2018 Nursing Annual Report by Independence Health System

NURSING 2018

REPORT Nursing

COMPASSION

TA BL E O F

Contents

Holiday Meal Drive | Fighting Family Food Insufficiency Pajamas and Books for Kids Raising Awareness for Human Trafficking Victims through Red Sand Project Concern for the Environment | Restoring Waterways and Habitats First Responders Found their Professional Calling in Love of Helping People Giving Newborns a Healthy Start | Mothers’ Milk Bank Depot

ACCOUNTABILITY Fourth Annual Evidence-Based Practice and Research Forum: Bridging the Gap from Idea to Practice When Minutes Count and Measures Matter | Achieving Recertification as a Primary Stroke Center Enhancing the Electronic Medical Record | Outpatient Infusion Documenation Goes Digital Advancing Practice | CRNA-Based Anesthesia Care Model ERAS | Improving Clinical Outcomes in Surgical Colorectal Patients Faces of Leadership | 2018 Chairs of Shared Governance Promoting Shared Governance | Educaiton Fair Energizes Partnering with Our Colleagues: Decreasing Emergency Department Utilization for Home Care Patients Our Journey to Magnet

R E

RESPECT Spotlight on Nursing Supervisors: Hands-on Leaders Who Keep All Systems Running Smoothly Nurse Residents Lifelong Learning | Excela Nurses Achieving Advanced Degrees Professional Presentations and Publications The Value of Clinical Resource Management Teams | Coordinating Efficient, Cost Effective, and Patient-centered Care Inspire, Influence, Impact | Celebrating National Nurses Week Recognizing Our Nurse Week Awardees 2

EXCELLENCE Celebrating Certified Nurses Day NDNQI Elevating Organ Donor Awareness Excela Participates in the Donate Life Hospital Challenge Excela Nurses in the News

Accomplishments & Awards • Heroes of Infection Prevention Award | Creating Continuous Improvements for Patient Safety • Wisdom in Action | 40+ Years of Clinical Experience at Excela Health • Pursuing Professional Advancement | Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degrees • Celebrating Certified Nurses • Daisy Award Recipients • Connecting Clinical Excellence with Outcomes • Perfect HCAHP/OASCAHP Scores • Scholarship Awardees

DEAR

A LETTER FROM THE CNO

Coeagues and Friends,

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With warm regards and sincere appreciation,

RA B O IC T LA COL RAC P

As we look back over another incredible year, I am so proud of how Excela nurses have translated our vision to “improve the health and well-being of every life we touch” into every aspect of the organization.

This breadth of excellence is what it means to be an Excela Nurse. I am in awe of the commitment you demonstrate daily to our patients and families and am privileged to see the profound impact you have here at Excela Health. Thank you for your inspiring dedication!

Nurses led the way in a year of ongoing change and ambitious initiatives for continuous improvement. Together, we crafted partnerships among departments to enhance patient outcomes, updated practices to align with the most current evidence, and supported our nursing team to practice autonomously.

This leadership is exhibited across the array of exciting roles in which nursing is practiced at Excela Health. Whether primary bedside nurses, nurse navigators, nurse leaders, advanced practice nurses, nurses in ambulatory care, home care & hospice, emergency services, peri-op, informatics, care managers, or educators, Excela nurses provide crucial, invaluable services. Many have taken advantage of our programs to strategically map their career paths as Nurse Residents, have been assisted to continue their education or achieved specialty certification, and are fulfilling their career aspirations.

PR IN CIP LE S

Thank you for taking the time to read our story of CARE. Excela nurses’ compassion reaches beyond the walls of our health system and into the community through the numerous initiatives stemming from empathy and kindness, which our Excela nurses demonstrate toward others. By taking accountability and exhibiting respect to colleagues and patients, Excela nurses drive clinical decisions and policy changes to support eﬀective, eﬃcient, safe, quality patient care.

voice of direct-care nurses, the governance members strive to empower nurses to be visionary, inspiring, and respectful transformational leaders.

G UI DI NG

Excela Health is a very special place. I’m reminded of it every single day. In every care environment there is a pattern of professionalism, compassion, clinical knowledge and collaboration. That everyone comes together and shares ideas to create the best plan of care and course of treatment for each patient is extraordinary.

Through the Professional Governance Councils and Committees, Excela nurses cultivate a strong professional practice by means of strategic planning, advocacy and influence. Through ongoing communication and as the

Nursing CARE

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NURSING by î&#x201E;¼ Numbers CRNA 1,311 59

ADVANCED PRACTICE NURSES

EMPLOYED AT EXCELA HEALTH

1,190

121

FEMALES

MALES

<1945

Baby Boomer

1946-1964

GenX

1965-1976

GenY (Millennials)

1977-1995

GenZ

1996-2014

STAFF BY LENGTH OF SERVICE <1 year

126

1-5 years

344

6-10 years

274

11-15 years

165

16 + years

402

GENERATION CHART Traditionalists

CRNP

AVERAGE AGE

C Traci Fick, MSN, RN, NEA-BC Vice President Patient Care Services Frick Hospital and Westmoreland Hospital Magnet Program Director

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We act with empathy, kindness, and concern toward others.

COMPASSION

Holiday Meal Drive

FIGHTING FAMILY FOOD INSUFFICIENCY

For the second consecutive year, through the commitment and work of the Professional Image and Community Partnership Committee, Excela Health Latrobe Hospital and Information Technology at Excela’s Corporate Services Center partnered with Derry Area School District to provide 150 boxes of food for families in need through the district’s Christmas Dinner Project. The goal is not only to provide food for meals to have for the Christmas holiday, but also to supplement the nutritional needs of the children and their families over the holiday break. Recipients of the items are those who qualify for free or reduced lunches and may not otherwise have enough food for the duration of the school break. Each participating unit/department was assigned to collect a food item such as boxed stuffing, boxed potatoes, cranberry sauce, fruit, vegetables and cereal. On December 19, with the help of several staff members to load and transport the donations, six vehicles were packed with the collected donations which were then delivered to the high school. Thank you to all employees who donated and those staff members who assisted on the day of delivery! Together we are committed to making positive contributions to our community!

COMPASSION

PAJAMAS

BOOKS for Kids

In March of 2018, the Professional Image and Community Partnership Committee, part of Shared Governance at Excela Health, embarked on a drive to collect pajamas and books for those in need throughout our community. In support of Excela’s mission to “improve the health and well-being of every life we touch,” the committee felt that holding this drive would not only support our mission but would also extend our nursing guiding principles to have impact within our very own community. The drive was open to all Excela Health staﬀ members at locations including Westmoreland Hospital, Latrobe Hospital, Frick Hospital, Excela Square at Latrobe, Excela Square at Norwin, Home Care & Hospice, Cooperate Services Center and Excela Laurel Surgical Center. The locations were asked to donate a book and/or a new pair of pajamas for newborns through children age 18. The donations were given to several local organizations within the community for distribution. By being involved in the community, Excela Health can provide the highest quality of care by recognizing the population’s health need within Westmoreland County.

COMPASSION

RAISING AWARENESS OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING

rough Red Sand Project

Community involvement is one of the many leaves of the professional practice model that serves as the foundation of practice for Excela nurses. Compassion reaches far beyond the walls of Excela Health as our nursing team displays their commitment to making positive contributions to the overall health of our communities. In September, Excela nursing staff took part in two events in our community aimed at bringing awareness about human trafficking. Red Sand Project is a participatory artwork initiative that uses sidewalk interventions to create opportunities for people to question, connect, and take action against vulnerabilities that can lead to human trafficking and exploitation. Westmoreland County human trafficking task force member, Kelly Neubauer, MSN, RN, NE-BC, Westmoreland Emergency Department Clinical Director, and several Excela nursing team volunteers along with the Westmoreland County human trafficking task force and local schools filled the cracks of sidewalks with red sand to represent the victims of human trafficking that “fall through the cracks.” The first demonstration took place September 11 outside and around the Westmoreland County Courthouse with the second demonstration following on September 19 at Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital. To date, installations have taken place in all 50 United States and in more than 70 countries worldwide. Red Sand Project opens up the discussion for individuals who may not know what human trafficking is. The result: raising awareness could help save someone’s life!

COMPASSION

CONCERN FOR THE ENVIRONMENT

Restoring Waterways and Habitats

For the past two decades, CRTU has worked to improve water quality in Dunbar Creek, a popular stream in Fayette County. The group was instrumental in completing a restoration project in the early 2000s on Glade Run, a tributary in the upper reaches of Dunbar Creek. It had been lifeless from the results of acid mine drainage (AMD). The volunteer group worked to place an anoxic limestone treatment system in the uppermost areas of Glade Run that were impacted by AMD. In addition, CRTU bi-annually places 12 tons of alkaline sand into Glade Run and its tributaries at three locations. The sand is placed along the stream banks, and during times of rainfall the sand is carried into the stream and deposited into Glade Run, neutralizing the acidity in the water. Once it was determined water quality had improved, Wild brook trout were introduced into Glade Run. The fish were carried significant distances in watertight backpacks in this relocation project. In 2016, 5-year age

classes of Wild Brook trout had spawned naturally among the positive outcomes. The numbers and variety of macroinvertebrates have improved significantly over the past two decades. The restoration work to Glade Run has significantly improved the water quality of Dunbar Creek. These eﬀorts were significantly acknowledged in 2018, when the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) proposed to re-designate Dunbar Creek as an “Exceptional Value Waterway,” the highest level of protection achievable from the DEP. This would protect Dunbar Creek’s tributaries and the majority of its water basin spanning more than 40 miles.

