HOUSTON METHODIST WILLOWBROOK NEWS FROEDGE HOLDS NATIONAL-LEVEL AACN SEAT Wendi Froedge, MSN, RN-BC, CCRN-K, RN IV, a critical care nurse at Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital, holds a national-level Board of Directors seat for the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN). The entity is the largest specialty nursing organization in the world dedicated to providing members with knowledge and resources necessary to provide optimal care to critically ill patients. At the annual National Teaching Institute and Critical Care Exposition, Froedge worked with members to understand their specific bedside needs. Based on knowledge she learned from the American Association of Critical Care Nurses’ ECCO program, Froedge created the Critical Steps Program, an individualized training geared to a learner’s experience level and education needs. The 12- to 16-week training program integrates face-to-face didactic and simulation training, online learning, bedside training and one-on-one time with an assigned preceptor.
ABC MEXICO VISITS HOUSTON METHODIST WILLOWBROOK HOSPITAL Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital hosted a visit in June for representatives from ABC Mexico Medical Center, which has facilities near Mexico City. ABC Mexico Medical Center is affiliated with Houston Methodist Global Health Care Services. Every month the team travels from Mexico to learn how to better engage members. In addition to visiting the HMW team to learn more about shared governance and the Magnet redesignation journey, the team also visited Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital and Houston Methodist Hospital. During the visit, HMW team members shared information about the roles and responsibilities of unit-based Magnet Champions. Nurse Jennifer Amedio guided visitors through evidence-based practice processes by demonstrating her aromatherapy project. Charge nurse Sara Shaunfield discussed nursing practices and projects that are implemented on her unit and discussed the importance of achieving Magnet redesignation. The day ended with discussions about staff engagement in professional practice.
COMMUNITY STROKE AWARENESS FESTIVAL The 2016 Community Stroke Awareness Festival included a stroke seminar, kid-friendly education stations, including a photo booth, balloon and face paint artist, wellness screenings and stroke risk assessments, CPR training, ambulance tours, an inflatable brain exhibit and fitness fun with the YMCA. Teams also provided information about diabetes, brain imaging, sleep apnea, and FAST, the signs of stroke and rehabilitation options after a stroke.
18 HOUSTON METHODIST NURSE • SPRING/SUMMER 2016