Nursing HARTFORD HOSPITAL

SPRING 2010

Nursing HARTFORD HOSPITAL

FOR HARTFORD HOSPITAL NURSES AND ALUMNAE OF THE HARTFORD HOSPITAL SCHOOL OF NURSING

Hartford Hospital

Nursing

Editorial Staff Noreen S. Kirk, Editor/Writer Deidra Bish, RN, MS, and Karri Davis, RN, BSN, Contributing Writers Alan Colavecchio, Designer Kevin Hagan and Lanny Nagler, Photographers Steven Lytle, Archivist

Advisory Board Linda Berger Spivack, RN, MSN Vice President, Patient Care Services Hartford Hospital Karen Stinson Mazzarella, RN, BA President, Alumnae Association of the Hartford Hospital School of Nursing, HHSN '69 Patricia Andreana Ciarcia, RN, MSN Executive Secretary, Alumnae Association of the Hartford Hospital School of Nursing, HHSN '62 Lee Monroe, Director of Public Relations, Hartford Hospital Paul Deveau, Graphic Designer, Hartford Hospital

Hartford Hospital Nursing is a twice-yearly publication of the Hartford Hospital Department of Nursing and the Alumnae Association of the Hartford Hospital School of Nursing.

Send correspondence to:

Hartford Hospital Nursing 80 Seymour Street Hartford, CT 06102-5037 Attention: Linda Berger Spivack, RN, MSN Vice President, Patient Care Services Hartford Hospital e-mail: lspivack@

Alumnae Association of the Hartford Hospital School of Nursing 560 Hudson Street Hartford, CT 06106 Attention: Pat Ciarcia, RN, MSN Executive Secretary e-mail: patciarcia@

Cover Photograph: Sarah Hickey, RN, BSN (foreground), of Bliss 8 prepares for bedside rounding-report, as Joanne Repaci, RN, also of Bliss 8, talks with a patient. (Photograph by Lanny Nagler)

PHOTO: LANNY NAGLER

Sara Bradbury, RN, Emergency Department, cares for a trauma patient.

CONTENTS

Hartford Hospital Nursing For Hartford Hospital Nurses and Alumnae of the Hartford Hospital School of Nursing

Volume VI, Issue 1, Spring 2010

2 To Our Readers

Messages from Hartford Hospital's CEO and the Vice President of Patient Care Services

3 Nursing News and Notes

2010 Nightingale Award winners, plus a host of nursing achievements

4 Hartford Hospital Nurses Are Everyday Heroes

From Haiti to Hartford, nurses make a difference in people's lives

7 Communicate, Collaborate and Coordinate: the Three C's of Patient Care

Supported by the How Hartford Hospital Works (H3W) program, nurses are recognized for providing excellence in the three C's of patient care

10 Research

Nurse's Research Aims to Improve Women's Lives and Health

Education Many Opportunities for Registered Nurses

11 Focus on Alumnae

Message from the President

12 Alumnae Spotlight

After a lengthy nursing career, she now leads Connecticut's Mohegan Tribe

13 A Look Back

An HHSN graduate discovers a related classmate from the 19th century

14 The PILLBOX Alumnae News

Updates from alumnae and In Memoriam

17 Alumnae Accomplishment

HHSN alumnae have supported a nursing association dedicated to education and community service

HARTFORD HOSPITAL NURSING / SPRING 2010

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To Our Readers

Nurses Are at the Vanguard of Change

National Nurses Week marks a time each year when

Americans stop to appreciate the great work done

by this nation's 4 million nurses. Personally, I have

a lot of strong reasons for respecting the nursing

profession. I know firsthand how powerful your

influence is in the life of a patient, and what a

critical role you play in the healing process. You

are an advocate for your patients, a listening ear,

the caregiver. Your work defines what's best about

Hartford Hospital.

