Nursing Excellence Awards 2015 by UMMS

2 0 1 5

Nursing Excellence Awards P R I V I L E G E D

T O

C A R E

L e t t e r f r o m t h e S e n ior V i c e P r e s i d e n t , P at i e n t C a r e S e rv i c e s a n d C h i e f N u r s i n g O f f i c e r The theme of Nurses Week this year is Ethical Practice, Excellent Care. What an appropriate theme! For over a decade, nurses have topped the list on the Gallup Poll of most trusted professions. There is a reason for this: nurses are viewed as honest, demonstrating professional integrity, and holding high ethical standards. Nurses advocate for patients and their families or loved ones and frequently put the needs of people they serve before their own personal needs. Our aim is that every patient, every family member and every colleague will understand each nurse feels privileged to care for patients, understands the ethical duties that are interwoven in practice, and has a passion for providing excellent, compassionate care and service. Nurses Week is a time to recognize the excellence you demonstrate on a daily basis. It is the time to reflect on why we became members of this challenging, fulfilling, humbling, and inspiring profession. Again this year, we want to take the opportunity to celebrate the many talented, skilled, and committed nurses who work at the Medical Center; nurses who exemplify our values and who help us to achieve our vision in a daily, consistent way. These nurses have made far-reaching and lasting contributions to nursing practice and patient care outcomes. I am pleased to acknowledge the following nurses who have been recognized by their peers for Nursing Excellence Awards.

Lisa R owen, DNSc, RN, FAAN

2 0 1 5

Nursing Excellence Awards PRIVILEGED TO CARE

CNO A wa r d f or T e a m E x c e ll e n c e

page 2

U n i v e r s i t y of M a r y l a n d S c ho ol of N u r s i n g V i s io n a r y P io n e e r A wa r d page 8 M e d i a R e c o g n i t io n

Baltimore magazine, Excellence in Nursing, Inaugural Issue

page 9

R e g io n a l R e c o g n i t io n

2015 Nurse.com Nursing Excellence GEM Awards, Regional Finalists

page 10

N at io n a l R e c o g n i t io n page 15 S p e c i a l A c h i e v e m e n t A wa r d s

Excellence in Advanced Practice Nursing

page 17

Advanced Practice Nursing, Rising Star

page 19

Excellence in Nursing Practice page 21 Excellence in Community Service page 25

Excellence in Innovation through Evidence-based Practice

page 27

Excellence in Innovation through Research

page 28

Excellence in Leadership page 29

Excellence in Precepting, Mentoring and Education

page 32

Excellence in Publication or Presentation

page 37

Outstanding Nursing Support Staff page 38 Physician Colleague page 42 Rising Star page 45 Special Friend of Nursing page 53

University of Maryland School of Nursing Colleague

page 57

l i v i n g e x c e ll e n c e awa r d s page 58

NURSING EXCELLENCE AWA R D S 2 0 1 5

CNO A wa r d f or T e a m E x c e ll e n c e Presented to the area of patient care that has consistently shown excellence in teamwork to provide extraordinary care to their patients and families.

PICU

Pediatric Intensive Care Unit

Talk about doing it all! The Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) staff are skilled to care for critically ill newborns to young adults: their competencies include every service and specialty we offer in pediatrics; they are the code and rapid response team for all pediatric patients at the Medical Center; they provide post anesthesia care for pediatric patients requiring extended care, as well as at times on weekends and nights when the Peds PACU is closed. They do all of this for vulnerable patients while embracing, educating, and including anxious and protective parents in a truly patient and family-centered approach. As Melissa Bierly, RN, said, “I love it here. It’s hard; you never know what you’ll learn.” Adrian Holloway, MD, PICU attending, said, “Our nurses are very adaptable. The ICU has grown a great deal this past year and constantly changes. We’ve increased the complexity of cardiac surgery and ECMO patients and are now planning for BMT and neurosurgery patients. The nurses have embraced rapid change with great facility. They’ve met every challenge.” On my rounds in the PICU, I noted repeatedly the wonderful and collaborative relationship between the staff and the providers. Lauren Manrai, RN, CCRN, is currently in the RN-to-MS program at the University of Maryland School of Nursing (UMSON). She said she worked three years at a children’s hospital in Chicago. I asked her how we compare, and Lauren said we compare very well. She explained Patient Label

Reason for Admission/PMH:

Events over the past 24 hours:

that although the team cares for critically ill children, which is stressful, “...we have a wonderful collaborative relationship with the different specialties. Working with so many services can challenge communication but we do really well and have collegial relationships.” Lauren looks forward to the implementation of Portfolio, likes that senior PICU nurses have become trained to insert PICC lines, and enjoys that nurses present in rounds. Lauren said that part of the reason the team is so terrific is that “Mary Jo, our nurse manager, is great at interviewing.” The nursing team has been carefully screened and selected. Mary Jo Simke, MS, BSN, RN, said the team is always learning and growing professionally. Like Lauren, Mary Jo is an advocate of nurses presenting their patients in rounds. Believing that it empowers nurses to participate in rounds, Mary Jo said it “ensures the team is on the same page; the nurse re-caps the plan for the day so everyone has the same understanding.” Melissa said, “The best thing that has happened over the past year is nurse-led rounds. Things change and happen so fast here it helps to have people on the same page with the same perspective for the plan of care. They don’t teach you in nursing school how to do rounds. We use a short and to-the-point tool for this purpose.” (Figure 1) The nurses explained that the multidisciplinary group worked on the tool and have tweaked it every few months based on team input. Hospital Day #

Date: POD #:

Vital Signs Previous Weight:________ Current Weight: ______ +/- _______ kg Tmax: HR: RR: BP: SPO2/FIO2: CVP: NIRS (C/R): Total Intake: __________ (Enteral_____ IV _____) Total Output: _________ +/-______ UOP: _______ ml/kg/hr Stool _____ Drain/CT _______ Output ________ Drain/CT _______ +/- ________ Drain/CT _______ +/- ________

Neuro Drips: # PRN in 24 hours:

Sedation Adequate?

Pain Score: ______ SBS _____ WAT/NAS ______ CAP-D _____

Labs/Lines/Tubes ⁬ PIV ⁬ Central (day) Adequate Y/N ⁬ Urine Catheter (day) ⁬ PICC (day) ⁬ Arterial (day) Issues with access: ABG q ____ Ical/Lactate q ____ BMP q ____ MG/Ph q _____ CBC q ____ CMP q _____

Skin At risk for injury? ⁬ Yes ⁬ No Restraints: ⁬Yes (ordered) ⁬ No DVT Prophylaxis: ______________

Wound Consult: ⁬ Yes ⁬ No

Services Involved ⁬ PT ⁬ OT ⁬ Speech ⁬ Child Life ⁬ Social Work ⁬ Pastoral Care ⁬ Palliative Care

Family/Social Concerns:

Streamline (labs and orders) Access (adequate, d/c any lines, PICC candidate) FLACC, WAT, SBS (adequate pain, withdraw and sedation mgmt) Eliminating tubes (urine catheter, CT, NG, etc) Transitioning IV to PO Verbal Re-Cap of Plan:

NOT PART OF THE MEDICAL RECORD! ONLY KEEP FOR 24 Hours! ***

Figure 1 2

NURSING EXCELLENCE AWA R D S 2 0 1 5

CNO A wa r d f or T e a m E x c e ll e n c e

PICU staff, left to right: Natalie Santana, BSN, RN Clinical Nurse II

Katharine Katsion, BSN, RN Clinical Nurse II

Dovita Lerner, BSN, RN Clinical Nurse II

Mary Jo Simke, MS, BSN, RN Nurse Manager

Lori Dittmar, BSN, RN Per Diem Registered Nurse

Jill Thomas, MSN, CPNP-AC

Christina Fellner, MS, RN, CCRN Senior Clinical Nurse I

Jordin Mazer, BSN, RN Clinical Nurse I Jessica Dolim, BSN, RN Clinical Nurse II

Kasey Brown, BSN, RN, has worked in the PICU since her graduation from Morgan State University two years ago. Agreeing that nursing’s lead role in rounds has been a great step forward for the PICU, she said, “The nurse is the first presenter for the plan of care for the day. The night shift nurse puts the plan together and the day shift nurse adds to it and presents it to the rounding team. The residents may not have known all of what happened to the patient over the past hours, but the nurses are aware of everything and can provide a great summary so the plan of care can offer continuity.” Christine Ho, CRT, explained she rotates between pediatrics and adults to provide respiratory therapy. She has been in the PICU for a little under a year and really enjoys the environment. “I like the teamwork, good communication with hand-offs, and the nurses are great to work with.” Kasey Brown agrees and said “I’m proud of our teamwork and how we help each other. In this ICU environment, we need each other for better patient care and we all help each other out, regardless of role. The nurses, techs, secretaries – it’s a great team.” In fact, the PICU nurses nominated the PICU nursing assistants and unit secretaries for the Nursing Support Staff Award as part of UMMC’s Nursing Awards Ceremony this year.

PICU staff, left to right: Lauren Manrai, RN, CCRN Clinical Nurse II

Mary Jo Simke, MS, BSN, RN Nurse Manager

Kristin Lewis, BSN, RN Clinical Nurse I

Kasey Brown, BSN, RN Clinical Nurse II

April McCoy Unit Secretary

Julia Furey, BSN, RN Clinical Nurse I

Sasha Harris, BSN, RN Clinical Nurse II

Samla Doura, BSN, RN Clinical Nurse II

Megan McQuillan, BSN, RN, CPN Clinical Nurse II

Nurse Residency Evidence-based Practice poster

Melissa, a graduate of Frostburg State University, said she enjoyed the project she and Abigail Holden, BSN, RN, completed for their Nurse Residency Evidence-Based Practice requirement. They studied family presence in pediatric resuscitations. Their literature review yielded that 100% of parents who were present during the resuscitation of their child would opt to be present in the future. “Most interesting,” said Melissa, “is where the parents want to be located.” Many PICUs place parents in the hallway continued on page 4.

NURSING EXCELLENCE AWA R D S 2 0 1 5

CNO A wa r d f or T e a m E x c e ll e n c e

Jessica used to work on Gudelsky 8, an adult transplant unit, outside of the room. Parents want to be in the room at the head and was able to translate her skills in the pediatric setting. of the bed, whispering loving and encouraging words to and She serves as a member of the Pediatric Pharmacy and physically touching their child.” Melissa explains that the EBP Therapeutics Committee and described how project reinforced her thoughts that for many Senior Clinical Nurse II Diana Novak, MS, RN, children’s entire lives, the parent has served as a CCRN; Jill Thomas, MS, CRNP; and Susan protector. Separating a child and parent during the Mendley, MD; looked across the country at resuscitation, while previously thought to be more protocols for CRRT that create less of a reaction humane for the parent, is actually in contrast to how during initiation of CRRT in young children. they’ve lived their lives with their children. Melissa Together, this team developed a protocol and Abigail are planning to share the information specific to UMMC. Mary Jo added staff from they gleaned from the literature with their Respiratory Care Services, Blood Bank, Lab, and multidisciplinary PICU colleagues. Together they the Pediatric Pharmacy, all of whom were integral will determine how to best apply this knowledge to PICU Multidisciplinary in developing and sustaining this protocol. their approach to resuscitation management. Quality Initiative Jessica said, “We are always being educated and The PICU nursing staff members engage encouraged to stay abreast of current literature. The senior nurses their patients’ parents, whenever possible, in a patient/family are so helpful and present.” relationship-based care model. I spoke with the mother of a four-month old who said “I’m so thrilled with the care my baby Jamie Tumulty, MS, CRNP, has worked in the PICU for receives here. They involve me every step of the way and treat my 20 years. She said, “You feel good about your practice here. We daughter and me with unbelievable compassion and care. I have always stay on top of or ahead of the curve. And the attendings are never seen such knowledgeable experts – every single one of them committed to process improvement.” – who are also able to relate to us like members of their families.” For example, we have a Half-Pint Study looking at the effects The PICU nursing staff are also a compassionate group of of tight glucose control on the outcomes of critically ill children individuals. They ensure patient birthdays and other life events and a macrophage study on sputum. We’re also examining the are celebrated. Taka Hayakawa, RN, CCRN, a Senior Clinical cardiovascular effects of Precedex. Mary Jo added that Jamie is Nurse I in the PICU who is also a professional photographer, completing a 3-year study of alarm recognition by nurses, funded worked with nursing leadership and the legal department to verify by the American Association of Critical Care Nurses. Jamie will if he could comply with a parent’s request that her child have present the results at the National Teaching Institute this May. professional pictures taken while a patient in the PICU, as she Jamie further explained that the nurse practitioners, residents, was not sure her child would ever be well enough to go home. and attendings have a number of studies and grants. PICU lead The photography session will always hold a special place in the NP Shari Simone, DNP, CPNP-AC, APRN-BC, FCCM, soon heart of this family. The PICU staff were also uplifted by the to be inducted as a fellow in the American Academy of Nurse experience to create such meaningful memories for the family. Practitioners (AANP), has been working for the past year with the Jessica Dolim, BSN, RN, who attended Penn State multidisciplinary team to screen, prevent, and treat delirium in University, said, “I love it here. I like the patient population, the PICU patients; the PICU nurses have had 100% compliance with wide range of ages and diagnosis, and how I am always learning.” screening patients for delirium.

April McCoy, Unit Secretary

Christine Ho, CRT

NURSING EXCELLENCE AWA R D S 2 0 1 5

Melanie Carpenter, BSN, RN, Clinical Nurse I and Mary Jo Simke, MS, BSN, RN, Nurse Manager

CNO A wa r d f or T e a m E x c e ll e n c e

Samla Doura, BSN, RN, Clinical Nurse II

Megan McQuillan, BSN, RN, CPN, Clinical Nurse II

Brain Rounds, part of the delirium project, is an interdisciplinary conference that includes residents and attendings from the areas of pediatric critical care, child psychiatry, and neurology, along with pediatric pharmacists and PICU nurses. The group reviews all patients experiencing delirium that receive pharmacotherapy and patients with other mental health issues. A grant application is in process to study how well team members – fellows, residents, attendings, nurse practitioners, and collaborative educators (FRANCE) – work together. Jamie is interested in the effect of parental mental illness on children’s health. She explained, “Do the parents forget to fill the medication orders? Do they hear and understand us when we give instructions?” A Pediatric Early Warning Scores tool (PEWS) used at UMMC in the past two years to identify at-risk children who may need closer monitoring or critical care has led to the development of a PEWS protocol for all UMMS hospitals that care for children, with Diana Novak and Jason Custer, MD, PICU medical director, leading this work. Faith Hicks, MS, RDN, CSP, senior clinical dietitian, has worked in the PICU for over 25 years. She explained, “The PICU is challenging, interesting and a most collaborative environment. Right now we are studying best feeding strategies for singleventricle patients.” All of the staff commented on the excellent physician leadership of Adnan Bhutta, MBBS, FAAP. They spoke of Dr. Bhutta as someone who is collaborative, an expert, good for morale, and who recruits great pediatric specialists. For example, the pediatric bone marrow transplant program is scheduled to begin in the near future. In addition, the pediatric ECMO program and Children’s Heart Program have expanded in both volume and complexity of patients. Mary Taylor, MS, RN, director of nursing for Women’s and Children’s Services, said, “The staff have expanded their

Julia Furey, BSN, RN, Clinical Nurse I

knowledge regarding the management of children with severe heart anomalies. They provide excellent care. Our cardiac surgery outcomes are better than the national average.” Tina Fellner, MS, RN, CCRN, Senior Clinical Nurse I, has worked on the unit for the past five years. She is a graduate of the Clinical Nurse Leader program at UMSON. Tina coordinates ECMO classes twice a year for the PICU, the OR, and interested NICU nurses. Tina discussed the competencies required for ECMO and the team’s focus on quality outcomes and performance improvement. She said, “I’m on the Pediatric ECMO Council, which is a multidisciplinary team that looks at different ways to improve the program for ECMO activation. Last week, we did a mock cannulation of a patient. All roles were filled and we had the Pharmacy send medications and the Blood Bank was told to intentionally send expired blood so we could practice this scenario. The pediatric OR team participated and we examined surgeon response time.” Tina said the PICU staff took in stride the addition of ECMO responsibilities. She said, “The PICU staff are really adaptive. We need to learn quickly so we can provide the best care to our patients. That’s why we provide a lot of ECMO reference materials, conduct mock reviews, and offer a lot of lectures about ECMO. We are learning all of the time.” The spirit of learning is evident in the PICU. Tina Fellner, Taka Hayakawa, and Megan Hansen, BSN, RN, studied, practiced, and demonstrated competency for PICC line insertion and are now competent to perform this skill on pediatric patients. A few more PICU nurses are also in the process of becoming trained. The staff love the many opportunities afforded them to learn new knowledge and skills. Faith noted that the nurses’ competency for patients who breastfeed has greatly improved on the PICU. She said continued on page 6.

