Debi's Blog
May 6, 2008
Making a Difference Every Day
Nurses at University Community Hospital epitomize this year’s Nurses’ Week slogan, "Nurses: Making a Difference Every Day." Whether it’s tending to a patient with a broken bone in the ER, rocking a baby in the NICU or sitting with a family member of a patient who’s having open-heart surgery, our nurses have the power to "make a difference." From birth to death, our nurses are there to hold a hand, listen, teach, shed a tear or plan the care for our patients. They are there for babies’ first cries at birth and our geriatric or dying patients’ last breaths at death.
It takes a special person to be a nurse. It takes one who is kind, caring, empathetic, compassionate, and grounded. UCH nurses demonstrate all of these characteristics and go the extra mile. Our nurses also excel in their drive for excellence. This is evident in our bedside research projects, number of certified nurses, and enrollments in the Clinical Ladder. It is also evident in our repeat successful Joint Commission surveys, HealthGrades awards, and VHA awards. Our "quest to be the best" is outstanding.
During the official Nurses’ Week, May 6-12, I encourage all of you to partake in the week of activities that will be taking place. From the breakfasts, luncheons, poster presentations, and speakers to the Nurse of the Year awards and White Wednesday, there will be something for everyone.
Thanks for all you do and enjoy! UCH "Nurses: Making a Difference Every Day."
Previous Entries
March 1, 2008
A Story of the Beaver and His Goals
As we approach the Spring Season, in an attempt to inspire and motivate our team, I searched for and found a story entitled, "The Beaver and His Goals." As you will see, we can adapt this to our personal and professional lives.
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December 15, 2007
The Present
For this holiday season, I thought it would be appropriate to share the following story with you. As you read it, please try to reflect on how you, too, can make a difference in the lives of our patients and those you interact with on a daily basis.
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October 12, 2007
The Future of Nurse Staffing; Challenges and Implications
The good news is that the original nursing shortage projection by the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) has been updated to the positive. Originally, the projections predicted a national shortfall of almost 700,000 registered nurses by 2015.<more>
September 3, 2007
The Human Touch
During times of catastrophe, I am always proud of my fellow health care workers. Whether it be an earthquake, fires, mudslides, or hurricanes, nurses, doctors, and EMS personnel all jump into the heart of the chaos.<more>
July 27, 2007
Principles to Work By
Recently, I had the pleasure of attending a wonderful workshop on Quint Studer’s Hardwiring Excellence principles. I would like to take this opportunity to share with you some of the following take home messages:
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June 23, 2007
Public Perception of Nurses
A recent Gallup poll ranked nurses as number one in ethics and honesty. <more>
May 7, 2007
The Warmth of Caring, The Light of Care
This year’s UCH Nurses’ Week theme, "Nurses: The Warmth of Caring, The Light of Care," leads the nursing professional to reflect back to the symbolic Nightingale lamp. <more>
April 19, 2007
A Story of Compassion
I read this story the other day and wanted to share it with you. It touched my heart and I am sure it will touch yours as well.
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March 6, 2007
A Moment to Care
Dr. Jean Watson has developed Ten Caring Behaviors that are the basis of her Theory of Human Caring.
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February 23, 2007
Strength, Commitment, Compassion, & Professionalism
What do nurses really do? <more>
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