Ochsner Nursing Annual Report_2019_DIGITAL For Flipbook nolinks 2 FINAL

23 Ochsner Nurses Honored Among the Great Honorees from Ochsner ​and its affiliated Nursing Quality, Patient Safety
100 Nurses of Louisiana hospitals include: and Patient Experience

Twenty-three registered nurses with Ochsner ​and its affiliated hospitals Business Office – Benson Tower Advancing Care in the
were recognized in the 2019 “Great Nurses of Louisiana” list compiled • Jennifer Phillips, RN Nursing Profession
annually by The Great 100 Nurses Foundation.
Ochsner’s nursing staff has a history of acknowledgments by the Great Nursing Practice – Benson Tower Recognizing and Celebrating
100 Nurses of Louisiana Foundation for their commitment to patient • Stuart Redfearn, RN Ochsner Nurses
care. Approximately 570 Ochsner nurses have been recognized since
the program launched more than 30 years ago. Nursing Practice – Dickory Supporting OHS Nursing
The Great 100 Nurses Foundation was founded in New Orleans in 1986 • Rosalie Barker, RN and Looking to the Future
and since then has honored thousands of nurses across Louisiana, North
Carolina, Texas and Oklahoma. The Great 100 Nurses of Louisiana list Leonard J. Chabert Medical Center
recognizes outstanding nursing accomplishments and successes. The • Renee Bertinot, RN
annual honorees are selected by their peers and patients, based on • Traci Boudreaux, RN
their achievements in four areas: administration, clinical/community, • Tiffany Chiasson, RN
education and research. • Shanna Ledet, RN

From left to right: Ochsner nurse leaders Ahnyel Jones-Burkes, DNP, RN-BC, Maria Ochsner Baptist a Campus of Ochsner Medical Center
Nix, MSN, BSN, RN and Jessica Peterson, PhD, RN support nurses across the system • Kimberly Dunn, RN
in capturing stories that illustrate nursing excellence and work together to ensure • Theresa Reynolds, RN
that Ochsner nurses are represented and celebrated in nursing award programs.
Ochsner St. Anne
• Lisa Labat, RN

Ochsner Medical Center – Northshore
• Doraine Woods, RN

Ochsner Medical Center – Baton Rouge
• Abigail Kimbel, RN
• Anna Polachova, RN

Ochsner Medical Center – New Orleans
• Sarah Bordelon, RN
• Mary Bouchon, RN
• Jeri Casley, RN
• Jennifer Garnand, RN
• Denise Hancock, RN
• Wendy Perera, RN
• Jessica Peterson, RN
• Pamela Travis, RN

Ochsner Hospital for Orthopedics & Sports Medicine
• Cristina Berthelot, BSN, RN
• Lori Southerland, RN​

Ochsner Nursing 2018-2019 Annual Report 49

Ochsner Medical Center – New Orleans Achieves 4th Magnet Designation

OMC – New Orleans shared governance council leaders gathered in the Brent House Through our shared governance committees, we’ve been able to
atrium during the first annual shared governance council swearing-in ceremony change a lot for nurses and patients. This includes::

In 2019, the Ochsner Medical Center – New Orleans team celebrated the • Ensures nursing input is valued and included in decision-making
achievement of the fourth consecutive Magnet® designation, a program processes.
that recognizes hospitals that foster nursing excellence. Fewer than 10%
of hospitals in the United States have Magnet® status, and fewer than 1% • The creation of the Unit Practice Council (UPC) to focus on
have been recognized with Magnet® designation four consecutive times. processes in the professional work environment that impact quality
and patient safety, finances, and team member engagement.
The beauty of Magnet® is the structure it creates in nursing. Ochsner The UPS is comprised of a chairperson, co-chair and members.
Medical Center - New Orleans is committed to shared governance, Members contribute through practice evaluation, need
identification and improvements implementation.
which means that clinical nurses
and leaders are actively involved • Ongoing review of the nursing professional practice model to
in organizational decision making ensure rigor of the model’s use to drive excellence in nursing
through the participation in councils practice, reduce nursing turnover rate through bedside handoffs,
at the unit, division and facility level. and decrease hospital-acquired infections and falls with injury to
drive safe, quality care. This drives many examples of professional
development opportunities and implementation of evidence-based
practices to improve outcomes.

