care newsletter - september 2012

In this issue:Page 2: Nancy DeBasio Named to 2012 Class of Fellows of American Academy of Nursing

Page 4: Center for Outpatient Surgery Welcomes Edward Higgins, Jr., MD

Page 5: Clinical Excellence Update

Page 8: Advance Practice Nurses: Bridging the Gap in Healthcare

editor:Denise Charpentier VP, Marketing/PR

(816) [email protected]

layout/writer: Mike Ralston

Director, Marketing/PR(816) 276-9475

[email protected]

PhotograPhy: Phil Licata

ReseaRch Medical centeR • a Publication foR eMPloYees • sePteMbeR 2012

CARECOMPASSiON. AttitUDE. RESPECt. ExCELLENCE.

facebook.com/researchmedicalcenter

@ResearchMed

Join the American Cancer Society in the Battle Against Breast Cancer

Research Medical Center and Research Brookside Campus will join the fight against breast cancer on Oct. 27 by participating as a flagship sponsor in the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, a non-competitive walk that will be held at Liberty Memorial.

Stephanie Graff, MD, is our team leader for the Research Making Strides Walk team. Our goal is to recruit 100 walkers for a day of “fun-raising” for this very important cause.

“We all know someone touched by breast cancer—a patient, a family member, a friend,” explains Stephanie Graff, MD, medical oncologist at Research Medical Center. “This walk gives our Research Medical Center family the opportunity to walk along side them, offering our support. I hope you—and your family and friends—will join us.”

to join research’s Making Strides team, go to http://makingstrides.acsevents.org or visit our table in the cafeteria on Friday, oct. 5 during wear Pink day.

CEO town Hall MeetingsReseaRch Medical centeR

Sept. 26 • 7:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. • Cafeteria

Sept. 27 • 3 p.m. • Cafeteria



ReseaRch BRookside caMpus

Oct. 1 • 7:30 a.m. and 12 p.m.

Medical Staff Conference Room

stephanie GRaff, Md

ReseaRch Medical centeRMonday - Friday8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

SaturdayOct. 6, 13 and 207:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

ReseaRch BRookside caMpusMonday - Friday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.Saturdays 7:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Walk-ins welcome on the Research Brookside Campus!

In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, Research Medical Center and the Research Brookside Campus will be offering extended hours and Saturday appointments for screening mammograms.

11ReseaRch Medical centeR • a Publication foR eMPloYees • sePteMbeR 2012

Nancy DeBasio, PhD, RN, Named to 2012 Class of Fellows of American Academy of Nursing

By kiMBeRly steRn

Nancy DeBasio, PhD,

RN, president and dean

of Research College of

Nursing, has been named to

the 2012 Class of Fellows

of the American Academy

of Nursing. Selection for

membership in the Academy

is one of the most prestigious

honors in the field of nursing

and includes only 1,800

nurse leaders in education,

management, practice, policy and research nationwide.

DeBasio has been with Research College of Nursing since

1988. Research College of Nursing is a small private non-

sectarian and fully accredited institution of higher learning

in the Greater Kansas City metropolitan area.

Research College of Nursing has its roots in the history

of Research Medical Center, which began in 1886 as

the German Hospital. Today, award-winning Research

Medical Center is part of HCA Midwest Health System—

Kansas City’s largest healthcare network and private-sector

employer. The hospital was ranked No. 3 in the Kansas

City metro area in U.S. News & World Report’s first-ever

Best Hospitals metro area rankings in April 2011.

DeBasio began her career in 1970 as assistant professor

at Rockland Community College in Suffern, NY. She

has served in a myriad of educator positions at Adelphi

University, University of Pennsylvania, Seton Hall

University and Loyola University of Chicago. She served as

associate dean for academic affairs at Research College of

Nursing from 1988-1992. In 1992, DeBasio accepted her

current position as president and dean at the College; she

acts as an academic liaison for HCA Healthcare.

DeBasio has served in numerous leadership and advisory

roles for Research Medical Center, Kansas City Hospice

Board of Directors, Harmon Diabetes Advisory Board,

the American Association of Colleges of Nursing Board

of Directors, and the Visiting Nurses Association (VNA)

Board. She is a member of the Kansas City Healthcare

Workforce Partners and a founding member of the Clinical

Faculty Academy and Health Resource Partners.

In addition, DeBasio is a member of the Greater Kansas

City Collegiate Nurse Educators, serving in various

capacities for nearly 20 years. DeBasio is a sought-after

nursing education presenter, has authored numerous

grants and her work has appeared in academic journals.

