Sanford Health Sioux Falls Nursing Report

SANFORD HEALTH SIOUX FALLS NURSING REPORT

SANFORD USD MEDICAL CENTER AND CLINICS

ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW

A letter from the Chief Nursing Officer of Sioux Falls

Thank you for taking the time to read about the amazing work that is captured in the 2023 Sanford USD Medical Center and Clinics Annual Report. These pages reflect the passion and dedication that our nurses deliver to our patients and communities each and every day. I am extremely proud of our nurses as we contribute to the growing body of evidence-based practice, through projects that are evaluating social determinants of health or exploring the frequency of head-to-toe assessments in the ICU setting. Our Nursing Senate spent several months asking probing questions, exploring initiatives and determining metrics as they collaborated to develop a bold and thoughtful strategic plan that aligns with both market and enterprise goals.

We are part of a growing and thriving community and recognize that this growth presents challenges for access and increased demands for resources. Our nurses have responded in innovative and creative ways to meet these demands. We are fortunate to be part of an integrated health care system, and our collaboration with Sanford Health Network and the Good Samaritan Society allows us to make sure patients receive care in the most appropriate setting throughout our rural footprint. Our focus on throughput, length of stay and complex case management allows us to be true to our vision of “improving the human condition at every stage of life through exceptional care, spiritual enrichment, innovation and discovery.”

As we focus on our workforce, it’s been amazing to see experienced nurses serving as mentors and preceptors, the excitement and energy of our summer interns, the eagerness of our new graduates, and the camaraderie and perspectives of our internationally educated nurses. Our unwavering focus on SAFE and delivering highly reliable care continues to drive our focus on quality and patient experience. We are preventing harm through intentional work such as Foley Free in 2023 and our focus on depression screening and colorectal cancer screening.

As we reflect on 2023, let’s celebrate and recognize the impact from the accomplishments contained in these pages. Likewise, as we look to 2024, let’s stay focused on our shared purpose to foster a culture of excellence and to make a difference in the lives of the patients and the communities we serve. Thank you for the opportunity to serve as the nursing leader for this incredible nursing practice. I am honored and humbled to work alongside each of you.

Gratefully,

Kelly Hefti, MSN, RN, CNP, COHN-S Chief Nursing Officer, Sioux Falls Sanford USD Medical Center and Clinics

OUR MISSION

Dedicated to sharing God’s love through the work of health, healing and comfort.

OUR VISION

Improving the human condition at every stage of life through exceptional care, spiritual enrichment, innovation and discovery.

OUR VALUES

Calling

Demonstrating enthusiasm for those we serve, our vocation and the organization’s mission.

Courage

Having strength to persevere, innovate, use our voices and take action.

Family

Celebrating the connection and commitment we have to each other through it all.

Community

Providing care in a diverse range of settings and environments with a focus on the wellness of individuals.

Service

Sharing God’s love through actions that reflect compassion, acceptance, love, humility and sincerity in keeping with the common Lutheran heritage of our legacy organizations.

Resolve

Adhering to systems that align actions to excellence, efficiency and purpose.

Advancement

The pursuit of individual and organizational growth and development.

ABOUT SANFORD HEALTH

Sanford Health, the largest rural health system in the United States, is dedicated to transforming the health care experience and providing access to world-class health care in America’s heartland. Headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the organization serves more than one million patients and nearly 200,000 health plan members across 250,000 square miles. The integrated health system has 45 medical centers, 2,900 physicians and advanced practice providers, 540 active clinical trials, 160 Good Samaritan Society senior living centers, and world clinics in nine countries around the globe.

Sanford Health includes:

45 medical centers

211 clinic locations

160 Good Samaritan Society senior care locations

152 skilled nursing and rehab facilities

Nearly 200,000 Sanford Health Plan members

44,000 employees

2,900 physicians and advanced practice providers and 7,944 registered nurses delivering care in more than 80 specialty areas

Centers of Excellence:

Sanford Cancer Center

Sanford Children’s

Sanford Heart

Sanford Orthopedics & Sports Medicine

Sanford Women’s

Sanford Health’s annual patient statistics for 2023:

5.8 million outpatient and clinic visits

80,880 admissions

143,217 surgeries and procedures

9,541 births

224,223 emergency department visits

Quick facts about Sanford Health Sioux Falls in 2023:

2,928 nursing staff members

90 clinic locations

502,332 outpatient visits

25,224 inpatient admissions

122,850 patient days

45,121 emergency department visits

24,971 surgical procedures

6,256 inpatient surgeries

18,715 outpatient surgeries

16,129 gastrointestinal procedures

7,770 cath lab encounters

3,229 deliveries

Average daily census of 336.58 patients

Average length of stay (LOS) of 4.84 days

Case mix index (CMI) of 1.71

545 licensed beds

Our Nursing Mission

The Sanford nurse is committed to advancing the professional practice of nursing through safe, reliable person–centered care in a healthy work environment –inspiring innovation and leading discovery.

CULTURE

At Sanford Health, we believe quality health care should be available close to home for everyone, everywhere.

From our roots in the Midwest, we are proud to set the standard for delivering world-class care. By building on the talents, experiences and beliefs of our employees, we aim to improve the lives of patients and residents throughout the diverse communities we serve. Through our shared commitment, we can become the nation’s most-connected, widest-reaching health care system, shrinking the distance between every patient and their best, healthiest life.

2023 TIMELINE

DATE EVENT

Heart Month

We are proud to recognize Heart Month each February to raise awareness and encourage each other to lead heart-healthy lives.

February

March 14

March 20

March 27

Start of “March

Masking in clinical and nonclinical settings is no longer required and the pre-pandemic visitor policy is reinstated.

Launch of an improved digital registration process called Notable. With Notable, patients have an opportunity to verify and update their registration expediting the arrival process. The new system offers patients a more efficient and convenient registration experience.

Wall of Heroes Unveiling

April 1

Sanford USD Medical Center hosted an event to honor and celebrate organ, eye and tissue donors, both living and deceased. The event involved the annual flag-raising ceremony, a special sand ceremony and the unveiling of the newly constructed Wall of Heroes.

Carol Cressman, director of pediatrics and PICU for Sanford Children’s Hospital, spoke at the ceremony and shared the story of her son Ryan, who gave the gift of life through organ donation.

Kris Hofer, director for critical care, and Katie DeWall, director for transplant services, stand in front of the Wall of Heroes.

Madness Bedside Blitz” at Sanford USD Medical Center.

April 6

April 20

May 5

May 11

“Norma Day” Celebration

35 years ago, Norma DeGroot and her family donated the funding to establish the DeGroot Center. Every year on April 6, we celebrate Norma’s birthday and remember the generosity of the DeGroot family. This year is extra special as we celebrate 35 years of the DeGroot Center.

COVID-19 vaccine change, monovalent (original vaccine) no longer approved. New guidelines for bivalent updated on “Facts over Fear” information.

The World Health Organization declared an end to the COVID-19 global health emergency.

COVID-19 is no longer a public health emergency in the United States.

May 15 Beam signing for Sanford Medical Building 1 project.

May 24

July 20 Sanford Summer Celebration

Tiara Day

More than 100 Sanford Health Sioux Falls family members and volunteers participated in celebrating Tiara Day and the value that everyone brings to our team.

Oct. 21 Hand Day An orthopedic hand surgeon along with a team of advanced practice providers, nurses and additional volunteers performed nine free procedures to four uninsured patients.

Oct. 26 Critical Care 2000 Grand Reopening Open House

Oct. 31

Sanford Children’s Specialty Clinic celebrates Halloween.

Nov. 15 Honoring Veterans: A Veterans Day Program at Sanford USD Medical Center

Nov. 28 Christmas at the Castle Tree lighting event at Sanford Children’s Hospital to celebrate the start of the holiday season.

Dec. 12 Sanford Holiday Party

FEATURED DEPARTMENTS

Artisight: Transforming our model of care through technology AI is everywhere and in nearly every conversation. And that’s a good thing, especially for people living in rural areas like much of our footprint. While rural people and health systems face many additional health care challenges like access, quality, sustainability and workforce shortages, integrating technology offers myriad solutions.

On our Cardiology 3000 unit, and on Fargo’s 8AB unit, we implemented a technology proof of concept called Artisight. This computer-assisted vision program allowed us to shift many of the documentation tasks of bedside nurses to a remote nurse. In addition to empowering our bedside care team, Artisight helps reduce fall risks for patients through its proprietary AI program.

In just 90 days (July 26 – Oct. 23, 2023) the new workflows and improved patient-centered care have contributed to several good catches:

• A remote nurse noticed and called attention to a bleeding IV site while the bedside nurse was tending to other patients.

• A remote observer prevented a fall by using a pre-recorded audio message about staying in bed. A nurse in the hallway overheard the message and was able to quickly intervene, keeping the patient safe.

The Birth Place

In 2023, The Birth Place had a goal to increase RN certifications by four. We surpassed our goal and had eight new RN certifications. The Birth Place has an overall RN certification rate of 60%!

Allison Harris and Sara Lammer received their Inpatient OB Specialty Certifications. Allison will also be joining the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) Fetal Monitor Instructor team!

Nurses celebrate Independence Day in The Birth Place –making it fun even when working the holiday!

Staff from The Birth Place helped to serve at The Banquet Friday, May 12. They served approximately 237 guests. A new ‘Thank You’ sign was donated in memory of Pam Hartman by her family and presented at the end of the shift.

Courtney Lewno achieved board certification as a Certified Breastfeeding Counselor (CBC).

These nurses achieved board certification.

Cardiovascular Institute

In 2023, the Cardiovascular Institute (CVI) revamped the onboarding process. Leader rounding helped identify that many current employees had educational gaps from their own onboarding. Staff completed our “patient journey” and were able to shadow the different areas our patients visit like cath lab, Echo, etc. Current and new employees’ skills were validated through a Cardiology Skills Fair. Staff practiced rooming each other as if they were a patient.

The CVI Education Committee achieved numerous milestones including:

• Yearly check-off process

• Updated education materials for new and current staff, including a list of commonly used terms, tests and procedures that occur in cardiology

• Identified preceptors and completed preceptor training

• Created urgent line process and workflow for all staff to follow to ensure timely responses for urgent matters

• Created incoming call workflow to improve efficiencies and increase patient and staff satisfaction

• PI project identified safety issues with the prep patients receive for testing and/or procedures. Currently working with heart and vascular liaisons to have a standard process to reduce error rate in patient education

• Created a workflow to ensure staff are practicing at top of scope:

– CMA working in-basket

– LPN completing focus assessments

Children’s Specialty Clinic

Reflecting on this past year at Sanford Children’s Specialty Clinic, something we are very proud of is our Kid’s Kitchen Pantry! Through screenings completed we saw a need in our clinic to address food disparity. We partnered with Feeding South Dakota and received about 2,000 pounds of food each week from them. We have a room in which we unpack and store the food called the Kid’s Kitchen Pantry. When a family screens positive for food insecurity, we have trained staff meet with the family and identify their specific needs, and this opens the door for a conversation about what other resources we can assist them with.

In December, we reached our one-year anniversary. We have served 15,921 people with food from our pantry. The average family size we provide food to is about five to seven people and our goal is to send them with enough food for three to five meals that week. This equates to a weight of about 50 pounds of food. With Sanford Health Foundation dollars, we assist with other toiletry items as well (shampoo, conditioner, toothbrush, toothpaste, toilet paper, diapers, etc.). We look forward to this next year and further growth with our pantry!

Acute dialysis

Sioux Falls dialysis leadership team

Dialysis

Outpatient hemodialysis for Sioux Falls, Madison, Chamberlain and Hospers project

Chamberlain home dialysis team

Home dialysis

Sioux Falls OP hemodialysis team

TWYLA NORDQUIST, CARLEIGH FOLAND, MARGE WILLMAN

SUSAN MORRIS AND AMY VANMAANEN

CHELSEA RYAN AND JODIE COLWILL TEAM

TWYLA NORDQUIST, TAMMY SASKER, SHERI LANDEEN

TRESSA REINDL, EMILY STYLES, DIXIE FALK, LORI ENGEL

Injury Management

The injury management team received the SD Governor’s Safety Meritorious award for 2023 on behalf of Sanford Medical Center and Sioux Falls Clinics.