NURSING EXCELLENCE AWA R D S 2 0 1 5

CNO A wa r d f or T e a m E x c e ll e n c e

Left to right: Jessica Dolim, BSN, RN, Clinical Nurse II; Lynda Sempele, RRT; Cindy Clark, CRNP; Odiraa Nwankwor, MD; and Courtney Foster, MD

Tina Fellner has been a champion for this work. Tina is on the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit’s Breastfeeding Council, along with members from the Mother/Baby Unit and the Center for Advanced Fetal Care. The UMMC world of caregivers is connected and collaborative for the children and moms among our patients. The PICU staff show passionate commitment to their patients. Kristin Lewis, BSN RN, said working in the PICU was her first choice after having loved working there as a clinical scholar when she attended UMSON. Tammi Kim, BSN, RN, CCRN, commutes 90 minutes each way across the Bay Bridge. Originally a paramedic, Tammi worked for Maryland ExpressCare for two years and has worked in the PICU for 13 years. She said, “I love the people I work with, have made a lot of good friends and forged strong friendships, and I’m drawn to the high-tech environment of the PICU.” Diana Woodall, BSN, RN, said she likes how the team joins together to focus on the patient. She explained the PICU recently went 50 weeks (yes, fifty!) without a CLABSI. “I feel like we’ve changed practice so much with central lines. We’ve focused on the number of times we access the line. And I’m not talking about just the

NURSING EXCELLENCE AWA R D S 2 0 1 5

Faith Hicks, MS, RDN, CSP

nurses. The attendings are also sensitive to how frequently the lines are accessed.” Mary Jo added that the PICU requires two nurses to change all of the central line dressings so that there is remarkably standardized and consistent practice. Ashley Deavers, BSN, RN, has worked on the unit for the past six months. Ashley, a Stevenson University graduate, said her two years of experience at Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital gave her a good foundation to join the PICU team. Tracy Kratz, BSN, RN, Senior Clinical Nurse II, has worked in the Pediatric ED for about six years and transferred to the PICU this past year. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, Tracy is now in the Master’s Program at Drexel University and is two classes away from a master’s degree in the Clinical Nurse Leader program. Tracy served as one of the nurse ambassadors for UMMC’s marketing program. She said “I like the interaction with the families. I feel appreciated by the family members and feel like I can make positive changes in a child’s life. I also like the challenge of critical care.” Tracy pointed out that she likes the many studies that are conducted in the PICU. In particular, she likes the

HALF-PINT Study. This is a nationwide, multi-site study that examines the outcomes from tight glycemic control in critically ill children. The staff draw blood every hour and instead of wasting blood from the arterial line, it is drawn in a way that does not contaminate it and the staff return it to the child. The blood draw procedure is going so well that the PICU team is considering using the methodology for every patient. This approach is labor intensive so the nurses are also performing a complementary study on workload related to the procedure. Because of their innovation, adaptability, teamwork, focus on best practices, continuous process improvement, and patient and family-centered care, the PICU has been selected to receive the 2015 CNO Award for Team Excellence. Not only do they do it all, the PICU team wants to do it all. They are energetic and enthusiastic, always searching for ways to improve their care and their patients’ outcomes. This is exactly what we hope for in the care of all of our patients and in particular, our smallest and most vulnerable ones.

CNO A wa r d f or T e a m E x c e ll e n c e

PICU Highlights 2014-2015 SAFETY AND QUALITY > > > > >

Serve on Pediatric Arrest team, Pediatric Rapid Response team, and Pediatric ECMO team 50 weeks without a CLABSI No CAUTIs from summer 2014 to present Began barcode of breast milk in 2014 (Women’s and Children’s initiative) Weekly multidisciplinary QI meeting > Nurse-led root cause analysis of events related to nursing practice: breast milk management, line management, weight documentation > PICU nurse presented AU study to Maryland Nurses Association > Participated in Departmental Safety Rounds > Participate in multidisciplinary research and evidence-based practice > Half-Pint Study- A Multicenter Study evaluating critically ill intubated children with high blood sugar who are randomized to one of two groups of target glucose levels; outcomes studied include: survival, organ failure, length of ICU stay, and brain function.) > Created a new CRRT protocol for children using established protocols in the literature to meet the needs of the device and circuit used for infants at UMMC. The Z Buf, Zero Balance Ultrafiltration Procedure is used for washing blood primed CRRT Circuits; the aim is to produce an optimal electrolyte and acid-base balance when using a blood prime

SERVICE > Since opening new PICU in October 2013 > Enhanced Children’s Heart Program – Increase in number and complexity of cardiac surgical patients with UMMC mortality below the national average in the Society for Thoracic Surgeons database (2.9/3.6 respectively) – Collaborated with Adult Cardiology and CSICU in management of two adolescent heart failure patients who subsequently received ventricular assist devices > ECMO – Began eCPR in 2014 – 1 of 3 hospital units which contributed to UMMC’s attainment of the ELSO Center of Excellence award > Acknowledged in several Great Stories in 2014 and 2015

PEOPLE > Bedside nurse presentation of patients in daily rounds > Provided a photography option for family desiring to capture memories with their child

STEWARDSHIP > Coordinated PICU Running Team for 2014 Heart Walk > Plans for a PICU T-shirt Fundraiser and Half Marathon Running Team for spring 2015

INNOVATION > Implemented a daily Quiet Hour on unit for children and families

NURSING EXCELLENCE AWA R D S 2 0 1 5

U n i v e r s i t y of M a r y l a n d S c ho ol of N u r s i n g V i s io n a r y P io n e e r A wa r d As part of this special year of celebration, the UMSON has recognized 25 outstanding alumni (both living and deceased) as UMSON Visionary Pioneers. Alumni selected for this award have made a significant impact on and contribution to the field of nursing, based on their leadership, innovation, or entrepreneurship. Awardees were honored at UMSONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 125th Anniversary Gala on April 18, 2015. Award Recipient

Lisa Rowen, DNSc, RN, FAAN Senior Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer

Dr. Rowen is a nationally known transformational leader who advocates for nurses and the highest standards for nursing practice. She oversees the practice, outcomes, and professional development of 5,000 nurses, advanced practice nurses, and other health professionals. She was instrumental in developing a partnership, UMNursing, between the University of Maryland School of Nursing and UMMC. Dr. Rowen frequently speaks on and studies leadership development and patient outcomes. She has served as a journal editor and has published numerous articles on patient safety, teamwork and communication, health-related issues, and best practice standards. Dr. Rowen is a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing, a member of the Maryland Top 100 Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Circle of Excellence, and is the recipient of an award for Advancing and Leading the Profession in the Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Virginia region.

NURSING EXCELLENCE AWA R D S 2 0 1 5

M e d i a R e c o g n i t io n Baltimore magazine, Excellence in Nursing 2015

Baltimore magazine is saluting 50 of the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top nurses in 18 categories for their extraordinary contributions to health care. The winners were celebrated at a dinner reception in April and are featured in the May issue. Six UMMC nurses are recognized in this inaugural issue for Nursing Excellence.

Front row: Todd Milliron, RN; Megan Jendrossek, BSN, RN; Chiemerie Uche, BSN, RN, PCCN; Back row: Renee Kwok, BSN, RN, OCN; Erin Lock, MSN, ACNP-BC; and Lisa Rowen, DNSc, RN, FAAN Nurse Executive

Medical/Surgical Nursing

Oncology

Orthopaedics

Lisa Rowen, DNSc, RN, FAAN Senior Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer

Megan Jendrossek, BSN, RN Clinical Nurse II

Renee Kwok, BSN, RN, OCN Nurse Manager

Erin Lock, MSN, ACNP-BC Nurse Practitioner

NeuroCare Acute

Radiation Oncology Greenebaum Cancer Center

Shock Trauma Center

Chiemerie Uche, BSN, RN, PCCN Senior Clinical Nurse I Medical Intermediate Care

Todd Milliron, RN Senior Clinical Nurse I Greenebaum Cancer Center Stoler Pavilion

NURSING EXCELLENCE AWA R D S 2 0 1 5

R e g io n a l R e c o g n i t io n 2015 Nurse.com Nursing Excellence GEM Awards Regional Finalists for District of Columbia, Maryland, & Virginia

The following University of Maryland Medical Center nurses have been named 2015 Nurse.com Nursing Excellence regional finalists for the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia region. Our staff has been recognized in five out of the six categories that Nurse.com recognizes: 1) Advancing and Leading the Profession; 2) Clinical Nursing, Inpatient; 3) Education and Mentorship; 4) Home, Community and Ambulatory Care; 5) Patient and Staff Management; and 6) Volunteerism and Service. Five nurses have been selected as regional finalists for each category, with an overall total of thirty nurses. These nurses will be honored at the Nurse. com Nursing Excellence GEM Awards on June 19, 2015 at Martin’s Crosswinds. One nurse in each category will be named a regional winner, and those six will be eligible for national recognition in the fall. Regional Finalist, Patient and Staff Management

Simone Odwin-Jenkins, MBA, BSN, RN Nurse Manager Vascular Surgery Progressive Care Unit/ Orthopaedics Acute Care

Awarded to a nurse who makes significant contributions to the management, supervision, or direction of the environment of care and the performance of staff, demonstrating an ability to lead, influence, and improve outcomes of care in any inpatient or outpatient setting.

Simone Odwin-Jenkins has been a nurse leader for more than fifteen years. For the past three years, she has been the nurse manager of three areas – the Orthopaedic Unit, the Vascular Surgery Progressive Care Unit (VSPCU), and the Vascular Lab – and supervises over 80 employees. Her strengths are in quality and performance improvement, staff engagement and mentorship, and regulatory compliance. Simone continues to lead her team on continuous quality improvement strategies and best practices. Both of her unit staff members strive for excellence in infection control practices, consistently achieving greater than 90% compliance on the hand hygiene audits. Moreover, the VSPCU has been free of CLABSI and CAUTI for over 80 weeks, with the Orthopaedic Unit achieving similar results. Under Simone’s leadership, her staff has also made significant strides in fall reduction. The falls initiative/board was originally developed by her staff and eventually disseminated throughout our hospital. The Walking Buddy is a joint initiative on the VSPCU with their colleagues from Rehabilitation Services. Early and safe mobilization is important for their patients’ recovery. The mobility champions have been trained on lifts and gait belts and have a goal of safely getting patients out of bed every day by 11 am. Simone’s leadership style promotes strong staff engagement as evidenced by her NDNQI nursing satisfaction survey scores, which were greater than the 90th percentile in all domains for both of her units. She successfully mentors and promotes nurses to the senior clinical nurse role. She also has a mentorship program in her units that assures all staff members have a mentor to work with to achieve professional goals.

NURSING EXCELLENCE AWA R D S 2 0 1 5

R e g io n a l R e c o g n i t io n

Regional Finalist, Advancing and Leading the Profession

Tina Cafeo, DNP, RN Nursing Director Medicine, Surgery, and Cardiac Services

Awarded to a nurse who is well-known and respected as a visionary, innovative leader and change agent, who moves the profession forward through work in patient care administration, education, or research, or strengthens it through other professional activities, endeavors, or contributions.

Dr. Tina Cafeo oversees three significant service lines at the Medical Center – medicine, surgery, and cardiac. Approximately 2,800 employees report to her, including nurses and a diverse set of healthcare workers. Dr. Cafeo serves as the Patient Care Services (PCS) leader responsible for ebola readiness. She also functions as the PCS champion for team building. Along with a human resources colleague, she created a Working Together Workshop Program to help staff communicate in a respectful and professional manner and to promote civil behaviors. In addition, she is a leader within our hospital’s Incident Command Center. Moreover, she serves as the co-leader of our patient safety goals for regulatory readiness and also is as an expert reviewer for the Journal of Healthcare Quality. Dr. Cafeo is a champion and change agent for health promotion of all patients. In conjunction with a team from the University of Maryland’s Institute of Human Virology, Dr. Cafeo developed and implemented a plan for the routine human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) screening for our inpatient populations. As one of the nurse managers who reports directly to Dr. Cafeo, writes: “Tina embodies an effective balance of gravitas and passion in the pursuit of nursing excellence. Her desire for unbiased clarity in resolving problems contributes to sustainable resolutions, which have a positive influence on staff satisfaction and patient outcomes. She brings varied groups together with persistence, kindness, and patience in order to direct them toward a common goal. She fosters a united mission in our division while allowing each of us to contribute in a manner that maximizes the talents and personalities of our diverse group. Her passion for kindness and civility instills in us a deeper understanding of how privileged we are to lead others in the provision of compassionate and respectful care.”

NURSING EXCELLENCE AWA R D S 2 0 1 5

R e g io n a l R e c o g n i t io n

Regional Finalist, Advancing and Leading the Profession

Shari Simone, DNP, CPNP-AC, APRN-BC, FCCM Senior NP Clinical Program Manager Women’s and Children’s Services

Dr. Shari Simone is the senior nurse practitioner clinical program manager for Women’s and Children’s nursing. She is also an assistant professor at the University of Maryland School of Nursing. She is a nationally recognized expert in the field of pediatric critical care advanced practice nursing. She is also considered a quality and process improvement expert. Dr. Simone exemplifies her leadership skill by setting a high standard of excellence clinically. She captures the respect of her staff by her ethically sound, quiet, and purposeful mentoring, developing pediatric APNs who can think critically and solve problems in their areas of passion. She co-chairs the program’s Advanced Practice Council and personally oversees the strategic goal-setting each year. Dr. Simone was inducted as a fellow in the Society of Critical Care Medicine in 2004, a society where she has led numerous task forces and developed both a local and a national reputation for advancing the pediatric critical care nurse practitioner role. She has written extensively, with well over 25 published articles or book chapters. She has participated in seven research studies and presented the results at many national venues. She was recently accepted for fellowship in the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. Dr. Simone is well respected by all clinicians, from the nursing student to the medical director. Her passion comes from a simple ethos: work diligently in the hope that everything we do improves the child’s life and minimizes the anguish of the parents and family. Her integrity, her keen need to understand, and her unparalleled critical thinking ability help her to lead in a way that results in extraordinary clinical outcomes.

NURSING EXCELLENCE AWA R D S 2 0 1 5

R e g io n a l R e c o g n i t io n

Regional Finalist, Volunteerism and Service

Tara Carlson, MS, RN Manager, Business Development Shock Trauma Center

Awarded to a nurse who gives of self in outstanding humanitarian and/or heroic ways by providing nursing care, skills, and expertise in outreach to the community, either at home or abroad, to improve the lives, well-being, and healthcare of others.

Tara Carlson is the business development manager for the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center (STC) at UMMC. Her role is accountable for STC’s prevention activities. In 2011, she co-founded the Center for Injury Prevention and Policy (CIPP) at the STC. The CIPP oversees a number of prevention programs that impacts greater than 22,900 citizens of the State of Maryland on an annual basis. There are three components to the CIPP: trauma prevention programs for high school adolescents, at risk teens and adults remanded by the courts, and violence intervention/prevention programs. In 2012, as part of trauma’s shared governance structure, Tara initiated the Trauma Nursing Prevention Council to encourage new clinical nurses to volunteer and participate in outreach prevention strategies. In addition, the Trauma Survivor’s Network (TSN), a pioneering program implemented collaboratively with the American Trauma Society, has trained an additional twenty-five volunteers. This team is devoted to helping other trauma patients and families overcome their incredible challenges post-injury. Since 2013, Tara has secured $375,000 from various grants to support these programs. With her energy, leadership, and creativity, Tara has developed unique strategies to keep these programs self-sustaining. Tara is also the injury prevention chair for the Trauma Center Association of America (TCAA) and is a board member for the Partnership for a Safer Maryland. Tara’s enthusiasm, dedication, and energy regarding prevention are simply inspiring. She has a knack for engaging leaders, co-opting others, and persuading individuals to improve their practice. Tara represents the STC incredibly well, and through her collaborations has allowed these programs to flourish. The impact that she has had on the Center’s patients, families, and communities-at-large are immeasurable.

NURSING EXCELLENCE AWA R D S 2 0 1 5

R e g io n a l R e c o g n i t io n

Regional Finalist, Home, Community, and Ambulatory Care

Todd Milliron, RN Greenebaum Cancer Center, Stoler Pavilion

Awarded to a nurse who exemplifies outstanding clinical knowledge and nursing expertise in caring for patients in settings outside the hospital in professional home care nursing, home hospice, subacute and intermediate or other ambulatory community, industrial or school nurse roles.

Todd Milliron is the permanent charge nurse in the Infusion Therapy Center at University of Maryland’s Greenebaum Cancer Center. This area supports patients with hematological and solid tumor cancers, bone marrow transplant recipients, and non-oncologic adult patients with diagnosis such as Crohn’s disease that receive infusions as part of the treatment plan for their underlying disease. Todd is responsible for overseeing the coordination and safety of care provided to these patients. Todd is our resident “superman.” If you are a patient, you know he is an excellent nurse giving you the best possible care. If you are a physician, you know he is deeply committed to your patient and will do whatever is possible to accommodate their healthcare needs. If you are a coworker, you know that you are being led by a strong and highly competent nurse who will not blink in the face of any challenge. Todd is consistently looking at ways to improve patient care in the Infusion Center. His insight on planning for new space and utilizing current space is invaluable to the director of nursing. Todd is currently participating in a performance innovation program aimed at optimizing patient flow in the infusion area and improving patient satisfaction. Todd also runs a monthly educational program in the outpatient cancer center, arranges speakers, and provides information on diseases and treatments. Todd cares very deeply and personally for the patients and families that he serves. As busy as he is both in his professional and personal life (he is the father of two children), he also gives a tremendous amount of his time volunteering to support fundraising efforts for the patients he treats in their fight against cancer.

