NURSING MATTERS - Miami Children's Hospital

More documents

Recommendations

Info

The Incredibles: Med Surg’s VeryOwn SMEsBy Elizabeth Padilla, MSN, RN, CPNcontinued from coverWhy I Became a NurseSo you’ve heard about them -- SMEs(subject matter specialists). In factyou’ve heard the MCH familypronounce their titles differently, “smeez”or “S-M-E.” So, who are they? Why werethey chosen? And just what exactly do theydo? I had the pleasure to interview fourSMEs from the medical-surgical units.I asked ourPEDS electronicmedical recordcrew whatintrigued themabout becomingSMEs. JenniferHager (2NorthSME) statedshe wanted tobe ahead of thegame when itcame to PEDS.Jennifer Shapiro (2E SME) had an interestin clinical systems and was ready for thischallenge. Cindy Ayala (3S SME) saw it asa way to show her pride- by representingher unit. While working on creating thenursing software for MCH, the SMEs haveencountered some enlightening challenges.Cindy said she had to learn to “think ofthings in a broad perspective, like hospitalwide verses unit based.” All SMEs sharedthe challenge of having to figure everythingout on their own, sort of like a policedetective. Only, they weren’t on theirown. They had each other to rely on, askquestions and support one another.They also share proud moments asSMEs. Natalia Lopez’s (3East SME)moment was when she was asked aquestion and she had the right answer. Itwas a small detail, but it made her feelvictorious. Jennifer Shapiro’s proudestmoment came after her hard work ofdeveloping and leading the PEDS updatesand demonstrations to staff, she wasrecognized by Bing and Jackie for herhard work. Cindy’s proudest moment wasovercoming a fear that many share – publicspeaking. She had to do many updatesfor Nursing Leadership and for staff andrealized she conquered her fear.The SMEs had witty answers whenasked about what is the ONE aspect ofthe electronic medical record the nurseswould most benefit from. Jennifer Hagersays that being able to quickly access thephysicians’ orders and notes will lead toimproved patientcare. Natalia sharesher sentimentas well, statingthat physicianorder entry willlead to enhancedtranscription.Jennifer Shapironotes that nowmedication orderswill go directlyfrom the physicianto the pharmacy, increasing efficiencyand speed in medication preparation.Cindy sees the one-stop-shop the EMRwill provide as the greatest benefit. Now,medications and all charting will be doneon the same computer software.I finally asked them to identify tipsfor our MCH nursing family to help themsucceed in welcoming the PEDS system.Cindy Ayala advises teams to stay on thecurious level of the mood elevator and to“keep an open mind.” Jennifer Shapiroechoed Cindy’s opinion by stating thatwe should all maintain a positive attitude,get involved and participate in end usertraining. Jennifer Hager says that “beingopen to change and understanding that thiswill be easier as time passes” should bekept in the back of our minds at all times.The success of PEDS is due largely inpart to the hard work of the SMEs. Theytoo did not know what to expect, but withan optimistic attitude and positive thoughts,not only did they learn this program, butthey were able to mold it to what thenursing team at MCH needs.6It is indeed a rare occasion orevent that surprises her or finds herunprepared. More often than not, shestands ready to manage the worst ofsituations with the requisite strengthto win the battle. Such is life forDaisy as witnessed by a gratefuldaughter. I never understood howshe did it, only that she laughed outloud, sang the praises of God, andallowed life to shine its magnificentglory upon her.She is the reason I became a nurse.My grandmother and two of myaunts were nurses, so maybe itwas in my blood. They are all verycaring and take great pride in gettinglate night phone calls from churchmembers and neighbors asking aboutvarious ailments or medications.For them, this is a life calling; it’sGod’s work on earth. It is this senseof duty and this sense of mission thatcomplete their entire identity. Theywould wear their white uniforms tochurch and be honored with the titleof “mother nurse.” They continue towear their white caps, white dressuniforms, stockings and white shoesto be easily identified as a nurse byall who saw them. What a sight!I am a native South Carolinian. Istarted my nursing career at EmoryUniversity <strong>Hospital</strong> Mid-Town inAtlanta, Ga. I worked on a 42-bedsurgical unit. The nurse-to-patientratio was six to one and we had onepatient care tech for the entire floor.It was a tough place for a new gradand I wondered many times why Ichose this profession. In the end,nursing has become my life andmy happiness. I am wrapped in thesplendor of its presence and willnever let go. My future plan is tonever retire. When I am too old forhospital work, I want to be a schoolnurse at an elementary school.
