Inspira Health Annual Nursing Report 2022

Every Day INSPIRATION

Inspira’s values not only describe how Inspira operationalizes its mission and vision, but they also uniquely represent the philosophy of the Patient Care Services department. As an organization and as a nursing team we have emerged from the worst of the pandemic stronger and more resilient, creative, innovative and determined than ever to provide our patients and community with the highest quality care and most engaging experience possible.

Our nursing teams have implemented performance improvement projects that improved patient safety, worked collaboratively to conduct groundbreaking nursing research that will form the evidence base for emerging best practices, and remained committed to lifelong learning and continual professional development. Together with our interprofessional teams, the Inspira Nursing department has leveraged technology and the support of the organization to serve as leaders in their communities, provide outreach to traditionally underserved communities and commit to improving the well-being of ourselves and each other.

Through each growth opportunity, challenge, victory and accomplishment, our team has remained true to the role of the nurse as the holistic and patientcentered care coordinator and brought their unique capacity to build trusting

and empathetic relations to every interaction. We are proud of our commitment to excellence in nursing, demonstrated by our pursuit of both Magnet (Inspira Medical Centers Elmer and Vineland and Inspira Health Center Bridgeton) and Pathway to Excellence (Inspira Medical Center Mullica Hill and Inspira Health Center Woodbury) redesignations (due in 2023).

It is our honor and privilege to share this snapshot of the exciting work our Nursing department undertook in 2022.

Terri Spoltore, D.N.P., M.S.N., R.N., C.C.R.N., VP of Patient Care Services, Inspira Medical Center Mullica Hill and Inspira Health Center Woodbury (Pathway to Excellence CNO)

Kimberly Talley, M.S.N., R.N., A.P.R.N., C.N.M.L.-B.C., L.S.S.G.B., F.A.B.C., VP of Patient Care Services, Inspira Medical Centers Elmer and Vineland, Inspira Health Center Bridgeton (Magnet CNO)

“ We are proud of our committment to excellence in nursing.“

MISSION-BASED CARE Inspiring

Mission

To provide a safe and compassionate experience that improves the health and well-being of our community by placing the safety of our patients and support of our employees at the center of all we do.

Vision

Inspira Health inspires and empowers healthier communities by creating the highest quality and most desirable patient experience in the region.

Values

Innovation

I.C.R.E.A.T.E.

We strive to employ ingenuity and new standards of care to improve our work every day.

Compassion

We treat everyone equally with kindness and respect.

Reliability

We put the safety of our patients, compliance and best practice at the forefront of all we do.

Empathy

We listen and genuinely relate to others in order to make them feel seen and appreciated.

Access

We provide a high-quality patient experience to all people.

Teamwork

We collaborate and utilize the full breadth of the Inspira network to improve the experience of our patients.

Empowerment

We educate and inspire positive change and healthier long-term outcomes.

Nurse Ethnicities

75.51% White

7.83% Black

7.02% Hispanic

6.14% Asian

2.23% Two or More Races

0.81% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander

0.47% American Indian

1,979

INSPIRA NURSES, HAVE A BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING (B.S.N.)

74% 64.25%

OF THOSE ELIGIBILE ARE CERTIFIED IN THEIR SPECIALTY.

7.4 years

IS THE AVERAGE TENURE FOR INSPIRA NURSES.

NURSING EXCELLENCE

MAGNET ® -DESIGNATED LOCATIONS

Inspira Medical Center Elmer and Vineland and Inspira Health Center Bridgeton and have enculturated the Magnet model for nursing excellence. The Magnet Recognition Program aims to elevate patient outcomes and care in an environment where nurses set a standard for excellence through leadership, scientific discovery and implementation of new knowledge.

In 2008, Inspira became one of the first three-hospital systems in New Jersey to be designated. Currently, fewer than 500 organizations out of more than 6,300 hospitals in the United States have achieved this recognition.

PATHWAY TO EXCELLENCE ®DESIGNATED LOCATIONS

Inspira Medical Center Mullica Hill and Inspira Health Center Woodbury have enculturated the Pathway to Excellence model for nursing excellence. The Pathway to Excellence Program recognizes a health care organization’s commitment to creating a positive practice environment that empowers and engages staff, demonstrating a culture of sustained excellence.

Inspira was recognized by Pathway to Excellence in 2019—the first hospital system in South Jersey and the only acute care hospital system in the Philadelphia metropolitan area to do so. Fewer than 250 U.S. health care organizations have achieved this recognition.

2018 Magnet Re-designation

2019 Pathway to Excellence Re-designation

INNOVATION

Cerner Camera Capture

In Spring 2022, Cerner Camera Capture went live on clinical bedside nurses’ SpectraLink devices. Camera Capture provides nurses with the resources needed to photograph patient wounds and pressure injuries with ease and directly upload them into patient medical records. This process boosts the level of communication amongst providers and helps track wound changes over time.

New Oracle Workflow

On April 1, 2022, Oracle went live with a new workflow for payroll, human resources, finances and supply chain management called Oracle Cloud.

Intelligence Observation

In 2022, Inspira introduced Intelligence Observation (IO), a handwashing monitoring program that optimizes our reporting ability for Leapfrog.

Nursing Research Studies at Inspira

Original Nursing Research helps improve our patients’ access to cutting-edge health care and builds the foundations of evidence-based best practices in the future. Here are a few of the nursing research studies Inspira clinicians conducted in 2022:

VitalsLink

A barcode-driven workflow for positive patient identification called VitalsLink went live in Vineland in Spring 2022. This workflow enables clinicians to enter vital signs directly into the patient’s medical record at the point of care.

