NURSE H O U S T O N
M E T H O D I S T
SUMMER 2018
COVER STORY
ST. CATHERINE GETS PATHWAY DESIGNATION
ONE YEAR FOR THE WOODLANDS
TRAFFICKING POLICY IN THE WORKS
LTACH first of its kind to get distinguished honor
The system’s newest hospital celebrates anniversary, successes
Houston Methodist nurse raising awareness of issue
Liisa Ortegon Senior vice president and chief nursing executive Houston Methodist Hospital
Becky Chalupa Vice president and chief nursing officer Houston Methodist San Jacinto Hospital
Janet Leatherwood Vice president and chief nursing officer Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital
Barbara Quandt Interim vice president and chief nursing officer Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital
Vicki Brownewell Vice president and chief nursing officer Houston Methodist West Hospital
NURSE H O U S T O N
M E T H O D I S T
SUMMER 2018
At Houston Methodist, nurses know the importance of Magnet® designation and striving to maintain that level of excellence. This spring, Houston Methodist St. Catherine Hospital became the latest to obtain Pathway to Excellence designation, putting them on the Magnet journey. Learn about what steps they took and how being a long-term acute care hospital posed its own challenges. Also in this issue you’ll read about how Houston Methodist is tackling the issue of human trafficking by implementing a policy and training on what to look for and who to contact if a victim is identified. This summer, Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital is celebrating its one-year anniversary so you’ll hear all about the growth it has seen and its plans for the next year.
Email Kelli Gifford at kagifford@houstonmethodist.org if you have any comments about the magazine or potential story ideas.
MAGAZINE EDITOR Kelli Gifford EDITORIAL BOARD MEMBERS
Katherine Walsh Vice president and chief nursing officer Houston Methodist St. John Hospital
Rosario Alvarado
Shuntá Fletcher
Amy Barnett
Jackie Gendrich
Jessica Bright
Jessica Saavedra Serrano
Rod Evans
Robyn Washington
Sarah Fleming GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Kerrie Guerrero Vice president and chief nursing officer Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital
2 HOUSTON METHODIST NURSE | SUMMER 2018
Amy Smith Cover photo: Smitha Francis, registered nurse at Houston Methodist St. Catherine Hospital, tends to an LTACH patient.
CONTENTS
07
08
18
04
Workshop focuses on new Magnet® guidelines
05
Houston Methodist Virtual Care
06
Start Thinking Now About Retirement
07
Raising Awareness for Trafficking
08
Nurses Week
10
Cover Story: St. Catherine Achieves Pathway
14
The Woodlands’ One-Year Anniversary
18
Hospital Digests
22
Awards & Accolades LEADERS IN NURSING | SUMMER 2018 3
Houston Methodist Transformational Leadership Workshop: Leading in a Magnet® Culture By Nina Hawthorne The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) has released new guidelines to obtain Magnet designation in its 2019 Magnet Application Manual. It is well known that Houston Methodist is on an evolutionary journey to have each of its entities Magnet-designated. Magnet status demonstrates that the nursing culture is committed to building and advancing an environment of professional practice with superior performance and outcomes. Nursing leaders, on all levels, are at the forefront of creating this climate of excellence. Knowing this, the system Magnet program directors collaborated to provide insight to
HOUSTON METHODIST SUGAR LAND HOSPITAL
Physician developing palliative care program
Asha Wurdeman
Asha Wurdeman, DO, has joined the medical staff at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital to develop a palliative care program that will provide specialized care and support to patients undergoing complex treatments. 4 HOUSTON METHODIST NURSE | SUMMER 2018
nursing leaders on what impact the new guidelines may have on their role during the Transformational Leadership Workshop. Houston Methodist has dynamic nursing leaders who recognize the advantage of establishing a culture that demonstrates evidence of superior structures, processes and outcomes. The Transformational Leadership Workshop is an interactive course that guides the leaders along the path of connecting their everyday work to the core components (domains) of the Magnet model. The objectives/activities of the course include allowing the participants to
“Palliative medicine is a rapidly growing specialty that focuses on relieving the symptoms, pain and stress that patients experience during times of intense treatment,” Wurdeman says. Wurdeman will work with Houston Methodist Sugar Land physicians and nursing staff to help patients – and their family members – cope more effectively with the care they receive. “Palliative care is really about understanding each patient’s unique situation and helping develop strategies for improving the effectiveness of medical care during a time of great stress, when patients and their families are dealing with complex, often difficult treatments for serious illnesses or injuries,” Wurdeman says. “Aggressive care can often create its own special issues, such as nausea, side effects or pain, and palliative care specialists work to solve these problems.”
explore strategies that incorporate transformational leadership behaviors to cultivate and advance a Magnet culture of excellence, discussion of leadership examples of involvement with shared governance and how to lead with inclusion of evidence-based practice (EBP), quality improvement, research and innovation. Interesting dialogue occurred during the courses, which were held across the system. The nurse leaders were divided into groups and asked a series of questions that allowed them to collaborate and learn best practices from one another. They readily identified their role in creating a Magnet culture for their teams. Nursing leaders are encouraged to enroll in the Transformational Leadership Workshop by contacting their entities’ Magnet program director. Each offering is open to participants across the system.
Palliative care physicians also serve as liaisons between medical specialists and family members – explaining difficult concepts, answering questions and listening to concerns. “People often wish they were healthy enough not to need a hospital stay,” Wurdeman says. “Having an advocate who can take the time to listen and help solve issues is invaluable.” Wurdeman earned her doctor of osteopathic medicine degree from Midwestern University in Glendale, Az. She previously served as medical director of palliative care at CHI Health/Alegent Creighton Clinics in Omaha, Neb., before moving to Houston to take a similar role. “I am excited to have the opportunity to build a palliative care program at Houston Methodist Sugar Land,” Wurdeman said. “I know we can make a significant difference in the lives of our patients and their loved ones.”
Nurse Practitioner Part of Virtual Care Team Houston Methodist providers join online care group to provide care around the clock By Erik Noriega
providers and staff that truly believe in our I CARE values and want to provide a new innovative way to keep our patients healthy.” Montoya and her team visit with patients virtually through a special mobile app (available through the IOS and Android app stores). Providers can diagnose and treat many different conditions including allergies, cold and flu, rashes, sinus infections and more. For a full list of conditions visit houstonmethodist.org/virtualcare/faqs. “If we feel that a patient needs an in-person evaluation we might recommend that they be seen by their PCP or visit an urgent care center,” Montoya says.
While the service is currently only available to employees, Montoya has been keeping busy and is ready for the service to eventually expand to corporate partners and then to all patients. During the program’s first month, Montoya and her team have mostly seen patients suffering from urinary tract infections, colds, acute back pain and GI issues. The feedback she’s received from patients has been positive.
