Transforming Care: CNOs
Leading the Charge for Nursing Innovation
FaraStricker ChiefNursingOfficer
ThrivewellInfusionLLC
Fara Stricker
The Powerhouse Behind the Future of Infusion Therapy
Patients don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care. “
Editor’s Note
Voices of Change
Healthcareisalwayschanging,andnursesplaya
bigpartinmakingitbetter.Alongsidepatientcare duties,theirmissionextendstowardinventing betterhealingprocessesthatenhancepatientsafety Innovationexistsbeyondmoderntechnologyand pharmaceuticalssinceitinvolvesindividualsdiscovering moreeffectiveapproachestoaccomplishingtasks.Nurses, especiallythosewholead,strivedailytowarddelivering betterhealthcareservicestoeachpatient.
ChiefNursingOfficersserveashighlyspecializedleaders specifictonursing.Theseleadersshapeimportant organizationaldecisionsandmaintainsmoothoperations forbothhospitalsandclinics.Theytransformrulesinto innovativesolutionsthatboostbothpatienttreatment qualityandnursingstaffproductivity.Throughtheir commitmenttoinnovation,ChiefNursingOfficersactively searchfornewapproachesthatwillleadtopositive transformations,includingtechnologyimplementation, teamimprovement,andsupportsystemsfornurses.
Successfulinnovationstemsfromindividualswhodareto explorenovelapproaches.Effectivenursingleadersachieve progressthroughcollectiveactionalongsideinnovative thinking.Throughtheirleadership,CNOsprovidenurses withconfidencewhiledefendingpatientsafetyandensuring hospitalsmeetfuturedemands.Changeisn’talwayseasy, butwithstrongleaders,anythingispossible.
Inthisspecialedition,TransformingCare:CNOs LeadingtheChargeforNursingInnovation, Insights Care highlightstheamazingworkofnursingleaders.These CNOsareshapingthefutureofhealthcarewithsmartideas andbighearts.Thiseditionisallabouthowtheyare makingadifference—becausewhennurseslead,everyone benefits!
Hope you have an inspiring read!
May
C o n t e n t s
Fara Stricker
TRANSFORMING CARE: CNOs LEADING THE CHARGE FOR NURSING INNOVATION
Featuring Person Organiza on
Fara Stricker
Chief Nursing Officer
Genemarie McGee
Chief Nursing Officer
Shonda Helgeson
Chief Nursing Officer Tom Veeser
Chief Nursing Officer
Victor Bycro
Chief Nursing Officer
Thrivewell Infusion, LLC thrivewellinfusion.com
Sentara Healthcare sentara.com
Western Wisconsin Health wwhealth.org Holy Family Memorial Inc. hfmhealth.org
Humboldt County Memorial Hospital humboldthospital.org
Brief
Fara Stricker is a compassionate, innova ve leader in nursing, dedicated to advancing infusion therapy. Her commitment to pa ent care and con nuous learning drives her to pioneer new approaches in healthcare delivery.
Genemarie McGee is a visionary nursing leader with decades of experience. Her dedica on to con nuous learning, innova ve healthcare management, and fostering a culture of excellence has significantly impacted pa ent care and staff development.
Shonda Helgeson is a dedicated and versa le nursing professional who rose through the ranks, demonstra ng excep onal leadership skills and a deep commitment to pa ent care across various hospital units.
Tom Veeser is a visionary healthcare leader with over three decades of experience. His exper se in nursing, quality improvement, and strategic partnerships has significantly impacted pa ent care and organiza onal excellence.
Victor Bycro is a visionary nursing leader, recognized for his outstanding achievements and commitment to staff-first culture. His innova ve approach to healthcare management and dedica on to con nuous learning drive organiza onal excellence.
Fara Stricker
The Powerhouse Behind the Future of Infusion Therapy
‘ ‘ ‘ ‘
Patient care is not just about medication—it’s about offering education, guidance, and emotional support to both patients and their families.