The team handles all employee work injuries for the enterprise (Sanford Health and Good Samaritan Society). Our team works hard to help keep our employees safe by providing safety education and information on how to prevent the injury from occurring again. The team also guides our employees through the workers’ compensation process.

Front row: Linda Linge, Jody Wilson, Liz Heidinger; Back Row: Keila Smith (SMC Safety Director), Sara Francis, Paulette Oleson, Sandy Parisien; Not pictured: Jessica Heim, Kim Wagner (ND and MN markets)

Medical Oncology

Medical Oncology team members attended the event at Celebrate Church recognizing ordinary angels in our community and witnessed the proclamation of February 18 to be Ordinary Angels Day in Sioux Falls. The team was able to watch the movie “Ordinary Angels” before it was released.

The medical oncology team caroling during the holidays to patients in the hospital and at Ava’s House.

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)

The NICU Practice Council is a dedicated group focused on NICU practice, education and performance improvement. In 2022-2023, collaborative initiatives were undertaken to update guidelines and procedures, ensuring highly reliable and effective patient care. Measures were implemented to enhance safety during procedures like Cardiac Cath Lab visits and transporting patients with tracheostomies. Patient-centered practices were introduced, such as allowing parents to hold infants during specific procedures and implementing new technologies like the NICVIEW camera system. Efforts were also made to support staff development, including providing education on communication systems, updating reference materials and streamlining documentation processes.

A former patient donated 150 care packages for the nurses.

Trauma Services Program

The Sanford Trauma Program celebrated the culmination of many years of work this year with the verification of Sanford USD Medical Center as an Adult Level 1 trauma center. This verification, along with our redesignation as the only Pediatric Level 2 trauma center in the state, demonstrates the important role our organization plays in the care of the injured patient. Our dedicated nursing team supports this work through performance improvement, education, and research efforts as well as injury prevention efforts designed to keep patients from being injured.

The multidisciplinary team at the annual trauma symposium, one of two annual conferences offered to provide education to the entire health care team. (Not pictured: Noel Miller, RN)

Women’s Clinic: Rock ‘em, Sock ‘em!

As part of our PI project to increase pneumococcal pneumonia vaccination rates, we added some fun to boost nurse involvement with a “Rock ‘em, Sock ‘em” tournament, which spanned the month of March. The top two vaccinators each week were entered into a bracket and the champion won a gift card.

Women’s Specialty Clinics

The Women’s Specialty Clinics celebrated Ambulatory Care Nursing Week Feb. 6–12.

WOMEN’S PRIMARY CARE

MATERNAL-FETAL MEDICINE

REPRODUCTIVE ENDOCRINOLOGY

FEMALE PELVIC MEDICINE

TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP

Our Magnet Journey

The American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Magnet Recognition Program distinguishes health care organizations that meet rigorous standards for nursing excellence, making it the gold standard for nursing practice. This credential is the highest international honor for professional nursing practice.

To achieve initial Magnet recognition, organizations must pass a rigorous and lengthy process that demands widespread participation from leadership and staff. This process includes an electronic application, written patient care documentation, an on-site visit and a review by the Commission on Magnet Recognition.

Health care organizations must reapply for Magnet recognition every four years based on adherence to Magnet concepts and demonstrated improvements in patient care and quality. An organization reapplying for Magnet recognition must provide documented evidence to demonstrate how staff members sustained and improved Magnet concepts, performance and quality over the four-year period since the organization received its most recent recognition.

In 2023, Sanford USD Medical Center and clinics celebrated 20 years of nursing excellence as a Magnet organization. Only 10% of hospitals in the United States are Magnet recognized.

Research demonstrates that Magnet recognition provides specific benefits, such as:

• Higher patient satisfaction

• Better patient outcomes

• Improved safety and quality

• Highly educated and skilled nurses

• Higher job satisfaction among nurses

The work of continual Magnet readiness is led by the Magnet Steering Committee, Magnet Champions and Magnet writers. The Magnet Steering Committee consists of nursing leadership staff from multiple departments that provide guidance and consultation. The Magnet Champions are clinical nurses that educate their departments on Magnet principles and serve as enthusiasts for nursing practice. The Magnet writers are a team of advanced practice nurses and nurse leaders who investigate and capture the stories of projects and programs implemented by Sanford Health nurses to support the Magnet document standards due every designation.

Shared Governance

Sanford USD Medical Center and Clinics Shared Governance Structure

Shared governance is a structure and process that allows nurses to collaborate with nurse leaders in making decisions about their practice. The Nursing Senate serves as one voice for the nursing practice with the Nursing Cabinet as its leadership. The purpose of the Nursing Senate and governance structure is to provide each professional RN the opportunity to partner in planning processes, initiatives and the development of policies and procedures through their representatives. The Nursing Senate distributes the work of professional nursing to specialized councils and committees. The unit-based councils address issues specific to the unit and refer issues affecting multiple units to the respective organizational councils.

COUNCIL ACCOMLISHMENTS

Department Education Council

In 2023, the Department of Education Council (DEC) met monthly to discuss and highlight current educational needs and opportunities occurring throughout the network. The Schwartz Center Rounds, upcoming symposium dates and certification information were provided for departments to encourage staff development. As new equipment, protocols and projects occurred, the information was brought to our department education coordinators to ensure these vital updates reached nurses who would be impacted. A few projects highlighted in DEC this year were: Foley Free in 2023 Initiative, Bed Side Blitz project, updated education pathways for new hires, and the DNR Band Compliance project. In addition to providing education on new and upcoming information, education was provided to highlight existing resources for staff such as the Lab Testing Catalog, weather-related policies and how to improve influenza vaccine compliance. Security and Employee Health updates were given each month to promote well-being and highlight ways for staff to prepare for safety.

Night Nursing Council

• Collaborated with Nutrition and Food Services to provide heat and eat meals for overnight staff

• Added health products to vending machines for overnight visitors

• Implemented a check-in station for overnight visitors with Easy Lobby equipment in Medical Building 3 (MB3)

• Updated signage throughout the hospital to improve wayfinding

Work-Life Balance Council

• Implemented “Take a Bathroom Break” for staff mindfulness and restoration

• Gathered information on tenure perks

• Planning for new process to rotate constant observer staff every 2 to 4 hours

Kris Hofer, director of critical care nursing, provides holiday treats for the night nursing council.

Clinical Reasoning Council

• Meets monthly to review policies, both for the Sanford USD Medical Center (SMC) and the entire enterprise

• Policies are reviewed on a three-year rotation unless more frequent reviews are required by governing bodies, a change in practice supported by evidence has occurred, or by a change in a product

• For 2023, the Clinical Reasoning Council reviewed 56 policies:

– Some policies had major, minor or no revisions

– Some policies were archived with the skills and procedures highlighted in Elsevier Clinical Skills

– Some policies were enterprise policies for review and approval

• The Clinical Reasoning Council seeks to update the references for the most recent and robust evidence

Nursing Senate

• Developed the five-year Nursing Strategic Plan with four goals to:

– Expand the nursing workforce

– Create a positive, inclusive culture to strengthen engagement and clinical excellence

– Improve efficiency and decrease administrative burden

– Deliver an excellent patient experience and optimal health outcome

• Implemented new welcome packets and descriptions for incoming senators

Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) Council

• Name Change from “Nursing Research Council” to “Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice Council”

• Student Repository created

• Adopted the Johns Hopkins Evidence-Based Practice Model

• Collaborative effort with Quality Improvement (QI) to host the Sanford Improvement Symposium

• Process change for student projects

REVIEWED 22 PROJECTS: SHARED

10 student EBP or QI projects

Six staff EBP Projects

Six Research Projects

Data sharing for student projects

Picking a topic and collaborating

The PICOT Question

Abstract Review – Inter-rater reliability exercise

Organizational decision guide

NURSING LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

Nurse Leader Event: Our Culture Code

The 2022 and 2023 Peakon survey scores in employee engagement were reviewed at a variety of nursing council meetings, including the nurse leader and the executive council meetings. A gap was identified in nurse leaders lacking specific knowledge about the importance of, and their role in, employee engagement and workplace culture – what it is, who is responsible for it, how it’s measured and strategies to improve it. Nurse leader feedback from previous post-activity evaluations revealed the need for additional education in leadership topics, team building and collaboration.

A planning committee was established in April of 2023 with a goal of providing an educational event for nurse leaders. The enterprise nursing education needs assessment, various nursing councils and directors have all provided input to the planning committee about the need to offer education for the development of nurse leaders.

The event was held in October of 2023 and focused on three themes, each of which is dedicated to one of the three skills that Daniel Coyle outlines in his book “The Culture Code: The Secrets of Highly Successful Groups.” The skills included building safety, sharing vulnerability and establishing purpose.

The overall learning outcome of the event was met with 96% of participant evaluators selfreporting an increase in knowledge about the importance of, and their role in, employee engagement and workplace culture.

One of the activities during the event involved recognizing the importance of practicing gratitude and as a result 233 thank you cards were mailed to a variety of Sanford Health colleagues. Attendance was more than expected with 440 nursing leaders attending the event, hosted by executive and director-level nurse leaders.

STRUCTURAL EMPOWERMENT

Nursing Education

Sanford Health is dedicated to encouraging nursing professional development through educational advancement. Sanford leadership promotes opportunities for professional growth and allows flexible scheduling to accommodate a balance of work, school and life. Education is also supported through nursing scholarships and tuition reimbursement programs.

Sanford’s Nursing Education Goal:

To maintain the percentage of nurses with a bachelor’s degree or higher in nursing at 80%.

Board Certification

National certification enhances professional credibility and personal confidence in clinical abilities. It increases nurses’ feelings of personal accomplishment, as certified nurses are often recognized as expert and skillful leaders for their validated specialized knowledge. Certification is not just letters after a name – it identifies nursing’s highest value of professionalism.

Sanford Health supports nursing specialty certification by hosting certification review courses, providing access to certification exam study materials, and offering exam fee reimbursement through the Sanford Initial and Renewal Certification Reimbursement program.

Sanford Nursing Certification Goal:

To increase the percentage of eligible RNs certified by 0.5% every two years (odd years). After achieving >51% certification, the goal will be to maintain.

Recognition for Certified Nurses

After an RN achieves board certification in their specialty, a ceremony is held to present them with a certification coat. Their name is also displayed on the department’s certification recognition plaque. Every year in March, certified nurses are also acknowledged at the Certified Nurses Day Celebration. On March 20, 2023, Sanford celebrated over one thousand certified nurses with a recognition event that included a blessing of hands by the Sanford chaplains and a morning and afternoon buffet.

Professional Development

Kimberly Albers was chosen as a member for the NCLEX - PN Practice Analysis panel through the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). The panel took place Oct. 17-19, 2023, in Chicago, IL.

Deb Clark was selected for the 2023/2024 Association of Clinical Documentation Integrity Specialists (ACDIS) Leadership Council Mastermind. Launched in October 2019, this tightknit circle of 8-10 handpicked council members commits to advancing concrete business goals and helping peers to do the same.

The board-certified quality and safety team members gather for a photo with Florence Nightingale.

Board-certified nurses are recognized at the Certified Nurses Day Celebration.

