National Nurses Week May 6-12

Nurses Leading the Way Health Care Facilities Celebrate National Nurses Week May 6-12

Deb Ohnoutka, chief nursing officer of St. Joseph Medical Center, appears as ‘the lady with the lamp,’ Florence Nightingale, founder of the modern nursing profession. During National Nurses Week in 2013, Ohnoutka dressed as Florence Nightingale while delivering donuts to night-shift nurses. Ohnoutka makes the rounds with night nurses several times a year to stay connected to staff members.

Linda Friedel l The Kansas City Nursing News

Health Care Facilities Celebrate

National Nurses Week May 6-12

an inner calling

Florence Nightingale’s Crimean War experience set principals many modern-day hospitals follow today

By Victoria Sweet, MD Special to the Kansas City Nursing News

In medical school, as one of only 10 female students, I ignored Florence Nightingale assiduously.

I didn’t want to play any of the roles I thought she modeled for women — obedient wife, caring sister, modest daughter.

It wasn’t until I was practicing medicine in an old-fashioned hospital in San Francisco and learned that its comfortable open wards were “Nightingale wards” that I started to take an interest. Why were they called that?

What I learned is that after the Crimean War from 1853 to 1856, in which thousands of British soldiers died from infections, Nightingale visited almost every hospital in Europe, analyzed them and then wrote up her findings in “Notes on Hospitals,” which became the guide to hospital architecture for the next century.

Its first sentences changed my idea of Florence Nightingale forever: “It may seem a strange principle to enunciate as the very first requirement in a hospital that it should do the sick no harm. It is quite necessary, nevertheless, to lay down such a principle.”

As true today as it was 150 years ago — acerbic, witty and clear.

Then I got to the end of the book, where Nightingale lays out one of the first sets of hospital mortality statistics collected. Statistics had recently been applied to social phenomena by Adolphe Quetelet, and Nightingale was taken by them. “To understand God’s thought, we must study statistics,” she wrote.

And to display her evidence, she came up with the polar pie chart, a visual way of understanding data we still use. It was that appendix which gave me the first inkling that this was a brilliant woman. How did I get her so wrong?

So I began to read. There are more than 300 Nightingale biographies and 16 volumes of her writings.

Her life (1820-1910) spanned the 19th century, that bridge between the premodern and modern worlds, and she stood with a foot in each, with premodern feelings and modern ideas.

When she was born there was no anesthesia and no antisepsis, hardly a thermometer, and no oxygen, IVs or antibiotics. The best surgeon was whoever could amputate a leg in less than 90 seconds; appen-

8

May 5, 2014

the kansas city nursingnews

Public domain photo

An early photo of Florence Nightingale. Nightingale’s dedication, experience and knowledge paved the way for nursing as well as how hospitals operate today. dicitis often meant death.

By the time she died there was germ theory, the laboratory and vaccines against cholera, typhoid and plague. So she lived through a revolution in health care.

Her family was wealthy in a “Downton Abbey” sort of way, with cooks, butlers and maids. Her father educated her at home; she learned Greek, Latin, French, German and Italian, history and music.

Then she turned 17, and it was time to get a husband. She rebelled. She didn’t want to marry; she wanted to work in hospitals as a nurse, taking care of the sick and poor. In 1837, this was unheard of.

Nursing was done by servants, and her family looked upon her idea, she wrote, as if she’d “gone to be a maid of all work.”

They fought it out for more than 15 years. She

turned down every suitor; she took every opportunity for training as a nurse, and eventually she won.

Her father granted her an annuity, and she took over a hospital on Harley Street where she put her ideas into practice.

Then came the Crimean War. It was the first war with correspondents at the front, and they reported on the thousands of soldiers dying at hospitals from typhoid fever, cholera and dysentery. Nightingale, whose work was well known by then, was asked to go to the Crimean Peninsula.

What she saw there — the filth, the lack of food, bandages, even latrines — stunned her, scarred her and energized her for the rest of her life. In that uncaring chaos, she had a vision of its opposite, of how things could be — shining hospitals with professional nurses and medical care for everyone, especially the poor, “who, when they are sick, become our brothers.”

She spent the rest of her life making that vision a reality.

She wrote “Notes on Nursing,” which became a best seller and made her financially independent.

She reorganized Britain’s army hospitals and reformed nursing in workhouses. She founded the first real school for nurses, and its graduates — “Nightingales”— carried her reformation throughout the world. She wrote on public health, sanitation, India and prostitution, and for 50 years she was behind most of the health-related legislation in England. All this even though she was bedridden from chronic brucellosis, an infection she’d contracted in Crimea.

In her lifetime, she was esteemed. Queen Victoria wished aloud that she had Nightingale in her cabinet; babies, buildings and streets were named after her. When she died, burial in Westminster Abbey was offered, though her family, respecting her wishes, turned it down.

So much of what she fought for we take for granted today — our beautiful hospitals, the honored nursing profession, data-driven research.

What would she have thought of the Affordable Care Act? She would have liked its emphasis on public health, on data and on adequate care for everyone. There’s just one thing she would have missed — her belief that caring for the sick is not a business but a calling.

Please see Far/ Page 10

Top Hospital

for Patient Satisfaction

Led by the Area’s Top Nurses Shawnee Mission Health thanks our nurses for helping Shawnee Mission Medical Center achieve recognition as Kansas City’s top hospital for patient satisfaction, based on the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey.

Your dedication and expertise is what makes Shawnee Mission Health Much more than medicine.

Learn more about Shawnee Mission Health at ShawneeMission.org.

40224444

the kansas city nursingnews

May 5, 2014

9

Health Care Facilities Celebrate

National Nurses Week May 6-12

History of National Nurses Week Far more than a lady with a lamp celebrated “International Nurse Day.” ❯❯ 1974 In February of that year, a week was designated by the White House as National Nurse Week, and President Nixon issued a proclamation. ❯❯ 1978 New Jersey Governor Brendon Byrne declared May 6 as “Nurses Day.” Edward Scanlan, of Red Bank, N.J., took up the cause to perpetuate the recognition of nurses in his state. Mr. Scanlan had this date listed in Chase’s Calendar of Annual Events. He promoted the celebration on his own. ❯❯ 1981 ANA, along with various nursing organizations, rallied to support a resolution initiated by nurses in New Mexico, through their Congressman, Manuel Lujan, to have May 6, 1982, established as “National Recognition Day for Nurses.” ❯❯ 1982 In February, the ANA Board of Directors formally acknowledged May 6, 1982 as “National Nurses Day.” The action affirmed a joint resolution of the United States Congress designating May 6 as “National Recognition Day for Nurses.”

A brief history of National Nurses Week ❯❯ 1982 President Ronald Reagan signed a ❯❯ 1953 Dorothy Sutherland of the U.S. proclamation on March 25, proclaiming Department of Health, Education, and “National Recognition Day for Nurses” to Welfare sent a proposal to President be May 6, 1982.

Eisenhower to proclaim a “Nurse Day” ❯❯ 1990 The ANA Board of Directors in October of the following year. The procexpanded the recognition of nurses to a lamation was never made. week-long celebration, declaring May 6 — ❯❯ 1954 National Nurse Week was observed 12, 1991, as National Nurses Week. from October 11 — 16. The year of the ❯❯ 1993 The ANA Board of Directors desigobservance marked the 100th annivernated May 6 — 12 as permanent dates to sary of Florence Nightingale’s mission to observe National Nurses Week in 1994 Crimea. Representative Frances P. Bolton and in all subsequent years. sponsored the bill for a nurse week. Apparently, a bill for a National Nurse Week ❯❯ 1996 The ANA initiated “National RN Recognition Day” on May 6, 1996, to was introduced in the 1955 Congress, honor the nation’s indispensable regisbut no action was taken. Congress distered nurses for their tireless commitcontinued its practice of joint resolutions ment 365 days a year. The ANA enfor national weeks of various kinds. courages its state and territorial nurses ❯❯ 1972 Again a resolution was presented associations and other organizations to by the House of Representatives for the acknowledge May 6, 1996, as “National President to proclaim “National RegisRN Recognition Day.” tered Nurse Day.” It did not occur. ❯❯ 1997 The ANA Board of Directors, at the ❯❯ 1974 In January of that year, the Internarequest of the National Student Nurses tional Council of Nurses (ICN) proclaimed Association, designated May 8 as Nathat May 12 would be “International Nurse tional Student Nurses Day. Day.” (May 12 is the birthday of Florence Source: American Nurses Association Nightingale.) Since 1965, the ICN has 10 May 5, 2014 the kansas city nursingnews

CONTINUED FROM Page 8

National Nurses Week begins each year on May 6 and ends on May 12, Florence Nightingale’s birthday.

These permanent dates enhance planning and position National Nurses Week as an established recognition event. As of 1998, May 8 was designated as National Student Nurses Day, to be celebrated annually. And as of 2003, National School Nurse Day is celebrated on the Wednesday within National Nurses Week (May 6-12) each year.

The nursing profession has been supported and promoted by the American Nurses Association (ANA) since 1896. Each of ANA’s state and territorial nurses associations promotes the nursing profession at the state and regional levels. Each conducts celebrations on these dates to recognize the contributions that nurses and nursing make to the community.

The ANA supports and encourages National Nurses Week recognition programs through the state and district nurses associations, other specialty nursing organizations, educational facilities and independent health-care companies and institutions.

She didn’t mean “calling” in a religious sense. She meant having a kind of feeling for one’s work — an inner sense of what is right, which she termed “enthusiasm,” from the Greek entheos, having a god within. The opposite of a “calling” was “telling” — that is, rewards, punishments and threats — and she observed that without a calling, no amount of telling would satisfy.