RoomLink for Eat, Sleep, Console

A new RoomLink icon for Eat, Sleep, Console was added in February 2022. Eat, Sleep, Console is an evidencebased approach to helping babies born with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) to manage withdrawal. The new RoomLink icon has allowed clearer communication to providers entering the room.

Multidisciplinary Discharge Lounge

Terri Spoltore, D.N.P., M.S.N., R.N., C.C.R.N., and Rachel Lindsey, M.S.N., R.N. Mullica Hill Nursing Admin

This interprofessional team of nursing leaders, nurses, physicians, pharmacists and population health professionals studied the operational impact of expanding an evidence-based discharge lounge model to be interprofessional in nature. Outcomes monitored include throughput, medication reconciliation errors, patient experience and provider experience.

Reliability and Validity of PRAFT Fall Risk Assessment Tool

Wendy Rosen, M.S.N., R.N.C.; Becky Thompson, C.N.M., M.S.N.; Lela Toledo, M.S.N., R.N.; Kellie Cancglin, M.S.N., R.N.C. Network Maternal Child Health

A dedicated, valid and reliable fall risk assessment tool for peripartum women does not exist. This research team adapted a tool that was found to be somewhat applicable to this specialty population and found that reliability is exceptionally strong. The team is also testing the predictive validity and staff satisfaction with the tool.

Color Psychology on an Inpatient Adult Behavioral Health Unit: An Implementation Study

Lucy Torres, M.S.N., R.N., P.M.H.-B.C.; Kayla Starr, B.S.N., R.N., P.M.H.-B.C.; Teresa Novajovsky, M.S.N., R.N., P.M.H.-B.C.

Bridgeton Adult Mental Health Unit

The research team studied the implementation of an existing evidence-based practice—color psychology— to engage frontline providers in enhancing therapeutic environments. In this study, providers identify which evidence-based color would be most appropriate for patient rooms and results showed an improvement in provider engagement.

Use of Complimentary Therapy for Oncology Patients

Sami Abate, Ph.D., M.S.H.S., M.S.N., R.N., C.C.R.N., C.N.M.L.; Lynne Giglio, M.B.A., B.S.N., R.N.; Cathy Vasquez, B.S.N., R.N.; Colette Goranson, M.S.N., R.N., O.C.N.; Barbara Garrett, B.S.N., R.N., O.C.N.

Vineland Cancer Services and Clinical Research Office

This study was conducted with an interprofessional

team of nurses, physicians and medical students using a valid and reliable instrument from the Australian Cancer Society to assess evidence-based complementary and integrative therapies used by cancer patients. Results revealed that many common, safe and effective therapies (such as support groups, aromatherapy, acupuncture and journaling) were under-utilized. The team is currently exploring programs to make these types of therapies more accessible to patients.

Development and Evaluation of a Nurse LeaderDirected Nutritional Bundle to Prevent HospitalAcquired Pressure Injury

Roseanne Racano, D.N.P., M.S.N., R.N., C.M.S.R.N., C.B.N.

Vineland Case Management

This D.N.P. project sought to assess the implementation of a multi-faceted bundle designed to increase uptake of nutritional supplements in patients with or at highrisk for hospital-acquired pressure injuries (HAPI). The program included educational sessions and visual cues and used a chart review to assess impact. Results were limited by the academic timeline, but the project does show promise in increasing awareness about the role of nutritional supplementation in preventing HAPI and the need to reinforce the consumption of prescribed supplements.

COMPASSION Inspiring

ANGELS COMMUNITY OUTREACH COLLECTION

In 2022, Inspira Medical Center Mullica Hill hosted a “Toes and Tushies” collection to benefit Angels Community Outreach in Pitman, NJ. The Same-Day Surgery unit-based council collected socks and underwear for children, tweens and teens in need as they started the new school year.

MULLICA HILL 2022 VOLUNTEERISM AWARD

Inspira Medical Center Mullica Hill recognized Deborah Frye, B.S.N., R.N., I.B.C.L.C., R.L.C., for the 2022 Volunteerism Award. For the past 10 years, Deb has been volunteering at least once a month as a Meals on Wheels driver and meal deliverer in Salem County. Inspira supports Deb in this endeavor through flexible scheduling.

BEREAVEMENT PACKETS FOR PATIENT FAMILIES

Through a partnership with the Patient Experience department, Patient Family Advisory Council (PFAC) and Coordinating Council, new bereavement packets for patient families were introduced into practice in 2022. The new packets include a card for the patient’s family and forget-me-not flower seeds.

MEAL DELIVERY PREFERENCES

A partnership between the PFAC and the Food and Nutrition department identified that patients preferred to be asked their preferences for meal deliveries if they happen to be sleeping at the time of delivery. This patient preference question was added to Cerner for the standard of care regarding meals.