“The timing and convenience is new and unique for patients. They don’t have to take time off from work or are able to receive a sick slip to go home and rest.”
While virtual care is still relatively new, it’s very similar to a regular doctor visit, according to Montoya. A provider obtains a patient’s history and performs an exam on the patient via Kelly Montoya video conference. A diagnosis is made and treatment options are discussed During her almost four-year tour with patients from the convenience of in the Peace Corps, Kelly Montoya “Patients have been very satisfied with their home or office. learned two important things. First, our service,” Montoya says. “The how important accessible, quality “The advantage is that it provides timing and convenience is new and health care is for everyone’s well-being. real-time convenient care for the unique for patients. They don’t have to And second, that she wanted to do her patient. Virtual visits are best for acute take time off from work or are able to part to provide that access. non-emergent conditions,” Montoya receive a sick slip to go home and rest.” says. “However, there are limitations “My goal when I entered the health Montoya enjoys providing patients the to not being able to do the hands-on care field was always to become a immediate care that’s made possible assessment and tests that are done in family nurse practitioner,” Montoya by virtual visits. an office visit. For this reason, virtual says. “While I was in the Peace Corps visits are not yet appropriate for every there was an incredible NP on staff “Virtual care has been very fulfilling. illness or injury.” who became my role model and You can learn a great deal and get inspired me to go into the profession.” Houston Methodist Virtual Care is to know a person in a 10-15 minute virtual visit,” Montoya says. “The currently only available to Houston Today, Montoya is part of the Houston Methodist employees. Employees (and sense of communicating remotely Methodist Virtual Care team. The new dissolves when you start to get to the family members) insured through program launched May 7 and expands heart of the visit and it almost feels the Houston Methodist Medical Plan on Houston Methodist’s existing like you are physically with the patient. will receive free visits through 2018 telehealth services. Houston Methodist As long as I can help patients I’m by using a special discount code providers are working alongside fulfilled.” (the Group Number on any Houston providers from Online Care Group Methodist insurance card). Employees from Amwell to provide patients care and family members not insured 24 hours a day, seven days a week. through Houston Methodist are Visit houstonmethodist.org/virtual-care welcome to use the service at a cost “I’m very excited to be a part of this for more information about Houston of $50 per visit. new delivery model of care,” Montoya Methodist Virtual Care. says. “I’m surrounded by amazing LEADERS IN NURSING | SUMMER 2018 5
The Time Is Now to Think About Retirement By Angela Young When you reach retirement age, you may wish you had done some things differently during your years in the workplace. But one decision you will never regret is saving money for your retirement. Make no mistake, saving is a decision, and when you make the decision not to save, you’re putting your future in jeopardy. And the sooner you start, the more time to have for your nest egg to grow. Houston Methodist is committed to providing you with competitive and comprehensive benefits. It offers you two ways to save and build a foundation for a solid retirement: the Defined Contribution Plan (DCP) and the 403(b) Tax-Sheltered Annuity Plan. Here is what Houston Methodist provides:
DCP
You are automatically enrolled in the DCP when you begin working at Houston Methodist. To receive the annual contribution, you must work 1,000 hours during the calendar year and be employed on the last day of the year. The contributions are calculated based on years of service, position and base salary paid. For example, if you have been at Houston Methodist for six years, and you are earning $38 per hour
(working a 36-hour schedule) and you are not a management employee, Houston Methodist will contribute $2,134 into your DCP account in March if you are eligible. This is an automatic part of your total rewards for working here, and you can’t contribute to this plan. You are 100 percent vested in this money after you complete three vesting years of service. (Working 1,000 in a year will give you one year of vesting credit.) You can withdraw the funds from your Fidelity account when you retire and roll them over into an IRA, take a lump sum distribution or set up regular payments.
403(b)
The second way Houston Methodist contributes to your retirement savings is by matching your contributions to the 403(b) account. You can contribute 1 to 60 percent of your allowed compensation, up to the IRS contribution limit, which includes base salary, overtime, shift differentials and call time. Your contribution will be matched at 50 percent up to a maximum 2 percent match. If you don’t contribute at least 4 percent of your income, you are leaving free money on the table. Why not let Houston Methodist help you save for a secure retirement?
DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PLAN (DCP)
YEARS OF SERVICE
STAFF
MANAGEMENT/DIRECTORS
0-9
3%
0-9
10-19
4%
8%
20+
5%
9%
6 HOUSTON METHODIST NURSE | SUMMER 2018
THINGS TO REMEMBER 1. Start saving early. Even if you can only add 4 percent of your pay at the beginning, your money can start growing. 2. Get some professional help. Fidelity has experts to help you decide how to invest your money. You can call Fidelity at 800.343.0860 or visit netbenefits.com/Methodist to see all the options you have for investing money. You can set up a free appointment to get investment advice. Look for communications in the HR Weekly. 3. Let the money grow. This money is meant for your retirement years, and the Internal Revenue Service imposes penalties for withdrawals made before you reach age 59 ½, so you’re much better off if you never touch this money until you retire. 4. Increase your savings percentage over time. Could you put in another 1 percent of your pay now? Try it and see if you even notice that it’s gone. You can change your contribution amount at netbenefits.com/Methodist.
You are 100 percent vested in this money after you complete three vesting years of service. (Working 1,000 hours in a year will give you one year of vesting credit.) You can change your contributions at any time by contacting Fidelity Investments at 800.343.0860. If you are a nonmanagement employee with fewer than 10 years of service you can get 5 percent of your pay in retirement contributions from Houston Methodist. When you have more tenure or have a management position, you can get even more.
Nurse Uses Niece’s Trafficking Plight to Bring Issue Into the Spotlight By Kelli Gifford
Melissa Graham
When Houston Methodist Hospital nurse Melissa Graham’s niece was 18, she was lured into the world of human trafficking after meeting a man online. She was taken from Indiana to Oregon and was finally tracked down by the FBI by tracing her phone. The men who took her were arrested, but not all stories end up with a positive outcome. This experience motivated Graham to form a multidisciplinary committee at Houston Methodist Hospital to create a policy on human trafficking – knowing what to look for and what to do if someone confides in them. The system is joining hospitals across the country in exploring their roles in stopping human trafficking, which is a growing international problem. Research has shown that nearly 88 percent of trafficking survivors encountered a health care professional at some point while captive, and Graham is determined to do her part to help.
“If you talk to most employees, they don’t even realize (we encounter victims) here at the hospital,” Graham says.
Social worker Allison Millette chose to be involved in the project after attending a “sobering” conference regarding survivors of human trafficking and health care.
