Remember The Mission

Nurse Imagemakers

Lisa Sanchez, RN, administrative director, Patient Care Services, University Health Center-Downtown, and Irene Garcia-Sandate, MSN, RN, NNP-BC, who is on leave from the Neonatal ICU and Newborn Services, University Hospital, have been nominated for the 2010 South Texas Nurse Imagemaker award, by the Texas Nurses Association (TNA), District 8, and the Delta Alpha chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI) Nursing Honor Society.Sanchez and Sandate were among 34 other nurses recognized as “Nurse Imagemakers” for South Texas. In addition, Sanchez earned the Ruth Stewart Excellence in Nursing award. The awards were presented during a special luncheon held at Oak Hills Country Club, San Antonio, on May 22.All Imagemaker nominees are invited to write an essay on their definition of “Professional Image,” including two examples of how their practice contributes to the professional image of nursing.  Each year, one South Texas nurse is honored with the Ruth Stewart Excellence in Nursing award. The award, named for Ruth Stewart, a recognized nurse leader, educator and activist who set the “gold standard” for a positive image through community service and nursing accomplishments, selects the recipient of this honor.

Lisa Sanchez

Irene Sandate

Sanchez was overwhelmed and honored to earn the Ruth Stewart award this year. She told the crowd that she had a few gray hairs to prove her nursing career had been full of challenges and hard work. She was also quick to praise those who had made her the person she is today, especially her parents. Sanchez thanked Steve Enders, Sr. VP, Ambulatory Services; and Chris Vasquez, COO, for their support and vision.As the first healthcare organization to achieve Magnet status in San Antonio and South Texas, University Health System was also recognized and honored during the event.

Delta Chapter Sigma Theta Tau and the District 8 Texas Nurses Association recognized all of the University Health System staff in attendance and provided Evelyn Swenson-Britt, MS, RN, Magnet Project Director, a certificate in honor of the health system’s Magnet achievement.“University Health System honorees were also celebrated as nursing leaders whose contributions to our organization were pivotal in achieving Magnet Recognition,” said Swenson-Britt, MS, RN, Magnet Project Director.The 34 nurses selected as 2010 South Texas Nurses Imagemakers from healthcare educational and professional organizations in the South Texas community are honored as nurses who consistently model:

• A professional image and positive, caring attitude


• Leadership qualities


• A commitment to continuous learning


• Significant contributions to organization and community

For over 25 years, Sigma Theta Tau has recognized excellence in nursing through the Nurse Imagemaker award. Since 2006, the Texas Nurses Association, District 8, has partnered with Sigma Theta Tau to honor area nurses of distinction. Nurses are selected by their organizations to receive this award because of their professional image, positive and caring attitude, leadership qualities, commitment to continuous learning, and significant contributions to their organization and community.

Receiving Imagemaker Award

TICU is #1

(San Antonio, TX)    University Hospital’s Transplant Intensive Care Unit (TICU) has received the Beacon Award for Critical Care Excellence from the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN). The TICU team is the first intensive care unit in San Antonio and just the second transplant ICU in the nation to receive this prestigious award. Developed in 2003 by the AACN, the Beacon Award recognizes individual critical care units that exhibit high-quality standards and exceptional care for patients and families while fostering and sustaining healthy work environments.

There are about 6,000 intensive care units in the United States, and less than four percent of them have been recognized for achieving, maintaining and documenting these extremely high standards. “This award is living proof of the great quality and service delivered on our transplant unit," said George B. Hernández, Jr., University Health System president/CEO.

"We are all so proud of the work done by this talented and dedicated team," added Christann Vasquez, University Health System chief operating officer.

To receive the award, a unit must meet 42 different criteria in six categories, including: Patient outcome, Evidence-based practice and research, Leadership and organizational ethics, Excellence/innovation in recruitment and retention, Education, training, and mentoring and Promoting healing environments.

The Beacon also provides nursing care units a way to better measure systems, outcomes and environments. “Your unit sounds like a great place to work and exhibits many Beacon qualities," wrote one of the Beacon Award reviewers.

"By reading your application, I get the sense that your unit holds each staff member and itself as a whole to a very high standard. Through all of the examples that you provided, I was able to develop an understanding of your unit culture," added another. “The teamwork of your unit staff and management is apparent in every exemplar. You have provided many excellent examples of unit based activities that show a consistent and pervasive sense of collaboration and excellence in practice."

Nancy Ray, RN, University Health System’s chief nursing officer, knows she has the best nurses in San Antonio. “It is so incredible what you all accomplish every day. I am so thankful you are UHS."

Michael Payne, RN, administrative director of the TICU agrees. “This is such a huge achievement! You all consistently provide the highest quality care and I hope you all take some time to pat yourselves on the back and appreciate your achievement.”

“I want you all to know how proud I am of you, and what a pleasure it is working with you," added Dr. Glenn Halff, medical director, University Transplant Center, and interim dean of the UT Health Science Center School of Medicine.

