2. “Commitment to our core purpose
and vision for nursing inspires us
to be our best. We are transforming
and advancing the care of
patients and our profession.”
A MESSAGE FROM THE
CHIEF NURSING OFFICER
TABLE OF CONTENTS
A Message from the Chief Nursing Officer 1
Nursing Professional Practice Model 2-3
Transformational Leadership 4-5
Shared Governance 6-7
Relationship-Based Care 8-9
Evidence-Based Practice and Research 10-11
Innovation 12-13
Professional Development 14-15
Career Advancement and Recognition 16-17
Quality and Safety 18-19
Nursing Excellence Award Recipients 19
1
Mary Agnew, MS, RN,
NEA-BC discusses the
honor and challenge of
healthcare and how nurses
and their colleagues are
making a difference in the
lives of those throughout
our community.
It is with great pride I present the 2014 Reading Hospital
and Health System Nursing Annual Report, which reflects
our continued work to elevate nursing and transform
patient care. Our 2014 annual report honors the women
and men who chose this rewarding profession and
have made a difference in the lives of those we care
for and our community. One of our nurses, Ainsley
Hartman, BSN, BA, RN, N3S Oncology Unit, put into
words the honor and challenge that is our profession:
Every day I am fortunate to be a nurse, the person to
whom someone surrenders their well-being, their very
life. These patients are veterans, daughters, businessmen,
teachers, doctors, and sometimes, nurses themselves.
They have loved ones and bucket lists unfinished; their
bodies humbled by cancer and other terminal illnesses.
As a nurse we often leave a little bit of ourselves at
the bedside. I have learned to consider it a blessing
to be such an integral part of my patients’ lives and
in many cases their last few moments on earth.
We are indeed fortunate that our work makes such a
difference in the lives of others. That work, while rewarding,
is challenging. We are presented every day with difficult
circumstances both in patient care and our practice. Our
work is guided by our professional practice model. It is
our “true north,” or the compass that guides us through
the most difficult circumstances that life can present.
This year we celebrated many achievements, including
the kickoff of the formal Journey to Magnet Excellence®
and submission of our application to the American Nurses
Credentialing Center Magnet Recognition Program. We
evolved and expanded shared governance to include a
Staffing Committee, Ambulatory Nursing Council, and
PCA Council to strengthen the voice and engagement
of nursing staff in improving care and practice. Unit-
based nursing teams began redesigning care delivery
to strengthen the nurse-patient therapeutic relationship,
colleague collaboration, and continuity of care.
The percent of BSN prepared and specialty certified nurses
continued to increase at an impressive rate. We introduced
the clinical nurse specialist role to provide clinical leadership
for both unit and organizational improvement of nursing
quality indicators. The unit-based clinical leadership model
was expanded and we made strides in decreasing falls with
injury and hospital acquired pressure ulcers and infection,
and improving nurses’ communication with nurses.
It is an incredibly exciting time for nursing! Nurses at all
levels are conducting research and evidence-based practice
improvements related to nurse-physician communication
and collaboration, reduction of hospital-acquired infection,
nurse residency and preceptor program effectiveness.
Technology innovations, especially EPIC optimization and
GetWellNetwork, have been implemented with clinical
nurse input to improve care and patient engagement.
This has been a year of continued growth, change,
and improvement made by clinical nurses and nurse
leaders committed to our core purpose of advancing
health and transforming lives and our vision to
achieve excellence in a patient-first environment. It
is this commitment that inspires us to be our best
and provide the best care for those we serve.
Sincerely,
Mary Agnew
MS, RN, NEA-BC
Vice President & Chief Nursing Officer
3. NURSING PROFESSIONAL
PRACTICE MODEL
The Reading Hospital Nursing
Professional Practice Model,
True North, is the framework for
bringing to life nursing’s vision
of “achieving excellence in a
patient-first environment.” The
components are the guiding
principles for nursing practice.
At the core, is the unwavering
commitment to providing
excellent, compassionate care
to patients, their families, and
our community. Nursing practice
is anchored by the mission,
vision, values, and standards that
distinguish Reading Health System
and its goals for Advancing
Health, Transforming Lives.