Graham says trafficking victims often arrive with someone claiming to be a “With Houston Methodist Hospital spouse who won’t let the person out of being as large as it is, I can imagine his sight. “We’re supposed to be asking we’re missing some opportunities questions about whether they feel safe, to help victims of human trafficking but a lot of times you can read their escape this horrendous situation,” she face and they’re obviously not. You can says. “This is an issue that is not well make up an MRI story, you can make known in our community. People still up anything to get them separated.” think trafficking is not happening in their neighborhood, school or facility, Graham’s committee, which includes but the truth is it happens everywhere. members from social work, security, We all have a responsibility to stand spiritual care, guest management, up and say something when we see global and nursing, is first working to something that is very wrong.” get their policy implemented, then will work on educating staff. Staff chaplain Charles Abuyeka, Th.M, M.Div, provides a spiritual Patient liaison Sabrina Wallace says perspective to the committee, and also human trafficking is an important will help initiate relationships of care topic, but many people find it and support with trafficking victims uncomfortable to talk about. that creates a safe space for them to express themselves freely. “The reality is that Houston is a major national hub for human trafficking. “In doing so, I envision facilitating I decided to get involved with this storytelling, listening empathetically project because of the importance of and helping to identify emotional awareness. When more people become needs, spiritual needs or relational aware of a problem, it can help needs” he says. “Identification of destigmatize the victims.” these needs then paves ways for intervention. I believe the chaplain’s No patients at Houston Methodist non-anxious ministry of presence is Hospital have admitted to being key in crisis intervention.” trafficked, according to Graham, though she said she did approach The Texas government also has one in the Emergency Department recognized the role health care who she thought was a victim but the facilities play in human trafficking and female did not want to report it. passed a bill that require signs about trafficking to be posted in Emergency In Texas, if someone is an adult, you Departments, making the issue even cannot force them to report it, says more public. Graham, but if it’s a child or adult with disabilities, staff can report. “If “We see it on the news but we don’t someone tells us it’s happening, I have believe it comes into our world,” a group of people I would immediately Graham says. call. There’s also a national hotline that would put them in touch with the correct law enforcement. We also are able to call on their behalf with their permission.”
LEADERS IN NURSING | SUMMER 2018 7
NURSES WEEK
Houston Methodist Hospital
Houston Methodist San Jacinto Hospital
Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital
Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital
Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital
8 HOUSTON METHODIST NURSE | SUMMER 2018
Nursing Award Winners Houston Methodist Hospital Outstanding Graduate Nurse Thika Tran, RN Outstanding Preceptor Yadira de Leon, RN Outstanding Nurse Clinician Judith Villanueva, RN New Knowledge and Innovation Mary “Katie” Broadway Nursing Leadership James Gabo, RN Nursing Champion Jared Pittsenbargar, Radiology
Houston Methodist San Jacinto Hospital Outstanding Graduate Nurse Joni Cooper, RN Outstanding Preceptor Judith Robinson, RN Outstanding Nurse Clinician Telma Rodriguez, RN New Knowledge and Innovation Josephine Cadungog, RN Nursing Leadership LaDuska James, RN Nursing Champion Daniel Solis, MD, Emergency Department
Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital Outstanding Graduate Nurse Kristina Baltazar, RN
Nursing Leadership Candy Salazar, RN
Outstanding Preceptor Aby Johns, RN
Nursing Champion Jessica Saavedra Serrano, Nursing Administration
Outstanding Nurse Clinician Joan Good, RN
Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital Outstanding Graduate Nurse Amber Lehmann, RN Outstanding Preceptor Elizabeth Libby, RN Outstanding Nurse Clinician Valrie Sinchak, RN New Knowledge and Innovation Veronica Boutte, RN Nursing Leadership Claudia A. Ewers, RN Nursing Champion Dr. Dana Woods
Houston Methodist West Hospital Outstanding Graduate Nurse Michael Jaquez, RN
Nursing Leadership Julie Reyes, RN Nursing Champion Claudia Vela, Admitting
Houston Methodist St. Catherine Hospital Outstanding Graduate Nurse Shelby Husband, RN Outstanding Preceptor Eden Ybarola, RN New Knowledge and Innovation Viviane Teixeira, RN Nursing Leadership Sherry Diers, RN Nursing Champion Jesus San Mateo
Outstanding Preceptor Iana Philogene, RN
Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital
Outstanding Nurse Clinician Maureen Teoh, RN
Outstanding Nurse Clinician Lindsey Pimentel, RN
New Knowledge and Innovation Courtney Reynolds, RN
Outstanding Preceptor Jenny Rose Labador, RN – Medical/Surgical
Nursing Leadership Tracy Cimo, RN
Outstanding Preceptor Breanna Smith, RN
Nursing Champion Tere Jackson, Volunteer Services
Outstanding Nurse Clinician Theresa Walters, RN
Houston Methodist St. John Hospital
New Knowledge and Innovation Shermel Edwards Maddox, RN
New Knowledge and Innovation Amy McBroom, RN
Outstanding Graduate Nurse Madeline Deal, RN
New Knowledge and Innovation Alice Barasi, RN Nursing Leadership Meranda Barnes, RN Nursing Champion Ardis Anukem, PCA
LEADERS IN NURSING | SUMMER 2018 9
A JOURNEY WORTH St. Catherine becomes the first LTACH to receive Pathway to Excellence designation from ANCC
“We held shared governance boot camps to educate [the nurses] on the importance of Pathway. We brought out the Pathway standards and really talked to them in small groups one-on-one about what it means.” – Jennifer Cole, Nurse Educator, Houston Methodist St. Catherine Hospital
By Kelli Gifford Houston Methodist prides itself on upholding the highest standards in nursing. Four hospitals hold Magnet® status — the highest recognition of nursing excellence — and now another is on its way as Houston Methodist St. Catherine Hospital became the first Long-Term Acute Care Hospital (LTACH) to receive the Pathway to Excellence designation by ANCC.
designation.“I put together a group about what the structure would look like,” Anderson says. She then asked Jennifer Cole, nurse educator, to set a target date for submitting Pathway documents. They then formed a committee that met every Friday to work on the submission.
When the team received the call that they had achieved this honor, the Pathway commissioner told them they had never seen scores that high in every category on the survey and that it “really shows your commitment to quality patient care, employee engagement and excellence.”
“Even when the members couldn’t be at the meetings because they were working on the floors, they would be out there gathering stories for narratives,” Cole says. “For instance, I told one nurse I needed a narrative on something and she took that topic and went out and found someone.”
The journey to Pathway to Excellence really vamped up when
At first it was difficult to gather the information, according to Anderson,
THE DISTANCE Amy Anderson, director of patient care services, joined St. Catherine in 2017 and was tasked by administrator Gary Kempf to work toward the
but the nurses became even more encouraged once they realized they were doing everything already, they just needed to put it in writing.
