Following Dr. Bushnell, Dr. Kim Noble compared and contrasted EBP and Research and made it simple and provided practical ideas for nurses to achieve at the bedside. Dr. Patricia Morton described how to start publishing by sharing successful strategies.

There were four breakout sessions covering everything from the differences in Performance Improvement (PI), EBP,

The Mercy Medical Center Evidence-Based Practice (EBP)/ Research Symposium is a forum for nurses from Mercy and other organizations to share performance improvement, research and EBP experiences, disseminate study findings, and network with colleagues.

IN THIS ISSUE

This year’s symposium was held on October 29, 2014 at the Valley Mansion, Hunt Valley, MD. There were approximately 120 attendees and 12 hospitals represented. The symposium began with Kim Bushnell, DNP, RN-NEA-BC, illustrating the role of an executive nursing leader and developing a culture of excellence and a strategic plan.

Symposium Chairperson, Dr. Dina Krenzischek and Keynote Speakers: Dr. Kim Noble, Dr. Patricia Morton and Dr. Kim Bushnell

Podium Speakers: Tracey Edwards, RN, CPAN, CNIII; Tanja Gross, BSN, RN, PCCN; Erin Pollitt, MHA, BSN, RN, FNE-A, SANE-A, CNII

continued on page 2

WIN

TER

2015MERCYCARE

Navigating the Course: Redefining the Nurses’ Role in Today’s Healthcare: 4th MMC EBP/Research SymposiumDina A. Krenzischek, PhD, RN, CPAN, FAAN

Nurse Residency Program ...........................................page 3

The Quest for Magnet® Redesignation.................page 4

Mercy Community Outreach .....................................page 12-13

EXCEPTIONAL CARE. EXTRAORDINARY NURSES.

2 MERCYCARE

NICU Nurses: Nancy McCready, RNC, CNIII and Holly Lerch, RNC, CNIII

Dear MercyRN Family,Believe it or not, four years ago, Mercy Medical Center was designated as a Magnet Hospital by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. In August, we will be submitting our documents, again, for redesignation. Last January, we evaluated our Professional Practice Model to see if it still aligned with our mission and vision. We also continued the great work of our councils resulting in wonderful outcomes for our patients and their families. We hired a lot of new nurses, new leaders and new staff to join our team bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to Mercy. As always, the journey doesn't end and as we prepare for redesignation, I want you to think about why you are a Magnet nurse. Is it because you give great care to your patients? Is it because you changed a practice on your unit? Is it because you help orient new grads and students? We have an exciting year ahead of us and I am thrilled to be part of one of the best nursing teams in the nation. Thank you for all you do.

Kim Bushnell DNP, RN, NEA-BC

and research to writing an abstract and developing a poster presentation. At the close of the day, Stephannie Weikert, an Integrative yoga instructor, demonstrated the techniques of balancing mind, body

and spirit. Thank you to the nurse leaders and educators for their support and the Symposium Planning Committee for their commitment in this educational program. Abstract winners from Mercy included: PI: B11: Fall Intervention Program, PI Project and Nurse Residency Program: B15 Effects of Music Among Oncology Patients.

Erin Pollitt, MHA, BSN, RN, FNE-A, SANE-A stated “I really appreciated the opportunity to share my research process and findings at the EBP/Research Symposium.”

A poster grand round was held exhibiting 29 PI, EBP and research abstracts. The abstracts were peer reviewed by some members of the MMC Center of Clinical Excellence.

Navigating the Course: Redefining the Nurses’ Role in Today’s Healthcare: 4th MMC EBP/Research Symposium continued from page 1

“I hope that this will inspire other Mercy RNs to explore their own ideas and create positive changes for the future of our nursing practice.” Erin Pollitt

A Message from the CNO

MERCYCARE 3

Mercy Medical Center joined the Maryland Nurse Residency Collaborative, along with 17 others organizations last summer. The collaborative is the first of its kind to adopt the University Health System Consortium (UHC) Nursing Residency Program (NRP).

The nurse residency program is designed to provide a standardized orientation, by providing support, mentorship and education for new graduate nurses. In October of 2013, twenty eight nurses began the first nurse residency cohort at Mercy. Lead by Monica Nelson, MSN RN, Program Coordinator and a team of masters prepared educators, the curriculum was designed to assist the new grad RN in the areas of: stress management, professional communication, conflict management, understanding patient outcomes, patient safety, cultural competence, ethical decision making, pain management, end of life care, evidence based practice and professional role development.

