand Rounds. Newark, Delaware. September 2017.
Patricia Lincoln, RN, BSN, ACRN. “ACRN /AACRN Review Course.” Baltimore, MD. August 2017. “HIV Education Blood Borne Pathogens — OSHA / HIV Pre Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP).” Newark DE. April 2017; “Blood Borne Pathogens, U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA).” Middletown, Delaware. May 2017; and “BLS Certification for Healthcare Providers.” Wilmington, Delaware. November 2017.
Stacy Lourie, DNP, APRN, FNP-C. Addressing Diabetes Distress in Primary Care utilizing a behavioral health consultant and nurse practitioner. Wilmington University DNP Dissertation. Wilmington, Delaware. April 2017.
Denise Lyons, DNP. “A CNS-Led Team to Reduce Inappropriate Utilization of Safety Companions.” National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists 2017 Annual Conference. Atlanta, Georgia. March 2017; “Measuring Staffs’ Knowledge, Attitudes and Perceptions Regarding the Care of the Hospitalized Older Adult.” 25th Annual NICHE Conference. Austin, Texas. April 2017; “A CNS Led Team to Reduce Inappropriate Utilization of Safety Companions,” “Measuring Staffs’ Knowledge, Attitudes and Perceptions Regarding the Care of the Hospitalized Older Adult” and “APRN-CNS Role.” at the Tau Beta Chapter, Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing Educational Conference Nursing Practice at Its Best: Advanced Education. Dover, Delaware. October 2017 and “Staff Knowledge of Orthostatic Vital Signs Measurement in the Hospital Setting.”12th Annual Nursing Research Conference. Newark, Delaware. November 2017.
Amy Mackley, MSN, RNC, CCRC. “Randomized Controlled Trial Evaluating the Use of a Decision Aid for Parents Facing Extremely Premature Delivery,” and “Temporal Trends and Predictors of Organisms Isolated from the Endotracheal Tubes of Intubated Neonates.” Eastern Society for Pediatric Research Meeting. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. March 2017; and “Randomized Controlled Trial Evaluating the Use of a Decision Aid for Parents Facing Extremely Premature Delivery,” “Receipt of Antenatal Steroids and Respiratory Support Among Substance-Exposed Premature Infants,” and “Temporal Trends and Predictors of Organisms Isolated from the Endotracheal Tubes of Intubated Neonates.” Pediatric Academic Society Annual Meeting. San Francisco, California. May 2017.
Debra Marco, BSN, RN, CCRC. “72 Hour Return and Skin Infection.” Society of Academic Emergency Medicine Research Forum. Orlando, Florida. May 2017.
Susan Mascioli, MS, BSN, RN, CPHQ, NEA-BC. “Lean Six Sigma: A Deep Dive into Reducing Patient Falls.” PA HIIN Reducing Injuries from Falls and Immobility Project. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. August 2017.
Lindsey McGraw, MSN, RN, CEN. “The Novice Triage Nurse: An Integral Review and Education Plan.” ER Nurse Residency Conference. July 2017. Newark, Delaware. July 2017.
Patty McGraw, MSN, RN. “Prone Positioning in Moderate-Severe ARDS: Preliminary Data from a Community Based Teaching Hospital” CHEST Annual Meeting. Toronto, Ontario, Canada. October 2017.
Becki Mears, BSN, CCRN. “Management of the Patient with a Large Hemispheric Infarct.” AANN Annual Meeting. Boston, Massachusetts. March 2017.
Jo Melson, MSN, RN, FNP-BC. “Nurse Experiences Following Implementation of an Inpatient Opioid Withdrawal Screening and Treatment Protocol.” AcademyHealth Annual Research Meeting. New Orleans, Louisiana. June 2017; and “Implementation of an Opioid Withdrawal Clinical Pathway on an Inpatient Medical Service.” National Institutes of Health & AcademyHealth 10th Annual Conference on the Science of Dissemination of Implementation in Health. Arlington, Virginia. December 2017.
Donna Mower-Wade DNP, ACNS-BC, CNRN “Implementation of an Evidence-Based Protocol
for Headache Management in Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Patients.” 44th Sigma Theta Tau International Biennial Convention. Indianapolis, Indiana. October 2017.
Donna Mower-Wade DNP, ACNS-BC, CNRN, Jacqueline Sunkler, BSN, CCRN, and Becki Mears, BSN, CNRN, SCRN. “Management of Patient With a Large Hemispheric Stroke” with 47th Annual American Association Neuroscience Nursing. Boston, Massachusetts. April 2017.