FaraStricker ChiefNursingOfficer
ThrivewellInfusionLLC
Nursinghashistoricallybeenviewedasthecorner-
stoneofhealthcare,andnowadays,nursesare assumingmoreresponsibilitiesthanever Theyare pioneers,proponents,trailblazers,andinstructors,contributingtoreshapethefutureofhealthcareprovision.This changeisespeciallynoticeableinspecificareaslike infusiontherapy,wherenursingleadershipiscrucialfor enhancingpatientcareandresults.Oneprominentleaderis FaraStricker,theChiefNursingOfficer(CNO)at ThrivewellInfusionLLC,afirmthatistransforminghow infusiontherapyisprovidedandexperiencedbypatients.
ThrivewellInfusionisdedicatedtoprovidingsafe,effective therapiesinanenvironmentthatemphasizespatient comfortandwell-being,aprinciplethatisingrainedinits mission.Leadingthispatient-centeredstrategyisFara, whoseguidancehasbeencrucialtothefirm’sachievements andgrowth.Hercommitmenttoenhancingpatientcareand progressingthenursingfieldhasenabledThrivewellto emergeasaleaderininfusiontherapy,particularlyduring thedifficultphasesoftheCOVID-19pandemic.
Fara’sstoryisoneofperseverance,development,andthe strengthoflearning.Herjourneytobecomingaleaderin infusiontherapywasnotstraightforwardbutwasinfluenced byvariedexperiencesinpsychiatriccare,addiction medicine,andemergencynursing.Theseexperiences,along withastrongeducationalbackground,haveprovidedher withtheresourcesneededtoleadThrivewellInfusionasit advancesandexpands.Herapproachtoleadershiphighlightsthesignificanceofcompassion,integrity,andongoing learning,reflectingvaluesthatinfluenceThrivewell’s patientcarestrategy.
Let’s explore how Fara is driving innovation in infusion therapy, enhancing patient care, and shaping the future of nursing!
BuildingaFoundationforLeadership
Fara’seducationaljourneyhasplayedanintegralrolein shapinghercareerandapproachtoleadership.Shebegan hernursingeducationatAdelphiUniversity,whereshe earnedaBachelorofScienceinNursing(BSN).This degreeprovidedherwithastrongfoundationinclinical nursingpracticeandpatientcare.Shethencontinuedher educationatLongIslandUniversity,earningaMasterof ScienceinNursing(MSN).Duringthistime,shehonedher skillsinadvancednursingpractice,positioningherselffora leadershiproleinhealthcare.
Herthirstforknowledgedidn’tstopwithherMSN.Fara wentontopursueaPhD,focusingontheeffectsofstigma inaddictionandrecovery,atopicthatdeeplyresonatedwith herworkinaddictionmedicine.However,theCOVID-19 pandemicledhertoreassessherpriorities.“Irealizedmy immediateimpactwasneededintheclinicalfield,”she explains.AsanAddictionNursePractitioneratthetime, shewasmanagingahighcaseloadanddecidedtowithdraw fromthePhDprogramtofocusontheurgentneedsofher patients.
AlthoughshedidnotcompleteherPhD,theeducational experiencesshehadwerenotwasted.Herresearchand academicpursuitshaveplayedasignificantroleinshaping thewaysheviewspatientcareandleadership.Withher advancededucation,Farawasabletodrawfromadeep wellofknowledgeandapplyitpractically,creatingan environmentthatemphasizesnotonlyclinicalexpertisebut alsotheemotionalandeducationalneedsofpatients.
TransitioningtoInfusionTherapy
Fara’smoveintothefieldofinfusiontherapycame unexpectedlyduringtheheightoftheCOVID-19pandemic. Atthetime,shewasworkingasaperdiemNursePractitioneratThrivewellInfusion.Initially,hermotivationwasto helpduringthecrisis,butshequicklyrealizedtheprofound impactinfusiontherapyhadonpatients.“Ihadnever consideredinfusiontherapybefore,butitbecameclearto mehowessentialitistopatientcare,”shesays.Infusion therapy,whichinvolvestheadministrationofmedications orfluidsthroughaneedleorcatheter,isoftencriticalfor patientswithchronicconditions,cancer,orautoimmune diseases.Itprovideslife-sustainingtreatmentsinawaythat allowspatientstoremainoutofthehospital,anessential servicethathasonlygrowninimportanceduringthe pandemic.