Lifelong Learning

Sanford nurses continue to learn and develop professionally through conferences, classes and training. Educational offerings in 2023 included:

• Schwartz Center Rounds: Allows caregivers a safe place to express the feelings and emotions that occur when caring for patients with complex social, cultural or medical problems

– “Is He Dead Dead?” Jan. 10, 2023

– “The Aftermath of CPR” March 14, 2023

– “Protecting Myself While Hurting for You” May 9, 2023

– “Professional Judgement or Family Choice: A Case of Medical Futility” July 11, 2023

– “Catastrophic Bleed” Sept. 12, 2023

– “Wedding Bells Among Death Tolls” Nov. 7, 2023

– “Compassion in Action” Webinar Series Ongoing

• 2023 Skin Fair May 30, 2023

• CCRN/PCCN Nursing Certification Exam Review Course Sept. 11-13, 2023

• Behavioral Health Education Series Ongoing

• 23rd Annual Health Ministry Conference: “What’s Faith (and Spirituality) Got To Do With It?” Nov. 3, 2023

• A Better You Mental Health Conference: “Bringing Hope, and Education for Mental Health” April 13, 2023

• Speaking of Health: A Health Humanities Speaker Series April 18, 2023

• 2023 Midwest Gender Identity Summit Jan. 13, 2023

• Child Maltreatment Grand Rounds Ongoing

• 12th Annual ImaGene Precision Medicine Summit Sept. 8, 2023

• BeHEARD (Behavioral Health Education Awareness and Response Development) Courses Ongoing

• Leadership Learning

– Sanford Leader Group Coaching Session for Informal Leaders June 13, Sept. 14, 2023

– Leading with Emotional Intelligence June 20, 2023

– Effective One-on-One Meetings June 29, 2023

– Creating Psychological Safety July 20, 2023

– Effective Team Meetings July 25, 2023

– Building Team Connections Aug. 8, 2023

– Tour of Recognition Tools Aug. 15, 2023

• Medical-Surgical Nursing Exam Review Course Sept. 18-19, 2023

• Summit on the Future of Rural Health Care Oct. 18, 2023

• Sanford Children’s Pediatric Symposium in Conjunction with T. Denny Sanford June 17, 2023

• Reach for Resilience Presents: Building Resiliency in Health Care Providers Webinar Series

– Discomfort of Grief Can Help Us: Recognizing and Adapting to Loss During the COVID-19 Outbreak Jan. 19, 2023

– Caring for Ourselves: Healing the Healer Feb. 16, 2023

– 8 Dimensions of Wellness March 16, 2023

– Post-Traumatic Growth April 20, 2023

• Nursing Town Halls March 2023

• A Case of Very Good Geriatric Care: The 8th Annual USD Geriatrics Symposium Oct. 27, 2023

• Basic Life Support (BLS) Renewal Ongoing

• 2023 Castle of Care Symposium: Trauma, Emergency, And Critical Care Oct. 11, 2023

• 2023 Annual Trauma Symposium Oct. 12, 2023

• 2023 Sanford Improvement Symposium Nov. 14, 2023

• Gerontology Nursing Exam Review Course Dec. 7-8, 2023

• Pediatric Ethics Forum “SD Urban Indian Health Cultural Sensitivity Training” Nov. 29, 2023

• Foundations and Applications of Formal Precepting Ongoing

• Ceiling Lift Training Oct. 10-11, 2023

• Survival & Triumph with Joseph Alexander Oct. 18, 2023

• Bioethics Book Review Sept. 19, 2023

• Ethics in Action Conference 2023: Ethical Frontiers & Horizons: 35 Years of Bioethics on the Prairie May 3, 2023

NURSES IN THE NEWS

DATE STORY TITLE

March 21, 2023

March 29, 2023

April 7, 2023

April 20, 2023

Spinning Babies: Sanford offers new class for pregnant women

Sanford Leaders Discuss Future of Care at Becker’s Meeting

Sanford leaders join conversations with top health systems

Sanford’s ‘Wall of Heroes’ honors organ donors

ER Nurses Share Military Experience, Growing Family

May 5, 2023

May 9, 2023

June 9, 2023

June 19, 2023

Ep. 10: USD: Collaborating for the Next Generation of Nurses

NURSES FEATURED PUBLICATION

Char Van Roekel

Erica DeBoer

Erica DeBoer

Dakota News Now

Sanford Health News

Sanford Health News

July 6, 2023

July 13, 2023

July 18, 2023

Aug. 3, 2023

‘Stan’ the sim trains first-responders for medical emergencies

Gifts Each Paycheck Add Up Beyond Employee’s Belief

A Senior Nursing Student Chats about Her Career Path

Sioux Falls Woman First in U.S. to Participate in New Clinical Trial

Park for Pediatric Patients Set for Sanford Children's

Ep. 15: How SDSU is Preparing Nurses for Rural Care

Carol Cressman

Jake Burton, Jenna Burton

Dakota News Now

Sanford Health News

Erica DeBoer

Reimagining Rural Health Podcast Series

Travis Spier KELOLAND News

Sarah Hedeen

Erica DeBoer, Maddie Fitch

Sanford Health Foundation

Reimagining Rural Health Podcast Series

Sherra VanDonkersgoed KELOLAND News

Sheri Fischer

Erica DeBoer

Sanford Health News

Reimagining Rural Health Podcast Series

Aug. 17, 2023

Aug. 30, 2023

Sanford Nurses Continue their Education on the Job

Sept. 14, 2023

Sanford Patient is First in US to Test New Cancer Treatment

Fall in love with Vivaz Medical Spa

Sept. 22, 2023 Military Flyover Represents Growing Sanford Collaborations

Sept. 29, 2023

Construction Workers Spread Joy at Children’s Hospital

Sept. 29, 2023 Saying ‘hi’ in a special way to children’s hospital

Oct. 2, 2023

Oct. 4, 2023

Oct. 18, 2023

153 Hospital and Health System Chief Nursing Officers to Know | 2023

Sanford Health’s Erica DeBoer named to ‘CNOs to know’ list

Sanford Talks about the Future of Rural Health Care

Oct. 30, 2023 Help Wanted: Health Care Workers in Rural America

Nov. 22, 2023

9 Sanford Nurses Help Guatemalan Patients Beyond Clinic

Dec. 21, 2023 Mother then daughter have same Dell Rapids NICU nurse

Dec. 28, 2023

Retired nurses surprised with volunteer awards

Kathy Manning, Dawn Seeley, Jamie Dickmeyer, Rhonda Jensen, Amy Johnson

Sherra VanDonkersgoed

Sanford Health News

Sanford Health News

Michaela Borchardt KELOLAND Living

Beth Johnson, Lyndsey Mager

Tammy Bills

Sanford Health News

Dakota News Now

Tammy Bills KELOLAND News

Erica DeBoer Becker’s Hospital Review

Erica DeBoer Sanford Health News

Erica DeBoer KELOLAND News

Erica DeBoer

Sarah Bruns

Sanford Health News

Sanford Health News

Deb Koens KELOLAND News

Paula Vogelsang, Kay Boik

News

NURSES IN THE COMMUNITY

Stand Strong: Falls Prevention

The week of Sept. 18, 2023, was Falls Prevention Awareness Week as proclaimed by the South Dakota governor and Sioux Falls mayor. Sanford Health hosted multiple community events during the week including “Steps to Safety: Prevent Fires & Falls at Home” on Sept. 20, 2023, in collaboration with the Sioux Falls Fire Department.

During Senior Citizen’s Week, Sanford nurses supported fall screenings at Lewis Drug locations Oct. 5-6, 2023.

Nov. 6-7, 2023, the Sanford Stand Strong team welcomed the National Council on Aging (NCOA) for a site visit showcasing the community partnerships and programs built to support falls prevention.

The Stand Strong team with Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken during Falls Prevention Awareness Week.

The Community Aging in Place – Advancing Better Living for Elders (CAPABLE) team during the NCOA site visit.

RECOGNITION & AWARDS

The

Arthur P. Pasquarella

Leadership in Action Award

Katie DeWall was named the 2023 recipient of the Arthur P. Pasquarella Leadership in Action Award by the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) serving the Dakotas. The annual award recognizes the outstanding accomplishments of the local NKF volunteer who has demonstrated exemplary dedication and commitment to NKF’s mission through fundraising, program development or advocacy.

2023 American Association of Nurse Practitioners® (AANP) Grant Recipient

Deb Hickman, DNP, APRN-CNP, CPNP-PC, NNP-BC, was one of eight individuals to receive grant funding from the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. The funding will be used to support the RN wellness study for nurse practitioners and advanced practice nurses at Sanford Health.

Sanford Brand Ambassadors

The Sanford Brand Ambassador Program recognizes and rewards exceptional employees each year that embody the spirit of Sanford Health and what we’re all about – providing health, healing and comfort while serving our patients, residents, communities and each other.

Following an annual nomination process, executive leadership selects 20 individuals whose stories of excellence and limitless passion embody those of a Sanford Ambassador.

Once chosen, a Sanford Ambassador kicks off their new role with a three-day trip to San Diego! During this time, they will get to know the other 19 Sanford Ambassadors chosen for that year, enjoy a relaxing getaway, and be celebrated for their accomplishments.

Sanford Ambassadors also act as ongoing brand advocates in and outside our walls. They are our champions and advisors, giving an authentic, impactful voice to our story as an organization.

Sanford Brand Ambassadors gather for a photo in San Diego, CA.

2023 Brand Ambassadors

Courtney Bornitz, Clinical Care Leader, Inpatient

Kristi Metzger, Nurse Practitioner, Internal Medicine

Flying for Life Blood Drive

Sanford AirMed won the third annual Flying for Life Blood Drive! In total, 849 units were donated – exceeding 2022’s numbers by more than 50.

Advanced Practice Provider (APP) of the Year

Deb Hickman was awarded the 2023 APP of the Year and PNP of the year through the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioner’s e-chapter.

Advanced practice providers celebrate at the 2023 Sioux Falls Region Advanced Practice Provider Recognition Event.

Advanced Practice Provider (APP) Recognition Event

The 2023 Sioux Falls Region Advanced Practice Provider Recognition Event took place on Sept. 27, 2023, at the Sanford Barn during National APP Week, Sept. 25–29, 2023. Awards were presented to eight recipients. Advanced practice providers include physician assistants, certified nurse midwives, certified nurse practitioners clinical nurse specialists, certified registered nurse anesthetists, audiologists and genetic counselors.

Nurse recipients:

Exemplary Professional Practice Award

Amanda O’Neil, APRN-CNP, Boekelheide NICU, Sanford Medical Center, Sioux Falls, SD

New Knowledge, Innovations & Improvements Award

Jacquie Kelley, APRN-CNP, Medical Oncology Clinic, Cancer Center, Sioux Falls, SD

Jill Waggoner, APRN-CNP, Medical Oncology Clinic, Cancer Center, Sioux Falls, SD

Structural Empowerment & Leadership Award

Sarah Thu, APRN-CNP, Sanford Children’s Specialty Clinic – Complex Care, Sioux Falls, SD

Distinguished Wisdom Keeper Award

Beth Abrahamson, APRN-NNP, Boekelheide NICU, Sanford USD Medical Center, Sioux Falls, SD

The DAISY Award, which recognizes nurses who exemplify excellence in patient care, has become a celebrated tradition at Sanford USD Medical Center and Clinics. Bonnie and J. Mark Barnes founded the DAISY (Diseases Attacking the Immune System) Foundation in memory of their son, J. Patrick Barnes, who died of complications from an autoimmune disease at age 33. In tribute to, and appreciation of, the nurses who cared for their son, they established the DAISY Foundation to honor nurses who positively impact the lives of their patients and families.

Sanford Health is one of more than 4,000 health care organizations around the world to partner with the DAISY Foundation. Recipients of the DAISY Award receive a certificate, a DAISY pin, cinnamon rolls to recognize the team, and a unique, hand-carved Serpentine stone statue called “The Healer’s Touch,” created by artisans in Zimbabwe. Recipients are also featured on the DAISY Foundation website, and internally on the Inside Sanford network and Sanford Nursing SharePoint Site.

Nearly 800 nominations were received from patients, families and colleagues nominating Sanford nurses for the DAISY Award. 620 nominations were received for the medical center, 160 for the Sioux Falls clinics, and 10 nominations were received for DAISY team awards.

Starla and Team

Kenny Tomek was presented with a special 10th DAISY nomination recognition on the medical oncology unit.