“

The focus of CRTU is cold water conservation. The impact of the work we do does not just benefit fisherman, it benefits the overall community. Having clean water is important to everyone. It also has a positive economic benefit to the surrounding communities. John Dolan

Photos used with permission by photographer Ben Moyer

“

Restoring and preserving the waterways of southwestern Pennsylvania is crucial to the mission of Chestnut Ridge Chapter of Trout Unlimited (CRTU) and since 2016, Excela Health Director of Clinical Resource Management, John Dolan, MBA, BSN, RN, has assisted the organization in these eﬀorts. John serves as the CRTU chapter secretary and as an avid fisherman and conservationist, he is aware of the far-reaching importance of protecting local waterways.

COMPASSION

FIRST RESPONDERS FOUND THEIR PROFESSIONAL CALLING

in Love of Helping People

Excela nurses are called to get involved in councils, committees, or other worthy projects as an opportunity to lend their vast experience and expertise toward improving the greater good. Don Hill, an RN in the ICU at Frick Hospital, has been lending his experience and expertise for the greater good in his community for the past 47 years. Don, along with Amber Werner (ED, WH), Steven Rossi (ICU, WH), and father and son team, Jim Jellison Sr. and Jim Jellison Jr. (ED, LH) are all members of a dwindling band of heroes. They are all volunteer firefighters. These five nurses are just a few of the many Excela staﬀ who go above and beyond by lending their time to a worthy endeavor to improve the health and well-being of the lives they touch, both within the walls of Excela Health as well as in the community. Don shared that most firefighters spend 20 to 40 hours a month in eﬀorts related to the fire department. Responsibilities extend beyond responding to emergency calls, which, by the way, are often in the middle of the night, in bad weather or during a family dinner party. Due to increasing demands from state and federal guidelines, each firefighter is mandated to complete and pass a 188-hour entry level instruction course before being permitted to don the gear and step onto a truck. Just like nurses, firefighters are required to undergo continuing education on various specialties, such as hazmat training.

Don shared how things have evolved in the past 47 years. The gear and personal protective equipment are more sophisticated, and costly. The technology on trucks is such that a truck can cost well over $1.5 million. Don joked, “that’s about 200,000 $7 hoagies.” Considering the fact that each community volunteer fire department (VFD) is responsible for training members, purchasing gear to keep them safe, and for buying and maintaining fire and rescue trucks and equipment, fund raising is a serious challenge. Don was personally instrumental in applying for and earning $400,000 in grant money that was used to oﬀset the cost of a new truck and equipment. Many of these individuals hold leadership roles within their departments. Amber is the Assistant Chief at Grapeville VFD as well as a member of the Hempfield Township Emergency Management Team that functions as an arm of FEMA/PEMA for county-wide emergencies. Amber asserted that, “It’s the full-time job I don’t get paid for. Amber’s mom, Donna (Patient Transport, WH) is a member of the Ladies Auxiliary and according to Amber, both her mom and grandparents influenced her decision to become involved in the fire department. All five of these nurses outlined the significant time requirements and the amount of responsibility this

“job” requires, but there was another common thread evident in their reporting. They were all very proud of the job they do and the fact that they can and do make a diﬀerence in people’s lives.

When asked the same question, Amber paused in thought, then she smiled and said, “It’s for the love of helping people.” Pictured Left: FH: April Walsh, East Huntingdon VFD, Don Hill, Trauger VFD, and Austin Beltzer, East Huntingdon

Several of these folks shared that they chose nursing as a profession as a direct result of their experience as first responders and they all relayed how their role as a firefighter complements their role as a nurse. “Whether the call comes in as a vehicle accident or house fire, you never know what you’re going to be faced with. Just as in nursing, nothing is routine. The ability to think outside the box helps you in both settings because you know that the next person you are called to help could be someone you know or your own loved one,” Steven shared. Both Jim Sr. and Jim Jr. are active in the Lloydsville VFD. As they stood together in their scrubs on an evening shift in the Emergnedy Department at Latrobe Hospital, you could see the comfortable camaraderie they share. When asked what drew them to become firefighters, Jim Sr. proudly stated, “It’s a family business”. Nodding his head in agreement, Jim Jr. added, “It’s more than just us, though. The guys (and ladies) at the fire department are brothers and sisters.” When asked why they do it, why they devote countless hours and put themselves in dangerous situations regularly and without pay, again the common thread was clear. Emotion clouded Don’s face and voice when he said, “We have to. We see people in their worst moments, times when they are faced with life-changing circumstances. They need us and I’m honored to be there for them.”

Pictured Right: Don Hill, (ICU/FH) Trauger VFD

Pictured Above: Amber Werner (ED, WH) and her mom, Donna Werner, (Patient Transport, WH) Grapeville VFD

Pictured Above: Steven Rossi (ICU/WH) Greensburg Hose Company #3 VFD

Pictured Left and Above: Jim Jellison Jr. and Jim Jellison Sr., ED, LH, Lloydsville VFD

COMPASSION

GIVING NEWBORNS A HEALTHY START

Mors’ Milk Bank Depot

Since 2015, the clinical staff of the Family Additions Maternity Center has been focused on improving breastfeeding rates on the inpatient side of maternity care. It was a natural continuation to seek an opportunity to support breastfeeding beyond discharge from the hospital. Prior to 2016, there were no human milk banks in the Western Pennsylvania region. In late 2015, the Mid-Atlantic Mothers’ Milk Bank first opened in Pittsburgh, offering a greatly needed service to mothers and babies in our region. Once the facility opened, Excela Health quickly recognized the need to support breastfeeding in our community and sought to become the first milk depot in the region to support the Mid-Atlantic Mothers’ Milk Bank. Family Additions Maternity Center Clinical Director, Wendy Reynolds, MSN, RNC-OB, Perioperative Nursing Supervisor, Karen Soltez, MSN, RN, and Perioperative Services Director, Jessica Stack, MSN, RN, laid the groundwork for the clinical staff to carry out the project. A site was secured at Excela Square at Norwin; Taylor Stiffler, BSN, RN, IBCLC,was instrumental in securing a freezer where the milk would be stored until it was transported to the primary site in Pittsburgh.

Klein, RNC-OB, and the clinical and support staff at Excela Square at Norwin to ensure the safety of the milk. Through the successful efforts of our clinical staff members and leaders, Excela Health became the first milk depot in the region opening on July 31, 2017. On opening day, 645 milliliters of human donor milk was collected. Over those first six months the average donations were 806 milliliters per month from 13 different mothers. Since its onset, more than 5,000 milliliters of donor milk have been collected. The support of Excela Health to open the human milk depot has been recognized and appreciated by the mothers in our community as well as the medically fragile babies of our region. The mothers who are donating express gratitude that they have a local depot in their community, and the depot has made getting their donations to Pittsburgh more convenient. Donated Human Milk at Norwin Milk Bank 1600 1400 1200 1000 800 600 400 200

Through collaboration with Denise O’Conner, BS, IBCLC, executive director of the milk bank, standard work was designed and developed by Karen Soltez, MSN, RN, Darla

Milliliters of Donated Human Milk

Mary Mantese, DNP, RN, CENP Director, Professional Practice and Care Transformation Associate Chief Nursing Officer

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We are committed to partnering with our colleagues in embracing Excela Health values of putting patients first, having a passion for quality, working as a team, acting with the highest levels of integrity, and being good stewards of financial and community resources.

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ACCOUNTABILITY

FOURTH ANNUAL EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE AND RESEARCH FORUM:

Bridging  Gap from Idea to Practice

Now a tradition for Excela Health Nursing, the fourth annual Evidence-Based Practice and Research Forum took place on September 27, 2018, at Westmoreland Hospital with 130 staﬀ and nursing students in attendance. Sponsored by the Evidence-Based Practice Committee, chaired by Taylor Stiﬄer, BSN, RN, IBCLC, the forum is an all-day event developed as a vehicle to allow nurses and other members of the interdisciplinary health care team to showcase evidence-based practice projects. Using an evidence-based approach to nursing care improves outcomes and helps nursing meet the Excela mission to improve the health and well-being of every life we touch. Marie Fioravanti, DNP, RN, Director of Nursing at the University Of Pittsburgh School Of Nursing at Greensburg was the morning keynote speaker and shared with the audience her expertise on “Developing a Unit-Based Committee for the Implementation of Evidence-Based Practice.” For the afternoon keynote, Jennifer H. Lingler, PhD, CRNP, Associate Professor of Nursing and Psychiatry, Director of ADRC Outreach, Recruitment and Education Core from the University of Pittsburgh, took the stage to share her research on “Personalizing Risk for Alzheimer’s Disease in the Era of Precision Medicine: Implications for Nursing Practice.” Susan Overly, MSN, RN, Clinical Director, Behavioral Health, and Rachel Jackson, MS, LBS, Manager, Outpatient Behavioral Health, presented their work about “Collaborative Care: Partnerships in the Community.”

Infectious Disease Pharmacist Nick Zaksek, PharmD, advocated for how “Nurses Can Play a Bigger Role in Antibiotic Stewardship Programs” with a presentation and interactive examples. Nurse Educator Debra Moffa, MSN, RN, gave a presentation on the importance of “Delivering Health Literate Care.” Finally, there were eight poster presentations, recruitment activities for nursing students in attendance, and a Magnet education opportunity. This year’s forum was the first to showcase the work of Excela nurses who recently completed Master’s level capstone projects. The graduate panel included Melissa Clawson-Rietscha, MSN, RN, who discussed a “Palliative and Hospice Care Educational Module,” Jennifer B. Faris, MSN, RN, COS-C, who shared “The Benefits of Having Well-Developed Preceptors,” Jessica Love, MSN, RN, CNL, who spoke on “Care Navigation Strategies in the Emergency Department,” and Christy West, MSN, RN, who shared the topic of “Educating Staff about Magnet Designation.” The presentations were highly rated by attendants, with feedback that “[it was] nice to have nurses at Excela share their different capstone subjects based on evidence-based practice. This may help encourage others to further their education!”

