Houston Methodist Nurse May/June 2014

HOUSTON METHODIST NURSE A Magazine for Nurses

Nurse Helps Change the

C-SECTION EXPERIENCE Page 10

Houston Methodist Celebrates

NURSES WEEK

Page 14-15

MAY/JUNE 2014

Liisa Ortegon, Chief Nursing Executive Vice President of Operations– Houston Methodist Hospital

Jane DeStefano, Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer– Houston Methodist San Jacinto Hospital

Janet Leatherwood, Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer– Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital

Sheila Fata, Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer– Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital

GREETINGS FROM YOUR CNOs A new season is upon us, both literally and figuratively. There have been numerous changes throughout Houston Methodist Hospital in the Nursing Department, including a change in leadership. Ann Scanlon McGinity is now the chief operating officer for Houston Methodist Global Health Care Services, and taking her place as the interim chief nursing executive is Liisa Ortegon.

Nancy Pittman, Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer– Houston Methodist St. John Hospital

Vicki Brownewell, Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer– Houston Methodist West Hospital

2014 EDITORIAL BOARD MEMBERS Rosario Alvarado Donna Esposito Sarah Fleming Shuntá Fletcher Elizabeth Gigliotti Beverly Hughes

Beverley LaMoth Robert Morehead Carlette Patterson Verna Simmons-Robinson Joy Shiller Robyn Washington

MAGAZINE EDITOR Kelli Gifford

Liisa, who also serves as a vice president for operations, joined Houston Methodist in

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

December 2011 after serving as the chief nursing officer at HCA. She will be serving

Phyllis Gillentine

the HMH nurses alongside Katherine Walsh and Michael Garcia, also vice presidents

PHOTOGRAPHER

for operations.

Phyllis Gillentine

So with these changes in place, we felt it was a good time to make changes to this publication, too. This magazine now will integrate each system hospital, and this space will be used for a systemwide message. It will be published bimonthly and has expanded to include Houston Methodist St. John Hospital. We are excited to have a magazine for all Houston Methodist nurses and to tell more of their stories.

As nurses, we are integral to Houston Methodist’s Vision for the Second Century as recently outlined by Dr. Marc L. Boom as we set a new standard through unparalleled safety, quality, service and innovation. Since our last issue, we have celebrated Nurses Week to honor and recognize the contributions of our nursing staff as well as the strong commitment they exhibit toward our organization, our community, and our patients and families. A special thanks goes out to everyone who participated in the numerous events at each of our entities. Additionally, we would like to congratulate all of our 2014 Nurses Week Award winners for being shining examples of nursing excellence.

Do you have a

STORY

that you would like to post in the

HOUSTON METHODIST NURSE MAGAZINE? Please submit your articles or ideas to Kelli Gifford at kagifford@houstonmethodist.org

Thank you for taking this journey with us, and we look forward to the great adventures ahead!

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youtube.com/user/ methodisthospitalhou

2015 MAGNET On Your Mind Redesignation Campaign

LIGHTS! CAMERA! ACTION! Led by our Houston Methodist Hospital Magnet champions, the Magnet Redesignation Planning Committee hosted an Interprofessional Fair on June 12 for the 2015 Magnet Redesignation Campaign. The fair featured several poster presentations, informational tables, educational games, door prizes awarded every half-hour and refreshments. The housewide shared governance councils also were on hand to increase awareness, answer questions and get more staff members involved.

As the time for redesignation looms, all Houston Methodist staff members are asked do their part to support hospitalwide initiatives — that will continue to advance the Houston Methodist Hospital’s Magnet culture. Be on the lookout for the unit poster contest and essay contest that will be announced in the coming months. To find out more information regarding our Magnet Journey, please visit the Houston Methodist intranet nursing page. — Robyn Washington, RN

LEADERS IN NURSING 3

HOUSTON METHODIST SAN JACINTO NEWS

Hospital Happenings DNV ACCREDITATION Houston Methodist San Jacinto Hospital is now accredited by DNV and ISO 9001 certified. By earning accreditation, the hospital has demonstrated it meets or exceeds patient safety standards set forth by the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. DNV’s accreditation program is the only one to integrate the ISO 9001:2008 Quality Management System with the Medicare Conditions of Participation.

PATHWAY TO EXCELLENCE The hospital was recently redesignated as a Pathway to Excellence by the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

The Pathway to Excellence® Program recognizes health care and long term care organizations for positive practice environments where nurses excel.

NURSES WEEK Houston Methodist San Jacinto Hospital celebrated Hospital and Nurses Week May 6-15. Mayor Stephen H. DonCarlos presented a Nurse’s Week and Hospital Week proclamation on May 12. The vital role that the hospital and nurses play in improving community health was the centerpiece of this year’s celebration. Houston Methodist San Jacinto Hospital was proud to recognize the women and men who have dedicated their lives to the hospital.

Mayor Stephen H. DonCarlos presented the Nurses Week and Hospital Week proclamation on May 12 to kick off National Hospital Week.

IMPROVING QUALITY The hospital has received the Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke Gold-Plus Quality Achievement Award for implementing specific quality improvement measures outlined by the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association for the treatment of stroke patients. Houston Methodist San Jacinto also received the Get With The Guidelines- Resuscitation Silver.

Houston Methodist San Jacinto Hospital CNO Janie DeStefano and Stroke committee, managers and staff receive the Get With The Guidelines awards from the American Heart Association.

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HOUSTON METHODIST SUGAR LAND NEWS

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

By Janet Leatherwood, CNO

a way to balance both needs without neglecting to care for our own daily physical, mental and spiritual needs. Like most working parents, from the moment we awaken, there is a daily struggle involved with many things clamoring for our attention. Whether at work or at home, there will always be a question to be answered, a phone call to make, someone we need to see, an appointment to make or cancel, emails to respond to, and a host of other duties that bring new meaning to the word “multi-task.” We can find each day presents a never-ending list of things to be done that never seems to end, and yet we seem to find a Nichelle Everett, Engie Attia, Nursing Champion Winner, Becky Chalupa, ACNO

way to meet all or most of these needs, sometimes to the detriment of our own. Before we know it, the day is over and we have met the needs

In May we celebrate the wonderful work of American nurses with

of those around us, but have failed to reduce our own stress or meet

Nurses Week at hospitals across the country. It is also the month we

our own physical needs, or refresh our own spirit.

honor mothers for their contributions to their family. Interestingly, being a parent and a nurse typically involves the same thing: caring for others who have physical, emotional or spiritual needs at different stages in their life. At Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, we see our nurses providing compassionate care to our patients and families on a daily basis, and are at the very heart of why we exist as a hospital in Fort Bend County.