NURSING EXCELLENCE AWA R D S 2 0 1 5

N at io n a l R e c o g n i t io n

The following Nurse Practitioners will be inducted as fellows in the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) in June. Established in 2000, the Fellows of the AANP (FAANP) are dedicated to the global advancement of Nurse Practitioners (NPs) and the high-quality health care they deliver. By engaging recognized NP leaders who have made outstanding contributions to NP education, policy, clinical practice or research, and developing NP leaders of the future, they are furthering the NP profession while enhancing AANP’s mission.

AANP Inductee

Deb Schofield, DNP, CRNP Senior NP Clinical Program Manager Adult Emergency Services and PREP Center

Assistant Professor, UMSON

Deb serves as the Director of the ACNP Post Graduate Critical Care Fellowship Program. She is an experienced nurse practitioner, having received her master of science degree in 1995 from UMSON, and a doctor of nursing practice degree in 2009. She was awarded the 2009 Linda Strangio Award for best scientific contribution in her JRN publication, “Carotid Dissection: Bluntly,” serves currently on the editorial boards of the Journal for Radiology Nursing, the Journal of Professional Nursing and the Internet Journal for Advanced Nursing Practice. She is a member of the Alumni Association and served as its President from 2009 to 2012. She is currently serving on the Collegiate Commission for Nursing Education’s Board of Commissioners in her second elected term and completing her PhD at the Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

AANP Inductee

Shari Simone, DNP, CPNP-AC, APRN-BC, FCCM Senior NP Clinical Program Manager Women’s and Children’s Services

Assistant Professor, UMSON

Shari received an MS in nursing in 1996 and a doctor of nursing practice in 2011 from UMSON. She has practiced as a pediatric critical care nurse practitioner since 1996, when she developed the first PICU NP role at UMMC. Shari leads numerous committees; she is a member of AANP, AACN, NAPNAP, SCCM, and serves on several tasks forces. She was inducted as a fellow of SCCM in 2001. Shari’s research includes exploring pain and sedation practices in critically ill children. She has led multiple QI initiatives and received an interprofessional education grant for a pediatric delirium project. Shari has authored many presentations and publications, including co-editor of Transitioning Into Hospital Based Practice: A Guide for Nurse Practitioners and Administrators.

NURSING EXCELLENCE AWA R D S 2 0 1 5

N at io n a l R e c o g n i t io n

Award Recipient for the American Society of PeriAnesthesia Nurses (ASPAN), Excellence in Clinical Practice

Lynnae Elliotte, MSN, RN, CPAN, CCRN Clinical Education Coordinator/Senior Clinical Nurse II Procedural Services

Awarded to a current member of ASPAN whose practice exemplifies a high level of compassion and specialty expertise, and who is a recognized expert in clinical nursing practice as shown by his/her contributions to, and support of, perianesthesia nursing.

Lynnae had been working as a nurse educator in perioperative surgical services for nearly 10 years at Georgetown University Hospital until September of 2014, when she was recruited to join the Perioperative Department at the University of Maryland Medical Center. While at Georgetown, Lynnae designed and implemented many educational programs and served on several committees. She was the program director for the Perianesthesia Nurse Residency Program, coordinator for the summer nurse tech program, a CNE nurse planner, and a committee member for Magnet re-designation. Since joining UMMC last year, Lynnae has worked with the pre and post-surgical leadership teams to identify learning needs and opportunities for standardization of care across multiple patient care areas. She has collaborated with Clinical Practice and Professional Development to implement perioperative participation in the divisional marathon. She is currently developing the first perianesthesia nurse residency program at UMMC, and has been actively involved in policy review and revision. She brings experience with EMR implementation from Georgetown that is beneficial to planning for Portfolio training within the department. Lynnae has quickly integrated into the existing perioperative education team and has been an excellent addition to Perioperative Services.

Elected as president of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN)

Karen McQuillan, MS, RN, CNS-BC, CCRN, CNRN, FAAN Lead Clinical Nurse Specialist Shock Trauma Center

Karen’s one-year term for this prestigious position as AACN president will begin on July 1, 2015. She is a clinical nurse specialist at the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, where she has investigated and presented on a wide range of issues related to trauma and nursing. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, and has served as a member of AACN’s Chesapeake Bay Chapter since 1987. She also was a director on the AACN Certification Corporation Board for three years. Over the years, she has earned numerous awards and honors for her work. Karen is a global leader in trauma care and is recognized for her clinical leadership in critical care, spinal cord injury, and traumatic brain injury.

NURSING EXCELLENCE AWA R D S 2 0 1 5

E x c e ll e n c e i n A d va n c e d P r a c t i c e N u r s i n g Presented in recognition of an advanced practice nurse who pioneers advances in clinical practice, care delivery and the nursing profession.

Award Recipient

Carla Aresco, MS, CRNP Senior NP/PA Clinical Program Manager Shock Trauma Center

Carla is the Senior Lead NP for the Shock Trauma Nurse Practitioner and Physician Assistant Team. Carla became a nurse practitioner in 2000 and worked for two years at Massachusetts General prior to her arrival at the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center as the NP for Neuro Trauma. She went to work in the STC ICU in 2010 and has been a Lead NP at STC since 2012. In this role, Carla has helped to develop several new models of nurse practitioner/physician assistant care in collaboration with our physician colleagues, which includes the CCRU and the LRU. She has set the bar for clinical and procedural competency. What is most impressive is Carla’s work ethic and commitment to patient care. Hiring, on-boarding, credentialing, and orienting a new team of individuals and developing a team approach to provider care requires a real commitment. Oftentimes over the last two years, Carla has filled gaps in the NP/PA teams, both in the ICU rotations and on services who needed additional support. She covers nights and weekends and has demonstrated that she will ‘do whatever it takes’ to assure patients receive the care they need and NP/PA teams can provide that care safely. Whenever a staffing gap occurs, as when someone becomes ill or has an emergency, Carla finds the solution, and often that solution involves her filling the gap. This commitment sets an example for her team. Over the past two years, she is among the pioneers and creators of the Critical Care Resuscitation Unit and the Lung Rescue Unit. Her leadership allowed both initiatives to be extremely successful and well respected. Nominees

Holly DeLuca, MSN, PNP-BC Nurse Practitioner

Mindy LeBrun, MS, CRNP Nurse Practitioner

Pediatric Hematology/Oncology

Interventional Radiology

Holly exemplifies teaching, mentoring and counseling as a role model in our division. Holly is a central part to educating families and patients when they are first diagnosed with a devastating illness such as cancer.

Mindy spearheaded work on two important initiatives to improve our clinical practice and enhance patient care delivery.

Dora Frank, MS, CRNP Nurse Practitioner

Shock Trauma Center

Digestive Health Center

In the past two years, Dora has spearheaded the MDQuit.org referral program, and together with the staff’s assistance, it is culminated into recognition by the State of Maryland for our tobacco cessation efforts in 2013.

Joo Young Lee, MS, ACNP Nurse Practitioner

Joo returned from a year’s deployment in the National Guard in Afghanistan, one month after completing her orientation in 2013. She had many job offers to consider, but chose to come back to STC to be a part of a team who set standards and precedent on a daily basis, never settling for ‘good enough.’ continued on page 22.

NURSING EXCELLENCE AWA R D S 2 0 1 5

E x c e ll e n c e i n A d va n c e d P r a c t i c e N u r s i n g

Michelle Turner, MS, CRNP Nurse Practitioner

Anne Weichold, MSN, CRNP Nurse Practitioner

Greenebaum Cancer Center, Stoler Pavilion

Critical Care Resuscitation Unit

It is not just her competence but also her ability to prioritize and focus on details, even when she is inundated with request after request from nurses and physicians alike.

Anne initiated the daily practice of nursepresented rounds on the unit. This has allowed nurses to be valued contributors of patient planning and care.

ADULT EMERGENCY SERVICES, NURSE PRACTITIONERS

This NP team has multiple roles in the emergency department working with some of the sickest patients. For the last fiscal year, the emergency department volumes have been 10% above both projections and budgets. Despite these challenges, this NP group has evaluated and dispositioned record patient volumes, all while delivering excellent care.

Front row, left to right:

Middle row, left to right:

Back row, left to right:

Shana Metzger MS, CRNP Jennifer Brown MS, CRNP Tiffany Andrews MS, CRNP

Lane Fodel MS, CRNP Kelly Blosser MS, CRNP

Gloria Peithman MS, CRNP Tiffany Shearer MS, CRNP Andrea Smith MS, CRNP

Front row, left to right:

Back row, left to right:

Cara Wilt, MS, CRNP Kristin Boblooch, MS, CRNP Michele Tibbo, MS, CRNP

Lauren Schroeder, MS, CRNP Margaret Hammersla MS, CRNP Patricia Grey, MS, CRNP Left to right:

Jodi Berg Gaither, MS, CRNP Elizabeth Poole, MS, CRNP

SURGICAL INTENSIVE CARE UNIT, NURSE PRACTITIONERS

Being recent graduates and new providers, they were steadfast in their efforts to learn how to become competent clinicians who care for a very challenging and complex group of patients. Left to right:

Dawn Calderone, MS, CRNP Nora Dunlap, MS, CRNP Stephanie Katzer, MS, CRNP Dawn Silverman, MS, CRNP Deborah Talley, MS, CRNP

NURSING EXCELLENCE AWA R D S 2 0 1 5

E x c e ll e n c e i n A d va n c e d P r a c t i c e N u r s i n g , R i s i n g S ta r Presented to an Advanced Practice Nurse with less than two years experience who demonstrates great transition from expert nurse to expert Advanced Practice Nurse. This APN demonstrates keen collaborative skill, clinical expertise, and leadership.

Award Recipient

Rachel Godwin, DNAP, CRNA Nurse Anesthetist General Operating Room

Rachel chose to begin her CRNA career here at UMMC last August after graduating with her doctorate in nurse anesthesia from Fairfield University in Connecticut. She possesses strong clinical skills, is a true patient advocate, and maintains a high level of professionalism in a sometimes very chaotic environment. We are frequently told by her colleagues that she is a great team player and that there is no task too small or large for Rachel. Rachel is a Rising Star!

Award Recipient

Christine Provance, MS, RN, CCNS Clinical Nurse Specialist NeuroCare Division

Christine works tirelessly in the hospital to ensure competency for nurses and nursing support staff. She has been a leader in the code blue task force since its inception in 2012 and has set up and organized code blue education for staff throughout the year. She was instrumental in the establishment of the emergency website on the intranet, which has very helpful information regarding code blue situations. She is on the resuscitation committee for the hospital and acts as a liaison between that committee and the code blue task force. As issues in codes are brought to light, the education is there to meet the need, and in all of this, Christine has had a leading role. She has also been a leader for the divisional marathons for at least four years. She is a coordinator for this marathon and often spends long days and evenings overseeing the marathon. She has been a member of the Medical Center’s Clinical Practice Council. She is extremely organized and keeps her committee members on target and on task. The code blue education and divisional marathon are huge undertakings and serve large numbers of staff at UMMC. She keeps everyone in the loop as far as meetings and work to be done and presented at meetings. She is competent in many aspects of Healthstream®, including building and assigning education, and running competency reports. This is no small task as the education for Healthstream® administration is long and challenging. She is able to consider the opinions of others, but also keeps committee work from going off on tangents and wasting time. I know she has been instrumental in UMMC receiving stroke certification. She is a true leader at UMMC, as well as the units she oversees in the neurology division.

NURSING EXCELLENCE AWA R D S 2 0 1 5

E x c e ll e n c e i n A d va n c e d P r a c t i c e N u r s i n g , R i s i n g S ta r

Award Recipient

Lea Marineau, MS, CRNP Nurse Practitioner Orthopaedic Trauma Service

Lea has been a Trauma Orthopaedic NP for about one year and is seen as a professional who is approachable and well-respected on the unit. She always goes out of her way to help the patients and support the nursing staff. There have been many times where the team had to treat a particularly difficult patient, and Lea would not hesitate to come to the bedside and speak oneon-one with the patient. She always goes the extra mile for her patients, and her bedside manner is one to be emulated. Lea always lets the nurse and charge nurse know her patientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; plans of care at the beginning of her shift so that they can work together as a team. She communicates well and shows respect to other staff members. Lea is timely in responding to her pages and placing orders in the computer. It is hard to believe that Lea is a fairly new nurse practitioner since the unit runs smoothly and patients are discharged appropriately when she is on-call. We look forward to working with Lea as we begin to care for more Orthopaedic Trauma patients.

Nominees

Cindy Clark, MSN, CPNP-AC Nurse Practitioner

Cara Wilt, MS, CRNP Nurse Practitioner

Pediatric Intensive Care Unit

Adult Emergency Services

She practices self-directed learning, is proactive in expanding her personal knowledge, and developing her role as a nurse practitioner.

Cara has demonstrated exemplary care as a nurse practitioner in the department and in addition, has taken on the role of clinical instructor, one day per week at the University of Maryland School of Nursing.

Joanna Kim, MS, CRNP Nurse Practitioner Orthopaedics

Joanna has shown an uncanny ability to manage complex patient issues extending beyond the medical portion of a patientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s needs.

VASCULAR SURGERY NP TEAM

Kimberly Lechner, MS, CRNP Nurse Practitioner Orthopaedic Trauma Service

As the Orthopaedic Service continues to grow, Kim continues to rise and take on more roles and responsibilities to make sure we provide and deliver the best patient care. Casey Naughton, MSN, CPNP-AC Nurse Practitioner Pediatric CT Surgery

Casey has developed great skill in discharging complex cardiac surgical patients and providing continuity of care between the inpatient and outpatient areas.

NURSING EXCELLENCE AWA R D S 2 0 1 5

Nicole Moore, MS, CRNP Nurse Practitioner, and Sarah Rosenberger, MS, CRNP Nurse Practitioner

Nicole and Sarah worked quickly to establish standard protocols, dedicated themselves to educate and support the nursing staff, and formed collegial relationships with all interdisciplinary team members supporting vascular surgery.

E x c e ll e n c e i n N u r s i n g P r a c t i c e Presented in recognition of a direct care nurse who advances clinical practice, care delivery, and the nursing profession through expert nursing practice, collaboration with the multidisciplinary team, and commitment to patient and family centered care.

Award Recipient

Arlene Davis, BSN, RN, OCN Senior Clinical Nurse I Greenebaum Cancer Center, Stoler Pavilion

Arlene is one of our outstanding nurse coordinators housed in the outpatient unit of the Greenebaum Cancer Center. Arlene epitomizes excellence in nursing on many levels. She is extremely knowledgeable about all aspects of cancer care and uses this to assure that her patients receive the most compassionate, efficient, and effective therapies. She takes the time to educate her patients in the most appropriate and sympathetic way and is extremely adept at identifying and marshalling additional resources from a variety of sources to aid those in her care. Patients and their families rely heavily on her expertise, accessibility, and compassion as they face their difficult journeys with cancer. Even those who are not fortunate to survive their illness benefit enormously from her great skill and empathic nature. Through Arleneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hard work, not only do patients receive the care they need in an efficient and timely fashion, crises are dealt with, tears are dried, and at the end of the day patients and their families have an enormously better experience because of her.

Award Recipient

Daniel Piper, BSN, RN Clinical Nurse II Medical Intensive Care Unit

As senior staff, Dan has shown great dedication in the practice of nursing as a profession. As one of the strongest nurses in MICU, he can handle the simplest to the most complicated cases amongst the MICUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s patient population. With his vast experience and knowledge in the practice of nursing, he always delivers the best way possible in keeping with the standards of nursing practice, ensuring patient safety and patient and family satisfaction at all times. He is very knowledgeable in the field of nursing and its practice and has always been generous in imparting this knowledge to his MICU colleagues. He is looked up to as a great preceptor in the MICU. He is an expert charge nurse and has strong leadership skills in handling the simplest to the most complicated situations that can arise while being a charge nurse in the MICU. He is an expert in more ways than one on anything and everything related to patient care and has been generous in sharing this expertise in teaching MICU nursing staff. There is no one more deserving than Dan Piper to receive this recognition in the practice of nursing and the MICU is very much honored to have Dan as one of its senior staff.

NURSING EXCELLENCE AWA R D S 2 0 1 5

E x c e ll e n c e i n N u r s i n g P r a c t i c e

Nominees

Beverly Anderson, BSN, RN Clinical Nurse II

Joseph Diloy, BSN, RN Clinical Nurse II

Cardiac Care Unit

Surgical Intermediate Care

Bev frequently educates staff in â&#x20AC;&#x153;real timeâ&#x20AC;? to current practice and willingly shares her knowledge and experience with all of the CCU team, especially during our daily huddles.

As a charge nurse, Joe provides excellent leadership, mentorship, and assistance to others in need, all while maintaining operations of the unit and planning the next assignment.

Jennifer Bambach, BSN, RN Clinical Nurse II

Nancy Duval, BSN, RN Clinical Nurse II

Child Psychiatry

Interventional Radiology

Jennifer is very involved in operational decisions which impact quality of care and autonomy for nurses.

Nancy jumps into any situation with the attitude she can help her patients and lead her colleagues in the correct direction to complete a task or situation that offers a challenge.