Nilgun Onal, RN. “Enablers and Barriers to Pain Management.” Christiana Care Nurses Week. Newark, Delaware. May 2017.
Ann Painter, MSN, RN. “Leading EdgeValue-Based Care.” Meet the Future of Value-Based Care–Post Acute Link Care Continuum Conference. Chicago, Illinois. June 2017.
Carmen Pal, MSN, MBA, RN. “A Data-Driven Approach to Early Warning Score-Based Alert Management.” National Institutes of Health & AcademyHealth 10th Annual Conference on the Science of Dissemination of Implementation in Health. Arlington, Virginia. December 2017.
Ginny Pugh, RN, BSN. “Implementing Optune in a Radiation Oncology Department.” Oncology Nursing Society. Denver, Colorado. May 2017.
Krista Purner MSN, RN III, CRN. “Prevention of IV Infiltrates and Extravasation Injuries in the Radiology Setting.” MSN Capstone Poster. Wilmington, Delaware. November 2017.
Kaci Rainey, MSN, RN, CEN, RN IV. “Acute Pelvic Trauma: Myths, Management and Current Treatment Guidelines” and “Neuro Alert: Hemorrhagic Stroke Expedited Transfer from ED to NCCU.” National Emergency Nurses Association. St. Louis, Missouri. “Masters of Disguise: Recognizing Neonatal and Pediatric Cardiac Emergencies” Abington Pediatric Conference. Abington, Pennsylvania. April 2017.
Melanie Ries, RN II. “How to Achieve Comprehensive Improvement of the Patient Experience at the Beginning of your Shift.” American Nurses Association Annual Conference, Translating Quality into Practice. Tampa, Florida. March 2017.
Aliesha Rivera, MSN, RN-C, NPDS-I. “Psychiatric Patients on a Medical Surgical Floor: Nursing Strategies & Interventions.” Academy of Medical Surgical Nurses. Palm Springs, California. October 2017.
Roger Rodriguez Jr., RN. “Living with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.” Star Campus University of Delaware — Psych Nurse Practitioner Class. Newark, Delaware. November 2017.
Angela Ross, MSN, RN, OCN, Krystle Becraft, BSN, RN, OCN, Arwen Craig, MSN, RN, OCN, Kendra Logue, BSN, RN, and Phyllis Roberts AD, RN, OCN. “Implementation of a Quiet at Night Initiative on an Inpatient Hematology/Oncology Unit.” Oncology Nursing Society Congress. Denver, Colorado. May 2017.
Candace-Marie Rydgren, RN II. An Educational Module: Compassion Fatigue in Nurses. Wilmington University Capstone Presentation. Newark, Delaware. August 2017.
Michele Savin, RNC, NN. “NAS: What is New and What Every Healthcare Provider Can Do.” Nursing Grand Rounds. Newark, Delaware. February 2017; “An Update on the Identification and Management of Conjugated and Unconjugated Bilirubin” and “Holistic Nursing Approach to the Education of Vulnerable
Substance Exposed Mothers and Infants.” National Association of Neonatal Nurses 33rd Annual Conference. Providence, Rhode Island. October 2017; “NAS in the First Year of Life” and Health Literacy Update.” Florida Association of Neonatal Nurse Practitioners 28th Annual Florida NNP Symposium. Clearwater, Florida. October 2017; and “Utilization of Care by Infants with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome.” Neonatal Hot Topics. Washington, D.C. December 2017.
Jessica Schwartz, RN. “Ventilator Associated Events Prevention Bundle.” Wilmington University MSN Capstone. Wilmington, Delaware. April 2017.
Maureen Seckel, MSN, APRN, CCRN, FCCM. “Updating your Practice: The 2017 Sepsis Guidelines.” American Association of Critical Care Nurses Webinar Series. February 2017; “APRN Pharmacology Update.” Newark, Delaware. March 2017; “Sepsis Care and Management 2017.” APRN Pharmacology Update. Newark, Delaware. March 2017; “Need to Know Review: The 2016 Surviving Sepsis Guidelines” and “Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension and Pulmonary Embolus: A Quick Evidence-Based Review.” National Teaching Institute American Association of Critical Care Nurse. Houston, Texas. May 2017; “Two Decades of Change: A Look at How Far We Have Come and Where We Are Going.” PHPH Symposium 2017. Bethesda, Maryland. October 2017; “Breaking Down the Complex Management of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension.” Advanced Critical Care & Emergency Nursing Conference. Las Vegas, Nevada. November 2017; “Sepsis: Engaging the Team Around a Moving Target.” Sepsis Think Big, Start Small Conference. Columbia, Maryland. November 2017; and “The New Sepsis Guidelines.” Advanced Critical Care & Emergency Nursing Conference. Las Vegas, Nevada. November 2017.
