December 2006

11.14.06
Five CVMC researchers and a Lenoir-Rhyne College clinical nursing instructor presented research at the 1st Annual Patient Safety Conference: Creating a Safe Environment at UNC-Chapel Hill.   

Lisa Wike, RN, C, MSN presented a poster entitled The Rapid Response Team (RRT) and Its Effect on Cardiac and Respiratory Arrests in Non-Intensive Care Areas.  Questions from visitors to her poster ranged from how to form a RRT and educate staff to where the information for the idea came from.  Wike also indicated conference attendees were very interested in outcomes of her research.  

PSI: Patient Safety Investigators, presented by Alisa Leonard, RN, MHA and Ann Moore, RN, CEN, MSN, received positive comments from nursing leadership, educators, and academicians.  The quality of their poster presentation was the focus of some feedback.  Moore said "I was proud to be there, to represent CVMC with professionalism both in terms of the content of the research and the poster appearance."  One gentleman was interested in applying the concept of learning by simulation experience in the on-line setting according to Leonard.      

A poster by Adina Kulcsar, BS, Patty Tucker, RN, MSN and Rebecca Tart, PhD entitled An Evaluation of Medical Patient Falls Contributing to Revision of the Hospital Fall Prevention Policy was well received.  Tucker noted that conference participants took most of the poster handouts.  This is indicative of the interest generated by the study according to Tart.

The Day My Patient Fell: A Nurse's Perspective by Ann Moore, RN, CEN, MSN and Barbara Rauscher, RN, MSN, (Clinical Nursing Faculty, LRC) outlined a phenomenological study, which investigated the feelings nurses experience as a result of having a patient fall.  The researchers' analysis revealed common categories of fear among nurses. 

The conference, sponsored by the UNC School of Nursing, brought several distinguished professionals to the Friday Center. "[Dr. Nelson] was excellent both in presentation and the use of her research" commented Leonard.  Tucker said "I made a real connection with [Dr. Nelson]. I have a different perspective on falls and fall safety."  Wike indicated "I've been trending staffing and medical errors for a few months.  The conference was beneficial and I came away with some new ideas to implement."   Moore said "issues I knew existed were reiterated and I was reminded of the significance, for example, of staff fatigue and errors.  My awareness was heightened."   

Jane Barnsteiner, PhD, FAAN is Professor of Pediatric Nursing and Director of Translational Nursing Research, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.  She began with a personal experience as a young nurse in which she inadvertently made an error that resulted in her patient incurring a significant burn.  Captivated, we listened as she discussed where healthcare is now compared with the Institute of Medicine (IOM) reports - To Err Is Human, Crossing the Quality Chasm, and Keeping Patients Safe: Transforming the Work Environment of Nurses.  She spoke about issues related to staffing and patient errors. 

The Director of the Patient Safety Center of Inquiry at James A. Haley Veterans Administration Medical Center, Audrey Nelson, RN, PhD, FAAN addressed the topic of excellence in patient safety initiatives.  This center in Tampa, FL studies the biomechanics of gait/balance, patient falls, bed entrapment, and patient care ergonomics.

11.01.06
Who didn't like field trips growing up?  Isn't it great adults don't have to outgrow such things?  Fourteen staff nurses, a nurse manager, and the CVMC Evidence-Based Practice coordinator traveled to Rex Healthcare in Raleigh for a "field trip" experience in early November.

Rex's research team discussed how they have integrated research at the bedside.  About 3 years ago Rex began an Evidence-Based Practice initiative.  A unit-based research program was implemented the following year.

Using a mentor to guide units in developing team projects, over a period of 8-9 months the team finalizes their research question, develops a research proposal, submits the proposal for review board approval, and completes a tutorial in human subjects research. 

Rex launched 4 pioneer unit research projects last year; one is complete and has been submitted to a peer-reviewed nursing journal for publication.  The outcome of the research will not be acted upon until the paper is accepted for publication.  At that time, the hospital will utilize the evidence to determine whether a change is warranted. Three of the original projects are still in the process of data collection.  A new unit-based research study began recently. 

Dr. Tart, EBP Coordinator at CVMC, says, "I am impressed with Rex's approach.  By using a trained mentor to guide teams through the process of designing and performing a research study, nurses at all educational levels can learn and be a part of the research process.  The unit-based approach is in the early stages of development at CVMC.  Using evidence to guide practice is important.  I am excited to see us making this move toward best practice."

Field trip participants included Casey Ledford, Karen Seale, Sharon Kubish, Gail Settlemyre, Monique Robinson, Nadin Knippschild, Gail Williamson, Nancy Muehling, Amy Squire, Leigh Edwards, Deana Adkins, Sue Fulbright, Cindy Bortz, Micah Wilson, Bonita Hefner and Rebecca Tart.

Hats Off

12.06.06
Congratulations to Estera Ciaca, RNC, Teresa Heien, RNC, Amanda Helms, RNC, Christie Isenhour, RNC, Beth Lail, RNC, and Amy Squire, RNC who were recently certified in Medical/Surgical nursing.

Also successfully passing certification exams in specialty areas:
Nancy Hammer, RN, BSN, CWOH- Wound, Ostomy, & Continence Care
Tina Eckerd, RN, MSN, CCRN- Critical Care
Melissa Deal, RN-BC, MSN- Nursing Professional Development
Van Haygood, RN, BSN, CNAA- Nurse Administration

This demonstration of a working knowledge in your practice area is beneficial to the patients under your care and staff you interact with.  Take pride in your accomplishment.  We are certainly proud of you all.