HerinterestininfusiontherapyledhertojoinThrivewell Infusionfull-timeinSeptember2021asChiefNursing Officer.AtThrivewell,Farahasplayedakeyrolein expandingthenursingdepartmentanddrivinggrowth.“My goalwastoexpandthenursingdepartment,enhancethe qualityofcare,andsupportthegrowthofourservicesand locations,”sheexplains.Sincethen,shehasworked tirelesslytoensurethatThrivewellInfusionremains focusedondeliveringthehighestqualityofcarewhile fosteringapositiveandsupportiveworkenvironmentfor clinicians.
patientcare.Thecompany’smission toincreaseaccesstosafe,effectiveinfusion therapiesinanenvironmentthatprioritizescomfort,and wellnesshasbeencentraltoitssuccess.AsFaraexplains, “Wetreateverypatientasiftheywerefamily,”andthis philosophyguidesthewayThrivewellInfusionoperates. ThisapproachtopatientcarehassetThrivewellapartfrom otherprovidersintheindustry,asitemphasizesboth clinicalexcellenceandemotionalsupport.
groundedinthebeliefthathealthcare isnotjustaboutmedicaltreatments—it’s abouttreatingthewholeperson.“Ourcorevaluesofcare, comfort,andcompassionguideeverythingwedo,”she says.Thesevaluesensurethatpatientsreceivenotonlythe bestmedicaltreatmentbutalsotheemotionalandpsychologicalsupporttheyneedduringtheirtreatmentprocess.
Amemorableexperiencethatshapedherapproachtocare involvedapatientwithAlzheimer’sandherson.Despite
thetreatmentplanprovided bythedoctor confusedaboutthediagnosis, treatment,andprognosis.Shetookthetime tospendoveranhourwiththefamily,explaining everythingindetail.“Patientcareisnotjustaboutmedication—it’saboutofferingeducation,guidance,andemotional supporttobothpatientsandtheirfamilies,”shereflects. Thisexperiencereinforcedherbeliefthatcompassionate, informedcareiskeytopatientsatisfactionandwell-being.
Integrityisanotherkeyvaluethatshapesherapproachto leadershipandpatientcare.“Integrityisthecornerstoneof mypractice,”sheexplains.Farabelievesthatmaintaining integrityinallaspectsofhealthcare,fromdecision-making tointeractionswithpatientsandcolleagues,buildstrustand confidence.Thistrustisessentialnotonlyinensuring positivepatientoutcomesbutalsoincreatingasupportive andtransparentworkplaceenvironment.
comingChallenges andEmbracingEducation
Throughouthercareer,Farahasfacedchallenges, particularlyasawomaninamale-dominatedhealthcare field.Earlyinhercareer,shefounditdifficulttofindher voiceandoftenfeltthatherideaswereoverlooked. However,herpursuitofhighereducationhelpedher developtheconfidencetospeakupandadvocateforherself andothers.“Iembracededucationasapowerfultoolfor change,”shesays,anditwasthismindsetthathelpedher overcomechallengesandemergeasaleaderinthefield.
DrawinginspirationfromNelsonMandela’squote, “Educationisthemostpowerfulweaponwhichyoucanuse tochangetheworld,”hasbeenaguidingprinciplethroughouthercareer.Farahasmadeithermissiontouseeducationnotonlyforherpersonalgrowthbuttoinspireothersto
My primary goal for Thrivewell is to expand access to safe, groundbreaking treatments for more patients nationwide. ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘
continuelearningandinnovatinginthefieldofnursing. Thiscommitmenttoeducationisevidentinherleadership style,wheresheconsistentlyencouragesherteamtoseek professionaldevelopmentopportunitiesandstayatthe forefrontofmedicaladvancements.
LookingtotheFuture
AsThrivewellInfusioncontinuestogrow,Farahasset ambitiousgoalsforthefuture.“Myprimarygoalfor Thrivewellistoexpandaccesstosafe,groundbreaking treatmentsformorepatientsnationwide,”shesays.This willinvolveopeningnewlocations,enhancingpatient safetyinitiatives,andintegratingadvancedtechnologies likeartificialintelligence(AI)tofurtherimprovecare delivery.SheiscommittedtoensuringthatThrivewell Infusionremainsaleaderinthefieldofinfusiontherapy, providinghigh-qualitycaretoasmanypatientsaspossible.