NURSING STAFF COMMUNITY SERVICE

Many of the nurses at Inspira got involved in their own communities by volunteering at the following health and wellness organizations and events in 2022:

ADOPT-A-FAMILY

With participant Naomi Morgan, B.S.N., C.P.N., of Vineland Pediatrics and the Vineland NICU Unit

CATHEDRAL KITCHEN

Volunteer day with the Mullica Hill 4 West Unit-based council

COMMUNITY FOODBANK OF NEW JERSEY

Period Poverty Drive with participants from Woodbury and Vineland Women’s and Children’s Health Units

DEBORAH F. SAGER NICU

10th Anniversary Reunion with volunteers Christl Dooley, B.S.N., R.N.C.-O.B., and Peggy White, D.N.P., N.E.A.-B.C., of Vineland Labor and Delivery, Ashley Krimmel, R.N., of Vineland Pediatrics and many Vineland NICU staff members

GLOUCESTER COUNTY HEALTH FAIR

With volunteers Donna Spade, R.N., and Hannah Kasbohm, M.S.W., L.S.W., P.M.H.-C., of Vineland Women’s and Children’s Health

MARCH OF DIMES WALK

With participants Christl Dooley, B.S.N., R.N.C.-O.B., of Vineland Labor and Delivery and Megan Barcelo, B.S.N., R.N.C.-O.B., Michaela Johnson, B.S.N., R.N.C.-M.N.N., Jackie Wood, B.S.N., R.N., and Rhonda Atkinson, R.N., of Elmer Labor, Delivery, Recovery, Postpartum

PITMAN FOOD PANTRY

Food drive with the Mullica Hill 5 East Unit-based council

RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE

Lunch prepared and served by the Mullica Hill 5 East Unit-based council

SAINT ISIDORE CHURCH

Monthly blood pressure monitoring and flu clinic by Audrey Couch, B.S.N., R.N.C.-O.B., and Zuleska Keen, R.N., of Vineland Labor and Delivery

Inspiring

RELIABILITY

HEALTH CARE QUALITY WEEK

In October 2022, during Health Care Quality Week, Inspira celebrated unit- and department-level quality outcomes, nurse sensitive indicators, patient satisfaction, employee engagement and safety survey results, and high reliability tools through artificial pumpkin and poster displays. The units honored during Health Care Quality Week 2022 included:

• Vineland Infection Control

• Elmer 2 East and 2 South

• Bridgeton Adolescent Mental Health and Intermediate Behavioral Care

• Mullica Hill Pharmacy

• Woodbury Population Health

• Network-wide Cardiac Progressive Care

LEAPFROG HOSPITAL SAFETY GRADES

Twice a year, The Leapfrog Group assigns letter grades to hospitals based on national performance measures that reflect errors, accidents, injuries and infections, as well as systems in place to prevent harm.

In Spring 2022, Mullica Hill and Vineland both earned Grade A and Elmer earned Grade B. In Fall 2022, Mullica Hill, Elmer and Vineland earned Grade A.

BEACON RECOGNITIONS

In the winter of 2022, the Vineland Cardiac Care Center, which includes the Cardiac ICU and Cardiac Progressive Care Unit, was honored with a Beacon Award from the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN). This is the Cardiac ICU’s fourth Beacon recognition and the Cardiac Progressive Care Unit’s first.

In the spring of 2022, Mullica Hill’s ICU was awarded Beacon recognition from the AACN for the second time.

OTHER NOTABLE AWARDS

• Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses, PRISM Award: Acute Care (MAC, SAC, 2 East and 2 South)

• Emergency Nurses Association, 2022 Lantern Award: Vineland Emergency Department

• Emergency Nurses Association, 2021 Lantern Award: Elmer Emergency Department

• Money and The Leapfrog Group, Best Hospitals for Maternity Care: Vineland and Elmer

• U.S. News and World Report, 2021-2022 Best Hospitals for Maternity: Elmer

• U.S. News and World Report, 2022-2023 High-Performing Hospitals:

• Elmer and Mullica Hill earned high-performing ratings for heart failure, COPD, hip fracture and pneumonia

• Vineland earned high-performing ratings for kidney failure, heart failure, COPD, diabetes and stroke

• Women’s Choice Awards, America’s Best Hospitals for Orthopedics: Elmer

• Women’s Choice Awards, America’s Best Mammogram Imaging Centers: Vineland

OUR NURSING LEADERS

Inspira recognizes our nurses who influence care and their work environment through the exemplification of Inspira’s values:

TEAMWORK

Joan Maheshwari, B.S.N., R.N., Assistant Nurse Manager, Elmer 2 South (Leader of the Quarter)

William Furdyna, M.S.N., R.N., C.C.R.N., Assistant Nurse Manager, Vineland MICU and MPCU (Leader of the Quarter)

Christina Love, B.S.N., R.N., Nursing Supervisor, Vineland (Leader of the Quarter)

Lori Stecher, B.S.N., R.N., Infection Control, Mullica Hill (Employee of the Month)

Carol Fritz, B.S.N., R.N., P.M.H.-B.C., Clinical Nurse, Bridgeton Adult Mental Health (Employee of the Month)

EMPOWERMENT

Elizabeth Burgess, B.S.N., R.N., P.M.H.-B.C., Nurse Manager, Bridgeton CAMHU and IBCU (Leader of the Quarter)

Jill Bocchese, M.S.N., R.N., A.G.C.N.S.-B.C., C.W.O.N., MED.SURG.-B.C., Clinical Nurse Educator, Mullica Hill Wound Care (Leader of the Quarter)

COMPASSION

Dawn Davis, M.S.N., R.N., C.P.X.P., Patient Experience Director, Inspira Health (Leader of the Quarter)

Nancy Carr, M.S.N., R.N., P.C.C.N., Assistant Nurse Manager, Mullica Hill 4 Stepdown (Leader of the Quarter)

Noreen Calhoun, R.N., Clinical Nurse, Elmer Wound Care Center (Employee of the Month)

Kayla Caudill, B.S.N., R.N., Clinical Nurse, Vineland CardioPulmonary (Employee of the Month)

MULLICA HILL AND WOODBURY EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE AWARDS

In 2022, Inspira Medical Center Mullica Hill and Inspira Health Center Woodbury held their first annual Pathway to Excellence Evidence-Based Practice Awards. The winning recipients were Caitlin Dombrosky, B.S.N., R.N., and Tiffany Gigante, R.N., both direct care nurses from 4 Stepdown, who presented a project on Cardizem drip rates that improved confidence in nurses and compliance to protocol.