In 2018, OMC – New Orleans nurses hosted the first annual shared
governance council chair swearing-in ceremony. During the ceremony,
UPC leaders received a pin to honor the work they do.

“The ceremony offered an opportunity to recognize our unit practice
council leaders as they pledge to serve our team members and our
patients,” said Deborah Ford, chief nursing officer, OMC-New Orleans.

UPC leaders also received a plant symbolizing that leadership of a
shared governance group is like gardening, requiring careful tending
and nurturing to survive and thrive.

“Through designations like Magnet®, Ochsner nurses are truly changing healthcare for the better. On the journey to
achieve our fourth consecutive Magnet® designation, we’ve created a structure that empowers nurses at all levels
to help shape the healthcare environment.”
– Deborah Ford, MSN, RN, chief nursing officer, Ochsner Medical Center – New Orleans

50 Ochsner Nursing 2018-2019 Annual Report

Celebrating Licensed Practical Nursing Quality, Patient Safety
Nurses: Candace Melancon and Patient Experience

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) work with all populations of Advancing Care in the
patients, and the care ranges from wellness and prevention Nursing Profession
methods to illness and support of terminal patients. With
more emphasis placed on reducing readmission and disease Recognizing and Celebrating
prevention, patients are increasingly seeking outpatient Ochsner Nurses
services.
Supporting OHS Nursing
LPNs are a valuable resource to the healthcare team and Looking to the Future
and provide care in multiple settings, especially in
ambulatory clinics. Patients with higher acuity levels require
knowledgeable and qualified LPNs to maintain workflows,
provide quality care and service, and ensure patient safety. At
Ochsner Health System, LPNs serve in a unique role as front-
line leaders and providers of direct patient care.

One of our many exceptional LPNs, Candace M. Melancon,
LPN is a clinic operations manager at Ochsner Medical Center
– Baton Rouge. Candace displays all of Ochsner’s Core Values,
especially Excellence. Candace has thirty years of nursing
experience and initially joined the Ochsner Baton Rouge
Gastroenterology team in 1991 as a staff nurse. After serving in
various clinical, coordination and educational roles, the Baton
Rouge management team recognized that her organization
and leadership skills would be an asset in the quality department. She joined the quality department as a performance improvement coordinator
and held dual leadership positions as the ambulatory nursing supervisor for the Baton Rouge Region and employee health supervisor. Pursuing a
leadership career track, she assumed the role of a clinical services supervisor, medical specialties, and is currently serving in the role of a clinical
operations manager for Rheumatology, Pain Management and Physical Medicine. Candace’s strong leadership skills earned her the nomination as
a finalist for the 2019 Spirit of Leadership Award.

“I have been blessed to work for Ochsner for the last 25 years. The core values of Ochsner align with my personal values, and that is not
always easy to find. The training offered by Ochsner has helped me to reach my professional goals. I could not see myself working for any
other organization and I look forward to continuing my career at Ochsner until my retirement,” said Candace.  

Through their participation in inpatient and ambulatory practice settings, our LPNs provide a level of care that improves outcomes for our patients.

“In our inpatient setting, we rely on LPNs as vital members of the inpatient care team. They are prepared and engaged to provide excellent
care to all of our patients,” said Dianne Teal, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, FACHE, chief nursing officer, Ochsner Medical Center – Baton Rouge

We thank Candace and all of our great LPNs for their part in delivering on our promise to our patients!

Ochsner Nursing 2018-2019 Annual Report 51

A Patient’s Story: Shelby celebrates her 19th birthday with her nurses and treatment team