FaraisalsodeeplycommittedtotheprofessionaldevelopmentofthecliniciansatThrivewellInfusion.“Weare committedtosupportingtheprofessionalgrowthofour clinicians,”sheexplains.Byinvestinginongoingeducation andtrainingforclinicians,ThrivewellInfusionisensuring thatitsteammembersareequippedwiththelatestknowledgeandskillstoprovidethebestcarepossible.This commitmenttoprofessionaldevelopmentalignswithher beliefthateducationiskeytoinnovationandimproved patientoutcomes.
AdviceforAspiringHealthcareProfessionals
Fara’sadviceforanyonelookingtoenterthehealthcare fieldissimplebutpowerful:“Findanareawithinhealthcare thattrulyresonateswithyou.”Shebelievesthatwhen individualspursuecareersbasedonpassionandpurpose ratherthanexternalfactorslikesalaryorwork-lifebalance, theyaremorelikelytomakeameaningfulimpact.“When
youalignyourcareerwithapurpose,yourabilitytocreate meaningfulchangebecomeslimitless,”shesays.Fara’s ownjourneyisproofofthis,asherpassionfornursingand patientcarehasledhertobecomealeaderinthefieldof infusiontherapy
Shehopesthathercareerwillinspireotherstoembrace theirleadershippotential.“Ihopetoinspiremyteamtofind theirvoices,pursuetheirprofessionalgoals,and,most importantly,alwaysprioritizepatientcare,”shesays. Throughherwork,shehopestoshowfuturegenerations thatnursescanbeinnovatorsandleadersinhealthcare, pushingtheboundariesofwhat’spossibleandmakinga lastingimpactonthelivesofpatients.
LeavingaLegacy
Farahopestoberememberedasaleaderwhoinspired changeandfosteredinnovationinhealthcare.“Ihopeto showfuturegenerationsthatnursingisnotjustabout patientcare,butaboutbeinginnovatorsandthinkers,”she reflects.HerleadershipatThrivewellInfusiondemonstrates thatnursesarenotjustcaregivers—theyarealsoproblemsolversandchange-makers.Herlegacywillbeoneof compassion,integrity,andconstantcommitmentto improvingpatientcare.
Asthenursingfieldcontinuestoevolve,Fara’sjourney servesasapowerfulreminderthatinnovationinhealthcare startswiththecareofpatients.Withadeeppassionfor nursing,commitmenttoeducation,andafocusoncompassionatecare,shehasshownthatnursescandrivereal changeinthehealthcaresystemandleavealastinglegacy forfuturegenerations.
The Impact of Digital Health in Nursing on Workflow
Efficiency
Duetothepaceofthecurrenthealthcare
environment,digitalhealthtechnologyhas revolutionizedthecareerofnurses.From electronichealthrecords(EHRs)totelemedicineand decisionsupportwithAI,thesekindsoftechnologiesare revolutionizingpatientcareaswellasworkflowefficiency Nursesaretheinitiatorsofthedeliveryofhealthcare services,andthroughdigitalchannels,theybecome efficientaswellasgainimprovedpatientoutcomes.
UnderstandingDigitalHealthinNursing
DigitalhealthinNursingreferstoabroadarrayof technologiesappliedtoenhancetheprovisionofcare.It coversEHRsystems,mHealthtechnology,remote monitoring,artificialintelligence,andtelehealthservices. Thetechnologyenhancesthecapabilityofnursestopresent patients'real-timedata,electronicallydocument,and communicate,therebyenhancingtheefficiencyof workflow
EnhancingWorkflowEfficiencyusingDigitalHealth
1.ElectronicHealthRecords(EHRs)andDigital Documentation
Oneofthesuccessstoriesofelectronichealthistheuseof EHRsatalargescale.Theyarereplacementsforpaperbasedconventionalrecords,inwhichnursescandocument patients'dataelectronically Thebenefitsare:
• ImmediacytoPatientData:Nurseshaveaccessto patients'history,drugs,andtreatmentplansrightaway andsaveadministrativetimeatonce.
• Fewererrors:Computerizedentryofinformation removesthepossibilityofhumanerror,which enhancesthesafetyofthepatient.
• SeamlessCommunication:EHRssupportseamless communicationamonghealthcareteamstocoordinate care.
