2011 Nursing Annual Report - FINAL.pub - South Shore Hospital

A Message from Our Chief Nursing OfficerDear Colleagues,Last year, using the framework of the organization's strategic plan and the Institute of Medicine’s 2010 report onThe Future of Nursing to focus their efforts, over 1,200 registered nurses worked tirelessly to help make SouthShore Hospital the best place to work and to receive care in the region. The empirical results are impressive, withsubstantial and sustained gains in clinical outcomes. Additionally, we were challenged to reduce silos betweencare providers and we set to work cooperatively across the continuum of care to return the patient/family to thecenter of the care processes.As research continues to demonstrate that a more educationally prepared nursing workforce is associated withbetter patient outcomes, the nursing profession has been challenged to achieve higher levels of educationthrough a system that promotes seamless academic progression. Initially we established an academic practicepartnership with Simmons College to increase the proportion of our nurses prepared at the bachelor’s level. Thepartnership quickly evolved to create opportunities for students and faculty of the college to conduct research atthe hospital. As our nurses became more proficient in research, their expertise contributed to our journey towardsMagnet re‐designation. This academic partnership was expanded in 2008 to include an interdisciplinary master’sin healthcare administration with the express purpose of promoting transformational leadership excellence. Thepartnership continues to evolve and has been instrumental in building internal leadership capacity from the bedsideto the boardroom. It has also assisted with the adoption of evidence based care pathways that improve outcomessuch as fewer hospital acquired infections, falls, pressure ulcers and improved wound healing rates. In2011, a third BSN cohort began classes on‐site at SSH and an inaugural MSN cohort began classes in early 2012.In 2011, we learned how to listen to each other, our patients, and their families better, and we began our Leanjourney. Colleagues also continued to build upon the foundational aspect of a professional nursing practice environmentby attending hundreds of educational classes and acquiring new skills and certifications. 2011 was also anoteworthy year in that key and innovative new delivery models were designed and tested, which will be essentialto our organization's success under the new reimbursement models. Despite these impressive gains, much workremains to be done. However, I am energized by the fact that the same multi‐disciplinary team — advised by ourwonderful patient and family advocates that accomplished this past year's success — will be tackling these newchallenges. It is a truism that past actions are often the best predictor of future behavior. Inthat case, we are in excellent shape. Onward!With deep respect and appreciation,Timothy Quigley, RN, MBA, NEA‐BC, Vice President of Nursing/CNO, South Shore Hospital3