“ Starla is a Female Pelvic Medicine nurse with over 36 years of nursing experience. She is often described by her patients as caring, kind, comforting, knowledgeable, joyful, welcoming and much more. She was the Q3 clinic DAISY Award winner in 2023. You would not believe the enormous crowd that presented at 7 a.m. in the morning to celebrate her award! Some even traveling from her hometown over 60 minutes away! Starla is truly an amazing nurse and there is no possible way to put into words how much she means to her patients and her co-workers! The compassion and care she shows not only our patients, but our staff as well, is what nursing is all about. Thank you, Starla, for all you do!” –Karen Story, RN-BC, BSN

KennyTomek

DAISY Award Recipients

Jamie Bentaas, RN, Center for Care Management

MacKensie Cole, RN, Central Resource Pool

Molly Dowling, RN, Surgical Cardiovascular

Amber Eggert, RN, Neurology Clinic

Emily Fairbanks, RN, Surgical Cardiovascular

Patrick Fiegen, RN, Central Resource Pool

Molly Green, RN, Labor & Delivery/HROB

Brittany Hanson, RN, Orthopedics/Neurology

Leigh Hofer, RN, Ava’s House

Danielle Kroupa, RN, Medical/Oncology

Starla Meyer, RN, Women’s Health Female Pelvic Medicine

Kaylee Schoenfelder, RN, Internal Medicine Clinic

Jacob Sobraske, RN, Critical Care Unit

Mitchell Stroh, RN, Pulmonary

Monica White, LPN, Rheumatology Clinic

Logan Wipf, RN, Critical Care Unit

The Surgical Trauma Team received the 2023 DAISY Team Award.

Nurse Recipients of the Employee of the Year Awards

Each year, Sanford Health recognizes Employee of the Year recipients. In 2023, 595 nominations were received. Of the 24 awarded in the Sioux Falls region, nine were awarded to nurses. The awards recognize Sanford Health employees who consistently demonstrate exceptional performance and show a relentless pursuit of perfection through the Sanford Health values.

Carlson Family Outstanding Pediatric Oncology Employee of the Year

Kelsi Richard, RN

Conradi Family Intensive Care Nursery Employee of the Year

Andrea Dykstra, RN

Donna Gaspar Rising Star Nurse of the Year

Rachel Anderson, RNC-OB

Al Lindgren Memorial Nurse Anesthetist of the Year

Chris Brusseau, CRNA

Birkeland Clinical Innovation Employee of the Year

Heather Van Marion, RN

Excellence in Women’s Health Employee of the Year

Patricia K. Van Wyhe Nurse of the Year

Sanford USD Medical Center President’s Leadership Award

CHRISTINA GEARY, RNC-BSN

APRIL R. GRABOW, RN

EMILEE GEDDES, RN

Hero Awards

The July 2023 Hero Award recipients gather.

Sanford Heroes are chosen each month for demonstrating excellence in one of the Sanford values of calling, courage, family, community, service, resolve and advancement. Sanford employees as well as patients and visitors can nominate employees for a Sanford Hero award.

Nurse Recipients of Sanford Hero Awards:

Sara Beck, RN, Pediatrics

Megan Carry, RN, Surgical Cardiovascular

CALLING COURAGE

Andi Holifield, RN, Post Anesthesia Services

Karl Lichty, RN, Critical Care

Sherry Cummings, RN, Emergency Department

Lexi Gefre, RN, Newborn Nursery

Janine Menholt, RN, Pulmonary

Asher Wahl, RN, Critical Care

Brooklyn Van Oort, RN, Pediatric Intensive Care Unit

Emma Williams, RN, Pediatrics

Jaci Alesch, RN, Cardiology

Julie Oppold, RN, Post Anesthesia Services

Suzie Andersen, RN, Anticoagulation Management Services

Brenda Rasmussen, RN, Center for Care Management

Morgan Roman, RN, Family Suites

Lori Jones, RN, Health Co-op

Sonja Bliek, RN, Cardiology Program

Clay Bollock, RN, Pediatrics/ Pediatric Intensive Care Unit

Tiffany Bergstedt, Center for Care Management

Naida Boadwine, RN, Post Anesthesia Services

Mark Bonnema, RN, Outpatient Care Center

Melissa Devries, RN, Surgical Renal

Seth Lohr, RN, Critical Care Unit

Megan Brown, RN, Family Suites

FAMILY COMMUNITY SERVICE RESOLVE ADVANCEMENT GROUP HEROES

Noelle Murphy, RN, Center for Care Management

Kasey Gauthier, RN, Anticoagulation Management Services

Family Suites, with special recognition to Katey Leuning, RN, Karissa Munro, RN, Marlee Petersen, RN, Rita Dula, RN, Lori Beaird, RN, and Hannah Ebert, RN

Kelsey Vanden Brink, RN, Home Dialysis

Adam Kastigar, RN, Cardiology

Heather Hoy, RN, Pediatrics

Jordan Slusser, RN, Pediatrics/ Pediatric Intensive Care Unit

Kenny Tomek, RN, Medical Oncology

Marie Rogers, RN, Center for Care Management

Shawna Rorvick, RN, Anticoagulation Management Services

Guest Services, and the Sanford Gift Shop

Jane Kruse, RN, Pulmonary Unit, NFS, EVS, Bekah Aisenbrey (Volunteer Coordinator)

Nanci Halvorson, RN, Surgery

Scott Johnson, Robert McCauley, RN, Kyah Broders, RN, Sara Hansen, RN, Terri Ellingson, Jill Schmidt, RN and Jill DeVries, RN

GEM Award

GEM stands for Going the Extra Mile, and the award is given as a result of a unique and unanticipated, spontaneous or heroic event that reflects our values. It often involves the community and falls outside of job expectations and hours.

GEM Award Recipient

Molly Schulte, RN, Short Stay Unit

Good Catch Awards

Good Catch Awards are presented to individuals who prevented an error or stopped an error from reaching the patient. Good Catch Award recipients receive a surprise presentation and gift, and their story is shared widely through the nursing councils and the safety SharePoint site.

Nurse Recipients:

Candice Bergst, RN, Neonatal Intensive Care

Tammy Bills, RN, Pediatric Intensive Care

Emily Buckmiller, RN, Outpatient Care Center

Katie Edgecomb, RN, Pediatrics

Lottie Grimshaw, RN, Emergency Department

Reed Hanke, RN, Cardiology

Sasha Hokanson, RN, Pediatrics

Madison Klatt, RN, Pediatrics

Callie Luke, RN, Surgical Trauma

Raechel Malmberg, RN, Neonatal Intensive Care

Nora Matthys, RN, Interventional Radiology

Andrew Moore, RN, Emergency Department

Laura Torkildson, RN, Acute Care Clinic

Guardian Angels

The Guardian Angel program gives patients and families the opportunity to celebrate exceptional care by making a gift in honor of a caregiver. Guardian Angels attend a special recognition ceremony, and the gifts enhance services for future patients at Sanford Health.

Nurse Recipients:

Elizabeth Bauer, CNP, Comprehensive Community Services

Chelsea Dewaard, CNP, Nephrology Clinic

Angela Gordon, RN, Labor & Delivery and HROB

Sarah Hanson, RN, Labor & Delivery and HROB

Heather Knutson, RN, Labor & Delivery and HROB

Kelli Kuper, RN, Surgery

Ashley Laackmann, RN, Pre-Experience Recovery Care

Joanne Landis, RN, Neurology Clinic

Jenelle Mehlhaff, Outpatient Care Center

Alisha Neises, CNP, Sanford 69th & Louise Family Medicine

Amy Penton, RN, Perinatal Outpatient Service

Renee Schulz, RN, Market Business Partners

Karmen Vanvoorst, RN, Edith Sanford Breast Center

JY6 Foundation Nurse of the Year

Guardian Angel

Sarah Antonson of Sanford Children’s Hospital was awarded Nurse of the Year through the Jorgen Yde (JY6) Foundation, a non-profit public charity that raises awareness and funding for pediatric cancer research and leukemia research.

Nurses Week

National Nurses Week begins each year on May 6 and ends on May 12, Florence Nightingale’s birthday. Events are hosted across the United States to honor nurses for the work they do. Sanford nurses are recognized with a week of festivities including a recognition event at the Washington Pavilion. Nearly 600 nominations were submitted, and 56 individuals received awards at the 2023 Nursing Recognition Event on May 2, 2023.

The Distinguished Wisdom Keeper Nurse Award

For recognition of outstanding leadership in and contributions to the discipline of nursing demonstrated by a distinguished lifetime service to the nursing profession. Achievements include fostering high nursing standards through practice, education, leadership and research, contributing to a healthy work environment, improving health care services, and stimulating the professional development and general welfare of registered nurses.

Distinguished Wisdom Keeper Nurse Award Recipient Carol Cressman, RN, Pediatrics Acute

Nurses gather at the Nurses Week Recognition Event.

The Exemplary Professional Practice Nurse Award

For recognition of outstanding nursing professional practice in providing the highest quality care to those served by Sanford Health and in illustrating the alignment and integration of the mission, vision, values and philosophy adopted by the nursing profession and Sanford Health.

Exemplary

Professional Practice Nurse Award Recipient

Brenda Wolles, RN, Center for Care Management

The Florence Nightingale Professional Nurse Award

For recognition of nurses for outstanding involvement in the provision of the art and the science of nursing, as evidenced through strength of character, commitment and competence that has been recognized by peers as an outstanding asset to the community, nursing profession and Sanford Health organization.

Nurse Recipients:

Bonnie DeBoer, RN, Women’s Health – Maternal Fetal Medicine

Carey Duffy, RN, Women’s Health – Female Pelvic Medicine

Angela Johnson, RN, Nephrology Clinic

Kendra Kelley, RN, Neurology

Sierra Moe, LPN, Women’s Health

Amber Blauwet, RN, Short Stay

Macie Engles, RN, Inpatient Rehab

Jodi Flemmer, RN, CI Ops

Kasey Gauthier, RN, Anticoagulation Management Services

Sara Hanson, RN, Labor & Delivery and HROB

Alicia Henderson, RN, Perinatal Outpatient Services

Hanna Johnson Gaalswyk, RN, Ava’s House

Jocilyn Kok, RN, Medical & Oncology

Sarah Lamberty, RN, Pediatrics Intensive Care

Carly Leisinger, RN, Interventional Radiology

Mila Pugach, RN, Intensive Care Nursery

Rachael Ross, RN, Center for Care Management

Hanna Stibbe, RN, Central Resource Pool

Christine Wanless, RN, Intensive Care Nursery

Laurie Wernke, RN, GI Lab

Kristy Wickett, RN, Patient Appointment Center

Audrey Zuiderhof, RN, Clinical Call Center

Friend of Nursing

For recognition of an individual or group who, though not a nurse, has demonstrated significant contributions to the nursing profession, the work environment of the health care team and Sanford Health.

Recipients:

Elisha Nelson, Social Worker, Endocrinology Clinic

Bryan Wheeler, Employee Recruitment Operations

Central Resource Pool staffing coordinators: Christine Gillespie, Jeannette Kott, Quentin Struble, Robin Vennard

The New Knowledge, Innovations & Improvement Award

Recognition of excellence in nursing that ensures the safest and best practices for patients and the nursing practice environment by sharing new knowledge through the integration of evidence-based practice, research and innovations into clinical and operational processes.

Recipients:

Kari Kern, RN, Palliative Care Clinic

Alex Sproul, RN, Quality & Safety

The Spirit of Nursing Leadership Award

For recognition of a professional nurse who has demonstrated leadership and has made significant contributions to the nursing profession, the professional advancement of nurses and the general welfare of nurses.

Nurse Recipients:

Jocelyn Goodman, RN, Diabetes & Thyroid Clinic

Casey Olson, RN, Leadership, Education, and Development (LEAD) Center

Star Performance Award

For recognition of an individual who, though not a nurse, has helped the profession of nursing advance safe, patient-centered care by demonstrating significant partnership to the nursing profession and improvement to the health care environment for staff nurses and patients.

Recipients:

Sarah Bashir, MA, Sanford 69th & Minnesota Family Medicine

Roger Stroh, Critical Care

Structural Empowerment Award

For recognition of nurse professional engagement, development and community involvement, as evidenced by involvement in shared governance, decision-making structures, processes that establish standards of practice, and by serving on committees, task forces and professional organizations that address excellence in patient care and in the safe, efficient and effective operation of the Sanford Health organization.