The nurse residents attend four hour sessions designed to encourage them in exploring their new role and to bond with peers. The first cohort celebrated the completion of their program on November 12th, 2014 at a graduation and pinning ceremony. A second cohort of 17 nurses started in May of 2014, and a third cohort of 10 nurses started in December 2014.

Welcome our new Nursing Residents

1ST COHORT: Rachel Kleinfelter- OR, Melissa Eberhard-B9, Brandie Mondshour-Chatterton-B12, Ricka Schwarz-B9, Etienne Zantop- B9, Mary Marasa-B15, Jean Marshall- B15, Korey Shoop-OR, Katrina Burdette-ED, Meredith Rainaldi- B11, Amanda Bandzwolek- B12, Brian Borntrager- ED, Ebony Byers- B14, Shelby Cohen- NICU, Mary Caitlin Formby- L&D, Danielle Thomas- L&D, Shula Kohengadol- L&D, Amanda Ewald- B11, Maria Calder- B15, Isaac Kim- B11, Lauren Schaerer- B11, Diana Lee- B11, Katherine Bartko- B16.

2ND COHORT: Danielle Kues-L&D, Theresa Smith-B9, Erika Sheffield- NICU, Samantha Burley-B12, Leslie Kon-B12, Sawyer Sade- B12, Laura Boucher-B12, Todd Altenburg-ED, Megan O’Quinn-B11, Christy Hartman-B11, Morgan Miller- B12, Amanda Watkins- B16, Robyn Fleming- B16, Kimberley Barnhart B16, Kerry Nadolny-OR.

3RD COHORT: Esther Topas- MB, Carly Stracco- B16, Jefferey Abando -B15, Megan Schafer- ED, Scott McDonnell - B12, Alexis DiLegge- ED, Autumn Bergman- B15, Sarah Soper – ED and Kristen Corkran-McElhose – B15

Monica Nelson, MSN RN, NRP Program Coordinator

(Above left) B11 NRP participants (Right) Mary Marasa, RN B15: “The nurse residency program provided me with a new support system during the difficult transition from a student to a bedside nurse. It was great to build friendships, have familiar faces around the hospital and share different experiences as a new nurse.”

Nurse Residency Program

4 MERCYCARE

The Quest for Magnet® RedesignationMercy Nursing was granted Magnet® Status in October of 2011, demonstrating our nursing excellence and quality patient care outcomes. In May, 2014 we sent in our official Magnet Redesignation application. We are now in the process of writing our Magnet® Documents, about describing and demonstrating how the nursing division exemplifies Transformational Leadership; Structural empowerment; Exemplary Professional Practice; New Knowledge, Innovations and Improvements and Empirical Outcomes. The documents are due in August, 2015 and if all goes well, we will be granted a site visit in late 2015 or early 2016.

Over the past several months, the Magnet Champions have been leading the Caritas initiatives on the units helping to spread the awareness of our Caring Theorist, Jean Watson. Hopefully you were able to participate in some of the activities such as “One of a Kind” Magnets, Magnet Knowledge quiz, music rounds and mindfulness rounds. Additionally, they organized 5 “Bake it Forwards” as a gesture of caring and gratitude to several nursing

units and ancillary departments. The Magnet Champion group will start a powerful presence of education, rounding and activities in the upcoming year in preparation for the Magnet® Site Visit.

In October, 2014 Mercy Nursing was represented at the National Magnet® Conference in Dallas, Texas through podium presentations and exhibiting in the Art of Magnet® Nursing

Gallery. Presentations included: Susan Finlayson, DNP, RN, NE-BC and Stacey Brull, DNP, RN, NE-BC- “Let the Games Begin” was about our interactive education gaming technologies

Magnet Champions “Bake it Forward” to the Social Work Department

“With over 7,000 nurses in attendance, you could feel the excitement and it got me excited about nursing as a profession and opened my eyes to what other hospitals are doing across the country and around the world.” Corrine Sakyi

MERCYCARE 5

The Quest for Magnet® Redesignation

and Stacey Brull, DNP, RN, NE-BC, Beth Kilmoyer, DNP, RN-BC and Dina Krenzischek, PhD, RN, CPAN, FAAN “Think Data, Getting Magnet EO Stories” was about how data and outcomes are extremely important in the Magnet documentation. (see Magnet Story examples in this newsletter on pages 6-8).