DeBasio received her bachelor of science degree in nursing

from Wagner College School of Nursing in Staten Island,

NY. She earned a master of arts degree in psychiatric

mental health nursing from New York University and her

doctorate in educational leadership from the University of

Pennsylvania.

“I am genuinely humbled to be selected as a fellow in the

Academy, which represents nursing leadership across the

globe,” says DeBasio. “I look forward to contributing to

the Academy’s work and to the advancement of nursing as

a profession.”

“We’re very honored to have such an accomplished

healthcare professional as Nancy DeBasio leading Research

College of Nursing,” says Kevin J. Hicks, Research Medical

Center chief executive officer. “Her long and distinguished

history of service to the nursing profession is an asset to

the Kansas City community. We heartily congratulate

Nancy on being named as a fellow in the American

Academy of Nursing.”

2

DeBasio, president and dean of Research College of Nursing, receives one of nursing’s most prestigious honors


By sheRRy osBuRn

Being selected P.E.E.R. of the Year at Research Medical Center is a dream come true for Tien Nguyen, RN, ADN, 4 West.

“I came to this country 32 years ago from Vietnam,”Nguyen says. “Growing up I always wanted to help others, so it was my goal to become a nurse.”

Nguyen received her associate’s degree in nursing from Penn Valley Community College and started her career at Research Medical Center in the float pool about 17 years ago, eventually choosing 4 West as her home base. “I have been on 4 West for about 15 years now,”Nguyen says. “I love this unit, my co-workers, and the patients. It challenges you to think critically, to act fast.”

“Tien is a leader by example and expects nothing less from other staff,” said one of the co-workers who nominated her as P.E.E.R. of the Year. “She will go the extra mile to make sure the patient is shown dignity and respect,” said another.

“I was humbled and shocked to receive the P.E.E.R. of the Year award,” Nguyen says. “I just try to do whatever I can to help anytime my patients or co-workers need me. I am very proud of who I am and what I do, and it’s exciting to be recognized for that.”

Nguyen adds that she has felt supported by her co-workers and managers throughout her career at Research Medical Center. “Working on 4 West is very much a team effort,” she says. “I learn every day from my patients, the doctors, my co-workers and managers. I really enjoy that aspect of my job.” Now that her two children are grown, Nguyen plans to return to school to pursue her bachelors of science in nursing and to continue to advance her education. “I have been very fortunate to meet lots of good people who have helped me at Research Medical Center, and I appreciate them recognizing me with this honor.”

P.e.e.R of the Year award is dream come true for tien Nguyen, RN, ADN

32316 E. MEYER BLVD. KANSAS CITY, MO 64132 • (816) 276-4000 • WWW.RESEARCHMEDICALCENTER.COM

Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) is a progressive medical condition in which the valves that carry the blood from the legs to the heart no longer function, causing fluid to pool in the legs and the veins to swell. Midwest Heart & Vascular Specialists at Research Medical Center provides consultation and non-invasive work-up to assist in diagnosing CVI, without added discomfort to the patient. For qualified patients, we offer minimally-invasive and highly effective endovenous ablation procedures.

Meet the Vein SpecialiSt

Bangalore Deepak, MD, FACC, RPVI, is a board-certified interventional cardiologist. He has special interest and expertise in vascular medicine and is board-certified in vascular and endovascular medicine.

Schedule an appointMent

The Vein Program provides non-invasive studies at Midwest Heart & Vascular Specialists at Research Medical Center. Call (816) 276-5463 to schedule your appointment.

Vein Program at Research Medical Center


The Center for Outpatient Surgery on the Research Brookside Campus has welcomed the addition of

Edward Higgins, Jr., MD. Dr. Higgins will perform surgeries every Friday on the Research Brookside

Campus. Dr. Higgins, general and vascular surgeon, has been a member of the Research Medical

Center staff since 1984. He also serves as a surgical missionary in the Dominican Republic, Haiti and

Africa, and as a surgical consultant for the Kansas City Free Clinic.

He co-founded the Dave Tomlinson Research Foundation for MS and has also served on the MS

Society advisory board. He was recently elected to the National MS Society Volunteer Hall of Fame,

and is a past winner of the Frist Humanitarian Award, Community Leader Award for Medicine,

Research Medical Center Heart and Soul Physician Award and Metropolitan Medical Society’s

Doctor of Distinction award.