Dedra Campbell, BSN, RN Clinical Nurse II Adult Psychiatry

Dedra demonstrates her knowledge of mental health practices in her daily task as well as through her mentoring of new nursing staff. Alison Carder, BSN, RN, CCRN Clinical Nurse II Adult Emergency Services

Allison pays close attention to every detail of the management of every patient; from the initial triage to the outcome of the intervention provided, she never misses a thing. Madelyn Clark, BSN, RN Clinical Nurse II Surgical Intensive Care Unit

Madelyn realizes the vulnerability of the critically ill and their families and provides patientcentered care to ensure needs are being meet and outcomes achieved. Patricia Deady, BSN, MBA, RN Clinical Nurse II NeuroCare Acute Care

She is a very conscientious and dedicated professional who enthusiastically engages our staff on promoting best practices.

NURSING EXCELLENCE AWA R D S 2 0 1 5

Jessica Gayle, RN Clinical Nurse II Surgery Clinic

Jessica is a collaborator who works with different teams including pharmacy, lab, and physicians to lead the team of the Ambulatory Surgery Clinic. Maureen Hanold, BSN, RN, CCRN Senior Clinical Nurse I Interventional Radiology

She leads by example and as charge nurse is an excellent resource to staff. She collaboratively works with the charge technologist to maximize our patient flow to increase daily efficiency. Erika Hebden, BSN, RN, CCRN Senior Clinical Nurse I Mobile Practitioner Team/Rapid Response Team

Erika is conscientious and compassionate and it shows in her approach to patient care throughout her nursing practice here at UMMC.

E x c e ll e n c e i n N u r s i n g P r a c t i c e

Andrew Histand, BSN, RN Clinical Nurse II

Janis Marcella, BSN, RN, OCN Senior Clinical Nurse I

Adult Psychiatry

Digestive Health Center

Andrew Histand is an outstanding nurse who is a pleasure to work with and consistently shows excellent patient care as well as excellent communication with the multidisciplinary team.

Janis keeps herself trained and informed with best practice to resolve any clinical challenges. She demonstrates the therapeutic communication techniques with our internal and external customers.

Lisa Johnson, BSN, RN Clinical Nurse II Greenebaum Cancer Center, Stoler Pavilion

Marjorie Newell, RN Clinical Nurse II

Lisa has a special interest in the psychosocial effects of a cancer diagnosis and its treatment. This interest has led her toward volunteering to partner with educators in the cancer center to develop an effective process to evaluate the level of distress experienced by her patients.

Medical Intensive Care Unit

Sandra Kappus, BSN, RN Clinical Nurse II

Suja Odolil, BSN, RN Senior Clinical Nurse I

Echo/Graphics Lab

Surgical Acute Care

Sandy prioritizes all stress testing orders and has a great relationship with physicians and other staff. She will alert her supervisor when workflow issues arise but always with clear suggestions and backup plans.

As the discharge facilitator for Weinberg 5, Suja has made a tremendous impact in bringing our patient satisfactions scores to the 90 percentile for discharge satisfaction.

Debbie Kirby, BSN, RN, ACOG Senior Clinical Nurse II Center for Advanced Fetal Care

Debbie is a tremendous teacher, mentor, and coach who shares her knowledge with newer staff members and is universally seen as one who possesses incredible patience and support with newer staff. Sorah Levy, BSN, RN Clinical Nurse II Surgical Intermediate Care

Sarah is dedicated to creating a safe and caring environment for bedside nurses and has recently started assessing staff retention and competency in patient care.

Margie is the person you want at your side when times become challenging. Her commitment to the MICU is further recognized as a resource person for all the new staff who are hired in the MICU.

Binu Panicker, RN Clinical Nurse II Orthopaedics Acute Care

Binu gives excellent care to patients and their families in a professional and impeccable manner. She goes above and beyond for the patients and voluntarily helps other staff members with their patient care. Paul Park, BSN, RN Clinical Nurse II STC Operating Room

Paul continues to be a resource for both inexperienced and experienced nurses and as a preceptor, he orients new nurses, surgical technicians, student nurses, and Air Force C-Star personnel. continued on page 24.

NURSING EXCELLENCE AWA R D S 2 0 1 5

E x c e ll e n c e i n N u r s i n g P r a c t i c e

Amanda Ritt, BSN, RN Clinical Nurse II NeuroCare Acute Care

Amanda goes above and beyond for her patients and their families. She is positive and approachable, and she exhibits a willingness to accept rapid changes that are happening on the unit. Caitlin Watson, RN, CPN Senior Clinical Nurse I Pediatric Progressive Care Unit

Caitlin has assisted the Pediatric Progressive Care Unit with advancing clinical practice by providing support to increase the patient populations we currently serve. TRANSPLANT INTERMEDIATE CARE TEAM

Each has participated in the creation of innovative strategies for patient comfort and satisfaction, and as charge nurses they helped design and implement a novel and highly fluid plan for bed assignments that facilitated bed flow and reduced falls with injury.

Top row, left to right:

Bottom row, left to right:

Anna Cocchiaro, BSN, RN Clinical Nurse II

Elizabeth Geib, BSN, RN Clinical Nurse II

Christine Dixon, BSN, RN Clinical Nurse II

Jill McDaniel, RN Clinical Nurse II

Obigeli Elemo, BSN, RN Senior Clinical Nurse I

Melinda Timlen, BSN, RN Clinical Nurse II

Rachel Ensor, BSN, RN Clinical Nurse II

Shoshana Yudkowsky, BSN, RN Clinical Nurse II

NURSING EXCELLENCE AWA R D S 2 0 1 5

E x c e ll e n c e i n C o m m u n i t y S e r v i c e Presented to a nurse who promotes health in the community through innovative and creative contributions.

Award Recipient

Ethlyn Cowan-Grant, BSN, RN Per Diem Registered Nurse Supplemental Staff

Ethlyn is an ICU nurse who has been working in the Supplemental Unit for a little over five years. For the last two years, once a month, she has been providing dinners for the women and children residing at Sarah’s Hope shelter in Baltimore. Ethlyn has also created a nonprofit organization called Ethlyn’s Hope in which she is working with a group of ladies in Kenya to construct an orphanage. Last year she organized a medical mission to a village in Kenya in which a team of 14 individuals, including Ethlyn, provided care for over 600 people during a four-day mission. Ethlyn is truly a community activist both in Baltimore and abroad, and we in the Supplemental Unit commend her on her efforts.

Award Recipient

Kristy Wheeler, BSN, RN, CNOR, CST Clinical Nurse II STC Operating Room

Kristy has been a nurse since 2011, and prior to that had been a surgical technician since 2004. She actively volunteers in the Baltimore community as well as reaching beyond into other parts of the U.S. and Africa. She currently is a large group leader in the children’s ministry at Mountain Christian Church. She also participates in ServeFest, an annual event involving multiple churches that perform various outreaches to the community, including children’s programs, providing sack lunches for the homeless, and cleaning up the environment. She participates in Healthcare for the Homeless by helping to collect supplies and food that she takes to their organization. She has sponsored a child in Kenya since 2011 that she met on a mission trip. She has been to Kenya on two mission trips and also Joplin, Missouri after that area was hit hard by a tornado. She just recently became the STC OR rep for the Trauma Prevention Committee and hopes to be able to teach about trauma prevention in the community. She also serves as President-Elect for the Baltimore Chapter of AORN ( The Association of Perioperative Nurses). One of her roles is to go out into the community of nurses at other hospitals and introduce the importance of our professional organization and serve as an AORN ambassador. Kristy is always enthusiastic about the profession of nursing and helping others in the community by a variety of methods.

NURSING EXCELLENCE AWA R D S 2 0 1 5

E x c e ll e n c e i n C o m m u n i t y S e r v i c e

Nominees

Jennifer Arrington, MS, RN Clinical Nurse II

Alicia Carroll, BSN, RN Clinical Nurse II

Pediatric Intensive Care Unit

Medical Intensive Care Unit

Jen has since been asked to join and has accepted an appointment to the UMMS Foundation’s Children’s Heart Program Committee. She is an awesome ambassador for the PICU at UMMC and the greater community.

In addition to her full time nursing career in the Medical ICU, Alicia consistently dedicates 18 hours of her time each week to her local fire station as an EMT.

Barbara Bosah, BSN, RN, PCCN Senior Clinical Nurse I Surgical Intermediate Care

Barbara not only contributes to many initiatives on our unit, but also throughout the community. She has assisted in a number of fundraisers to support organizations such as the House of Ruth. Veronica Brock, MS, RN Senior Clinical Nurse I Surgical Intermediate Care

Last July, “Ron” volunteered a week of her time and money to provide missionary work in Haiti. In Haiti, she cared for over 274 inhabitants from a one-room church converted to a clinic. Tracie Brown, BSN, RN Clinical Nurse II Labor and Delivery

Tracie is also a breast health educator with the Susan G. Komen Foundation. She goes to community health fairs and churches to lecture about breast awareness and self-breast exams. Tara Carlson, MS, RN Manager, Business Development Shock Trauma Center

In 2012, as part of STC’s shared governance structure, Tara initiated the Trauma Nursing Prevention Council to encourage new clinical nurses to volunteer and participate in outreach prevention strategies.

NURSING EXCELLENCE AWA R D S 2 0 1 5

Marshada Chapman, BSN, RN Clinical Nurse II Surgical Acute Care

Marshada has been Weinberg 5’s champion when it comes to HIV/AIDS and community outreach and has been a volunteer health educator with the City of Baltimore since 2010. Marie Lea-Wilson, BSN, RN Clinical Nurse II Medical Intensive Care Unit

Marie volunteers at the Esperanza Center in Baltimore, triaging patients for medical and dental health needs on a weekly basis. Barbara Miller, MS, CRNP Nurse Practitioner Surgical Intermediate Care

In July 2014, Barbara volunteered with an international missionary group, Hope for Caribbean Kids, Inc., to assist and provide medical aid to an impoverished area in Haiti. April Sheppard, BSN, RN Senior Clinical Nurse I Medicine Telemetry, 13 East/West

April volunteers regularly with many organizations, including Caring Carroll, a nonprofit organization that provides volunteers to help elderly or disabled adult residents of Carroll County with transportation needs, cleaning needs and grocery needs.

E x c e ll e n c e i n I n n o vat io n t h r o u g h E v i d e n c e - b a s e d P r a c t i c e Presented in recognition of innovative and creative contributions that have improved patient care through evidence-based practice.

Award Recipients Left to right:

Zelda Falck, MS, RN-BC Senior Clinical Nurse II Psychiatric Emergency Services (PES)

Connie Noll, MSN, MA, PMHNP-BC Education Specialist Psychiatry

Zelda has been the unit-based champion of seclusion and restraint reduction in PES over the last year. This is a true innovation of evidence-based practice. The PES has made significant improvement under her guidance and role modeling. Education around de-escalation of patients, best practices, and use of the recovery model is a paradigm shift for acute care psychiatry. Literature reports that the use of seclusion and restraint range from 8%-24% for emergency department patients. In the past 18 months less than 1% of PES patients have experienced seclusion and restraint events. This data is tracked across the division by the Clinical Practice and Education Specialist Connie Noll. Weekly reviews deconstructing events and triggers, identifying positive interventions is ongoing. This has been a collaborative effort between the division clinical educator, unit clinical staff, and nurse manager. Abstract submission is in process.

Nominees FALLS COMMITTEE, ADULT EMERGENCY SERVICES

This committee implemented a tool in triage to determine the effectiveness in preventing falls and improving staff compliance in the utilization of fall prevention interventions. As a result, falls have decreased in the ED. Left to right: Winnie Trang, BSN, RN Clinical Nurse II Ifedayo Awe, BSN, RN Clinical Nurse II Lauren Russell, BSN, RN Clinical Nurse II

Left to right:

Tiarra Bynum, BSN, RN Clinical Nurse II

Nina Hardy, RN Senior Clinical Nurse I Kelly Ulloa, BSN, RN, CEN Senior Clinical Nurse II

NURSING EXCELLENCE AWA R D S 2 0 1 5

E x c e ll e n c e i n I n n o vat io n t h r o u g h R e s e a r c h Presented in recognition of innovative and creative contributions that have improved patient care through research.

Award Recipient

Shari Simone, DNP, CPNP-AC, APRN-BC, FCCM Senior NP Clinical Program Manager Women’s and Children’s Services

Shari has been instrumental in bringing nursing research to the PICU. In 2000, she spearheaded a single site prospective randomized study examining nasojejunal (NJ) placement technique in PICU patients, for which she won an award from AACN. By 2008, Shari propelled the UMMC PICU into participation in a prospective randomized, multi-center NIH funded research study, by serving as the site UMMS coordinator for RESTORE, a study examining sedation practices in mechanically ventilated children. In preparation for participation, she led the pediatric and PICU nursing staff training in the use of new validated sedation scale and withdrawal assessment tools. These tools were adopted in both areas and improved assessment practices. Following staff preparation, recruitment and enrollment for RESTORE at UMMC began. Under Shari’s direction, UMMC became one of the top recruiters for medium sized PICUs. Shari served diligently as site coordinator for six years until completion of data collection in 2014 (and continues with ongoing post hoc data analysis). In anticipation of completion of the RESTORE study, Shari involved the PICU in another NIH-funded multi-center study called HALF-PINT: pediatric insulin titration in heart and lung failure, which is ongoing. Shari has also been involved in many PI projects and development of pathways to improve care of PICU patients, including sedation titration algorithm for mechanically ventilated children and is currently investigating the use of dexmedetomdine in these patients. She also developed an evidence-based delirium assessment, prevention, and treatment protocol in the PICU. She led staff training in the use of a delirium assessment tool, and since its implementation in December 2013, the PICU staff continues to be 100% compliant with delirium screening. She also partnered with the Pediatric Psychiatry Department and was awarded an interprofessional education grant for the inquiry, education, and management of delirium in pediatrics and chairs a monthly interdisciplinary delirium case review called Brain Rounds.

NURSING EXCELLENCE AWA R D S 2 0 1 5

E x c e ll e n c e i n L e a d e r s h i p Presented in recognition of the unique ability to lead and inspire others towards achieving the vision and goals of the Department of Nursing and Patient Care Services. Two awards will be presented in this category: (1) a manager who has demonstrated inspiring leadership and passion in the pursuit of nursing excellence, and (2) a clinical nurse who has led, advanced, and/or strengthened nursing, either as a profession or in the delivery of patient care within and/or beyond the University of Maryland Medical Center. Award Recipient for Management

Lesli Bennett, MSN, MBA, RN Nurse Manager Cardiac Care Unit/Cardiac Progressive Care Unit/Cardiovascular Procedural Areas

NOMINATION #1: Lesli has strong leadership and interpersonal skills. She has a mature emotional

intelligence. She listens and is fair, equitable in actions and expectations, visible, extremely organized, and involved in daily operations. Lesli is a change agent with an eye on continuous process improvement. She welcomes the opportunity to precept students who are in masters studies. She is available to staff and is timely with feedback. She genuinely cares about others and has the ability to make others feel special. Lesli has made many contributions this year to the organization and to her clinical areas of responsibility. Some of the highlights include participating as part of the core group that assured the successful implementation of the Cardiac Nurse Fellowship program. She also attended weekend recruitment events to assure acquisition of talent and appropriate staffing for the cardiac areas. Moreover, she has actively encouraged certification of her nursing staff, as well as engaging in annual professional education. In addition, she has made sure that tenured nurses are available on shifts where there are several new staff members working to enable appropriate oversight and mentorship. NOMINATION #2: Lesli keeps the best interests of everyone in mind with everything that she does. She supports her staff and will fight for what she believes is right. The safety and care of her staff and patients is her top priority at all times. She brings organization and structure to her units. She is a natural born leader and educator, a great mentor, a fantastic resource, and has become an amazing friend to so many people. Nominees for Management

Theresa DiNardo, MSN, RN, CCRN Nurse Manager

Beatrice Hazzard, MS, RN, CPAN Nurse Manager

Critical Care Resuscitation Unit/Trauma Resuscitation Unit/Lung Rescue Unit/ Biocontainment Unit

Post Anesthesia Care Unit/STC Post Anesthesia Care Unit

Terryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s trust in her team and commitment to her job is what is expected of a nurse manager, but her command and the respect she earns from those who work with her is what sets Terry apart from all other nursing leaders.

Bea inspires her team to achieve their individual aspirations, encouraging autonomy while mentoring and empowering the clinical staff as leaders. Simone Odwin-Jenkins, MBA, BSN, RN Nurse Manager Vascular Surgery Progressive Care Unit/ Orthopaedics Acute Care

Simone uses a variety of forums to keep her staff informed. She believes that communication and engagement is vital and key to meeting the needs of all the stakeholders: our patients, our staff, the organization, and the community we serve.

NURSING EXCELLENCE AWA R D S 2 0 1 5

E x c e ll e n c e i n L e a d e r s h i p

Award Recipient for Clinical Leadership

Judith Idzi, BSN, RN Senior Clinical Nurse I Cardiac Care Unit

Judy is operationally responsible for many areas of the CCU. She communicates the unit’s clinical needs to pharmacy, overseeing the Omnicell stock adjustments. She works closely with Facilities Management for improvements to the medication room to insure a safe and efficient working environment for medication administration. Judy also employs her clinical expertise to coordinate the unit’s supply needs, make par level adjustments, and obtain new products for patient care. As committee chair of the Pulmonary Hypertension (PH) Committee, Judy reaches out to help other units in caring for this specific patient population. She coordinates home care equipment and education from pharmaceutical companies and ensures that units have the supplies to support the specific medication delivery system for these patients. She collaborates with the pharmacists who support our physician provider teams for specific PH medications required to support each patient’s care. Judy is also the unit’s customer service specialist, offering her sincere care and compassion as a role model to the team when addressing patient and or family issues that arise. In addition, she provides leadership oversight and attention to the day-to-day support to the CCU and CPCU unit secretary teams. She mentors their individual growth and works with the teams for ongoing unit operational improvements. Judy’s leadership and oversight to the many areas of CCU’s operations and staff development is vital to the functioning of the unit.