Just as the north star and a
compass provide direction
for navigating one’s journey,
so does Reading Hospital’s
True North provide direction
for navigating the Journey
to Nursing Excellence®
.
2014-2015
KEY PRIORITIES
ORGANIZATIONAL NURSING
Operational Excellence †† Journey to Magnet Excellence®
†† Unit-Based Clinical Leadership
†† Nursing Quality Indicator Improvement
†† Research/EBP/Innovation Skill Development
†† Leadership Development
Patient Experience †† GetWellNetwork
†† NICHE Program
†† Relationship-Based Care Delivery System
• Care Delivery Redesign
• Caring Practices
Bedside Shift Report
Meaningful Rounding
Patient Goal of the Day/Encounter
No Pass Zone
AIDET
Shift Huddle
Care Team Rounds
Commitment to Co-Workers
Employee Engagement †† Shared Governance
†† Nursing Communication Strategy
†† Unit Engagement and Retention Plan
†† Professional Development
Initiatives (BSN, Certification)
Clinical Integration †† Nursing Professional Practice Model integration
across Reading Health System
Market Expansion †† Service Line Development Support
2 3
READING HOSPITAL
NURSING
PROFESSIONAL
PRACTICE MODEL
4. TRANSFORMATIONAL
LEADERSHIP
Nurses at all levels transform nursing
practice and care to achieve excellent
outcomes as confirmed by
Paulette Glenn, BSN, RN IV, CMSRN, R3E
Core Facilitator and recipient of the 2014
Excellence in Clinical Practice Award:
“Nurses are leading
changes in practice,
such as huddles
and bedside shift
report, to improve
communication,
safety, and the
patient experience.”
EVERY NURSE IS A LEADER
The Unit-Based Clinical Leadership Model expansion
to 8 units is reducing length of stay and readmission
Clinical Nurse Specialist model is providing
masters-prepared clinical leadership
for nursing quality improvement
The LEAD program was redesigned and
is engaging clinical nurses in applying
leadership skills to clinical practice
Nurses are engaged in achieving health system goals
for managing population health and clinical integration
Emergency nurses and physicians
presented brain attack best practices at the
International Stroke Conference 2014
Robin Riegner, RN, CCM,
Manager, Population
Health Management,
counsels a patient on
wellness promotion.
Stormy Bernhart, RN, CRRN,
Acute Rehabilitation Unit,
and Erin Marinchak, MSN,
RN, ACNS-BC, CCRN, CPHQ,
Clinical Nurse Specialist,
Surgical Division, co-lead the
Fall Resource Nurse Team
and interdisciplinary efforts
that are reducing falls with
injury rate.
Jennifer Seaman, RN, E3, discusses
changes in core facilitator orientation
with Melissa Armstrong, MS, RN,
GCNS-BC, CMSRN, Clinical Practice
Educator, Medical Division.
4 5
5. SHARED
GOVERNANCE
EVERY NURSE HAS A VOICE
The Staffing Committee sub-team of Operations Council
is standardizing scheduling policies and practices
Newly chartered PCA Council defined PCA role and
PCA involvement in organizational council work
Ambulatory Council is addressing practice
issues specific to nurses working in outpatient
and same day procedural areas
RN Peer Review Team redesigned process and tools
based on best practices, which will be piloted in 2015
Shared Governance Effectiveness Survey guided
a focused nursing communication strategy for
councils and leaders
Concerned ED nurses prompted a CISM team
that partners nurses and chaplains in addressing
post-traumatic stress
Beverly Guest, RN, Clinical
Quality Coordinator,
Reading Health Physician
Network, and Melissa
Reinard, BSN, RN, Cancer
Infusion Center, plan
education programs during
an Ambulatory Council
web-based meeting.
Brooke Raifsndyer, RN, ED,
advocated for better
management of caregiver
stress. Here she and
Chaplain Tim Sadler discuss
how the new ED Critical
Incident Stress Management
(CISM) program is supporting
distressed staff members.