VINELAND, ELMER AND BRIDGETON EVIDENCEBASED PRACTICE AND RESEARCH AWARDS

Primary investigators Lauren Hedden, B.S.N., R.N.-C., I.B.C.L.C., a lactation consultant, and Rebecca Thompson, C.N.M., M.S.N., R.N.C.O.B., a clinical nurse educator, were honored with the Janet Davies Research Award for their research project “Impact of Technology on Breastfeeding Education in Low Socioeconomic Status and Rural Populations.” Their research incorporated technology into patient education for breastfeeding.

Elmer 2 South clinical nurses Robin Lombardi, B.S.N., R.N., and Gabriela Conigliano, B.S.N., R.N., were honored with the Betty Neuman Award for their evidence-based practice project “One Fall Can

End It All, Be Sure to Document on the Morse Fall.”

This project focused on peer checking, reassessing and educating about the importance of the Morse Fall Risk Scale accuracy.

Bridgeton Mental Health Unit clinical nurses were honored with the Janet Davies Research Award for their research study “Color Psychology on an Inpatient Adult Behavioral Health Unit: An Implementation Study.” The study was in the data collection phase when presenting, with the intent to provide physical, emotional and mental well-being related to color psychology, as color can elicit different behavioral responses.

Clinical Nurse Donna Weaver, B.S.N., C.M.S.R.N., from the Cardiac Progressive Care Unit (formerly Cardiac Acute Care) in Vineland, was honored with the Betty Neuman Unit-Based Practice Council Award for her project titled “Mindfulness Room.” Staff were encouraged to spend at least three minutes per week in the mindfulness room and asked to rate their level of stress before and after the exercise.

A NEW MODEL OF CARE

Inspira Medical Center Vineland established a new model of care in 2022: the Progressive Care Unit (PCU). The PCU bridges the gap between traditional stepdown units and medical-surgical units, decreasing transitions and handoffs and improving quality and patient safety. In the time since its implementation, this new model has improved staff, clinician and patient satisfaction; increased throughput; improved transportation times; decreased bed cleaning turnaround times; and resulted in positive outcomes, such as a reduction in falls.

CAMPUS-LEVEL IMPROVEMENTS Nurse Sensitive Indicator Improvements in 2022

Patient Satisfaction Improvements in 2022

VINELAND: decrease in the percent of surveyed patients with hospital-acquired pressure injuries stage 2 and above (HAPI 2+)

49.6%

0%

ELMER: of surveyed patients had HAPI 2+ in three out of the four quarters of 2022

5%

ELMER: increase in patient satisfaction with staff including them in treatment decisions

WOODBURY: increase in patient satisfaction with nurses’ courtesy and respect

BRIDGETON:

5%

9%

BRIDGETON: decrease in total patient falls per 1,000 patient visits

25.8%

81.7%

MULLICA HILL: decrease in percent of surveyed patients with HAPI 2+

12.5%

VINELAND: increase in patient satisfaction with receiving call button help as soon as they wanted it

MULLICA HILL:

5.5%

increase in overall patient satisfaction across Behavioral Health and Emergency Department Units increase in likelihood that patients would recommend the hospital to others

WINNERS Daisy Award

INSPIRING EMPATHY

The DAISY Award is a program that recognizes nurses who provide aboveand-beyond compassionate care to patients and families. Inspira recognized the following nurses in 2022:

Lauren Morrison, M.S.N., R.N.-B.C., MULLICA HILL 5 EAST

MaryAnn Harris, R.N., ELMER ICU

Steve Fox, R.N.-B.C., VINELAND 2 EAST

Marge Westfall, B.S.N., R.N., MULLICA HILL 3 WEST OBSERVATION

Tracy Green, B.S.N., R.N., VINELAND MEDICAL OUTPATIENT

Carla Daniels, R.N.-B.C., B.S.N., MULLICA HILL 5 WEST

Janita Hutchinson, B.S.N., R.N., VINELAND 2 EAST

Andrew Sabo, B.S.N., R.N., MULLICA HILL 4 WEST

Karie Miner, B.S.N., C.M.S.R.N., ELMER 2 SOUTH

Carol Copsey, M.S.N., R.N., C.M.S.R.N., CLINICAL NURSE EDUCATOR, VINELAND

Tiffany Palmer, M.S.N., R.N., MULLICA HILL 3 WEST OBSERVATION

Sheila Bennett, B.S.N., R.N., ELMER 2 EAST

OUT OF THE DARKNESS

The Behavioral Health team (including Adult Mental Health, Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Intermediate Behavioral Care and Outpatient Behavioral Health) and several senior leaders participated in the Cumberland County Out of the Darkness event, which raises awareness and funds for suicide prevention. Inspira had 50 walking participants and was the top fundraising team, raising a total of $5,575 for the cause.

PRACTICING POSITIVITY

In 2022, Inspira held an organizational education program called Practicing Positivity, where employees learned the science behind happiness, compassion, gratitude and generosity. Throughout the class, participants found ways to activate more positive emotions in their daily lives and reflect on how it impacted them physically.

