URMC Board Chair George Hamlin presided over the recognition of the 2014 Excellence Award Winners at the Board meeting on Jan. 20. The awards, presented annually, laud the extraordinary efforts of our physicians, nurses, clinicians, and support staff. This year individuals and teams in 13 categories were recognized. Among them was the Neuromedicine Intensive Care Unit.
Implementation of nurse-led daily rounds is making a significant impact on patient care thanks to the Board Excellence Award-winning team, the Neuromedicine Intensive Care Unit. Introduced by Manjunath Markandaya, M.D., and created by nurse Catherine Gargan, RN, CNRN, the switch from physician-led rounds in the Neuromedicine ICU seemed like a natural transition. This change puts nurses, who are front-line caregivers, with the most up-to-date information on their patients in the lead during rounding. The nurse presents the patient to the residents, fellows, and physicians who are involved and often includes the pharmacist, respiratory therapist, and dietitian as well. Families are also welcome on rounds and they are grateful to be part of the process where they learn more about the care of loved ones and have an opportunity to ask questions of the entire care team. Rounds are more efficient under this new team approach and satisfaction scores for this critical care setting are higher.
The team was nominated by Associate Director of Adult Critical Care Nursing Kate Valcin and nurse leader LaShaunda Bradley. The departments of Neurology and Neurosurgery would like to extend their congratulations on this well-deserved award!