October2009

October 2009

Annual Research Theatre. Due to the popularity of the 2008 Research Dinner Theatre, CVMC's Research and Evidence-Based Practice Council sponsored two events this year. Over 50 nursing staff attended the 4-course dinner theatre on September 21st, while over 60 participated in the buffet theatre on the morning of the 29th. Both audiences were treated to presentations by nurses who conducted research at the Medical Center: Julie Carrigan, BSN, RN representing the ED nursing research team, Betty Easter, RN, CPAN representing the PACU nursing research team, and Steven Kramp, BSN, RN, a new graduate nurse, presented his nursing school honors research project.

The Council launched an anonymous electronic survey and received the following selected responses to the question, "What did you like most about the Research Theatre?"

"The enthusiasm the nurses had for the changes taking place and their ability to be a part of it."
"It gives direct care nurses an opportunity to shine with their achievements."
" Interesting to see what research is going on. Inspired me to want to participate in research."
"Seeing fellow CVMC employees do their own researach start to finish."
"The atomsphere, the presentation [of] interesting information, and the special treatment you received as well."
"I am interested in doing a research project and was excited about seeing fellow nurses who have completed research and who will soon be able to publish the information. It motivated me to look for a topic of interest to research."
"Peers presenting the information."
"Fun way to learn and also enjoy time with my coworkers."
"The material was presented in a very professional manner by people that we work with everyday. It made it more personal."
"The enthusiasm for making improvements in care."

Presenting "Comparison of Rectal and Temporal Artery Thermometry in Pediatric Emergency Department Patients," Julie told how the idea for the research project came from an ED Journal Club discussion. The unit-based nursing research team in the ED is currently ~ half way through the data collection phase of their project. Having read journal articles on the effects of music in the PACU environment, Betty took the idea to the PACU shared governance council where it grew into a research project. In April, Betty and Carolyn Starnes, MSN, RN, CNM, CPAN presented "The Implications of Music on Postoperative Discomfort" at the 28th ASPAN Conference in Washington DC. A manuscript describing the research findings has been submitted to the Journal for PeriAnesthesia Nursing. This presentation led participants through the complete research process from genesis of an idea to dissemination of results. Steven presented "Mental Health Attitudes of Nurses," a research study he conducted as a senior at Lenoir-Rhyne University. The research was performed at 4 facilities, including CVMC, and at the time of the study he was a Psychiatry nursing assistant at the Medical Center. Seven is presently employed as a staff nurse in the Emergency Department.

Plan now to attend next year's Research Theatre in September 2010, and in the meantime think about and act on your research idea. The Department for Research and Evidence-Based Practice is here to help. §

Clinical expertise, one component of evidence-based practice, is enhanced when a nurse earns an advanced degree and/or speciality certification. We tip our hats to these individuals recently furthering their professional training.

Beverly Welch, BSN, RN-BC, recently earned her High Risk Neonatal Certification. Congratulations, Beverly.

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The NC Center for Hospital Quality and Patient Safety highlighted the success of the Medical Center's SCIP (Surgical Care Improvement Project) program in its newsletter, NC Quality Highlights, in September 2009. A multidisciplinary team, led by Michelle Mace, MSN, RN, CPN and Mary McDaniels, MNA, RN, CCM, worked diligently on this evidence-based practice initative to reduced surgical site infections (SSI). The incidence of SSI has dropped from 1.5% in the 2nd quarter of 2005 to 0.37% for 1st quarter 2009. This EBP initiative has been instrumental in improving CVMC patient outcomes. To read the complete article go to www.NCQualityCenter.org. Keep up the good work! §

Surgical Suite Trash-to-Treasure Contest Winner ... Barbara Dodson, CRNA. Seen at right, Barb demonstrated how "trash" can be used to wrap a child's birthday present in the project sponsored by the OR Green Team. All components of her entry are surgical suite "trash" items: blue wrap, medicine vial caps, cottonoids, and needle caps. Barb won two giftcards for her creation. Kudos to the OR Green Team and Barb for their recycling efforts at CVMC. What can your unit or department do to be more green? §

Top 20 Under 40. Catawba Valley Medical Center's own Ann Moore, MSN, RN-BC, CEN was selected as one of the top 20 professionals in the Hickory community under 40 (years old that is) in this year's competition. Ann is the Emergency Department Clinical Development Coordinator, and has served in numerous capacities at the hospital. She is the immediate past Chair of the Research and Evidence-Based Practice Council. Among her various community activities, Ann volunteers in the school system, at The Corner Table in Newton, and is active in her church. Congratulation, Ann. §

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Janet Travison BSN, RN, Orthopaedics-Neurology

Clinical Development & Patient Care Coordinator

“I think evidence-based practice means providing our patients the best possible care and letting go of out-dated and ineffective practices. Too often, nurses assume that because a policy or procedure is in the manual, that it must be the best way to provide care. Evidence-based practice is questioning the origins and benefits of the rituals nurses perform each day. Nurses should be questioning different aspects of nursing care by asking, ‘What is the best evidence to support this patient intervention or treatment?’ I am sure each nurse has wondered or asked, ‘Why am I doing this?’ It is great to see nurses get excited about research when they see that what they do makes a difference in patient care.

Our nurses are supportive of evidence-based practice with guidance and support from leadership. In my new role as Clinical Development Coordinator, I plan to help other nurses understand and articulate the benefits of using evidence-based practice. If I can get more nurses to share their own clinical questions and ideas, we will be able to deliver the best possible care more quickly to our patients. Evidence-based practice will be most successful when done as a team. I have already experienced an increase in our unit’s Journal Club attendance by encouraging our nurses to get involved and learn about evidence-based practice. I want to empower my staff and give them ownership of evidence-based practice.”

Janet began work as a nursing assistant at CVMC in 2002. After graduating from nursing school the following year, she worked on the Medical Unit for 3 years. From there, Janet worked on the Psychiatric and Secure Care Units filling a dual role as staff nurse for both units. During that time, she accepted a position as AOD on a PRN basis, which she continues to enjoy. In March of 2009, Janet became the Resource Coordinator for the Surgical, Ortho-Neuro, and Inpatient Rehabilitation Units. Most recently, she has assumed the role of CDC/PCC for the Ortho-Neuro Unit. While employed at CVMC, Janet earned her BSN from Winston-Salem State University. She is currently attending East Carolina University to earn her MSN with a concentration in nursing education and is on track to graduate in December 2010.

“Wherever nursing takes me, my hope is to continue to grow and develop through a continuous pursuit of learning and assist my staff to maintain nursing excellence through evidence-based practice." §

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