FOOD BANK DONATIONS

In April 2022, the nursing staff at Mullica Hill held their first peanut butter and jelly drive benefitting the Food Bank of South Jersey. They collected over 300 pounds of peanut butter and jelly to donate to the food bank.

ACCESS Inspiring

SCHWARTZ ROUNDS

Inspira introduced Schwartz Rounds to the clinical teams at our hospitals. Schwartz Rounds give providers a way to recognize and discuss the emotional experiences they have when caring for patients, facing unexpected outcomes and having difficult conversations. Sharing these situations in a multidisciplinary group setting allows providers to learn from and support each other, building emotional resilience to handle tough situations.

“ The emotional aspect of nursing care is often ignored and underappreciated. Sharing these emotional health care experiences provides a type of catharsis, unlike any other exercise in which I have participated in the past. Understanding that you have shared experiences with other professionals at all levels of the organization really impacts one’s emotional health in a positive way. I am privileged and honored to share my narrative and hear shared stories and experiences from my colleagues.”

– Susan Speero, M.S.N., R.N., C.C.R.N., Vineland Nurse Manager

DEBORAH F. SAGER NICU 10TH ANNIVERSARY

Inspira’s Deborah F. Sager Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, in partnership with Nemours Children’s Health, celebrated its 10th anniversary at Vineland in October 2022. The event was a carnival-themed reunion of NICU graduates and family members, totaling about 200 people. Inspira’s nurses, doctors and therapists spent time with the families and babies that have grown up since spending extended periods of time in the NICU.

OUTPATIENT ENDOSCOPY CENTER

Vineland opened its outpatient endoscopy center in October 2022 with direct design feedback from nurses. Now, patients have the convenience of scheduling colonoscopies and upper endoscopies without delays caused by emergent inpatient cases. Within the first 12 months of operation, the outpatient facility is expected to perform more than 2,100 procedures, improving access to GI services for our community.

“It’s hard to get outside your own role because you’re so busy throughout each day and focused on what you need to do for your patients. Hearing from clinicians in other areas during Schwartz Rounds has helped me understand how our day-to-day stressors might be different—I am focused on two or three critically ill patients at a time, while other providers have to cover an entire hospital. It is also interesting to hear hospital leaders’ perspectives of care and making hard leadership decisions during COVID.”

– Monique Parker, R.N., Mullica Hill ICU

“Schwartz Rounds is a collaborative forum that improves the well-being of all who attend, providing improved understanding and support of nurses and the team members we work with.”

–

Sharon Heath, B.S.N., R.N., Mullica Hill Supportive and Palliative

ELECTIVE PCI

In December 2021, Mullica Hill received the New Jersey Department of Health’s approval to perform elective PCI procedures and performed 201 procedures in 2022. Subsequently, in June 2022, Vineland received approval to perform elective PCI procedures and went on to perform 86 procedures in the last six months of the year. This expansion of access serves our community well. Our physicians and nursing staff are direct contributors to improving the lives of our patients.

SALEM MEDICAL CENTER, AN AFFILIATE OF INSPIRA HEALTH

Salem Medical Center, an affiliate of Inspira Health, joined the Inspira Health Network in December 2022. By sharing the same goal of empowering healthier communities, and through this partnership, the health system is able to further increase access to convenient, high-quality care in South Jersey.

Care Nurse Coordinator

NURSES WHO SIT ON BOARDS

Our nurses give back to the South Jersey community in many different ways. We’re recognizing the following nurses who sit on the board of health and wellness non-profit and professional associations:

Kimberly Talley, M.S.N., A.P.R.N., R.N.:

Gift of Life Medical Advisory and Policy

Board Member

DaVita/Inspira Joint Venture Clinical Leader

Board Advisor

CQC Home Care Specialist, LLC Board Member

Terri Spoltore, D.N.P., M.S.N., R.N., C.C.R.N.:

Organization of Nurse Leaders of New Jersey Board Member

Bayada Home Health Care Board Member

Dawn Goffredo, M.S.N., R.N.C.:

Healthy Families America Board Member

Judith Kay Fogg, B.S.N., R.N., C.R.N.I.:

Salem County Vocational Technical School

Educational Foundation Board Member

TEAMWORK

David Moore, R.N., M.S.N., B.C.:

New Jersey Behavioral Health Planning Council and Mental Health Citizens Advisory Board Member

Sami Abate, Ph.D., M.S.H.S., M.S.N., R.N., C.C.R.N., C.N.M.L..:

Stockton University Board Member

Wilmington University Board Member

Southern New Jersey Perinatal Cooperative (SNJPC) Board Members:

Karin Abbey, B.S.N.

Elizabeth Baldwin, M.S.N., R.N.C.

Christl Dooley, B.S.N., R.N.C.-O.B.

Dawn Goffredo, M.S.N., R.N.C.

Peggy Stecklair, B.S.N., R.N.C.

Donna Volpe, D.N.P.

SHARED GOVERNANCE HIGHLIGHT: NETWORK PRACTICE COUNCIL

The Network Practice Council is an interprofessional team including nursing and representatives from numerous disciplines including pharmacy, cardiopulmonary, dietary, rehabilitation services and informatics. The council focuses on all areas of our patient care practice with an emphasis on nursing care and how that care intersects with other departments including food and nutrition services. Collectively, the team seeks to ensure Inspira’s policies and procedures are developed collaboratively and are based on the latest evidence-based best practices.