Which is what would have worried her about the Affordable Care Act. It relies on telling, on thousands of new regulations, rules and laws.

There’s no calling in it.

Now, Nightingale understood the different goals of doctor, nurse, lawyer and economist. From her study of hospitals she’d concluded that patients get the best care when no single power is ascendant, rather when there is the “perpetual rub” between

doctor, nurse and administrator.

What would have worried her about the health care act is that its balance is off: It gives too much power to the telling of economists and lawyers and too little to the calling of doctors and nurses.

Nightingale, however, was an optimist. God wants us to make mistakes, she believed; mistakes are the basis of evolution. She was also a fighter, so I imagine she would have seen the health care law as a work in progress, and what we have still to learn from her, even so long after her death, is her willingness to fight and her determination to get it right. She didn’t accept being told in her own life, and she wouldn’t have wanted us to accept it in ours.

Victoria Sweet, a physician in San Francisco, is the author of “God’s Hotel: A Doctor, a Hospital and a Pilgrimage to the Heart of Medicine.”

This ar ticle is reprinted from the New York Times

w w w . n u r s i n g . k u m c . e d u

Earning a KU nursing degree means . . .

Learning in a high-tech environment Working with innovative faculty Career opportunities

40224452

A History of Learning...

913-588-1619

A Future of Discovery

Health Care Facilities Celebrate

National Nurses Week May 6-12

National Nurses Week recognizes nurses’ leadership in health-care professions Patients often recognize that a nurse is the health-care professional with whom they and their families have the most direct contact. But they might not realize that nurses also are leaders in improving the quality of care and expanding access to care.

That’s why May 6 to 12 is celebrated as National Nurses Week, an annual opportunity for communities to recognize the full range of nurses’ contributions.

This year’s theme, “Nurses: Leading the Way,” recognizes nurses as leaders at the bedside, in the boardroom, throughout communities and in the halls of government. The public holds nurses in high regard and trusts them to advocate for patients.

For the past 12 years, the public has ranked nursing as the top profession for honesty and ethics in an annual Gallup survey.

Beginning with National Nurses Day on May 6, nurses are being hon-

ored as leaders who improve the quality of health care. Nurses practice in diverse roles, such as clinicians, administrators, researchers, educators and policymakers.

“All nurses are leaders, whether they are in direct patient care, administrative roles or meeting consumers’ needs in new roles such as care coordinators or wellness coaches,” said ANA President Karen A. Daley, PhD, RN, FAAN. “This week, we acknowledge nurses’ vast contributions and how they are leading the way in improving health care and ultimately, the health of the nation.”

Nurses are leading initiatives to increase access to care and improve outcomes by focusing on primary care, prevention, wellness, chronic disease management and the coordination of care among health care providers and settings. These are areas in which nurses excel given their education and experience.

As the Affordable Care Act is ful- ❯❯ Nurses are rapidly creating and exly implemented, nurses will be more panding new job roles – such as nurse crucial than ever, leading efforts to navigators, care coordinator specialists, expand primary care at communiand nurse wellness coaches — to help ty-based clinics and deliver more patients secure resources, obtain seamefficient and cost-effective care as less comprehensive care, and develop members of collaborative health care healthy lifestyle practices. teams. Consider that: Wherever health care is provided, ❯❯ Nursing is the nation’s largest health a nurse is likely to be there — hoscare profession, with nearly three million pitals, ambulatory care centers, employed professionals. private practices, retail and urgent-care clinics, nurse-managed ❯❯ Nursing is projected to grow faster than all other occupations: The federal health centers, homes, schools, government projects more than one mil- nursing homes and public and nonprofit agencies. lion new RNs will be needed by 2022 to Increasingly, nurses with advanced fill new jobs and replace RNs who leave degrees, such as nurse practitioners, the profession. are providing primary-care services ❯❯ Demand for nursing care will grow and managing chronic illnesses. Studrapidly as Baby Boomers swell Mediies show patients are highly satisfied care enrollment by 50 percent by 2025 with their services and are experiencand millions of individuals obtain new or ing outcomes comparable to those of physician services. better access to care under the health

care reform law.

Source: American Nurses Association

Happy National Nurses Week!

40224431

The University of Kansas Physicians would like to thank our patient care staff for providing outstanding patientcentered care, the optimal patient experience and for supporting the clinical needs of our faculty practice.

You are SIMPLY THE BEST! If you would like to join the largest and most comprehensive multi-specialty medical group in the region, please visit our website: www.kuphysicians.com.

the kansas city nursingnews

May 5, 2014

11

Health Care Facilities Celebrate

National Nurses Week May 6-12

Sigma Theta Tau to induct new chapter at MidAmerica Nazarene in June

Submitted photo

Sarah Miller, RN, BSN, MSN, assistant professor of nursing at MidAmerica Nazarene University’s (MNU) School of Nursing and Health Science, is president of the newly formed Sigma Theta Tau (STTI) Chi Eta chapter at MNU. Miller and instructors in the department of nursing founded the new chapter.

MidAmerica Nazarene University’s School of Nursing and Health Science was recently approved to form a chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI), the honor society of nursing.

Founded in 1922, STTI is recognized as the only international nursing honor society with approximately 500 chapters across the globe, five of which are in Kansas.

Sigma Theta Tau International’s mission is advancing world health and celebrating nursing excellence in scholarship, leadership and service. STTI membership can lead to career growth, professional development and publication. The organization also provides the health-care industry with scholarly research.

The Chi Eta Chapter of STTI will be chartered in a ceremony at MNU on June 23. Sarah Miller, MSN, RN, a graduate student in the School of Nursing in 2010, believed a scholarly organization in which students and faculty could share their work and advance the profession of nursing would benefit MNU. Now an assistant professor of nursing at the university, Miller proposed the idea of starting a chapter as a component of her graduate school project.

Miller says faculty were very supportive and assisted with the six-phase process of becoming a chapter by working with her on submitting the application and

documentation required for consideration.

The officers in Chi Eta are:

❯❯ President: Sarah Miller, RN-BSN and MSN alumni and faculty ❯❯ Vice-president: Deborah Brunkhorst, RN-BSN and MSN alumni ❯❯ Secretary: Lauren Loyd, MSN alumni and faculty ❯❯ Treasurer: Casey Kelley, current student ❯❯ Faculty counselor: Deborah Petty, faculty “My fellow officers have devoted countless hours in helping me make this dream become a reality,” Miller says. “I could not be more thankful to have each one of them on the team!”

School of Nursing and Health Science Dean, Susan Larson, PhD, RN, says the accomplishment is significant because few programs reach this level of recognition.

“This is another indicator of excellence for our nursing programs, brought about by the quality and distinction of the nursing faculty,” Larson said. “I’m proud of their vision to pursue this rigorous accomplishment.”

Source: MidAmerica Nazarene University

Florence Nightingale Pledge I solemnly pledge myself before God and in the presence of this assembly, to pass my life in purity and to practice my profession faithfully.

I will abstain from whatever is deleterious and mischievous, and will not take or knowingly administer any harmful drug.

ster.edu/kc 816 4

With loyalty will I endeavor to aid the physician in his work, and devote myself to the welfare of those committed to my care.

12 May 5, 2014

for the Farrand Training School for Nurses, Detroit, Michigan. It was called the Florence Nightingale Pledge as a token of esteem for the founder of modern nursing.

the kansas city nursingnews

As nurses work to improve health care, Webster works to help nurses prepare for their own futures by offering flexible, convenient, eight-week terms and small evening classes.

• RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Available onsite and online • Master of Health Administration (MHA) Kansas City Campus • 1200 E. 104th St. (I-435 and Holmes) Accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) 3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 850 • Atlanta, Georgia 30326 • 404-975-5000 The George Herbert Walker School of Business & Technology is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) for BS, BA, MBA, MA, MS and doctoral programs in the business and management departments.

Be a part of what’s next.

40224449

I will do all in my power to maintain and elevate the standard of my profession, and will hold in confidence all personal matters committed to my keeping and all This modified “Hippocratic Oath” was composed in 1893 by Mrs. family affairs coming to my knowledge in the practice of my calling. Lystra E. Gretter and a Committee

Transforming Care and Transforming Lives Truly innovative nursing is more than providing outstanding care – which our nurses do every day. It involves leadership in assessing and addressing emerging trends; implementing visionary approaches that improve quality of care and quality of life; and a personal commitment to professional education and development that advances nursing practice here and around the world. During Nurses Week, and every week, we are thankful for the contributions of Children’s Mercy nurses to transforming their profession and the lives of our patients.

2014 Nursing Scholarships

Clinical Excellence in Nursing Awards – Home Care Stephanie R. McDanel, RN, BSN, Infusion/Visit Nurse, Children’s Mercy Home Care

During Nurses Week, 96 nursing scholarships are being awarded to Children’s Mercy employees who are pursuing nursing degrees, including BSN or advanced degrees.