As we move into the ranks of the country's top-

decile hospitals, we are fortunate to have an

outstanding nursing team at our side every step of

the way. I've been impressed with the leadership

Elliot Joseph, President and

role nurses are taking in moving our hospital

Chief Executive Officer,

toward our ambitious goal. You're truly our heart

Hartford Hospital and

and soul. H3W has given you a greater voice, and you

Hartford Healthcare Corporation

know how to use it. Through H3W you've

embraced the idea of hourly rounding and have put this patient-

pleaser to good use. We completed the most recent survey by the Joint Commission with high marks, largely because of the way you--and all staff members--have adopted the principles of H3W as your own. Speaking with one voice, the surveyors told us, the staff sings in unison. In so many ways, the nursing profession is at the vanguard of transformative change.

We are counting on you as we build for the future. Your passion, your energy, your enthusiasm and your commitment will help to propel us forward. As we recruit more nurses to sustain our growth, we will be looking for the talents and personal attributes that you have taught us to appreciate. Thank you for all that you do for our patients, and, equally importantly, thank you for all that you do for your profession.

It's All About the Teamwork

and other members of their unit or other

departmental groups are brought to my attention

When I meet with new employees during their

every day. Through coordinated efforts, problems

orientation process, I often refer to the three C's of

are solved and patient satisfaction is met and even

patient care--Communication, Collaboration and

surpassed. It's inspiring to hear these stories.

Coordination. They are the basis for teamwork that

Still, we have our challenges and a lot of work

exceeds our patients' expectations.

ahead of us. Nursing is an independent,

Nurses are familiar with using the three C's in

autonomous profession in a collaborative,

their daily care. Utilizing the How Hartford Hospital

interdisciplinary practice environment. Embracing

Works (H3W) program in support of that practice

this empowering combination promotes clinical

is a fairly new concept.

excellence. Nurses are accountable for their own

It's been just over a year since H3W was

practice while being engaged with the entire health

introduced, and already I see positive changes in

care team. I believe that Hartford Hospital nurses

our Hartford Hospital culture. By putting the patient Linda Berger Spivack, RN, exemplify this sense of balance.

at the center of our transformation and focusing

MSN, Vice President,

Another aspect of H3W is the celebration and

our leadership on that patient, we can continue to

Patient Care Services

recognition of all the hard work being done. As

improve our quality of care, grow as an institution,

we celebrate Nurse's Week this May, I'd like to

maintain fiscal responsibility and achieve service and academic

congratulate those nurses who have earned their specialty

excellence.

certifications and those advancing their degrees. I'd also like to

Through the organized and facilitated departmental H3W

take this opportunity to thank all of our nurses for the fantastic

workgroups, nurses are encouraged to communicate their ideas care they provide to our patients. Hartford Hospital excels because

concerning issues that affect patient care and unit function, and it's you do.

working.

Outstanding examples of collaborative efforts between nurses

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HARTFORD HOSPITAL NURSING / SPRING 2010

Nursing News and Notes

2010 Nightingale Award Winners

PHOTOS: KEVIN HAGAN

You amaze us with your skills, impress us with your knowledge and move us with your compassionate care of your patients. You are scientists, caregivers, problem-solvers, teachers and respected partners. You are the nurses of Hartford Hospital. We salute each of you, and especially those of you chosen by your peers as 2010 winners of the prestigious Nightingale Award.

Ifeoma Mogor, RN SURGERY

Ann Plourde, RN, BSN ORTHOPEDICS

Mary Kate Parker, RN-BC, MS

CARDIOVASCULAR SURGERY

Terry Kinsley, RN, CEN, BSN EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT

Cristin Chambers, RN, BSN

OPERATING ROOM

Cynthia Belonick, APRN

THE INSTITUTE OF LIVING

Nicki Larabee, RNC WOMEN'S HEALTH

Victor Durao, RN MEDICINE

Jen Moller, RNC-OB, C-EFM WOMEN'S HEALTH

Susan Smith, RN ONCOLOGY

Lisa Corbett, APRN Janice Lepore, RN

WOUND CARE

CASE COORDINATION

Brenda Gelo, RN CARDIOLOGY

Jeffrey LaBrode, RN, BSN

OPERATING ROOM

Justine Bedlack, RN JEFFERSON HOUSE

HARTFORD HOSPITAL NURSES ? NOTHING BUT THE BEST

Institute of Living Achievements

presented a PCA core program. Presentations Emergency Nurse credentialing exam and