The AACN is the largest specialty nursing organization in the world, representing the interests of more than 500,000 nurses providing care to critically ill patients. University Health System was recently designated as a Magnet facility by AACN and this new award is further demonstration of the organization's commitment to excellence in patient care, and recruiting and retaining the very best nursing staff. To learn more about the Beacon Award, please visit www.aacn.org.

My special thanks to all IPCU-CDU staff who in one way or another have supported and continue to support our journey to excellence in patient care.

I want to commend all the unit council chairs, co-chairs and members, Education, Quality, EMR, Recruitment and Retention, Scheduling, Operations, Magnet, Skin Team; Pain Resource team and Restraints Team, all of you have accomplished so much that have made the unit a shining star for Magnet. My great appreciation for the following Magnet day presenters: Jenny Heins, Katherine Cox, Esther Hazlewood, Carla McDaniel, Irene Rodriguez, Joyce Ornelas, and John Rees, and the Magnet night presenters: Jai Philip, Sherly Biju, Lois Shillito, Sosamma Thomas, Kathy Cook, everyone of them when asked never hesitated to present what Magnet was all about in IPCU-CDU in front of hundreds of UH staff. I also want to thank those who went to the focus groups: Esther Hazlewood, Gina Boren, Jenny Ramos, Reni Kochumon, Kathy Cook, and Jacklyn Brown. Special thanks to Lois Shillito who did a great presentation about IPCU-CDU Professional Practice Model and Care Delivery. My gratitude and appreciation to all the specially talented staff who worked artistically on our Magnet Boards: Rosette Atienza(board for patient appreciation, Mission of Magnet in pictures, Journey of Unit Councils ‘chairs and members with pictures); Cecile Ferrer, Marina Angeles, Cendric Wright, Reni Kochumon (all have work on birthdays and commendation boards); Olivia Valdez (welcome and certification boards); Irene Rodriguez and Carla McDaniel for the EMR board; Jenny Heins for the Forces of Magnetism board; and of course a very special thanks goes to Marina Angeles who have created the amazingly awesome ANCC MAGNET welcome boards. Thank you to Rachelle Saldana and Sylvia Eluere for their great Magnet article from a tech viewpoint. Of course my deep gratitude also to my co-escort service Carla McDaniel who have shown great PR with all the appraisers and Carla did it tirelessly for three days. My great appreciation to everyone who worked during the Magnet visit on the floor, you all have contributed to the success of the visit, and those who joined me and John with the unit visit interview, Jenny Heins, Irene Rodriguez, and Jenny Ramos, all have responded knowledgeably to all the questions that our appraiser Ms. Karen Hildebrand was very impressed.

Most of all  to our great Director Wen Pao and to my colleague John Rees and Joyce Ornelas, Thank you…all your supports are highly appreciated.

Our great teamwork on achieving excellence to patient care has always been one of the forces that have led the way for this MAGNET recognition. Kudos to you IPCU-CDU!

Let’s continue our journey…for excellence!

Leticia Wilson, BSN, RN, CCRN
Patient Care Coordinator

February 17th, 2010 marked the very special day for UHS as they were informed of their Magnet designation via conference call between the Magnet appraisers and UHS nurses, Magnet Support Staff, and Senior Level Administrators.  Celebration since then has filled the air at University Hospital!

 

Nurses in each unit are coming together to express their sense of accomplishment and gratitude for being recognized with the ‘seal of approval’ for practicing excellent bedside care and quality shared governance. In the NICU, nurses hosted a small gathering with cake and homemade dips and chips before they returned to their patients and daily routine.

Click here to view more "Magnetic" images.

by Marilyn Green

My first experience with University Hospital was as a young, inexperienced Medina County EMT. We brought an out of county patient to the EC. This patient was found down, and had no physician and no history. The patient was left by another county's EMS service at the very tiny hospital in Medina County. Possibly saving this patient's life meant taking him elsewhere. We proceeded to Bexar County.

Bexar County took the patient into the EC. As we were making an escape an EC nurse came down the hall after us. As the male EMTs with the stretcher made a very hasty retreat, I was left behind to answer questions as to who would take responsibility for this patient and to hear the reasons why out of county patients should not be left. Even as she seemed to be angry, the nurse and I both knew there was no alternative to the patient's care. As an employee of UHS, I have learned that regardless of finances UHS stands for quality patient care.  What a concept. The longer I have been here the more I appreciate how UHS employees truly care. How great is it to feel really needed? Every day we make a difference in a patient's life.

As I am planning retirement I cannot help but to remember landmarks of my time here, like the first heart lung transplant
and the first lung transplant. Other firsts for me necrotizing fascitis, toxic shock, multitrauma, CABG, kidney transplant.
All of this was so new to me, I had worked in small rural hospitals. It may just be memory, but so many nurses touched me. The joy of spending time with them, some never left the hospital after surgery, some never left SICU.
Two really stand out, they still had time to laugh. Neither had sadness.

With that, I never imagined that I would work in such a large hospital, much less stay for 23 years.

