Turkey Card Service Event Summary
Marketing
Firstlight recognized for excellence in patient safety
FirstLight Health System has been recognized by the Minnesota Hospital Association (MHA) for superior performance in patient safety as part of its Hospital Engagement Network 2.0. The MHA Hospital Engagement Network 2.0 is working to reduce hospital-acquired conditions by 40 percent and readmissions by 20 percent.
FirstLight has committed resources to improve on 10 of the 10 focus areas, including adverse drug events; catheter-associated urinary tract infections; central-line-associated blood stream infections; injuries from falls and immobility; obstetrical adverse events, including early elective deliveries; pressure ulcers; preventable readmissions; surgical site infections; venous thromboembolism; and ventilator-associated pneumonia. It was among 16 hospitals recognized by MHA for demonstrating high performance on six or more hospital acquired conditions.
“FirstLight is helping to further strengthen patient safety in Minnesota and contributing to the state’s well-deserved reputation for high-quality health care,” said Lawrence Massa, MHA president and CEO.
Several interventions were implemented by FirstLight’s staff to promote patient safety including nurse-driven protocols for removing urinary catheters, an establishment of a patient partnership program (PFAC) for the sharing of ideas and obtaining suggestions in respects to safety from a patient’s perspective, and implementation of best practices aimed at fall prevention and skin breakdown complications.
“We are continually educating our staff and actively pursuing new ideas that will improve our processes and procedures. The commitment to patient safety and practicing within a safe environment is instilled in our culture, from EVS to Administration. Our participation in the Minnesota Hospital Association’s Hospital Engagement Network helps us achieve our goal of providing the best patient care possible,” comments Chief Quality Officer, Ellen Ryan, RN, MSN.
For more information about Minnesota hospitals’ patient safety initiatives, go to www.mnhospitals.org/patient-safety
Volunteer
Thank you to our Salvation Army Bell Ringers
Thank you to this group of FirstLight employees for ringing bells to support local Salvation Army efforts:
- Jen Peterson and family
- Betsy Vincent
- Jill Sawyer
- Danna Woods and family
- Cody Knox
- Alexis Besser
- June Juday
- Mark Vizenor
- Brenda Moos
- Nicole Westman and family
- Diane Bankers
Check out the link below to see how the Salvation Army helps those in need.
Employee Wellness
Last of the SHOW YOUR BIB photos
Here are the final Show Your Bib photos that were submitted for the challenge.
Congratulations to Kim Tepley and Jenny Lindahl! Their names were drawn as the two winners for this challenge. Kim won a $150 gift certificate to Amazon and Jenny won a $150 gift certificate to Lee’s Pro Shop in Pine City.
Thank you to all employees who submitted photos for this challenge.
Hospital Nursing
Code Pink_11/29/16
Last Tuesday, we had an opportunity to test our skills relating to a “Code Pink”, truly reminding us that every time we have a drill, we either learn something new or find an area of opportunity to improve.
During last week’s drill, we enlisted the help of one of our OB patients and her husband after we discussed the importance of training through “live” scenarios.
Here is a recap of the scenario:
The mother was to come out of her bathroom and find her baby missing, using her call light to report it. The nurse responded by coming to her room and initiating a “Code Pink” as it was announced overhead but not indicated that it was a drill. The response of our staff was phenomenal and employees went to the exits throughout the hospital as they are trained to do. Unfortunately what the observers witnessed was that the “perpetrator” had already made it outside the hospital when the overhead page was announced. Also noted was one PT staff did go outside when she saw a man with a car seat walking towards a vehicle and intercepted him at his car. She then checked the car seat and bag to find the doll. The “all clear” was announced only 4 minutes after the code was called.
Opportunities for improvement are:
- to try to reduce our response time, including the time to call 3555 to report the “Code Pink”
- to try not to expect that when a code being called that is just a “drill”. Sometimes when we hear “its a drill” our response time may be slower.
Please take time to review the “Infant/Child Security Policy” to keep the steps of action foremost in your mind. Feel free to reach out to either myself, Jamie Hendrix, Katie Linden, Jill Sawyer if you have questions or any feedback.
-Gail Lobell, RN-C, MNN
Volunteer
A month of giving
By now you have probably seen the tree by the dining room or the clotheslines hanging in your break room with paper mittens, coats, snow pants, and socks, along with other tags on them. These items are needed for families or students in our area and are part of our annual Giving Tree and Winter Gear Drive service events.
Please bring your donated items to Materials Management by December 16th.
Thank you!
Marketing
Zumba Every Thursday!
Zumba class is continuing at 5-6 pm in the employee gym every Thursday. This is an ongoing class until the end of May. No experience necessary. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes and bring water.
This is a free class and all are welcome!
Uncategorized
WOW Tip of the Week – Gratefulness
“The root of joy is gratefulness…It is not joy that makes us grateful; it is gratitude that makes us joyful.” ~ Brother David Steindl-Rast
What are you grateful for?
Have a joyous Thanksgiving holiday.