Scholarships being presented are:

Clinical Excellence in Nursing Award – Nurse as Teacher Rachel L. Hindman, RN, BSN, RNC-NIC, Unit Education Coordinator, Intensive Care Nursery

Bonnie Curtis Galeazzi and Mary Christine Schmiedeler Scholarships; Children’s Relief Association Scholarships; Daniel Miller Scholarship; Dean Cowles Scholarships; Dee Lyons Scholarships; Ina Calkins Scholarships; Isabelle E. Ellis Memorial Scholarship ; Jennifer Collins Scholarships; Judy Vellucci Scholarships; Mary Shaw Branton Nursing Scholarships; Michael Joseph Meers Scholarships; Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Wells Scholarships; Nancy Whalen Scholarships; Nurse Professional Excellence Council Scholarships; Samuel E. Weeks Memorial Scholarship; Sarah McHenry Memorial Scholarship; The Elam and Tripp Families Liver Care Nursing Awards

Inquiry Innovation in Nursing Award Lacey Bergerhofer, BSN, RN-BC, Clinical Informatics and Practice Manager Michele Fix, MSN, RN, NE-BC, Clinical Informatics and Practice Manager Kristina Foster, MS, RN, APRN-BC, CWOCN, Team Nurse Manager, Wound Ostomy and Continence Care Jenny Hopkins, BSN, RN, CWOCN, CFCN, Staff Nurse, Wound Ostomy and Continence Care Sheila Bauer, Information Systems Analyst Sara E. Winkle, BSN, RN, Information Systems Analyst

2014 Nursing and Allied Health Clinical Excellence Awards These awards recognize Children’s Mercy staff for their contributions to patient care and the profession of nursing.

Bernell Hevner O’Donnell, RN, Excellence in Psychosocial Nursing Award Ann Appleyard, BSN, RN, Nursing Program Coordinator, ADHD Clinic, Children’s Mercy South Specialty Center Excellence in Leadership Award in Nursing Ingrid Larson, BA, MSN, MBA, RN, APRN, CPNP, Director – Beacon Program, Children’s Mercy Broadway Clinical Excellence in Nursing Awards – Medical/Surgical Brandy N. Moody, RN, CPN, Staff Nurse, 2 Henson/Burn Unit Paresa Tafreshi, RN, BSN, Staff Nurse, 6 Henson Clinical Excellence in Nursing Awards – Operating Room/PACU/SDS/Pre-Admission Testing/Pain Management/5 West 5 West Surgical Nurses Melanie R. Yourdon, RN, BSN, CPAN, Staff Nurse, SDS/PACU

Care Assistant/Nurse Technician Excellence Award Lisa M. Hamrick, Care Assistant, 6 Henson Rookie of the Year Award Courtney D. Wagner, RN, Staff Nurse, Urgent Care Blue Valley Excellence in Leadership Award – Allied Health Marinda S. Cooper, MBA, MT(ASCP), Clinical Laboratory Manager, Children’s Mercy South Clinical Excellence Awards – Allied Health Vicki L. Smith, MT(ASCP), DLM(ASCP), Clinical Laboratory Coordinator, Send-Out Laboratory Tarine U. Weihe, MS, RD, LD, CNSC, Senior Clinical Nutrition Specialist, Nutrition and Lactation Services Assistive Staff Technician – Allied Health Beth A. Dehon, COA, Ophthalmic Charge Assistant, Ophthalmology Department Rookie of the Year Award – Allied Health Rachel Finn, Chef Educator, Nutrition Services Ingrid Larson, BA, MSN, MBA, RN, APRN, CPNP Beacon Program

Clinical Excellence in Nursing Awards – Critical Care Katherine C. Denton, RN, CPN, Staff Nurse, Urgent Care Blue Valley Hope D. Scott, RN, CPEN, Critical Care Staff Nurse, Emergency Department Clinical Excellence in Nursing Award – Expanded Role Lori A. Erickson, RN, BSN, MSN, CPNP, Fetal Cardiac and Cardiac High Acuity Nurse Practitioner, Ward Family Heart Center Clinical Excellence in Nursing Award – Charge Nurse Linda M. Martin, RN, BSN, CPAN, Charge Nurse, SDS/PACU Clinical Excellence in Nursing Awards – Ambulatory Brenda S. Brewer, RN, BSN, CNN, CCTC, Kidney Transplant Coordinator, Nephrology Department Colette Liles, LPN, WCC, Clinical Services Coordinator, Pediatric Care Center/Beacon Program

40224434

the kansas city nursingnews

May 5, 2014

13

Health Care Facilities Celebrate

National Nurses Week May 6-12

Area hospitals celebrate National Nurses Week with various events honoring nurses Children’s Mercy Hospitals and Clinics events May 5 — Clinical excellence awards will be given from 11 a.m. to noon in the auditorium. A lunch and reception will follow from noon to 1:30 p.m. in the Community room.

May 6 — Celebrations will be held at the following off-site facilities: Children’s Mercy Northland, Children’s Mercy on Broadway, Children’s Mercy South, Children’s Mercy at Operation Breakthrough, Children’s Mercy West, College Boulevard Clinics, Children’s Mercy East, Urgent Care on College Boulevard, Children’s Mercy Wichita, Joplin Sub-Specialty Clinic and Children’s Mercy Blue Valley.

May 7 — From noon to 1:30 p.m. a nurses’ celebration will be held at the main campus.

May 8 — From 11 a.m. to noon nursing scholarship awards will be presented in the auditorium. There will be a luncheon for scholarship recipients, families and donors in the Community room from noon to 1:30 p.m. From 2 to 4 p.m. there will be a celebrating nursing excellence program in the Hospitality room (NPEC) and Board room.

May 9 — For the Thursday Night Shift from 12:01 to 2 a.m. the night shift staff will receive a buffet reception in Orbits cafeteria. From 2 to 4 a.m. there will be a Celebrating Nursing Excellence program in the Hospitality Room (NPEC) Hiways.

May 10 — Breakfast for weekend staff will be held from 5:30 to 9 a.m. in Orbits cafeteria and Children’s Mercy South.

Shawnee Mission Health celebrates nursing leadership events Shawnee Mission Health (SMH) will be having “A Celebration of Nursing Leadership” during the annual National Nurses’ Week. Below is a list of special events planned to recognize nurses at SMH. May 5 — the hospital will host a distinguished nurse lecture and dinner.

This special evening lecture and dinner is 14 May 5, 2014

a night to celebrate nurses at SMH. Held at the Ritz Charles, nursing awards will be presented, and the event will feature a presentation by guest speaker Jan Englert, RN, CCRN, of Premier’s Hospital Engagement Network.

May 7 — There will be a nursing achievement reception. All SMH nurses are invited to celebrate certification, as well as patient outcomes and initiatives led by certified nurses. Nurses will enjoy elegant hors d’oeuvres, review poster presentations on initiatives led by certified nurses and gain education on how to further their nursing careers, including opportunities and funding for continued education.

May 8 — The hospital will hold a night shift celebration. Night shift nurses will enjoy late-night snacks as a thank you for their dedication to SMH. May 9 — The Spiritual Wellness department at Shawnee Mission Medical Center will host the annual Blessing of the Hands ceremony in the Garden Chapel.

the day. Through voting by their peers, an “Artist of the Year” award will go to a nurse with less than two years of experience. “Entertainer of the Year” honors will be presented to a nurse with more than two years of experience.

NKCH recognizes the meaningful and measurable differences nurses make in patients’ lives. NKCH takes time to celebrate excellent nurses in the journey toward Magnet status.

Providence Medial Center plans nurses’ reception May 7 — Providence Medical Center will hold a nurses reception with refreshments from 3:45 to 6:15 p.m. in the Keenan Education Center. There will be a short ceremony at 5 p.m. The reception honors nurses and the important work they do each and every day for Providence patients. Four $1,000 scholarships

St. John Medical Center spring fling celebration May 21 — St. John Medical Center will hold a Spring Fling celebration. Celebration activities will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Mother Xavier Ross room. A

R.N. to B.S.N. Degree

Liberty Hospital to host celebration of nursing

With a long-standing reputation for excellence in nursing education, Avila University positions you for career growth with its R.N. to B.S.N. degree. Enjoy flexibility and choice within a high quality learning environment.

May 6 — Liberty Hospital will host a celebration of nursing from 6 to 8 p.m.

Leadership and nursing staff will gather to celebrate excellence in nursing during the past 40 years as Liberty Hospital notes its anniversary. There will be food stations, music, massage therapy and photo opportunities.

Flexibility Classes meet one night per week for eight weeks, weekends, online or in blended formats.

Choice We offer a Bachelor of Science in Nursing with two tracks: Patient Centered Care and Health Care Management.

North Kansas City Hospital hosts events

To learn more, visit www.avila.edu/advantage/nursing or call 816-501-3737.

May 5 — North Kansas City Hospital celebrates outstanding nurses with a “1960’s Hit Parade” celebration on Monday. This day-long open house recognizes the year-long accomplishments of NKCH nurses who have worked together to improve nursing practices and patient outcomes. Each unit’s successes or “hits” will be shown on a table-top display and in videos.

Each nurse will receive a gift of appreciation along with cake and punch.

Drawings for prizes will occur throughout

the kansas city nursingnews

will be awarded to selected nurses who are pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in nursing.

The names of all nurses will be entered into a drawing for several door prizes, including gift certificates, T-Bones tickets and SportingKC tickets.

The nurses’ reception includes an Education Fair on BSN and master’s programs and national organizations and certifications.

May 9 — Chaplains and spiritual care volunteers will travel to departments throughout the day offering blessing of the hands.

Avila Advantage 11901 Wornall Road, KCMO 64145 avila.edu/advantage/nursing • 816-501-3737 Sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet 40224446

Health Care Facilities Celebrate short ceremony will start at 1 p.m.

The reception honors nurses and nursing assistants for the important work they do each and every day for Saint John patients.

Activities include announcement of DAISY and Monarch awards for patient care excellence; tea party refreshments; and a photo booth and scrapbooking — all pages will be made into a scrapbook for individual units.

The names of all nurses and nursing assistants will be entered into a drawing for several door prizes, including gift certificates, T-Bones tickets and SportingKC tickets.

University of Kansas Hospital hosts program May 3 — KU Hospital will host the HERO program from 8 a.m. to 4 pm.

May 6 — The facility will hold the 5-Star Symposium from 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

May 8 — The Department of Nursing will host the excellence awards ceremony in Battenfeld Auditorium.