At our 10th Annual Nurses Gala early in May at the Hilton AmericasHouston, this same theme was reflected in a video that included interviews from throughout the system. The nurses candidly explained

It is imperative to do whatever we can to renew our own resources and eliminate that occasional empty feeling at the end of our day. For me the answer for balance lies in reading and praying early in the morning, and then exercising in the evening. Addressing one’s own needs also helps to counterbalance the daily demands of everyone else.

We value the important work of our nurses and want them to care for their own needs in the same excellent manner they treat their beloved patients. So don’t forget to factor in your own needs when you attend to those of the ones you care for around you.

why they chose nursing and how that choice impacts their daily lives.

Words spoken by our nurses echoed the same theme, reflecting on being with others in their time of need and how they gained wisdom of life experiences from their patients. At the end of the video Ann Scanlon McGinity summed it up best when she remarked on the impact of the work of nurses by stating, “At the end of the nurse’s career, they will never ever ask the question, ‘I wonder if I made a difference in this life?’”

So, how do we continue to provide excellent care and find that balance that each of us needs to succeed in achieving our professional goals as well as our personal goals? Perhaps our focus should be on finding

Front, L-R: Deion Cross, Tiffany Bell, Doreen Singh, Terry Gonzales, Emilyn Rodriguez, Suresh Thampi; Back, L-R: Charles Strahan, Sally Shen

LEADERS IN NURSING 5

HOUSTON METHODIST WILLOWBROOK NEWS

Extraordinary Nurses, Extraordinary Week!

By Sheila Fata, CNO

Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital celebrated Nurses Week in style! The national theme of Nurses Week 2014 was “Nurses: Leading the Way,” which could not have been more fitting for our local celebration. As the first Nurses Week since becoming Magnet®-designated, it was an important week to celebrate our success and leadership in the field, to honor our great profession, and to seriously consider the challenges and opportunities of nursing in the future.

HOT OFF THE PRESS: The first formal publication of the Houston

Professional development opportunities focused on the role and importance of clinical leadership with staff members invited to attend the ANA webinar “Transforming Health Care through Nursing Leadership.” Our hospital hosted the “Texas Team” Gulf Coast Regional Leadership Team as they presented “Clinical Leaders – Leading the Way,” and our staff learned about higher education opportunities during an education fair with our nursing school partners.

Methodist

I especially enjoyed the “Walk a Mile” event, where each of our executive leaders shadowed a nurse on our night shift. I spent my evening with our labor and delivery team — a special “shout out” and thanks to Sandra Farias who showed me the ropes, charge nurse Natalie and the entire team, you all are terrific! Beryl Ramsey, CEO, worked with Shipa Katatia on Med-Surg 5W, and Keith Barber, CFO, worked with Darrel Clark in the Emergency Department, and they both had great learning experiences!

was distributed

Celebratory events included spa facials, lots of food and ice cream, as well as a retro-nurse uniform competition and nursing cap decorating. Much to our surprise, seeing our staff in white had a positive impact on our patients, who shared that they found the white uniforms comforting. This input led our Nursing Congress to request that white uniforms return to our official dress code, so now white and royal blue are our RN uniform colors!

With another Nurses Week behind us, I challenge you to think about how your own work can positively impact the nursing profession and those around you. May we all aspire to leave this noble profession stronger than when we entered it!

Willowbrook Hospital Annual Nursing Report to nurses attending the breakfast and luncheon during Nurses Week. The 36-page booklet highlights accomplishments of our nursing organization and outlines key outcomes and initiatives in the areas of Quality, Service, People, and Innovation. I am so proud to share the extraordinary work of our nursing team through this publication.

This annual report is a reflection of your innovation, enthusiasm, dedication and contributions. I am also delighted that all of the photographs in the report feature actual members of our nursing team, capturing the heart of Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital nursing in action.

We are making this document available to all of you electronically.

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HOUSTON METHODIST WEST NEWS

THE JOURNEY TO: Baby-Friendly Designation

By Sarah Fleming

HOUSTON METHODIST WEST’S BIRTHING CENTER is working diligently to honor and celebrate May’s women’s health and innovation in nursing through the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative. The initiative was launched by the World Health Organization to recognize hospitals that provide optimum level of care within their Labor and Delivery units. The program specifically supports breastfeeding for all new mothers and their newborns.

The Birthing Center is working toward Baby-Friendly Hospital recognition and designation. The road to designation entails many steps and adherence to several different guidelines. The institution must follow the guidelines, originating from the World Health Organization, listed below: • Breastfeeding Policy in house • Specific training for staff related to breastfeeding and parent teaching • Breastfeeding education to all new mothers about benefits • Initiate breastfeeding within one hour of birth • Educate mothers on breastfeeding techniques as well as lactation maintenance such as express, handling, and storage of breast milk

• Give infants no other food or drink other than breast milk unless clinically indicated • Practice rooming in, allowing mother and baby to remain together for 24 hours a day • Encourage breastfeeding on demand • No pacifiers or artificial nipples • Educate mothers on breastfeeding support groups and refer on discharge

As of now, Houston Methodist West has set off on their journey and is making great strides toward designation. First, with the support of clinical staff and physicians, the Birthing Center changed its model of care from a traditional nursery nurse for the newborn and postpartum nurse for the mother to couplet care, or one nurse for mom and baby. Next, the unit implemented and encouraged skin-to-skin for the first hour after birth to create a stronger bond between mom and baby. This was a large deviation from current nursing process but the staff nurses were excited to get involved and modify their work flow in order to achieve skin-to-skin. The next step on the journey to Baby Friendly Designation was transitioning mom and baby at the bedside. One Baby-Friendly goal is to have every appropriate newborn stay with mom at all times during their hospital stay. The Birthing Center even implemented this into their work flow with C-Section moms and babies. The newborn now accompanies mom to recovery if appropriate.

In order for all of these steps to be implemented and sustained, all nursing staff completed 20 hours of online training and a four-hour shadow of the lactation nurse in order to understand all facets of the new couplet care. Education classes hosted by lactation nurse are offered to new parents to educate about the importance of breastfeeding. Parents are educated and supported throughout their stay in the hospital beginning with an introduction to Baby Friendly initiatives prior to delivery with continued education after.

The Birthing Center’s new initiatives to provide new, evidence-based patient care will positively impact outcomes in newborns and their mothers.