For example, in 2022, the team began transitioning toward the International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative (IDDSI) Framework, which is standardized international diet terminology. This transition establishes consistent language among disciplines and providers to ensure safe nutritional plans for patients with compromised swallowing ability. As Inspira seeks to expand the care offered via our neuroscience program and continually improve the care provided to stroke patients, this initiative was especially timely and relevant.

PATHWAY TO EXCELLENCE ® TEAM OF THE YEAR Surgical Services

MAGNET ® TEAM OF THE YEAR

Monoclonal Antibody Clinic

DISCHARGE LOUNGE

In August 2022, Mullica Hill implemented a discharge lounge to improve patient flow and discharge efficiency. The lounge is staffed by a nurse, who conducts the discharge paperwork and education; a pharmacist, who completes the discharge medication recommendations and education; and ancillary staff. Along with its implementation, we began institutional review board (IRB)-approved research to study its impact on operational outcomes, including patient throughput times and medication reconciliation discrepancy rates. The research is also observing the impact on technology utilization, the adoption by staff and patient experience.

ADDRESSING CONCERNS ABOUT DELAYS IN PATIENT CARE

In 2022, Cindy Rodriguez, B.S.N., R.N., C.N., a direct care nurse in the Mullica Hill Dialysis Unit, collaborated with Food and Nutrition after identifying a concern about delays in patient care, specifically related to meals for dialysis patients. Through interdepartmental teamwork, breakfast trays were expedited, allowing patients to begin treatment on time and improving overall patient satisfaction.

NEW SAFETY FEATURE FOR PHARMACY SEARCH

This year, Nursing and Pharmacy partnered to institute a new safety feature: a 5-character search for Omnicell. This was a guideline recommended by the Institute for Safe Medication Practice (ISMP) that prevents nurses from accidentally accessing incorrect medication.

ENHANCED RESPIRATORY ISOLATION

Inspira implemented a new isolation precaution titled “Enhanced Respiratory Isolation,” which includes the use of an isolation gown, hand hygiene and gloves, a fit-tested N95 mask and a face shield or goggles. This precaution covers respiratory diseases like mpox.

RCSJ PARTNERSHIP

We announced a new partnership with Rowan College of South Jersey (RCSJ) in April 2022 designed to educate and retain future health care professionals within the community. Inspira gifted $2 million to the college to support scholarships and the future development of the health care education program. RCSJ nursing students will study and train in the Inspira Health Nursing and Health Professions Center, and Inspira employees will benefit from a 50 percent discount on tuition.

AVP ROLES

As we continued to work on executing our strategic plan, Inspira identified ways in which the Nursing department can better align with each of the five strategic domains. As a result, we promoted a number of nursing leaders to drive improved outcomes through tactics rooted in high reliability principles. The nursing leaders in new AVP roles include:

INSPIRA NETWORK: VINELAND:

Sami Abate, Ph.D., M.S.H.S., M.S.N., R.N., C.C.R.N., C.N.M.L.., Assistant Vice President, Nursing Excellence and Clinical Research

Sherry Remy, M.S.N., R.N., C.E.N., Assistant Vice President, Emergency and Nursing Operational Services

Dawn Goffredo, M.S.N., R.N.C., F.A.B.C., Assistant Vice President, Maternal Child Health Services

Sharon Slavic, M.S.N., M.B.A., R.N., Assistant Vice President, Perioperative, Acute Care Services and Wound Care Services

Samantha Harrington, M.S.N., R.N., P.M.H.-B.C., V.A.-B.C., Assistant Vice President, Inpatient Behavioral Health Services

Michele Zucconi, M.S.N., R.N., C.C.R.N., Assistant Vice President, Critical Care, Interventional Services, Palliative Care and Dialysis

Emily Turnure, M.S.N., R.N., N.E.A.-B.C., Assistant Vice President, Nursing Education and Professional Development

MULLICA HILL:

Tina McCormick, B.S.N., R.N., Assistant Vice President, Perioperative and Interventional Services

Julia Powers, M.S.N., R.N., P.C.C.N., C.C.R.N.-K., N.E.-B.C., Assistant Vice President, Nursing Operations and Adult Patient Care Services

“Ultimately, this program will train the next generation of nursing and ancillary health professionals who will care for us, our loved ones and our neighbors.”

– Amy Mansue, President and CEO, Inspira Health

EMPOWERMENT Inspiring

SPEAK UP FOR SAFETY

Jabrea Childers, R.N., Vineland 2 East, earned Great Catch of the Month when she was caring for a patient with a medication order for penicillin. While the medication bag matched the order, Childers applied a questioning attitude and took a STAR moment to validate and verify the actual bag contained penicillin, and found that it was a heparin bag with a penicillin label. Childers spoke up for safety and escalated her concern to the assistant nurse manager, who contacted the pharmacy to send the correct medication.

GRADUATION EVENTS FOR STAFF

In September 2022, the Magnet and Pathway to Excellence departments hosted outdoor graduation events at Mullica Hill and Vineland. In light of the pandemic and the virtual environment of higher education, recent graduates were able to attend and enjoy refreshments, photos and music with peers and family.