A New Year’s Trauma Brings Giftof Renewed AppreciationBy Patty Rowe, RN, CPNOver the past 30 years, many victimsof tragic accidents have passed throughthe doors of our Emergency Department.Time and time again, our team has beencalled to make preparations and anticipatedevastating situations. And of course,weekends and holidays are prime days fortraumatic events.The dawn of 2012 in the ED was noexception. What occurred on that NewYear’s shift was something I could neverhave imagined in all of my years. Initiallythe message that circulated within thedepartment suggested that an incomingpatient was the victim of a stabbing and thata stretcher was needed outside. Anticipatingthe worst was nothing compared to theexperience I was about to face.Several of the staff retrieved the patientfrom a car out front, while others set up thetrauma room, and I proceeded to call forthe necessary blood that was expected tobe delivered for the bleeding patient.The doors opened and the charge nurseordered that I be seated. I never questionedher request, but immediately following, Iheard a very familiar cry. I slowly stoodfrom the chair and looked toward theracing stretcher headed for the traumaroom. I was unable to see the patient thenurses had crowded around the stretcher.There was only one quick glimpse of ared lock of hair, but I was determined notto follow where my mind was beginningto lead me. Nothing was certain untilthe last visual took place, my belovedhusband glancing toward me and followingthe stretcher inside. At that point I wasovercome by nausea as my heart raceduncontrollably, but deep within my soul Iknew “someone” was in control, and that“someone” is the one I talk to every day inmy prayers.The confirmation of this wasoverwhelming when one of the doctors andone of the nurses ran to my side and askedme if I wanted to pray. I knew that I neededto gain the Courage, Patience, ProfoundPeace and Serenity that only comesthrough prayer. Nowhere else in the worldcan you find this when you are faced withthese types of trials. This is what is beyondall human understanding!Time seemed to stand still at this pointand I started to reflect on the staff in thedepartment that day. From the physicians,nurses, secretaries, registration clerks,housekeeping, ED and radiology techs,whether they were at my son’s side orcaring for the other sick children, theywere all given to such a beautiful purpose.I began to realize in fact, I truly was on theother side. I no longer was the caregiverbut the care receiver. Through my eyes,I witnessed like never before, the staff’sdirection, focus, determination and thedepth of their never-ending compassion.I was graced to see them in a whole newlight and have been immensely touchedever since.Life as we know it, is forever changing,and it is those with whom we encounterthat change us. From our loved ones, tothose with whom we work, and those wemeet every day of our life, we learn andgrow, and appreciate all that is offered tous for a greater purpose.This fateful night will be one I willnever forget. This particular night heldmuch promise and hope in the frailty of lifeand I pray it will help us all to realize theimportance of relationships within our ownfamily and at work. We must never forgetthat we are surrounded by “angels” andthose “angels” include you. You are theones that reach out to so many, to heal, tocomfort and give support, and especially intrials such as these.Our family has been so very blessedand it is my desire to recognize each andevery one of you! My thoughts have beenmany, and I wanted something very specialto reward you.In the meantime, all I have to offer isa gracious heart. You all are very dear to7me and words cannot fully express theappreciation that our family has for eachand every one of you!Our son has fully recovered from theinjury, which was not a stabbing, but aninjury caused by carrying bottles on ago-ped and then falling. The injury to theabdomen was long and deep, but did notpenetrate into the vital organs. Anotherblessing from above.May God continue to bless your livesabundantly!Cheesecake RecipeBy Carol Braz, RN,Emergency Department( the recipe makes 2 cheesecakes)• 3 8-ounce blocks of creamcheese (softened----leave itout of the fridge for severalhours)• 1 cup of sugar• 4 eggs• 2 teaspoons of vanilla1. Mix with a mixer untilsmooth.2. Place contents in grahamcracker crusts.3. Bake at 350 for 35 minutes.Let cool for about 2 hours,then place toppings. (I usethe pie filling fruit in thecanned fruit section)4. Refrigerate for severalhours, then serve.5. Enjoy!
Page 1 and 2: NURSING MATTERSPUBLISHED FOR THE NU
Page 3 and 4: Child Life in Our MCH Emergency Dep
Page 8: Nursing Matters isproduced quarterl

NURSING MATTERS - Miami Children's Hospital

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?