Katelynn Dougherty, MSN, RN-OCN, CNII stated: “Attending the National Magnet Conference

Susan Finlayson, DNP, RN, NE-BC and Stacey Brull, DNP, RN, NE-BC present at the National Magnet Conference

was truly a one-of-a-kind experience and I never have I been surrounded by so many empowered, engaging and inspirational nurses.”

Corrine Sakyi, BSN, RN, CNII said: “With over 7,000 nurses in attendance, you could feel the excitement and it got me excited about nursing as a profession and opened my eyes to what other hospitals are doing across the country and around the world.”

Mercy Nursing Displays at the Art of Magnet® Nursing Gallery

Dear Mercy Nurses,

We are in the midst of unprecedented changes in healthcare.

A new State rate system caps our reimbursement, punishes

hospitals for avoidable readmissions and seeks to hold hospitals

accountable for population health, while extending insurance

coverage to a greater percentage of our community.

And yet one thing will never change: Mercy’s commitment to

the delivery of quality care and nursing excellence. This is core

to our mission. So, how are we doing?

This year saw increased recognition for our hospital as

U.S. News & World Report named Mercy the #2 hospital in

our State and the #1 community hospital in all of Maryland.

Mercy also received the Women’s Choice Award for Patient

Experience as One of America’s Best Hospitals for the third

year in a row. And especially gratifying, Mercy was named

among the 30 Most Nurse-Friendly Hospitals in the United

States by RNtoBSN.com.

None of this would be possible without a Nursing Staff that

gives its best each and every day. My sincerest thanks for all

that you do in the name of Mercy.

With great appreciation,

Tom MullenPresident & CEO

A Message from the President & CEO

6 MERCYCARE

The nursing strategic plan identifies a clear expectation of consistently having Mercy nurses recognized as leaders in quality and patient safety. One tactic outlined was to improve the practice environment by

TL1EO-Iniative in the strategic plan resulting in an improvement in clinical practice

decreasing the incidence of falls. Patient falls are ubiquitous. We must think of new ways to solve this age-old concern. In our shared governance structure, it was identified that we could enhance the practice environment by giving nurses a comprehensive way to prevent falls.

In turn, the Nursing Fall Prevention Committee was revived and redesigned. Over the past year the committee has worked diligently implementing various fall prevention interventions. Highlights over the past year include the “Spring into Falls” event held in May which included safe lifting demonstrations, documentation tips, and high fall risk scenarios. The Falls Committee has also worked to modify

B11 Poster highlighting the unit’s fall initiatives

2014 Falls Fair

Transformational Leadership includes the Forces of Magnetism:n Quality of Nursing n Management Style

Molly Bass, RNC, CN II accepted the challenge of leading the vital workgroup to design a new framework for triage in Labor and Delivery. Molly enlisted fellow staff nurses, nurse midwives, physicians and nursing leaders for participation and membership commitment. This task force was charged with creating and implementing a streamlined patient evaluation

Laveda Roy MSN, RN, NEA-BC

SE1EO: Clinical nurses are involved in interprofession al decision-making groups at the organizational level- Labor and Delivery Triage Task Force Sees a Reduction in Wait Times

n Organizational Structure: Through shared governance and decision making

n Personnel Policies and Programsn Community and Healthcare

Organization: Mission, vision, values and strategic goals

n Image of Nursing: Enhance and support the value

n Professional Development- promote lifelong learning

and enhance our post fall huddles and debriefs. The current project of the falls committee consists of implementing a fall tracer tool. The falls trace tool is used by the committee members who round on units monthly enhancing fall prevention education of the staff nurses. Unit based interventions have also been implemented through AIIMM projects. One example is B11’s development of the “No Pass Zone” where no staff member should pass a room with an active call light. B16 also set a record high of 109 days fall free. The efforts of the nursing division have been proven effective as the overall falls rate has decreased.

}

}

process based on Association of Women’s Health, Obstetrics and Neonatal Nursing (AWHONN) standards of care.

As the team analyzed the current workflow, strategies were implemented to redesign the triage process. Molly trained a small group of “triage super users” who met with RN staff about the new process. Due to the work of

Structural Empowerment includes the Forces of Magnetism:

Kathleen Cullum, BSN, RN and Courtney Karloff, BSN, RN, CNII

MERCYCARE 7

SE1EO: Clinical nurses are involved in interprofession al decision-making groups at the organizational level- Labor and Delivery Triage Task Force Sees a Reduction in Wait Times

Molly and the workgroup, the triage process using the new Acuity Scale went live in May, 2014. In December, two new triage bays opened to accommodate the rapid assessment of patients.