May 6-12 — Compete for the question of

National Nurses Week May 6-12

the day. Enter daily drawings to win prizes.

Truman Medical Center During National Nurses Week, Truman Medical Center will host a Nurses Week celebration and awards ceremony honoring the following: Hiersteiner Excellence in Professional Nursing Award; LPN of the Year Award; Nursing Excellence Awards with seven categories; and the Nursing Excellence in Education (NEEF) scholarship recipients — current and past. A Blessing of the Hands will be held in clinical areas throughout the week. Nurses and patient care technicians will receive gifts during Nurses Week.

St. Mary’s Medical Center schedules events May 2 — Carondelet Health Night at the ‘K.’ Employees from St. Joseph and St. Mary’s Medical Centers receive discounted tickets and a shout out from the Royals baseball team at the

Nurses, thank

Kauffman Stadium.

May 6-9 — A poster fair will be held in the main hallway.

May 6 — At 8 a.m., Care of the Inpatient Stroke and Care of the Inpatient STEMI will be presented in the Education center.

May 7 — at 2 p.m., Care of the Inpatient Stroke and Care of the Inpatient STEMI will be presented in the Education center.

Blessing of the Hands will be given.

May 8 — Movie Day, featuring “Frozen” at 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. in the SMMC Education Center.

May 9 — Features ‘Lunch and Learn: Care of the Vascular Patient,’ presented

by Jonathan Wilson, DO, at noon in the SMMC Education Center. Nursing and physician awards will be presented at 1:30 p.m.

Belton Medical Center to hold DAISY award event May 8 — Belton Regional Medical Center will hold a DAISY award ceremo-

ny for individual and team recognition.

During weekend rounding, nurses will receive deliveries of treats. Throughout the week, nurses will receive deliveries of Nurse Week gifts. A Blessing of the Hands also will be held in honor of National Nurses Week.

St. Joseph Medical Center schedules events May 2 — Is Carondelet Health Night at the ‘K.’ Employees from St. Joseph and St. Mary’s Medical Centers receive discounted tickets and a shout out from the Royals baseball team at the Kauffman Stadium.

May 4 — Deb Ohnoutka, chief nursing officer, will be rounding on the nursing units during the night shift distributing brownies.

May 5 — Nurses will enjoy the ‘Manager’s Special.’ Managers will give their respective units/departments gifts. Bags of Kindness Please see AREA HOSPITALS/ Page 16

you for all that you do!

In celebration of Nurses Week, we would like to honor the women and men who go above and beyond to offer high-quality, personalized and compassionate care for our patients. As the backbone of our hospitals, our nurses provide our patients with quick-thinking, sound advice and tireless dedication – not to mention hope and strength when they need it most.

Belton Regional Medical Center Centerpoint Medical Center Lafayette Regional Health Center Lee’s Summit Medical Center Menorah Medical Center

Midwest Physicians

Overland Park Regional Medical Center Research Medical Center Research Medical Center Brookside Campus Research Psychiatric Center

hcamidwest.com | An Equal Opportunity Employer 40224375

the kansas city nursingnews

May 5, 2014

15

Health Care Facilities Celebrate

National Nurses Week May 6-12

Area hospitals celebrate National Nurses Week with various events honoring nurses CONTINUED FROM Page 15

Cards will be available on every unit/department. Nurses are given cards and asked to do an act of kindness for someone such as saying something nice, etc. They give the card to the person and then ask them to do an act of kindness to someone else and give the next person the card, etc.

May 6 — The St. Joseph Medical Center Auxiliary distributes popcorn to the nursing staff.

May 7 — Nurses receive the Blessing of the Hands by Sister Gabrielle. “Wear White Day” – all nurses are encouraged to wear white.

May 8 — ­ Nursing awards will be given at noon. The Quarter Century party, by invitation only, will be held honoring nurses with 25 or more years of service at SJMC. Fifty-six nurses have 25 years of service at SJMC. May 9 — SJMC features several games including “Born to Lead” contest. Senior

leaders of SJMC are providing baby photos of themselves. The purpose is to match the ‘Leader’ with the baby photo. ‘Spin the Wheel Leader Trivia’ has staff members spinning a wheel to match the leader with a trivia statement. Cake walk and magnet poster winners will be announced.

Nurse’s Week Activities are sponsored by the Retention Committee at SJMC.

Providence Medical Center holds nurses’ reception, prizes May 7 — Providence Medical Center will hold a nurses reception with refreshments from 3:45 to 6:15 p.m. in the Keenan Education Center. There will be a short ceremony at 5 p.m. The reception honors nurses and the important work they do each and every day for Providence patients.

Four $1,000 scholarships will be

Nurses Leading the Way... awarded to selected nurses who are pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in nursing. The names of all nurses will be entered into a drawing for several door prizes, including gift certificates, T-Bones tickets and SportingKC tickets.

The nurses’ reception includes an Education Fair on BSN and master’s programs and national organizations and certifications.

May 9 — chaplains and spiritual care volunteers will travel to departments throughout the day offering blessing of the hands.

Menorah Medical Center holds breakfast for nurses May 7 — Nurses will enjoy a breakfast in recognition of National Nurses Week from 6 to 9 a.m. in Rooms 1 and 2.

St. Luke’s Hospital holds events to honor nurses St. Luke’s Hospital celebrates National Nurses Week with a variety of activities throughout the week.

May 5 — The day kicks off with ‘Mismatch Monday.’

May 6 — St. Luke’s will host an ‘Eggs traordinary’ breakfast for nurses. Night shift nurses will be treated to coffee and cookies.

May 8 — Nurses will be recognized in an annual awards ceremony. Night shift nurses will receive coffee and cookies.

May 9 — Sport your favorite sports team day.

Happy National Nurses Week!

We Thank You For All You Do! Online RN - to - BSN Program

Nurses celebrate recognition across nation

16 May 5, 2014

nearly 3.1 million registered nurses nationwide to promote and maintain the health care across the country, Kansas City Nursing News and the American Nurses Association (ANA) recognize registered nurses everywhere during National Nurses Week.

In honor of delivering quality and innovation in patient care, all registered nurses are encouraged to wear the official ANA “RN” pin or any other pin that identifies them as registered nurses on May 6.

the kansas city nursingnews

Designed for practicing RN’s, our RN - to - BSN program gives you the flexibility to earn your degree on your schedule, and the knowledge and skills to further your goals.

40224438

From May 6 throuygh 12 Kansas City area nurses will join colleagues across the nation to celebrate National Nurses Week. This year’s theme is “Nurses leading the way.”

The week-long celebration raises awareness of the value of nursing and helps to educate the public about the role that nurses play in meeting the healthcare needs of Americans across the country.

In honor of their dedication, commitment and continued effort of the

Now is the time to open the door to future career opportunities with your BSN

8 - Week terms Flexible online courses Easy transfer of previous college earned education credit Network and collaborate online with a diverse group of peers Apply Now: CALL 888-710-0014 Ottawa.edu/Nursing

We want... . .to thank our nurses for your leadership and compassion.

North Kansas City Hospital would like to say thank you to our dedicated nursing staff for leading the way to excellence in patient care. Your skill levels are remarkable, and you continue to thrive in a work environment where you are respected and appreciated.

During Nurse Week, we honor all nurses for their compassion and strength, helping transform healthcare through their leadership.

Where care is personal and careers are remarkable.

www.nkch.org

We are seeking Registered Nurses for a variety of nursing leadership and staff positions. We offer a competitive salary and outstanding benefits package. If you are committed to providing the best care every day, we encourage you to apply online at www.nkch.org.

NKCH is a drug-free/tobacco-free facility. EOE

40224380

the kansas city nursingnews

May 5, 2014

17

Health Care Facilities Celebrate

National Nurses Week May 6-12

Area hospitals share photos from last year’s National Nurses Week festivities Providence Medical Center

St. Mary’s Medical Center

Submitted photo Submitted photo Nurses in the outpatient services department at Providence Medical Center enjoy refreshments at a special Nurses Week reception in May of 2013. From left are Claudia Winklebauer, Jeanne Gardner Nurses and colleagues enjoy an all-hospital cookout in recognition of National Nurse’s Week 2013 at and Regina Davis.

St. Mary’s Medical Center.

Saint John Hospital

24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year

MidAmerica Rehabilitation Hospital proudly honors our nurses’ commitment and perseverance to improve the lives of others through the compassion and care they provide to patients and their families day in and day out.

Nurses’ Week is May 6 – 12.

5701 West 110th Street Overland Park, KS 66211 913 491-2400

Nurses’ Week is May 6 – 12.

Submitted photo

Nurses at Saint John Hospital celebrate National Nurses Week in 2013. From left are Stephanie Wait of the surgery department; Brandy Gray of ICU; Vanda McGraw in ED and Diana Khayat of ICU.

18 May 5, 2014

the kansas city nursingnews

MidAmericaRehabHospital.com MidAmerica Rehabilitation Hospital is a joint venture of HealthSouth Corporation and Shawnee Mission Medical Center.

©2014:HealthSouth Corporation:1024866 40224433

Health Care Facilities Celebrate National Nurses Week

We celebrate our nurses every day.

Centerpoint Medical Center

Submitted photo

Nurses at Centerpoint Medical Center of HCA Midwest Health System celebrate with special activities during National Nurses Week of 2013. From left are Lynn Barrett, CNO, Kristin Holderman and Adrienne Petrinni. Holderman received the McGrath Sprit of Nursing award for her positive impact on patient care.

Saint Luke’s East Hospital Not a day goes by that we are not inspired by our nurses. More than 900 of these dedicated, spirited professionals work in our two regional medical centers and in our many primary care and specialty clinics.