Structural Empowerment Award Recipient

Robert McCauley, RN, Cardiology

Transformational Leadership Award

For recognition of transformative leadership in nursing through the development of a clear vision, well-articulated philosophy and professional practice, as demonstrated by communicating expectations, developing leaders, meeting current and anticipated needs and strategic priorities, and advocating on behalf of staff and patients.

Nurse Recipients:

Sarah Bruns, RN, Women’s Health Clinic

Karla Krogmann, RN, Central Resource Pool

ORGANIZATIONAL HONORS

Senior-Friendly Member Site

Senior-Friendly 2023

Sanford USD Medical Center has been a senior-friendly member site of Nurses Improving Care of the Health System Elder (NICHE) since 2006.

Joy in Medicine Gold Recognition

Sanford Health has earned gold recognition from the American Medical Association as a Joy in Medicine recognized organization.

The prestigious AMA distinction is granted only to organizations that attest to the rigorous criteria of the Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program and demonstrate a commitment to preserving the well-being of clinical care team members through proven efforts to combat work-related stress and burnout.

Level 1 Trauma Center

The American College of Surgeons has verified Sanford USD Medical Center is a Level 1 Adult Trauma Center, the only one in South Dakota. This verification recognizes our capability for and dedication to providing the highest level of trauma care possible. From prevention through rehabilitation, our patients across the entire region can count on us for expert, lifesaving care in any emergency.

A Level 1 trauma center is required to have a certain number of surgeons and anesthesiologists, specialty services and other services on duty 24/7.

Qualifications met to achieve this verification include:

• Provide 24-hour medical coverage by general surgeons and prompt availability to specialties such as orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, cardiac surgery, thoracic surgery, hand surgery, anesthesiology, emergency medicine, radiology, plastic surgery, oral and maxillofacial, pediatric, interventional radiology, critical care and many other services along a full spectrum of surgical and medical specialists

• Provide orthopedic care overseen by an individual who has completed a fellowship in orthopedic traumatology

• Maintain a surgically directed ICU service

• Train surgical residents

• Serve as a referral source to regional communities

• Provide leadership in prevention through public education

• Provide continuing education for trauma team members

• Incorporate a comprehensive quality improvement program

• Help direct new innovations in trauma care through a successful trauma research program

• Serve specific volumes of severely injured patients

Such centers also are required to have a rigorous performance improvement program, keep an extensive database, and submit data to the National Trauma Data Bank.

The Age Nine Champion Award

Sanford Health has been nationally recognized by the American Cancer Society and National HPV Vaccination Roundtable for its efforts in getting kids ages 9 and up the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. The Age Nine Champion Award denotes Sanford’s commitment to increasing vaccination rates across its footprint.

America’s Best-In-State Employers by Forbes

Sanford USD Medical Center has been named one of America’s Best-In-State Employers by Forbes for 2023. With more than 13,000 employees in the state of South Dakota, Sanford Health is one of the largest employers in the state.

Sanford USD Medical Center was identified based on an independent survey of employees in the United States working for companies employing more than 500 people. More than 2.1 million recommendations across the U.S. were gathered during the review process.

Newsweek’s List of America’s Best Cancer Hospitals

Newsweek has named Sanford Cancer Center in Sioux Falls to its list of America’s Best Cancer Hospitals 2023. Sanford is the only hospital in South Dakota to be named to the Top 100.

Sanford Cancer Center is a regional leader in cancer treatment, participating in cuttingedge research with access to Phase 1 clinical trials and bringing emerging technologies and advanced treatment options to patients in Sioux Falls and the surrounding areas.

Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award

Sanford Health has received the American Heart Association’s “Get With The Guidelines” – Stroke Gold Plus quality achievement award for its commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the best treatment.

“Get With The Guidelines” puts the expertise of the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association to work for hospitals nationwide, helping ensure patient care is aligned with the latest research and evidence-based guidelines. “Get With The Guidelines” – Stroke is an in-hospital program for improving stroke care by promoting consistent adherence to these guidelines, which can minimize the long-term effects of a stroke and even prevent death.

The Less Than 1% Magnet Certification List from Becker’s Hospital Review

Becker’s Hospital Review noted that of the nearly 6,000 hospitals in the United States, less than one percent have achieved five Magnet certifications. Sanford USD Medical Center is one of the 49 hospitals that have at least five Magnet certifications.

Top 100 Hospital for Gastrointestinal Care

The Sanford USD Medical Center has been named one of the top 100 hospitals for gastrointestinal care by Healthgrades, a leading health care comparison website. Sanford Health is the only hospital in South Dakota to receive the award. The award recognizes facilities with superior patient outcomes in colorectal surgeries, gallbladder removal, upper gastrointestinal surgery, treating bowel obstruction, gastrointestinal bleeds and pancreatitis.

Recognized as a Great Orthopedic Program by Becker’s Hospital Review

Sanford USD Medical Center has been recognized by Becker’s Hospital Review on its list of 100 hospitals and health systems with great orthopedic programs.

Sanford USD Medical Center has the only orthopedic residency program in the region with orthopedic specialists in house 24 hours a day. As the only Level 1 Trauma center in South Dakota, Sanford provides comprehensive care in orthopedics, sports medicine, regenerative medicine and research.

2022-23 Gold Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health

Mental Health America has awarded Sanford Health the 2022-23 Gold Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health. The Bell Seal is a first-of-its-kind workplace mental health certification that recognizes employers who strive to create mentally healthy workplaces for their employees.

Sanford Health has led efforts to combat work-related stress and burnout through resiliency groups, training, a clinician assistance program, counseling, a physician wellness council and comprehensive mental health resources. These help employees take care of themselves physically and emotionally while caring for patients and residents.

‘A’ Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group

Sanford USD Medical Center earned another ‘A’ Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group. For the second year in a row, the organization has been recognized for its achievement in protecting patients from preventable harm.

The Leapfrog Group is an independent organization that assigns grades to health care facilities across the country. It combines more than 30 national measures to determine a hospital’s overall performance related to preventing patient harm and medical errors.

2023 CMS 5-star Facility

Sanford USD Medical Center is a 2023 CMS 5-star facility. This designation from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services was earned by just 16% of the 3,000+ U.S. hospitals ranked for quality measures and evidenced-based safety practices.

The CMS star-rating system was created to summarize hospital information in a simplified, accessible way for patients seeking care. Hospitals are ranked from 1-5 stars using qualitybased data in five key areas, including mortality, safety of care, readmission, patient experience and timely and effective care.

America’s Most Innovative Companies by Fortune

Fortune has named Sanford Health one of America’s Most Innovative Companies for 2023. The list honors 300 companies who do business in the United States and “transform industries inside and out.” Sanford Health ranks in the top 200 and is the only South Dakota or North Dakota-based company recognized on the list, which includes businesses from a multitude of sectors across the United States.

Sanford Health has several innovative nursing initiatives that are empowering nurses to do their most fulfilling work, including using predictive analytics to manage clinical staffing, leveraging technology to support patients at the bedside, and automating workflows to build a more resilient workforce while improving patient care.

150 Top Places to Work by Becker’s

Sanford Health has been named on Becker’s Healthcare 2023 edition of 150 top places to work in health care. The list honors health care establishments that are committed to advocating for diversity in the workplace, promoting work-life balance and boosting employee engagement.

EXEMPLARY PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE

Professional Practice Model

A professional practice model is the driving force of nursing care. It depicts how nurses practice, communicate, collaborate and develop professionally to provide the highestquality care.

Care Delivery Model

The care delivery model describes how care is given, what skills are required, the setting of care and the anticipated outcomes. It outlines the nurse’s authority and accountability for clinical decision-making and outcomes. At Sanford USD Medical Center and Clinics, the care delivery model is based on differentiated practice.

The differentiated philosophy focuses on the structuring of roles and functions of nurses based on education, experience and competence. It establishes that the domain of nursing is broad, with multiple roles and responsibilities of various degrees and complexities. It accepts that nurses with different educational preparation, expertise and background bring different competencies to the workplace. It seeks to assure that the work of nursing is carried out by the most appropriate nurse in the most appropriate and timely fashion. Each defined role is different yet complementary. Nurses choose the role based on competency, skill, desire and education.

Quality Care and Patient Experience

In 2023, the Quality and Safety team along with Performance Improvement (PI) Representatives focused on improving hospital acquired conditions (HACs). Many of the HACs showed marked improvement, including a 40% reduction in hospital acquired pressure injuries (HAPIs) from the previous year, a 53% decrease in health care acquired Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infections and increasing compliance with prevention bundle components. In addition, teams created an increased focus on device indication, aiding in decreasing our CAUTI and CLABSI rates. In late 2023, a Falls Taskforce, which included the inpatient PI reps, was created to address patient falls with injury. House-wide action plans focused on hourly rounding or increased bed alarm compliance to reduce falls.

We continue to improve patient experience through best practices developed from our top-performing care teams – wayfinding, rounding to identify continued opportunities and service recovery are our top priorities. Moreover, we continue to improve patient experience by collaborating with hospitalist nurses during inpatient rounds to identify opportunities for improvement.

On March 8, 2023, Sanford USD Medical Center achieved The Joint Commission (TJC) Advanced Thrombectomy Capable Stroke Center.

Establishing Bedside Report

Bedside report is the process of exchanging vital patient information at the bedside using a standardized tool. This patient-centered approach encourages patient participation and active involvement in the plan of care and allows for safer transitions of care. Bedside report is evidence-based and supports many of our SAFE skills including, but not limited to, attention to detail, communicate clearly, know why and comply, and speaking up for safety.

In March 2023, Sanford USD Medical Center nurses completed a two-week “March Madness Bedside Blitz” to support implementation of bedside report. It was a successful effort with good catches identified and progress towards ingraining beside report in daily practice.

Patient Experience Impact Award

In total, 27 outstanding teams were nominated, with some teams receiving multiple nominations. These teams were recognized for delivering compassionate, patient-centered care, using SAFE relationship skills with patients and families, finding innovative ways to exceed patient and family expectations, and having a lasting impact on patients and their families.

Sioux Falls Labor and Delivery provides exceptional care and support during some of the most difficult times involving pregnancy complications and emergency surgery. The staff consistently familiarizes themselves with patients and families, shows kindness and maintains regular contact. There are numerous instances in which nurses went above and beyond, providing emotional support, offering condolences and creating lasting memories during stillbirths. The staff’s efforts include taking photos, arranging mementos and ensuring whole-hearted, compassionate care. While their work is not always joyful, it is incredibly significant and meaningful, and the support they provide during some of the darkest times have a lasting impact on patients and their families.

2023 Nursing Recipients

SIOUX FALLS LABOR AND DELIVERY

Sanford Accountability for Excellence (SAFE)

Sanford Accountability for Excellence, or SAFE, is Sanford Health’s commitment to safety on the journey to becoming a highly reliable organization (HRO). Being an HRO means having systems in place that create reliable barriers to preventable harm, reducing or even eliminating serious safety events.

As of October 2023, Sanford USD Medical Center has seen a 46% decrease in serious safety events (SSEs). SSEs are events that have caused moderate-to-severe harm in our patients. Throughout the year, the Quality & Safety team continued to partner and collaborate with all teams to continue our journey to becoming a more highly reliable organization leading to zero preventable harm. We recognized safety as our highest priority and dedicated efforts to continuous quality improvement, infection prevention and control, and accreditation readiness for all the patients and families we serve.

Integrative Health Services

Integrative health incorporates both conventional and complementary approaches for symptom management, health and wellness. These integrative techniques are intended to create a healing environment and provide support to our patients.

Integrative techniques offered include:

• Acupressure

• Aromatherapy

• Deep breathing

• Guided imagery/mindfulness

• Massage

In 2023, Sanford USD Medical Center supported 387 patients with integrative therapies.

The DeGroot Center for Bioethics, Humanities and the Healing Arts

The DeGroot Center for Bioethics, Humanities and the Healing Arts provides a variety of resources for those interested in biomedical ethics, integrative health and advance care planning.