Patient Care Assistant leaders
of the PCA council, recorder
Elizabeth Burkey, E2, co-chair
Robbie Smith, Cardiovascular
Services, and chair Jessica
Wolgemuth, N5W, work with
facilitator Ronnie Ursin, DNP,
MBA, RN, NEA-BC, Medical
Division Director, to update
the PCA job description to
include support for nursing
quality improvement.
Staffing Committee Co-Leader
Lowell Fina, PhD, RN III, CEN,
Cardiovascular Division, explains
that through shared governance,
every nurse has a voice in
improving care and practice:
“Clinical nurses
collaborate with
nurse leaders to
assure high quality
care providers
and adequate
resources to meet
patient needs.”
6 7
6. RELATIONSHIP-BASED
CARE
Stacy Greblick, RN III, RNC, CCRN,
NICU RBC Council Chair, is a passionate
advocate for Relationship-Based Care
(RBC), the nursing care delivery model:
“We are
strengthening
colleague
relationships and
redesigning care
delivery for greater
continuity and
improved therapeutic
nurse/patient
relationships.”
EVERY NURSE IS A HEALER
Nurses Improving Care for Health System Elders (NICHE)
program is underway to improve safety and quality of
geriatric care
RN Bedside Shift Report is engaging patients and families
in planning care and improving communication with nurses
Meaningful Rounding and No Pass Zone are
improving patient safety and responsiveness
of all staff to patient needs
Psychiatric Nurse Liaison consultation with acute care
staff is addressing the unique needs of medical-surgical
patients with behavioral health issues
Shift huddles are strengthening care team communication,
teamwork, and focus on patient safety and quality
SICU staff role modeled excellent community
relationships by donating 1037 pounds of
food for Greater Berks Food Bank
Wendy Lundregan,
MSN, RN, OCN, Medical
Division Nurse Specialist
and NICHE Program
Coordinator, consults with
Geriatric Resource Nurse,
Christina Patch, RN, E2,
regarding polypharmacy
issues that impact optimal
care of geriatric patients.
Lisa Naugle, MSN, RN-BC,
Psychiatric Nurse Liaison,
customizes plan of care with
Lauren Levengood, RN, C3, to
reduce physical restraint and
improve patient safety.
Float Pool PCA, Tom McIntyre,
a member of the Meaningful
Rounding team, mobilizes
a patient; rounds include
mobilization and positioning,
toileting, pain management, and
environmental safety checks.
8 9
7. EVIDENCE-BASED
PRACTICE AND RESEARCH
EVERY NURSE IS A SCIENTIST
EBP Interns examined evidence related to alarm
fatigue, trauma, family presence, patient education,
communication, and sexual assault
R3S CIWA Task Force is piloting an evidence-
based Alcohol Withdrawal Protocol to
improve patient assessment and safety
Nurse Perceptions of Clinical Deterioration study examined
Modified Early Warning Score (MEWS) effectiveness
Perceptions of Hope Engendering Behaviors Study validated
work of RBC to maintain patients’ hope and dignity
Nurse-Physician Communication and Collaboration Study is
guiding focused improvement in interprofessional teamwork
The RN Residency Study completed its 6th
cohort; study findings prompted MATT
simulation inclusion in Residency curriculum
Andrea Fischer, MSN,
RN, CMSRN, Clinical
Practice Educator,
educates new nurse,
Mary Rus, RN, N3W, on
use of MEWS to assess
clinical deterioration.
R3S CIWA task force
members, Paul Little, DO,
and Alan Hyneman, RN,
discuss progress in
implementing the
CIWA Alcohol
Withdrawal Protocol.
Director of Nursing Research,
Debra H. Stavarski, PhD, RN,
and Walter Bohnenblust, MD,
discuss RN-MD Collaboration
study findings and strategies
to improve communication,
such as care team photos on
assignment and whiteboards.
EBP Intern Angela Yoder, BSN, RN IV,
CCRN-CMC, PCCN, MICU, initiated
evidenced-based Chlorhexidine
bathing as a standard of practice and
continues to champion evidence-
based practice improvement.
“The EBP Internship
provides nurses
guided instruction
to review research
and identify and
implement
evidence-based
best practices.”
