IRC Performance Improvement Initiatives
Name some IRC-specific performance improvement initiatives that improve patient care.
Medication Mondays, Weight Wednesdays, Photo Fridays, Family Training with Nursing
What does CQI stand for?
Continuous quality improvement
What is the name of the specialty certification for rehab nursing?
CRRN (Certified Registered Rehabilitation Nurse)
What is the purpose of shared governance councils?
To make sure that frontline nurses have an active role in decision-making related to patient care and organizational operations.
What is the purpose of the Knowledge and Innovations Council (KIC)?
Enhances evidence-based practice through perfomance improvement projects and nursing research. Hosts the annual Poster Fair (free CEUs).
Describe the purpose of Medication Mondays.
To educate patient/family on their medications to empower them to take care of their health after discharge.
What are the subcommittees of IRC's CQI Council?
Education Committee, Safety Committee, Chart Audits, UDS Committee, IRC Council
What is the name of VHC/s mentoring program for nurses? Who is eligible to be part of this program?
Nursing Connections. All LPNs and RNs are eligible (including nurse leaders). Must apply to be a mentor or a mentee.
Name one of VHC's hospital-wide shared governance councils.
Possible answers: Professional Development Council, Clinical Practice Council, Night Shift Council, Knowledge and Innovations Council, WE @ VHC, Leadership Council, Journal to Zero Council, APCD Council, Wound Champions Council, Epic Super Users Council
What is the purpose of WE @ VHC?
Promotes employee engagement and positive work environment. Plans Hospital and Nurses Week.
Describe the purpose of Weight Wednesdays.
To make sure patients are maintaining/improving their nutrition status so we can intervene as needed.
Which IRC nurses and techs are on the CQI council?
Rachel, Marie, Carey, Danielle, Aylin (she's the secretary!)
Name a volunteer/community outreach activity that you or one of your colleagues has engaged in.
Answers may vary. Dr. Davis provides medical care in third world countries.
What is the purpose of VHC's Professional Development Council?
What is the purpose of the Journey to Zero council? Who from IRC is on this council?
Reviews and analyzes nurse sensitive clinical indicators (i.e. CAUTIs, CLABSIs, sepsis, c.diff, MRSA, falls, HAPIS). Uses this data to improve patient care and support nursing excellence. Marie and Jamie are on this council.
Describe the purpose of Photo Fridays. Name some of the interventions put into place if a patient has a Braden score under 19.
To monitor patients with active wounds and/or high risk for skin breakdown so we can make sure we are doing everything we can to prevent and treat pressure injuries. To make sure we don't miss new skin breakdown. Turning schedule, toileting schedule, comfort glide, foam dressing or zinc barrier cream to sacrum, foam dressings to heels, Centrella bed.
What are some projects the CQI council has worked on?
Toileting program, Weekend Walking Program, FEES (bedside swallow study scope by SLP), patient education improvements, dirty linen management plan, stroke group
What is the purpose of the Clinical Practice Council?
Facilitates the creation, revision, and management of nursing policies and procedures using Policystat and Lippincott.
What is the purpose of the Wound Champions Council? Which IRC nurses are on this council?
Describe some of the ways we prepare patients/family for discharge.
Straight cath education, tube feeding education, insulin education, Medication Monday, fall prevent education, family training (nursing and therapy).
What project is Marie working on to improve patient education for discharge?
Making discharge videos of commonly seen education topics (i.e. straight cath, insulin administration, tube feeding)
What is the purpose of the Night Shift Council?
Supports excellence in patient care and teamwork on night shift.
What is the purpose of the Epic Super Users Council? Which IRC nurses are on this council?
Learns about updates/changes to EPIC and communicates these to staff. Supports staff with EPIC. Rachel is on this council.