HOUSTON METHODIST WEST’S NURSE’S WEEK CELEBRATION

By Sarah Fleming; Pictures provided by Coley Tatyrek

Foot massages, scrub shopping, Chick-fil-A breakfast, daily raffles, blessing of the hands and a fajita lunch are a few of the events Houston Methodist West held for Nurses Week. Each day and night was filled with a nurse-themed activity, such as a nurse’s cap decorating contest or an appreciation meal. Nurses Week could not have come at a better time this year as we celebrated the addition of more than 50 nurses from CHRISTUS St. Catherine to our Houston Methodist team.

We are proud of the great nurses at Houston Methodist West and thank them for all their hard work and dedication. Keep up the great work!

LEADERS IN NURSING 7

HOUSTON METHODIST ST. JOHN NEWS commitment to staff development and the capacity to select the right people for the right positions are among the most important drivers of success during this transition. This required sending all 700-plus of our employees through New Employee Orientation within the first 30 days and the Houston Methodist Experience within the first 90 —without exception — even for ice storms. As our census grows daily (by more than 25 percent since Feb. 1), our recruiters are keenly focused on filling our many open positions with the right staff for the job.

HOUSTON METHODIST ST. JOHN HOSPITAL is proud to be one of the newest members of the Houston Methodist family.

When we first received news of the partnership of more than nine months ago, it was greeted with tremendous respect for a Houston health care leader, a sense of peace to be joining another faith-based health care system whose values so closely aligned ours, a little concern for the unknown and great optimism for the future. Our team immediately began preparing for Feb. 1, 2014 — our first official day as Houston Methodist St. John Hospital. As we discharged our entire patient population at 11:59 p.m. that night, and then readmitted each one at 12:01a.m., I looked forward to the next 90 days that would be so crucial to establishing our success.

In his book, The First 90 Days: Critical Success Strategies for New Leaders at All Levels, Michael Watkins outlines several keys to making the leap from old to new. In our first issue of Houston Methodist Nurse Magazine, I thought to share our first 90 days, and for those of you we haven’t met, begin to introduce you to your St. John family.

Achieve alignment. Dr. Marc L. Boom recently outlined his strategy for Houston Methodist’s future and St. John has been bringing its structure into alignment and developing the systems and skill bases necessary to realize his strategic intent. We’ve started on the Pathway to Excellence to be achieved by Sept 2015 and we’ve implemented a nursing clinical ladder and shared governance across all nursing units. While all the systems aren’t entirely in place, we still use Meditech rather than MethOD and aren’t yet equipped with the Methodist desktop, our teams are still making great strides to achieve system goals.

Secure and celebrate early wins. Since Feb. 1, St. John has achieved and celebrated some key milestones: ACS Cycle IV Chest Pain Accreditation and our first DAISY Award winner.

We were extremely grateful to take part in the 10th anniversary Nursing Gala. The event served almost as a capstone for our first quarter as Houston Methodist — recognizing the tremendous efforts of the team thus far and translating into an organizational energy for the next 90 days and beyond.

There are many more keys that have made our first 90 days as Houston Methodist a success. Perhaps one of the most important is Watkins’ charge to create coalitions, and for that we thank all of you who have welcomed us to the Houston Methodist family. Our daily interactions with you, your support and encouragement have made this transition a success and we look forward to achieving our system goals together.

Make a mental break from the old and don’t assume that what has made you successful so far will continue to do so. As CHRISTUS St. John Hospital, we took a lot of pride in our accomplishments: earning quality excellence as a Joint Commission Top Performer™; establishing an outpatient service strategy that exceeds volumes seen in larger hospitals; and achieving financial stewardship through balanced budgeting and year-over-year profitability. Now, as Houston Methodist St. John Hospital, we’re preparing for our first DNV visit in October, which will replace the Joint Commission. We’re gleaning best practices from our outpatient services and other Houston Methodist facilities to focus on inpatient patient satisfaction scores. We’re creating a cultural shift, and the phrase “in the past, we did it this way” has been stricken from our vocabulary.

Build your team. St. John came to Houston Methodist with a winning team, but if we are going to move from good to great (to borrow from another best-selling author Jim Collins), our

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Houston Methodist St. John Hospital staff celebrate at the Nurses Gala.

The Joy of Motherhood

By Rosario Alvarado, MSN, RN, CCRN

Pregnancy has a profound impact in a woman’s life and the lives of those around her. This marks the beginning of the journey toward motherhood. The psychological adaptation is less visible than the physical adaptation but just as profound in the development of her identity and a crucial step during the childbearing years.

Successful adaptation and motherhood is influenced by several factors including maternal age, sexual orientation, number of pregnancies and single parenting. For example, pregnancy presents a challenge to the adolescents who are trying to cope with their own growth and development tasks in addition to the pregnancy.

Reva Rubin, a maternity research nurse, believes women go through “Maternal Phases,” which occur during the first weeks after delivery during the postpartum period, and it includes three phases: taking in; taking hold, and letting go.

In the “Taking-In Phase,” the mother focuses on her own needs, sleeping and eating. She is passive and dependent due to the intense physical effort of labor and delivery. Usually she does not initiate physical contact with her infant, not due to lack of interest but as a result of her own immediate dependency. She is taking in information that helps her identify her infant, like touching her baby with her fingertips, and facing her infant to explore his/her face. The nurse can assist and support the mother by coordinating activities to allow

her to rest and sleep, and incorporate the father and family in a supportive role. This phase lasts for a day or two.

In the “Taking-Hold Phase,” the mother becomes more independent and is concerned with controlling her bodily functions (bowel, bladder and breastfeeding). She worries about the quantity and quality of her milk and her ability to care for her newborn. A mother in this stage may be very anxious, especially if she is a first-time mother. Nurses should assist and support the mother by reinforcing

positive actions, providing instructions and demonstrations about infant care (do not impose yourself). This phase lasts about 10 days.

The “Letting-Go Phase” occurs after the mother is discharged home. During this phase the mother needs to realize and accept the physical separation from her baby and also let go of her role of a childless person.

During this phase, the mother is at risk for experiencing postpartum “blues,” a form of depression that is usually temporary.

To be able to implement a successful breastfeeding and lactation program, it is essential for nurses to provide gentle, compassionate care to mothers and to understand and consider these maternal phases when caring for the mothers and infants. Hospitals and especially perinatal nurses have the opportunity to impact the health of women and children by promoting breastfeeding.

Houston Methodist Hospital is a designated Texas Ten Step Hospital and Mother-Friendly Worksite by the Texas Department of Health & Human Services. The Houston Methodist Center for Women’s Health promotes and supports breastfeeding not just for women delivering at HMH, but for all breastfeeding employees. An example of this effort can be seen through some of our own nurses from Dunn 6W who delivered recently and have returned to work and still continue to breastfeed their infants.

