Unit Level Advocacy: The J4 ICU Journey
On July 12, 2021, J4 CVICU celebrated a groundbreaking milestone- they received their 200th fresh post-operative case. One year previously, on July 6, 2020, J4 took care of their very first fresh post-operative patient, after receiving extensive training. This first case in J4 was a Mini AVR, and in the span of one year J4 reached this astounding milestone of 200 cases. Due to the extensive advocacy of Dennis Manzanades, MSN, MBA, RN, previous PCM of J4 (currently in the Director role), with the support of his leadership team and nursing team, this ICU received this opportunity for increased education and clinical advancement. In partnership with Hee Jeong Kim, MS, CNS, cardiac surgery practice lead, and in consideration to staff advocacies for their true needs, a comprehensive education and training plan was developed and implemented. This became the training pathway J4 ICU follows today.
After the Cardiac Surgery (CS) program at SHC expanded, the leadership team saw the need for additional immersive experience for post-operative management of these patients, and Dennis led his team through this transition. The leadership team further ensured that the J4 nurses were able to partner with J2 to effectively transition into their expanded role and unit capacity. Furthermore, they advocated for 3 cohorts of cardiac surgery (CS) nurse training, a cardiac surgery workshop, and the development of CS champions and super user roles, all while focusing on improved quality outcomes for the unit.
Throughout 2020 and 2021, they advocated for the J4 CVICU inter-professionals to grow professionally and develop clinically as their service line expanded, both in operative volume and case complexity. Throughout this time of exponential growth, J4’s team of dedicated professionals continued to deliver high quality care and positive patient outcomes. Congratulations to the J4 CVICU interprofessional team and its leadership for achieving this impressive accomplishment.
Global Advocacy
#StopAAPIHate
The photo that started it all: during March of 2021, Charlene Platon, MS, RN, FNP-BC, Director of Ambulatory Nursing shared a photo of herself on LinkedIn while holding a "#Stop AAPI Hate" sign. Following this photo, there was an outpouring of #StopAAPIHate signs as nurses from across the organization condemned the acts of violence that were occurring in the Bay Area towards the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community.
CNE Dale Beatty, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, along with the Nursing Excellence Department's advocacy towards promoting IDHE aligns with Charlene Platon's campaign. Following Charlene's lead and through the support of Stanford Nursing's leadership, many SHC nurses and interprofessionals spoke up with a bold voice and supported our AAPI community. This #StopAAPIHate campaign was expanded, and photos were showcased throughout the SHC Nursing social media platforms and CNE's weekly newsletter, Looking Forward.
Here is a heartfelt excerpt from Charlene's Advocacy Post:
"It's an indescribable feeling to see the rise of violence targeting the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community in the United States. From March 19, 2020 to February 28, 2021, the Stop AAPI Hate Reporting Center received 3,795 reports of anti-Asian hate incidents. About 44.56% of those incidents took place in California.
I stand with all members of the BIPOC community during such an incredibly challenging and painful time. I stand with all of our allies who have supported us and walk with us on this journey.
Although it has been overwhelming and scary, I've realized that small actions are incredibly impactful. Check-in on your colleagues. Lend a listening ear. Offer compassion. Have difficult conversations. Ask questions. We are all in this together. Let's take action together."
Advocating for Safe & High Quality Patient Care
Urology Oncology Nurse Practitioner Rebecca Hunt, MS, NP advocated for and implemented a hospital-wide policy change to promote safe and quality patient care. Thanks to Rebecca's exemplary professional practice and strong advocacy, all foley catheter kits will now come standard with a coude tip catheter, along with updated placement standards. Today, coudé catheters in commercially packaged kits are required for first line use in all male patients who require a urinary catheter. This updated approach offers patients better care, with less pain and complications, and maximizes nursing autonomy, while minimizing hospital resources.
Congratulations to Rebecca for advocating for and implementing an evidence-based standard of care across the organization.
.jpg)