Volume 26
Number 11
May 29, 2015
Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
Congrats Earlier this month, HUP celebrated National Nurses Week, recognizing the many outstanding contributions of its nursing staff. As part of the festivities — which included gifts, aromatherapy and massage, and a professional photo shoot — the awards ceremony announced this year’s winners of several Penn Medicine nursing excellence awards.
INSIDE New DAISY Winners.................3 Have “Heart” Will Travel..........3 Looking for a New Home?........3 Come to Dorney!.......................4 New Patient Welcome Video...4
TO OUR NURSING DYNAMOS! Strengthening the Patient/Family Connection The staff of the medical intensive care unit, this year’s winners of the Victoria Rich Patient Satisfaction Award, has worked hard to change its culture to one that is patient-and family-centered. “It’s a stressful environment for families,” said Lindsay Doroba, RN BSN CCRN, a member of the unit’s multidisciplinary Patient and Family Centered Care Committee. “We wanted to improve and strengthen the patient and family partnership and make them part of our team.” The Committee developed initiatives to improve communication and knowledge, and to provide support for patients, families, and staff members. The “Getting To Know You” board in every patient’s room includes important information (such as the patient wears glasses or uses a hearing aid) as well
as favorite TV shows and photos in healthier times, to help staff see the person, not just a patient. The staff also put together a brochure describing what to expect in the ICU, such as who’s involved in patient care, and details about the equipment and monitoring devices on the unit. The nursing staff created bereavement trays — with snacks, coffee, and tea — for families whose loved ones are transitioning to comfort care alone and don’t want to leave their side. “We also put a sunset picture on the outside of the room and keep the room’s curtain closed,” Doroba said. “This lets everyone know to be quiet and respectful of the patient and family’s time.”
Inspiring Others to Achieve John Gallagher, MSN, RN, CCRN, CCNS, RRT, winner of this year’s Victoria Rich (continued on page 2)
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Recognizing a Rising Star Maria Radziewicz, BSN, RN, CCRN, of the MICU, won the 2015 Joan Bretschneider Shared Governance Leadership Award. “Maria was instrumental in many initiatives aimed at creating an environment where our patients’ families and significant others feel welcome and like part of our team,” said her nomination letter. She “facilitates the Pulmonary Fellows’ Training in communication and decision-making with patients and families through formalized simulation training sessions.” The Fellows’ feedback regarding this program is “universally positive.”
`` John Gallagher, winner of the Victoria Rich Transformational Leadership Award
(continued from page 1)
Transformational Leadership Award, played an integral part in the successful move of Penn’s Trauma Center from HUP to Penn Presbyterian, in both the initial planning and the operational execution of the entire project. As noted in his nomination letter, Gallagher “worked with nursing leadership to assure the transition of established nurses to work side by side with new-to-trauma nurses at PPMC, a program that was successful beyond expectation....” He also worked with medical leadership to assure that all key services were prepared for the move.
experience and health care in general. She is a rising star truly deserving of this recognition.” The winners of this year’s DAISY awards were also announced (see page 3) as well those who won the 2015 UPHS Nursing Clinical Excellence Awards for CPUP and HUP: LILLIAN BRUNNER AWARD
Jennifer Ruhling, BSN, RN, of Dermatology and Danielle Klosiewicz, BSN, RN, PCCN, of Silverstein 10 ROSALYN WATTS AWARD
Nancy Calderon-Roman, BSN, RN, of Rheumatology and Tracy Hunger, BSN, RN, of Silverstein 11
“Maria was quick to begin precepting nursing students and then new staff nurses. Not only does she expertly guide new staff as they develop clinical judgment and time management skills, she also supports them through first experiences with the intense psychological support of patients and families that is often a part of ICU nursing.”
DOROTHY BOTDORF AWARD
“I am particularly impressed with Maria’s drive, inspiration, and maturity....She is self-directed and driven by a motivation to improve her own practice, her peers’ experience, her patients’ and families’
Thank you to all of our nursing staff for everything you do — every day — to ensure the best experiences for our patients and their families.