Congratulations to: Krystie Haden; Yamileth Gladney; Crystal Plumley; Denisse Gonzalez; Trang Nguyen; and Olubunmi Cordero.

References

Chapman, L.; Durham, R. (2010). Maternal Newborn Nursing The Critical Components of Nursing Care. Variables that Influence Maternal Adaptation. Chapter 5: 70-71 Mothers’ Milk Bank at Austin. (2013). Donor Milk for Your Baby – Information for Parents. Retrieved from: www.mmbaustin.org Parenting in the Loop (2011). Tag Archives: Reva Rubin. A Shift in Strategy to Get More Mothers to Breast Feed. Retrieved March 4, 2014 from: http://parentingintheloop.com/tag/reva-rubin/ “Breastfeeding and the Use of Human Milk.” Pediatrics 2012;129 (3): e827-e841 (doi: 10.1542/peds.2011-3552 The American Academy of Pediatrics.

Texas Department of Health & Human Services.

United States Department of Health & Human Services. Healthy People 2020: Breastfeeding Objectives - United States Breastfeeding Committee

LEADERS IN NURSING 9

Bonnie Bibeau and Julia

ENHANCING THE MOTHER’S EXPERIENCE Labor and delivery nurse vital in bringing family-centered C-sections to Houston Methodist Hospital

By Kelli Gifford, Magazine Editor

“People wait their whole lives for this day. What could possibly stand in the way of giving that to her?”

That question was a driving force for Kristin Thorp, RN III in Labor and Delivery, to help implement the family-centered C-section ­— or skin-to-skin — at Houston Methodist Hospital.

This procedure aims to mimic a vaginal birth as closely as possible by allowing mothers and newborns to have immediate contact instead of the baby being taken to a warmer while surgery is finished on the mother.

Last year Thorp partnered with a then-Houston Methodist obstetrician/gynecologist to get the ball rolling. They sent a video to physicians and staff that showed everything about skin-to-skin from start to finish.

“The initial reaction was, ‘We could never do that’; it was too out of the ordinary,” said Thorp. “I think people in general look at things and if there are a lot of obstacles they think it’s just not possible.”

Kristin Thorp, RN III

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The physician Thorp partnered with was approached with presenting the idea at Grand Rounds. She had done the research and wanted Thorp to bring the logistical side. Thorp was quickly on board.

“I had a vaginal delivery but I had friends who were about to have C-sections and I think how unfair it was to them that they didn’t get to have that experience.

“I thought, ‘Why can’t we do that?’ If the baby is healthy and everything else is fine, they can have that experience.”

The duo took the approach of thinking of all the negatives or obstacles and making solutions, and that was how it was rolled out to the physicians at Grand Rounds.

Because the physicians are the ones who are selling the idea in the prenatal visits and are driving it, they have to be willing to do it, said Thorp.

there is less of a chance of postpartum depression, there is higher patient satisfaction and there is not a feeling of disconnect.”

FINALLY HAVING THAT SPECIAL MOMENT

Of course, they stress that this procedure would not be performed on mothers with health conditions or those needing emergency procedures. But if both mother and child a re healthy, the team uses what they call the “golden minute” to get the baby on its mother’s chest.

Bonnie Bibeau’s first daughter, Caitlyn, was a high-risk pregnancy, and at 27 weeks, Bibeau had an emergency C-section. Caitlyn was whisked away before Bibeau got a chance to see her. A few minutes in recovery and Bibeau was transported to the NICU to spend Caitlyn’s final hours with her in her arms. “That thoughtfulness and those moments first showed me the power in healing when a mother gets to be with her child — no matter the cost,” Bibeau said.

During that minute, the team does a quick head-to-toe assessment. They also have a code word so if there is a condition change of either the baby or the mother they will take the dad and baby and go.

“The experience was what I always wanted.

I could not have a natural birth, but I had a natural experience. That alone is the best gift the nurses and doctors could have given me.”

Dr. Barbara Held, an obstetrician/gynecologist at Houston Methodist Hospital, said “It tremendously improved my patient’s experience and mine.”

This meant a lot of preplanning and meetings with the parties involved: neonatology, anesthesia, the nursery nurses and physicians.

Bonnie Bibeau, a patient of Dr. Held, was the first at Houston Methodist Hospital to have the family-centered C-section. This was Bibeau’s fourth C-section, and she called it “magical.”

The team went to the OR and mocked the procedure, Thorp said. “We had all our answers. … We went through each discipline and discussed some obstacles, but I said we were just going to have to sell it and say, ‘This is how it’s going to be.”

“My whole outlook was positive and I had no regrets,” Bibeau said. “The experience was what I always wanted. I could not have a natural birth, but I had a natural experience.

That alone is the best gift the nurses and doctors could have given me.”

Studies show numerous benefits for both the baby and the mother. The mother is more distracted, which also impacts the perception of pain. The temperatures of the babies are perfect, and some have even latched on right there on the table. But the biggest benefit is the immediate bonding.

Thorp said that one of the things she and the physician she worked with kept coming back to was “this is a natural process.”

“We keep them together until they go to recovery,” said Thorp. “We don’t take the baby away from the mother at all. Psychologically

“This is a birth experience and it’s all about the experience for the patient. … This is where the mindset needs to change from all these obstacles to, ‘Why wouldn’t we do it?’”

Breastfeeding and Childbirth Education at HMH: The United States Department of Health & Human Services Healthy People 2020 establishes breastfeeding as a national public health priority. We invite all breastfeeding mothers at HMH to visit our Employee Lactation Accommodation Rooms located in Women’s Services, Main 6NW, and the Employee Health Clinic, Smith Tower, for your lactation needs. Breastfeeding and Childbirth education is essential for successful breastfeeding. Prenatal Education increases the numbers of mothers who choose to breastfeed and the rate of mothers who exclusively breastfeed. HMH employees are encouraged to participate in our Childbirth Education classes at no charge.

To register for classes call: 713.790.3333 To speak to a Certified Lactation Consultant call: 713.441.1683 For immediate questions call: 713.441.2062

She had C-sections with her second two daughters, Kyla and Audrey, as well.

“As I lay on the operating table waiting and hearing (Kyla’s) first cry, everything inside me wanted to leap off that table and grab her in my arms and see each and every beautiful part of her. But still I waited…waited for her to be delivered, cut from me, weighed, cleaned, wrapped. And then finally I got to soak her up,” Bibeau said. “I was surprised at how little time I had with her and wanted those moments to bond with my child; moments that would never return.”