ACCOUNTABILITY

WHEN MINUTES COUNT AND MEASURES MATTER â&#x20AC;Ś

Achieving Recertification as a Primary Stroke Center Excela Health was awarded Primary Stroke Center Certification from The Joint Commission in May of 2016. Continued certification as a Primary Stroke Center requires sustained compliance to the national stroke care standards, clinical practice guidelines and measures of performance. Certified Primary Stroke Centers also collect and report on eight core stroke measures. Excela Health underwent a rigorous onsite recertification survey in March of 2018 at all three of our hospital campuses. The Joint Commission visited Frick Hospital on Monday, March 12, Westmoreland Hospital on Tuesday, March 13 and finished up at Latrobe Hospital on Wednesday, March 14, 2018. Preparation for Joint Commission Accreditation surveys is an ongoing process and undergo continuous interdisciplinary review for improvements to ensure the delivery of the highest quality stroke care for those served by Excela Health. The success of our recertification would not be possible without the interdisciplinary Stroke Steering Committee, which was formed to provide oversight for the Excela Health Stroke Program. The group establishes protocols and policies utilizing evidence based research and guidelines from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association and other professional sources. The group monitors compliance with quality metrics and develops performance improvement plans to improve compliance. The Stroke Steering Committee worked to obtain primary stroke certification to allow patients to stay in their community for quality stroke care and now in 2018 achieved Recertification of the Primary Stroke Center Designation. Thank you to the members of the Stroke Steering Committee, your eďŹ&#x20AC;orts to our stroke program have fostered better outcomes for stroke care!

ACCOUNTABILITY

ENHANCING THE ELECTRONIC MEDICAL RECORD

Outpatient Infusion Documentation Goes Digital TEAM MEMBERS Le Ann Kaltenbaugh, MSN, RN, CNOR, CSSM Jessica Stack, MSN, RN Sally Backus, MSN, RN, RN-BC Kennette Grohal, MSN, RN, RN-BC Martha Opalinski, BSN, RN Nicki Jesko, RN Lori Schandel, BSN, RN Karen Zanella Dane Lewis, PharmD Mike Thomas, RN Kira Kontor Paulette Smith Kim Fait

In January of 2018, Director of Perioperative Services Le Ann Kaltenbaugh, MSN, RN, CNOR, CSSM, approached the Clinical Informatics department requesting that the Outpatient Infusion units, located at the Frick and Latrobe campuses be transitioned to electronic documentation. The departments were still using a paper-only process for documentation and all charges were completed by manual entry.

nurses due to the patient location. Both items were able to be corrected in real time. With the input of the team, diďŹ&#x20AC;ering aspects of the project were reviewed and developed into the plan for the conversion to the electronic medical record. The conversion was quite seamless and the infusion nursing team adapted wonderfully to the update.

An interdisciplinary team was formed to ensure everyone would be involved who may be impacted by the conversion. Workflows were created to visualize the process and better enable the team to ensure no steps or items were missed. After five months of collective work and all necessary items were built within the Cerner system and validated, we embarked on the actual conversion. The Go-Live occurred May 1, 2018, at both campuses. The conversion was very successful with minimal concerns occurring. On Day One only two issues were identified. One of the medications had required fields that were inappropriate for that medication type, and the patient education could not be accessed by the Infusion

Leî&#x201E;şon Learned: TEAMWORK ROCKS!

ACCOUNTABILITY

Advancing Practice: CRNA-BASED ANESTHESIA CARE MODEL Through our Professional Practice Model, we empower nurses to be professional, competent leaders in healthcare, practicing autonomously and to the fullest extent of their education and licensure. Since 2010, evidence has supported a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) anesthesia delivery model where the CRNA is working as the sole anesthesia provider. This model has proven to be not only the most cost-eﬀective model for anesthesia services, but equal in quality, safety, and eﬃciency to other anesthesia delivery model. In late 2017, the decision was made to modify the anesthesia delivery model in the GI Center at Excela Health Laurel Surgical Center. In the previous model, each CRNA was being supervised by one anesthesiologist. In the new CRNA-based model, CRNAs administer anesthesia independently with the gastroenterologist as the

supervising physician. In addition to administering anesthesia and monitoring the patient, there is always one CRNA who reviews charts, does preexam interviews, and assures that each patient is prepared to receive anesthesia on the day of the scheduled procedure. Laurel Surgical Director of Anesthesia, Jessica Peretin, MD, collaborated with System Chief CRNA and Director of Perioperative Services, Westmoreland Hospital, Brian Berry, MS, MBA, CRNA, and the Excela Health Gastroenterology group to formulate a plan to convert the center to a CRNAbased anesthesia care model. Working in partnership, site chief Deb Hill, MS, CRNA, lead CRNA, Laurel Surgical Center, Cindy Donatelli, MS, CRNA, and Brian Berry converted the anesthesia department to a CRNA model and worked to redesign the equipment and medication needs to fit the new model. Together, Deb and Cindy carried out the transformation of equipment,

medications, stock, and redesign of anesthesia carts to fit the needs of Laurel Surgical Center. Chief CRNA, Westmoreland Hospital, Amy Acie, MS, CRNA, was instrumental in designing the computer charting for the CRNAbased model and educated all of the CRNA’s in its use. Through the anesthesia team’s work, all of the CRNAs were ready for the new delivery model go live on July 2, 2018. Since its inception, the CRNA-based model at Laurel Surgical Center thrives through the the highly-educated, skilled and experienced nurse anesthetists exemplifying nursing leadership and practicing to the full extent of their licensure. The staﬀ and patients have been very satisfied with the CRNAbased model as the team strives every day to deliver excellent care!

THE TEAM THAT MADE THE CRNA-BASED ANESTHESIA MODEL POSSIBLE: Brian Berry, MS, MBA, CRNA Jessica Peretin, MD Deb Hill, MS, BS, CRNA Cindy Donatelli, MS, BS, CRNA Amy Acie, MS, BS, CRNA

Nick Shinsky, MS, BS, CRNA Todd Hrytanski, CRNA Mark Cantola, MS, BS, CRNA Raeann Kozinko, MS, BS, CRNA Gabrielle Beltz, MSN, BSN, CRNA

Lori Droschak, MS, BS, CRNA Heather Scanlon, MS, BS, CRNA Brian Holt, MS, BS, CRNA Cara Haines, MS, BS, CRNA Ted Oshie, MS, BS, CRNA

ACCOUNTABILITY

ENHANCED RECOVERY AFTER SURGERY IMPROVING CLINICAL OUTCOMES IN SURGICAL COLORECTAL PATIENTS The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) Safety Program for Improving Surgical Care and Recovery invited organizations in the summer of 2017 to participate in a collaborative initiative aimed at improving outcomes for surgical patients. The program, coordinated by the American College of Surgeons and Johns Hopkins Medicine Armstrong Institute for Patient Safety and Quality, seeks to achieve meaningful improvement in clinical patient outcomes by utilizing an evidence-based recovery pathway for surgical patients within a framework of the Comprehensive Unit-based Safety Program. The initial patient population selected for this national project were patients undergoing colorectal surgical procedures. The Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) program has been tested in academic medical centers across the country over the last three to five years, but has not been implemented in most community hospital settings. It is a clinical pathway and approach to surgical care that promotes the delivery of evidence-based, perioperative, intraoperative, and postoperative care by reducing variability. The key elements include patient and family engagement with counseling and education focused on expectations for surgery and recovery, delivery of stateof-the-art analgesia, early mobility and restoration of functional status, avoidance of prolonged periods of fasting, and implementation of evidence-based practice to prevent harm. The ERAS project began at Excela with an inter-professional steering committee and workgroup to develop and implement the protocol.

The key objectives of the team when developing and implementing the protocol focused on: • Pre-procedure education • Early and eﬀective hydration prior to surgery • Use of deep-vein thrombosis prophylaxis • Multimodal pain management • Prophylactic use of anti-emetics • Nutrition: early progression of diet postoperatively with use of chewing gum to stimulate peristalsis • Maintaining proper fluid balance • Early ambulation and activity postoperatively Following implementation of the protocol in February 2018, a 90-98% reduction in the administration of morphine dose equivalents administrated postoperatively was realized within three months, along with a significant decrease in patient length of stay days. With the successful outcomes seen in the colorectal population, the ERAS protocol expanded to include total joint replacement patients at Westmoreland Hospital.

THE ERAS STEERING COMMITTEE AND PARTICIPANTS: Daniel Meikle, MD Randolph Wood, MD Brian Berry, CRNA, MBA, MS Denise Addis, MSN, RN, CPHQ Christopher Bartels, MD

LeAnn Kaltenbaugh, MSN, R Stacy Gibson, MSN, RN Brandi Hall, MSN, RN, NE-BC Michelle Lewis, MSN, RN Kathryn Crovak, MSN, RN

RN, CNOR, CSSM

Cheryl DeStefano John Dolan, MBA, BSN, RN Sandralee Hartman, BSN, RN, CWOCN Sue Kezmarsky, BSN, RN Amy Kriss, PharmD

Allison Lutz, MBA, CPA, CMA Dean Matanin, PharmD Staci Orbell, MSN, RN, CPAN David Rich, MD, CMIO Deborah Schotting, MSN, RN, CIC

Michael Sekhon, PharmD Diane Shope, RT Tracey Sior, RN Michael Widmann, MSN, RN-BC, CCRN-CSC

ACCOUNTABILITY

FACES OF LEADERSHIP

2018 Chairs of Shared Governance LEADERSHIP COUNCIL Brenda Frank, RN (Perianesthesia LH)

NURSING PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE EVALUATION (NPPE) COMMITTEE Rina Piper, BSN, RN (3N LH)

SHARED GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE Charity Patterson, RN (PCU FH)

STAFFING COMMITTEE Kathy Kepple, BSN, RN, RNC-MNN (OB WH)

PRACTICE EXCELLENCE COUNCIL Brittany Lubinsky, BSN, RN-CCRN (ICU WH)

INNOVATION, TECHNOLOGY AND INFORMATICS COMMITTEE Chan Pich, RN (ED LH)

EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE COMMITTEE Taylor Stiffler, BSN, RN, IBCLC (OB WH)

SHARED GOVERNANCE

gives nurses a voice. It is a working model of participatory decision making that serves as a platform of empowerment into leadership, where voices are heard and become the driving force of change for excellent patient outcomes and healthy work environments.

