UNCH 2021 Nursing Annual Report - 17

A Letter From Paula Fessler
Magnet® Stories
Nursing Staff Recognition Awards
Professional Accomplishments
MAGNET® STORIES
In late December 2021, COVID-19's Omicron variant began
to rage and quickly surpassed volumes of any previous
surge to date. Additionally, coworkers affected by the virus
reached an all-time high and CRAs soared, which further
intensified resource demands. The foundational work
and process documentation completed during the Delta
surge was a huge asset to the ICLPT and allowed efforts
to quickly ramp back up to address the staffing demands.
The online sign-up tools were reactivated and the team
began to meet daily again. Feedback from staff and the
team from previous efforts identified a need for additional
skills training, particularly for staff whose time away from
clinical care was greater. The Center for Nursing Excellence
created skills labs for staff members to attend as needed to
provide them with a refresher on any needed clinical skills
prior to their first shift.
To date, 154 volunteers and team members have signed
up to assist inpatient areas during their times of need.
The process has since been replicated for other types of
emergencies, such as inclement weather. Meg Whitaker, RN
is a Care Manager in Pediatrics. According to Meg,
" I was previously a staff nurse in the Emergency
Department but transitioned into the role of a full-time
inpatient Care Manager about two years ago which is a
non-hands-on/non-clinical role. I have loved both jobs but
in different ways. I have enjoyed giving back as a part of
the 'Helping Hands' initiative, in a time of need, and helping
out other colleagues in a different area by utilizing my
previous experience and expertise. Working in different
roles and capacities has also strengthened my respect
and empathy for the different struggles everyone is facing
during these unprecedented and trying times. Everyone
I have worked with through 'Helping Hands' has been
extremely appreciative of the help and many have taken
the time out to personally come and say thank you. "
This effort could not be possible without volunteers like
Meg offering to work additional shifts to support the greater
need, departments who were willing to up-train staff to
meet the demands, and all of those that supported the
work of the ICLPT. If the COVID-19 pandemic surges again,
the ICLPT will be at the ready with the reassuring " you've
been matched " email signaling that help is on the way.
2021 Nursing Annual Report | 17
The Team
Holly Mason, MSN, RN, CEN
Director, Nursing Employment
& Staffing Systems
Anne Spain, MHL, RN, NE-BC
Interim Director, Surgery Services
Beth Huenniger, MSN, RN-BC
Clinical Nurse IV/Quality
Improvement Coach
Hanna Biadulina, BSN, RN, PCCN
Manager, Nursing Staffing Systems
Jenna Chutz, MSN, RN, CMSRN
Clinical Nurse Education Specialist
Center for Nursing Excellence
Nicole Burnett, MSN, RN,
CNRN, SCRN, CCRN-K
Associate Director, Center for Nursing
Excellence, Nursing Practice &
Professional Development
UNCH 2021 Nursing Annual Report

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of UNCH 2021 Nursing Annual Report