Cole says that when the nurses really understood what was behind Pathway, they became even more engaged. “We held shared governance boot camps to educate them on the importance of Pathway. We brought out the Pathway standards and really talked to them in small groups one on one about what it means.” With Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital not being open at the time, St. Catherine was the only facility to not have a Pathway or Magnet designation. “We told (the nursing staff) what the expectation was throughout the system and what the others have done,” Cole says. “Then we added the communication to staff meetings, posted the Pathway standards in our off-stage areas and even talked about it at annual competency. They just kept hearing it.” Though St. Catherine is an LTACH and functions differently than larger hospitals, the requirements of obtaining Pathway to Excellence are no different. Continued on next page
LEADERS IN NURSING | SUMMER 2018 11
“Being part of the (Houston Methodist) system really helped us. As an LTACH, it’s hard to meet the standards if not part of a hospital system.” – Amy Anderson, director of patient care services at Houston Methodist St. Catherine Hospital
“We demonstrated what WE did,” Cole says. “The questions are written in a general sense so you just write what you did to meet that standard.” They looked at what other acutecare hospitals submitted and since St. Catherine doesn’t have a large variety of units, they had to focus on Med-Surg and ICU. Then for quality, they looked at their quality indicators, which are slightly different from other acute-care hospitals. “Being part of the (Houston Methodist) system really helped us,” Anderson says. “As an LTACH, it’s hard to meet the standards if not part of a hospital system.” She used the Graduate Nurse Residency Program as an example of how the hospital grows its nurses, and also the resources it benefits from, such as supply chain, Healthy Directions, I CARE in Action and certification programs. Houston Methodist West Hospital was a close collaborator with St. Catherine in the preparation of documents and submission. “The documents were due Nov. 1 and we uploaded everything the day before,” Cole says. “One of the employees from West who helped submit their documents came over and we did it together. West really helped us a lot, and we’re paying it forward by helping The Woodlands.”
12 HOUSTON METHODIST NURSE | SUMMER 2018
About St. Catherine When Houston Methodist St. Catherine became part of Houston Methodist in 2014, it was a great opportunity to make it the system’s first long-term acute care hospital. Now this fall, the hospital will become Houston Methodist Continuing Care Hospital to better reflect the services it offers. Amy Anderson, director of patient care services, said most patients at the larger hospitals have an average stay of just over seven days, but at St. Catherine the patients are there for around 25 days. The majority of the patients at St. Catherine come from Houston Methodist West or Houston Methodist Hospital, but it serves others as well. The hospital has, on average, 50 patients at a time at different
acuity levels, treating those with LVADs, ventilators, tracheotomies and neuro, among others. Even while caring for high-acuity patients, Anderson says they have had no hospital-acquired pressure ulcers, which is a big accomplishment for a hospital where patients stay so long. Because patients stay at St. Catherine longer, the staff works hard to get to know them more personally.
“The patient on the ventilator came with family and home nurse,” Anderson says. “We were happy to be able to help where we could during the storm.” St. Catherine is licensed for 102 beds and operating 58, but it also has a telemetry unit of 26 beds that operates 17. “During the flu season, we also open extra beds for West and take care of those patients,” says Anderson.”
“One time a patient loved animals and Now that the hospital has reached wanted to watch the Animal Channel, Pathway to Excellence designation, which we didn’t have,” said Jennifer the team is working toward the Cole, nurse educator. “So we ended Beacon Award for the ICU and the up getting it. It’s the little things that make a difference in their hospital stay.” PRISM Award for Med-Surg. During Hurricane Harvey last August, St. Catherine opened its doors to two LVAD patients and a ventilator patient who feared they would lose power and not be able to be near an outlet.
“Of course, Magnet is our long-term goal,” Anderson says.
LEADERS IN NURSING | SUMMER 2018 13
HOUSTON METHODIST THE WOODLANDS HOSPITAL
Celebrating One Year of Excellence This summer, Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital proudly celebrated one year of leading medicine in Montgomery County and the northern Houston region. The hospital leadership team served lunch and cake to the hospital’s 1,000 employees and welcomed a very special guest — the first baby born at the hospital on opening day.
• 16,900 emergency room visits • 1,400 cardiac catheterization procedures • 4,500 surgeries
“When we opened our doors of the hospital, our mission was to provide the brand of leading medicine families expected from our flagship hospital in the Texas Medical Center, close to home. We committed to provide unparalleled safety, quality, service “We were pleased to invite the and innovation to families in the hospital’s first baby, Jaxon Neal, and northern Houston region, and today his family to celebrate this milestone we are living that mission,” added with us. Jaxon is now 1-year-old, too,” Sukin. “I could not be more proud of said Debbie Sukin, CEO, Houston our amazing team, and we know we Methodist The Woodlands. “He would not have seen such a successful walked into the party like a VIP; it was truly a touching moment for everyone.” first year without the support of this great community.” Jaxon shared a lot of high-fives with nurses and reunited with team members from the childbirth center who were part of his delivery on the day the hospital opened. He was excited to see all of the balloons and dig into his very own birthday cake. During the one-year celebration, the leadership team recognized the medical staff and employees for their hard work as they reflected on the hospital’s growth and accomplishments of the first 12 months.
Trent Fulin, VP of Operations, Debby Hughes, director of Human Resources, and Debbie Sukin, CEO, cut the cake as the hospital celebrates its first anniversary on June 26.
Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital celebrates one year of excellence.
CEO Debbie Sukin looks on as the hospital’s first baby, Jaxon Neal, indulges in his birthday cake.
Employees sign a board commemorating the hospital’s first anniversary.
Houston Methodist The Woodlands’ first baby, Jaxon Neal, offers a high-five to Hope Barbosa, one of the hospital’s 1,000 employees.
Imaging department staff and the hospital leadership team take a team photo commemorating the hospital’s one-year anniversary.
Some impressive numbers tell the story of an incredible first year and Houston Methodist The Woodlands’ commitment to the community: • • • • •
1,000 employees 1,500 births 21,200 inpatient days 30,000 volunteer hours 6,500 admissions
14 HOUSTON METHODIST NURSE | SUMMER 2018
HOUSTON METHODIST WILLOWBROOK HOSPITAL
system as a nurse-driven process that begins in triage but becomes a platform for a multidisciplinary approach to patient care. “We work together quickly as a team when a neuro-alert presents and a Code CVA is called. It takes radiology, labs, nurses, techs and physician involvement to ensure the best clinical outcome.”