THE VALUE OF A VOICE

ADVANCED PRACTICE PROVIDER COUNCIL Jerod Smith, MSN, CRNP, CCRN

When nurses are empowered to make decisions, the quality and safety of care improve.

(EHMG)

Clinical nurses hold invaluable knowledge as to the needs of a hospital’s patient population and can identify facilitators and barriers to the care delivery process. Hospitals that empower nurses to engage in decision-making are more likely to provide: • Better patient experiences (HCAHPS scores) • Superior quality of care with clinical outcomes exceeding national benchmarks • Favorable nurse satisfaction outcomes • Higher staff retention • Healthier work environments EH Shared Governance accomplished many things in 2018, including: • Extended the Success Pays contract, which awarded reimbursements for certifications. The number of certified nurses rose to 19.4%, exceeding the goal of 12%. •Created a Barcode Scanning Tip Sheet to reduce medication errors. • Affected a change in policy to delay newborn bathing based on national research proving the resulting benefits to infants. In 2018 approximately 377 Excela staff members put their expertise to work through Shared Governance initiatives.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL Rebecca Breegle, BSN, RN-BC (4AB WH)

PROFESSIONAL ADVANCEMENT COMMITTEE Kacie Klimchock, BSN, RN-BC (SDU WH)

PROFESSIONAL IMAGE AND COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS COMMITTEE Angela Miller, RN (ED WH)

MANAGEMENT COUNCIL Kathy Radocaj, MSN, RN, CCRN (ICU/SDU WH)

RECRUITMENT COMMITTEE Kaylee Apel, BSN, RN (L&D WH)

RETENTION AND RECOGNITION COMMITTEE Gretchen Peske, RN, CHPN (Clinical Resource Management LH)

ACCOUNTABILITY

PROMOTING SHARED GOVERNANCE:

Education Fair Energizes

In September 2018, the Shared Governance Committee, chaired by Charity Patterson, RN and mentored by Le Ann Kaltenbaugh, MSN, RN, CNOR, CSSM, collaborated with leadership from all councils and committees to assemble the first annual Shared Governance Fall Education Fair. The event was held at all three hospital campuses and brought together more than 430 Excela Health employees. StaďŹ&#x20AC; was able to receive education about shared governance and how each member of Excela is a part of nursing excellence no matter where they work within the healthcare arena. The fair highlighted the projects and developments of unit-based councils, and shared governance councils and committees. Music was the theme of the fair with each council and committee utilizing a song or music genres to present the outcomes their groups worked to achieve. The energy was contagious with music and dancing, plenty of photo props and everyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s favorite dinosaur, M-Rex! Following the education fair, the positivity continued and was motivating for many. The increase in shared governance participation was a huge indicator to the success of the fair, with 42 new members joining a council or committee between September and December of 2018. The largest growth was seen in Leadership Council, Practice Excellence Council, and Recognition and Retention Committee! As excitement grows and our journey to nursing excellence continues, the Shared Governance Committee is partnering with the Unit-Based Professional Practice Councils to host an inaugural Spring Showcase of all unit-based practice councils in the spring of 2019!

ACCOUNTABILITY

Partnering wi our Coeagues:

DECREASING EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT UTILIZATION FOR HOME CARE PATIENTS The vast scope of practice for Excela Home Care & Hospice clinicians means that patients can be cared for in the natural home setting even while requiring medical and nursing care interventions via intravenous lines, tubes, or drains. These devices must be managed closely, and sometimes need further evaluation and/or repair through the Interventional Radiology Department. In the previous process, when a device needed further evaluation, the patient was sent to the Emergency Department (ED) for evaluation, but this practice led to unnecessary utilization of the ED when patients presented during off shifts and weekends when the Interventional Radiology Department was not routinely staffed, as well as decreased patient satisfaction. Excela Home Care Quality Supervisor, Patricia Lebin BSN, COS-C, met with Intervention Radiology Supervisor Angela Onuffer, RN to discuss this gap in meeting patient care needs in the community and a work flow was developed between the Home Health and Interventional Radiology Departments that would schedule patients with Interventional Radiology needs directly with the department (same-day or next-day). This collaboration eliminated the need for the patient to utilize the ED if he or she required evaluation of a line, tube, or drain.

The work flow between Home Care and Interventional Radiology went live in November 2018 after staﬀ education was performed. In the last months of 2018, there were five patients identified by home health clinicians as candidates for direct scheduling with the Interventional Radiology Department and all were scheduled using the collaborative approach, thus eliminating five unnecessary Emergency Department visits. Cases continue to be tracked and reported on monthly. The continuation of the collaborative approach can impact patient safety, satisfaction, quality and cost of care, as well as proving that silos that exist between departments can be infiltrated to achieve collaborative care that enhances patient outcomes.

ACCOUNTABILITY

OUR JOURNEY TO

Magnet

MAGNETSAURUS REX New to our Magnet® journey in 2018 was the addition of our ‘oldest and largest’ ambassador, Magnetsaurus Rex. M-Rex worked tirelessly through the fall and winter of 2018, attending EBP Day, Fall Education Fairs, Employee Picnics and Magnet® Festivals, all the while promoting our culture of excellence and showing oﬀ rhythmic dance moves! M-Rex brings smiles not just to staﬀ but to patients and visitors alike. One young visitor stopped to get a picture with M-Rex and asked, “Do you like your job?” – It’s a tough job, but someone has to do it! Thank you, M-Rex, for promoting our journey and reminding us to have some fun too!

“COME ON, GET MAGNET®!” Our journey to excellence traveled via a bright, colorful bus at the annual employee appreciation picnics across the Excela Health campuses in October. Staﬀ had the opportunity to hang out with M-Rex and hop on the Magnet® bus for photo opportunities while entering to win gift card raﬄes as a way to show our appreciation to all of our employees for supporting our patients, families, and one another! If the bus looks familiar, that might be because of its resemblance to a certain musical TV family from the 1970’s!

MAGNET® MUSIC FESTIVALS New this year was the inception of the Magnet® Music Festivals in November. The festivals sought to bring the journey of excellence to life at Excela by supporting the connection between the components of the Magnet® model and how we achieve excellence in our daily work. Interactive stations were set up to represent each of the components as our roadmap: Structural Empowerment, New Knowledge, Innovations and Improvements, Transformational Leadership, and Exemplary Professional Practice. While sharing examples of how each employee exemplifies the components through the work he or she does at Excela, they could enjoy candy and popcorn, listen to original Magnet® music sung by our Excela Nursing team, dance with M-Rex and enter to win gift raﬄes. Thank you to everyone who attended and all of our employees at Excela who are making our journey to excellence possible!

IT MEANS BEING A PART OF AN ORGANIZATION THAT STRIVES FOR EXCELLENCE.

SATISFACTION OF STAFF WITH EXCELA AND THEIR JOB.

WHAT DOES

MAGNET MEAN FOR YOU

NURSING EXCELLENCE â&#x20AC;&#x201C; HIGH QUALITY CARE FOR OUR COMMUNITIES. WE TOUCH LIVES! A GREAT HEALTH SYSTEM TO WORK AT.

R Maryann Singley, MSN, RN, NE-BC Vice President Patient Care Services Latrobe Hospital

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;

We treat patients, families, and colleagues with dignity and sensitivity, while valuing their differences.

RESPECT

SPOTLIGHT ON NURSING SUPERVISORS Hands-on Leaders Who Keep All Systems Running Smoothly

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With the average length of time patients stay in the hospital becoming shorter and shorter, our patients move through our system at an accelerated pace, creating a constant revolving door of patients, families and staﬀ. The increased volume of admissions, discharges and transfers coupled with the increasing acuity of patients and the more sophisticated treatment we provide creates the potential for a chaotic milieu. Out of respect for patients, families and staﬀ, our goal as a quality provider of healthcare is to avoid such a situation.

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Thankfully, our nursing supervisors have been instrumental in keeping Excela Health running smoothly and significantly impacting the bottom-line efficacy and quality of our inpatient care. Nursing supervisors are responsible for continuous oversight 24 hours of every day at the Westmoreland and Latrobe Hospital campuses. They are tasked with keeping patients safe, supporting staff and assuring efficient management of our inpatient beds. Nursing supervisors are responsible for every patient in every bed as well as the staffing available for each unit at all times. According to Marj Thomas, BSN, RN, MBA, they are the “air traffic controllers” who are the “conductors of the bed flow”. Supervisors address staff scheduling challenges, including any call offs and patient safety associate requirements. Purposeful rounding by the nursing supervisors has been instrumental in improving staffing ratios and assuring that resources are distributed as efficiently as possible.