Molly Bass, RNC, CNII in the new triage area during construction

Linda Joly, RN, CNII from the Mother Baby unit presented

her findings from the research study entitled: “Effectiveness

of a DVD to positively impact knowledge and behaviors

of new mothers regarding newborn safe sleep practices:

An educational intervention evaluation” at the 2014 Maryland

Nurses’ Association (MNA) annual convention held this past

October. Linda, is the principal investigator for the study, along with Co-Investigators: Tracy Mahmoud, BSN, RN Manager Mother Baby Unit and

Dina A. Krenzischek, PhD, RN, CPAN, FAAN Mentor and Director of Professional Practice. There is no research to date evaluating the effectiveness of

a DVD to positively influence caregiver safe sleep practices for infants. The research team was excited to learn that the data analysis revealed statistically

significant positive changes in mothers’ sleep safe behaviors with two of the study questions. When compared to the pre-intervention survey, the post-

intervention survey results indicated that more mothers responded that they would never sleep with their infants in the same bed (p=<0.001). Also,

more mothers answered that they would always place their babies on their backs to sleep (p=0.001). The research team interpreted these results as

an indication that the DVD was a viable option for educating mothers on safe sleep practices.

Safe Sleep Practices Research Study Demonstrates Significant Findings

NK1EO: The organization supports the advancement of nursing research

New Knowledge, Innovations and Improvements include the Forces of Magnetism:n Quality of Care: Research and Evidence-Based Practice n Quality Improvement}

Linda Jolly, RN, CNII presenting at MNA

Welcome New Nursing Leadership: Michael Smigelski, BSN, RN, CCRN- Manager B16

Michael is the new manager of the 16th floor. He received his BSN from Penn State University, is certified in Critical Care and currently enrolled in a MSN program with a Leadership focus. He served 10 years in the Army, during this time was deployed overseas and has recently relocated to Maryland.

SAVE THE DATE: Nurses’ Week 2015: April 30- May 8

VIEW THIS NEWSLETTER on your mobile device on ISSUU and at: http://issuu.com/mdmercynursing/docs/mercy_rn_winter2015_newsletter

8 MERCYCARE

Two years ago, Angela Kachura BSN, RN, CNIII, an emergency nurse, suffered the unexpected loss of her brother which sparked an interest to further explore what options are available for family presence in resuscitation in emergency departments (ED). Knowing that Mercy supports autonomous nursing practice, Angela began to use the resources available to nurses to investigate if Mercy had established guidelines regarding the practice of family witnessed resuscitation (FWR). Through policy and procedure searches she concluded Mercy had no established guidelines.

Terri Palazzo MS, RN, FACHE and Cynthia Cohen MSN, MBA, RN, CEN

EP14- Resources, such as professional literature, are readily available to support decision-making in autonomous nursing practice

This began her quest to seek out other available resources on this topic. Angela found many resources available to her to assist with this project. One of the best resources was Tracy Kostelec, BSN, RN, CEN, ED Clinical Nurse Educator. Leading a project of this magnitude was a new experience for Angela so the mentoring and guidance of Tracy was immensely helpful to her. Another integral resource was The McGlannan Health Services Library and the assistance from Roy Hatch by finding professional literature references.Angela obtained the Emergency Nurse’s Association (ENA) clinical practice guideline on FWR through the McGlannan Library’s web

Family Witness Resuscitation in the Emergency Department

page. The ENA clinical practice guideline on FWR states, “that family members’ presence during resuscitation should be offered as an option when appropriate and a written organizational policy developed collaboratively with social services, pastoral care, or medical staff” (2012, p. 6). The ED Practice Council developed Mercy’s guidelines based on all of the available evidence and have been able to use the guidelines in practice. Staff have embraced the presence of the family and pastoral care in recent resuscitation efforts and families have expressed feelings of gratitude for being allowed in the room for their family member’s last minutes of life.

