Progress Report on 2003
from Caring For Our Future, Fall 2003
By Lynne Hedrick, MS, RN, Senior V.P., Patient Care Services
In the beginning of the year, I outlined the 2003 strategic goals for the Division of Nursing. The goals addressed clinical practice, magnet recognition, workforce strategy, research, education, communication and relationships, organizational wisdom and financial performance. We have collectively initiated actions over the past year that have positioned us to achieve many of these goals.
The following are some examples of our achievements. These outcomes reflect the outstanding contributions by nurses.
In terms of clinical practice, family-centered care remains the heart of nursing care at Children’s. Effort has been directed toward strategies that enhance the quality of patient-family education. In July, the Lullaby Channel debuted on TCH Channel 14. This programming was established to provide children and families a safe and calming channel with soft music and photos, plus kid-friendly movies as an option to often tragic and violent news coverage.
In addition to family-centered care, the delivery of nursing care continues to be exemplary and progressive. Development has begun for a model of evidenced-based practice so successful outcomes can be supported by authoritative evidence. A multi-disciplinary task force conducted an exhaustive literature search related to management of procedural pain in children. Guiding principles have been developed and approved, and will be used to create clinical practice guidelines.
Our magnet recognition initiative is in process, and our plan is to achieve this goal by 2005.
House-wide effort has been focused on our workforce strategy, with particular attention to retention of our valuable nursing staff. This year, many staff participated in a survey that identified themes that will drive future actions in retention. This year also reflected a vacancy and turnover rate well below local and national trends.
Research within nursing is a critical part of our philosophy that has been fostered at TCH. A project currently in progress will address the work environment for nurses. Nurses are being asked to describe their “current” and “ideal” work settings as they relate to three dimensions: relationships, personal growth, and system maintenance and change. Managers and staff will use the findings to guide workplace changes and facilitate more effective functioning.
Our activities related to education and staff development are robust in terms of quality as well as quantity. This fall, we will begin the implementation of CHEX (Children’s Hospitals Knowledge Exchange), a web-based learning tool that will enhance staff ability to learn online. From regulatory (i.e., safety test, quarterly scantrons) to clinical best-practice courses, this new educational venue will complement or replace some traditional learning and evaluation methods.
Communication and relationships throughout the organization are essential for success in all our initiatives. The “Work with a Nurse Program” was implemented as a pilot to improve communication and to build relationships between departments. Approximately 30 directors and senior managers throughout the system have volunteered to spend several hours with a nurse to learn about nursing, specialties and departments.
The Division of Nursing recognized that to proactively plan for our future, organizational wisdom is essential. From HIPAA compliance to the implementation of PeopleSoft and E-Rex, we have stayed informed and updated and have ensured that nurses are included in the process as appropriate. Nowhere has this been more important than in the planning process for our new campus at Fitzsimons. Nurses continue to commit countless hours to the daunting and exciting opportunity to assist in developing plans for our future facility.
Finally, the importance of our financial performance cannot be underestimated. It presents one of our most compelling challenges for the future. In light of reduced reimbursements and increased expenses, we have the responsibility to manage our resources more efficiently than ever.
Through our collective efforts, we are making great progress in achieving many of our identified goals. I thank each and every one of you for your active involvement, intense commitment and positive attitudes throughout the year.