Shelby Shoemake Shelby made a full recovery with no deficits. She returned to Ochsner
Medical Center – Hancock on April 3, 2019 to celebrate her 19th
Ochsner Medical Center – Hancock, Emergency Department birthday and the one-year anniversary of the event. She was once
again met by the same staff members, the flight care team and family
Shelby Shoemake and her boyfriend traveled to Bay St. Louis, members where they arranged a surprise party.
Mississippi to celebrate her 18th birthday at the beach. Shortly after
their arrival, Shelby began complaining of a headache and generally “Taking care of Shelby was part of everyday life in the ED,” said Heidi
not feeling well. Not wanting to hamper the trip, she took some Tylenol Wilkinson, RN, Emergency Department, Ochsner Medical Center –
and attempted to enjoy the day. After a few hours on the beach, Hancock. “However, the most remarkable thing in my heart and mind,
Shelby’s headache continued to worsen and both her and her boyfriend was that this was the first time I had the pleasure of seeing my patient
decided to return home to Biloxi. However, on the way, Shelby became return exactly one year later with no residual effects. Shelby is an
unresponsive. Her boyfriend brought her directly to the nearest outstanding person meant for great things. I am so proud to have had a
hospital, Ochsner Medical Center – Hancock. chance to play a part in her care.” .

Upon arrival to the emergency department (ED), the ED staff quickly To watch a video about Shelby’s experience, visit: https://www.youtube.
realized Shelby was in a grave situation. The staff moved Shelby com/watch?v=aUXZBUPZp4E&feature=youtu.be.
immediately into the radiology suite where a CT of her head confirmed
that she was suffering from an arterial venous (AV) malformation that
ruptured, causing a bleed in her brain.

As the nursing staff stabilized Shelby, the ED physician initiated
an emergent transfer to Ochsner Medical Center – New Orleans
through Ochsner’s Regional Referral Center. Ochsner’s flight care
team facilitated the transfer and transported Shelby to the awaiting
neurosurgical team lead by Dr. Bui, chairman of neurosurgery. Shelby
underwent an emergent craniotomy and Dr. Bui was able to evacuate

the hematoma and repair the AV
malformation. Shelby convalesced
over the following weeks where
she completed extensive physical
therapy and occupational therapy.

“Our entire patient care team was touched by Shelby’s remarkable recovery and the gratitude of
both Shelby and her family. We celebrated Shelby’s birthday and recovery with friends, family, and
Ochsner care team members. I am thankful Ochsner Health and the interdisciplinary care team was
there for Shelby and here for our loved ones and those we serve every day.”
Kimberly Varnado, MSN, RN, NE-BC, chief nursing officer, Ochsner Medical Center – Hancock

52 Ochsner Nursing 2018-2019 Annual Report

Nursing Quality, Patient Safety Advancing Care in the Recognizing and Celebrating Supporting OHS Nursing
and Patient Experience Nursing Profession Ochsner Nurses and Looking to the Future

Ochsner Nursing 2018-2019 Annual Report 53

Supporting OHS
Nursing and Looking
to the Future

Celebrating Ochsner Celebrates
Nurses in the World Health
Partnership Organization Year
With of the Nurse and
Philanthropy Midwife in 2020

In celebration of National The World Health Organization (WHO) designated 2020 the “Year of
Nurses Week in May, the the Nurse and Midwife.” This deserved designation is in honor of the
Spring 2019 edition of 200th birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale, considered to be the
the Ochsner Magazine, founder of modern nursing.
a publication through This global celebration recognizes the indispensable role of nurses
Ochsner’s philanthropy and midwives and to advance nurses’ vital position in transforming
department, featured the stories of nurses from across healthcare around the world. Through this recognition, it is the intent to
Ochsner Health System. The Spring edition highlights: grow, enhance and celebrate these professions in order to encourage
and educate our future nurses and midwives. Ochsner is excited to
• Pediatric Oncology Nursing in the article “Giving the Care you celebrate this initiative throughout 2020. In 2019, a committee of
Wish to Receive.” nurse representatives from across the system came together to plan
celebrations and activities throughout the year in honor of the WHO
• Ochsner Neonatal Intensive Care Unit nurses and patients in designation. Some activities include a nurse and midwife celebration
“The Heart of the Hospital”. day, community outreach events, campus leadership panels, and lunch
and learn events.
• Ochsner Gastroenterology nurses in “Nursing the Body, Mind, Ochsner plans to recognize, celebrate, educate and inspire our nurses
and Spirit”. and midwives all year long!
Keep an eye out for more information about Ochsner resources and
• The Care for the Caregiver Serenity Room at Ochsner Baptist a activities that celebrate our nurses and midwives! If you have any
campus of Ochsner Medical Center in “Taking Care of Our Own”. questions, please reach out to Bianca Cook at bianca.cook@ochsner.
org.To learn more about the designation, visit www.who.int/campaigns/
• The Patty Hanson Nursing Excellence Scholarship fund and year-of-the-nurse-and-the-midwife-2020.
inaugural scholarship recipients at Chamberlain University
College of Nursing at Ochsner Health System in “Ochsner’s “WHO is proud to nominate 2020 as the Year of the Nurse and the Midwife. These
Angel”. two health professions are invaluable to the health of people everywhere.” said
Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus, director general of the WHO. ‘While WHO recognizes
There are multiple nursing education funds available across our their crucial role on a daily basis, 2020 will be dedicated to highlighting the
system. Ochsner nurses are fortunate to have such great partners enormous sacrifices and contributions of nurses and midwives, and to ensuring
in philanthropy who help to ensure special funds continue to grow that we address the shortage of these vital professions” (Patton 2019).
related and development.
Reference: Patton, F. (2019) WHO Confirms 2020 as International Year of Nurse and Midwife, Nurseslabs.
54 Ochsner Nursing 2018-2019 Annual Report Retrieved from https://nurseslabs.com/2020-as-year-of-the-nurse-and-midwife-to-go-ahead-globally/