Megan Smakulski, MSN, MBA, RN, PCCN and Sonya Stover, MSN, RN, CCRN, NE-BC. “Crippling CAUTI: A Unit-Based Approach to Eliminating CatheterAssociated Urinary Tract Infections.” Sigma Theta Tau International 44th Biennial Convention. Indianapolis, Indiana. October 2017.
Trudy Thomas, BSN, RN, OCN; Krystle Becraft, BSN, RN, OCN; Christine Brown, BSN, RN, OCN, Lisa France, ADN, OCN; Lori Randla, BSN, RN, OCN and Angela Ross, MSN, RN, OCN. “Sustained Reduction of Central Line Associated Blood Stream Infections (CLABSI) on an Inpatient Hematology/ Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplant Unit.” 42nd Annual Oncology Nursing Society Congress. Denver, Colorado. May 2017.
Rossana P. Tocci, MSN, RN. “It Takes a Village to Stay at Home Safely.” shpdata.com online presentation. February 2017.
Brian Wharton RN. “The STAND Method: Changing the Nursing Culture from the Bedside Up.” ENA National Conference. St. Louis, Missouri. October 2017; “Vicarious Trauma in Nursing: Permission to Care for Yourself.” CHOP Pediatric Surgery Conference. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. January 2017 and Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Trauma Conference. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. October 2017.
Christie Williams, MSN, RN-BC. “Streamlined Orientation and Preceptor Guidance for the Cardiovascular Observation Nurse.” 12th Annual Nursing Research Conference. Newark, Delaware. November 2017.
James Wilson, CRNA. “Intervention Strategies for Complex Patients with Sepsis.” INFORMS Computing Society Conference. Austin, Texas. January 2017.
• No.1 in the nation in medical excellence for neurological care, stroke care, and general surgery
• No.1 in the nation in patient safety for pneumonia care
U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT
•Top 50 Hospitals in U.S. for Nephrology, Diabetes and Endocrinology, and Gastroenterology and Gastrointestinal Surgery
•Best Hospital in Delaware and No. 3 in greater Philadelphia region
•One of only 48 hospitals that earned top rating for nine surgical procedures and chronic conditions
AMERICAN NURSES CREDENTIALING CENTER
Magnet® designation for Excellence in Nursing
BECKER’S HOSPITAL REVIEW
100 Great Hospitals in America
JOINT COMMISSION AND THE NATIONAL QUALITY FORUM
John M. Eisenberg Patient Safety and Quality Award
NATIONAL PATIENT SAFETY FOUNDATION
AMERICAN COLLEGE OF SURGEONS
Meritorious Outcomes in Surgical Patient Care
AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF CRITICAL CARE NURSES
•Cardiovascular Critical Care Complex Gold-Level Beacon Award
•Surgical Critical Care Complex Silver-Level Beacon Award
•Transitional Medical Unit Bronze-Level Beacon Award
2017 Stand Up for Patient Safety Management Award for Christiana Care’s Carelink CareNow care coordination service.
HEALTHCARE EQUALITY INDEX, HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN FOUNDATION
Leader in LGBTQ Healthcare Equality
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
National Community Center for Excellence in Women’s Health
Baby-Friendly USA™
BABY-FRIENDLY USA INC., A GLOBAL PROGRAM OF THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION AND THE UNITED NATIONS
CHILDREN’S FUND (UNICEF) Baby-Friendly Hospital
U.S. CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES
Hospital Compare Five Star Quality Rating System
HEALTHGRADES AMERICA’S 100 BEST HOSPITALS AWARD
•Distinguished Hospital — Clinical Excellence
•American’s 100 Best for orthopedic surgery, joint replacement, spine surgery, stroke care, pulmonary care, gastrointestinal care and general surgery
AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION/AMERICAN STROKE ASSOCIATION
•Gold Plus Quality Achievement status in Get with the Guidelines, Heart Failure
•Gold Plus Achievement status in Get with the Guidelines, Stroke
•Mission: Lifeline Gold
STEMI Award
•Target: Stroke Honor
Roll Elite Plus
AMERICAN HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION HEALTH FORUM
Most Wired Hospital
NATIONAL MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SOCIETY
Center for Comprehensive MS Care