Center for Outpatient Surgery Welcomes Edward Higgins, Jr., MD

A FREE workshop and resources for family members caring for loved ones

Saturday, Oct. 20 • 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.curry EducatiOn cEntEr • rESEarch BrOOkSidE campuS 6675 hOlmES • kanSaS city, mO 64131

tOpicS will includE:• “UnderstandingMedicare”• “TipsonHospitalStay&DischargePlanning”• “EssentialLegalDocuments”• “HomeCareandLivingOptions”• “MusicforCaregivingandSelf-Care”

“Equipping and Encouraging Family Caregivers”

of KC Central

ReseaRch Medical centeR • a Publication foR eMPloYees • sePteMbeR 2012 5

Clinical Excellence Update

CompetenCy Fair • Last ChanCe For 2012!To anyone who has not yet attended this year’s

Competency Fair, you only have one chance left! This is

required for those hired prior to Dec. 31, 2011. Our last

Competency Fair is Oct. 3 from 7:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. on

the Research Brookside campus. you must have your 2012 Code of Conduct and Safety Quiz completed prior to starting

stations. Stations must be started by 2 p.m.

listen and leaRn

“code White - What do i do? WheRe do i Go?”

This Listen and Learn, presented by Joe Keary from the

Emergency department, will be held Thursday, Oct.11,

7:30-8:30 a.m., in the Auxiliary Lounge on B-level. Come

join us and receive 1.0 Continuous Education Hour.

teaM stepps tRaininG

The four-hour Team STEPPS course will be held Friday,

Sept. 21 at 8 a.m. in Classroom L/M. This class is required

for preceptors who have not previously attended and

replaces the two-hour class. Preceptors are only required to

attend this course once. Please register online using “Class

Registration.” In addition, a Team STEPPS training for

Goppert-Trinity residents, ICU staff and Women’s Services

staff will be held Sept. 24 on the Research Brookside

Campus.

save the date

Our Fall Med/Surg Symposium is scheduled for Friday,

November 16 at 8 a.m. Stay tuned for more information!

Pat Conley, RN, was awarded a Clinical Research Scholarship for continuing education use in

disseminating the results of her skin care study. This scholarship is for the work in progress on the study

titled: “A Randomized Comparison of Two Skin Care Interventions to Prevent and Reduce the Severity

of Incontinent-Associated Dermatitis in Critical Care Patients.” The study is being conducted on 4West

and commenced on June 2012. Presently, 40 patients have been enrolled in the study. Appreciation goes

to Jennifer Feeback, chair of the Research Operation Committee, Myra Merrit, 4 West clinical manager,

Lori Spight, 4 West director, as well as the staff whosse support of this evidence-based study promotes

exceptional patient care.

Pat Conley, RN, Awarded Clinical Research Scholarship


Congratulations to Becky Wright, RN, clinical manager on the Neuro/Ortho Unit, for being

selected Employee of the Month for August. Below are several comments from her co-workers:

• “A respected mentor and leader, she takes on assignments with passion and tackles

projects that make a difference in the lives of patients and employees.”

• “Becky’s outlook is always positive. She accepts people according to their individuality

and offers support without judgement.”

• “She establishes processes that drive quality outomes and holds others accountable with

an approach laced with professionlism and consistency.”

• “Becky is well-versed in her role. She easily navigates this complex healthcare system in a

calm and professional manner, which results in excellent quality outcomes.”

• “Becky always carries a sunny disposition, which reflects her desire to create a healthy

work environment.”

Employee of the Monthbecky Wright, Rn • clinical Manager • neuro/ortho unit

Happy birthday to the Harmon Diabetes Center! 2012

marks the silver anniversary of the Center, one of the first

diabetes education programs offered in the Kansas City

metropolitan area. Since opening its doors in 1987, the

Harmon Diabetes Center has actively kept a hands on

approach to educating patients living

with diabetes. Staffed with registered

nurses and dietitians, all of whom

are certified diabetes instructors,

the Center offers classes and a free

monthly support group. The classes,

which include both insulin and meter

training, equip diabetics with real-life

lessons that will help them control their

disease as they are supplied with useful knowledge on meal

planning, physical activity, and blood sugar monitoring.

As the center actively serves its patients, it continues to rely

on the referrals of physicians in order to ensure its long

legacy of enhancing the health of people in need.

Co-medical director of the Harmon Diabetes Center Dr.

Ahmad Al-Mubaslat recently said of the Center, “What we

want to accomplish going forward to become a successful

Diabetic Center is to work closely with doctors’ offices

that will refer patients that are in need

of education. Many diabetic patients are

not well-controlled patients, and a lot

of that has to do with their perception

and understanding of diabetes. Working

with these physicians can help us break

through that barrier.”

