When nurses at the Sacramento Medical Center restructured their professional governance council late last year, the projects they took on quickly made an impact on the organization.
Over 70 nurses from units throughout the medical center participate in councils focused on quality, safety, care experience, professional development, evidence-based practice and wellness.
“This diverse group of staff nurses are the decision-making body over nursing practice at our medical center,” said Joel Mallari, DNP, RN, ACNS-BC, NPD-BC, NEA-BC, Magnet Program Director at the Sacramento Medical Center.
Among some of the projects they have implemented through the councils were a new inpatient fall precaution bundle. After discovering the socks worn by patients at-risk for falls were a different color in the emergency department and inpatient units, the Quality Council decided to standardize the fall bundle which resulted in more streamlined and consistent practice across the facility.
Using data and evidence showing that 98% of patients cared for in Sacramento were adults, the Quality Council researched, and in partnership with Supply Chain, recommended a new pulse oximeter to be rolled out for use across the medical center to improve their practice.
“The transition was seamless because nurses were involved in the process,” said Mike Eizikowitz, Sr. Manager, Supply Chain. “It was the right thing to do to provide the best care for our patients, and also provided substantial cost-savings for the organization.”
Nurse engagement soars
Quality Council Chair Alana Martin, MSN, RN, an ICU staff nurse II, says nurses are more engaged in learning about council projects, and collaborating with nurses from other units. “Gathering monthly for our council meetings helps foster relationships with nurses we might not otherwise cross paths with during our daily work or have the opportunity to learn from.”
“There is a heightened appreciation of what the governance council does to support nurses and patients,” added Mallari. He’s also finding nurses are now more interested in participating in committee work and advancing up the clinical ladder.
Results of the recent RN Excellence Survey demonstrate nurse engagement and satisfaction in Sacramento outperformed national benchmarks, a significant step as they work towards Magnet designation.
“It’s exciting to see nurse engagement soar at the Sacramento Medical Center,” said Esperanza Chavez, MSA, BSN, RN, Chief Nurse Executive. “It’s about nurses owning their practice and making decisions on the practice of nursing – and providing the best care to our members and communities across Sacramento.”