With her next delivery, it wasn’t until a few hours after surgery that she was able to see her daughter. “I yearned for those moments to get to know her. … It’s a natural and beautiful part of birth.”

Then came the birth of her last daughter, Julia. And the experience was completely different.

“With this being our last child, I wanted to have that special moment just after birth — to feel her soft skin, to hear her tiny breaths, to feel her little heart beating against mine.

I came to Dr. Barbara Held … and she supported my wishes. She explained that this conversation was being discussed with her colleagues at the hospital and went to them with my case. She later said that if all goes well, and I was willing, that I could be the trial case for a skin-to-skin or familycentered C-section.

“For the first time in all of my pregnancies, I was able to see my daughter born from me. It was beautiful. There is a connection that science can’t explain that happens in the moment a mother first sees her child. That connection is driven straight to her heart when she first holds her baby in her arms.”

LEADERS IN NURSING 11

“Someone Who Cares:

The Science and Art of Nursing”–

Jim Mattson, Editor, Sigma Theta Tau International

a Video in the Making

A Narrative by Joy Shiller, RN, BSN, MS, CAPA, Main 3 OR Pre-op Many of you have seen the “Someone Who Cares” video either at the Nurses Gala or from the link sent to your email. This video was a culmination of planning, a tremendous amount of time, working through glitches, and utilizing multiple resources. This is just a little background on how this work of art evolved.

Once our questions were answered and agreements were made between Houston Methodist and Sigma Theta Tau International, the video project was underway. Requests were sent to all nursing managers to recruit nurses who would represent Houston Methodist and the community hospitals.

For the past several years I have been writing articles for Reflections on The day selected for nurses to be filmed in their work environment Nursing Leadership (RNL), an online magazine published by the Honor was full of excitement. It coincided with the DNV visit. Our nurses in Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI). During this the Main OR, Preop and PACU were anxiously waiting and ready to time I have shared numerous emails with its editor, Jim Mattson. Jim be filmed. But when the crew arrived with a large camera, one of our was well aware of my pride in working at Houston Methodist Hospital urologists asked, “Are those the DNVs?” and how our nurses are encouraged After filming was completed and to be progressive and creative. Back the footage edited, it was approved Alison Mitchell, RN, MS, ACNP, spoke of the in December, he asked if I would and ready to be showcased at our “pearls” we receive in nursing. I sincerely believe consider having our hospital be Nurses Gala.

“Someone Who Cares: The Science and Art of involved in a project that would be posted on RNL’s website during Nursing” is indeed one of those pearls.

Alison Mitchell, RN, MS, ACNP, Nurses Week. His idea was to create spoke of the “pearls” we receive in a take-off on the typical “man on nursing. I sincerely believe “Someone the street” interview format but changing it to “nurse on the unit.”

Who Cares: The Science and Art of Nursing” is indeed one of those The video received full support from the executives and nursing department. Through recommendations we chose to utilize “A Mind’s Eye,” a professional cinematographer service owned by Sandy Dial and her husband, Steve. There were logistics to consider and questions to be answered such as: How many nurses? What is the desired length of the video? Can Houston Methodist create the graphics and include our logo and photos of the hospital? Can we post the video on our website and have full rights to it? Can we include our community hospitals?

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pearls. It is now posted on Sigma Theta Tau International’s website for the whole world to see who we are and the wonderful things we do at Houston Methodist. It truly reflects the pride our nurses share and how blessed we are — not only for being a nurse but for where we care for our patients.

To view the video, visit reflectionsonnursingleadership.org.

CREATING A MEANINGFUL AND EFFECTIVE EBP PROJECT

By Betty Gonzales DNP, RN, ACNP-BC, CCRN

I

Imagine a skin assessment scale named after you. Or, envision yourself receiving an award from a national agency for developing a new protocol that is now a national standard of care. Or, maybe you have instituted a practice in your facility that has decreased the risk of infection in patients. All of these have been done by nurses who looked at their work differently and changed the way nurses conduct their practice. What did these people have in common? They wanted to make a difference in the way they cared for their patients.

Clinical staff nurses often think that evidence-based practice (EBP) initiatives or research projects are only performed by doctoral or master’s prepared nurses, but it is the frontline nurses who often recognize what is truly needed by the patients. It is these nurses who see what works and what does not work. Sometimes it is the clinical nurse who can see the solution to problems that those more removed from patient care just don’t see.

Each day nurses perform a variety of duties ranging from mundane to life-saving. The Texas Nursing Practice Act tells us that professional nursing includes the evaluation of nursing practices, policies and procedures. Perhaps we should start there when deciding on a meaningful EBP project. Specific questions you might ask about include: • Is it related to regulatory mandates?

• Will it have high clinical benefit?

• Is it related to important clinical outcomes? • Will it save hospital resources?

• Is it important to the institution?

Projects with high clinical benefit National vital statistics tell us that diseases of the heart, malignant neoplasms, chronic lower respiratory illnesses, accidents and cerebrovascular diseases are the top five causes of mortality in the United States (National Vital Statistics, 2013). Nurses could apply evidencebased practice projects that address medication compliance with beta blockers, sleep habits in those with cancer, or smoking cessation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients. Any of these projects affect many patients with the chance of yielding a high clinical benefit.

Projects related to important clinical outcomes All hospitals must maintain and report clinical outcomes, which influence hospital reimbursement. These outcomes are transparent to the public and are highly scrutinized by regulatory agencies. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid now offers a provision to reward participating health care organizations for savings realized from improving the quality of care, thus reducing the cost of health care to Medicare patients. Any project you choose that will improve quality (i.e., reduce infections, prevent 30-day readmissions, reduce length of stay) will be important to clinical outcomes, thus potentially affecting the reimbursement the hospital receives.

Projects important to the institution Each hospital develops a strategic plan based on its vision, mission and values. Knowing these statements should help guide you in a project topic.

Houston Methodist maintains a philosophy that is grounded in I CARE values and providing excellent care in a spiritually caring environment.

Any project you choose that encompasses this philosophy would be important to the institution. Projects related to end-of-life care, palliative care or living with disability are just a few examples that have much research that is not consistently implemented at the bedside. Each of these topics embraces the philosophy of Houston Methodist.

Projects related to regulatory agencies Agencies such as the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS), Agency for Healthcare Quality and Research (AHRQ), Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are just a few of the regulatory agencies that encourage EBP. Evidence-Based Practice Centers (EPC) Program, a segment of AHRQ, is a system that reviews scientific literature on clinical topics to produce evidence reports and assessments, which are then used to develop quality measures and guidelines. Reviewing this agency’s website may trigger an idea for a meaningful project. A project reflective of the work these agencies support would be an important project to your institution.