}n Professional Models of Caren Consultation and Resourcesn Autonomyn Nurses as Teachersn Interdisciplinary (Interprofessional)

Relationshipsn Quality of Care: Ethics, Patient Safety,

and Quality Infrastructuren Quality Improvement

Exemplary Professional Practice includes the Forces of Magnetism:

Angela Kachura BSN, RN, CNIII

MERCYCARE 9

Medical Center is the focus of the Retention and Recognition Committee. This hard working group of nurses has recently planned several events recognizing many of our nurses and PCS staff.

n May - 54 nurses attended the Mexican Fiesta Senior Nurse Event

n June - NST Celebration included breakfast and luncheon for all Nursing Support, Monitor, OB and Surgical techs.

n September - PSR Celebration rounds throughout the departments giving each Patient Service Representative a bamboo plant & fortune cookies with a note attached reading “We are so lucky to have you”

The committee is looking forward to upcoming events in 2015 and especially the visit from the VP and Co-Founder of the Daisy Foundation, Tena Barnes-Carraher. The next event is the Certification Recognition in March.

Sue Stiffler, BSN, RN CNIII

Recruitment & Retention Committee hosts many events

OPC manager, Joan Marie Lake, BSN, RN, CPHQ shows appreciation to PSRs

Sr. Nurses enjoying the Fiesta

Laura Carroll with nominator Alisa Baum

Recent DAISY AWARDSLaura Carroll, RN, CNII, ICU

Janice Fisher, RN, OCN, CNII, OPC

Christina Cornett, RN, CNII, B15

Joanne Vendetti, RN, OCN, CNII, OPC

Therese Workmeister, RN, CNII, IR

Kaitlyn Welk

Recent ROSE Awards

Kaitlyn Welk- B16

Justin Jones B12

HCAHPS banners and celebrationsYou may have realized your unit’s Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers

and Systems (HCAHPS) patient satisfaction banner have been taken down. This is to start

fresh with the modified celebration process. The banners will be displayed again when

unit goals are achieved. Each time your unit meets its goals an, “And Again” sticker will be

placed on the banner. Once the banner is hung up, it will not come down until the end of

the fiscal year. Let’s see what units can get the most stickers! Congratulations to B14 on

achieving their 3 HCAHPS goals.

10 MERCYCARE

In 2014, the emergency department went live with Iatrics Mobilab Specimen

Collection on Monday, November 17th. The software is beneficial for

significantly reducing the number of mislabeled specimens; reducing lab

turn around times for specimens; enhancing communications between lab,

phlebotomy, and nursing; increasing patient satisfaction; and offers better

tracking and reporting capabilities. The units had many super users assist

with training, ensuring the project was a success. Clinical benefits of the

new process include: no longer having to print requisitions for specimens,

enhancements to the Blood Bank collection process, and the ability to identify

and request tests be added on to existing specimens right from the software.

Labor & Delivery, Mother Baby, and NICU/Peds went live in December and

Med Surg/Respiratory Therapy went live in February.

Enhancing patient safety with Mobilab technologyApril Saathoff MS, RN, CPHIMS

ED nurses using Mobilab technology

Innovation Initiatives: Clinical nurse leads OR cost savings

The topic of Finance is discussed at many perioperative meetings, particularly

looking at trends in data and investigating ways to decrease costs. When an idea

to identify potential cost savings was presented at the Joint Journey Committee

meeting, Rachel Skrbin, RN, CNOR, CNIII, requested to lead a project as she

was the Team Lead for Orthopedic specialty service. After speaking with Leslie

Scott, BSN, RN, CNOR, Director of Value Analysis and Dr. Ciotola, Rachel initiated

the process of having nurses mix the antibiotic bone cement in the OR. She

discussed the idea with Melanie Becker, BSN, RN,CNOR, OR Nurse Manager and

Kathy Mucci, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, Vice President of Perioperative Services who

supported her on the project. The new practice was trialed with no increase in

infection rates. The OR Practice Council changed the process based on this trial.

Cost analysis has demonstrated a savings of greater than 50% for a total savings

of over $110,000 annually. Rachel Skrbin, RN, CNOR, CNIII

MERCYCARE 11

Let’s take a moment and reflect on the amazing work being done in nursing and throughout the organization. From hospital wide community partnerships to interdisciplinary collaborative projects, Mercy employees continue to rise above any challenge faced. This past year has been exceedingly challenging as we tried to balance volume and staffing while navigating through the ins and outs of healthcare reform. Yet, I am proud that even through some difficult times, we always kept the patients and their families as our primary focus. I believe the relationships with our patients and the emphasis on the Mission of Mercy is why Mercy is considered the #2 hospital in Maryland and one of the top 7% of hospitals in the world known for excellent nursing care. Thank you for your dedication and commitment and

Happy Spring to you and your families.