Monique Brooks, RN, CCDS, of Electrophysiology and Rosemary Kennedy, BSN, RN, CCRN, of Rhoads 2 HELEN MCCLELLAND AWARD
Patricia Canfield, RN, OCN, of Radiation Oncology and Carolyn Miller, BSN, RN, of Founders 14
“John has inspired people to achieve beyond their imaginations and building imagination was the key to success for the transition. He articulated the ‘new’ vision of Penn Medicine and the Trauma Center, explained the greatly expanded clinical impact at PPMC and excited people about the future. His devotion and dedication have been inspirational.” The letter continued, saying that “John Gallagher exemplifies characteristics such as empowerment, respect, reliability, charisma, transparency, accountability, consistent moral integrity, brilliant vision and much more…. He deserves this award and the recognition for motivating, inspiring, educating, and elevating all who are privileged to work with and know him.” `` Maria Radziewicz (r), winner of the Joan Bretschneider Leadership Award, with Regina Cunningham, chief nursing executive
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HAVE
“Heart” WILL TRAVEL
Earlier this month, for the first time in HUP’s history, a patient left the hospital to go home without a heart. But the artificial heart keeping 65-year-old Michael Law alive is not what’s so remarkable. Artificial hearts have been used as a bridge to transplant for decades. In the past, however, these patients stayed in the hospital, where they remained attached to a huge, 400-pound machine while waiting for a matching heart to be found. What’s keeping Law alive is a small air compressor which is about the size of a gymbag. Law suffered heart failure beginning in 2003. A pacemaker and medication kept his quality of life good for many years but this past November, his condition worsened dramatically and he required multiple hospitalizations. “I was on the maximum dose of my medications but they weren’t doing the job,” Law said. And even more frightening, “we didn’t know when they’d just stop.” His surgical and medical teams decided that he would need a transplant but, until a match could be found, he needed a “bridge” to keep him alive. So, on March 19, Law underwent
surgery to remove most of his heart; only the top left and right atria remained. Surgeons then implanted the SynCardia Total Artificial Heart that completely took over his body’s pumping needs. Because of how well Law progressed after surgery, he was transitioned from “Big Blue,” the 400-pound machine, to the small, portable Freedom Driver. According to Christina Hill, BSN, RN, VAD coordinator, the Freedom Driver — which runs on batteries and can be recharged from a normal outlet or car using a DC adaptor — has kept patients awaiting transplant in other countries alive for “many years. Our hope is that Mike can remain bridged with this platform until a matching heart becomes available.” Law said the artificial heart feels different but good....and he’s definitely got more energy. The beating is audible but Law said he doesn’t even notice it anymore. Except for the fact that it’s pumping his blood in “three-quarter time.” Law should know. He’s a drummer for three jazz groups and he couldn’t wait to get back to playing.
LOOKING FOR A
HUP RECOGNIZES NEW
DAISY WINNERS The DAISY (Diseases Attacking the Immune System) Award honors the “super-human” work nurses do in caring for patients and their families every day. At HUP, 11 nurses and one patient care unit at HUP are chosen to receive this award over the course of a year. Congratulations to this year’s winners: Emily Kelly, BSN, RN Silverstein 12
Erin Dolan, BSN, RN Ravdin 6
Maureen Bailey, BSN, RN, OCN Radiation Oncology
Carlin Cialino, BSN, RN CPUP
Heather Bisca, BSN, RN Emergency Medicine
Alexis Brimm, BSN, RN Emergency Medicine
Alexandra Glass, BSN, RN Rhoads 6
Amanda Ward, BSN, RN, CWOCN Founders 12
Kim Monforte, BSN, RN Perioperative Nursing Cherise Debouse, BSN, RN Silverstein 7 (women’s health)
Brian Fulcher, BSN, RN Cardiovascular Nursing Team Award Winners: Rhoads 4
New Home? Penn Home Ownership Services will hold its Spring 2015 Housing Fair on Wednesday, June 3, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at 186 Wright-Saunders on the PPMC campus. The fair offers a one-stop resource to learn more about the current real estate market. Representatives from PHOS, its lending partners, and other exhibitors will be on the premises to answer any questions you may have about the Forgivable Loan and the Closing Cost Reduction programs. Additionally, you can learn more about the new boundaries which recently went into effect, providing qualified full-time employees of the University and Health System with a wider range of residential housing options in the neighboring communities. Admission to the event is free. For more information, visit www.upenn.edu/ homeownership or call 215.898.7422.