Submitted photo

Nurses from Saint Luke’s East Hospital receive Clinical Excellence awards and the Spirit and the Art of Nursing award during National Nurses Week of 2013.

40224445

Every day, we are grateful that they are on the frontline of patient care, focusing their compassion and healing energy on a single specialty: you.

olathehealth.org/careers

the kansas city nursingnews

May 5, 2014

19

Health Care Facilities Celebrate

National Nurses Week May 6-12

Area hospitals share photos from last year’s National Nurses Week celebration St. Joseph Medical Center

Submitted photos

ABOVE: St. Joseph Medical Center honors nurses with a banquet during National Nurses Week 2013. LEFT: St. Joseph Medical Center recognizes Nurses of the Year during National Nurses Week 2013.

g

10nkin P a TOnal R o ati

N

Congratulations New Graduates and Alumni!

We celebrate you during this 2014 National Nurses Week!

40224451

20 May 5, 2014

the kansas city nursingnews

Health Care Facilities Celebrate

National Nurses Week May 6-12

University of Kansas Hospital ABOVE: From left Kate Creason, RN, and Lori Ranallo, RN, of The University of Kansas Hospital, join co-workers during National Nurses Week in 2013.

BELOW: LaDonna Bowles, RN at The University of Kansas Hospital, helps with a home improvement project during National Nurses Week in 2013. Bowles volunteers through the Hospital Employees Reaching Out (HERO) program at KU Hospital.

Submitted photo

Anna Langer, RN with The University of Kansas Hospital, volunteers in the community during National Nurses Week in 2013. Langer and co-workers helped to restore homes through the Hospital Employees Reaching Out (HERO) program at KU Hospital.

Submitted photo

The quality of our care begins and ends with the tireless efforts of the entire Saint Luke’s Health System team. We celebrate National Nurses Week with a heartfelt Thank You to our nurses—every day, you make a lasting impact in the lives of our patients and their families.

I AM A SAINT LUKE’S NURSE • Anderson County Hospital—Garnett, KS • Crittenton Children’s Center • Hedrick Medical Center—Chillicothe, MO • Saint Luke’s Cardiovascular Consultants • Saint Luke’s Cushing Hospital • Saint Luke’s East Hospital • Saint Luke’s Home Care and Hospice • Saint Luke’s Hospital • Saint Luke’s Medical Group • Saint Luke’s Neurological Consultants • Saint Luke’s North Hospital—Barry Road and Smithville • Saint Luke’s Physician Specialists • Saint Luke’s South Hospital • Wright Memorial Hospital–Trenton, MO

www.saintlukeshealthsystemcareers.org Equal Opportunity Employer. We Hire Only Non-Tobacco Users.

40224440

the kansas city nursingnews

May 5, 2014

21

Health Care Facilities Celebrate

National Nurses Week May 6-12

Area hospitals share photos from last year’s National Nurses Week festivities CHILDREN’S MERCY HOSPITAL

Submitted photo

Nurses on 5S at Children’s Mercy Hospital dress as superheroes for 2013 National Nurses Week.

Submitted photo

Submitted photo

Olga Diaz, left, RN, CPN of medical/surgical services at Children’s Mercy Hospital, receives the Clinical Excellence in Nursing award from Chief Nursing Officer Cheri Hunt during 2013 National Nurses Week.

Azita Tafreshi, left, RN, BSN of critical care at Children’s Mercy Hospital, receives the Clinical Excellence in Nursing award Chief Nursing Officer Cheri Hunt during 2013 National Nurses Week.

OLATHE MEDICAL CENTER

At Truman Medical Centers, our nurses step forward to embrace new technologies, adopt new healthcare strategies, and accept their ever-changing roles in their profession.

They lead the way for their patients, staff and the community as a whole.

TMC salutes their nurses for their caring, compassion and dedication.

Submitted photo

John Staton, left, senior vice president of operations at Olathe Medical Center, serves coffee to nurses from The Birth Place during a breakfast hosted by the OMC physicians.

22 May 5, 2014

the kansas city nursingnews

40224448

Trumed.org

TMC Nurses: Leading the Way to a Healthy Community

Health Care Facilities Celebrate National Nurses Week Truman MEDICAL CENTER

Celebrating National Nurses Week ONLINE PROGRAM OPTIONS � RN to BSN Ţ Expand your career opportunities � DNP Post-Master (APRN)

Ţ Preparing leaders in evidence-based practice, quality improvement and health care systems

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NURSING (MSN) ďż˝ Leadership and Administration

Ţ Complex health systems need highly educated nursing professionals to facilitate quality patient care � Nursing Education Ţ Trends show a continuing nursing faculty shortage

Submitted photo

Nurses at Truman Medical Center attend a nursing awards ceremony during National Nurses Week 2013.

DOCTOR OF NURSING PRACTICE (DNP) � Post BSN Entry APRN-Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Ţ Preparing expert practitioners and leaders to improve health care � Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) � Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP) Adult/Gerontology � Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) � Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Adult/Gerontology

State supported scholarships available for those who want to be nurse educators in Kansas

Submitted photo

Mark McPhee, MD, gives opening remarks at a reception for nurses during the 2013 National Nurses Week at Truman Medical Center

wichita.edu/nursing Ţ Ţ

40224376

the kansas city nursingnews

May 5, 2014

23

Health Care Facilities Celebrate

National Nurses Week May 6-12

Area hospitals share photos from last year’s National Nurses Week celebration Menorah Medical Center

Belton Regional Medical Center

Submitted photo

Submitted photo

Employees from Menorah Medical Center of HCA Midwest Health System sent ‘nurses notes’ with a Nurses with Belton Regional Medical Center celebrate 2013 National Nurses Week. From left are Lynn note and candy attached to a balloon during National Nurses Week 2013. Melissa Hershey, left, RN, Schweitzer, Loretta Balentine, Monique Comstock, Tracy Heady, Noel Woolrich, Stephanie Smith and and Marcy Kasselman, RN are recipients.

Leslie Perry

Liberty Hospital

Submitted photo

Nurses at Liberty Hospital celebrate National Nurses Week in 2013.

24 May 5, 2014

the kansas city nursingnews

40224442

Health Care Facilities Celebrate

National Nurses Week May 6-12

Shawnee Mission Medical Center

Submitted photo Submitted photo

Nurses at Shawnee Mission Medical Center celebrate 2013 National Nurses Week.

Nurses at Shawnee Mission Medical Center recognize interventions and outcomes during last year’s National Nurses Week event.

Our Nurses Deliver

Excellence Every Day Nurses at The University of Kansas Hospital have a passion for excellence. Their tireless dedication to providing world-class patient care places them – and our hospital – among the best in the nation.

This week we celebrate the clinical expertise, compassionate care and dedication our nurses provide all year long.

Happy Nurses Week.

Learn more at kumed.com/nursing.

40224439

the kansas city nursingnews

May 5, 2014

25

Health Care Facilities Celebrate

National Nurses Week May 6-12

Area hospitals share photos from last year’s National Nurses Week festivities North Kansas City Hospital

Submitted photo

Michelle Jenner, RN, of North Kansas City Hospital, receives the Betty Crocker Housekeeping award during a ceremony in 2013 National Nurses Week. The NKCH Betty Crocker Housekeeping award goes to the nurse who at end of shift has Submitted photo all nursing tasks completed, her patient rooms Each year during National Nurses Week at North Kansas City Hospital, units are invited to host a table representing their unit. Last year’s theme was “ Roll- are neat, clean and tidy and her patients’ records ing out the Red Carpet.” From left are nurse educators Janell Huskey, Linda Parrett and Michelle Lane, next to the nursing education presentation table. are complete and up-to-date.

Thank You

Saint Luke’s HOSPITAL

Happy National Nurses Day!

Day in and day out, our nursing staff works together, caring and feeling for those they serve. We believe in teamwork, and our nursing staff is at the heart of our team.

“Thank you” to our nursing staff whose compassion, dedication and excellence are extremely vital to Garden Terrace at Overland Park. Rated a 5 Star Facility!

913-631-2273 7541 Switzer Overland Park, KS

Submitted photo

Nurses from Saint Luke’s Hospital enjoy celebration activities during National Nurses Week 2013.

From left are Tandi Toone, BSN, RN, CNOR, clinical nurse manager of the main OR; Kristen Tinsman, BSN, RN, CNOR, of the main OR; and Traci Wheeler, RN, director of surgical services.

26 May 5, 2014

the kansas city nursingnews

Located just west of I-35 and 75th St. Accredited by Joint Commission 40224441

Health Care Facilities Celebrate

National Nurses Week May 6-12

Nurses play a pivotal role in chronic obstructive pulmonary care, management

By Deb McGowan, RN, BSN, ACM, CHC

Challenges and solutions

with a lack of clinical supervision, ap- efforts, better mentorship and support propriate funding and workload pres- from colleagues. Formal recognition The majority of COPD expenditures sures among nurses delivering COPD of a nurse’s elevated role in COPD care In the past couple of decades, the pro- are due to complications and hospital- care require significant improvement. and management is essential for envision of care for patients with chronic izations, many of which are prevent- Strengthening the role of nurses is abling nurses to provide high-quality, obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) able. As with other chronic diseases, critical for improving quality of life of safe, and cost-effective care. improved health-care management has changed significantly. As the first can reduce poor outcomes and de- patients with COPD — and reducing line of defense, it’s important for nurscrease costs related to COPD. Better the burden of this disease in the fu- Deb McGowan, RN, BSN, ACM, CHC, is senior director es to understand the disease, know the care and staying on treatment can ture. This requires more coordinated of health outcomes at the COPD Foundation symptoms and be knowledgeable about lower the avoidable costs and make pathe latest treatments. tients feel better.