Jamie Buchanan, RN; David Nieske, RN; and Lynn Roberts, RN, have earned Adult Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing certification. Penny Barnum Young, APRN, has earned certification as a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Adult Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing. An article by Ellen W. Blair, APRN, and Bonnie Szarek, RN, titled "Osteoporosis: Awareness and Risk Factors in an Inpatient Geriatric Psychiatric Population: A Pilot Study" is being published in May 2010 in the journal Issues in Mental Health Nursing.

Palliative Care Certifications

Jennifer Dupuis, RN, and Susan Smith, RN, have earned their Hospice and Palliative Care Nurse certification. Maryann Steed, RN, BSN, completed her certification as a Hospice and Palliative Care Nurse educator (HPNA). She is one of eight HPNA-approved educators in Connecticut.

included "Pin the Tail on the Incision" and "How Clean Are Your Hands?"

Cardiovascular Accomplishments

Quita Hall, RN; Meg Flaherty, RN; Julie Alvarado, RN; and Mary Kate Parker, RN, attained certification in Cardiovascular Nursing. Cheryl Goldberg, RN, attained certification as a Critical Care Registered Nurse Maria Vicuna-Rivera, RN, received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Hartford in 2009.

Neuro-Trauma Accomplishments

Tammy Glynn, APRN, received her Gerontological Nurse Practitioner certification in 2009. Jennifer Sakowski, RN, graduated in August 2009 with her Master of Science in Nursing Education from the University of Hartford.

Emergency Department Distinctions

accepted a job as Nurse Educator of the Emergency Department. Kerry Hernandez, RN; Anthony Miranda, RN; Shannon Clark, RN; Torrey Trzcienski, BS, RN; and Melinda Dolan, BSN, RN, attained their certification in Emergency Nursing. Mark Scalzi, RN, earned his Critical Care Registered Nurse certification. Gretchen Wolf, RN, MSN, presented "Neurological Emergencies" in Maryland in March 2010. Danette Alexander, RN, MSN, completed the American Organization of Nurse Executives fellowship in 2009.

GI Department Certifications

Mary Schwab, RN; Angel Morales, RN; Michelle Day, RN; and Jen Chicoine, RN, have all earned certification as CGRNs (Certified Gastroenterology Registered Nurses).

LIFE STAR Distinctions

Vascular Surgery Presentations

Jennifer Nabors, RN; Monica Martins, RN; and Megan Fuller, RN, developed and

Anna Meyer, RN, earned her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Hartford in 2009. Terry Kinsley, RN, earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing, passed the Certified

Congratulations to Michael Frakes, RN; Lisa Graziano, RN; James Marcelynas, RN; Michael Sahjian, RN; Joyce Suave, RN; and

continued on page 17 3

HARTFORD HOSPITAL NURSING / SPRING 2010

HARTFORD HOSPITAL NURSES

areEVERYDAY HEROES

HARTFORD HOSPITAL NURSING / SPRING 2010

PHOTO: LANNY NAGLER

Cindy McGarvey, RN, BSN, North 12, talks with a patient's family.

Whether in Haiti or Hartford, nurses make a positive difference in people's lives.

When a devastating earthquake struck Port Au Prince, Haiti, in January, most

buildings were reduced to rubble. Not even hospitals were spared. Despite the

dangerous aftershocks, help quickly arrived from around the world. Hartford

Hospital's own Sarah Bradbury, RN, was among those who responded.

Bradbury, an Emergency Department nurse, resided 30 miles outside Port Au

Prince in a town called Cabaret. It had been one month since the earthquake, so the

initial trauma was over, but Haitians were still sick and injured.

"The survivors were crying and scared," Bradbury stated.