Ethics Consultation Services

Bioethics consultants act in an advisory capacity to review cases of unresolved ethical conflict and offer recommendations fostering resolution of the conflict. They are available as a resource to patients and families, as well as to physicians and hospital staff directly involved in a patient’s care. In 2023, the DeGroot Center Clinical Ethics team supported 168 ethics consults. Some of the consistent themes of consult requests included:

Questions about Surrogate Decision-Makers

• Who should be the decision-maker?

• Is the decision-maker acting in accordance with patient wishes?

• What if we can’t find a decision maker?

Questions about Patient

Decision-Making

• Does the patient have decision-making capacity?

• Can this patient refuse this treatment?

• Can this patient go home if they are unsafe?

Advance Care Planning

An advance care plan is a document that tells your health care team who should speak for you and what medical decisions they should make if you are unable to speak for yourself. The DeGroot Center offers advance care planning facilitator training and offers free advance care planning facilitations for our patients. In 2023, the DeGroot Center trained 17 new ACP facilitators and offered 22 facilitation appointments for patients.

NURSES AS TEACHERS

Sanford Clinical Ambulatory Skills Fair

An education needs assessment survey was sent out to all Sioux Falls regional clinics in December 2022. The results informed the topics and skills offered in the 2023 Ambulatory Skills Fair, which was offered on five dates in October and November of 2023 and provided RNs, LPNs, MAs and PCTs in the ambulatory clinic setting an opportunity to reinforce practice guidelines and add new knowledge using a standard curriculum. The attendees received training on equipment, skill competency validations and education about new protocols. The skills fair topics included:

• Medication reconciliation

• Suicide safety plan

• Vital signs (manual blood pressure, pulse, respirations, temporal thermometer)

• Straight catheterization

• Injection landmarks

• Emergency response and protocols

220 employees attended the skills fair from the Sioux Falls metro and the network clinics with an attendee satisfaction of 8.9 on a ten-point rating scale. The skills fair offered seven sessions on different dates and times for the RNs, LPNs, MAs and PCTs to attend in person. The clinical supervisor or designee could also attend the skills fair as a “train the trainer” participant which prepared supervisors or a designee with the knowledge, kits and equipment needed to deliver education within their clinic.

Internationally Educated Nurses

In 2023, Sanford Health initiated fellowships tailored to internationally educated nurses, welcoming them into the Sanford Family.

Nurses participating in a communication activity.

NURSING RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION

K-12 Aspire by Sanford: Career Exploration and Development Programming

The K-12 Aspire team promotes health care career exploration and development in both patient-facing and support roles. We partner with local schools and post-secondary institutions to offer internships, tours, classrooms visits, hands-on demonstrations, career advising and more in both large and small group settings. We promote careers in health care through in-person and virtual experiences.

We are proud to partner with select high schools to offer students who have earned their nursing assistant certification an opportunity to intern as a CNA in various inpatient and clinic settings. Interns go through our hiring, onboarding and orientation process and work with us for a total of 100 hours in a semester. In addition to this paid time, we also offer 10-12 hours of career exploration opportunities in high-need areas that they may not see in their units.

In April 2023, we launched an online job shadow application for non-physician roles in health care. Departments can opt in to hosting students who are juniors in high school or older for a maximum of eight hours. Each hosting department has their own reviewer who reads each application, decides to accept or decline the applicant, and sets up the experience either with themselves or another hosting individual in their department.

Other programming includes a medical explorers club called MedX. We meet monthly throughout the school year at the medical center to learn about health care careers through tours, chats and hands-on activities. K-12 Aspire supports our local Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) chapters by supplying speakers for chapter meetings and bringing multiple staff to the state leadership conference to run competitive events, share breakout sessions and showcase their careers at a special career carnival event. We also offer classroom-based and large-scale event career exploration opportunities to middle and elementary school students.

Sanford Health Nurse Residency Program

The Sanford Health Nurse Residency Program (NRP) offers education and support to all new-to-practice graduate RNs with less than 12 months of experience. This program is available in four markets and two south network locations – one in Aberdeen, South Dakota, and one in Worthington, Minnesota. In 2023, the NRP enhanced the wellness/ resiliency content and a new robust PowerBI dashboard was designed to track participant professional development, retention and program evaluation data.

As of September 2023, there have been 13 cohorts with 2,412 new-to-practice registered nurses participating across the enterprise –943 of them are at Sanford USD Medical Center and the two south network locations.

Overall, first-year retention for new-graduate RNs post-residency completion in the Sioux Falls and the south network by year are:

Curriculum revisions in November 2023 included new topics around leading self, leading others and professional development. These were based on resident and leader feedback provided in 2022 and 2023. Other general curriculum updates include bringing in more guest speakers, adding simulation, providing additional interactive learning opportunities, offering information and updates on staffing criteria, retention and recruitment.

In December of 2023, executive leadership approved a residency reward and recognition budget which includes a catered breakfast with nursing leadership at six months, an evening meal at the 12-month celebration, and a few Sanford swag items and gift cards.

Sanford Student Nurse Internship Program (SSNIP) and the Extended Sanford Student Nurse Internship Program (ESSNIP)

The Sanford Student Nurse Internship Program (SSNIP) and the Extended Sanford Student Nurse Internship Program (ESSNIP) provide the junior or senior nursing student with a comprehensive “day-in-the-life of the nurse” experience. These opportunities support the students by helping them to link didactic content with what they are seeing in practice, partnered 1:1 with an RN preceptor in the clinical setting. The student intern works alongside the nurse providing direct care for patients and their families.

In 2023, 154 student nurses applied for the Sioux Falls and South Network 10-week summer session. A total of 88 interns were selected to participate at nine sites (81-SMC and 7-South Network: Aberdeen-3, Canby-2, Sheldon-1, Vermillion-2, Viborg-1).

The extended experience included 51 interns (47-SMC and 4-South Network: Aberdeen-1, Chamberlain-1, Sheldon-1 & Vermillion-1). Each intern works 24 hours per month during the fall and spring semesters until they graduate, building relationships with caregiver team members and learning the practice of setting policies and protocols.

These programs continue to serve as a workforce development pipeline and a recruiting strategy for new-to-practice graduates already enculturated into the workplace setting. To date, the SSNIP/ESSNIP conversion to RN hire is 33/81=40% at SHUSDMC and 2/7=28% for the South Network to be onboarded in January/February for summer of 2024.

Culture of Caring

Culture of Caring (COC) is a transformational nursing education practice partnership that guides all teaching and learning interactions between patients, nurses, students and faculty in clinical practice and education. COC employs a team-based approach to student clinical learning at Sanford Health and promotes quality teaching, learning and patient care. This team of nursing leaders, clinical instructors and RN staff interacts and supports teaching and learning in the clinical setting.

The COC clinical curriculum provides supporting content and learning activities for the clinical experience. In fall of 2023, the Fargo market implemented the curriculum with North Dakota State University (NDSU) on two medical-surgical units.

The COC Power of Joy initiative was expanded to all COC Sanford USD Medical Center clinical departments in spring and fall 2023. This content will be incorporated within the curriculum updates planned for fall 2024 implementation.

STUDENT SERVICES

Preceptor/Directed Studies/Group Clinical

Sanford Health nurses supported nursing students for clinical experiences each semester for group rotations, observation experiences and preceptorships. For the academic year of 2022-2023, Sanford hosted a total of 1,510 students from regional schools.

ACE Clinical Group Pilot

In the fall of 2023, Sanford Health partnered with South Dakota State University to pilot a new model of nursing clinicals called the Academy of Clinical Essentials (ACE). This model pairs one Sanford RN as an ACE clinical instructor with the same four students for the entire rotation in the nurse’s home unit. The pulmonary unit hosted the pilot which included cohorts of four students paired with a Sanford RN ACE Clinical Instructor to care for a full patient assignment for one 12-hour shift per week for six weeks. ACE clinicals provide a professional development opportunity for Sanford Health nurses to become a clinical instructor in their department while providing a valuable, real-life learning experience for nursing students. A second pilot launched in the spring of 2024. The goal is to expand this innovative approach to nursing clinicals with more schools and departments. The Sanford-SDSU workgroup is conducting a formal research study with the pilots and anticipate publishing this work and its data later this year.

Student Survey – Student Experience

LEAD Student Services deployed a survey to undergraduate nursing students for the fifth semester of deployment. The purpose of this survey is to obtain feedback regarding student clinical experiences at Sanford Health to enhance the student experience, ultimately impacting workforce development. The results are shared with nursing leadership each semester and used to implement action items to improve the student’s experience at Sanford. (The scores are based on the Likert Scale, 1-5, with 5 being the best).

NEW KNOWLEDGE, INNOVATIONS AND IMPROVEMENTS

External Dissemination

Bauer, E. (2023, May 17). Making House Calls to Prevent Readmissions [Webinar]. Vizient Member Spotlight, Virtual.

Gramlick-Mueller, A. (2023, March). Living nursing scholarship: research, theory and practice. How can nursing research impact the health and well-being of South Dakota and beyond [Presentation]. The 34th Annual Nursing Research Symposium, Brookings, SD.

Kulkami, O., DeBoer, E., Eftekhari, N., Karras, T. (2023, October 8-9). Get your health system prepared for the era of AI assisted care provision [Panel]. Reuters Events: Total Health 2023, Chicago, IL.

McGinnis, C. (2023, April 14). Enteral Tube Feeding: Concept to Implementation and part two Implementation to Daily Routine [Presentation]. Wisconsin Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (WAND), 2023 Annual Conference, Green Bay, WI.

McGinnis, C. (2023, April 21). Percutaneous Tube Site Care [Presentation]. American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN) Science and Practice Conference, Las Vegas, NV.

O’Neil, A. (2023, April 26-29). Customized Silicone Dressing Under Non-invasive Ventilation and Skin Bundle to Reduce Pressure Injuries in Neonates [Presentation]. Academy of Neonatal Nursing Conference, Honolulu, HI.

Story, K., Kropuenske, M., Bridges, K. (2023, September 18-19). Gestational Diabetes Postpartum Screening: A Means in Identifying and Preventing the Continuum of Diabetes [Presentation]. South Dakota Perinatal Association 2023 Conference, Rapid City, SD.

Vastis, A., Gramlick-Mueller, A., Cazer, K. (2023, June 12-13). Skill-Building: Fire and EMS and Falls Prevention [Conference Session]. National Council on Aging: Age + Action 2023 Conference, Washington, D.C.

Nursing Publications

Lord L, McGinnis C, Densmore C. Invited review: Addressing the unique needs and quality of life issues for adults receiving long-term home enteral nutrition. Nutrition in Clinical Practice. 2023 April; 38(2): 257-276. http://doi.org/10.1002/ncp.10965

McGinnis, C., White, L., Lobb Oyos, M. The Clinical Nurse Specialist role: Now is the right time. South Dakota Nursing News. 2023, Winter. Pp 16-18.

Robinson KR, Gierach M, Bartelt S, et al. Battle of COVID-19: Frontline nurses feel abandoned during the pandemic. American Nurse Journal. 2023;18(3):12-16. doi:10.51256/ anj032312 https://www.myamericannurse.com/battle-of-covid-19-frontline-nurses-feelabandoned-during-the-pandemic/

Karla Cazer, CNS and Abby Gramlick-Mueller, CNP pose for a photo with U.S. Rep.Lois Frankel.

Nursing Research & Evidence-Based Practice Council

The Nursing Research & Evidence-Based Practice Council is dedicated to creating and sustaining an active culture of inquiry that encourages and supports nursing research, evidence-based best practices and innovation. The council mission closely aligns with the Sanford USD Medical Center mission to improve the human condition through exceptional care, innovation and discovery. The council supports nursing inquiry into best practices and innovations for patient-centered clinical and operational improvement.