Nominees for Clinical Leadership

Zoe Bouchelle, BSN, RN, CRN Senior Clinical Nurse I

Stacy Hopkins, RN Senior Clinical Nurse I

Interventional Radiology

STC Acute Care (STA)

Zoe has been invaluable in IR in developing nursing practice and establishing working relationships with stakeholders.

Stacy has been able to effectively promote change, particularly in the work that she has recently done with the PCTs on STA. She has helped to give them guidance, motivation and accountability towards their practice and foster a sense of pride in what they do.

Kendall Gelston, BSN, RN, CNOR Senior Clinical Nurse I STC Operating Room

Kendall serves as full-time day charge nurse for a couple of days in the Trauma OR and balances this responsibility with other activities that support patient flow on the unit, such as being the lead nurse for the Plastics/Oral-Maxillofacial/ ENT services.

NURSING EXCELLENCE AWA R D S 2 0 1 5

Nicole Johnson-Nesmith, BSN, RN Clinical Nurse II Radiation Oncology

Nicole has developed an excellent working environment with her coworkers and professional colleagues. She is always supportive of changes and sees the bigger picture that benefits the organization and department.

E x c e ll e n c e i n L e a d e r s h i p

Martha Lusby, BSN, RN, SCRN Senior Clinical Nurse I NeuroCare Intensive Care Unit

This year Martha has lead two major projects â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the Daily Patient Goal Sheet and reduction of CAUTI - that have demonstrated her expertise in leadership. Her efforts have achieved goals in both of these areas that have never been reached before. Rebecca Stecher, BSN, RN Senior Clinical Nurse I Medical Intensive Care Unit

Rebecca is a leader on night shift who very capably handles issues calmly and directly with staff. She is well respected amongst her SCN peers and is often relied upon for guidance at the spur of a moment in evolving situations.

NURSING EXCELLENCE AWA R D S 2 0 1 5

E x c e ll e n c e i n P r e c e p t i n g , M e n tor i n g , a n d E d u c at io n Presented for significant contributions to the education of colleagues, students, patients, or families. Exhibits teaching expertise in roles such as mentor, preceptor, or instructor and participates in the development of educational programs or instruction for colleagues, students, and patients or family.

Award Recipient

Katherine Vann, MS, RN Senior Clinical Nurse II STC Acute Care

Katherine has been instrumental in the development of the Shock Trauma Acute Care Unit over the last year. She has focused her efforts on developing a strong SCN I leadership team and empowering them with the skills needed to facilitate the development of the unit staff as a whole. Each SCN has a “team” of staff for which they are responsible for mentoring, ensuring compliance and communicating changes in policy and process. Through team building, staff feedback, education, and skills development, she has created a strong leadership team that is working together to promote the overall growth and development of the entire team. She has also focused this year on the development of the charge nurse as a resource. Katherine has continued to mentor our less experienced charge nurses on understanding not only the tasks of this position but to develop their critical thinking skills. She accomplished this through educational offerings and working with our certified nurse specialist to create a culture that is open to asking “why” in regards to patient care. Katherine is a role model for all nurses. Over the past year she has been an excellent resource and collaborative partner with the unit’s nurse manager. Katherine is definitely deserving of this award. Nominees

Kristin Bailey, BSN, RN Clinical Nurse II NeuroCare Acute Care

Left to right: Katie Brooke Andersen, MS, CRNP Nurse Practitioner Shock Trauma Center and

Tiffany Andrews, MS, CRNP Adult Emergency Services

Katie and Tiffany have demonstrated extraordinary dedication to the NP Critical Care Fellowship program at UMMC, the first of its kind on the East Coast. Moreover, they have become expert at designing, conducting, and measuring NP performance on failure-to-rescue simulation scenarios.

NURSING EXCELLENCE AWA R D S 2 0 1 5

Kristin has worked effectively with senior nursing students, taking time to educate and demonstrate many of the essential skills that they need to succeed as new nurses. Bilijana Brkic, BSN, RN Clinical Nurse II Vascular Surgery Progressive Care Unit

Bilijana takes her role as a preceptor very seriously and tailors her work to meet the learning needs of her orientees.

E x c e ll e n c e i n P r e c e p t i n g , M e n tor i n g , a n d E d u c at io n

Lisa Chang, BSN, RN Clinical Nurse II

Ashley Hernandez, BSN, RN Clinical Nurse II

Orthopaedics Acute Care

Psychiatric Emergency Services

Lisa is viewed as a team player by her peers and is always willing to hold in-services to further educate the staff on new policies and procedures.

For Ashley, education is her passion. She provides supervision for numerous senior practicum students and promotes their growth and development as senior nurses.

Marc Crossan, RN Clinical Nurse II Cardiac Care Unit

Marc is always eager to precept new nurses. His patience and creative instruction aid in education for all learning types. Christine Dixon, BSN, RN Clinical Nurse II Transplant Intermediate Care

Christine is an excellent preceptor and has demonstrated a passion for teaching new nurses and students. She is clear, balanced and thorough in the presentation of ideas and concepts and this is appreciated by those in her charge. Lauren Emshwiller, BSN, RN, SCRN Senior Clinical Nurse I NeuroCare Intensive Care Unit

Nicole Hodski, BSN, RN Senior Clinical Nurse I Medical Intensive Care Unit

Nicole has a passion for educating staff. On the unit she is known as an expert charge nurse and resource nurse. Maria Javier, RN Clinical Nurse II Adult Emergency Services

Maria is a great clinical resource for the staff. She is able to critically think and interact effectively during even the most stressful circumstances. Dan Kopp, RN Clinical Nurse II Gero Psychiatry

Lauren is creative and dedicated to staff development. She is an excellent role model for continuous learning and inspires others to do the same.

Dan shares and teaches using multi-media to educate others about his geriatric acute care in-patient psychiatry unit. He is our EPIC representative and is becoming our skills marathon trainer.

Roberta Harvey, BSN, RN, CRN Senior Clinical Nurse I

Lisa Malick, MS, RN, OCN Senior Clinical Nurse I

Interventional Radiology

Greenebaum Cancer Center, Stoler Pavilion

Roberta has been invaluable in developing nursing practice on Weinberg 1 and establishing working relationships with stakeholders.

Lisa is quick to recognize clinical practice issues and discrepancies, and tirelessly does whatever she can do as an educator to ensure nursing practice is the best it can be. continued on page 34.

NURSING EXCELLENCE AWA R D S 2 0 1 5

E x c e ll e n c e i n P r e c e p t i n g , M e n tor i n g , a n d E d u c at io n

Erin McMichael, BSN, BA, RNC-OB Clinical Nurse II

Marlyn Solomon, MSN, RN-BC Clinical Nurse II

Labor and Delivery

Child Psychiatry

Erin exemplifies what is means to be a great teacher. While precepting, she is able to help her orientees critically think and utilize the resources available to them to help provide safe, competent patient-centered care.

Marlyn is an outstanding educator and preceptor in child psychiatry. She has developed content for the annual summer educational series, which includes unit protocols, boundaries, attachment, self-regulation and competency principles, and specialized behavioral plans.

Meghan McNeilly, BSN, RN Clinical Nurse II Surgical Intermediate Care

As a preceptor and mentor, Meghanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s orientees benefit from her vast patient care experience and her willingness to go out of her way to teach new nursing skills that she has already mastered. Christina Purificato, BSN, RN, CCRN Clinical Nurse II Surgical Intensive Care Unit

As a preceptor, Christina provides new nurses with a toolbox of resources and genuine support to prepare them to take on any situation or challenge set forth in the SICU. Karen Rueger, BSN, RN Senior Clinical Nurse I Surgical Acute Care

Karen is a proactive leader always striving to get the best information and resources to service her unitâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s patients and staff. She is constantly looking at process improvements to help her staff give high quality and efficient care.

NURSING EXCELLENCE AWA R D S 2 0 1 5

Stacey Trotman, MS, RN, CMSRN Senior Clinical Nurse II Medicine Telemetry, 13 East/West

Stacey is all about education for herself, her staff and, of course, her patients. She holds her colleagues and herself to high standards while she continues to work on her DNP. Vicki Wrisk, BSN, RN Per Diem Registered Nurse Supplemental Staffing

Vicki is a valued educational resource to our nurses. She is committed to excellence in education and clearly understands the importance of translation into practice.

E x c e ll e n c e i n P r e c e p t i n g , M e n tor i n g , a n d E d u c at io n

CARDIAC CARE UNIT (CCU) PRECEPTOR TEAM

As the saying goes, “it takes a village to raise a child” and the CCU was lucky enough to have a “village” of excellent preceptors and mentors this past year. These individuals found a way to stay in close touch with their orientees’ progress, yet allow for individual growth. Left to right:

Karen Cossentino, MS, RN, CCRN Senior Clinical Nurse II Natalie Carmichael, MSN, RN Clinical Nurse II Marc Crossan, RN Clinical Nurse II Allison Huffman, BSN, RN Clinical Nurse II Left to right:

Jeannine Dyson, BSN, RN Senior Clinical Nurse I Kevin Marshall, BSN, RN Clinical Nurse II Jussara Gama, BSN, RN, CCRN Clinical Nurse II

Left to right:

Kim Karlinchak, BSN, RN Clinical Nurse II Julie Landon, BSN, RN Clinical Nurse II Lisa Paplauckas, BSN, RN Clinical Nurse II Left to right:

Bev Anderson, BSN, RN Clinical Nurse II

Jacquelyn Quilao, BSN, RN, CMSRN Clinical Nurse II

Julie Anderson, BSN, RN Clinical Nurse II Cindy Bauer, MS, RN, CCRN Senior Clinical Nurse II Julie Caprio, BS, RN Senior Clinical Nurse I

Left to right:

Kelly Schiavone, BSN, RN, CCRN Clinical Nurse II Wienshet Teklu, BSN, RN Clinical Nurse II June Solema, BSN, RN, CCRN Clinical Nurse II NURSING EXCELLENCE AWA R D S 2 0 1 5

E x c e ll e n c e i n P r e c e p t i n g , M e n tor i n g , a n d E d u c at io n

CARDIAC PROGRESSIVE CARE UNIT (CPCU) PRECEPTOR TEAM

The CPCU is fortunate enough to have a core of truly dedicated and knowledgeable nurses who were willing to give themselves to support a learning environment committed to each new nurseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s educational needs.

Left to right:

Cindi Beanland, BSN, RN Clinical Nurse II Tracey Denes, RN Clinical Nurse II Angela Lewis, BSN, RN, PCCN Senior Clinical Nurse I

Left to right:

Sarah Masek, BSN, RN, PCCN Clinical Nurse II Sami Ehrenfreund, BSN, RN Clinical Nurse II Lana Jimerson, BSN, RN Clinical Nurse II Natalie Schaefer, BSN, RN Clinical Nurse II

NURSING EXCELLENCE AWA R D S 2 0 1 5

Left to right:

Clathea Nacario, RN Clinical Nurse II KK Radhakrishnan, RN, PCCN Clinical Nurse II

E x c e ll e n c e i n P u b l i c at io n or P r e s e n tat io n Presented in recognition of innovative and creative contributions that have improved patient care through scholarly publication or presentations.

Award Recipient

David Glenn, MS, RN Clinical Nurse II Bone Marrow Transplant

David is a graduate of the CNL program at the University of Maryland. His background in journalism has so complemented his new knowledge acquired during his brief tenure with the Greenebaum Cancer Center that the Oncology Nursing Society’s flagship publication, Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing, has selected him as the associate editor of their regularly featured safety column. The countless hours David devotes to his work as associate editor of this journal is further evidence of his passion for advocacy and safe practice. His patients and peers see daily testament to his values and commitment to world-class patient care. The column he edits is widely read by oncology nurses worldwide and, thus, he has tremendous influence on the safe care of oncology patients everywhere. It is an important contribution and influence on how oncology nurses practice and prioritize. Such work requires both commitment and passion. When you meet David, you are shocked to learn he has been a nurse for less than two years. His depth of knowledge and calm approach to difficult situations imply that he is a well-seasoned veteran of the bedside. His confidence and thoughtful approach are reassuring to patients and staff alike. David has already emerged as a source of positive energy and a leader on his unit.

Nominees

Lora Cheek, RN, SCRN Senior Clinical Nurse I

Stephanie Szoch, BSN, RN, OCN Senior Clinical Nurse II

Interventional Radiology

Hematology and Oncology

Lora always has an energetic attitude when lecturing and teaching. She is considered the expert in stroke education in IR and also serves as a resource for the Neuro Interventional team.

Stephanie was a critical member of the Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center’s Clinical Practice Council project team that worked on developing, implementing and evaluating evidence-based neurological assessment and documentation practices for patients receiving high-dose cytarabine.

Debra Plater, RN, FCN Senior Clinical Nurse I Psychiatric Emergency Services

Debra is a parish nurse who recently published her struggles of raising a family as a young, single parent and her desire to become a nurse.

Kelly Ulloa, BSN, RN, CEN Senior Clinical Nurse II Adult Emergency Services

Kelly’s nomination is for the Certified Emergency Nursing Review Course that she researched, designed, co-authored and presented.

NURSING EXCELLENCE AWA R D S 2 0 1 5

O u t s ta n d i n g N u r s i n g S u pp ort S ta f f Presented in recognition of excellence in patient care and service through compassion, respect, integrity, and support to nurses, patients, and families.

Award Recipient

John Taylor Patient Care Technician Mobile Practitioner Team

John exemplifies what it means to “care.” From co-workers, patients, families, and other staff… everyone knows John. He greets everyone he sees, even in the elevator. He cannot stand the silence so he asks everyone “how is your day,” and immediately, people respond with smiles. In addition, I always tell him that he has a natural gift of making people feel good about themselves. Recently, he was waved down by a husband at the main entrance to the hospital, where his wife was in the car, ready to deliver their baby…NOW! John sprung into action, making phone calls, getting a wheelchair, getting support, all the while comforting mom and dad during this very stressful moment. The baby was actually crowning. John brought her in, placed her in a wheelchair, started taking off his shoelaces (something he recently learned) in case he had to tie the umbilical cord. By the time they reached labor and delivery, everyone was prepared and ready to go. A couple of days later, a security officer and a group of OB physicians commented on how incredible John was during this event. He single-handedly coordinated everything to get this family what they needed, and fast. This is just one of many stories we could tell you about John. His clinical skills are outstanding, too.

Nominees

Rachelle Alston Patient Care Technician

Tiffanie Catron Unit Secretary

Bone Marrow Transplant

Medical Intensive Care Unit

Rachelle works efficiently, has good time management and is organized and dependable. She gets along well even with the most challenging patients.

Tiffanie role models customer service in both her behaviors and her actions. She will go out of her way to help the nursing staff whenever there is a crisis.

Sherri Brice Practice Assistant

Rebecca Collins Patient Care Technician

Center for Advanced Fetal Care

NeuroCare Acute Care

Sherri often reminds nurses and other colleagues to look at things from the patient or even another colleague’s point of view – thus helping us to stay humble, compassionate and free of judgment.

Rebecca introduces levity into the toughest circumstances. She has the ability to help her patients overcome fear and to relax.

NURSING EXCELLENCE AWA R D S 2 0 1 5

O u t s ta n d i n g N u r s i n g S u pp ort S ta f f

Paresh Dave Surgical Support Technician

Jennifer Holbrook Unit Secretary

STC Operating Room

Critical Care Resuscitation Unit

Paresh works in harmony with his fellow surgical support team members. He is pleasant and attentive to the patients he transports to the operating room.

Jennifer always greets visitors with a warm smile. She anticipates the needs of the CCRU by making sure all paperwork is ready to go for our admissions and transfers so the nursing staff can concentrate on needed patient care.

Trina Dickey Schedule Preauthorization Coordinator Oral Maxillofacial Surgery Clinic

Trina always gets positive feedback from patients. Trina is flexible and approachable all the time. She is an excellent team player. Cheryl Eubanks, BA Administrative Assistant Surgical Acute Care

Shannon Jacobs Medical Assistant Surgery Clinic

Shannon assists patients who are in need of information, guidance or assistance. She is a valuable asset to the team. India Johnson Medical Assistant

In addition to providing administrative support to the nurses on Weinberg 5, Cheryl is also instrumental in improving service, safety, and quality.

Digestive Health Clinic

Stacey George-Harris Mental Health Associate

Sharmaine Jones Patient Care Technician

Adult Psychiatry

Surgical Intermediate Care

Stacey exemplifies compassion and nurturing to all patients in her care. She is a visionary who strives to help patients gain hope and resilience in their recovery.

Sharmaine shows compassion, respect, integrity and patience when caring for the patients on the SIMC. She has a positive attitude, great work ethic and shows continued support to nurses on the unit.