ER Nurses Rely Daily on Teleneurology Emergency room nurses at Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital play a vital role in the implementation of teleneurology communication where board-certified fellowshiptrained neurologists remotely diagnosis patients with stroke symptoms. Teleneurology is an emerging branch of telemedicine that could be described as neurological consultation from a distance. Using a computer and the internet, ER nurses are utilizing the technology daily to deliver lifesaving quality care in the treatment and diagnosis of patients with symptoms related to stroke. Neurologists have reported that the telemonitor cart has greatly improved their ability to provide patient assessments and decisions on treatment plans when on-call. The technology became necessary for after-hour and weekend crises when a neurologist may not be onsite. In most cases, an urgent rapid
response is needed to determine whether the patient is a candidate for tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) for ischemic strokes. tPA works by dissolving the clot and improving blood flow to the part of the brain being deprived of blood flow. With teleneurology, neurologists evaluate the patient via the telemonitor in real time, zooming in on the patient, talking to him/her and talking to family members to decide if they are a candidate for tPA. Since time is of the essence in the case of treating a stroke, teleneurology allows for rapid information-sharing in real time. According to Sarah Tolman, BSN, RN, CEN trainer for teleneurology, the process involves an initial evaluation by a nurse trained in stroke symptoms. The nurse calls a “neuro-alert” and the patient is moved to a “neuro launch pad” where a team conducts further assessment. A cerebral vascular accident (Code CVA) is called and a CT scan is obtained. Simultaneously, the teleneurology machine is being turned on while the ER physician is on the phone with the neurologist. ER clinical nurse Kristy Esterline, BSN, RN, describes the teleneurology
Esterline explains family members also get involved in helping doctors put a timeline together for the patient. Neurologists utilize the video screen to speak directly with family members and make a more informed decision. This process has been very wellreceived by families who appreciate interacting live with a specialist. Latoya Lockett, MHA/MBA, BSN, RN, CEN, former nurse educator at Willowbrook, introduced teleneurology to Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital after attending the annual Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) Conference. By October 2017, nurses were being trained on the telemedicine component and it was put into use. The service is available Monday Friday from 4 p.m. to 7 a.m., Saturday, Sunday, and observed Houston Methodist holidays, 24 hours. Teleneurology is specifically activated for patients with suspected acute stroke symptoms with possibility of acute interventions; and is also available for other neurological emergencies (e.g., multiple sclerosis, neurological conditions, including headache, epilepsy, stroke, and movement disorders and dementia) as needed.
LEADERS IN NURSING | SUMMER 2018 15
HOUSTON METHODIST THE WOODLANDS HOSPITAL
Cancer Survivor Finally Gets Chance to Ring the Bell After finishing her radiation treatment in the Texas Medical Center, cancer patient Heather Cook never got the opportunity to ring the bell, signifying the end of her treatment. A short time later, Cook was admitted to Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital for an unrelated illness. When nurses got word that she did not get to ring the ceremonious bell, they knew exactly what to do. The newly opened hospital had not yet taken its bell out of the box to install. So, the cancer center made a special delivery to Cook’s room, allowing her to be the first patient to ring the bell in The Woodlands. “It was so spiritually healing. God was certainly involved,” said Cook. “So many miracles happen at Houston Methodist The Woodlands. Every time I am there I am overwhelmed by the faith of their nurses and staff — they are all my angels.”
16 HOUSTON METHODIST NURSE | SUMMER 2018
Houston Methodist Hospital Hosts TMC Research Symposium Houston Methodist Hospital hosted the first Nursing Science at the Bedside conference, which was was the product of several years of collaboration among the members of the Texas Medical Center Nursing Research Collaborative, a group that serves as a platform for advancing the science of nursing care through the thoughtful development, evaluation and implementation of research. The council consists of members from each of the Texas Medical Center (TMC) institutions and hosts bimonthly meetings where best practices from each institution are shared. This conference was the culmination of the commitment to advance the science of practice through open engagement with and transparent sharing of research and evidence based practice from the respective institutions. More than 200 nurses registered for the conference, which took place April 13 at the Houston Methodist Research Institute. The event included a rousing keynote address from Ellen FineoutOverholt, PhD, RN, FAAN, on the important role of nurses in leading the translation of science to practice. Subsequent podium and panel presentations featured speakers from many of the TMC institutions, including Shannan Hamlin, Nicole Fontenot and Jo-Anne Senneff from Houston Methodist Hospital.
In addition, there were 20 poster presentations representing evidencebased practice initiatives from across the TMC. Posters from Houston Methodist included: 1. Ayumi Fielden, Pam Northrop, Laura Ortiz, and Holly Rodriguez. “Bridging the Gap: Increasing the Crititical Care Knowledge and Skills in PACU Residents” Best Poster, 3rd place 2. Ann Maguire and Emilyn Rodriguez. “Implementing a Respite Area to Reduce Stress Levels in Nurses” 3. Janet Gilmore, Monica Harrelson and Timothy Clark. “Use of Zero-Heat-Flux Thermometry to Measure Perioperative Temperatures” Best Poster, 1st place 4. Marlisa Hardy. “Journey to Reducting Psychiatric Readmission Rate” 5. Lorelie Lazaro and Christine Ouko. “Decreasing CLABSI through I CARE” 6. Kelly Ward. “E-FIT: EmergencyFunctionality, Innovation, and Throughput” 7. Katie Broadway, Stephanie Jeansonne and Jason Lee. “Post tPA Neuro Vitals: A New Approach with the Help of an Old Friend”
2018 Good Samaritan Foundation Excellence in Nursing Award Winners The following nurses from throughout Houston Methodist were recognized by the Good Samaritan Foundation. They will be honored at a luncheon in September. GOLD Houston Methodist Hospital Emmanuel Javaluyas Dalvir (Debbie) Kaur Norma Sheridan-Leos
Houston Methodist West Hospital
Virginia Bona Raymond Burns Sasha Coffey Gail Kenny Denise Martinez Ebony Munroe Terri Valdez
Laura Espinosa Suzanne Garmon Rachel Miller Abanilla Gabriela Valladares
Jennifer Bridges Linda Castillo LaDuska James Lisa Lingo Christina Medard Allison Thomas
Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital
Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital Ronald Malit
SILVER Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital Cristina Dimafiles
BRONZE Houston Methodist Hospital LaDonna Christy Karen Edwards Jackie Florez Shannan Hamlin Christine Ouch Sharon Tatum Judith Tuppil Judith Villanueva Aerica Williams
Houston Methodist San Jacinto Hospital
Debora Cotie Ayumi Fielden Nicole Fontenot Lorelie Lazaro Holly Shui Hon Tran Jane Ugochukwu Robyn Washington
Houston Methodist St. John Hospital Maria Socci Rhonda Young
Sumaiyyah Amir
Sheila Balagtas
Houston Methodist St. Catherine Hospital
Aubrey Bernardo-Balunsat
Reena Binu Christine Crabb Chung-Win (Joy) Fey
Macie Miller
Christine Fisher Siu Lim Micheline Moreno Ingita Patel Maria Rosario Reyes Gertrudes Swanson Shaini Thomas