Controlling the traffic patterns of patients and staff only scratches the surface of a day’s work for Marj and her peers. Nursing supervisors lead the Daily Meetings, monitor long length of stay patients, review discharge planning as well as OR and GI schedules for bed placement and staffing needs. Nursing supervisors respond to house emergencies such as RRTs, Codes, Stroke Alerts and relieve units with minimum staff members for breaks. During off shifts and weekends, supervisors function as the “Administrator on Duty”, meaning that they provide follow up to patient and family concerns, phone in on-call perioperative staff for urgent procedures, secure central supplies, medications and handle any and all emergencies that arise. John Giesey, BSN, RN, describes his role as a problem solver and mediator. “We are called upon daily by staff and presented with situational challenges that we navigate to resolve”. John points out that finding on the spot solutions to issues goes a long way in keeping all systems running smoothly. Jeff Siegel, BSN, RN, PHRN, likens the role of the nursing supervisor to the quarterback of the care delivery system. “We call the shots and execute the plan.” There are countless occasions when the supervisors are able to lend their unique perspective to affect positive patient outcomes and offer hands on support to staff. Nursing supervisors jump into action to do what is needed, when it is needed, for the good of the order. They make a real difference to patients and staff and they do it every day.

RESPECT

2018

NURSE RESIDENTS Cassandra Ackerman Chandler L. Badiceanu Shania D. Barkley Austin J. Belzer Brianne E. Bosich Ashley M. Brehm Wesley G. Carnes Marian M. Chearney Caitrin M. Cosgrove Chelsea M. Coughenour Barbara L. Coy Erika L. DelRosso Travis Dominick Caprice L. Douty Morgan C. Dube Meagan L. Duckworth Lisa M. Duﬀy April M. Eastham Michael E. Eden Ashley M. Fenell Samantha J. Fulmer Caylee M. Garlick Matthew S. Garrett Sarah J. Geshinsky Aubrey L. Giles Chantel R. Glasser Anna E. Goodwin Jenna L. Gorsich Trasera L. Halterman Krista E. Harr Shianne J. Harr

Brynley M. Harshell Faith A. Harter Gabrielle M. Himes Taylor R. Holt Jenna M. Hudec Danielle L. Kavel Melinda H. Kinnan Marissa M. Klosky Kaylee E. Kooser Kristina M. Koza Alyssa M. Leshko Marie C. Liotta Kyra L. Ludwig Mercedez A. Lynn Amanda R. Lyons, Theresa A. MacBlane Melanie Markle Jenae E. Matson Emily G. May Amber R. McCartney Sarah L. Melisko Morgan L. Miller Shane E. Miner Zachary J. Montenary Samantha M. Nolan Amanda L. Piccolino Leslie M. Quinten Jessica M. Richter Tiﬀany A. Ritenour Bridget M. Robertson Emma C. Rockwell

Shelbie L. Roman Shannon D. Rowles Katelyn M. Rudick Jacob N. Ruﬀner Nina M. Sarpolis Rachelle M. Schultz Bethany J. Schumaker Mary G. Shafron Lacy D. Shultz Kacie K. Sisti Madelyn M. Soles Desiree J. Stikkel Abigail J. Stoner Megan E. Stout Nicole M. Strickler Kalyn M. Stutzman Jacqueline L. Szczygiel Michael G. Thomas Jayme E. Todd Tia A. Veltre Ashley A. Villa Lindsey T. Webb Marissa A. Weedeman Chasity M. Weiers Lindsey R. West Erin R. Wilson Bailey E. Worthing Megan A. Wyble Allison C. Young Rebecca L. Zolocsik Colleen M. Zufall

Helen K. Burns, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer

“

In 2018 Excela Health employed the largest number of nurse residents to date. We extend a warm welcome to them and thank their preceptors for helping these young professionals transition into their first professional nursing role.

Shelby has helped me emotionally when dealing with difficult situations.

EXPERIENCED NURSES

102

2018Hires

“

106

The nurse residency program demonstrates our commitment to education at Excela. It gave me a chance to refine my skills and build my confidence. The program facilitated a smooth transition from student to professional nurse.

“

NEW GRADUATE NURSES

- Megan Stout, RN LH ICU

Chantel Glasser, BSN, RN Intensive Care Unit, WH

RESPECT

Lifelong Learning

EXCELA NURSES ACHIEVING ADVANCED DEGREES Congratulations to our Excela Nurses who completed a Master of Science in Nursing Degree in 2018!

We thank you for your commitment to the advancement of the nursing profession! Kim Beck, MSN, CRNP Kim graduated with her MSN in May 2018 from Duquesne University. Kim’s graduate degree followed the Advanced Practice track, leading her to become a Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner. Kim’s advanced degree pursuit has led her to become the first Transitional Care Nurse Practitioner at Excela Health.

Melissa Clawson-Rietscha, MSN, RN “I found myself in a constant state of learning and wanted to be part of this continuum.” Melissa graduated with her MSN in May 2018 from LaRoche College with a concentration on Education. For her graduate project, Melissa created and disseminated an education module on the diﬀerences between palliative care and hospice care. Melissa chose to obtain her MSN because she wanted to be an agent of change in relationship to how current and future nurses are receiving information and being educated.

Jennifer Faris, MSN, RN, COS-C “I wanted to be the best, most eﬀective, well-prepared nurse that I could be and I knew that continuing my education would take me down that path.” Jennifer graduated with her MSN in May 2018 from Carlow University with a concentration in Leadership and Education. Jennifer’s graduate capstone project involved developing and implementing a preceptor program that was unique to the home health setting with the goals of improving nurse satisfaction, knowledge, and retention rates. As a lifelong learner, she will continue on for her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree in August 2019.

Jessica Love, MSN, RN, CNL “I chose a Clinical Nurse Leader program because I was interested in how small, positive changes at the microsystem level can make the greatest impact on patient outcomes.” Jessica graduated with her MSN in August 2018 from the University of Pittsburgh, with a specialty concentration as a Clinical Nurse Leader. Jessica’s graduate project was focused on the implementation of a nurse navigator role to reduce overutilization and inappropriate use of the emergency department care setting.

Glenn Repko, MSN, RN, CCRN, NE-BC “I wanted a degree that would provide me with the tools to create a positive impact on healthcare and help promote optimum patient care.” Glenn graduated with his MSN in May 2018 from Grand Canyon University, with an emphasis in Leadership. Glenn’s graduate project focused on capacity management and patient throughput. Glenn chose to pursue an advanced nursing degree to gain a better understanding of healthcare and the forces that drive healthcare changes. Glenn is currently enrolled in a Doctor of Nursing Practice program.

Angela Roth, MSN, RN Angela graduated with her MSN in May 2018 from Carlow University. Angela’s graduate degree supports her leadership role where she works as a Clinical Nurse Coordinator on 4D/4E at Westmoreland Hospital.

Christy West, MSN, RN “I love to be a part of positive change. Advancing my degree has led me to one of my career goals of becoming a Clinical Director.” Christy graduated with her MSN in June 2018 from Chamberlain University, following the Nurse Executive track. Christy’s capstone project focused on Magnet® education. Christy’s drive to pursue her education comes from her desire to make an impact on the future of nursing and healthcare.

RESPECT

2018 Professional

PRESENTATIONS AND PUBLICATIONS PUBLICATIONS Farina, SM., Minerva, E., Glunt, J., & Bernardo, LM. (2018). Introducing mindfulness practices for self-care: Outcomes of a brief education session. Journal for Nurses in Professional Development, 34(4), 194-198. doi: 10.1097/NND.0000000000000456

PRESENTATIONS Burns, H.K., Hupp, D., & Rahn, D. (2018, January). Academic progression and pathways to the BSN. Future of Nursing Webinar Series of the Pennsylvania Organization of Nurse Leaders and the Pennsylvania Action Coalition. MoďŹ&#x20AC;a, D. (2018, April). Health literacy. Panel presentation at the 2018 Pennsylvania Health Literacy Coalition Meeting, Lancaster, PA Miller, H. (2018, June). Psychotropic medications. Podium presentation at Southwest Regional Crisis Intervention Teams Training Program, Leechburg, PA.

POSTER PRESENTATIONS Jenkins, D., Lewis, D., Thompson, D., & Bernardo, LM. (2018, March). Evidence-based practice and research prioritization: A survey of nurses. Poster session presented at the Sigma Theta Tau International Scholars Night, Pittsburgh, PA. Reynolds, W., & Lewis, D. (2018, March). Using community feedback to design and evaluate childbirth education classes. Poster session presented at the Sigma Theta Tau International Scholars Night, Pittsburgh, PA. Opalinski, M., Orbell, S., & Hunter, Y. (2018, March). Implementing a scrubbing and sharps safety course for clinical learners. Poster session presented at the AORN Global Surgical Conference & Expo, New Orleans, LA. Burns, H., Fick, T., Singley, M., Pry, M., & Thompson, D. (2018, October). Leader standard work: Transforming nursing clinical directors role to impact organizational outcomes. Poster session presented at the Pennsylvania Organization of Nurse Leaders, Lancaster, PA. Spiker, J., Jones, C., Kennedy, C., Thompson, D., & Bernardo, LM. (2018, October). Strategic evaluation of value-added vs. non-valued added nursing time. Poster session presented at the Pennsylvania Organization of Nurse Leaders, Lancaster, PA.

RESPECT

THE VALUE OF CLINICAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT TEAMS

Coordinating efficient, cost effective, and patient-centered care

As value-based reimbursement puts financial pressure on providers, healthcare organizations are striving for clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction scores (HCAHPS) above national benchmarks as well as efficiency and cost control. Clinical Resource Management (CRM) is the department at Excela who works closely with patients and families to determine the best plan of care throughout the inpatient stay as well as upon discharge. CRM staff are the individuals who work tirelessly to assure that: • Patient and family preferences are considered in treatment planning. • Patients and families have a good understanding of the plan of care, including their responsibilities as a part of the inter-disciplinary team. • Each patient receives high quality and comprehensive care. • Each patient has the most efficient care possible (evidenced by a short length of stay). • Patients and families have the treatment and support needed upon discharge to avoid a readmission. At Excela, CRM consists of Utilization Review (UR) nurses as well as registered nurse and social work Case Managers. The UR staff is instrumental in getting insurance authorizations for admissions. “They are the starting point of the revenue cycle” says John Dolan, MBA, BSN, RN and Director of Clinical Resource Management.