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Heartfelt Thanks A letter sent to Nina O’Connor, MD, director of Palliative Care: I t was such a relief when a Palliative Care physician took charge. She gave great comfort to me, and particularly to one of our daughters, who is Orthodox. This physician arranged to speak with [our daughter’s] Rabbi, and help him understand that her father’s death would not be hastened by removing the artificial means that were keeping him alive, but rather, that he would be permitted to die a natural death. With my authorization, and full support of the entire medical team, my dear husband was taken off the ventilation machinery, although he continued to receive oxygen and nutrition intravenously. With his wife and daughters by his side, he was able to breathe more naturally, and died without struggle about three hours later. The part of his heart that was damaged by the heart attack was crucial to survival; he could only be kept alive by artificial means. We felt such peace and relief; comfort from knowing we had done right by our dear husband and father. I wish more people knew about Palliative Care. It was right for us, and knowing that it exists may help bring peace to another family going through a similar harrowing situation. In the end, every patient needs someone to advocate for them, so that their fervent wishes can be carried out.
NEW PATIENT WELCOME VIDEO A new patient welcome video debuted late last year, reflecting an organization that wants
COME TO DORNEY! It’s that time of year when HUP employees can enjoy food and fun at Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom for a reduced price! HUP’s annual picnic will be held on Saturday, June 27. The fun includes admission and an all-you-caneat meal that includes hamburgers, hot dogs, fried chicken, pasta salad, fruit salad and ice cream. Admission and meal combo tickets cost $41.85, a savings of nearly $15 off the main-gate price. Discount parking is available if purchased online for $10. A Dorney Park representative will be available outside of the cafeteria on Friday, May 29, and Friday, June 12, from 11 am to 2 pm for promotions and giveaways, and to answer questions. Tickets are sold online only. To purchase them, go to https://www.dorneypark.com/HUP. Log in with the user name HUPDAY2015 and the password HUP2015. You can print out tickets on your computer. All ticket purchases are final. No refunds, exchanges, or upgrades. For park information, go to www.dorneypark.com.
to partner with patients and assure them that they placed their care in the best hands. The video was the result of a multidisciplinary group effort, led by Ilona Lorincz, MD, of Endocrinology, Diabetes and
HUPdate
Metabolism, and Chloe Hill, MD, a fellow in Neurology. The new video plays about every 10 minutes on channel 30 throughout the hospital. To view the video online, go to
EDITORIAL STAFF Sally Sapega Editor and Photographer
Maureen McGirr & Abby Ernst Graphic Designers
http://uphsxnet.uphs.upenn.edu/video_svcs/index.html.
ADMINISTRATION
Susan E. Phillips Senior Vice President, Public Affairs
COME TO LEARN MORE… B e sure to attend an All Employee Meeting to learn more about HUP and the Health System, and have your questions answered by hospital leaders.
All Employee Meetings are held in Medical Alumni Hall, on 1 Maloney.
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Holly Auer Director of Communications
The next three will be held: T HURSDAY, JUNE 11 5:00 to 6:00 pm W EDNESDAY, JULY 15 8:30 to 9:30 am T HURSDAY, AUGUST 6 Noon to 1:00 pm
CONTACT HUPDATE AT: 3535 Market Street, Mezzanine Philadelphia, PA 19104 phone: 215.662.4488 fax: 215.349.8312 email: sally.sapega@uphs.upenn.edu HUPdate is published biweekly for HUP employees. Access HUPdate online at http://news.pennmedicine.org/inside/hupdate.