2.TelehealthandRemotePatientMonitoring
Telehealthisnursingintheeraoftoday,especiallyafterthe COVID-19era.Telehealthoffersaplatformtosupport nursestoprovidevirtualconsults,remotelymonitor patients,andteachpatientsremotelyinthemanagementof chronicdisease.Itsadvantagesare:
• DecreasedHospitalReadmissions:Earlywarning signsaremonitoredbyremotemonitoringtoprevent complications.
• TimeEfficiency:Increasedpatientsaretreatedby virtualnurses,providingmaximumworkload.
• IncreasedPatientEngagement:Educatedpatientsare providedwithtimelyadvicetoinitiatetreatment compliance.
3.ArtificialIntelligence(AI)inNursing
Artificialintelligence(AI)technologiessupportnursesin decision-making,riskassessment,andearly-stagedisease detection.AItechnologiesbrowselargepatientdatabases andofferconclusionsthatimproveclinicalprocesses.
• ClinicalDecisionSupportSystems(CDSS):AI-based applicationsprovidenurseswithreal-timeadviceand warningssothattheyareabletotakethecorrect decision.
• AutomatedScheduling:AI-basedschedulingputsthe nursesinthecorrectlocationandatthecorrecttime foreffectivestaffingandpreventionofburnout.
• EnhancedDiagnostics:AI-basedsolutionsallow nursestoidentifyearlywarningsignsofdisease, leadingtoearlyintervention.
4.MobileHealth(mHealth)Applications
mHealthapplicationsaretransformingnursingpractice throughthecapacitytoreceivelife-criticaldatainrealtime. Nursescanutilizesuchapplicationsfor:
• TrackingPatientProgress:Cellularapplications enablereal-timemonitoringofpatientvitalsignsand medicationcompliance.
• ImprovingCommunication:Securemessaging applicationsenableinter-professionalcommunication amonghealthcareprofessionals.
• ImproveTrainingandEducation:Nursescanutilizeelearningmodulesandstayupdatedwiththelatestin thehealthcareindustry.
5.AutomationofClericalWork
Technologiesenabledbysolutionsrendereffortandtimeconsumingclericalworkunnecessaryandreleasetimefor morecaretobeprovided.Theyare:
• ElectronicMedicationAdministrationRecords (eMAR):ComputerizedantisepticeMARsystems enableeasyrightdrugadministrationbynurses.
• AutomatedSupplyManagement:Softwaretrackingof medicinesuppliesgivereal-timeavailabilityof
suppliesandpreventshortageordelay.
• SmartBedsideTechnologies:Patientvital measurementequipmentautomates,whichdecreases manualdocumentation.
ChallengesandConsiderations
Eventhoughdigitalhealthtechnologyinnursingposes manybenefits,challengesalsoremain.
• LearningCurve:Nursesintrainingaresupposedto applythenewdigitaltechnology
• DataSecurity:Thecyber-attacksagainstpatientdata needtobemitigated.
• CostofImplementation:Puttinginplacedigital systemsisexpensive.
• TechnologyDowntime:Failureofsystemsor downtimesleadtodisruptionoftheworkflowandthus thebackupsystem.
FutureofDigitalHealthinNursing
Digitalhealthinnursingwillremainacentralaspectwith evolvingtechnology.Amongthenewerdevelopmentsare:
• WearableTechnology:Wearabledevicesmonitoring patienthealthinreal-timeinreal-time.
• AI-PoweredChatbots:Chatbotsfornursingcarein real-time.
• BlockchainforDataSecurity:Protectingthesecurity andintegrityofpatientdata.
• 5G-PoweredTelehealth:Smarterandfastertelehealth technologyfordeliveringremotetreatment.
Electronichealthcarehastransformednursingpractice, affectingbothproductivityaswellaspatientoutcomes.By theimplementationofEHRs,telemedicine,AI,and mHealthapps,thepatientsareprovidedwithpropercare alongwithtimemanagementtobeutilizedtothefullest.Its appropriateutilizationrequiressolvingissuesrelatedtodata security,training,aswellasroll-outexpenses.Improved technologyensuresimproveddigitalhealthforthe bettermentofnursing'sfuturetoprovideimproved healthcareserviceaswellaspatientsatisfaction.