According to Edith Spinneweber, BSN, RN, CCM, and Patty White, MSW (CRM team at FH), “Teamwork is the key to what we do.” The CRM staff work with nursing, physicians, therapy, patients and their families, as well as insurance providers, treatment facilities and countless entities to help create a plan that best serves the patient. Case managers assigned to the Emergency Departments are pivotal in helping to divert unnecessary inpatient admissions for many people by facilitating referrals to outpatient treatments and community supports. Our CRM staff are experts in securing support for countless needs, including: drug and alcohol treatment, adoption, abuse, neglect, assault, advanced illness services, ambulance transfers, insurance coverage, housing resources, nursing homes, personal care homes, rehab programs, durable medical equipment, palliative care, hospice, legal and ethical dilemmas, funeral homes, pet care and a myriad of others. The scope of hospital case management is ever evolving and indispensable. CRM staff serve as patient, family, insurance, and facility advocates. Dolan describes the team as, “the glue that holds everything together.”

RESPECT

Inspire Influence Impact •

•

CELEBRATING NATIONAL NURSES WEEK Nurses Week 2018 focused on celebrating nurses with the theme as “the Balance of Mind, Body and Spirit.” The American Nurses Association sets the themes for Nurses Week, which begins in early May. Excela traditionally celebrates our nurses during Nurses Week with events of the week planned and organized by the Recognition and Retention Committee, part of Shared Governance. Hosted at the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg, our Thursday evening event provides an opportunity for our nurses to network, relax and enjoy refreshments, celebrate the research presented during the previous year, and be encouraged through the words of nationally recognized nurse leaders as guest speakers. This year our nurses welcomed nationally renowned nurse leader, Karen Drenkard, PhD, RN NEA-BC, FAAN, Chief Clinical Oﬃcer and Chief Nursing Oﬃcer of GetWellNetwork. Dr. Drenkard spoke to our nurses about inspiration, influence and impact, encouraging the audience to influence the nursing profession by discovering a passion and making a plan to implement it. In addition to Dr. Drenkard’s segment, awards were presented to those nominated and selected for the exceptional quality of care they provide to our patients and families. New to the 2018 event was a live-streaming

broadcast for nurses unable to attend the event in person; it received more than 600 views! Striving to reach nurses on all shifts and locations, the committee delivered ice cream sandwiches to our nurses at all three campuses and ambulatory care centers on Friday afternoon, and yogurt was delivered on Saturday morning. Nurses Week recognizes all of the generous work nurses contribute to Excela and gives us the opportunity to honor and thank all of them! A special “thank you” to the Recognition and Retention Committee for planning and implementing all of our Nurses Week festivities!

NURSES WEEK ACTIVITIES “Nurses Inspire, Innovate and Influence”

Evening Event THURSDAY, MAY 3, 2018 5 to 8 p.m. University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg, Smith Hall 5 to 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6:35 p.m. 6:45 p.m. 7 p.m.

Registration, Meet and Greet, Hors d’oeuvres Introduction - Dr. Helen Burns Speaker - “Nursing Leadership at the Bedside” - Karen Drenkard, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN 2018 Recognition Awards Presentation Closing Remarks - Bob Rogalski Dessert Reception and Networking

PLEASE RSVP TO THE CALL CENTER, 1-877-771-1234 BY FRIDAY, APRIL 27

SPEAKER BIOGRAPHY Nurses as Leaders: How Will You Drive Change? Karen N. Drenkard, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN

OTHER ACTIVITIES

2 2018

May 4, 2018: Friday afternoon: Ice Cream "Rounds", all campuses, Laurel Surgical Center, Excela Square at Norwin and Excela Square at Latrobe May 5, 2018: Saturday morning: Yogurt Bar, Hospital Campuses only

RESPECT

Recognizing OUR NURSE WEEK AWARDEES CameosÂŽ of Caring The CameosÂŽ of Caring Program was created by the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing Dean, Dr. Ellen B. Rudy in 1999 to honor and reward Western Pennsylvania nurses for their contributions to quality patient care. In addition to the award for direct care nurses, there are award categories for Advanced Practice nurses, Nurse Educators, Case Management, Quality and Safety, and the CORE Donate Life Award. Award recipients are recognized as role models within their organization and beyond. They demonstrate a commitment to nursing excellence, patient and family advocacy, and motivate peers while serving as role models!

LORI ZAJDEL, BSN, RN Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital AMBER MAUCK, BSN, RN Excela Health Home Care & Hospice

Outstanding Care Team Member Honorees This award recognizes a health care team member who is instrumental in building quality practice environments. An outstanding team member may be a licensed practical nurse, technical partner/nursing assistant, nursing service clerk or transporter. Technical Partner/Nursing Assistant ELLEN RITENOUR Transporter PAM SABAT Nursing Service Clerk LAURA WILKINSON Licensed Practical Nurse AMY GRACE

Quality and Safety Award KATHLEEN ROSATTI, MSN, RN Excela Health Director of Clinical Outcomes

Outstanding Nurse Resident Introduced in 2016, this award is presented to a Registered Nurse who is employed in the Excela Health System, has graduated from nursing school within the past two years and has completed the Excela Health Nurse Residency Program. SABRINA BUTLER, BSN, RN

Friend of Nursing Award This award recognizes a non-nurse member of Excela Health who has demonstrated leadership that has significantly impacted nursing practice, nursing education, nursing administration, and/or patient safety. EXCELA HEALTH HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT

Helen K. Burns, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer

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We hold ourselves to the highest standards of nursing practices through leadership, exemplary nursing care, autonomy, and interprofessional collaboration.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

EXCELLENCE

Celebrating CERTIFIED NURSES DAY ompassion

At Excela Health, we recognize that certification within a specialty can contribute to increased patient safety, quality, satisfaction and outcomes. Certified Nurses Day is celebrated annually on March 19th to honor and recognize the achievements of certified nurses. In 2018, the Professional Advancement Committee, part of Shared Governance, organized a breakfast to celebrate Certified Nurses Day with a special recognition for every nurse within Excela Health that maintains a nursing certification or has become newly certified. The breakfasts were held at each of the three hospital campuses with invitations sent to all certified nurses in the organization to enjoy a light breakfast before, during or after his or her shift. They were presented with a congratulatory card and ribbon. Excela Health and the Professional Advancement Committee has set a goal of 14% of eligible RNâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s to hold a national certification - that goal was exceeded in 2018 with 19.4% of RNâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s achieving or maintaining a national certification!

D E N I F U I

RSE

CER

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EXCELLENCE

NURSING Quality

EXCELLENCE

Elevating Organ Donor Awareness

EXCELA PARTICIPATES IN THE DONATE LIFE HOSPITAL CHALLENGE

Following the success from previous years, Excela Health again participated in the Donate Life Hospital Challenge. The challenge is a partnership with The Hospital and Health System Association of Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the Center for Organ Recovery & Education, and the Gift of Life Donor Program created to increase organ donation awareness and designations within hospitals and communities. Participation encompasses a list of organ donation awareness activities to be completed throughout the healthcare system. Awareness activities are captured on a scorecard and hospitals are designated bronze, silver, gold, platinum, or titanium status based on level of completion. For 2018, Excela elevated their 2017 designations of silver, gold and platinum to the highest titanium designation at all three Excela campuses! A heartfelt “thank you” to our Donate Life representatives: Brandi Hall, MSN, RN, NE-BC, Cindy Allison, BSN, RN, and Kathy Radocaj, MSN, RN, CCRN – you are pioneering the way for Excela Health in achieving organ donation awareness!

EXCELLENCE

Excela Health NURSES IN THE NEWS Jerod Smith: Health care crisis? There’s an APP for that In an October 3, 2018, article in the Tribune Review, Jerod Smith, MSN, CRNP, CCRN, a vascular surgery nurse practitioner and chairman of the Advanced Practice Provider Council, advocated that the nation’s 250,000 licensed nurse practitioners and nearly 125,000 licensed physician assistants could be a beneficial part of the solution to the existing health care crisis. Jerod cited a recommendation by the Federal Trade Commission stating that “a growing body of evidence suggests that APRNs (nurses with at least a master’s degree in nursing) can, based on their education and training, safely perform many of the same procedures and services provided by physicians.”

Excela Nursing Officer tapped as key speaker for St. Vincent commencement Helen K. Burns, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN, Excela Health’s Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer, provided the address for Saint Vincent College’s December 15, 2018, commencement.

Excellence in Nursing: Meet Our 2018 Honorees Pittsburgh Magazine highlights the unsung heroes of the healthcare field in an annual feature titled, “Excellence in Nursing”. Honorees are chosen by a panel of distinguished judges in the field. Congratulations to Rebecca Sullivan, DNAP, MHS, CRNA, and Departmental Educator, who won an honorable mention in the “Advanced Practitioner” category.

Excela Health Hospice Italian Christmas A good cause (and some very good food) drew about 180 people to Rizzo’s Malabar Inn in Crabtree on Dec. 5, 2018, for the Excela Health Hospice Italian Christmas event. Hospice nurses Lindsay Carr and Angie Zona were among those present to honor the life of the late Lucille Rolla, an Excela Health hospice patient. Former Excela Health Trustee member, Tom Sochacki echoed that family’s sentiments in recounting his own mother’s care by Excela hospice nursing staff: “They made her feel so good. They made the whole family comfortable. Really, they did a wonderful job.”