Projects reviewed in the council included the following:

PROJECT TITLE

Artisight Impact on Documentation Burnout

Surgical Discharge Checklist

SDoH and Medication Adherence

Promoting the Use of Positive Pressure Ventilation with Laryngeal Mask Airways

An Evaluation of Current Practice for Pre-procedural DNR or MDNR Revocation

Implementation of Non-pharmacological Cognitive Stimulation Therapeutic Activities Protocol as a Delirium Prevention Method for Adults

Ondansetron and Hypotension for OB Patients Receiving a Spinal Anesthetic

Nursing Order to Reduce BHRRTS with Brain Injury Patients

Guidelines for Sugammadex Use in Pediatrics Under Two CRNAs

Impact of a Fitness Tracker on Activity Level Weight Management Clinic

Assessing SDoH in a Pediatric Clinic Pediatric Surgery EBP

Academy of Clinical Essentials (ACE) Pilot Project –An Academic–Practice Partnership between Sanford Health and South Dakota State University Pulmonary, LEAD, and SDSU

Oral Care EBP Project

Primary Care Provider (PCP) Referral Placement Education in Acute Care and Emergency Department Setting

and Acute Cares

RDOS Palliative Care and 6000

COVID-19 and the Current State of Nursing Wellness –Phase I Completed – Dissemination Enterprise Research

COVID-19 and the Current State of Nursing Wellness –Phase II Recruitment Enterprise Research

Internationally Educated Nurses Enterprise Research

Frequency of Head-to-Toe Assessment in Critical Care Critical Care Research

Impact of Intentional Spiritual Care Rounding in the ED on Security Calls and Staff Feelings of Support

Hearts Up! Intervention to Reduce Hopelessness in Patients with Ischemic Heart Disease Living in Rural Setting –NIH grant application – scored – reapplying in 2024

Spiritual Care, ED, and Security Research

Sanford Improvement Symposium

The Sioux Falls Sanford Improvement (SI) Symposium took place on Nov. 14, 2023, at the Sioux Falls Convention Center to showcase quality improvement projects across the region. There were 123 posters submitted among the eight categories. Sanford Health nurses were involved in 75 posters presented. The poster categories included: Quality of Life, Safety, Sanford Experience, Cost, Communication, Clinical Care, Evidence-Based Practice and Research. Posters are judged on various criteria depending on category, such as patient-centeredness, data-driven results, leadership involvement, application of improvement principles, skillful management of a project, improvement tools, accountability, enthusiasm and passion, next steps, and the overall clarity, creativity and appearance of the poster.

Quality of Life Projects

Less is MORE: Less Pills, Less Cost, Less GI Upset

Morgan Ratzsch RN, BSN

Sweat Working: Boosting Your Mood and Productivity at Work (Second Place, Quality of Life)

Randa Mikkelsen, BSN, RN, Julissa Reyna, LPN, Josie Goodman, BSN, RN

That’s Why They Call It the Blues

Genelle Micke, MA, Kaylee Schoenfelder, RN

There is no “I” in TEAM: Integration of a Community Health Worker into a Rural Interprofessional Team

Jamie Ackman, PharmD, BCACP, Elizabeth Hindbjorgen, MS, RN, Lori Jones, BSN, RN, Juan Perez, CHW

Safety Projects

Adding Layers of Swiss Cheese to the Anticoagulation Safety Sandwich (Third Place, Safety) Shannon Mehlbrech, PharmD, BCPS, Jessica Wahl, PharmD, BCPS, Kasey Gauthier, RN, CPHON, Erika Disbrow, RN, BAN

Blood Band ID Labeling Addison Ferry, BSN, RN, CCRN, Rachel Pearson, BSN, RN, Jacob Sobraske, BSN, RN

Completing CHG Bathing on ICU Transfer Patients to a Medical Oncology Floor (Second Place, Safety) Brenda Wolles

Defeat the Diff: How a Deep Clean Can Decrease Infections Megan DeBoer, RN, BSN

Prep It Like It’s Hot Jill Swanson, RN, BSN, Lanny Virchow, RN, BSN, Patty Klinghagen, RN, ADN, Sonja Bliek, RN, Jami Fenchel, RN, BSN, Alexandra Gall, RN, BSN, MS, CVCN, Brooke Roth, RN, BSN, Gabriella Nikolas, RN, BSN, PCCN, CVCN, Jenny Lourens, RN, ADN, Melissa Vandenberg, RN, Brianna Van Zante, LPN, Brittany Nieman, RN, BSN, Ladene Case, RN, BSN, Bailey Olinger, Maggie Roe

Reducing Peritonitis Rates in Home Dialysis Patients Kelsey Vanden Brink, RN, BSN, Tammy Sasker, RN, BSN, CNN

SAFE Discharge: SAFE Recovery Enhancing Patient Safety Through SAFE Discharge Guidelines: A Pilot Project (Braithwaite Award) Heather Van Marion, BSN, RN, Beth Johnson, BSN, RN, Marie Free, BSN, RN, Chas Chleborad, BSN, RN, Patient Center Leadership, Andrea Hemmer, BSN, RN, Katie Hendrickson, BSN, RNC-OB

Sanford Experience Projects

Don’t be a JERK at Work (Sanford Board Award) Melissa Knudson, MSM, BS, RT(R), Michele Strasser, RN, MSN, CNML, Annie Roggenbuck, Jill Walker, Greg Mehrer, Alex Magnuson, Andrew Mehrer, Human Resources, and the Radiology Staff

Pro-active Patient Education: Enhancing Procedure Preparedness (First Place, Experience) Amanda McGreevy, RN, BAN, Cassandra Menzel, RN, AD, Christina Osborn RN, AD, Mackenzie Martin, RN, ASN, Lori Jaeger, RN, BSN, Kristen Ferwerda, RN, BSN

To Be or Not to Be: Improve Nurse Engagement and Experience Michelle Corothers, MM, BSN, RN, Lyndsey Mager, MBA, BSN, RN, Elizabeth Arndt, BSN, RN, Thomas Redlin, BSN, RN, Emma Archer, LPN

You Stay Where Everyone Knows Your Name Breana Young, BSN, RN, BC, Hilary Veskrna, BSN, RN, BC, Laura Hoiten, BSN, RN, BC, Matt Peterson, BSN, RN, BC

Cost Projects

Appt. “no-show”? I don’t think so! (First Place, Cost) Abby Kuper, RN, MSN, CMSRN, Nicole Zoerink, RN, MSN, CEN, Jodi Flemmer, RN, BSN, PCCN, Michelle Ahnberg, DNP, PCNS-BC, CPN

Cost Effectiveness of Transcutaneous CO2 Monitoring (TCM) in the NICU Carly Goodhart, BSN, RN, CBC, Sheri Fischer, MSN, RN, CBC, Greg Doss, Laboratory Analyst, Megan Ehrenberg, Data Analyst, Tiffany Brende, MSN, CNP, Bette Schumacher, MSN, CNS, CPN

Non-Invasive Hemoglobin Monitoring - Quicker, Easier, and Cheaper Labs?

Logan Foxhoven, RN, BSN, ONC, Tara Stauffacher, RN, BSN, ONC

Taking Credit for the Work Being Done - CPT Code Utilization (Second Place, Cost)

Shane Hamilton, MBA, MSW, CSW-PIP, Jon Pociask, MBA, Stacy Jewett, Michael Krsnak, Jessica Stenen, Dr. Josh Doorn, Dr. Jennifer Schriever

Communication Projects

A New Approach – Improving Scheduling Efficiency for the Pediatric Patient (First Place, Communication) Katie Lengkeek, ADN, RN, Lavonne Spaans, ADN, RN, Jean Vargas, BSN, RN, Chelsey Koenig, BSN, RN, CCL, Dr. Mir Ali, MD, Holly Madison, BSN, RN, CPN, CCRN

Staying In-Network for Care, That’s Our Burden to Bare Abby Kuper, RN, MSN, CMSRN, Mary Jo Buck, RN, BAN, Kristi Paulsen, RN, BSN, Kathy Nultemeier, RN, BAN, CDMS, Jane Von Wald, RN, BSN, Nicole Zoerink, RN, MSN, CEN, Sheri Otta, RN, BSN, BC, Deb Westberg, RN, BSN, Sara Dahl, RN, BSN, CCRC, Lorinda Collette, RN, Kristen Walsh, RN, BSN, Heather Day, RN, CCM

Through Sanford Virtual Care – Emergent Telemedicine is EVERYWHERE Abby Kuper, RN, MSN, CMSN, Nicole Zoerink, RN, MSN, CEN, Lynnea Eckhoff, BM, Eric Topete, AAAS, Pierce Aman, BSE, Ryan Narlock, BS, ACSM-EP

Clinical Care Projects

ALARMED?? YOU SHOULD BE!! Elizabeth Kollmann, RN, ONC, 5000 RNs, 5000 PCTs, Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapist and Therapy Transporter

Because you need to start fighting somewhere – Depression screening not just for primary care Karen Story, BSN, RN-BC, Lesley Cornell BSN, RN, Paige Metz BSN, RNCBC, Margaret Kropuenske, MSN, RN-BC

BEFAST and Drive Down Stroke Treatment Time Jessie Wolf, RN, Sanford Stroke Team

Building Bones is Everybody’s Business: Multidisciplinary Approach to Reducing the Incidence of Fracture in the NICU Baiba Steinbreker, MD, Elizabeth Jeanson, PT, DPT, Rachel Meyerink, RD, Brooke Welker, NNP, Deb Pritchett, PharmD, Ashley Jarman, BSN, RNC, Bette Schumacher, RNC, CNS, Kristi Randall, RN, CCRN, Sheri Fischer, RN, CBC

Caffeine: What’s the Buzz All About? Suzanne Swan, RN, Jill Swanson, RN

Cardiac Cath Lab Post Operative Patient Care Hand Off Report Sheet Jessica Yarber, RN, Rebecca Wright, RCIS

Catching the Blues Early Madeline Fest, RN, Jill Crichton

Children’s Health Values: Increasing Well Child Visits Kim Sorensen, RN, Shannon Carlson, RN, Amy Johnson, RN

Dialysis Repo Nurse Amy VanMaanen, RN, Tammy Sasker, RN

Don’t be blue, get a clue: High Flow is the way to Go Bryce Kolander, MSN, APRN, CRNA, Jordan Steinborn, MSN, APRN, CRNA, Kyle Mamer, DNAP, APRN, CRNA, Aaron Mortenson, MSN, APRN, CRNA, Sheri Clemens, MSN, APRN, CRNA, Connie Bower, MSN, APRN, CRNA, Leanne Siverhus, MSN, APRN, CRNA

EMG’s... Shocking Aren’t They? Mackenzie Murphy, RN, Timothy Groot, RN, Monica White, LPN, Amanda McGreevy, RN, Christina Osborn, RN, Cassandra Menzel, RN, Hailey Brown, RN, Amanda Rollag, RN, Becky Fife, RN, Maija Lovra, RN, Liz Gasper, LPN, Kirsten Campbell, RN, Amber Eggert, RN, Amber Wolthuizen, RN, Angel Rollag, RN, Jo Landis, RN, Kaitlyn Schaunaman, LPN, Leslie Ideker, RN

Express for Success Maddie Delange, ASN-RN, Darcy Weber, DIP, CBC, Jeri Nelson, BSN, RNC-MNN, Katie Kopp, BSN-RN, CBC, Cindy Wiles, BSN, RNC-OB

Flu Fighters Stacy Nelson, RN-BSN, Rachel Johnson, RN-BSN

Get Home Safe Molly Hanson, RN, BSN, Short Stay Department, Cardiovascular Institute APPs

Going Beyond the Tip of the Iceberg: Screening for social determinants of health to eliminate barriers, improve patient outcomes and provide equitable care

Karen Story, BSN, RN-BC, Margaret Kropuenske, MSN, RN-BC, Kari Bridges, RN

Heated High Flow- Improving Outcomes for Bariatric Surgery Patients

Marie Byrd, RN, BSN, Hailey Klarenbeek, RN, BSN

Hourly Rounding to Improve Hospice Patient Outcomes Aubrey Hensch, BSN, RN, Robin Randall BSN, RN, ONC