Throughtheanalysisofweb-basedhealthcaresolutions, morefocuscanbeplacedonpatientcareandcreatinga healthierandmoreefficienthealthcaresystemfornurses. Spendingmoneyonthesetechnologiesnowwilllaythe foundationforhealthierandnetworkedhealthcareinthe future.
-Pearl Shaw
Shonda Helgeson
ShondaHelgeson,ChiefNursingOfficeratWestern
WisconsinHealth,isadedicatedhealthcareleader withapassionforpatient-centeredcare,innovation, andprofessionaldevelopment.Herjourneyinnursing beganattheageof16,whensheworkedasacertified nursingassistantinalong-termcarefacility.Fromthose earlydays,shedevelopedadeepappreciationforthe impactofcompassionate,skillednursing,settingthestage foracareerdefinedbycontinuousgrowthandleadership.
Afterhighschool,ShondajoinedWesternWisconsin Health—thenknownasBaldwinAreaMedical Center—whereshegainedhands-onexperienceinvarious patientcaresettings,includingtheemergencydepartment andmedical/surgicalunits.Hercommitmenttoadvancing hereducationandexpandingherexpertiseledhertoearn herAssociate’sDegreeinNursingin2008,followedbya Bachelor’sDegreein2013.Throughouther20-yeartenure withtheorganization,shehasembracednewchallenges, holdingprogressiveleadershiproles,fromchargenurseto BirthCenterNurseManager,DirectorofNursing,and ultimately,ChiefNursingOfficerin2023.
Inhercurrentrole,Shondaoverseesmultipledepartments, includinghospitalnursing,laboratory,medicalimaging, pharmacy,andrehabilitationservices.Sheisalsopursuinga Master’sinHealthcareAdministrationtofurtherenhance herleadershipcapabilities.Drivenbyasteadfast commitmenttoruralhealthcare,Shondaremainsfocusedon fosteringinnovation,improvingpatientoutcomes,and mentoringthenextgenerationofnursingprofessionals.Her journeyexemplifiesthepowerofperseverance,adaptability, andadeep-rooteddedicationtoservinghercommunity
Let’s delve into the interview details below!
Howdoyoufosteracultureofinnovationwithinthe nursingdepartment,andcanyouprovideanexampleof asuccessfulinitiativeyou’veled?
Ashealthcareisconstantlyevolvingandchanging, innovationisessentialtoprovidingcompetentcare.Within thenursingdepartmentatWWH,acultureofinnovationis supportedbyempoweringnursestocontinuouslygrowand developprofessionally,sharenewideas,promoteautonomy toshareprocessimprovementinpatientcareand departmentaloperations,andthroughcollaborationamong teams.
Wehaverecentlyfoundsuccessinthedevelopmentofan out-and-backagreementwithalarger,tertiarycarehospital. Withtheinabilitytotransferpatientsinneedofahigher levelofcareduetobedcapacitiesatrecipientfacilities,we areoftenfacedwithroadblocksinachievingnecessary servicesforourpatients.Thisnewcarepathwayallows appropriatepatientstogotothetertiarycarecenterand haveanecessary,time-sensitiveprocedureperformed(that wedonotprovideatourfacility),haveimmediate postoperativemonitoring,andsubsequentlyreturntoour facilitywhenstablefortheremainderoftheir hospitalization.Thisallowsourpatientstoreceivecare timelyandremainlocalforthemajorityoftheir hospitalization.
Whatstrategieshaveyouimplementedtoprioritize patientcareandsafetywhilebalancingoperational challenges?
Patientcareisthecoreofwhatwedo,andpatientsafetyis atoppriority.Thisisachievedbyoptimizingstaffinglevels inalldepartmentsandutilizingacuityasafactorinthe assignmentofpatients.
ShondaHelgeson CNO
WesternWisconsinHealth
With the pa ent at the core of all we do, focusing on pa ent needs first and encouraging communica on and a plan of care focus aids in improving pa ent outcomes and suppor ng teams.
Thisisalsoachievedusingstandardizedproceduresand protocolstoreducevariabilityincaredeliveryand minimizeerrors.Leveragingtechnologyalsosupport patientsafetythroughinitiativeslikeelectronichealth recordtools,newpatientbedswithfallsprevention technology,andtheuseoftelehealthforservicesnot immediatelyavailablelocally.Staffeducationthrough traininganddrillstonavigatehigh-risk,low-volumepatient conditionsaidsintheimprovementofpatientsafety
Howdoyousupportprofessionaldevelopmentamong yournursingstaffandaddressissueslikeburnoutor nurseretention?