Out & About: Excela Health paint party offers ‘Brush of Hope’ In conjunction with October’s designation as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Excela Health hosted a free informational and recreational Brush of Hope event Oct. 11, 2018, at the Greensburg Country Club. Attendees had the opportunity to learn about the latest techniques for diagnosing and treating the disease, courtesy of presentations by Excela surgeons Sharon Goldstein and Sarah Treter, radiologists Amy Kreutel and Corrine Lynch and registered nurse Sheila Farina.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND AWARDS

Heroes of Infection Prevention Award

CREATING CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENTS FOR PATIENT SAFETY

Joan Grote, BS, MT (ASCP) Deborah Schotting, MSN, RN, CIC The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) annually recognizes individual APIC members and teams who demonstrate a significant impact in any one of six areas: advocacy and influence, cost savings, education, patient safety, process and systems improvement, and program development. In 2018, Excela Health Infection Preventionists Joan Grote, BS, MT (ASCP) and Deborah Schotting, MSN, RN, CIC were awarded the Heroes of Infection Prevention Award in the category of Patient Safety for their innovation, sustainability, and overall impact of their initiatives to tackle Clostridium difficile (C.diff) infections at all three Excela hospitals. Deborah and Joan were team leads on the project that utilized an interdisciplinary team and LEAN methodology to decrease the rate of C. diff infections across the system. The comprehensive campaign worked to prevent C. diff and increase early identification rates in patients through appropriate testing, physician education, antibiotic stewardship, environmental cleaning, physician education and staff and patient awareness. The campaign was a true interdisciplinary approach, utilizing team members from Nursing, Pharmacy, Laboratory, Environmental Services, Marketing and Communications, and Library Services. In over a two-year period, the efforts of the team were realized as Excela Health achieved a 43.8 percent reduction in healthcare-associated C. diff infections and cultural awareness on the healthcare worker’s role in combatting C. diff infections was created and realized.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND AWARDS

Wisdom in Action

40+ YEARS OF CLINICAL EXPERIENCE AT EXCELA HEALTH 40.1

Susan J. Mahoney

42.3

Rita R. Martin

40.3

Ruth C. Burns

42.4

Anna M. Sikora

40.4

Randi L. Wichrowski

42.5

Kathryn L. Phillips

40.4

Melanie S. Jones

42.5

Sherry A. Holzer

40.5

Susan G. Melenia

42.5

Kathy M. Kiliany

40.5

Edith K. Spinneweber

42.5

Mary A. Gorecki

40.5

Dennis J. Scrabot

42.6

Kathy M. Coffman

40.6

Kathryn L. Kepple

42.6

Debra N. Stahl

40.6

Joan R. Steiner

42.7

Rosemary Jordan

41.0

Kathleen A. Boyer

42.7

Cindy C. Weston

41.0

David M. Obrien

43.0

Evelyn L. Echard

41.0

Elizabeth V. West

43.5

Marianne Povlik

41.4

Wendy L. Kish

43.8

Debra S. Bayura

41.5

Diane O. Evans

44.2

Jackie L. Williams

41.5

Jill H. Como

45.5

Kathleen Roebuck

41.5

Roseann Rudy

45.6

Patrick E. Petrarca

41.6

Katherine M. Goldberg

45.7

Gail E. Marion

41.9

Patricia Lukon

45.7

Michelina E. Hair

42.0

Mary C. Legas

46.5

Marsha J. Dovyak

42.2

Joan A. Grote

48.3

Loretta A. Shearer

42.3

Bernadette Wallace

49.3

“

Melanie C. Lunko

It’s been my life and I’ve loved every aspect of my nursing career. I started here coming into the world of nursing. Now I deal with leaving it behind. I have learned something new every day. Patty Lukon, RN, Emergency Department, LH

ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND AWARDS

Pursuing Professional Advancement

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING DEGREES Completing a BSN degree demonstrates a commitment to personal and professional growth and development, excellence in nursing practice, and dedication to exemplary patient outcomes. Congratulations to the Excela Health nurses achieving a BSN degree in 2018! Thank you for supporting Excela Health in meeting the mission of improving the health and well-being of every life we touch! Adrienne M. Alger

Jalissa H. Jolly

Hiedi E. Ridgway

Kaitlin Balchik

Michael Jones

Heather Rosky

Loren A. Barr

Amanda L. Knupp

Heather L. Samide

Amy J. Beckner

Kodi M. Kramer

Sierra J. Schroyer

Ashley Cesario

Christina L. Kurtz

Jill Sellew

Cathy Choby

Alyssa L. Liebdzinski

Jennifer L. Shean

Tammy L. Clancy

Sarah Lyons

Rachel Simpson

Nicole A. Clark

Lydia E. Marsh

Melissa S. Stickney

JeďŹ&#x20AC;rey C. Come

Brandy N. Martz

Mosezelia Still

Alane C. Cramer

Crystal Matrisch

Heather M. Sundin

Jamie L. Deloach

Thomas T. McDowell

Terri L. Sweney

Jennifer L. Dick

Miller, Jayna B. Miller

Chase R. Wallace

Lynne Farkas

Mackenzie R. Mollomo

Amanda Weightman

Jessica M. Fordyce

Allyssa R. Noel

John P. Wheelus III

Elizabeth C. Fox

Grace Ohmer

Rayannon S. Willett

Amber N. Fratto

Jessica E. Opfar

Donia Wills

Melanie M. Fritz

Taylor J. Park

Kathleen A. Wood

Brandy J. Gratzinger

Stacey L. Parks

Jeanie Hardy

Rachel Prettiman

Satannia Hayden

Natoshia D. Pryor

Susan Hilchey-Gossard

Erica L. Raschiatore

Annastacia M. Holchin

Amber L. Reagan

53.62% of Excela Health RNs have earned a BSN or higher nursing degree, surpassing the 2018 Organizational Goal of 50.00%

ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND AWARDS

Celebrating CERTIFIED NURSES Acute/Critical Care Nursing Melissa E. Anderson Kaitlin L. Balchik Josilyn M. Burnsworth Benjamin L. Collins Kala S. Hutchinson Alexandria J. Kopco Lori J. Lorenzi Brittany L. Lubinsky Bridget M. Matthews Ericka C. Mough Kathleen A. Radocaj Bridget M. RaďŹ&#x20AC;erty-Himler Glenn M. Repko Karen K. Scanlan Christen M. Stercho Lisa Tomko Terry J. Walker Robin D. Weyandt William M. Widmann

Patricia A. Lebin Jacqueline J. Peterson Certified Case Manager Joyce A. Hodczak Susette J. Lasher Rosanne R. Maticko Stefanie J. Smith Edith K. Spinneweber

Certified in Executive Nursing Practice Mary Mantese Certified in Infection Control Mary J. Bellush Deborah M. Schotting

Certified Childbirth Educator Susan K. Patula

Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse Kortnee M. McGinnis Cari A. Reidmiller

Certified Diabetes Educator Michele L. Axelson

Certified Nurse Educator Deborah Y. Lewis

Certified Emergency Nurse Diane M. Davis Laurie G. Dearmitt

Certified Nurse Operating Room LeAnn Kaltenbaugh

Acute Critical Care Knowledge Professional Deborah B. Jenkins

Certified Flight Registered Nurse Lori J. Lorenzi

Certified Occupational Health Nurse Eileen M. Kantorik Megan B. Kapolka

Certificate for OASIS Specialist - Clinical Laura J. Davis Jennifer B. Faris Cheryl A. Johnson

Cerified Hospice and Palliative Nurse Gretchen W. Peske

Certified Occupational Health Nurse-Case Management Patricia L. Vomish

Congratulations to Nurse Educator Deborah Jenkins, MSN, RN, RN-BC, CCRN-K, who recently obtained the achievement of being continuously certified as a Critical Care Registered Nurse for 30 years in 2018. Deb received national recognition from the American Association of CriticalCare Nurses and is one of 521 CCRNâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nationally who were honored in 2018 for 30 years of continuous certification. In addition to being a CCRN, she is also certified in Nursing Professional Development. Thank you, Deb, for your commitment to the nursing profession and congratulations on your tremendous professional achievement!

Certified Ostomy Care Nurse Patricia Hutchinson

Clinical Nurse Leader Jessica A. Love

Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality Denise D. Addis Bonnie E. Barnhart Carrie A. Horner AnneMarie Scekeres Jessica L. Spiker

Ergonomics Specialist Eileen M. Kantorik

Certified Professional in Healthcare Risk Management Denise A. Smail Certified Professional in Patient Safety Jennifer M. Gregory Certified Surgical Services Manager Credential LeAnn Kaltenbaugh Certified Wound Care Nurse Lori E. Crawford Patricia Hutchinson Kimberly L. Strashensky Certified Wound Ostomy Nurse Abby E. Johnston Certified Wound Specialist Darlene M. Brottish Anna K. South Certified Wound, Ostomy, Continence Nurse Sandralee Hartman Sarah M. Vanderelli

Holistic Stress Management Instructor Elizabeth S. Minerva Inpatient Obstetric Nursing Barbara A. Bumar Waynette C. Reynolds International Board Certified Lactation Consultant Tracey M. Downs Ann Kremer Roseann Rudy Taylor B. Stiﬄer Lactation Counselor Mandy M. Emmick Taylor B. Stiﬄer Maternal Newborn Nursing Jessie N. Hall Kathryn L. Kepple Janine P. Wright Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse Ann M. Becquet Nurse Executive Advanced Helen K. Burns Traci M. Fick Nurse Executive Brandi B. Hall Elizabeth R. Labish

Michelle D. Lewis Glenn M. Repko Maryann Singley Prehospital Registered Nurse Carrie A. Oshie Jeﬀ Siegel Nicole M. Komenda Progressive Care Nursing (Adult) Virginia R. Iscrupe Jennifer A. Kruel Elizabeth A. Kulick Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist Elizabeth A. Dell Registered Nurse Board Certified Sally E. Backus - Informatics Deborah A. Barricklow - Psychiatric and Mental Health Katie M. Brant - Psychiatric and Mental Health Rebecca E. Breegle - Medical Surgical Nursing Stacey L. Bush - Ambulatory Care Jacquelyn M. Crowe - Medical Surgical Nursing Karen M. Edmunds - Informatics Sheila M. Farina - Nursing Professional Development Kennette A. Grohal - Informatics Dawn M. Henry - Gerontological Nursing Patricia J. Hobaugh - Medical Surgical Nursing Deborah B. Jenkins - Nursing Professional Development