Susan Finlayson, DNP, RN, NE-BC Senior Vice President of Operations

The “Owl B. Smart” icon will appear when there is mandatory education required to be completed. The education will be posted in the beginning of the month and must be completed within 30 days. Your educator will have more details about this new process. Thank you to Kathy Ault, Director of Pastor Care for naming our new education icon.

Did you know…

CEdirect has Certification Reviews, digital textbooks and several formats of continuing education on hundreds of topics? Access CEdirect on MercyCentral.

OWL- Our

Online Learning

Alisa Baum, Staff Development

Trainer

The Education and Professional Develop Council

sponsored Nursing Grand Rounds on November 19,

2014 on the hot topic of Social Media. This topic fulfilled a

request from the 2014 Educational Needs Assessment.

Barbara Bennett, ED RN, CNII described the principles of

social media and how it impacts nursing. Dana Angelini,

MS, PHR discussed the human resources implications

and challenges with social media. Seventy nurses and

nursing students attended this event. In February, Nursing

Grand Rounds was sponsored by B11 and was about

Collaborative Care for the Stroke Patient.

Nursing Grand RoundsInsights into Social Media from Nursing and Human Resources

A Message from the Sr VP of Operations

12 MERCYCARE

Dianna O’Neil, MS

Mercy Nursing adopted 22 families

from the Mercy Supportive Housing

program and purchased holiday gifts

for them. The division also participated in

the hospital’s annual employee outreach

events and unit events.

Heidi Chroszielewski, BSN, RN, PCCN and Laveda Roy, MSN, RN, NEA-BC performing health screenings

PROJECT HOMELESS CONNECT is an annual event held at

the Baltimore Convention Center providing on-site services for the local homeless

community, such as medical exams and screenings, legal advice, and other

services. A team of 12 nurses participated in taking blood pressures, conducting

health screening and distributing health information to over 70 homeless during

this year’s event in October.

MERCY NURSING MEDICAL MISSION SPONSORSHIP FUND

The Medical Mission Sponsorship provides financial

reimbursement to a Mercy Medical Center (MMC)

Patient Care Services (PCS) employee or employees

who participate in a medical mission. Proceeds from

the annual nursing bake sale provide financial support

for this sponsorship. Applications can be found on

Mercy Central. The 2014 winners were: Katelyn

Dougherty, BSN, RN, OCN, Clinical Nurse II on B15

and Lisa Owens, MSN, RN, CWOCN, Wound Ostomy

and Continence Program Manager. The 2015

winners are: Bonnie Wohlfort, MSN, RN, CEN, CNII

from Cath/Angio and Sun Young Park, BSN, CMSRN,

CNII from B12.

Community OutreachINVOLVEMENT IN

MERCYCARE 13

Baltimore Running Festival Water Station volunteers Family Childbirth & Children’s Center participate in the 2014 March for Babies

In July, 2015, I had the wonderful opportunity with six additional Mercy employees to volunteer

with the Live Abundantly Using Guided Helping Hands (LAUGHH) Foundation. LAUGHH is

a medical mission organization serving the primary healthcare needs of the underprivileged in

Bucaramanga, Colombia, South America. As one of thirty Americans in the medical mission

group, we were able to evaluate and care for over 1000 citizens from infancy through geriatrics

with many compassionate Colombian high school volunteers who served as our interpreters.

Various diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, COPD, and vascular impairment are

common in this region. In addition to physical assessments, citizens receive education in

nutrition, exercise, and preventive health, including dental, vision, and varicose vein management.

LAUGHH Foundation is dedicated to including patient education as a key

component to this outreach.

I was pleased to work side by side with a general surgeon who specializes in

wound care. Together we cared for over 100 people with ailments including

leg ulcers. We offered cleansing, debridement, dressings and compression

therapy as indicated. I am forever thankful for the Mercy Medical Center

Leadership team and the Medical Mission Scholarship, which made it possible

for me to share my nursing expertise with such a deserving community.

My Mission Sponsorship ExperienceLisa Owens, MSN, RN, CWOCN

Lisa performs a skin assessment

Mercy Medical Center Mission Group

14 MERCYCARE

Mission ReflectionHealthcare, and especially Catholic healthcare, finds itself once again within a changing landscape. Change has been a constant companion of the Sisters of Mercy since they arrived at the dispensary at the corner of Calvert and Saratoga Streets in 1874.