Professionaldevelopmentandlifelonglearningareessential tokeepnursingteamsengaged.Nursesaresupported throughthepromotionandfinancialsupportofprofessional educationadvancementandcertificationachievement. Offeringopportunitiesforcross-trainingalsoallowsstaffto workinnew,desiredareasthroughtheorganizationand promotesretention.Thisalsoaidsinminimizingburnout. Flexibleschedulingandconsiderationofindividual schedulingpreferencesareessentialinthepromotionof retentionandtominimizefatigueandburnout.
Canyoudescribeatimewhenyousuccessfullyled yourteamthroughasignificantorganizational change?Whatwerethekeychallenges,andhow didyouovercomethem?
Ourfacilitytransitionedfromaprimitiveelectronic healthrecordtoEPICinthepastdecade.Thiswas asignificantchange,aswehadtransitionedfrom paperchartingafewyearsprior Asaleaderinthis
transition,itwasimperativetospendtime(sixmonths+)to understandtheimpact,buildthetoolstomeetourpatient needs,andtrainallstaff.Thisprojectcamewithchallenges, includingtimeconstraints,lackofunderstandingoffull impactinalloperations,andstaffresistance.Thoughtful analysisandengagementofkeystakeholderswereessential tofacilitatingsuccessinthisproject.Withtimeand transition,thischangewasverysuccessfulandcontinuesto supportoperationstoday.
Howdoyoupromoteinterdisciplinarycollaboration betweennurses,physicians,andotherhealthcare professionalstoimprovepatientoutcomes?
Communicationisthecoreofinterdisciplinaryteam collaborationamongallhealthcareproviders.Successis achievedbyencouragingshareddecision-making, empoweringopencommunicationandtheabilitytospeak upwithconcerns,buildingtrustincareteams,andfocusing onapatient-centeredapproach.Withthepatientatthecore ofallwedo,focusingonpatientneedsfirstand encouragingcommunicationandaplanofcarefocusaidsin improvingpatientoutcomesandsupportingteams.
Howdoyouensurethatyournursingteamconsistently adherestoregulatorystandardsandbestpracticesin healthcare?
Recurringreviewsofbestpractices,regulatorystandards, andpolicies/proceduresaidinthesupportofadherence. Thisallowsupdatestobesharedandadoptedtimely, facilitatingimprovedoutcomes.Acultureofaccountability providessharedresponsibilityinfollowingstandardsof careandpromotionofcompliance.Staffalsoregularly receivefeedbacktobothpromotesuccessesandidentify opportunities.
Whatadvicewouldyougivetoaspiringnurseleaders whowanttomakeameaningfulimpactintheir organizations?
Continuousprofessionalgrowthandlifelonglearningare essential.Staycuriousandcontinuetolearneveryday Nursesneedtostaycurrentandbeopentonew,innovative ideasandoptimizationofcareinordertokeepupwiththe evolutionofhealthcare.Neverstopdeveloping!
The Role ofNurses in InfluencingHealthcare PolicyandNursing Standards
Nursesformanimportantpartofthehealthcare
systemofdelivery,providingindirectlypatients' careandinfluencingnursingpracticeandhealth policy.Assumingtheirownseattojudgethemselvesfrom firsthandexperiencepatients'miserybasedondirect bedsideexperienceofhealthcaredelivery,theyarebest suitedtoofferfeed-backtopolicymakersatexpertlevel. Withleadership,professionalorganizations,andcampaigns forpolicy,theycanbeofsignificancetothenursing profession,healthcare,andoutcomesforthepatientoverall.
LearnAboutHealthcarePolicyandNursingStandards
Healthpolicyisregulation,rule,andlawthatprescribesthe wayofdeliveryofhealthcarecare.Nursingstandards,on theotherhand,prescribeethicalpracticeandqualityofcare tobeusedbythenurses.Standardization,safety,and qualityofcaretopatientsisachievedbyapplicationofthe standards.Nursesinfluencetheabovethroughactive participationininstitutional,state,andnationallevelsof decision-making.