Hypoglycemia Reduction Rhonda Jensen, APRN-CNS, BC-ADM, CDCES, Amanda Loudenslager, BSN, CDCES, Kelsey Fujan, BSN, RN, Jessie Boeddeker, RN, BSN, CCRN, Jessica Fjeldheim, BSN, RN, CMSRN

Improving Unlicensed Staff and Nurses’ Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Associated with Fluid Status Monitoring by the Utilization of a Fluid Status Monitoring Protocol 3000/3800 PI committee, Brittni Roberts, Katie Sutton, Emma Hughes, Kyah Broders, Robert McCauley

Increasing Access to Precision Medicine Through Implementation of a Pharmacogenomics Clinic Kristen Jacobsen, PharmD, Jennifer Morgan, DNP, APRN-CNP, April Schultz, PharmD, Joel Van Heukelom, PharmD, MBA, Amanda Massmann, PharmD, Jordan Baye, PharmD, BCPS, Natasha Petry, PharmD, MPH, BCACP

Increasing the Completion of Low Dose Lung Screens through the Early Identification of At-Risk Patients Hannah Leisinger, LPN, Rachel Johnson, RN, BSN, Jessica Yoshino, CNP

Joining in the Fight for Happiness Paige Metz RN, BSN-CBC, Heather Hofer, ASN, Brooke Sinning, ADN, RN, 69th and Louise Family Medicine Providers & Nursing Staff, 69th and Louise Children’s Providers & Nursing Staff

Mental Health – Lets Start Today Pam Ostebee, BSN, RN-BC, Samantha Severin, RN, 69th and Minnesota nursing team

Pediatric Strokes are No Joke: THINK FAST - An interdisciplinary approach to improve response times Caitlin Leimbach, RN, BSN, CCRN, Candace Page-Marten, RN-BC, Shalome Dsouza, MD, Donald Ellis, MD, Robin Huether, RN, BSN, CNML, McCall Lutmer, MSN, RN, CPN, Holly Madison, RN, BSN, CPN, CCRN, Gokhan Olgun, MD, Jody Poppens, MSN, RN, CNML, Mohamad Saifeddine, MD, Divyajot Sandhu, MD, Erin Thurlow, RN, BSN, CCRN, Jessie Wolf, RN, SCRN, CNRN, Nicole Zoerink, MSN, RN, CEN

Pneumonia Knockout Jessica Skyberg, ADN, RN, Camille Moser, BSN, RN, Jessica Johnson, BSN, RN, Sarah Bruns, MSN, RN, Britney Berndt, BSN, RN, Holly Sturtz, ADN, RN, Emily Livingston, BSN, RN, Megan Johnson, BSN, RN, Brittany Christion, BSN, RN

Prioritizing Early Discharges on 5000 a Vizient Collaboration Mike Viereck, RN, BSN, Colleen Chase, RN, BSN, Marie Rogers

Reduce the Risk: How Can Nicotine Effect Your Total Joint and How Can We Promote Long Term Nicotine Cessation Katelyn Lineweber, BSN, RN, Amy Sand, BSN, RN, Julie Wetering, BSN, RN

Rehabilitation Screenings in the Rectal Cancer Population Jami Dalchow, OTD, OTR/L, Tessa Rockwell, DPT, Leslie Bouma, OTR/L, Dan Steventon, DPT, Annie Nelson, MSN, OCN, CNL

Scrub-A-Dub-Dub, Say Goodbye to the Germs and Crud! Rachel Walz, BSN, RN, CCRN, Brielle Cords, BSN, RN, Addison Ferry, BSN, RN, CCRN, Rachel Person, BSN, RN, Jacob Sobraske, BSN, RN

Skin Fair Ellen Feiner, RN, CWON, Kylee Whitney, CNP, CWON-AP, Allie Rahn, RN, CWON, Skin Team

Start the Conversation – Break the Silence Stephanie Schoenfelder, RN, BSN, Tim Leach, RN, BSN, Samantha Tully, RN, BSN

Start Your Day with a Clean Smile! Ashley Heupel, RN, CCL, Lynn Ymker, RN, CCL, Jen Biteler, RN, CCL

VAP HEROES: Compliance with a VAP Prevention Bundle in a NICU Population

Amanda Geringer, BSN, RN

VTE Prophylaxis in Bariatric Surgery Patients Morgan Feenstra, RN, BSN, Kristin Turek, CNP, Jen Waller, CNP, Tracy Sorenson, CNP, Shelby Rockafellow, PA, Julie Baatz, LPN, Robin Johnson, LPN, Amy Timm, RN, Tessa Stob, RN, Leanne Kramer, RD, Shannon Miller, PharmD, Shannon Wegleitner, PharmD, Jane Fixsel, MA

We’ve Got Class! Increasing Accuracy of Surgical Wound Classification Documentation with a Decision Tree Wendy Kirkeby, MS, RN, CNOR, Anne Ackerman, BSN, RN, CNOR, Tara Olson, BSN, RN, CNOR

When in Doubt, Fill it Out! Mark Bonnema, RN

Yakety Yak...Give Whole Blood Back (Second Place, Clinical Care) Misty Brenden, MSN, RN, CNL, PCCN, TCRN, Carly Farner-Cordell, MSN, RN, CPEN, TCRN, Adrian Holzer, MLS(ASCP)CM, Representatives from Adult Critical Care, Anesthesia, Emergency Department, and OR

Evidence-Based Practice Projects

A Brush a Day Keeps Pneumonia Away – Preventing Aspiration Pneumonia (Third Place, Evidence-Based Practice) Courtney Bornitz, BSN, RN, RN-BC, Piper Schulz, RN, BSN, Misty Brenden, MSN, RN, CNL, TCRN, PCCN, Carly Farner-Cordell, MSN, RN, TCRN, CPEN, RN, Mary Hitchcock, RN, BSN, CCRN, TCRN

Addressing Social Determinants of Health (SDoH) in a High-Risk Population to Impact Readmission Rates, Emergency Department (ED) Visits, and Medication Adherence at a Community Services Clinic in the Midwest: An Evidence Based Practice Project.

Elizabeth Bauer, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, CCP, Kimberly Albers, BSN, RN, Marlene Schulz, MSW, CSW-PIP, Lucy Kappel, BSN, RN, Shari Kuther, ADN, RN, Carol McGinnis, DNP, APRN-CNS, CNSC, FASPEN, Abigail Gramlick-Mueller, DNP, APRN, RD, CCM

CAPABLE to Prevent Falls! Priscilla Bragg, MSN, RN; Karla Cazer, MSN, RN-BC, GCNS-BC, CFNC, Abigail Gramlick-Mueller, APRN, DNP, RD, CCM, Amy Koenigs, OTR/L, CLT-LANA

COVID-19 and the Current State of RN Wellness Karen R. Robinson, PhD, RN, FAAN, Michelle Gierach, EdD, RN, CNE, Abigail Gramlick-Mueller, DNP, APRN, CCM, Emily Smith, DNP, RN, CNE, Heather Tverstol, ADN, RN; Martha Stow, ADN, RN; Jordyn Holland, BSN, RN; Deborah Hickman, DNP, RN; Jennifer Wiik, MA, RN; Samantha Bartelt, MSN, RN; Nick Hillman, MSN, RN; Becky McDaniel, PhD, RN PMH-BC; Amber Allen, MSN, CPHQ, OCN

Does the financial burden of Prescribed non-covered medications and treatments in the pediatric population affect adherence? Jenifer Reitsma, MSN, APRN-CNP, CPNP-AC/PC, Janelle Vande Griend, MSN, APRN-CNP, CPNP-PC, Sarah Dorr, MSN, APRN-CNP, CPNPPC, CWOCN

EBP Learning Collective for Advanced Practice Providers: A Pilot Project Abigail Gramlick-Mueller, APRN, DNP, RD, CCM, Deb Hickman, APRN, DNP, CNP, Carol McGinnis, DNP, APRN-CNS, CNSC, FASPEN

Here’s a “Pat on the Back,” Decreasing the Rate of Burnout on IRUs (Inpatient Rehab Units) Sue Christensen, MS, CTRS, Sioux Falls Sanford IP Rehab Director, Shelby Schmidt, BSN, RN, Sioux Falls Sanford IP Rehab Manager, Lindsey Wencl, PT, DPT, CBIS; Kelli Nelson, MA CCC-SLP

How to Mend a Broken Chart Carissa Rose, RN, Brooklynn Jensen, RN

Improving the Fast Track to a Fistula Carleigh Foland RN, Marge Willman RN, Sheri Landeen, RN

Keep Your EYES on the Prize! Don’t Go Blind From Diabetic Retinopathy Madonna Shelso, RN, Britney Krell, RN, Annie Bettcher, Caitlin Jonescheit, Stacy Jewett

Respiratory Distress Observation Scale (RDOS): A Pilot (First Place, Evidence-Based Practice) Sandra Reinesch, Brenda Wolles, MS, RN, OCN, CNL, Abigail Gramlick-Mueller, DNP, APRN-CNP, RD, CCM, Emily Leuthold, Danielle McClennen, Kari Kern, Cari Cawley, Charlotte Bain, Emily Murren, Kim Brown, Hannah DeWild, Dr. Peterson-Henry

Stand Strong Fall Prevention Karla Cazer, MSN, RN-BC, GCNS-BC, Noel Miller, BNSc, RN, PEDBC, Natalie Fick, DPT, Abigail Gramlick-Mueller, APRN, DNP, RD, CCM, Community Partners: Active Generations, Good Samaritan Society, Sioux Falls City Health Department, Faith Community Nurse Connection, Madison Regional Health System, Winner Regional Hospital

Structured Nurse-to-Nurse Handoff in the Emergency Department (Second Place, EvidenceBased Practice) Marissa Mohr, BSN, RN, CEN, Michelle Gierach, EdD, RN, CNE, Dana Heidebrink, MSN, RN, CCRN, Robin Huether, BSN, RN, CNML, Amy Mertz, BSN, RN, CEN, CNML, Erica Frost, BSN, RN, CEN, Abby Gramlick-Mueller, APRN, DNP, RD, CCM

X Blade to the Rescue Greg Beaner, NR-P, FP-C, Greg Van Den Berg, BA, NR-P, FP-C, Abigail Polzin, MD, FACEP, CTME, Robin Huether, BSN, RN, CMNL, Amy Johnson, RN, BSN, CEN, CFRN, NR-P

Research Projects

Clinical & Academia Partners Collaborating with Technology to Successfully Conduct a Multi-Site Research Study (Research Award) Karen R. Robinson, PhD, RN, FAAN, Michelle Gierach, EdD, RN, CNE, Brenda Wolles, MS, RN, OCN, CNL, Samantha Bartelt, MSN, RN

Onboarding New Graduate Registered Nurses Post Pandemic: A Follow-Up Study

Brenda Wolles, MS, RN, OCN, CNL, Michelle Gierach, EdD, RN, Ranae Aukerman, DNP, APRN, NNP-BC, AHN-BC, Lynn White, PhD, RN, ACNS-BC, Tara Miller, BSN, RN

Contributors

Special thanks to the individuals and teams who contributed to this report:

Michelle Ahnberg

Amber Allen

Jennifer Biteler

Misty Brenden

Sarah Brown

Karla Cazer

Becca Connor

Casey Olson

Sara Francis

Abigail Gramlick-Mueller

Kelly Hefti

Andrea Hemmer

Jessi Johnson

Connie Kramer

Darcie Kristjanson

Margaret Kropuenske

Linda Maeschen

Carol McGinnis

Noel Miller

Camille Moser

Twyla Nordquist

Amanda O’Neil

Kristi Randall

Robin Randall

Marie Rogers

Donna Schoeneman

Bette Schumacher

Dawn Seeley

Delayne Severson

Alex Sproul

Victoria Standley

Karen Story

Allison Tilley

Lanny Virchow

Brenda Wolles

Sanford Health Foundation

Sanford Leadership, Education & Development (LEAD) Center

Sanford Sioux Falls

Quality & Safety Team

Visit sanfordhealth.org/nursing-excellence to view this report digitally.