COPD is an umbrella term used to An increasing number of studies describe progressive lung diseases in- suggest that nurse-led consultations cluding emphysema, chronic bronchiand interventions for the tis, refractory (non-reversmanagement of COPD have ible) asthma and some forms the potential to impact posof bronchiectasis. People itively on the health and with COPD can have a range quality of life of patients, of symptoms, including and that their role should cough, wheeze, sputum probe significantly expanded duction and breathlessness. and strengthened. Providing sufficient educational Many people mistake their MNU has provided high quality nursing education for more than 30 opportunities and support increased breathlessness and years. Earn your nursing degree at MNU - you'll find experienced to nurses, as well as adcoughing as a normal part of Deb McGowan, RN, dressing system barriers aging. and highly-qualified faculty, state-of-the-art facilities and a and recognizing the imBSN, ACM, CHC The main cause of COPD is caring, Christian environment. is senior director portance of the expanding smoking, but smoking is not of health outcomes at roles of nurses, is vital to the only cause. Second-hand the COPD Foundation the well-being of patients smoke, occupational dust and chemicals, air pollution and genetic factors with COPD. Nurse-led consultations and disalso cause this disease, especially → MSN* → Traditional BSN when those exposed to these substanc- ease-management interventions are important interventions, which enable es also smoke cigarettes. There is a → Post-Master's Nursing → Accelerated BSN nurses to provide, complement, or exknown genetic cause of COPD called Certificates → RN-BSN* tend the COPD care. Nurses also have Alpha-1 Antitrypsin (ATT) Deficiency. consistently shown a positive contri→ RN-MSN* The National Heart, Lung and Blood bution in delivering early discharge Institute estimates that 12 million adults for COPD, which suggests that patients *online format available have COPD and another 12 million are with acute exacerbation can be safely undiagnosed or developing COPD. and successfully treated at home. This According to the Behavioral Risk is especially innovative, as some placFactor Surveillance System (BRFSS), es are actually trying these models in in Missouri: the U.S. Interventions should be aimed ❯❯ 7.6 percent of adults (almost 350,000) at helping patients cope with their condition and improve their quality of life. have been diagnosed with COPD – the Nurses often assist not only patients, eighth highest rate of COPD in the U.S. but also their families, helping them to ❯❯ COPD is the third leading cause of death assess and take appropriate measures in Missouri. in relation to symptoms. In addition, nurses address specific health-relat❯❯ More women (9.3 percent) than men ed issues according to the needs of (6.8 percent) reported having COPD, a the individual patient. All the main disparity that is large than most. variables measured — such as disCOPD is the third leading cause of ease-specific HRQoL, number of hospideath in the United States — killing tal admissions, nutritional status and more women than men each year. The anxiety and depression — have been World Health Organization estimates shown to improve significantly.

210 million individuals worldwide Studies also have shown that nurshave COPD, and total deaths are ex- es are able to deliver care that is as www.mnu.edu | 913.971.3877 | pgadmissions@mnu.edu pected to increase more than 30 per- effective as that provided by doctors.

However, lack of training, coupled 40224447 cent in the next 10 years.

Special to Kansas City Nursing News

Excellence in Nursing Education.

DEGREE PROGRAMS

the kansas city nursingnews

May 5, 2014

27

Health Care Facilities Celebrate

National Nurses Week May 6-12

CNO’s innovative leadership style sends positive message to nurses

By Linda Friedel The Kansas City Nursing News

Deb Ohnoutka, chief nursing officer at St. Joseph Medical Center, takes a hands-on approach to her role as a leader. Whether she is rounding with nurses or orienting new employees, Ohnoutka remains focused on one principle.

“I am here to serve them,” Ohnoutka said. “It’s that servant leadership and transformational leadership.”

Ohnoutka is intentional about her leadership style, said Becky Miller, MSN/MHSA, RN director of Magnet and quality. Miller was hired by Ohnoutka three years ago when they both began their tenure at St. Joseph Medical Center. Miller works closely with Ohnoutka and rounds with her frequently, something she says Ohnoutka does at least weekly to stay in touch with nurses. She has made a difference from the start, Miller said.

“She drives for high quality,” Miller said. “She holds people accountable and provides compassion at the same time. I really see the integration of that.”

Miller paints a before-and-after picture with Ohnoutka at the helm. There is a vibe about Ohnoutka, Miller said.

Since Ohnoutka began as CNO there has been a decline in turnover rates among nurses. Turnover dropped from 23 to 14 percent, Miller said. She has seen a change in morale. Ohnoutka offers stability and a positive attitude, Miller said. Nurses have a new sense of pride, she said. They feel like this is really a Magnet hospital, Miller said. You would never know if there was an issue, because Ohnoutka never stops smiling, Miller said.

“She smiles more than anybody,” Miller said. “She keeps a positive attitude with everything. That’s why people love her so much.”

Miller sees Ohnoutka as a transformational leader centered on motivation, morale, high expectations for quality, empowerment and developing others. She innately has the personality traits of transformational leader, and she wants to do the right thing that supports her style of leadership, Miller said. Ohnoutka’s reach goes beyond nursing.

“She impacts every person in this

28 May 5, 2014

Linda Friedel l The Kansas City Nursing News

Deb Ohnoutka, chief nursing officer at St. Joseph Medical Center does not spend much time behind her desk. Ohnoutka’s leadership style keeps her rounding with nurses and attending department meetings. hospital,” Miller said. “She is revered throughout the hospital in every department. She has tenacity, energy, dedication, devotion.”

Miller and several other leaders rounded with Ohnoutka last year on the night shift during National Nurses Week. To represent “Decades of caring,” St. Joseph’s 2013 theme for the week, Ohnoutka appeared as Florence Nightingale, dressed as an 1880s nurse and clutching a lantern.

“They were shocked,” Miller said.

“Jaws dropped — very happy. She arrived at 3:30 a.m. and delivered donuts.

She was trying to show the nurses how influential nursing really is to the committee at large. It definitely got everyone to look.”

Ohnoutka says she makes it a point to remember names. She introduces herself to new nurses and asks what they need. She presents a program during orientation to get acquainted with new nurses and attends staff meetings to keep a pulse on the units.

Informal rounding keeps her transparent and accessible, Ohnoutka says.

“You can’t hear the voices of nurses unless you’re out talking to them,” she said.

Ohnoutka says her goal is to encourage bedside nurses and to lift them

the kansas city nursingnews

Nursing and Healthcare: A Rewarding Choice Johnson County Community College can help you start or continue your healthcare career with innovative programs, outstanding faculty and state-of-the-art facilities.

Main Campus

Olathe Health Education Center

12345 College Blvd., Overland Park, KS 66210

21201 W. 152 nd St., Olathe, KS 66061

Associate Degree Nursing Program – Registered Nurse

F ully accredited by the Kansas State Board of

Nursing and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)

Small student-faculty ratio

Call 913-469-8500, ext. 3157

Registered Nurse Refresher Course

A pproved by the Kansas State Board of Nursing

P repares previously licensed RNs to re-enter

acute healthcare setting

9 -week class plus preceptorship

Call 913-469-8500, ext. 4282

Licensed Practical Nurse Program

F ully accredited by Kansas State Board of Nursing

10-month full-time program (August entry)

E vening/weekend program (January entry)

Small student-faculty ratio

Call 913-469-8500, ext. 4767 or 2350

Health Occupations Programs

Our short-term programs can help you enter a rewarding career field today:

C ertified Nurse Aide (CNA)

C NA refresher

C ertified Medication Aide (CMA)

C MA update

Intravenous fluid therapy for LPNs

Home Health Aide

Call 913-469-8500, ext. 4767 or 2350

12345 College Blvd., Overland Park, KS 66210-1299 | www.jccc.edu 40224437

Health Care Facilities Celebrate up. Nursing is hard work emotionally, physically and spiritually, she said. She wants people to know they are appreciated.

“I let them know how proud I am,” she said. “It’s about the bedside nurse. I truly believe it’s an honor and privilege to be a nurse. I want everyone to feel that honor.”

Ohnoutka said she enjoyed portraying Florence Nightingale on the night shift last year. It was a way to lighten the mood and honor the iconic nursing leader.

“They loved it that I dressed as Florence,” she said. “She was the very first nurse. She is our leader. It brings a little fun and laughter. She was the first leader for nursing. She made it a profession.”

Florence Nightingale was the first nurse to collect data and research, Ohnoutka said. She carried a lamp through the night because there was no electricity in the hospital where she cared for wounded soldiers. The swishing of her long skirt and glow from her lantern calmed the wounded from the Crimean War, she said.

“Hopefully, that’s what nurses do,” Ohnoutka said. “We’re there to take away their fear.”

Ohnoutka sees nurses as leaders and encourages them to take a place at the board. She is the first to set eyes on a shared leadership form, the formalized process of empowering nurses. She is highly involved in letting them make those decisions, Miller said.

National Nurses Week May 6-12

“We need every nurse to talk about nursing,” Ohnoutka said. “Nurses make a contribution every day.

Ohnoutka says she is passionate about nursing.

Nursing has always been her calling, she said. She knew as an 8-year-old she would become a nurse.

She earned a diploma in nursing, then later her BSN and master’s degrees. She plans to pursue a doctorate in leadership. Ohnoutka spent 20 years in labor and delivery prior to her years as CNO. She loved the critical thinking and adrenalin rush of the specialty, she said. She says leadership is a God-given gift. She feels fortunate for having had the ability to advocate for patients and nurses, she said.

“I just wanted to make a difference in the lives of people,” Ohnoutka said. “I still love bedside nursing.”