NURSING LEADERSHIP AWARDS

Each year, the Organization of Nursing Leaders (ONL) in New Jersey recognizes nursing leaders across the state in various categories. In 2022, the following nursing leaders from Inspira were recognized:

Rachel Lindsay, M.S.N., R.N., Nursing Supervisor at Mullica Hill, received the Administrative Supervisor award for her role as the overnight shift nursing supervisor

Tracey Leer, M.S.N., R.N., C.E.N., F.N.P.-B.C., Assistant Vice President of Emergency/Pediatric and Nursing Operational services, received the Divisional Leaders award for her oversight of numerous departments

Sami Abate, Ph.D., M.S.H.S., M.S.N., R.N., C.C.R.N., C.N.M.L., Assistant Vice President, Nursing Excellence and Clinical Research, received the Professional Recognition award for her commitment to advancing nursing excellence, practice and research

RESEARCH COUNCIL WELCOMES GUEST SPEAKER DIANE BRECKENRIDGE

In June 2022, the Research Council welcomed Diane Breckenridge, Ph.D., M.S.N., R.N., A.N.E.F., F.A.A.N., of the Neuman Systems Model Trustees Group, Inc., to present her awardwinning theory-guided, evidence-based Research Approach in Nursing (RAIN) program. She spoke about translating evidence into practice and expanding the body of nursing knowledge through original research.

CLINICAL LADDER RECIPIENTS

To support the pursuit of continued education and its application to the communities we serve, Inspira provides clinical staff with incentives through the Clinical Ladder program. Professional development activities that contribute to Clinical Ladder levels include education, research, teaching, evidencebased practice, mentoring and more. In 2022, 196 Vineland nurses and 98 Mullica Hill nurses participated in the Clinical Ladder program and received incentives such as bonus payments, hourly pay raises and more.

NURSES OF THE YEAR: UNIT-LEVEL RECIPIENTS

VINELAND:

MAGNET NURSES OF THE YEAR

VINELAND

Brittany Russo, B.S.N., R.N., C.N.O.R., Surgical Services

Russo is the Unit-Based Practice Council Chair and has worked on initiatives to decrease patient turnover time in inpatient rooms and the OR.

Antoinette Garcia, B.S.N., R.N., C.M.S.R.N., 2 South

Garcia is currently working toward earning her D.N.P. and is researching the efficacy of telehealth.

Dolores Ziegler, M.S.N., R.N., Adult Mental Health

Zeigler was instrumental in developing the Point Redemption Cart program, which encourages positive behavioral changes for patients in the Adult Mental Health Unit.

PATHWAY TO EXCELLENCE NURSE OF THE YEAR

MULLICA HILL

Laura Baker, B.S.N., R.N., Labor, Delivery, Recovery, Postpartum

Baker is the staff-level champion for the Spinning Babies program, which helps improve the comfort of birthing parents who are in labor.

Debbie Braida, B.S.N., R.N., C.I.C., Infection Control

Kalli Cartwright, M.S.N., R.N., Emergency Department

Angela Defeo, B.S.N., R.N., Maternal Child Health

Meghan Distefano, B.S.N., R.N., 1 East

Laura Emmons, R.N., 2 East

Alexis Felice, B.S.N., R.N., C.M.S.R.N., Surgical Ambulatory Care

Melissa Flores, R.N., Medical Stepdown

Marlaina Good, B.S.N., C.C.R.N., Cardiac Cath

Dichera Helm, R.N., B.S.N., C.C.R.N., Cardiac ICU

Erin Hickman, B.S.N., R.N., Surgical Stepdown

Julia Kaplunovska, B.S.N., R.N., Surgical Services, Endoscopy

Balbir Kaur, R.N., Post-Anesthesia Care

Shanna Lamcken, B.S.N., R.N., C.C.R.N., Medical ICU

Monica Lee, R.N., Women’s and Children’s Health

Deanne Lynch, R.N., Cardiac Ambulatory Care

Naomi Morgan, B.S.N., C.P.N., Pediatrics

Gemma Mosley, R.N., B.S.N., C.N.N., Dialysis

Vicki Mourning, B.S.N., R.N., Surgical Services, SDS

Teresa Preziosi, B.S.N., R.N., Cancer Services

Natasha Quiles-Colon, B.S.N., R.N., NICU

Adrienne Rivera, B.S.N., R.N., Medical Ambulatory Care

Autumn Robles, R.N., Labor and Delivery

Brittany Russo, B.S.N., R.N., C.N.O.R., Surgical Services, OR

Katie Saul, B.S.N., R.N., Surgical ICU

Meggie Smalley ,B.S.N., R.N., Quality/PI

Leslie (Beau) Wright, R.N., B.S.N., C.M.S.R.N., Cardiac Stepdown

ELMER:

Phyllis Becker, B.S.N., R.N., C.P.A.N., Surgical Services

Antoinette Garcia, B.S.N., R.N., C.M.S.R.N., 2 South

Heather Gilchrist, B.S.N., R.N., ICU

Gretel Keller, B.S.N., R.N., 2 East

Rebecca Liber, R.N., Emergecy Department

Chris Sharkey, R.N., Labor, Delivery, Recovery, Postpartum

BRIDGETON:

Nicole Bruno, B.S.N., R.N., Child and Adolescent Mental Health

Peggy DelaRosa, B.S.N., R.N., Inpatient Behavioral Care

Delores Zeigler, M.S.N., R.N., Adult Mental Health

MULLICA HILL:

Angela Aveline, R.N., Cath Lab

Pauline Bailey, M.S.N., R.N., Pre-Admission Testing

Laura Baker, B.S.N., R.N., R.N.C.-O.B., Nursery

Hazel Bambalan, R.N.-B.C., B.S.N., P.C.C.N., 5 East

Carla Daniels, R.N.-B.C., B.S.N., O.C.N., 5 West

Dave Halleck, R.N., Operating Room

Elizabeth Hice, R.N., Interventional Radiology

Joyce Hogan, B.S.N., R.N., Surgical Services, Prep-Recovery/ Same-Day Surgery

Barb Joyce, B.S.N., R.N., C.P.A.N., Post-Anesthesia Care

Katherine Lam, B.S.N., R.N., P.C.C.N., 4 West

Magy Margaritondo, B.S.N., R.N., ICU

April Ness, B.S.N., R.N., 3 West/Observation

Amy Pierontoni, R.N., Maternal Child Health

Colleen Redman, B.S.N., R.N., C.E.N., Peds Emergency Department

Kristen Vidovich, B.S.N., R.N., P.C.C.N., 4 East

Courtney Wood, B.S.N., R.N., Emergency Department

CERTIFIED NURSES DAY

In March 2022, Inspira celebrated Certified Nurses Day by gifting our certified nurses a clipboard and pen, featuring a word cloud formed from responses to the question, “What does certification mean to you?”

In 2022, Inspira has 423 certified nurses, 275 at Vineland and 148 at Mullica Hill.

“I was interested in earning my C.C.R.N. due to knowledge and critical thinking that helped me improve my preceptor skills when educating.”

–Stacy Hudson, B.S.N., R.N., C.C.R.N.

“I was interested in achieving my C.E.N. for personal goals and because it made me feel more confident in myself.”

– Colleen Redman, C.E.N.

“I was interested in my C.M.S.R.N. because I wanted knowledge and to reassure myself that I knew what I was doing. Achieving the C.M.S.R.N. improved my confidence and performance at work.”

–Estrellita DeLeon, R.N., C.M.S.R.N.

“I wanted to understand the rationale driving the practices within my clinical area, so obtaining my C.N.O.R. helped me to demonstrate and solidify my commitment to my chosen profession.”

–Aimee Viggiano, C.N.O.R.

ADVISORY BOARD FELLOWSHIP

Julia Powers, M.S.N., R.N., P.C.C.N., C.C.R.N.-K., N.E.-B.C., Assistant Vice President of Nursing Operations and Adult Patient Care Services, was selected to participate in an 18-month Advisory Board Fellowship. This fellowship recognizes high performers who are looking to make a greater impact on their organization and prepares them to lead the organization into the future.

2022-2023 FREDRICK AND GERALDINE WINKLER NURSING SCHOLARSHIP, $2,500:

Leah Beckett, B.S.N., R.N., Mullica Hill ICU

Caitlyn Dombroksky, B.S.N., R.N., Mullica Hill 4 East Stepdown

Mathew Cluderay, B.S.N., R.N., Mullica Hill Behavioral Health

Cristoforo Colella, R.N., Mullica Hill Emergency Department

Celeste Creel, R.N., Mullica Hill 4 West Stepdown

Michelle Dannenhauer, B.S.N., R.N., C.C.R.N., Mullica Hill Wound Care

Janice Ebanks, B.S.N., R.N., Mullica Hill Maternal Child Health

Stacy Hudson, B.S.N., R.N., C.C.R.N., Mullica Hill ICU

Ashley Lavender, B.S.N., R.N., C.M.S.R.N., Mullica Hill Maternal Child Health

Chelsea Minix, B.S.N., R.N., C.C.R.N., Mullica Hill GI Endoscopy

Natalie Ramos, B.S.N., R.N., Mullica Hill Emergency Department

Martina Robinson, B.S.N., R.N., Mullica Hill Employee Health

Stephanie Zeller, B.S.N., R.N., Mullica Hill ICU

2022 INSPIRA PHYSICIAN SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS (IPSA), $1,000:

Matti Donoflio, Teacher’s Assistant, Inspira IMPACT Center

Donald Noblett, Grants Manager, Inspira Cancer Services

Tia Sheck, M.S.N., R.N., C.C.R.N., C.N.M.L., Manager, Inspira Nursing Excellence, Quality and Nursing Research

Sheetal Stewart, R.N., B.S.N., Elmer 2 East

2022 JANET DAVIES NURSING SCHOLARSHIP AWARD, $2,000:

Conception Huerta-Cruz, M.S.N., R.N., C.C.R.N., Vineland and Elmer Clinical Nurse Educator

DiChera Helm, B.S.N., R.N., Mullica Hill ICU

2022 CHATHERINE ARPINO NURSING SCHOLARSHIP, $2,000:

Joyce Clegg, Unit Coordinator, Vineland Medical Acute Care

Paul Cossaboon, Nurse Aide, Vineland Cardiac ICU

2022 LOUIS LEON NURSING SCHOLARSHIP, $2,000:

Tabatha Haydak, Elmer 2 East

2022 NYKOLA AND ALICE KULDA NURSING EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP, $2,000:

Roseanne Racano, M.S.N., R.N., C.M.S.R.N., C.B.N., Elmer Care Coordination

2022 INSPIRA AUXILARY NURSING SCHOLARSHIP, $2,000:

Lynne Giglio, M.B.A., B.S.N., R.N., Inspira Clinical Research Office

Sarah Fallucca, R.N., Vineland Emergency Department

2022 INSPIRA MEDICAL STAFF NURSING SCHOLARSHIP, $2,000:

Hailey Roller, Patient Care Technician, Vineland Medical Acute Care

John Grzechowiak, B.S.N., R.N., Vineland Communication Liaison