Through epidemics, wars, urban poverty, population flight, demographic shifts, medical modernization, and increased government regulation, the care and devotion of the Mercy family has remained a source of solace and stability for all who come to us for care.

Even though, biological epidemics are rare, we are challenged to assist our sisters and brothers who experience an epidemic of domestic violence. We give thanks for Debra Holbrook and her team.

Even though, the Affordable Care Act has made it possible for more of the population to have access to care, poverty and continued demographic instability have demanded the increased professional development of our staff. We give thanks for all who work on the Magnet resignation process, those who coordinate the many nursing events and projects, as well as those who work with education and technology.

And so we continue to walk in the spirit of Catherine McAuley and the Sisters of Mercy who have gone before us. We continue to incorporate that spirit that undergirds our core values.

Dignity, Hospitality, Justice, Excellence, Stewardship, and Prayer

Like Catherine, a Mercy nurse can imagine life differently- to desire a society where those who are oppressed, marginalized, or excluded could find a sense of healing and belonging. She or he will address immediate need in a practical and loving way.

Father Thomas MaliaAssistant to the President for Mission

CNO spotlight

Charge Nurse Meetings- held quarterly during the year

Suzanne Stiffler ........... IR ............... III

Gisella Alvarez ............. B14 .......... IV

Christine Doyle ........... IR ............... III

Gita Sharma ................... B12 .......... III

Shannon Barry ............ ED............. III

Angela Kachura .......... ED............. III

Dana Triplett .................. B9 ............. III

Angela Chaney ............. B9 ............. III

Nancy McCready ........ NICU ...... III

Rachel Skrbin ................ OR ............ III

Nina Dinglas .................. MSC ........ III

Sunny Young Park ...... B12 .......... III

PublicationsStacey Brull, DNP, RN, NE-BC- Book Review: Clinical Teaching

Strategies in Nursing (2014). Journal for Nurses in Professional

Development (2014). 30 (6), 317-318.

Mercy Nursing Achievements

Hana Gebrewold ........ B14 .......... III

Hillary Topping ............. PACU ...... III

Regina Kozak ................ PAT ........... III

Mandi Jewer .................. OR ............ III

Cassondra Francis .... L&D ......... III

Sunny Young Park ...... B12 .......... III

Jovie Velasco ................. B12 .......... III

Teresa Johnson ............ ICU ........... IV

Gwynneth Jarrell ........ PACU ...... III

Mary Ivey.......................... ED............. III

Inna Getsin ..................... B16 .......... III

Hope Herd ...................... PACU ...... III

Clinical Advancements

MERCYCARE 15

Coffee Talk with Kim- held quarterly throughout the year Halloween Rounds on TCU

New Certifications AS OF JULY, 2014 NAME CERTIFICATION

Margaret Witman ............................................................Certified Progressive Care Nurse (PCCN)

Laura Chowdhry ..............................................................Certified Progressive Care Nurse (PCCN)

Heidi Chroszielewski.....................................................Certified Progressive Care Nurse (PCCN)

Barbara Major ...................................................................Certified Progressive Care Nurse (PCCN)

Rachel Skrbin .................................................................... Certified Nurse Operating Room (CNOR)

Tonnie Warfield ..................................Certified Wound Ostomy Continence Nurse (CWOCN)

Molly Bass .......................................................................................... Electronic Fetal Monitoring (EFM)

Tiffany Brown ......................................................................................................................................................EFM

Ariella Borkan .....................................................................................................................................................EFM

Lindsey Ditanna .................................................................................................................................................EFM

Mary Formby .......................................................................................................................................................EFM

Michelle Gilmore ...............................................................................................................................................EFM

Sarah Grove .........................................................................................................................................................EFM

Kellie Harmon .....................................................................................................................................................EFM

Shula Kohengadol ...........................................................................................................................................EFM

Trina Neary ...........................................................................................................................................................EFM

Torie Pugh ............................................................................................................................................................EFM

Jane Queen..........................................................................................................................................................EFM

Margaret Runyon ..............................................................................................................................................EFM

Dionne Watson ..................................................................................................................................................EFM

Gina Woke ............................................................................................................................................................EFM

Jocelyn Anderson ..................................................FNE-A (Forensic Nurse Examiner, Advanced)