To find out more information on how

to refer a patient or to learn about the classes the center

offers, please call 816-276-9410 or visit the Harmon

Diabetes Center website at www.harmondiabetescenter.

org.

harmon diabetes center celebrates 25 Years of Serving the Community

SePteMber 7-9: Kansas City Black Expo @ Bartle Hall.

SePteMber 8: ASF Stroke Walk @ theis Park, 9 a.m.

SePteMber 16: Bikers for Babies @ Kansas Speedway, 9 a.m.

SePteMber 23: Whisper Walk for Ovarian Cancer @ Zona Rosa, 9 a.m.

SePteMber 28: 28th Annual Practical Cardiology Symposium @ Sheraton Overland Park Hotel. Call 276-4218 to register.

oCtober 5: Light the Night® Walk @ Cleveland Chiropractic, 10850 Lowell, 6 p.m.

oCtober 5: Wear Pink Day @ Research Medical Center cafeteria.

oCtober 20: Family Caregiver Conference @ Research Brookside Campus, 8 a.m. - 1 p.m., Call (816) 444-1121.

oCtober 27: Making Strides Against Breast Cancer @ Liberty Memorial, 9 a.m.

NoVeMber 3: 14th Candlelight Ball @ Overland Park Sheraton Hotel. Call 276-4218 for details.

U P C O M i N G

Events

ReseaRch Medical centeR • a Publication foR eMPloYees • sePteMbeR 2012 7

facebook.com/researchmedicalcenter

@ResearchMed

Healthy Habits UpdateMany have wondered where the Wellness Garden and Outdoor Walking Trail are

located. Below is a map, which includes both locations.

Since the weather will be cooling down, the Healthy Habits committee at Research

Medical Center would encourage employees, visitors and patients to visit and enjoy

these great outdoor escapes.

Research Medical Center Campus MapB =

Wellness

Gardens

(4beds

Walking Trail

(1/2mile)

Follow signs ‐

start/end here

B Outpatinet W

est Parking

Wellness Gardens and Walking Trail

2316 E Meyer Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64132(816) 276-4000 · ResearchMedicalCenter.com

2228 e 8/12

11

23rd Annual Research Golf Classic


The 23rd Annual Research Medical Center Golf Classic was once again a hit this year, raising $62,500 for ThinkFirst of Greater Kansas City, a program of The Research Foundation.

During this annual event, Research Medical Center’s very own anesthesiologists and surgeons vied against each other for best overall golf score. Edging the surgeons, Research Medical Center’s anesthesiologists received this year’s honor at the award dinner following the Golf Classic.

Representing the anesthesiologist team, Drs. Andy Armstrong and Lisa Bernard received the trophy from 2012 Golf Classic chair Dr. Gregory Starks.

Each year the ThinkFirst program reaches more than 34,000 local youth teaching them about safe driving, seat belt and helmet usage, water safety, pedestrian and

bicycle safety and recreational safety all with the goal of preventing devastating brain injuries and spinal cord injuries and deaths. The Greater Kansas City chapter is one of more than 130 chapters nationwide and ranks No. 1 for the number of children reached. The success of the Golf Classic continues to reach more and more youth in the community each year. More than $62,000 in net proceeeds was raised this year to help support this program.

By tess laoRuanGRoch, Rn, Msn-fnp, fnp-Bc, ccRn, MphAbout eight percent of all registered nurses in the United States are Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs). They are an integral part of the healthcare system, and their roles have expanded over the years. APRNs include nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives and clinical nurse specialists. To practice, they need to be certified and state-licensed. They are providers in various settings, but they also have leadership roles in developing programs, coordinating care and improving the care of patients.

By 2015, more APRNs will be needed to meet the demands for more providers due to the shortage of primary care physicians, changes mandated by the Affordable Care Act, and the growing elderly population. There is a growing movement to expand the APRNs’roles to meet these demands, improve access to care, and reduce healthcare costs. This is a great opportunity for registered nurses to pursue the advanced level to fill in the gap.

I became a certified nurse practitioner so I can provide more comprehensive care in the Heart Failure Clinic where I was working as a nurse clinician. The ability to diagnose, order tests/referrals, and prescribe has allowed me to address my patients’ needs promptly and to their satisfaction. I coordinate their care, provide support, and prepare them for end of life as indicated.

In addition, as the coordinator of the Heart Failure Program, which has received advanced certification by The Joint Commission and received Heart Failure Gold Plus recognitions by the American Heart Association, I am very involved in developing and implementing strategies to improve the care of heart failure patients. I believe that my advanced knowledge and preparation have allowed me to practice confidently to improve the lives and outcomes of heart failure patients.

Advanced Practice Nurses: Bridging the Gap in Healthcare