Elaine Harris Unit Secretary Orthopaedics Acute Care

Elaine is the definition of a hard worker and goes out of her way to ensure staff and patient satisfaction. Elaine plays many roles and assists the unit not only as a unit secretary, but she also rounds on the patients in order to meet their needs in a timely manner. Dorcus Hill Certified Nurse Assistant Transplant Intermediate Care

Dorcus goes above and beyond her assigned duties to create an orderly and clean environment in the transplant IMC that has a positive impact on patientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; families and staff.

India is an expert in procedure, triaging patients, registration process and billing. India is flexible and dependable.

Angela McLaughlin Patient Care Technician Cardiac Progressive Care Unit

Angela comes to work determined and always offering a smile. She never complains about her assignment, and she always tries her hardest to ensure that all of the patients are seen and cared for. Mae McCoy Medical Assistant University Health Center

Mae is able to motivate her colleagues by always arriving to work with an upbeat, pleasant, hardworking attitude. continued on page 40.

NURSING EXCELLENCE AWA R D S 2 0 1 5

O u t s ta n d i n g N u r s i n g S u pp ort S ta f f

Cheryl McNeill Patient Care Technician

Barbara Offer Mental Health Associate

Surgical Acute Care

Gero Psychiatry

Cheryl is extremely hard working and is the perfect example of what a patient care tech should be. She displays a sense of caring, flexibility, and sound judgment.

Barbara has grown in her role and has learned the skills and psychiatric knowledge that provides her valuable insight working with her complex population. She has an infectious enthusiasm and cheerfulness that is present daily.

Vicky Miranda Patient Care Technician Post Anesthesia Care Unit

Vicky works well on a team and motivates other staff members to work together all the while with a smile on her face. Emannual Mohammad Transporter Adult Emergency Services

Manny is very flexible and can easily coordinate several patient transports at one time according to acuity and priority. This is an important skill in an environment where things are changing all the time. Gloria Murchison Certified Nursing Assistant Cardiac Progressive Care Unit

Endoscopy

Annie has become the cheerleader of the unit for togetherness and promotes healthy work environment initiatives. Nicole Salaam Patient Care Technician Radiation Oncology

Nicole is respected by staff for her input and operational process improvements that are needed for the clinic. Jessica Strough, LPN Patient Care Technician STC Post Anesthesia Care Unit

Gloria holds a special place in the hearts of the “heart transplant” patients. Her calming demeanor has helped these patients through their most difficult times.

Jess is a leader amongst the PCT group, precepting new staff and students and providing feedback to unit leadership as appropriate. She is able to anticipate the needs of staff and patients and is self-motivated.

Willia Myers Certified Nursing Assistant

Kellie Tenaglia Radiology Service Coordinator

Supplemental Staffing

Interventional Radiology

Willia is a stellar employee who truly believes in the privilege to serve.

Kellie is so highly regarded throughout the hospital; doctors call her directly, knowing that she will take care of the patients’ needs in a timely manner. She is the go-to person for all of us.

Luciana Noel Unit Secretary Surgical Intensive Care Unit

Luci consistently rounds on the unit, making sure that patients’ families are well accommodated, and assisting nurses and other staff in any way she can.

Anquaneta Randle Patient Care Technician

NURSING EXCELLENCE AWA R D S 2 0 1 5

Heather Thomas Certified Medical Assistant Greenebaum Cancer Center, Stoler Pavilion

Not only is Heather dedicated and passionate about working with her patients, but she is also a huge support to the nurses in Stoler. She is often the “glue” that holds things together.

O u t s ta n d i n g N u r s i n g S u pp ort S ta f f

Delores Van Landingham Surgical Tech II Labor and Delivery

Delores is an exceptional surgical tech who is always willing to share her expertise with others, from new nurses, medical students, nursing students, new OR techs, along with physicians.

PICU PERMANENT SUPPORT STAFF

The permanent PICU support staff consisting of unit secretaries and nursing assistants has done an excellent job of consistently contributing at a high level for extended periods of time this past year with exceptional patient acuity and minimal staffing.

Earther Williams Certified Medical Assistant University Health Center

Earther has a passion for helping others and it is evident in all she does â&#x20AC;&#x201C; whether she is assisting a patient, offering guidance to a new intern, or providing encouragement to a colleague. She is continuously brightening the day of those around her.

Unit Secretaries, left to right: Tarsha Connor Akeeta Morrison Nanette Smith Louise Tomlinson

James Wright Surgical Support Technician STC Operating Room

Not only is James probably one of the most humble and polite individuals you will ever meet, but he is the epitome of a stellar work ethic and reliability.

Nursing Assistants, left to right: Rena Anderson Iesha Davis Montinique Hooper Priyankee Vaidya

NURSING EXCELLENCE AWA R D S 2 0 1 5

P h y s i c i a n C oll e a g u e Presented in recognition of the unique ability of an attending and a resident/fellow to collaborate with nurses toward the goal of excellence in patient care in a professional and positive manner.

Award Recipient for an Attending

Jason Custer, MD Medical Director Pediatric Intensive Care Unit

Dr. Custer is an exceptional colleague of the PICU nursing staff in all forums. He exudes and models the utmost professionalism and respect when interacting with all members of the health care team. Additionally, he is the most gracious, skilled, and talented physician we have observed when leading critical patient care discussions with parents and families regarding end-of-life decisions. He is an excellent collaborator with various leaders throughout the organization. This collaborative spirit and zest for performance improvement has resulted in enriched processes for the PICU population. Dr. Custer will drop by the unit when not on service to offer a helping hand to assist with procedures, write orders, facilitate patient flow, or assist with anything that needs to be done. He is a great listener and often offers a unique perspective to complex problems. He is deliberate in his words, actions, and inactions to stimulate thoughts and ideas, to keep peace, and to aspire for excellence. It is a pleasure to have him as a physician colleague.

Nominees for an Attending

Megan Anders, MD Attending

Robert Habicht, MD Attending

Perioperative Services

Medicine

Dr. Andersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; multidisciplinary approach to creating working solutions is commendable, and her commitment to patient safety makes her a great physician colleague.

When our nurses come to Dr. Habicht with questions and/or information about our patients, he makes us feel our input is valuable. We are lucky to know him and have him in our institution.

Kenneth Butler, DO, FACEP, FAAEM Attending Adult Emergency Services

Dr. Butler is often found teaching at the bedside to nurses and residents whenever the opportunity arises. He has an excellent rapport with the nursing staff and freely allows them to ask questions about patients or procedures.

Adult Behavioral Health

Robert Crawford, MD, FACS Medical Director

David Leeser, MD Chief of Kidney and Pancreas Transplantation

Vascular Surgery Progressive Care Unit

Dr. Crawford is always approachable and considers nursing feedback in terms of resident performance and patient status.

Nithin Krishna, MD Attending Physician

NURSING EXCELLENCE AWA R D S 2 0 1 5

Dr. Krishna has gone above and beyond for his patients on numerous occasions and has been extremely supportive of the nursing staff in providing care, often under trying circumstances.

The nurses in the Abdominal Transplant IMC would like to recognize Dr. Leeser for his sustained support for retaining nurses and in the promotion of excellence in nursing care.

P h y s i c i a n C oll e a g u e

Maria Martino-Gomez, MD Attending

Vadivela Sivaraman, MBBS Director

Newborn Nursery

Post Anesthesia Care Unit

Dr. Martino-Gomez is a paramount professional in the care of newborn babies. She is passionate about education â&#x20AC;&#x201C; of moms and families, the nursing staff and medical students and residents.

Dr. Sivaraman listens and values nursing input for each case and treats the staff with utmost respect. He is a true advocate for the nursing profession and models collaborative nursephysician relationships.

Susan Mendley, MD Associate Professor Division Head for Pediatric Nephrology

Dr. Mendley is very passionate about the care her patients receive and always goes above and beyond to ensure they receive the best patient care possible. Jeffrey Rea, MD Attending

Melsjan Shkullaku, MBA, MD Advanced Heart Failure Service Hospitalist Cardiac Critical Care

Dr. Shkullaku empowers nurses to participate in an interdisciplinary plan of care to provide holistic healing for our patients. He is a liaison between nurses and physicians to improve collaboration and communication.

Critical Care Resuscitation Unit

Dr. Rea is an advocate for nursing care and practice. He always listens to assessments from the bedside nurse and collaborates with them to develop a plan of care. William Regenold, MDCM Associate Professor of Psychiatry Director, Division of Geriatric Psychiatry and Adult In-patient Services

The nursing staff appreciate Dr. Regenoldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s personal interest in them and that he goes directly to the nursing caregiver to get their assessment of a particular patient. He includes nursing as an integral part of his team.

NURSING EXCELLENCE AWA R D S 2 0 1 5

P h y s i c i a n C oll e a g u e

Award Recipient for a Resident/Fellow

Michael Allison, MD Critical Care Fellow Medical Intensive Care Unit

Dr. Allison has been a physician at UMMC since 2009, beginning his residency and continuing to complete his fellowship in critical care. He has always been ahead of his colleagues in his skills and decision-making ability but what makes him truly memorable is how well he collaborates with the nurses he works with. Mike is always proactive and is not only skills-driven but is also focused on patient-centered care, an area that not all physicians value as highly as their own growth. He asks the nurses opinions and includes them in decision making. His door is always open and his approachable personality makes it easy for even the newest of nurses to come to him to express their concerns and ideas. What truly earns respect is how much he cares for his patients. Mike is open with family members, communicates with the patients themselves, and even goes as far as to have debriefings with staff if a situation was particularly difficult. He has a quality that goes above and beyond what is needed to be a successful doctor; it allows him to be a valued and sought after colleague who brings interdisciplinary teamwork to a new level.

Nominees for a Resident/Fellow

Bethany Radin-Aitken, MD Critical Care Fellow

Nansen Yu, MD Resident

Medical Intensive Care Unit

Post Anesthesia Care Unit

Dr. Radin-Aitken has always included nurses in the medical decision making for her patients and encourages nurses to participate in medical rounds at the patientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; bedside.

Dr. Yu provides exceptional, organized care to our patients. The nurses look forward to his rotations in the PACU, and they know the patients in the unit will be well looked after.

Mark Shasti, MD Resident Orthopaedics Acute Care

Mark became a valued member of the unit through respectful communication, an interdisciplinary approach to patient care, and displaying an opened-minded behavior to the opinions and recommendations of the nurses.

NURSING EXCELLENCE AWA R D S 2 0 1 5

R i s i n g S ta r Presented to a nurse with less than two years total experience who demonstrates exceptional promise to advance the practice of nursing though enthusiasm, commitment, passion, and innovation.

Award Recipient

Christina Boord, BSN, RN Clinical Nurse II Hematology and Oncology

Christina is a rising star on the inpatient oncology unit. Her dedication to her patients and the nursing profession are evident in her daily practice. Christina’s patient care is outstanding and demonstrates true devotion and caring. She advocates for the needs of her patients and their families, and patients have expressed their appreciation for her commitment. Professional growth is very important to Christina, who has sought out specialized knowledge in oncology nursing. Christina led her graduate nursing cohort’s professional improvement project on pharmacogenetics and pain management, and volunteered to serve as her unit’s certified EPIC trainer. One of Christina’s most exceptional accomplishments was procuring pastoral support for nursing staff. Christina recognized staff needed help coping with the loss of patients. She arranged for pastoral care to come to both N8W and N9W for an afternoon tea service. The service provides a safe haven for nurses to discuss feelings and topics of importance. Evaluations from staff have been overwhelmingly positive and full of gratitude for Christina’s intervention. Christina is a true asset to her patients, her team, and to the nursing profession.

Award Recipient

Abigail Egan, BSN, RN Clinical Nurse II General Operating Room

Abby has shown an amazing amount of growth and initiative in refining her practice in the perioperative setting. Over the past year, she has completed her OR fellowship and joined the GYN and Plastics team. In this role, she has shown exceptional enthusiasm and dedication to learning the myriad of procedures unique to both of these services. Although her main services are GYN and Plastics, she has shown independence and proficiency in multiple other services such as pediatrics, general surgery, oral maxillofacial surgery, ENT, and more. She is adaptable, easy to work with and is always up for a challenge. Abby frequently shows her commitment to quality patient care through her diligence in providing up-to-date information on preference card changes and suggests possible supply tote revisions. Her cheery disposition, dedication to patient care, and passion for learning makes her a rising star.

NURSING EXCELLENCE AWA R D S 2 0 1 5

R i s i n g S ta r

Award Recipient

Faith Jimenez, BSN, RN Clinical Nurse II Surgical Acute Care

Faith is an exceptional nurse who stands out amongst her peers. She is unfailingly positive and goes above and beyond to assist in the day-to-day operation of patient care. Faith is a team player and someone we all love to work with. She is thorough, professional, courteous, well-respected, motivated, and innovative. Her customer service skills are excellent and it is always service with a smile. Faith’s interpersonal skills create an atmosphere that demonstrates high customer satisfaction, as well as operational excellence with her colleagues. Faith always strives to get the best information and resources to service our patients. Faith is humble, has high integrity, is passionate, and is the essence of professionalism, which is evident by the compliments she receives from patients, family, and staff. She has a level of maturity and leadership skills higher than most nursing professionals her age. We are very fortunate to have such a reliable, hardworking, and team-focused nurse on the unit. She is an active member of the Educational and Professional Development Council, preceptor and trainer for unit and divisional marathons. She’s applying to the master’s program at the University of Maryland, studying for her Med-Surg certification and working on her portfolio toward advancing to become an SCN I. She is an exceptional employee deserving recognition. She has passion and is dedicated to helping patients meet their goals in recovery. She is emotionally intelligent and has an internal drive to help patients and their families. Her appreciation and enthusiasm for every patient is well recognized no matter how difficult their situation. She is definitely a rising star.

Award Recipient

Elizabeth Kamoni, RN Clinical Nurse II Gero Psychiatry

After only six months as a CN II at UMMC, Elizabeth has been overwhelmingly recognized by her peers as the nurse who displays exceptional promise to advance the practice of nursing through her everyday enthusiasm, passion for nursing, and innovative questions and ideas. With prior nursing experience in a skilled nursing facility, Elizabeth has transitioned and accomplished developing her role in this geriatric acute care inpatient psychiatry unit. Elizabeth’s caring style is evident in her approach with patients and families. Her organizational skills provide her a firm framework to manage the complex needs of caring for this population. She has been favorably mentioned on many of our patient satisfaction surveys. Elizabeth has become one of our falls champions. The nursing staff have welcomed our newest addition to the staff and 12 East, Gero Psych and recognize her as a rising star.

NURSING EXCELLENCE AWA R D S 2 0 1 5

R i s i n g S ta r

Award Recipient

Gabrielle Laxamana, BSN, RN Clinical Nurse I Inpatient Perinatal/GYN Unit

Gabrielle or “Gabby” has worked on the 6 South Inpatient Perinatal/GYN (IPG) unit and Full Term Nursery since July 2014. Gabby came to the IPG unit with a very positive attitude, and is energetic and eager to develop the necessary skills to care for our patient population. Gabby strives to provide safe, competent care for her patients and will utilize available resources and seek guidance when needed. Gabby establishes good rapport with patients and families. She maintains professionalism when interacting with patients, peers, and other healthcare team members. Gabby is very creative, organized, and detail oriented. She helps maintain the unit information board and leaves reminders for staff of important dates such as competencies and upcoming changes. Gabby always leaves an encouraging quote in bright, cheerful designs for staff. She is a great team player who offers assistance to peers and helps the charge nurse with tasks, especially during busy shifts. It is a pleasure to have Gabby as part of the unit and she is truly a rising star with great potential to excel in nursing.

Award Recipient

Stephanie Lee, BSN, RN Clinical Nurse II Surgical Intensive Care Unit

Stephanie demonstrates outstanding clinical skill with an upbeat personality. She helps create and maintain a positive work environment and is a true team player. She listens carefully, asks perceptive questions, and quickly comprehends highly complex diagnosis. Stephanie emulates relationshipbased care. She is a stout patient advocate and truly puts the patient and their family first. She frequently volunteers to be the primary nurse for patients in the SICU, and families frequently comment on the excellent care their loved ones and themselves have received from her. Stephanie currently serves as the EPIC representative for SICU and has contributed significantly in the building and configuring of the SICU admission and flowsheet order sets. This shows Stephanie’s true investment in the SICU. This engagement also is seen in the way she supports the SICU team. She always has a smile and is ready to lend a helping hand. Even in the most unpleasant situations, Stephanie makes it fun and is able to shed some light. Her attitude is contagious. These great qualities have earned Stephanie respect and trust from her colleagues, patients, and families. She successfully upholds the values and integrity of the organization. For such a new nurse, she is one of brightest rising stars here at UMMC and truly deserves this recognition.