Jane Queen.....................................................................................................................................................FNE-A

Theresa Waggoner .....................................................................................................................................FNE-A

NAME CERTIFICATION

Sharon Alton...................................................................................................................................................F N E - A

Amy Dillon........................................................................................................................................................F N E - A

Christine Cooley ...........................................................................................................................................F N E - A

Art Baux ............................................................................................................................................................F N E - A

Shannon Barry ..............................................................................................................................................F N E - A

Kelly Keene .....................................................................................................................................................F N E - A

Cassondra Francis ......................................................................................................................................F N E - A

Erin Pollitt .........................................................FNE-A, SANE-A (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner)

Robyn Stemmer ...................................................................................................................... Nurse Executive

Laveda Roy .......................................................................................................Nurse Executive - Advanced

Kim Bushnell ....................................................................................................Nurse Executive- Advanced

Kathy Mucci ......................................................................................................Nurse Executive- Advanced

Kim Fishpaw-Hart ..................................................................RNC-Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing

Kyle Cassell ................................................................................RNC-Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing

Miriam Becker ............................................................................. RNC-OB Inpatient Obstetric Nursing

June Evans .......................................................................RNC-OB Inpatient Obstetric Nursing; EFM

Elizabeth Johnson ........................................................RNC-OB Inpatient Obstetric Nursing; EFM

Deborah Johnson-Johns ..........................................RNC-OB Inpatient Obstetric Nursing; EFM

Heather Mease ..............................................................RNC-OB Inpatient Obstetric Nursing; EFM

Juthamars Thewsuvat ................................................RNC-OB Inpatient Obstetric Nursing; EFM

Pamela Westbrook ......................................................RNC-OB Inpatient Obstetric Nursing; EFM

Jennifer Smith .................................................................... Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse (CPAN)

Gayle Melnick .................................................................................. Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN)

Mercy Nursing Achievements

16 MERCYCARE

The Wound, Ostomy and Continence nurses (WOCN), Lisa Owens, MSN, RN, CWOCN and Tonnie Warfield, BSN, RN, CWOCN, started a recognition program for units exemplifying quality outcomes related to skin care. The award is presented to a unit demonstrating diligence and thoughtful nursing practices about skin care.

The following units have received this award: September, 2014: The Pre-operative team; October, 2014: B15; November, 2014: B14; December, 2014: ICU; and January, 2015: B12.

Excellence in Skin Care Award

B15 Staff accept the Excellence in Skin Care Award

MERCYCARE is a newsletter for nurses, technicians, patient service representatives and respiratory therapists of Mercy Medical Center. If you would like to contribute an article or information for the newsletter, please email: DL-PCS-Mercy Cares Newsletter@mdmercy.com

To maximize the recycling resources, we have put in place two simple interventions. One is to reduce the use of Styrofoam cups and the other is using the green recycling canisters for plastic, aluminum, and glass. Please join us as we further the green train.

Get on board the “green train”Terri Dougherty BSN, RN, CNIII

Terri Dougherty BSN, RN, CNIII leading the recycling efforts

Congratulations AND AWARDS Mercy’s First Clinical Nurse Specialist: Tanya LeCompte Hofmann, MSN, APRN, ACNS-BC, CPAN

Sister Helen Amos, RSM, Executive Chair of the Board of Trustees, and the Leadership of Mercy Health Services were recognized as the Business Leader of the Year by the Loyola University Maryland Sellinger School of Business and Management. This is only the second time in the 30-year history of the award that a team of leaders has been recognized. Congratulations to everyone at Mercy for this special honor.

U.S. News & World Report ranked Mercy as the #2 overall Hospital and

the #1 community hospital in Maryland. To be ranked so highly for Gynecology, Orthopedics and Neurology is a reaffirmation of our mission at Mercy to provide the highest quality medical and health care services for our patients.

Tracy Kostelec, BSN, RN, CEN, Nurse Educator in the Emergency Department, was the 2014 Gunther Mercy Spirit Award winner demonstrating the values of Sister Catherine McAuley and the Sisters of Mercy, exemplifying her involvement in the community. Congratulations to all of the Patient Care Services Mercy Spirit award nominees. An excerpt from Tracy’s nomination: “Tracy communicates and collaborates with staff in a positive and respectful way…Her calmness, patience, positivity and ability to educate her staff makes her a huge asset.”

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