Elizabeth Barnett Madonna Ogaro Dana Samaways
Cara Bretz Celin Demavivas Shermel Edwards Maddox
Catalina Jaramillo Luz V. Malit Ash Nair Miram Quiambao Robin Smith Anice Thomas Anitha Thomas
Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital
Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital Eileen Calumpang Blessie Garcia Ranei Johnson Leah Miller Mary Richardson
Cressida Lou Corpuz Jan Hansard Joanna Jumper Elaine Ngitit Leung Shiu
Geraldine Tolibas
Houston Chronicle Salute to Nurses Top 150 Nurses 2018 Houston Methodist Hospital
Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital
Houston Methodist St. John Hospital
Ayoka Badmus (Top 15) LaDonna Christy Gian de la Calzada Karen Edwards Janice Finder Hong Tran
Gilbert Barrera Tiffany Bell De La Fee Calzada Christine Fisher Mary Harris Minimol Manavalan
Cynthia Broussard
Bettie Chapman David Deabreu Susan Dorman Ayumi Fielden Shelly Moran Judith Villanueva
Clemente “Mario” Savaria
Houston Methodist San Jacinto Hospital
Stella Tomy
Wanda Bataud Reena Binu Deion Cross Paula Froelich Ronald Malit Diane McGraw Sally Shen Gayl Weisz
Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital Kim Gensler Stacy Moye
Josephine Cadungog (Top 15) Karen Childs
Pauline Fivecoat Deanna Nichols Dorothy Terry
Doug Grimes Weena Sia Susan Zamora
Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital Rosheka Henderson Christine Le Drew Williams
Jennilyn Lano Michelle Lauterbach
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Houston Methodist March for Babies Teams Step Up to the Challenge
DIGEST
Each of the Houston Methodist March for Babies teams stepped up their game and raised a record $101,270 for the March of Dimes. The teams would like to thank everyone who supported them for helping to make this happen. It is with compassion for premature babies, donations and drive to get it done that the campaign was a success. A special thank-you to the team captains: San Jacinto – Karen Childs/Stewart Dallas; St. John – Laura Roberts; Sugar Land – Michelle Smith; The Woodlands – Jean Gilbert; HMH – Melissa Dover/ Anna Duhon/Marissa Kubiak; Willowbrook – Laura Wahl/ Myra Dorman/Christa Duffy; West – Lynnette McPherson/ Melody Baliang. Not only did the teams raise money for such a worthwhile cause, they raised awareness and had a fun time walking in their perspective counties.
Choir Performs at Astros Game Houston Methodist Hospital and Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital staff choirs performed the National Anthem at a Houston Astros game in May.
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HOUSTON METHODIST HOSPITAL New Residency Program Launches The first PACU Transition to Practice Residency Program for acute-care experienced nurses officially kicked off this summer. This dynamic program offers a residency that guides the transition from acute care to the PACU specialty. The program is five months long and offers the nurse residents the opportunity to acquire all of the knowledge and skills needed to practice in the PACU environment. The class offers not only lecture, but high-fidelity patient simulation along with extensive rotations throughout the various ICUs and PACUs within Houston Methodist. The program is being facilitated by Ayumi Fielden, MSN, RN, CCRN, CPAN, Pamela Northrop, MSN, RN, CPAN, and is directed by Hong Tran RN, NE-BC.
Left to right back row: Darchell Fisher, Samantha Nino, Elizabeth Chu. Left to right front row: Kathleen Petrola, Hayden Strobel, Monica Nguyen Educators: Left, Pamela Northrop, and right, Ayumi Fielden.
Hayes and constructed in Florence, Italy, which was recently restored and relocated from the Fannin Street entrance of Houston Methodist Hospital. The atrium is designed to be a multisensory experience, with large skylights providing natural light. It is the hub connecting the new Walter Tower to the rest of the campus.
Using Yoga to Destress on the Units Walter Tower Atrium Named for Bushes CBS Sports Commentator Jim Nance, Maria Bush and Neil Bush were among the crowd gathered at the naming ceremony of the Barbara and President George H.W. Bush Atrium in the new Walter Tower on the Houston Methodist Hospital campus. The atrium features the 1963 “Extending Arms of Christ” mosaic mural designed by Bruce
Great things often come from disasters. The theme, “Together We Heal” from the Hurricane Harvey experience has gone a long way for the NICU. UAA Geneveve Lenders was doing her own meditation, breathing and some yoga moves during the ride-out portion of the storm prior to her sleep time. Her peaceful and relaxing aura invited the rest of NICU team to join her moves. The group instantly felt
the benefits of destressing in yoga and meditation. In March, Lenders started the Night Shift NICU Yoga group at the OPC gym after the night shift on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. To join the NICU Yoga sessions, contact Geneveve Lenders, Monday-Friday, 11 p.m.-7 a.m. 713.441.1040.
LEADERS IN NURSING | SUMMER 2018 19
Houston Methodist HOUSTON METHODIST SAN JACINTO HOSPITAL
DIGEST
ICU Earns Beacon Award The Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Houston Methodist San Jacinto Hospital has earned a gold-level Beacon Award for Excellence from the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN). The award recognizes unit caregivers who successfully improve patient outcomes and align practices with the AACN’s six Healthy Work Environment Standards. There are currently 37 Beacon units in Texas, and of those, only seven have achieved Beacon Award Gold level designation for an adult intensive care unit.
Dorothy Terry, nursing director of critical care, far right, with members of the Houston Methodist San Jacinto ICU staff.
More than 200 Certified Nurses Recognized Houston Methodist San Jacinto Hospital recognized the more than 200 certified nurses on its staff on Certified Nurses Day on March 19. The number of certified nurses at HMSJ has increased by 9 percent since 2014.
San Jacinto staff celebrate certified nurses.
HOUSTON METHODIST WEST HOSPITAL AORN West Houston Chapter Recognized
AORN 2018 Conference West Houston Chapter delegates
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The AORN West Houston Chapter was awarded The Chapter of the Year for Medium Size Category for 2017. In April, at the AORN Conference and Global Expo 2018 New Orleans, Rachel Miller Abanilla received the award on behalf of the West Houston Chapter. Abanilla is the Perioperative Educator for Houston Methodist West Hospital and was
the chapter vice president in 20132015, chapter president for the in 2015-17 and board member for 201719. Since its inception, the AORN West Houston Chapter has held a monthly meeting alternating between Houston Methodist West and Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus, providing CEU learning opportunities for its members and guests and volunteering in community service programs.
HOUSTON METHODIST WILLOWBROOK HOSPITAL Quandt Named Interim CNO Barbara Quandt has been named the interim chief nursing officer at Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital. She most recently served as director of medical-surgical nursing, where she had repeated success increasing specialization of patient care services, developing nursing leaders and fostering clinical and nursing excellence in a collaborative professional environment. Quandt played a key role in helping Houston Methodist Willowbrook achieve Magnet designation. She also serves as coordinator of the Primary Stroke Program. Under her tenure, the program has received multiple recognitions by the American Heart Association, including Target Stroke: Honor Roll Elite consecutively since 2016. Quandt has been with Houston Methodist since 1978.