They sought her assistance for new allergies, upper respiratory tract infections

and palpitations.

"They were sleeping outside on the ground and on their porches," Bradbury

stated. "They were too scared to go back into their houses because the government

[representatives] told them they were not safe."

4

PHOTO: LANNY NAGLER

Sarah Bradbury, RN, aided earthquake victims in Haiti.

refused the patient," she stated. "So he was then transported to a hospital in Port au Prince."

Bradbury originally wanted to go to see the country and do what she knew how to do--be a nurse.

"The great thing about being a nurse here is that I knew I could still be a nurse in a Third World country," Bradbury stated. "People did not speak the same language; therefore, I was limited to smiling and saying that it would be OK."

Bradbury left Haiti hoping she had made a difference and knowing there was not enough treatment to go around. It humbled Bradbury to see that people could face such devastation, despair and hardship with grace.

"No BlackBerrys, iPhones, Facebook or text messaging, but they are happy and never lost a smile," Bradbury empathetically stated. "Nursing is universal, and I love that."

A clinic was set up for three days, and nearly 300 people arrived on foot from the surrounding villages for care. Diagnostic equipment was not available. All Bradbury had with her was a blood pressure cuff, stethoscope, portable pulse oximeter and an oral thermometer. Sarah described it as a guessing game.

"It put my one year of Hartford Hospital Emergency Department experience to the test," Bradbury stated. "I had to refer back to what I had seen in the past, tried to match up what I learned back home, with what I was observing in Haiti."

When patients told Sarah their bellies hurt, she and her team had to rely on their highly advanced clinical assessment skills as their only diagnostic instruments. Fortunately, there was a fairly well-stocked pharmacy, thanks to the outpouring of donations from organizations around the globe.

"I took care of an 85-year-old woman whose heart rate was too fast to count," Bradbury stated. "There was no way to actually find out what was wrong with her. I had some IV supplies, so I started a[n] [intravenous] line, gave her 2.5 liters of fluid and Reglan for nausea, and her heart rate went down to 110."

Bradbury traveled to a village called Messier not knowing what to expect.

"The clinic was set up in a building with cracks in the cement from the earthquake, with not a door or window in sight," Bradbury described. "Exam rooms were constructed with string and sheets. People were examined sitting in chairs."

There were fewer resources then in Cabaret, and medications were brought in a suitcase.

"I expected earthquake victims, but instead there were many women with vaginal infections for one year and fungal infections to the scalps on young kids," she said. "We had a 2-year-old present completely limp in his father's arms with +2 pitting edema to his lower extremities."

The medical team Bradbury worked with consisted of an Emergency Department doctor, a pediatrician, a neonatal intensive care nurse, a psychiatric nurse and a medicalsurgical nurse.

"As soon as we could, one of the doctors and a nurse transported him to a hospital called Mission of Hope, who

DIFFERENCE

Bradbury made a difference in Haiti, just as she does here in the Emergency Department every shift. Hartford Hospital has a team of 1,300 bedside staff nurses who make a crucial difference in patients' lives with their compassion, selflessness and commitment to coming back every single day. Despite the wonders of modern, technologically advanced medicine, patients would not survive without compassionate nursing care. Patients want immediate answers to questions such as "When can I eat?" "When can I see my loved one?" and "When can I get up out of this bed?" It is the bedside registered nurse, coordinating every aspect of their care, collaborating with the doctors, and communicating with all members of the health care team, who has a direct impact on the patient's quality of life and experience here at Hartford Hospital.

Sue Gallagher, RN, has been at Hartford Hospital for 21 years. She currently works on Bliss 9 I, the cardiothoracic intensive care unit. Her patient, "Emily," was a normal teenager eating a cheeseburger for lunch with her friends, laughing and talking about being accepted to the University of Rhode Island to study medicine. Suddenly Emily became violently ill. Her liver went into acute failure, and life, as her family knew it, changed forever.