10 11
8. INNOVATION
EVERY NURSE IS AN INNOVATOR
GetWellNetwork patient engagement technology
is improving the patient experience, education, and
communication with nurses
Nurses at all levels participated in optimizing Reading
HealthConnect to better support risk screening and
protocol documentation
Job Appreciation at The SurgiCenter at Spring Ridge partners
colleagues to walk in each other’s shoes and improve teamwork
On World Stroke Day, E1 stroke nurses took community health
education and screening to the heart of the City of Reading
Designing new products, such as an IV pole
drainage bag hook, is one way in which nurses
are innovating to improve outcomes
Adopt a Class, an innovative twist to United Way Stuff the
Bus, is building strong relationships with community schools
As a Systems Analyst,
Kelly Sue Flynn, BSN, RN-BC, uses her
clinical expertise to engage nurses
with information technology teams
to implement new technologies that
enhance patient care.
“Nurses use
technology
innovations, such
as GetWellNetwork,
to better engage
patients and
families in
their care.”
Spring Ridge SurgiCenter
OR nurse Barry Schaeffer,
RN, CNOR, demonstrates
the equipment he uses
to Mary Jones, front desk
receptionist, during Job
Appreciation shadowing.
Pediatric Nurse,
Amanda Taylor, RN,
educates her patient and
his mother in how to use
GetWellNetwork.
12 13
Mary C. Day, MSN, RN, ACNS-BC,
Clinical Nurse Specialist, Surgical Division,
demonstrates to Nathan Ray, RN, R3E,
how to use the IV pole urinary drainage
bag hook that she designed to facilitate
mobilization and prevent infection.
9. PROFESSIONAL
DEVELOPMENT
EVERY NURSE IS A LIFELONG LEARNER AND EDUCATOR
Over 90% of our nursing units continue to outperform
national benchmarks for specialty certification
This year, 1350 certified nurses and their colleagues were
recognized for their commitment to excellence
Enhanced education assistance increased
clinical BSN percent from 35% to 41% in
2014, and increased BSN enrollment
The Cedar Crest College MSN partnership graduated the
first cohort of nurse leaders, who focused project work on
outcome improvement
“Periop 101,” an intensive immersion orientation, is
facilitating the transition of new nurses to specialty practice
The new Critical Care Transitional Fellowship
Program transitions graduate nurses into
Intensive Care through experiential learning
Patrice Sadler, RN, CGRN,
Endoscopy Suite, was
the first nurse in her
department to become
certified; since then
100% of nurses in the
Endoscopy Suite now hold
specialty certification.
MICU interns Zebadiah Sheamon, BSN, RN,
and Cassondra Good, BSN, RN, simulate
defibrillation during the first six months
of their three-year internship.
“Periop 101” intern,
Andrew Addison, RN,
enjoys hands-on learning
with preceptor Kasie Moll,
RN, BSN, CNOR, RNFA,
and Tara Lantz, RN, 2014
Periop 101 graduate.
Rodrigo Ugalde, BSN, RN IV, CRRN,
Acute Rehabilitation Unit, advanced
from LPN to RN, RN to BSN, and is
now enrolled in an MSN program.
“Nurses are
supported to
achieve specialty
certification,
advance
academically, and
in their ongoing
development
of clinical and
leadership skills.”
14 15
10. CAREER ADVANCEMENT
AND RECOGNITION
EVERY NURSE IS RECOGNIZED
Eighty-eight nurses were honored at the annual awards
gala for successfully challenging to RN III, IV, and V levels
The 2014 Nursing Excellence Awards recognized over
100 nurse and interprofessional colleague nominees
The Nursing Awards Gala attendance
exceeded 625 – the highest attendance to
date by nurses and physician colleagues
The Unit Professional Excellence Award was
presented to E2 for high engagement in
workplace and outcome improvement
The Rising Star award recognized clinical
support staff enrolled in RN programs, for their
contributions to care and academic excellence
Alan Howard, MSN, MDiv, RN V,
CEN, Emergency Department, is
recognized through the Career
Advancement Program for his
masters degree, certification, years
of experience, and leadership of
the ED Research/EBP Committee.
