“There is always a chance we could have an emergency situation where a baby is unexpectedly born at our facility, so we need to be prepared,” explained Barbara Lee Urnes, BSN, RN, Emergency Department Staff Nurse IV at the Fremont Medical Center, where services for labor and delivery, neonatal care, and pediatrics are handled at their sister-facility in San Leandro.
“I knew the perfect person to help me prepare for such an emergency,” added Urnes. “I was able to turn to San Leandro NICU nurse Heather Wynne, BSN, RN, who also happens to be my daughter, to assist me in identifying the most up-to-date equipment and supplies needed to revamp the Fremont Emergency Department Neonatal Resuscitation Bag, and the associated protocols to support our Emergency Department in using the new equipment.”
Incorporating insights into current practices and newer supplies, together the mother-daughter team created an updated list of equipment and streamlined documentation to ensure the resuscitation bag is checked regularly and restocked as items expire. “We talk work stuff all the time, but it was nice to share knowledge from the NICU, and support the Fremont ED team,” said Wynne.
“This partnership between Barbara and Heather demonstrates qualities of a highly reliable organization — especially between sister facilities who provide seamless care to our members in the GSAA,” said Christopher Neilson, MHA, BSN, RN, NE-BC, Fremont’s Chief Nurse Executive/Chief Operating Officer. “Their efforts ensure that we are
prepared in the event of a neonatal emergency.”