Nursing Quality, Patient Safety
and Patient Experience

Cheryl Woods, DNP, MSN, RN, chief Cheryl earned her master’s degree Advancing Care in the
nursing officer, Ochsner Medical in nursing administration from Nursing Profession
Center – Northshore, passed away on Southeastern Louisiana University.
May 21, 2019. Recognizing and Celebrating
Over the course of her career, Cheryl Ochsner Nurses
Cheryl embodied leadership and was recognized for her enthusiasm
made it look easy. She was a and excellence in nursing as Supporting OHS Nursing
resource and a mentor to many Nurse of the Year of HealthSouth and Looking to the Future
staff members and leaders Rehabilitation Hospital in
throughout Ochsner Health System. Tallahassee, FL. She was named one
Cheryl was committed to her of the Great 100 Nurses of Louisiana
family, had a strong faith and was a and was recognized as Distinguished
friend to everyone she met. Cheryl’s Alumni of Southeastern Louisiana
enthusiasm, skill, dedication and University where she was inducted
warmth are greatly missed. into the Sigma Theta Tau honor
society and earned a Doctor of
As a nurse executive leader of Nursing Practice degree.
Ochsner, Cheryl made countless
contributions to improve the quality Through Cheryl’s servant leadership
of patient care and nursing practice. style, she encouraged and supported
Through Cheryl’s leadership, Ochsner her team to continually advance their
Medical Center – Northshore became the education and professionalism. Many nursing
first facility in a five-state region to become leaders and staff advanced their degrees
HIMSS 7 certified. She led OMC - Northshore to or earned certifications under her leadership.
become the first in the system to go live on the Epic Cheryl’s bright and dynamic personality, passion
platform. She also led the efforts to initiate just culture and enthusiasm were gifts to everyone she met. She
throughout Ochsner Health System as part of her doctoral leaves a legacy of excellence and is a role model for nurses.
dissertation project.

“Cheryl’s enthusiasm, passion and drive in everything she did will leave a lasting impression on us all. She is truly missed.”
- Tracey Moffatt, MHA, BSN, RN, system chief nursing officer and vice president of quality

Ochsner Nursing 2018-2019 Annual Report 55

56 Ochsner Nursing 2018-2019 Annual Report

Nursing Videos, Messages, and Links Nursing Quality, Patient Safety
and Patient Experience
Watch the Video:
Connecting Our Passion to Our Purpose Advancing Care in the
Nursing Profession
Watch the CNO Video Message
Recognizing and Celebrating
Watch the Video: Ochsner Nurses
Ochsner Medical Complex: The Grove
Supporting OHS Nursing
Watch the Video: and Looking to the Future
Ochsner Flight Care

Read the ANA Article about Ochsner’s
Care for the Caregiver Initiative

Ochsner Nursing 2018-2019 Annual Report 57

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58 Ochsner Nursing 2018-2019 Annual Report