Saving hospital resources

Hospitals have limited resources. Recent attention to health care reform has highlighted that health care resources should be utilized effectively and efficiently. Hospital resources not only include money, but supplies, personnel, pharmaceuticals and equipment. Identifying inefficiencies could lead to improved processes, thus providing cost savings to the institution.

Searching for a meaningful evidence-based practice project can seem like a daunting task, but clinical nurses working at the bedside have a plethora of ideas before their eyes. It is through their eyes that institutions can effect change for the better. No project is too small if it can make a patient’s life better, a nurse’s job more efficient, reduce the potential for infection/harm, or improve outcomes. Our challenge, as clinical nurses at the bedside, is to provide the best outcome for our patients. Let’s look at what we do with a discerning eye, and ask ourselves, “Is there a better way?”

LEADERS IN NURSING 13

10

th

Annual Celebration

Nurses Week Events

at Houston Methodist Hospital

Every May we celebrate our outstanding nursing staff during Nurses Week. This year at Houston Methodist Hospital we included our nurses and executives in fun new activities, such as the Nurses Week Fashion Show and Jail & Bail. Unlike in previous years, the Nurses Gala took place the Friday before Nurses Week, kicking off the celebrations. We commenced this year’s festivities with an afternoon reception where staff members participated in a poster competition and in the annual “blessing of the hands” ceremony. Beverly Hughes took first place in the competition with her poster titled, “Objective Appraisal of Intensity of Patient Care.” Our nurses also took a moment to recite the Nightingale Pledge — reminding us all of our promise and commitment to the nursing profession.

Other highlights during the week included the first Nurses Week Fashion Show, where nursing units decorated patient gowns and walked the runway; a Gift Basket Silent Auction, which raised nearly $1,500 for the Nursing Development Fund; a scavenger hunt; and the Jail & Bail Fundraiser, where directors and executives were “jailed” and had to raise bail money to get out. More than $4,300 was raised, and the family member of a patient who saw the event donated $100! Everyone had a great time!

To all of our nurses, thank you for all you do!

Kick-off, Blessing of the Hands & Silent Auction

Fashion Show

Jail & Bail Fundraiser

14 HOUSTON METHODIST NURSE

2014 NURSES GALA

Houston Methodist Hospital

Ann Scanlon McGinity Distinguished Nurse Leader Award

Houston Methodist San Jacinto Hospital

2014 NURSING AWARD WINNERS Houston Methodist Hospital

Houston Methodist West Hospital

Outstanding Graduate Nurse.........Kendall Linz, RN Outstanding Preceptor....................Beverley Lamoth, RN Outstanding Nurse Clinician.........Rosario Macapagal, RN Nursing Innovation.........................Shawntay Fernandez, RN Nursing Leadership.........................Alicia Hernandez, Nursing Director Nursing Champion..........................Dr. Richard Stasney, Physician

Houston Methodist San Jacinto Hospital

Outstanding Graduate Nurse.........Krystal Mallet, RN Outstanding Preceptor....................Dawn Sims, RN Outstanding Nurse Clinician.........Van Mariano, RN Nursing Innovation.........................Kay Noster, RN Nursing Leadership.........................Marilyn Bird, RN, Manager Nursing Champion..........................Kimberly Mitchell, Unit Coordinator

Houston Methodist West Hospital Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital

Outstanding Graduate Nurse.........Michael Scott, RN Outstanding Preceptor....................Jamila Vincent, RN Outstanding Nurse Clinician.........Alan Hopper, RN Nursing Innovation.........................Joseliza Tan, RN Nursing Leadership.........................Alma Villanueva, RN, Director,

Case Manager and Social Work Nursing Champion..........................Wayne Voss, CEO

Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital

Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital

Outstanding Graduate Nurse.........Andrea M. Roland, RN Outstanding Preceptor....................Gertrudes P. Swanson, RN, Outstanding Nurse Clinician.........Yamuna Alex, RN Nursing Innovation.........................Rose A. Joseph, RN Nursing Leadership.........................Patricia S. Lewis, RN, Director, Education/ICU Nursing Champion..........................Engie M. Attia, Pharmacist

Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital

Outstanding Graduate Nurse.........Zachary Armitage, BSN, RN Outstanding Preceptor....................Heather Bowen, BSN, RN Outstanding Nurse Clinician.........Nathan Way, BSN, RN Nursing Innovation.........................Cristina Dimafiles, BSN, RN Nursing Leadership.........................Holly Avery, BSN, RN, Charge Nursing Champion..........................Compton Cuffy, Security

Houston Methodist St. John Hospital

Outstanding Nurse Clinician.........Carolyn Angel, RN Nursing Champion..........................Tamara Coy-Tremant, RN Houston Methodist St. John Hospital

Houston Methodist St. Catherine Hospital

Houston Methodist St. Catherine Hospital

Nursing Innovation.........................Richard Hart, RN LEADERS IN NURSING 15

Salute to Nurses

HOUSTON CHRONICLE

Each May, in celebration of the nursing profession, the Houston Chronicle recognizes outstanding nurses in the Greater Houston area with its annual Salute to Nurses Awards. This year Houston Methodist had a record number of nominations and had 13 place in the top 100 with Joseliza Tan, RN, BSN, CCRN, CSC, CMC, PCCN, from Houston Methodist West placing in the top 10!

“This honor ultimately holds me all the more accountable to work harder and to try to keep moving forward.”–Joseliza Tan

With 26 years in nursing including eight years at Houston Methodist Hospital Tan takes extreme pride in working for Houston Methodist.

“For me, a Houston Methodist nurse holds herself at a higher standard,” said Tan. “It is neither because of arrogance nor selfimportance, but rather a high degree of compulsion to do what it right. We as Houston Methodist nurses are driven by an innate passion for excellence.”

Tan said the Salute to Nurses Award has validated her years of studying and practicing her skills.

“To have won was a validation that I made the right decisions in my life,” she said. “This honor ultimately holds me all the more accountable to work harder and to try to keep moving forward.”

The Houston Chronicle also named the Top 100 Outstanding Nurses in Houston. Methodist Hospital nurses recognized in this category included:

Debra Amos (HMH)

Joseliza Tan (West)

Jane Herzog (Willowbrook)

Sally Shen (Sugar Land)

Christie Aguirre (HMH)

Rosalie Ramirez (West)

Nathan Way (Willowbrook)

Lisa Lingo (San Jacinto)

Carol Cromer (HMH)

Cristina Dimafiles (Willowbrook)

Linh Nguyen (Sugar Land)

Julie Reyes (HMH)

Liberty Ramas (Sugar Land)

As 2014 honorees, each nurse appeared in a special “Salute to Nurses” section of The Houston Chronicle and was officially recognized at the 2014 Salute to Nurses Luncheon held in their honor. Houston Methodist is proud to have these outstanding nursing clinicians receive such special recognition within our local community.