NURSING EXCELLENCE AWA R D S 2 0 1 5

R i s i n g S ta r

Award Recipient

Elizabeth McMaster, BSN, RN, CPN Clinical Nurse II Pediatric Progressive Care Unit

In addition to completing her first successful year in the PPCU, Elizabeth has extended her nursing care management beyond the unit, as she has cross-trained to the Peds ED and floated to work in the NICU when they are short staffed. She has been a member of the Pediatric Progressive Care Unit’s Clinical Practice Council since March, 2014 and was elected as co-chair of the Council starting this past January. Along with peers, she is leading the development of a project to standardize the practice for weaning pediatric patients off supplemental oxygen requirements. She presented a poster at the UMMC clinical practice summit in December, 2014 – “Are cross-trained registered nurses more cost effective and do they have higher job satisfaction than non-cross trained nurses?” She has applied to the University of Maryland College of Nursing Pediatric Acute Care DNP program for entry into the Fall 2015 program. She has achieved an advanced certification for and maintains PALS – Pediatric Advanced Life support – competency. She is a certified CPR instructor for the American Red Cross and has completed the APHON: Pediatric Chemotherapy and Biotherapy Provider training to ensure provision of competent nursing care management to the pediatric oncological patient population. Additionally, she is actively participating in conferences, such as PESI Emergency Pediatric Assessment to support the growth of her pediatric nursing education and has volunteered for many pediatric community service events. She is consistently achieving set professional goals and has been a true role model for a CN I transitioning into the CN II role at UMMC.

Award Recipient

Rosebery Pierre, BSN, RN Clinical Nurse I Vascular Surgery Progressive Care Unit

Rosebery has worked on C5E-VSPCU for several years as a patient care technician. Within the past year, she completed all requirements and passed the NCLEX successfully. Rosebery is enthusiastic about her new role, especially with learning new skills/knowledge, displaying a strong work ethic and good bedside manner, as well as being a good patient advocate. Rosebery does not shy away from new challenges and is readily available to help and support her peers. She is a member of the unit-based Clinical Practice Committee, where she helped to create the unit’s acuity tool to assist the charge nurses in making clinically sound decisions for patient assignments.

NURSING EXCELLENCE AWA R D S 2 0 1 5

R i s i n g S ta r

Award Recipient

Rachel Rockefeller, BSN, RN Clinical Nurse II NeuroCare Intensive Care Unit

Rachel demonstrates exceptional promise to advance the practice of nursing through her enthusiasm, commitment, passion, and innovation. Rachel started as a new graduate nurse in July 2013 and, in a very short time, has become an exceptional clinical nurse, providing critical care to our patients but also has demonstrated leadership skills contributing to the unit in a multitude of ways. Rachel was essential and involved in the hospital-wide committee in choosing and adapting an evidenced-based insulin drip titration guideline to be used across the ICUs. She was responsible for the implementation on the Neuro ICU, including developing an education plan, providing that education, and then auditing and assessing effectiveness and compliance. During this process she demonstrated exceptional interpersonal skills and formal writing skills. In addition to this project Rachel has become a member of our unit-based quality committee and is a CLABSI prevention champion. In this role she completes unit-based audits of regulatory bundle practices, intervenes with staff if not compliant, and performs root cause analyses for any instances of CLABSI that occur. Rachel interacts with staff in a supportive and educational approach keeping patient safety as the priority. Rachel has also supported the unit by taking on the important role of preceptor for new staff. She is well respected by the entire Neurocritical Care team and considered to be an essential member of the team. Rachel has demonstrated that she truly is a rising star with her goal being excellence in patient care and safety.

Award Recipient

Chelsea Schafer, BSN, RN Clinical Nurse I Multi-Trauma Intermediate Care -6

Chelsea started as a new graduate in September of 2014. Chelsea is a go-getter and enthusiastic about nursing. She is always trying to further her nursing skills and knowledge by trying or learning something new each week. No matter what has been given to Chelsea, she always has a smile and a great attitude. Chelsea will come in for her shift and offer to take the most challenging patient with pleasure. Her positive attitude is contagious throughout the whole unit. She is seen as a team player by all of her coworkers. Chelsea is truly committed to her job and passionate about the work she does here on Multi Trauma IMC 6.

NURSING EXCELLENCE AWA R D S 2 0 1 5

R i s i n g S ta r

Award Recipient

Natalie Slattery, BSN, RN Clinical Nurse II STC Acute Care

Natalie is enthusiastic, adaptable, and passionate. Almost immediately Natalie was identified early on as a leader on the unit. Her kind, level-headed, fair approach makes her a favorite amongst both patients and staff. Prior to the close of her first year Natalie was oriented to the role of charge nurse and consistently received accolades from unit staff, as well as medical staff, patients, and family members. She is open and honest, always actively seeking new information and asking questions to improve her practice and the practice of her coworkers. Natalie dove right in, already serving as a super user on EPIC and BCMA projects and participating in regulatory preparedness, MAGNET preparedness, and unit audits. Most recently Natalie has accepted a position on the house-wide Pain Improvement Committee, and has not wasted any time collaborating with unit leadership to improve the patients’ experience with pain. Perhaps the most outstanding thing about Natalie’s performance is her unique ability to communicate so effectively. For many new grads, the trauma patient population can be challenging and overwhelming. Natalie is able to ease even the most upset patient, and frequently knows just what to say, when to tell that special story, who it is appropriate to joke with, and when silence is golden. Right from the start she has been able to communicate effectively with leadership and the medical staff to advocate for her patient’s well-being. While many novice nurses are very task-oriented and patient care driven, Natalie is able to problem solve to help the unit run smoothly and relay challenges/unit needs to senior staff in a timely and effective manner.

Award Recipient

Amber Spencer, BSN, RN Clinical Nurse II Adult Emergency Services

Amber joined the adult emergency team as a nursing student, doing her senior practicum in the Fall of 2013. She quickly integrated herself into the team as a new graduate nurse. Amber is consistently pleasant to work with, a team player, and an asset to the Emergency Department (ED). She has shown that she has reliable judgment in critical situations. Amber has shared her knowledge by precepting a new nursing student and becoming a clinical resource on the unit. She is proficient in intake and at the bedside. Amber works as a float nurse and although she has not taken the triage course, she is very skilled at triaging patients that arrive via ambulance. Amber is very engaged in unit-based activities as well. When the Emergency Department was in the process of transitioning to a new triage/intake process, Amber participated in the simulations prior to the “go-live.” Amber has since then become one of the most organized and skilled nurses in the intake area of the ED. Because of the fast pace and the higher skills needed to work in that area, usually more experienced nurses are assigned there, but Amber works there often because she has all of those abilities. She is very patient and methodical in her practice. Amber contributed in preparing for our visit by Joint Commission. She was involved in helping with environmental rounds and ensuring that the unit was clean and safe. She has received several “You Were Noticed” cards from patients and families and our unit-based “Above and Beyond.”

NURSING EXCELLENCE AWA R D S 2 0 1 5

R i s i n g S ta r

Nominees

Amber Bailey, BSN, RN Clinical Nurse I

Teresa Friesen, BSN, RN Clinical Nurse I

NeuroCare Intermediate Care

NeuroCare Acute Care

Amber’s passionate about her patients and shows a great deal of confidence when she is advocating for what they need. Her documentation is meticulous and detailed.

Tess uses critical thinking skills to plan care and to deal with the changing work environment, maintains a sense of flexibility and adapts to change.

Ashley Boumgarden, BSN, RN Clinical Nurse II

Abigail Gatch, BSN, RN Clinical Nurse II

Labor and Delivery

Ashley has a positive attitude. She always finds the best in everything. Ashley is willing to take complicated patients. Patrick Brown, MS, BS, RN Clinical Nurse II Psychiatric Emergency Services

His desire to improve the work environment and focus on healthy choices is channeled through his involvement with the Green Team. Michelle Denion, BSN, RN Clinical Nurse II Transplant Intermediate Care

Michelle’s depth of feeling and critical thinking are a powerful combination for success in nursing. Beth Friedman, BSN, RN Clinical Nurse I Surgical Intermediate Care

Beth has a thirst for knowledge, always asking questions and for clarification so she can really understand and implement what she has learned in her practice.

Medical Intensive Care Unit

Abby has continuously surpassed expectations, taking on increasingly challenging assignments, and meeting those demands with a positive attitude and independent spirit. David Glenn, MS, RN Clinical Nurse II Bone Marrow Transplant

David is intelligent, always up to date with the latest in Oncology Nursing and a pleasure to work with. Despite his many accomplishments he is humble, hardworking and certainly well loved by his patients. Abigail Manalo, BSN, RN Clinical Nurse I Orthopaedics Acute Care

Abby is personable and even though she has only been a nurse for a year, she is involved in interdisciplinary care through daily huddles and rounds with residents and therapists. Sara O’Neil, BSN, RN Clinical Nurse II STC Operating Room

Sara can competently circulate and scrub any case in the Trauma Operating Room. She takes exceptionally safe care of her patients and provides a very thorough handoff report. continued on page 52.

NURSING EXCELLENCE AWA R D S 2 0 1 5

R i s i n g S ta r

Ron Schoenberger, BSN, RN Clinical Nurse II

Amy Verdin, BSN, RN Clinical Nurse II

Cardiac Care Unit

Cardiac Surgery Step-down

Ron is an enthusiastic advocate for nighttime rounds and was a driving force, along with our hospitalist, in initiating that practice.

Amy has quickly integrated a caring presence, commitment to communication, and a love of patient education, all qualities instrumental in the unit achieving higher HCAHPS outcomes.

Jane Solberg, BSN, RN Clinical Nurse I Adult Psychiatry

Jane has already earned the respect of her colleagues who recognize her knowledge, skill and commitment to the profession of psychiatric nursing. Katherine Spillman, MS, RN Clinical Nurse II Pediatric Intensive Care Unit

Katie has excelled in developing from a novice RN to one who efficiently and effectively cares for the highest acuity level of patients. Gabriela Tirado, BSN, RN Clinical Nurse II Medicine Telemetry, 13 East/West

Gabi searches for ways to expand her knowledge of nursing, applies her knowledge, and shares with her peers. Amara Udumukwu, BSN, RN Clinical Nurse I NeuroCare Acute Care

Amara is always willing to help out in any situation. She could be having the busiest of days, but she still has a smile on her face and a calm demeanor.

NURSING EXCELLENCE AWA R D S 2 0 1 5

Jessy Willse, BSN, RN Clinical Nurse II Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Jessyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s commitment to growing professionally is evident to her peers, as well as the unitâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leadership team. She is a role model for nurses with her drive and passion for nursing and knowledge. Catherine Wolkow, BSN, RN Clinical Nurse II Medical Intermediate Care

Carolyn is extremely smart and tuned in to everything concerning her patients and the MIMC. She is caring, competent and conscientious in all areas of her patient care.

S p e c i a l F r i e n d of N u r s i n g Presented in recognition of the unique abilities of an individual who collaborates with Nursing toward the goal of excellence in patient care.

Award Recipient

Rabbi Ruth Smith, MHL, BCC Staff Chaplain

Rabbi Ruth Smith is an integral part of the interdisciplinary SICU team and throughout the years has supported all of our patients, families, and our healthcare team. A few years ago, the SICU developed a debriefing program that has been shared hospital wide. Ruth was an essential part of the team that developed this program. She easily acknowledged the need for an emotional outlet where the healthcare team can talk through stressful events. She collaborated with the SICU nurses to create a comprehensive, scripted protocol led by pastoral care that allows for a safe place to discuss difficult events. Although debriefing sessions are usually requested by a nurse or provider, Ruth, herself, has helped to initiate debriefing sessions on her own when she actively witnesses or even hears about stressful situations that occur on the unit. She has proactively collaborated with the charge nurse to ensure a debriefing session takes place for those involved in the event, at the time of the event or, at times, a day later. Nurses appreciate that she helps to advocate for them and helps to ensure nurses are taken care of when they may not even perhaps realize they need it. Furthermore, Rabbi Ruth has been a vital member of our SICU supportive care multi-disciplinary team, which focuses on proactive communication with patients/families and the healthcare team. She has helped to collaboratively lead efforts on our unit to support our patients/families and their needs early in their SICU stay. The SICU Supportive Care Initiative has been revised a few times through the years and Rabbi Ruth has been a fervent devotee helping to lead those changes each and every time. She is a passionate patient and nurse advocate. Her constant presence on the unit is felt and appreciated by our patient/families and the SICU multi-disciplinary team every day. We thank her for all that she does for those involved in the SICU and beyond. Rabbi Ruth Smith is a true collaborator on all levels and, with that, strives to provide the highest quality of service excellence for everyone in the SICU.

NURSING EXCELLENCE AWA R D S 2 0 1 5

S p e c i a l F r i e n d of N u r s i n g

Award Recipient INFECTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL TEAM Front row, left to right:

Kerri Thom, MD, MS Associate Hospital Epidemiologist Associate Professor, UMSOM Michael Anne Preas, BSN, RN, CIC Director Infection Prevention

Surbhi Leekha, MBBS, MPH Medical Director Infection Prevention

Left to right:

Mala Filippell, BSN, RN, CIC Infection Preventionist Anthony Harris, MD, MS Associate Hospital Epidemiologist Professor, UMSOM

Assistant Professor, UMSOM Back row, left to right:

Grace Nkonge, MPH, MT Infection Preventionist Marie (Kish) Cabunoc, BSN, RN Infection Preventionist Michelle Harris Williams, MS, RN, CIC Infection Preventionist Michele Emerick, BSN, RN, CIC Infection Preventionist

Led by Dr. Surbhi Leekha and Michael Anne Preas, the Infection Prevention and Control Team (Dr. Kerri Thom, Dr. Anthony Harris, Michele Emerick, Mala Filippell, Michelle Harris Williams, Grace Nkonge, and Marie (Kish) Cabunoc), many of whom are nurses themselves, work tirelessly to protect the health of our patients and our staff. Through zealous advocacy for best practices, diligent transparent reporting, and a direct hands-on approach to working with direct care staff, this team has led our organization to greater than 90% compliance in hand hygiene and nearly 100% compliance with flu vaccination. They are also helping to lead the way to zero incidents of CAUTI and CLABSI, with some clinical areas experiencing sustained periods of zero preventable infections. Their ongoing leadership and response to the threat of unique pathogens, like Ebola, is nothing short of heroic, with many of the Infection Prevention staff working around the clock to prepare staff to respond if and when the threat arrives at our doorstep. For all that they do to protect us, our patients, and our visitors . . . the Infection Prevention Team is truly an example of excellence and a Special Friend of Nursing.

NURSING EXCELLENCE AWA R D S 2 0 1 5

S p e c i a l F r i e n d of N u r s i n g

Nominees

Matthew Bathula, PharmD Director

Nichole June Patient Service Coordinator

Anticoagulation Clinic

Greenebaum Cancer Center, Stoler Pavilion

Dr. Bathula comforts many of his patients because he speaks with them and really listens to what is going on in their lives and works to improve their experience within our facility.

We can call Nichole during a busy day and if a patient’s needs are involved she will stop whatever she is doing to help us provide the patient with the best care.

Liz DiMartini, BSN, RN Clinical Nurse II

Heather Kangas, LGSW Social Worker

Clinical Informatics

Gero Psychiatry

Her holistic approach to patient care in the OR has given her the ability to not only be an advocate for her patients, but also for her colleagues – OR nurses – those taking care of the patients and the end users of the product she has helped to build.

Heather embraces a very challenging med-psych population, developing positive relationships, and supporting her team as requests are made for reaching successful dispositions.

Carolyn Diggs HHS Associate

Greenebaum Cancer Center, Stoler Pavilion

Gudelsky Building

Carolyn always alerts staff when something is amiss with the patients. She has on more than one occasion saved a patient from falling by alerting the staff to an unsafe situation she sees in a room. Malka Isbee, MS, CCC-SLP Speech Language Pathologist Rehabilitation Services

Elizabeth Lopez, MSW, LGSW Social Worker

Beth is an efficient and highly effective partner to nursing. Her knowledge, caring, and kindness are an inspiration to nursing in the cancer center. Kathy Lyles OR Supply Coordinator Periop Distribution Center

Kathy is pleasant and helpful and able to coordinate with the vendors and other hospitals, if need be, to keep the vital flow of supplies moving.

Malka has provided many in-services to our nursing staff on both shifts and both units. Her focus on patient safety and patient satisfaction is unparalleled.

Brandan Matthews Anesthesia Technician

Gail Jordan Admitting Specialist Psychiatric Emergency Services

Brandon is especially helpful with making sure our area has the needed supplies. He goes about his work with an exceptional attitude of professionalism.

Gail communicates very well with nursing staff. She is very kind to patients and their families, many of whom are seriously ill or in crisis.

Daniel Meisner, LCSW Social Worker

General Operation Room

Adult Emergency Services

Daniel is a true patient advocate. Dan works diligently and tirelessly to get our “regulars” into rehab programs, shelters or back with their families.

continued on page 56.

NURSING EXCELLENCE AWA R D S 2 0 1 5

S p e c i a l F r i e n d of N u r s i n g

Betty Robinson HHS Associate

STAFFING SPECIALISTS Supplemental Staffing

Cardiac Care Unit

Our patients often comment on that â&#x20AC;&#x153;big smileâ&#x20AC;? greeting and the attention they receive from Ms. Betty. She is respectful of their space and can quietly complete her routine, but always with her smile and willingness to listen if they seem to need an ear.

They hold staff members accountable to arriving on time; they assist with pre-scheduling; they perform call downs; they listen to complaints; they set priorities and they oftentimes go unnoticed despite all of their hard work and dedication.

Cynthia Roman, MS, OTR/L, CEAS Occupational Therapist Rehabilitation Services

Cynthia has a positive presence on the unit with a pleasant demeanor towards patients and staff. She is readily approachable and collaborates well with our team members.