Nursing Director Promoted to Associate CNO Makiltru “Kiki” Fontenette, MSN, RN, NE-BC, was recently promoted to Associate Chief Nursing Officer (ACNO) at Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital. Fontenette has been with Houston Methodist since February 2014. She most recently served as nursing director of Med/Surg 5 West and Observation. She has 11 years of progressive nursing leadership experience fostering collaborate professional relationships and achieving high-quality outcomes in the areas of patient care delivery, employee satisfaction and engagement, and patient satisfaction.
Philippine Nurses Association of North Houston Hosts Gala Team members attended the Philippine Nurses Association of North Houston gala, celebrating the organization’s seventh anniversary, on Saturday, June 2, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel. CEO Keith Barber and interim CNO Barbara Quandt spoke about the organization’s longstanding partnership with Houston Methodist as one of shared governance, mutual respect and growth. Barber and Quandt also recognized some key members, including outgoing president Jennilyn Lano.
traditions of 15 different cultures. The event also had a map of the world where employees could mark their country of origin. More than 260 people attended.
HOUSTON METHODIST THE WOODLANDS HOSPITAL
Setting Sail on Pathway to Excellence
Celebrating Culture and Diversity Houston Methodist Willowbrook celebrated culture and diversity at the Cultural Extravaganza on May 18 in the Swadesh Khurana Healing Garden as part of Hospital Week festivities. Departments shared the foods and
Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital set sail on its Pathway to Excellence designation, with Captain Kerrie Guerrero, CNO, and her leadership crew taking their maiden voyage to six exciting ports of call: shared decision-making; leadership; safety; quality; well-being and professional development. This is an important first step in earning recognition for nursing excellence and Houston Methodist The Woodland’s commitment to leading medicine in the community. LEADERS IN NURSING | SUMMER 2018 21
NURSING NEWS
ACCOLADES
Houston Methodist is proud to have nurses who are dedicated to the nursing profession, driven to achieve growth in their professional development, and creative and always compassionate in their care for patients.
HOUSTON METHODIST HOSPITAL
CPAN Examination.
Certifications
Jane Kavanagh, MSN, RN, NE-BC, obtained her MSN in Nursing Leadership from the University of Phoenix.
Marissa Kubiak, BSN, RN, IBCLC, has become an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. Nhi Yen Nguyen from Fondren 11 obtained her CVRN. Tanisha Grant from Fondren 11 is now a certified nurse practitioner. Ashley Junious from Jones 11 passed her medicalsurgical nurse certification. Tiberio Gonzalez, Manager of Neurosurgery and Ortho Spine, and Joyce Hall, Perioperative Resource Nurse, both of the Dunn OR, passed the Certified Surgical Services Manager (CSSM) credential. Eric Delcambre, Murielle Kameni and Cassandra Frankiewicz of the MICU received their CCRNs. Debra McCord, BSN, RN, from Main 3 NW AOD, obtained her CAPA certification. Nicole Lopez, lung coordinator, obtained her CCTC Certification. Patrick Wee and Richard Cuellar from CVICU passed their CCRN exams. Alexandra “Lexi” Nelson, RN II Dunn 7 East, passed her exam and has received her ANCC Medical Surgical Certification. Maria Jennifer Rivera, RN II on Alkek 8, obtained her RN-BC. Keimia Mehrabian, Jumer Adalin and Diana Jean of the Fondren 10 CICU recently obtained their CCRN certifications. The following PTs successfully passed their Clinical Specialty Certification Examinations through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties: • Chara Lally, PT, Neurologic Clinical Specialist (NCS) • Catherine Martin, PT, Neurologic Clinical Specialist (NCS) • Jenny Lapnawan, PT, Cardiovascular Pulmonary Clinical Specialist (CCS) • Aditi Shah, PT, Geriatric Clinical Specialist (GCS) Binta Adagbo, RN II, completed the Wound Treatment Associate Program. Marlene Arocha, RN II, completed the Wound Treatment Associate Program. Rexyl Canete successfully completed the Wound Treatment Associate Program. Ashleigh Arcaro and Tiffany Llorin from the OPC 19 PACU both successfully passed the 22 HOUSTON METHODIST NURSE | SUMMER 2018
Degrees Natalie Wright from Fondren 11 earned her MSN.
Natalie Wright, RN, Tanisha Grant, RN, and Nadia Husain, RN, from Fondren 11 received their master’s degrees. Jana Tritz, RN II on Dunn 4 West Transplant Unit, received her Master of Science from the UT Health Cizik School of Nursing for completing the Family Nurse Practitioner Program.
Promotions Erin Webb of Main 6NW was promoted to RN II. Corita Darby and Tiffany Daniels have met the requirements to be promoted to RN III. Alyson Ujari and Christine Tyler of the CVOR have been promoted to RN IIB. Esther Dadson from the OPC 19 PACU was promoted to RN II.
non-Methodist women’s health colleagues titled “United We Stand: A Sustainable Inter-Professional Approach to Enhance Communication, Teamwork and Intrapartum Patient Outcomes.” Mei Jue, Jessica Klein and Dipti Shah from OPC 21 Cancer Center Infusion presented at the ONS Congress last month on nursingintervention research for “Cold Therapy to Prevent Chemotherapy-Induced Neuropathy” on the national stage. They have done some amazing nurse-driven research, and are a wonderful representation of what is great at Houston Methodist!
HOUSTON METHODIST SAN JANCINTO HOSPITAL Certifications Tenneth Chin, respiratory care practitioner, received her Neonatal Pediatric Specialty (NPS) certification
Erica Vasquez from M8E BMT Inpatient was promoted to PCA II.
Sarah Pineda, respiratory care practitioner, received her Neonatal Pediatric Specialty (NPS) certification
Vanessa Burton from M8NW was promoted to PCA III.
Promotions The following were promoted to RN III:
Araceli Hernandez from Main 4W was promoted to PCA III.
Gerry Asuncion
Jennifer Berry
Dazzele Celiz
Pamela Myers
Hillary Silcox
Natalia Velasquez
Tinara Rivas and Taylor Hudgens from Jones 10 were promoted to PCA III. The following nurses met criteria for promotion to RN III: • Misty Mendoza (SLICU) • Catherine Kumuyi (M7SW) • Tidoshia Opusunju-Wanogho (Patient Progression) • Michelle Brown (OPC 19 OR) • Crystal Plumley (D6W) • Anna Duhon (D6W) • Gary Bolanos (Radiology) • Tiffany Daniels (Main 2 AOD) • Corita Darby (Endovascular Radiology
Awards Courtney Champagne, RN, in the OPC 21 Cancer Center Infusion clinic, won the DAISY Award.