Emily was admitted to the intensive care unit, subsequently intubated, and remained on life support for five weeks. The ICU team tried to work miracles to keep Emily alive while waiting for a liver transplant. So many times, when caring for her, Gallagher would just chit-chat to her, offer words of encouragement and pray she would not give up.

"Our patients become like family. I was like Emily's second mother," Gallagher stated. "I spent three hours detangling her hair one night and putting it in a braid. Having children of my own, Emily's mom and I were able to share stories, laugh together and cry together."

Emily's condition rapidly deteriorated late one night. She was receiving every life-sustaining measure the intensive care unit could offer, including vasopressors to increase blood pressure, continuous venous-to-venous hemodialysis and a ventilator that was running at 100 percent. The ICU resident

HARTFORD HOSPITAL NURSING / SPRING 2010

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asked Gallagher to speak with the family, for her bond with them was the strongest.

"I told Emily's mom, `I will do whatever you want me to do--chest compressions, push meds, anything--but it may not change the outcome,'" Gallagher empathetically stated. "She [mom] hugged me and thanked me for everything, but said it was time; I had to stop."

Gallagher, who is always professional and composed on the nursing unit, was in tears along with her colleagues that night, as she shared this touching story.

"The patients keep me coming back every day," Gallagher said.

COMPASSION

"Alex," like Emily, had liver failure. He was on North 11 for months, too sick to go home. Alex became cranky and difficult after spending two weeks in the same bed. Kari Horton, RN, was Alex's nurse every single shift she was on the unit.

"He was my favorite patient; he told me that he felt comfortable and safe in my care," Horton stated. "His daughter said she wanted to be a nurse because of me." Horton's eyes lit up, and she was smiling ear-to-ear in speaking of Alex's daughter.

Since Alex received a liver transplant, he has returned only once in two years.

"We see a lot of our transplant patients come back and say, `Look at me now,' after they have lost weight, resumed daily activities and are fully functioning on their own," Horton stated. "Patients come in on their death beds. You do not even think they will make it through the weekend, yet they leave so healthy we do not recognize them. Over the course of those few months, each of those patients becomes our family."

FAMILY

After interviewing a variety of nurses, including Stephanie Woina, RN, from Center 10; Sue Carter, RN, from Bliss 10 ICU; and Cindy McGarvey, RN, of 20 years on North 12; the message was clear: It is bonds created with family that foster the love of bedside nursing.

"Everyone pitches in to get to know the patient and family--RNs, PCAs, residents, Nutrition and the entire heath care team," Carter stated. "We all try to build the patient's spirit."

Both Carter and Woina recounted stories of having game nights or watching movies with patients who had spent months in the hospital, too sick to go home. Carter smiled and stated, "You take the time to set up the lounge for dinner or a movie because you are doing it for the patients and families with whom you have become so close."

"It is so rewarding when the entire family is supportive and appreciative of everyone's care throughout the hospital stay," McGarvey said. "There are so many touching patient stories

Chavella Campbell, RN, BSN, STAR Team

that keep our nurses at the bedside that it is hard to pick just

one."

Diane Hooper, RN, on Bliss 8 affirmed, "It is the human

touch. The gratification I receive from going home knowing I

made a difference in someone's life. I make every one of my

patients and families feel like they are my only one."

Nancy Discenza, RN, and Darcie Shewokis, RN, of Bliss 5

agreed. "It is certainly not the hours, the pay or the

schedule--it is the patients and families. We share very

personal experiences with oncology patients--death and

dying. We empower them to realize they can live with this

disease."

Discenza and Shewokis have been working with oncology

patients here at Hartford Hospital for 21 years and 26 years

respectively on the night shift, always with a smile and a laugh.

Discenza began to say, "There were these two potatoes ..."

She did not make it any further and had everyone around her

laughing so hard that some were crying. In such a critical

environment it is heartwarming to know that humor and

happiness are portrayed to the outside world.

"... I make every one of my patients and families feel like they are my only one."

Diane Hooper, RN

HHARTFORD HOSPITAL NURSING / SPRING 2010

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