Top row, left to right:

POINT-OF-CARE TEAM

This group of scientists give selflessly of their time to help instruct our newer folks as well as be supportive of the many seasoned staff.

Diane Davidson Cassandra Dorsey Alexandra Harrison Bottom row, left to right:

Aren Kimber Kanisha Moss

Jennifer Karr BS, MT(ASCP) Medical Laboratory Scientist II

Cheryl Kemp BS, MT(ASCP), HP Medical Laboratory Scientist II

NURSING EXCELLENCE AWA R D S 2 0 1 5

Debbie Miller BS, MT(ASCP) Medical Laboratory Scientist III

U n i v e r s i t y of M a r y l a n d S c ho ol of N u r s i n g C oll e a g u e Presented to a faculty member who exemplifies excellence as a mentor and educator.

Award Recipient

Lyn Murphy, PhD, MBA, MS, RN Associate Professor, OSAH Program Director, HSLM

Dr. Murphy has been a member of the University of Maryland School of Nursing faculty since 2001 and currently serves as an associate professor and director of the Health Services, Leadership and Management (HSLM) program. She serves as president for Sigma Theta Tau, Pi Chapter, Vice President of Research for the Council of Graduate Education for Administration in Nursing (CGEAN), and faculty advisor for the Graduate Nurses Association. She shares her classroom with UMMC colleagues, including Karen Doyle, Greg Raymond, and Dr. Kristin Seidl, as they share their expertise with her students. Dr. Murphy has served as a mentor and advisor to 16 of our master’s students, and seven of our doctoral students, including the first graduate from the Doctoral Nursing Practice, Executive Leadership program. Dr. Murphy has worked with members of our leadership team to bring new knowledge to our organization. Awarded a grant for over $15,000, she and Dr. Tina Cafeo studied our patient discharge flow and provided us valuable information on improving our process. Dr. Murphy’s other research interests include the professional development of women in nursing leadership and education. She is currently working collaboratively with members of UMMC nursing, including Dr. Ingrid Connerney, Dr. Badia Faddoul, and Connie Noll. This work has been awarded a grant for over $14,000 to define the “second victim” experience among nurses practicing at the University of Maryland. This important research will enable our nurses, and others within the UMMC family, who experience an adverse patient event to engage in a healthy recovery in order to continue to function at an optimal level. With now 30 years of nursing experience, Dr. Murphy continues to share her knowledge with humble grace, and today we recognize her as our example of nursing excellence in our academic faculty partners.

NURSING EXCELLENCE AWA R D S 2 0 1 5

L i v i n g E x c e ll e n c e A wa r d s The Living Excellence award is for those nurses who exemplify excellence in their practice and the care of their patients. There are individuals on every unit, in every diagnostic/procedure area, in every ambulatory setting, who provide clinical practice support at the University of Maryland Medical Center that stand out and should be recognized for what they do every day. This award is presented in recognition of excellence in service through compassion, respect, integrity, and professionalism in the delivery of care to patients and families. They are role models whose actions further enhance the profession of nursing every day.

Terri Bankard-Sharpe, BSN, RN, CHRN Clinical Nurse II

Patricia Brehm, RN Clinical Nurse II

Hyperbaric Chamber

Surgical Endoscopy Care

Terri gives 100% of herself to assure the nurses she is orienting to this complex practice are confident in their ability to provide safe and quality care to our critical, ambulatory, and emergent patients.

Patty demonstrates an excellent understanding of respect for diversity and always provides appropriate empathetic support for the SECU patient/family population.

Erin Barnaba, MS, RN, CNL, OCN Clinical Practice & Development Coordinator Clinical Practice and Professional Development

Erin is able to take on complex challenges and simplify them so they are effective. Her attention to detail has allowed her to improve the quality of the work we do through ensuring consistency. Monique Barrow, BSN, BS, RN Clinical Nurse II General Operating Room

Monique is a prime example of a nurse who is dedicated and passionate about her delivery of patient care. Cindy Bauer, MS, RN, CCRN Senior Clinical Nurse II Cardiac Care Unit

Cindy mentors and encourages this team to reach for their goals and to seek new challenges for improving patient care. Janet Braun, BSN, RN Senior Clinical Nurse II Interventional Radiology

Janet consistently goes above and beyond to ensure every patient and family is taken care of as if they were her own.

Nicole Brooks, RN Clinical Nurse II Digestive Health Center

Nicole is an advocate for patient safety and is not afraid to speak up when she has concerns. Michael Broussard, MSN, CRNA Nurse Anesthetist STC Operating Room

Mike maintains calm under pressure, expertly managing any situation. He is a strong patient advocate, and always provides our trauma patients with compassionate care. Carmita Bunn, RN Nursing Coordinator Patient Placement Center

Carmita collaborates with physicians, peers and unit staff to maintain effective communication and patient flow. Christine Cascio, BSN, RN, OCN Clinical Nurse II Hematology and Oncology

Christine consistently demonstrates going above and beyond to provide the greatest quality care to her patients and families at all times. Jeanne Cavalier, BSN, RN Clinical Nurse II Pediatric Infusion and Testing Center

Jeanne has passion for her job; exhibited through her excellent customer services skills, patient advocacy, and compassion.

NURSING EXCELLENCE AWA R D S 2 0 1 5

L i v i n g E x c e ll e n c e A wa r d s

Hydelyn (Grace) Cerbo, BSN, RN Senior Clinical Nurse I

Lauren Espeso, BSN, RN, CCRN Clinical Nurse II

Medicine Telemetry, 11 East

Cardiac Surgery Intensive Care Unit

Grace integrates her wealth of knowledge into her daily practice by advocating for the HIV population.

Lauren is passionate about cardiac surgery and has a natural gift for teaching. She has created a much-needed class for all new team members of the CSICU that focuses on the intricacies of cardiac surgery.

Tiffany Coleman, RN, PCCN Clinical Nurse II Neuro Trauma Intermediate Care

Tiffany is totally focused on the patients and families and will go “above and beyond” to meet their needs. Mylene DeVera, BSN, RN, OCN Senior Clinical Nurse I Bone Marrow Transplant

Mylene pushes us to be the best clinician we can be and empowers us to find a way to do that. Joni Deyaert, BSN, RN Clinical Nurse II Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Barbara Evans, BSN, RN Clinical Nurse II Cardiac Prep and Recovery

Barb doesn’t just see her work as a list of duties; she uses her position to serve and create relationships with all individuals who cross her path. Jessica Farace, BSN, RN, PCCN Senior Clinical Nurse I Multi Trauma Intermediate Care – 6

Jessica is a valuable resource to the unit and always volunteers for a new project or PI to better the unit.

Joni strives for clinical excellence, teamwork, and patient/family satisfaction, role-modeling this beautifully to newer and seasoned nurses alike.

Jillian Fellows, BSN, RN Clinical Nurse II

Jim Earley, MS, RN Senior Clinical Nurse II

Jill rarely sits still and always lends a hand to other staff members with their patients.

Child Psychiatry

Jim has been actively involved in integrating the Attachment, Self-Regulation and Competency (ARC) model of care across the child psychiatry service line. Terri Ellis, BSN, RN-BC Clinical Nurse II Adult Psychiatry

Terri is a critical thinker who thinks outside the box and explores other evidence-based approaches when attempting to resolve situations, and sets an example for new nurses.

Post Anesthesia Care Unit

Gloria Fisher, BSN, RN Clinical Nurse II Surgery Clinic

Gloria is instrumental in building and leading the team forward. Cindy Fox, MS, RN, CORLN Senior Clinical Nurse I NeuroCare Acute Care

Cindy is an expert clinician and communicator. She uses these skills to consistently mentor staff in fostering excellent relationships with our physician colleagues, physical therapist, and the many other multidisciplinary team members. continued on page 60.

NURSING EXCELLENCE AWA R D S 2 0 1 5

L i v i n g E x c e ll e n c e A wa r d s

Megan Garrity, MS, BSN, RN Per Diem Registered Nurse

Judith Hill, BSN, RN, ACRN Clinical Nurse II

Supplemental Staffing

Vascular Surgery Progressive Care Unit

Megan consistently conducts herself as a professional; always smiling, never complaining about an assignment, provides accurate documentation, punctual, and always ready to work.

Judy is very active on the unit where she works tirelessly to create an atmosphere of quality and excellent service for all of our patients.

Kristen George, MPH, BSN, RN, CCRN Senior Clinical Nurse II

Multi Trauma Intermediate Care–5

Critical Care Resuscitation Unit

Kristen has been instrumental in developing the education plan for the CCRU. She manages the behind-the-scenes administrative duties necessary to keep the CCRU running efficiently so the staff can focus on the number one priority of excellent patient care. Vicky Godwin, BSN, RN Clinical Nurse II STC Operating Room

Vicky has abundant energy and keeps up with any challenge that is thrown her way, with a most professional attitude. Mary Katherine Gordon, MSN, RN, CNE Senior Clinical Nurse II Prep Center

Katie seamlessly provided the needed orientation and learning that is today helping the PREP center thrive. Lindsey Gray, BSN, RN Clinical Nurse II Gero Psychiatry

Lindsey demonstrates “excellence” in her patient caring relationships, exhibiting role model behaviors every day in a confident and “proud to care for you” manner. Cherie Helfrich, BSN, RN Senior Clinical Nurse I Medical Intermediate Care

Cherie has well-developed clinical skills, which allow her to protect her patients from potential harm as well as intuitive interpersonal skills that enable her to develop nurse-patient relationships that foster wellness.

NURSING EXCELLENCE AWA R D S 2 0 1 5

Christine Holler, BSN, RN Clinical Nurse II

Christine has a unique ability to make all new members of the team feel welcomed and supported. Rolando Jucar, BSN, RN Clinical Nurse II Medical Intensive Care Unit

Rolando is an educator, an advocator, and an allaround health care professional. Amy Kauffman, RN Clinical Nurse II Cardiac Progressive Care Unit

Amy will do anything if it improves patient care and does not accept the way things are, but the way that they should be. Tracy Keith, MS, RNC-OB, C-EFM Senior Clinical Nurse II Labor and Delivery

Tracy has always demonstrated her leadership as an excellent charge nurse and preceptor. Stephanie Kline, BSN, RN Clinical Nurse II Lung Rescue Unit

Stephanie personifies her excellence not only in patient care, but also as a leader in unit-based activities. Nisha Kumar, BSN, RN, FNE-A Senior Clinical Nurse I Orthopaedics Acute Care

Nisha encourages new ideas for the improvement of care delivery and works well with other health care professionals.

L i v i n g E x c e ll e n c e A wa r d s

Mary Kundrat, RN Clinical Nurse II

Lynne Metcalfe, MSc, BSN, RN Clinical Nurse II

Inpatient Perinatal/GYN

Surgical Acute Care

Mary is a very dedicated, compassionate nurse full of knowledge and wisdom.

Lynne is willing to do everything she can to get her patients moving towards recovery.

Doug LaTourette, MS, BSN, RN, CCRN Senior Clinical Nurse I Maryland ExpressCare

Doug frequently takes on additional duties and is always willing to be part of the solution in any situation. Lauren MacKenzie, RN Clinical Nurse II NeuroCare Intermediate Care

Lauren’s demonstrated a passion and dedication to the nursing profession since the first day she started working at UMMC. Carole Malinowski, BSN, RN, CPN Senior Clinical Nurse I Pediatric Progressive Care Unit

Carol remarkably demonstrates unimaginable patience and sincerity in the role of the permanent charge nurse on the Pediatric Progressive Care Unit. Terri McMichael, MS, RN Senior Clinical Nurse I Transplant Transitional Care Clinic

Terri teaches, coordinates, and provides bedside clinical care on any given day. Joseph Mendiola, BSN, RN, CCRN Clinical Nurse II Surgical Intensive Care Unit

Joseph exemplifies living excellence in bedside nursing, as demonstrated by his outstanding drive, positive attitude, critical thinking skills, and compassion for his patients.

Amanda Myers, BSN, RN Clinical Nurse II Pediatric Surgical Center

Amanda’s confidence and commitment allow her to function in any situation presented to her, and her team mentality and enthusiasm has proven crucial in many situations. Shannon O’Brien, RN Clinical Nurse II Radiation Oncology

Shannon strives to do the best for her patients and team and has a great relationship with the patients she treats. Charito Ocampo, BSN, RN Clinical Nurse II NeuroCare Intensive Care Unit

Charito is highly effective and experienced in any role required of her. Katherine Packett, BSN, RN, CCRN Clinical Nurse II Pediatric Cardiac Cath Lab

Katherine’s “can do” approach helped to improve our work environment right away. Susie Park, MS, RN Clinical Nurse II Pediatric Intensive Care Unit

Susie exudes positive energy that is contagious to patients, parents, and her coworkers. Lynn Parmentier, BA, RN Clinical Nurse II Center for Advanced Fetal Care

In addition to her clinical expertise, Lynn is set apart from others by her positive disposition. continued on page 62.

NURSING EXCELLENCE AWA R D S 2 0 1 5

L i v i n g E x c e ll e n c e A wa r d s

Jeannette Rafterry, RN Clinical Nurse II

Jamie Stowe, BSN, RN Clinical Nurse II

Psychiatric Emergency Services

Medicine Telemetry Unit, 13 East/West

Jeannette demonstrates service excellence by facilitating positive working relationships with the AED nurses.

Jamie is a strong patient advocate, going beyond expectations to ensure that her patients receive the best from every encounter with UMMC.

Sue Ramzy, BSN, RN Senior Clinical Nurse I

Ashleigh Stronski, BSN, RN, CCRN Senior Clinical Nurse I

Trauma Resuscitation Unit

Neuro Trauma Critical Care

Sue expresses interest in all facets of our research and evidence-based practice committees, and is able to teach other staff about the process.

Ashleigh is truly a nurse leader that drives excellence to improve patient outcomes.

Sylvia Rose, BSN, RN Clinical Nurse II Adult Emergency Services

Sylvia’s level-headed approach in challenging situations is what makes her colleagues admire her as a leader amongst them. Joseph Russo, BSN, RN Clinical Nurse II Pediatric Emergency Services

Joe is respected for his professionalism, communication style, and ability to be a strong advocate for our patients. Ruth Sakala, BSN, RN Clinical Nurse II Medicine Telemetry, 10 East

Ruth successfully orients new nurses with the spirit of maintaining the vision and mission of UMMC. Laura Schultz, BSN, RN Clinical Nurse II Cardiac Surgery Step-down

Melinda Timlen, BSN, RN Clinical Nurse II Transplant Intermediate Care

Melinda has an ability to effectively work with other disciplines in order to provide the best overall patient care. Jamie Tumulty, MS, CRNP Nurse Practitioner Pediatric Intensive Care Unit

Jamie has always challenged the status quo and models skillful clinical inquiry for nurses and advanced practice nurses. Courtney Turnbull, MS, RN Senior Clinical Nurse II Multi Trauma Critical Care

Courtney’s personal attention and patient advocacy commonly earn her praise from patients and families alike. Rebecca Tyrrell, RN Ambulatory Nurse Care Coordinator Shock Trauma Outpatient Pavilion

Laura has always modeled the highest standards of both caring behaviors and clinical care.

Rebecca role models her expectations for the team by showing respect and compassion to all patients and staff.

Alison Shephard, BSN, RN Senior Clinical Nurse I

Shaquilla Vazquez, RN Clinical Nurse II

STC Acute Care

Electrophysiology Lab

Alison’s calm demeanor and caring approach is soothing to patients and staff.

Sheila’s energy, professionalism, and strong communication skills bring a positive outcome to whatever project she undertakes.

NURSING EXCELLENCE AWA R D S 2 0 1 5

L i v i n g E x c e ll e n c e A wa r d s

Kara Ward, MS, RN, CPN Clinical Nurse II Pediatric Hematology/Oncology

Bringing her acute care pediatric expertise, Kara has taken a lead in ensuring chemotherapy administration practices and competency for the pediatric world. Sylvia Wilson, RN Clinical Nurse II Ambulatory Surgical Care Unit

Sylvia’s respect and compassion to those she cares for is clear through our patient surveys. Her patients often mention her by name. Donna Young, RN Clinical Nurse II Maryland Women’s Center

Donna coordinates and champions all patient scheduling processes, ensures unit coverage, and has become a resource for EPIC EMR use within the department. Pauline Zuknick, BSN, RN, CPAN Clinical Nurse II STC Post Anesthesia Care Unit

Polly’s positive energy is infectious and she is well respected by her coworkers.

NURSING EXCELLENCE AWA R D S 2 0 1 5

2 0 1 5

Nursing Excellence Awards PRIVILEGED TO CARE

Produced and Edited by: Cyndy Ronald, BA Manager, School of Nursing Partnership Programs Clinical Practice and Professional Development and Susan Santos Carey, MS Lead, Operations Clinical Practice and Professional Development Managing Editor, News & Views Design: Moxie Design

OUR MISSION, OUR PRIVILEGEâ&#x20AC;Ś TO CARE Everyday at the University of Maryland Medical Center, dedicated and talented nurses and advanced practice nurses put patients and families first, proving expertise and compassion can go hand-in-hand. They are driven by a passion for excellence and the constant belief that it is indeed a privilege to care for others. With gratitude and appreciation, thank you for all that you do!

NURSING ON A MISSION

a f f i l i at e d w i t h t h e u n i v e r s i t y o f m a r y l a n d s c h o o l o f m e d i c i n e