Degrees Krendi Walls earned a Doctor of Nursing in Educational Leadership degree from American Sentinel University.
Awards Daisy Award • Lauren Standfield, RN (December 2017) • Luzrosario Pua, RN III (May 2018) • Jamie Lawrence, RN II (May 2018) I CARE Award (Spring 2018) • Cassandra Henry, RN • Peter Ashworth, Charge Nurse • Amanda Schrader, RN II Kudos Award (March 2018)
Presentations and Publications
• LaQwell Chears, RN II
Melissa Dover, BSN, RN, IBCLC (D6W) and Olinda Johnson, PhD, RNC (D6W) recently attended the AWHONN 2018 Convention held in Tampa, Fla., in which they presented a poster titled “Implementation of Best Practice through a Perinatal Education Consortium.” They also co-presented a podium presentation with two
• Doug Grimes, RN III • Maricela Valdez, RN II • Anne Cleveland, RN II Kudos Award (June 2018) • Dennis Dizon, RN II
HOUSTON METHODIST WILLOWBROOK HOSPITAL Awards DAISY Award • Karen Rodriguez (Float Pool) • Evelin De La Rosa (6East) Tulip Award • Tammy Evans, (PACU, PCA)
• Nissy Mathew, BSN, RN earned her CCRN. • Maria Gordon, BSN, RN earned her CCRN. • Maria Cecilia Sandil, MSN, RN earned her CCRN. • Venecia Ennis-Foster, BSN, RN, CVRN earned her CCRN. • Patrick Igbokwe, BSN, RN earned his CCRN. Emergency Department • Alicia Hall, BSN, RN earned her CEN. • Tessie Hedges, BSN, RN earned her CEN. • Breanna Smith, BSN, RN earned her CEN.
HOUSTON METHODIST SUGAR LAND HOSPITAL
• Alex Alcalar, ADN, RN earned her CEN. • Manoj Joseph, BSN, RN earned his Nurse Practitioner Certification. Leadership
Promotions
• Amber Jones, MSN, RN, earned her CWCN.
Karen Cothran, BSN, RN, CEN, from the Emergency Department, has been promoted to the manager for the Sienna Emergency Care Center.
• Terri Gonzales, BSN, RN, earned her CMSRN.
Retirement Nimfa Marinas, BSN, RN, retired June 11 from Perioperative Services after 20 years of service at HMSL. She opened the hospital and had been here since the beginning.
Awards PALS Award • Tara Brockman, BSN, RN
• Deion Cross, BSN, RN earned her RN-BC for Nursing Professional Development. PACU • Jason Nguyen, MSN, RN earned his ACNPCAG.
Degrees AOD • Carmen Medrano, RN earned her BSN.
• Debra Kendrick, ADN, RN, CGRN
• Kerri Sabo, RN, CAPA earned her BSN.
• Marieta Rasco, BSN, RN, CCRN, CSC
• Maria Silva, RN earned her BSN.
• Kristin Sapp, BSN, RN DAISY Award • Mary Jo Pierce, BSN, RN, CNOR I CARE Award • Mary Harris, MSN, RN, CCRN-K • Tracy McManaman Bridges, MSN, RN, C-EFM, RNC-OB • David Mrema, BSN, RN • Julius Orencia, BSN, RN • Michelle Chable, BS, RN, OCN • Deion Cross, BSN, RN, RN-BC • Nichole Gonzalez, ADN, RN • Gertrudes Swanson, ADN, RN
Certifications Critical Care • Peng (John) Xiang, BSN, RN, CMSRN earned his CCRN. • Marieta Rasco, BSN, RN, CCRN earned her CSC. • Mukuka Mumbi, MSN, RN, ACNPC-AG earned her CCRN.
Anna Floyd will present a poster on C-diff with Firas Zabaneh at Texas Department of Health Quality and Safety Conference July 2018 and the national APIC Conference June 2018 Monica Salinas presented a poster on sepsis on Professional Intercollaboration Day in June at Houston Methodist Hospital and will present at the Sepsis Conference at Houston Methodist Hospital in September. Maureen Lall’s dissertation study “Predictors of Weeks to Opioid Cessation Following Lumbar Fusion: A Prospective Cohort Study” will be published in Pain Management in Nursing during 2018.
• Julie Kaiser, BSN, RN, earned her CMSRN. Education
• Janna Young, BSN, RN, CEN
• Sunu John, BSN, RN
Kelly Ward presented “E-FIT: EmergencyFunctionality, Innovation, and Throughput” at the 1st Annual Nursing Science at the Bedside Conference and the 2nd Annual System Patient Safety Symposium in the Texas Medical Center.
Med/Surg • Sonam Dhuka, MSN, RN, graduated with her FNP. Perioperative Services
HOUSTON METHODIST ST. JOHN HOSPITAL Promotions Stephanie Moore was promoted to RN III.
Certifications Diedre Mackey, CPHIMS (Informatics) Trudie Adu, RN-BC (Operations Administrator) Laura Roberts, C-EFM (Child Birth Center Director) Amber Goynes, CEN (ED) Susan Weido, CEN (ED) Rene Rosin, CCRN (ICU)
• Shelly Boyne, RN, CNOR earned her BSN.
Kinjal Sandesara, RN-BC (Education)
• Laverne Rideau, BSN, RN earned her MSN.
Amanda Krantz, CEN (ED)
Cath Lab • Christopher Miliam, RN earned his BSN.
Presentations and Publications Tracy McManaman-Bridges, RN, MSN, RNC-OB, C-EFM, presented “Orienting New Grads to the Obstetrical Unit: What Can We Learn from Them?” at the February 2018 Kaleidoscope Conference in Stafford, TX. She will also present at the June 2018 AWHONN Convention in Tampa, Fla. Theresa Walters, RN, BSN, RNC-NIC, presented “Family Satisfaction in the NICU” at the February 2018 Kaleidoscope Conference in Stafford, TX.
Jennifer Mohan, RN-BC (3 Medical)
Degrees Brandee Lovercheck, MSN (CPE) Amanda Duvall, MSN (Infection Control) Laura Roberts, MSN (Child Birth Center) Juliet Kahiu, MSN-DNP (3 Surgical) Gemi Sam, MSN (3 Medical) Amy Wilson, MSN-DNP (Endo)
Ann Maguire and Emilyn Rodriguez presented and won 2nd place for their poster “Implementing a Respite Area to Reduce Stress Levels in Nurses” at the 1st Annual Nursing Science at the Bedside Conference in the Texas Medical Center.
LEADERS IN NURSING | SUMMER 2018 23
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