Kacie S. Klimchock - Medical Surgical Nursing Nicole M. Komenda - Emergency Nurse Rhiannon E. May - Psychiatric and Mental Health Heather L. Miller - Psychiatric and Mental Health Rachel R. Prettiman - Psychiatric and Mental Health Randy D. Pritts - Psychiatric and Mental Health Donna L. Ross - Medical Surgical Nursing Amanda N. Urosek - Cardiac-Vascular William M. Widmann - Informatics Patricia A. Yorko - Psychiatric and Mental Health Unified System Data for Medical Rehabilitation Michelle A. Stevens Vascular Access - Board Certified Allison M. Squires Wound Care Certified Christine D. Maust Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist Amy L. Acie Staci A. Alexander Jessica L. Angelicchio William J. Antonucci Michele A. Bailey Terri L. Baker

Melissa A. Barras Robin L. Bell Gabrielle T. Beltz Lisa J. Berdar Brian D. Berry Jr. Richard L. Burkey Jr. Danielle M. Cooley Sarah E. Copanzzi Linette E. Copelli Melissa A. Cunningham Carol A. Curry Michael A. DeBroeck Ann C. Delattre Cynthia J. Donatelli Terry L. Doney Joseph F. Dorazio III Lori A. Droschak Patricia M. Eisner Jennifer L. Ellena Diane S. Fair Cynthia C. Gladora Amy L. Graham Danielle R. Gray Lisa A. Groft David J. Guidry Cara L. Haines Joseph H. Herman Deborah A. Hill Elizabeth A. Hollar Brian D. Holt Todd A. Hrtyanski Julie B. Hutchinson Mark A. Kantola Rae Ann Kozinko Patricia A. Kuster Jillian M. Lager Leslie J. McClarren

Stephen P. Miller Beverly A. Nickelson Tammy L. Nuzzo Theodore J. Oshie Yvonne M. Rafter Donna P. Ross Joelle S. Sabatine Victor F. Sansing Jr. Heather L. Scanlon Kristen Schnauber Nicholas L. Shinsky Megan C. Spivak Rebecca A. Sullivan Stephen M. Taylor Susan M. Tranchine Vicki L. Vecchiolla Lisa M. Vittone Renee F. Wilson Certified Registered Nurse Practitioners Family Mary C. Augustine Ashley L. Batsa Vicki L. Beal Kimberly L. Beck Matthew T. Beckman Emily L. Bele Brittany E. Brown Elizabeth A. Byers Maria T. Chichilla Laurie M. Christner Sally A. Cline Amanda L. Connors Lauren E. Cowan Erin Q. Dieter Maryann C. Dowling

Kayla M. Ellis Kelly E. Emswiler David Geiger Keri L. George Mallory N. Gergely Tami L. Judy Toni L. Maline Lydia J. Manzini Samantha L. Martin Charlene M. McFeeley Janine M. Meneghini Rebecca A. Monteparte Diane L. Navarre Dawn L. Repak Shawnaa L. Rutkowsky Beth Ann M. Schmidle Bernadette M. Sherman Leslie M. Skweres Rene Smail Danielle J. Smith Kelly R. Snively Anna K. South Jennifer B. Stewart Chantal E. Trice Randy D. Wadsworth Jr. Tara L. Welsh Leanne Wiltrout Neonatal Susan M. Barbarossa Ann M. Becquet Kathleen M. Campbell Kathleen S. Eisensmith Karen Y. Ewing Mary K. Kish Merry L. Kruger Amy H. Medved

Regina M. O'Leary Lisa M. Sontheimer Women's Healthcare Mary P. Draghi Cathy A. Piper Acute Care MaryBeth Mazur Advanced Oncology Raymond P. Paronish Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Jerod C. Smith

19.14% of eligible RNs hold a National Certification, surpassing the 2018 Organizational Goal of 14%

ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND AWARDS

DAISY Award Recipients

“

Excela Health proudly participates in the DAISY® Foundation’s Award program for extraordinary nurses and nursing teams. The DAISY® Foundation was established in 1999 and is in place internationally to reward and celebrate exceptional nurses and nursing teams for demonstrating excellence through both clinical expertise and compassionate care. DAISY® Award recipients are nominated by patients, families, and coworkers and nominations are judged on compassionate care, knowledge, teamwork, clinical expertise and professional collaboration.

To say "thank you" seems inadequate and certainly doesn't capture my gratitude. You are truly an exceptional person dealing with death on a daily basis and the flood of emotion that comes with it.

“

Arnold goes above and beyond to see that every one of his patients gets the proper care that they deserve.

May

Catherine Zehner, BSN, RN Progressive Care Unit, Latrobe

“

March

Arnold Wade, RN Step-down Unit Westmoreland

“

Lois Wozny, BSN, RN Home Care & Hospice

“

January

She could see how frightened I was so she took extra time with me explaining the problem. I felt at peace knowing she was caring for me.

“

Throughout this entire terrifying situation, Sheila has provided me with the best support I could ask for. She made an extremely terrifying situation much more bearable and for that I will always be grateful.

DAISY Team Award

“

September

Sheila Farina, MSN, RN-BC Nurse Navigator

November

Kelly Glaser, RN 3D Acute Complex Care Unit Westmoreland

“

Bobbi gave me a hug and whispered in my ear ‘From one sister nurse to another, you do not have to be a nurse right now, be a wife.’ She will never know how much I needed to hear that.

The team at Westmoreland Hospital’s ICU embodies the mission, vision, and values that Excela Health strives to provide to every patient, every time. My family is eternally grateful to the ICU care team and their steadfast devotion to optimal patient care and outcomes. You are second to none!

“

Bobbi Robino, RN Emergency Department, Westmoreland

“

July

Kelly is competent, caring and tuned in. I could sense when she was on the floor. An uplifting air of joyfulness came over the staﬀ and patients. Westmoreland Hospital is fortunate to have her as part of their team.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND AWARDS

Connecting Clinical Exceence wi Outcomes THE PATIENT EXPERIENCE The Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) is a standardized patient satisfaction survey required by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for all inpatient hospital units in the United States. These survey questions ensure patients have an opportunity to share their experiences by scoring answers to specific questions related to their care. The quantifiable results create national benchmarks for comparison with other hospitals and are reported publicly for organizational accountability. Many of the HCAHPS survey questions are directly related to nursing care or are factors that are enhanced through nursing care. In the outpatient and ambulatory care areas, Outpatient and Ambulatory Surgery Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (OAS CAHPS) is utilized in the same fashion as the HCAHPS for inpatient locations. In addition, Excela Health collects patient satisfaction responses from patient care experiences in all three Emergency Departments.

“

Excela Nursing strives to exceed national benchmarks on all reportable survey scores. Pictured are the units across Excela Health that achieved perfect scores in all of the survey domains in at least one month in 2018, exceeding national benchmarks!

“

When you place patients at the center of their care and do the right thing –consistently –scores take care of themselves. Helen K. Burns, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN, Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer

2018 Units/Departments wiî&#x201E;» a PERFECT HCAHP/OASCAHP SCORE (LH) 6 NEURO/JOINTWORKS (LH) 2E (LH) 4 SURGICAL

LAUREL SURGICAL CENTER

(WH) 4AB

(WH) 1E

(WH) 2E

(LH) 4 SURGICAL

EXCELA SQUARE AT NORWIN

(FH) EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT

(WH) 4D

LAUREL SURGICAL CENTER

(WH) 4AB

(WH) 4D

LAUREL SURGICAL CENTER EXCELA SQUARE AT NORWIN

EXCELA SQUARE AT NORWIN

(WH) 3D

(WH) 6 INTENSIVE CARE/ STEP DOWN UNITS

(WH) EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT

(WH) 2AB

(WH) FAMILY ADDITIONS MATERNITY CENTER (5 OB/POSTPARTUM)

(LH) EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT

(WH) 6 INTENSIVE CARE/ STEP DOWN UNITS

(FH) AMBULATORY SURGERY

(WH) 4D (LH) 4 SURGICAL (FH) FRICK HOSPITAL

(LH) LATROBE HOSPITAL

(WH) WESTMORELAND HOSPITAL

ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND AWARDS

SCHOLARSHIP Awardees There are several scholarships and grants available to Excela Health staﬀ as part of the Education Assistance Program. In 2018, three nurses were awarded scholarships to aid in their eﬀorts in continuing education.

Congratulations TO THE FOLLOWING WINNERS THOMAS P. GESSNER, MD HEALTHCARE SCHOLARSHIP This scholarship is awarded annually to Excela Health employees who are currently enrolled in an accredited institution of higher education for one of the healthcare professions requiring education beyond an undergraduate degree. Joni Powell, BSN, RN, Clinical Nurse Coordinator, Heart Center, Westmoreland Hospital Megan Seibel, BSN, RN, Staﬃng Support Team/Relief Nursing Supervisor, Latrobe Hospital

WALTER C. SHAW MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP This scholarship is awarded annually to provide financial assistance for nurses employed by Latrobe Hospital who are enrolled in an accredited school of nursing for an advanced clinical degree. Jordan Culler, BSN, RN, Emergency Department, Latrobe Hospital

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Keep your thoughts positive because your thoughts become your words. Keep your words positive because your words become your behavior. Keep your behavior positive because your behavior becomes your habits. Keep your habits positive because your habits become your values. Keep your values positive because

your values become your destiny. MAHATMA GANDHI