“Nurses have the
opportunity to
advance while
working at the bedside
and are encouraged
and recognized for
their contributions
to clinical and
professional
excellence.”
Crystal Geissler, BSN,
RNC-OB, Labor and
Delivery, is a role
model RN IV, who
coaches colleagues to
challenge in the career
advancement program.
The 2014 Rising Star Award
recipient Allison Bossler,
transitioned from PCA,
Acute Rehabilitation Unit,
to graduate nurse, R3S, and
continues to exemplify
compassion, caring, and
commitment to excellence.
16 17
11. QUALITY AND
SAFETY
EVERY NURSE MAKES A DIFFERENCE
2014 NURSING EXCELLENCE AWARD RECIPIENTS
Excellence in Clinical Practice: RN
Paulette Glenn, BSN, RN IV, CMSRN,
R3E Medical Surgical Unit
Excellence in Clinical Practice: APN
Diana Blair, CRNP, Acute Rehabilitation Unit
Excellence in Clinical Practice: LPN
Sheila Faust, LPN, Family Health Care Center
Excellence in Clinical Support
Rosalind McNally-Walling, Emergency Department
Excellence in EBP Leadership and Innovation
Debra Stavarski, PhD, RN, Director Nursing Research
Excellence in Staff Leadership
Heather Kulaga, BSN, RN, CMSRN, C3 Surgical Unit
Excellence in Administrative Practice
Kimberly Swenson, BSN, RNC-MNN,
Nurse Manager, Mother Baby Unit
Excellence in Patient-First Environment
Christina Studlack, RN III, CAPA, C1 Cardiac Unit
Excellence in Nursing Quality and Safety
Ariana Pilat, BSN, RN IV, CCRN,
Surgical Intensive Care Unit
Excellence in Mentoring/Teaching
Marcia Cook-Love, MSN, APRN, BC, FNP,
Faculty, School of Health Sciences
Linda DeLong, MS, RN, PMHCNS-BC,
Faculty, School of Health Sciences
Spirit of Caring
Women’s Health Center
Rising Star
Allison Bossler, PCA, Brain Injury Unit (now RN, R3S)
Innovation Award
Perioperative Services RN IV Journal Club
Interdisciplinary Collaboration Award
Colleen Sauls, MA, Social Worker,
Children’s Health Center
Support Services Department,
Mark McNash, Vice President
Physician Collaboration Award
Leonard D’Addesi, MD
Unit Professional Excellence
E2 Medical Unit
18 19
Elizabeth Kowalick, BSN, RN, IV,
Cardiovascular Services, helps to
achieve quality outcomes such as “Door
to Balloon times” that consistently
outperform national benchmarks.
“Nursing staff is
improving nurse-
sensitive quality
outcomes, including
falls with injuries,
communication
with nurses, and
hospital-acquired
pressure ulcers.”
FALL WITH
INJURY RATE
PATIENT
EXPERIENCE:
INPATIENT
CENTRAL LINE
ASSOCIATED
BLOODSTREAM
INFECTION
(CLABSI) RATE
Fall with
Injury Rate
Linear (Fall with
Injury Rate)
Adjusted Mean Score
by discharge date
Question:
Staff treated you
with respect
Friendliness/Courtesy
of the nurses
Outperformed national
median benchmark
3 of 4 quarters
CLABSI rate
Target
1.00
.90
.80
.70
.60
.50
.40
.30
.20
.10
0
O
ct‘13N
ov
‘13D
ec‘13
Jan
‘14Feb
‘14M
ar‘14Apr‘14M
ay
‘14Jun
‘14
Jul‘14Aug
‘14Sep
‘14O
ct‘14N
ov
‘14
2
1.8
1.6
1.4
1.2
1
.8
.6
.4
.2
0
2014 Q1 2014 Q2 2014 Q3 2014 Q4
98
96
94
92
90
Jan ‘14 - Mar ‘14 Apr ‘14 - Jun ‘14 Jul ‘14 - Sep ‘14 Oct‘14-Dec‘14