I have to look back on UH nurses, so many. How can I say thank-you?
Noel Schaffer who hired me.
Kate Robertson who kindly kept me employed
Virginia Zamora who put up with me
Vangie Castro ARRT (retired) who brought me to radiology
Susan Gerhardt who always keeps her sense of humor
Debbie Fraley and Michelle Kaderli, the best ACLS instructors
Pamela Mann, best BCLS instructor trainer
Kevin Hart current boss. What an inspiring person.
Kristi Hill-Herrera always ready to discuss any issues
Wen Pao with so much common sense and intuition
Nancy Ray who leads an incredible group of nurses
Tom Culwell so supportive as night supervisor
Jackie Powers who works so hard, but is always professional as I call about getting a patient bed that is not there.
Michelle Ryerson, a trusted confidant and resource on all things pediatric prior to becoming Associate Administrator
Amy Hensz always available, sometimes late into the evening.
Radiology nurses that have made my job such a rewarding experience.
Radiology technologist and support staff.?
I can look back on so many things, it would take many pages to complete.

UHS, keep on going for magnet status. Do not give up. There is not a group of nurses anywhere that deserve it more.

Thank you, Peggy Silva!

 

On Friday, January, 13, Peggy Silva, a dedicated nurse and employee of University Health System (UHS), retired.

This day marked a time of celebration for one of University Hospital’s nursing supervisors. After more than 40 years as a registered nurse (RN), Peggy retires with plans to travel and enjoy her granddaughter Sienna. She was honored by her colleagues during a special retirement celebration at the hospital. A flood of co-workers came to wish her well.

Peggy’s connection to UHS is a unique. She served UHS as manager and nursing supervisor of the 9th floor- General Medicine. She was also one of our transplant patients in 2004, and after her recovery, she returned to work as a nursing supervisor. Her experience as a patient gave Peggy a unique insight.

During her tenure, many were fortunate in experiencing Peggy’s mentorship. Peggy had a great knack for giving exactly the right amount of guidance so that you worked out your own solution, and grew in the process. She was never too busy to listen and she was always a patient advocate. We learned from her example.

Congratulations and thank you, Peggy!

 

From Terry Card: I’m sure that all floors receive letters and cards of appreciation, but I wanted to share a hand written note that we received dated March 3, 2007. Read on…

To Whom it may Concern:

I would like to thank University Hospital for your service and giving my life back. I’m just writing this letter to let you know that the 7th floor has the best, wonderful, caring staff. Also there are some staff members that we would like to really thank for their love and support, also for going out of their way to do the best job for me in feeling wonderful. Nurse Sylvia, Kinin and Techs Denise and Dana.

This journey has been a battle but I thank University Hospital for ending this battle. May God bless all in every single way. Thank you all.

By Rudy Jackson, RN, Emergency Center, UH

At approximately 1400 hours, while I was on my lunch break, my patient, a 26 year old male MVC was being moved from bed 23 to bed 22. While preparing the patient for transport, Rick Cerda, ECT noted the patient’s cardiac rhythm had changed from a normal sinus rhythm to an elevated ST segment. 

Rick took the initiative to complete an EKG and had it confirmed by Dr. Zeballos, who also confirmed the ST elevation and diagnosed the patient as having an acute MI.  Excellent work such as this has made and continues to make Rick an essential part of our team. 

Just thought you guys should know.

By Johanna Sharp, R.N.

The January 2006 edition of "San Antonio Woman" focused on the American Heart Association’s “Go Red for Women” campaign and included a great article on Anne Leonard, RN, BSN, MPH , clinical stroke research nurse with the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UTHSCSA). She is also the stroke nurse specialist at University Hospital. The article recognized Anne for 15 years as a volunteer for the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association.

In November 2005, Anne received the first American Heart Association/American Stroke Association Volunteer of the Year Award. As the recipient of this honor, she presented a 30-minute lecture entitled “Integrating Clinical Research and Education into the Comprehensive Care of the Stroke Patient: Another Way of Providing Care” at the association’s annual Scientific Sessions in Dallas.

University Hospital is very fortunate to have Anne as the leader of the stroke team’s effort to gain certification as a Primary Stroke Center -- a designation of the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations.

Thank you Anne for all your hard work! Hartman and UHS are proud to have you on our team.

“In my 63 years I have been a patient in many hospitals (Baptist, Santa Rosa, Metropolitan and Northeast Methodist), but I have never encountered such kind, pleasant, caring, loving, yet professional nurses as I experienced in the Oncology/Gynecology Unit.

From the RN on each shift to the LVN, CAN, and including the lady who cleaned my room every day, a woman named Jasna, they all seemed to have the same heart and soul. I would like to mention several of those whose names I remember: Jo Eldridge, Ravie Youv, Jill Gray, Lynn McKinnon, Heather Holquin, Elizabeth Martinez, Becky Clifton, Lisa Peterson, Bing Perez, Janelle Sneed, Ruth Haven, Linda Gonzales, Caroline Bagnetto.

It was a difficult time for me physically and emotionally, given what I was
facing. It is at such times that support from family and friends is expected and received, but generally we don’t think of the nursing staff as providers of such support-but they did! These were all women of excellence and I remain so grateful to them.

I am writing this letter because I feel they should be recognized for who
they are and what they provide to those of us who are suffering while we are under their care.

I must thank you for these women of integrity and the fine, first rate care I received.