Ohnoutka’s enthusiasm is contagious, said Sarah Castillo, RN, MSN, CCRN, CNRN, director of critical care services. She is excited about nursing and that excites the nurses to be here, she said. She is fun, positive and professional, Castillo said.

“They really love her and expect her to be positive and bubbly, and she is,” Castillo said. “She’s visible. She rounds on the units. She has an open door. She’s very approachable.”

Deb Ohnoutka, chief nursing officer at St. Joseph Medical Center, surprised night-staff nurses last year when she portrayed Florence Nightingale during National Nurses Week.

Linda Friedel The Kansas City Nursing News

Linda Friedel can be reached at Linda.Friedel@npgco.com

Above the Rest

Our nurses lead the way.

As leaders in nursing, St. Joseph and St. Mary’s Medical Centers stand out among area hospitals.

It is because of our nurses that our hospitals are recognized for Excellence in Nursing.

Thank you for your dedication and commitment to caring.

For a list of current career opportunities visit cardondelethealth.org and click on careers, or call 800-507-8700.

40224435

the kansas city nursingnews

May 5, 2014

29

Health Care Facilities Celebrate

National Nurses Week May 6-12

Entrepreneur draws on nursing model for business adventure

By Linda Friedel The Kansas City Nursing News

The story has the makings of a joke.

Did you hear the one about the banker, the magician and the manager who gazed into the future? Paul Schneider admits his story is amusing, but he says during his meeting that day, the three friends did indeed determine his future.

“I talked with two best friends — a banker and magician,” said Schneider with a chuckle.

The three friends held a meeting with Schneider in mind. He was 25 years old at the time and was weighing his options. He had been a restaurant manager and an insurance salesman, neither were particularly fulfilling, he said.

He looked to his friends for their advice, but more importantly, their critical analysis. Schneider had set his sites on earning a postgraduate degree in law, business or medicine, but first he needed a bachelor’s degree.

After considering his situation, the friends helped lead Schneider to nursing. Nursing offers a broad understanding of people and critical-thinking skills, they determined.

Schneider wanted a profession that offered the possibility of pursuing other disciplines, and if he really loved it, the ability to land in a profession he truly enjoyed.

“I liked helping people,” said Schneider, RN, BSN, MBA/MIS, president and principal strategist of HIT Executive Consulting. “There is no nobler profession than going into nursing.”

Schneider earned his nursing degree in 1999, then worked in a hospital while pursuing his master’s degree in business administration (MBA). He divided his time as a medical surgical nurse and education specialist. As an educator he worked with new graduates, returning nurses and in orientation. It was a role he enjoyed.

“I have the natural ability to come into a situation and ask why. Why are we doing things like this?” he said. “I enjoyed it. It’s very interesting to see.”

Schneider was employed with OhioHealth at the time. There were 20,000 employees and 15 facilities during his tenure, he said. He took note of the vendors and another side of health-

30 May 5, 2014

care, he said.

“That was when I became aware of vendors in Kansas,” Schneider said.

Schneider completed his master’s degree with a focus in managing information systems, then worked in a variety of health information consulting (HIT) companies, including Cerner where he was a senior level strategist. After two years at Cerner, he began working with another consulting company. The company was making money, Schneider said, but it lacked vision.

He lost his position with the Japanese-owned company along with its CEO after a tsunami struck Japan.

Schneider always had wanted to own his own company. The timing looked right, he said. He launched HIT Executive Consulting in 2011. Schneider could put his nursing skills to work, but apply them in a different way to help people, he said.

“It was to help vendors become better vendors and offer better services and programs that assist clinicians in the care of patients,” Schneider said.

Schneider continues to maintain his nursing license while operating a business. As a consultant to vendors whose clients provide services to hospitals and health-care providers, he constantly draws from the principles of nursing, he says.

He applies the nursing process — assessment, plan, implementation, evaluation (APIE) to business analysis.

Schneider says he assesses a business, builds a plan, executes and implements the plan and then provides an evaluation.

“It is a proven model of quality improvement and project management,” Schneider said. “All of the QI and PM models you look at can be basically broken down into the nursing process.”

Nurses are patient advocates, Schneider said. They look holistically at the patient, not just the disease or injury, he said. They look at the whole person and the environment in which that person lives, he said.

“If you put the business owner or company in the role of patient, we are basically looking at the same variables,” he said. “You are looking at areas to improve wellness, their economic, legislative and regulator environments for the purpose of creating

the kansas city nursingnews

an opportunity for growth.”

Schneider has four employees in marketing, finance, social media, human resources and organizational development. The firm focuses on health care IT vendors who supply services or products to clinicians in hospitals and physician groups throughout the country. Their clients include Coding & Reimbursement Solutions, Skinner & Associates Healthcare Information Technology, CSN Healthcare IT and Prime Health Information Consulting.

“Ultimately it’s about the patient care,” Schneider said.

HIT Executive Consulting assists start-up companies to established businesses on contracts to websites to budgeting, he said. Some want to grow.

Others do not use a budget.

Companies need a fresh set of eyes to look at processes, Schneider said. HIT Executive Consulting provides an assessment, creates recommendations, helps with specific goals, develops a

reasonable plan and goes through it with stakeholders, he said.

“Then we implement it,” Schneider said. “We really want to help our vendors hit the ground running and not hit the ground.”

Debi Primeau, MA, RHIA, FAHIMA, president of Primeau Consulting Group, Inc. has contracted services with HIT Executive Consulting for several years. Primeau founded her company four years ago. She provides health information consulting services to hospitals. Schneider has been a big support in the last several years, she said.

“His knowledge of health care and clinical background helps him to better understand our business,” she said.

“All of those things coming together make it a nice combination of skill and business to understand my business. I didn’t have to start from scratch.”

Linda Friedel can be reached at Linda.Friedel@npgco.com

We appreciate our nurses 24 • 7 • 365

During Nurses’ Week we celebrate them!

You can be a part of our special healthcare teams!

Apply online at providencekc.com or saintjohnleavenworth.com

Providing Our Patients Expert Care. Close to Home.

Providence Medical Center 8929 Parallel Parkway • Kansas City, KS 66112 913-596-4000 • providencekc.com 40224379

Saint John Hospital 3500 South 4th Street • Leavenworth, KS 66048 913-680-6000 • saintjohnleavenworth.com

EOE/AA/Post-Offer Drug Screen

Health Care Facilities Celebrate

National Nurses Week May 6-12

Nursing students become ‘standardized patients’ in patient simulation

By Melody A. Messner Special to Kansas City Nursing News

If you’ve been a hospital patient and experienced the Jell-O, the flimsy gray hospital gowns and plastic tableware, you know how it feels to be the one in the bed. Senior nursing students at Saint Luke’s College got a little taste of this experience during a recent simulation exercise.

Senior nursing students dressed like patients wearing gowns, bandages, IVs and wounds as they transformed the skills lab into a 12bed telemetry unit.

This activity is part of an innovative type of simulation exercise in the Complex Care of Adults class taught by Assistant Professor Jennifer Blanchard and instructor Terra Merrick.

“We wanted to give students the opportunity to be the primary nurse in a dynamic simulated

environment involving multiple standardized patients over several shifts,” said Merrick “How does a nurse prioritize their patients and manage all patient needs so that each patient receives the very best nursing care possible for example,” said Blanchard.

The complex care course is designed to teach students to manage safe and effective care within the complex, multi-system alterations in a patient’s health caused by disease or trauma.

And, how does it feel to be a patient? “The students quickly take on some of the same behaviors as real patients even though they know this is a simulation,” says Blanchard.

Merrick and Blanchard plan to present this new simulation activity at a conference to illustrate the use of “standardized patients” in complex-care management.

Until then though, one of the “patients” keeps pushing the call light.

Senior nursing students at Saint Luke’s College of Health Sciences role-play as ‘standardized patients’ during their complex-care class.

Submitted photo

WIC announces new guidelines The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services released new income guidelines for the WIC Program.

WIC is a special supplemental nutrition program, funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, provided at no cost to eligible moms, babies and children. Its goal is to help improve health by providing nutritious foods to supplement diets, offering education on healthy eating, nutrition and breastfeeding and making referrals to other services.

If your family income does not exceed the following amounts for the size of your family, you could qualify for WIC. Pregnant women are counted as two

family members. Income guidelines are based on 185 percent of poverty level.

USDA approved changes to the current WIC food package will expand access to healthy fruits and vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy for mothers and young children The first change for Missouri will be effective June 1, 2014. The fruit and vegetable check for children will be increased from $6 to $8. Additional changes to the food packages will be coming in the later months.

To find out if you or your children are eligible for the WIC Program, call (816) 404-4WIC for an appointment or visit www.tmcwic.org to find a clinic.

Source: Truman Medical Center

Family Size Annual Monthly 1 21,590 1,800 2 29,101 2,426 3 36,612 3,051 4 44,123 3,677 5 51,634 4,303 6 59,145 4,929

Weekly 416 560 705 849 993 1,138

• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

816-833-0524 ext. 4717

Each additional family member plus 7,511 plus 626 plus 145 April 1, – March 31, 2015

40224454

the kansas city nursingnews

May 5, 2014

31

Health Care Facilities Celebrate

National Nurses Week May 6-12

Neuroscience nurses ‘freeze’ staff into new culture of safety

By Linda Friedel The Kansas City Nursing News

Nurses in the neuroscience department at Saint Luke’s Hospital launched an initiative that led to a reduction in patient falls. After successfully changing habits among staff members, they presented their findings in a national conference.

“We were basically the highest fall rate in the ICU in the hospital,” said Angie Atkinson, RN, neuroscience intensive care nurse at Saint Luke’s Hospital. “(We) looked at fall rates. What could we do that would make it easier for the nurses?”