AdvocacyandPolicyInfluence
Nursesareplacedinanadvantageouspositionwithinthe struggleforhealthinthattheyareinbetweenpolicymakers andpatients.Beingbedside,theyreceivefirsthandexposure torealityonthegroundofhealthdeliveryontheground andthereforecanbargainbetterpatientcareaswellas workers'environmentforprofessionals.
• InvolvementinLawmakingProcesses
Nursesbecomeinvolvedinlegislativehearingsby callingtheirlegislatures,attendingpublichearings, andtestifyingasanexpertinhealthcarelegislation.
Nursesalsoutilizenursingorganizationstopromote policychangethatadvancespatientsafety,promotes fundingfornursingeducation,andreversesnursing workforceshortages.
• InvolvementinProfessionalOrganizations
Theyaremembersofsomeoftheseorganizations, suchastheAmericanNursesAssociation(ANA),the InternationalCouncilofNurses(ICN),andstate boardsofnursing.Theyalsohavepoliticalinfluence. Organisationmembersareabletoengageinpolicy development,research,andadvocacyforpractice changeinhealthcarepolicyandnursing.
LeadershipinHealthcarePolicy
Nursesarebecomingincreasinglyinvolvedinactively participatinginhealthpolicyformulationand implementation.Nursesarebeingappointedashealth policymakers,consultants,andadministratorstoaddress issuesregardingnursinginpolicyformulation.
• NursesasPolicyAdvisors
Othersofthesenursesevenhavegovernmentpolitical officedirectly Theyserveaspolicyadvisorstonongovernmentcenters,hospitals,andgovernment agencies.Theyuseclinicalpracticetoeducate legislationonitsimpactontheavailability, affordability,andqualityofhealthcare.Theybridgeit fromthebedsidetoemergingpolicyandlegislation accessibleandavailablebypatientsandphysicians.
• HoldingPoliticalOffice
Othernurseshaveenteredpoliticsandbecome membersofstate,local,andfederallegislatures. Electedpolitician-nursesadvocateforpatient-centered policy,healthyworkenvironments,andcommunityorientedhealthcarereform.
• InfluenceonNursingExpectations
Nursesalsosetanddeliverhighnursingstandardsby training,rolemodeling,andprofessional development.
• EducationandTraining
Bysponsoringnursesforfurtherstudy,nursescreate curriculatopreparetheprofessionalsofthefuture withsolutionstoemerginghealthissues.Theyprovide evidence-basedpractice,ethics,andnewhealth technologytobeachievedbynursingstudents.
MentorshipandProfessionalDevelopment
Professionalnursingdevelopsnursingstandardsby educatingnewprofessionalsandlearningcultureand developmentandongoinggrowth.Facilitatingongoing
developmentandlearningallowstheprofessiontoevolve withchanginghealthneedsandchangingmedical technologyinnovation.
HealthcarePolicyandNursingStandardsChallenges
Althoughtheyareinfluentialasstakeholders,nursestendto lacksincetheyarerestrainedbythelimitationthatthey cannotinfluencenursingpracticeandhealthcarepolicy. Organizationalmatters,limitedtimetogothroughpolicies, andtrainingdeficitsinpoliciesmaydiscouragethemfrom mobilization.Theyneedaggregatedactiontochallenge barriers:
• EducationandAwareness:Nursesneedtrainingon healthcarepolicyandthelegislativeprocess.
• Collaboration:Professionalorganizations, interprofessionalteams,andpolicymakersare providedwithbargainingpower
• EffectiveCommunication:Nursesneedtolearn effectivecommunicationskillssothattheycan effectivelyandconvincinglyarticulatetheirviews.
Nursesarethebackboneofthehealthcaredeliverysystem, andnursesneedtoplayacriticalroleinnursingpractice standardsandpolicymakinginhealthcare.
Takingpositiveactionsintheareasofadvocacy,education, andleadershiphelpsthemleadchangetowardimproved patientcare,ahealthierworkenvironment,andastronger nursingpractice.Nursesmustserveinthecapacityof policymakersandstandardsettersasepochsandparadigms shiftinthescienceandartofmedicineinordertobuilda healthierfutureforeveryoneinvolved.
-Pearl Shaw