THE DAISY AWARD

Ema Craioveanu-Stoenescu, RN II in Skilled Nursing, was named the DAISY Award winner for May 2014. From her nomination: “Ema demonstrates the true Houston Methodist I CARE values. She volunteers to assist her co-workers and helps to educate them.”

Congratulations, Ema!

16 HOUSTON METHODIST NURSE

FLEX NURSES: Addressing Staffing Needs and Standardizing Care Flexible schedules and an excellent team attract nursing professionals to become Houston Methodist Flex Team members. The Flex Team has been growing since it began in March 2002 and now is a resource pool made up of more than 170 nurses, PCAs, sitters, and unit secretaries, who are assigned to various units based on the staffing need for the shift.

The Flex Team now has new management with Susan Welford Kajs, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, director of operations, and Greg Eichelberger, MBA, manager.

“This is an exciting time for the Flex Team; we see this change as an opportunity to build on the great Flex Team already in place,” said Kajs. “We look forward to working closely with unit leadership to enhance Flex Team support for the nursing units and to facilitate closer working relationships between flex and unit staff.”

Through the use of our Flex Team, Houston Methodist has a consistent group of caregivers dedicated to filling needs in the hospital, allowing Houston Methodist to provide a consistent standard of care and exceptional service to our patients.

“We want other nurses to know that although Flex Team members are not based on their unit we value team work and camaraderie and are a part of their unit as much as they are,” said Flex Team member Jennifer Fagan.

The Flex Team initiated its own shared governance council in January 2014 in order for members to participate and be engaged in Houston Methodist’s goal to improve patient safety and quality of care.

INFECTION CONTROL SPOTLIGHT Emerging Viral Repiratory Illness

By Robert Morehead, RN, ICP Infection Prevention and Control Houston Methodist Hospital

WE WOULD LIKE TO ADDRESS AN EMERGING PUBLIC HEALTH ISSUE that is making headlines, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS).

This viral respiratory illness has now been discovered in two states, Indiana and Florida. Though not considered a public health emergency, MERS is concerning due to its 30 percent fatality rate. CDC provides

updated guidance on preventing transmission and outlines what hospitals and health care workers can do to screen patients and maintain a safe health care environment. Standard, contact and airborne precautions are recommended for management of hospitalized patients with known or suspected MERS-CoV infection. Please visit the CDC’s MERS website for more information at cdc.gov/coronavirus/mers/ infection-prevention-control.html.

In last month’s issue of Houston Methodist Nurse we featured an isolation quiz, and promised answers in the next issue. So, if you’ve saved your quiz, here are the answers!

1) A; 2) C; 3) D; 4) B; 5) A; 6) D; 7) C; 8) C; 9) D; 10) B or C Congratulations if you got most of the questions correct. If you missed more than two, or if you have questions about isolation, please refer to the isolation signs displayed at the entrances to patient rooms (shown only when the patient is in isolation). You may also contact the Infection Prevention Control Practitioner at your facility.

LEADERS IN NURSING 17

CAREER COACH’S CORNER

PURSUING HER DREAM

By ShuntÁ Fletcher, MSN, RN, NE-BC, CVRN-BC

Kimberly Barrow is in the process of completing a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program and credits the Career Coaching Program at Houston Methodist Hospital for helping her get there. She relocated from Florida a few years ago to work at HMH. While at HMH she knew she wanted to return to school to pursue an advanced practice certification. She said that had always been her goal but could not decide on what type and realized she needed insight, believing additional resources and information would provide her an advantage. Through the Center for Professional Excellence she received career coaching and began the process of creating a new path. She and her coach discussed each Kimberly Barrow, RN certification and made a “Not only does HMH encourage growth, they plan to allow her to shadow an NP at HMH and learn what they also provide the tools and dedicated staff do and if and determine what type of NP she would be most interested in or if she wanted to go a different route altogether.

–Kimberly Barrow to help along the way. ” After that experience, Kim had her mind made up to pursue becoming a FNP. She also said that the shadowing gave her firsthand knowledge to see the vast difference not only in the care delivered, but also the thought process of the nurse practitioner. She stated the experience definitely helped her to decide to pursue FNP track.

Kim is more than halfway through the program and said, “This path has given me a phenomenal sense of accomplishment.

“I am truly grateful to many people who have played a part in my success. Not only does HMH encourage growth, they also provide the tools and dedicated staff to help along the way.”

If you would like greater career success or need help in solidifying your vision for the future coaching appointments are flexible and are conducted by face-face interview or telephone. For more information please contact The Center for Professional Excellence at 713.441.4546 or via email at cpecareercoaching@houstonmethodist.org.

EMPLOYEE SAFETY: “IT TAKES ALL OF US” Houston Methodist Hospital hosted its first annual Employee Safety Fair on June 9-11 in the Crain Garden, coinciding with National Safety Awareness Month. The fair provided more than 800 employees with information on topics including back safety; needle safety; slips, trips and falls; and general safety.

18 HOUSTON METHODIST NURSE

Physical Therapists utilizing the Quostic Ultrasound Wound Therapy System.

RESEARCH IN ACTION

Q&A: Liliana Calderon, PT, CWS FACCWS

Wound Care Team at Houston Methodist Hospital Q

Who is the Houston Methodist Hospital Physical Therapy Wound Care Team?

Q

Why did you choose wound care as your career?

Q

What cases does the Physical Therapy Wound Care Department manage?

Q

What is Pulsed Lavage?

Q

What is the Quostic Ultrasound Wound Therapy System?

The team is comprised of seven therapists, three therapist assistants and technicians, provides services daily and year-round for inpatient treatments only. The Wound Care Ostomy Nurses work in conjunction with the therapy team, treating patients who do not require the usage of modalities for debridement.

As a foreign-trained physical therapist, wound care was not part of our curriculum, so when I was ready to do my accreditation, wound care was an area spent extra time studying on my own. I found it fascinating! It was a great way to add to our functional mobility care. Wounds are so private and personal. Having the opportunity to help people with wounds in the daily life really gives me a reason for my profession.

One of the most innovative procedures recently performed

by PT wound care at HMH is the biological debriders (maggot therapy) for treatment of fungating wounds in cancer patients. Patients who struggle with fungating wounds are usually confined to their homes due to the significant malodorous wounds. The use of these biological debriders for 48 hours has shown to be effective faster than other dressing modalities previously used. SerenaGroup™, a wound care management and research organization, has collaborated with Houston Methodist on this and several novel product evaluations.