Atkinson and Heidi Dale, RN, BSN, clinical nurse manager of the neuroscience intensive care unit at Saint Luke’s Hospital, presented a platform presentation titled, “Reducing our Unit’s Fall Rate: Engaging a Unit to Create a Culture of Accountability” at the Educational American Association of Neuroscience annual meeting in Anaheim, Calif., in March. They developed their fall program to decrease falls among neuroscience patients. Atkinson, Dale, Debbie Summers, MSN, RN, AHCNS-BC, CNRN, SCRN, Donna Hunt, BSN, RN, CCRN, and Amy Bell, BSN, RN, CCRN, neuroscience intensive care nurses from their department, also attended the four-day conference. Dale collaborated with Bell on a poster presentation, “ICU Nurses’ Creativity and Tenacity Inspire Architects to Think Outside the Box.” Dale and Atkinson said they were proud to represent the hospital where they have been for their entire careers.

“I was honored that they had chosen us to speak at the conference,” Atkinson said. “Great feedback. Changing the culture was the key to our success.”

Their presentation struck a chord with conference attendees. They noticed facial expressions while presenting their program. The group appeared fully engaged, the presenters said. Nurses seemed to relate to the topic, Atkinson said. After giving their 30-minute presentation, Atkinson said they were swarmed at the podium.

Within minutes, their hand-outs disappeared. Nurses from across the country lined to ask questions. Multiple nurses told Atkinson and Dale how their own units ranked poorly in their

32 May 5, 2014

Submitted photo

Nurses from Saint Luke’s Hospital attend the American Association of Neuroscience Nurses (AANN) 46th annual educational meeting in Anaheim, Calif., from March 8 through 11. Heidi Dale, RN, BSN, clinical nurse manager of the neuroscience intensive care unit and Angie Atkinson, RN, in the neuroscience intensive care unit, presented a platform presentation titled, ‘Reducing our Unit’s Fall Rate: Engaging a Unit to Create a Culture of Accountability.’ From left are Debbie Summers, MSN, RN, AHCNS-BC, CNRN, SCRN; Donna Hunt, BSN, RN, CCRN; Angie Atkinson, RN; Heidi Dale, BSN, RN; and Amy Bell, BSN, RN, CCRN. facilities among fall rates. How could they turn it around? How could they get an electronic copy of the PowerPoint presentation? Dale said she was shocked by the reaction.

“They were so eager to hear what we had done to decrease our falls by 84 percent,” Atkinson said.

Atkinson and Dale had collaborated on the fall program they launched in their unit. Atkinson developed and taught the educational piece to staff members. They followed the Lewin’s Change Theory model to make changes stick. Their goal was to motivate staff members to utilize protective equipment with patients such as nonskid yellow socks, a gait belt, a chair alarm pad and a soft belt while sitting in chairs.

For starters, Atkinson headed to the central supply room. Since it was around Halloween, she posted pictures of pumpkins and labeled products to make equipment easy to see and identify. To “unfreeze” the culture prior to their changes, Atkinson and Dale shared stories of poor patient outcomes and posted fall data on best practices on a regular basis.

They gave rewards such a pizza par-

the kansas city nursingnews

ties for milestone days without falls.

They educated everyone from physical therapy, occupational therapy, pharmacy to nurses and chaplains. They pulled equipment out of closets and closets. They nailed hooks onto walls of patient rooms and hung safety belts in plain view. They posted decreases in fall rates. They reminded staff members that all patients are treated equally. Use the same equipment on all patients.

“It was more consistent to all the patients,” Dale said. “We really needed to

40224450

change the culture on our unit.”

Atkinson educated and checked off every nurse and nursing assistant on products and protocols. She did this over several weeks. Night staff was included.

“It has to be a team effort,” Dale said. “Everyone on the unit has to be dedicated to it.”

It’s more than using the equipment, Dale said. The two posted how many days the unit went without falls. They kept the pizza, ice cream and bagel parties flowing along with their successes. Atkinson and Dale ended each one of their staff emails with reminders: ‘Everyone is someone’s loved one.

If that was my mom or dad I would want them to be safe.’

“We got people exited about how many days we went without falls,” Dale said. “(We) offered rewards to keep people motivated to keep their patients safe.”

The unit saw a decrease in its fall rates, Atkinson said. It decreased to four falls in 2012 and to two by 2013.

They saw an overall 84 percent reduction in their fall rate, Atkinson said.

Dale says today if you see a bed alarm or chair alarm, you will see multiple people getting up to answer it, including housekeeping. They respond and get that help, she said. To “freeze” the new culture, Atkinson and Dale continue to give positive feedback and educate new staff members.

“They need a lot of positive feedback when they are doing something well,” Dale said.

Linda Friedel can be reached at Linda.Friedel@npgco.com

Health Care Facilities Celebrate

National Nurses Week May 6-12

Longer nurse tenure on hospital units leads to higher quality care When it comes to the cost and quality of hospital care, nurse tenure and teamwork matters. Patients get the best care when they are treated in units that are staffed by nurses who have extensive experience in their current job, according to a study from researchers at Columbia University School of Nursing and Columbia Business School. The study was published in the current issue of the American Economics Journal: Applied Economics.

The review of more than 900,000 patient admissions over four years at hospitals in the Veterans Administration Healthcare System is the largest study of its kind to link nurse staffing to patient outcomes. The researchers analyzed payroll records for each nurse and medical records for each patient to see how changes in nurse staffing impacted the length of stay for patients. Because length of stay is increased by delays in delivery of appropriate care and errors in care delivery, a shorter length of stay indicates that

the hospital provided better treatment.

At the same time, a shorter length of stay also makes care more cost-effective. The study found that a one-year increase in the average tenure of RNs on a hospital unit was associated with a 1.3 percent decrease in length of stay.

“Reducing length of stay is the holy grail of hospital management because it means patients are getting higher quality, more cost-effective care,” says senior study author Patricia Stone, PhD, RN, FAAN, centennial professor of health policy at Columbia Nursing.

“When the same team of nurses works together over the years, the nurses develop a rhythm and routines that lead to more efficient care. Hospitals need to keep this in mind when making staffing decisions — disrupting the balance of a team can make quality go down and costs go up.”

While many hospitals rely on temporary staffing agencies at least some of the time to fill RN vacancies, the study found that it’s more cost-effective for

Quality People, Quality Products, and a Patient Focus It all begins and ends with the patient. At Teva, we are committed to making quality healthcare accessible around the world. By offering programs, services and information that support patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals, we help individuals take a total approach to living well in

hospitals to pay staff RNs overtime to work more hours on their unit. RNs working overtime resulted in shorter lengths of stay than hours worked by nurses hired from staffing agencies, the study found.

Nursing skill also mattered, the study found. Length of stay decreased more in response to staffing by RNs than by unlicensed assistive personnel. Furthermore, the study showed that length of stay increased when a team of RNs was disrupted by the absence of an experienced member or the addition of a new member.

“This rigorous econometric analysis of nurse staffing shows that hospital chief executives should be considering policies to retain the most experienced nurses and create a work environment that encourages nurses to remain on their current units,” says the senior economist on the study team, Ann Bartel, PhD, Merrill Lynch Professor of Workforce Transformation at Columbia Business School.

The researchers used the VA’s Personnel and Accounting Integrated Data for information on each nurse’s age, education, prior experience, VA hire date, start date at the current VA facility, and start date for the current unit at that facility.

To assess patient outcomes, the researchers used the VA’s Patient Treatment File for information on each patient including dates of admission and discharge for each unit and for the overall hospitalization, as well as age and diagnoses. The final sample accounts for 90 percent of all acute-care stays in the VA system for the fiscal years 2003 to 2006.

The paper is titled: “Human Capital and Productivity in a Team Environment: Evidence from the Healthcare Sector,” and it was published in April 2014. Co-authors are Nancy Beaulieu, independent contractor, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Ciaran Phibbs, professor at the VA Health Economics Resource Center and at Stanford University School of Medicine.

Source: Columbia School of Nursing

Celebrate Nur se Appreciatio n night at The K, Tues da Visit royals.com y May 27th. /nurseapprecia tion for discount tic ket information .

the face of their healthcare needs.

we make quality healthcare accessible tevausa.com

40224432

the kansas city nursingnews

May 5, 2014

33

Accelerated.

Values Based.

Graduate Education.

Learn more about all of the U-Mary Kansas City Center degree programs!

Classes begin in August, January and May and are held at: 5577 NW Barry Road Kansas City, MO —or— Truman Medical Center Corporate Academy For more information call 816-741-9797 or e-mail kansas@umary.edu.

The University of Mary has held continuous accreditation by The Higher Learning Commission, a Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, since 1969 and is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

The University of Mary offers a variety of graduate programs that will help advance your nursing career: Q Diploma/ADN to MSN: Nurse Administrator Q MSN: Nurse Administrator, Nurse Educator Q MBA: Health Care Q MSN/MBA–Health Care Administration dual degree Offered in an accelerated format, U-Mary classes meet one night per week or online, giving you the flexibility needed to earn a degree while meeting the demands of family life and work. And, because students are considered full-time, financial aid may be available.

Q Through the “cohort” format, students earn their degree with a group of adult student peers. Cohort groups stay together through graduation, resulting in strong support, work teams, and long-lasting friendships.

Q Classes are led by local faculty who hold master’s or doctorate degrees, many of whom are regional leaders in their specialty.

Q The information you learn in class will be immediately applicable to your daily work.

Earn a degree that focuses on the application of knowledge, where you will understand not only what is needed, but how that service is best provided.

40224377

34 May 5, 2014

the kansas city nursingnews