This case study was presented by Liliana Calderon, PT, CWS, FACCWS, at the Symposium of Advanced Wound Care (SAWC – 2014).

Numerous types of wounds including: pressure ulcers, vascular wounds, neuropathic wounds, post-surgical wounds and lymphedema. The PT wound care team uses state-of-the-art modalities to treat these complex wounds. Some examples of these modalities are Pulse Lavage, Quostic Ultrasound Wound Therapy System and Negative Pressure Wound Therapy System.

A method of wound irrigation and debridement that uses a device to deliver pressure to the affected area while concurrently suctioning the unhealthy tissues.

An innovative low-frequency ultrasound debriding modality. This portable device has allowed the team to provide the most appropriate care for chronic wounds. Our team has utilized this device to initiate healing by gently removing bacteria and biofilm, and increasing wound bed circulation via the ultrasound waves. In addition, the use of ultrasound helps to protect granulation tissue that is present in the wound bed.

Q

What is Negative Pressure Wound Therapy System?

Wound VAC (vacuum assisted closure) is a device promoting wound healing using negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT). This device assists with approximating wound margins and promoting granulation tissue. It can be used on multiple wound types, including neuropathic pressure, vascular and post-op surgical wounds.

Q

What is your greatest success story?

I will never forget a patient whose case was very complicated. He had developed a pressure ulcer in the sacral area, his nutrition was compromised, as was his circulation, mobility and mental status. His wife, the main caregiver, was also a challenge. Initially she was hesitant to my treatment; she had been through so many dressings, ointments and people trying to fix this wound. But when we started debridement and showing changes in the wound, she became a great team player, assisting during the times we were not there and helping with nutrition and pressure support. The patient recovered nicely and the wound healed despite all the expectations for poor wound-healing.

Left to right from top: Zachary Ross, PTA; Laura Goehrs, PT; Jennie Ouellette, PTA; Mica Smith, PT; Almeda Hayward, Technician; Carrie Bridges, PT, CLT; Thuy Tran, PT; Chrisha Agrawal, PT, WCC; Liliana Calderon, PT, CWS, FACCWS

For additional information, please contact: Liliana Calderon PT, CWS, FACCWS or Cathy Currier-Buckinhmam, PT, MBA 6565 Fannin, M1-024 Houston, TX 77030 713.441.2675 / FAX: 713.441.0143

LEADERS IN NURSING 19

Nursing News

Houston Methodist is proud to have nurses who are dedicated to the nursing profession, driven to achieve growth in their professional development, and creative and always compassionate in their care for patients.

Accolades

The accolades page is an opportunity for the nursing staff to showcase a few of the many exciting tributes our nurses receive.

Please submit kudos to: kagifford@houstonmethodist.org.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

HOUSTON METHODIST HOSPITAL

Houston Methodist Hospital Department of Nursing’s 2013 Annual Report titled “Shaping the Future of Nursing Today” received the Bronze Excalibur Award from PRSA Houston.

Congratulations to Jada Hutton-McGinnis, RN, of the Flex Team, who recently received her MBA. Way to go, Jada!

Melissa Whipple, RN, research nurse, Academic Office of Clinical Trials (AOCT), will graduate with a bachelor’s of science degree in nursing.

Lenis Sosa, RN, clinical trials manager, AOCT, will graduate with an MSN executive leadership administration degree (master of science in nursing).

Jessica Chidoule passed her CCRN. Way to go, Jessica!

Congratulations to Dana Kalu, BSN, RN, from Dunn 6 OR. She has successfully passed the CNOR certification exam to become a certified perioperative nurse. Great job, Dana!

The Care Navigator Program won first place in the Integrated Case Management category of the fifth annual Case In Point Platinum Awards, which recognizes the most successful and innovative case management programs working to improve health care across the care continuum.

Lizete Advani, PTA, has received the designation of Certified Stroke Rehabilitation Specialist (CSRS), granted upon completion of four hands-on training seminars and examination. Congratulations to Lizete, who is a therapist assistant in the Rehab PT/OT department.

Frederick Macapagal, RN, CCRN, CP-HIT, Lisa Green, RN, CCRN, and Emma McClellan, RN, MSN, CCRN (CCU RN’s and CCU director), presented a poster titled “Mobilizing Percutaneously Inserted IntraAortic Balloon Pump Patients” at the National Teaching Institute in Denver May 18-21.

Great job!

Preeta Anil, OR manager for Dunn 3 OR, recently earned her MBA from University of Phoenix. Great work, Preeta!

Daniel Joyner, OR manager for Dunn 3 OR, recently earned his MSN from American Sentinel University.

Congratulations, Daniel!

Congratulations to Angel Mossberg, RN, BSN, Flex Team, for passing the CCRN certification exam. Way to go, Angel!

Congratulations to Cymetria Dillard, Outpatient BMT scheduler, who has earned her master’s in Business Administration from Texas Woman’s University. Way to go, Cymetria!

Bernadine Davila, educator from Dunn 3 OR, earned her MSN in Leadership and Administration from UT Health.

Great job, Bernadine!

Congratulations to Kevin H. Infante for passing the Progressive Care Nursing Certification (PCCN). Kevin already has his Certified Clinical Transplant Nurse certification and is a transplant nurse on Dunn 4 West and Dunn 10 East. Way to go!

Stephanie Washington, RN, kidney coordinator in the Transplant Center, obtained her CCTC Certification last week.

Congratulations, Stephanie!

Dana Hong, RN, had a poster titled “Multi-Disciplinary Team Approach to the Care of the Schizophrenic Kidney Transplant Recipient” accepted for ITNS Annual meeting in September 2014. Kerry Ewens, RN, and Sherry Grogan, RN, are the co-presenters.

Erin Juneau, RN, from Dunn 6 OR, successfully completed the San Diego Marathon on June 1. Way to go Erin!

John Ontiveros and Kerry Ewens will be presenting on “Liver Transplant and Issues of Substance Abuse” at the Society for Transplant Social Workers Conference in Boston in September. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

HOUSTON METHODIST WEST HOSPITAL

Sarah Fleming graduated from Texas A&M in May with MBA. Anila Simon received MSN in Education from TWU. Rosalie Ramirez will graduate in June from UT Arlington with MSN in Nursing Administration.

Najah Magangcong received Med/Surge Certification in June.

Stephanie Russell graduated from UT with MSN with Nurse Practitioner.