saint francis hospital - 2009 nursing annual report

St. Francis Hospital 2009 Nursing Annual Report

St. Francis Hospital The Heart Center®

A Member of Catholic Health Services of Long Island

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Our Unwavering C

03 Message from the Chief Nursing Officer

Empirical Outcomes04 Our Nursing Philosophy05 Patient Satisfaction06 Making the Grade07 Quality Outcomes and Initiatives08 S.K.I.N. Champions

Transformational Leadership 09 Dedicated Education Unit09 The Joint Commission10 Greeter Initiative in the

Emergency Department

Structural Empowerment 11 Financial Accountability Council11 R.N. Advisory Council11 Professional Development Council12 Unit Based Councils12 E-Decision Making

13 Shared Governance Awards13 Participation on

National Committees13 Higher Education14 Documentation Committee14 By the Numbers

Exemplary Professional Practice15 Palliative Care15 Intermediate Care Unit 16 Heart Failure16 Hospice17 Professional Nursing

Practice Model

New Knowledge and Innovations18 Research Boot Camp19 Emergency Cooling Therapy19 Neurosurgery20 Tandem Heart and the Impella

21 Certified Nurses

Contents

Cover (clockwise): Lisa Sperling, BSN, R.N.; Peggy Louis, AAS, R.N.;

Steven Sweeney, BSN, R.N.; Fanny Ngai, AAS, R.N.; and Donna Franco, BSN, R.N.

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2009 St. Francis Nursing Annual Report 3

Our nurses are unrivalled in dedication and spirit. They are guided by our nursing philosophy and the St. Francis Hos-

pital Professional Nursing Practice Model which recognizes the patient and family as the center of patient care. The

nurses are committed to their practice and to the values of Honesty, Empathy, Authenticity, Respect and Trust. They

promote a healthy work environment and have the unique role of touching every department at the hospital and play-

ing an extremely important role in the lives of our patients. I am

constantly hearing from our patients how supportive our nurses

are and how comfortable the nursing staff makes them feel. I

believe that this is an important reason we received the Magnet

Award for Excellence in Nursing Services. And even now, as we

seek Magnet re-designation, we endeavor daily to remain wor-

thy of the most coveted and prestigious honor a hospital and its

nursing staff can achieve.

It is because of the entire St. Francis staff that the Hospital’s

overall rating of care has been consistently in the 99th per-

centile ranking, nationally and on Long Island. We have enjoyed

many accolades over the past year:

• The only hospital on Long Island to be ranked by U.S. News

& World Report for heart and heart surgery, digestive disor-

ders and geriatrics

• Ranked by AARP as one the best hospitals in the U.S.

• Rated by Consumer Reports as one of the top hospitals in the

NYC metro area for patient satisfaction

• Selected by Modern Healthcare magazine as one of the best

places to work in healthcare in the nation

It is an exciting time to be a part of St. Francis Hospital. Every-

day, I find myself surrounded by exceptional, hardworking men

and women, each of whom plays a pivotal role in the success of

the Hospital. To the entire nursing staff, I say thank you. You

have made the past year so incredible and I know that the up-

coming year will be even better.

I would also like to thank our entire healthcare team, par-

ticularly our superb medical staff, our dedicated partners in

patient care. For their continual support, guidance and lead-

ership, I would also like to thank the Board of Trustees, our

President and CEO, Alan D. Guerci, M.D., and James Harden,

President and CEO of Catholic Health Services of Long Island.

I am especially thankful for the Sisters of the Franciscan Mis-

sionaries of Mary and our Bishop, the Most Reverend William

F. Murphy, whose prayers, compassion and inspiration have

touched and blessed us all.

urses at St. Francis have

the unique role of touching every

department in the Hospital and

playing an extremely important role

in the lives of our patients. I am

constantly hearing from our patients

how supportive our nurses are.”

–Ann Cella, MA, MEd, R.N., NEA-BC,

Chief Nursing Officer

N

At St. Francis Hospital, our commitment in the Patient Care Services Division is to provide the ideal healing experi-

ence for our patients. The 2009 Nursing Annual Report is proof of our commitment, which is rooted in the values set

by our founders, the Sisters of the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary, nearly nine decades ago. Today, those values con-

tinue to be a reflection of who we are at St. Francis and the pages of this report will highlight just that. You will meet

nurses who lead, who manage and whose top priority is compassionate quality care at the bedside.

Message from Ann Cella, MA, MEd, R.N., NEA-BC, Chief Nursing Officer

Commitment

“

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Empirical OutcomesAt St. Francis Hospital, nurses pay close attention to numerous measures ofquality and performance. From research to training to the implementation or introduction of new lifesaving treatments and procedures, our nurses consistently engage multiple strategies to improve effectiveness and care atevery level.

The Nursing Philosophy at St. Francis Hospital stems from a commitment to excellence in patient care based not

only on the principles of Christian charity, but also on nursing theory and scientific knowledge. At St. Francis, the

professional nurse is dedicated to total patient care and assessing and meeting the needs of the individual patient.

The goal of the nurses at the Hospital is to restore patients to their optimal level of function and well-being by pro-

moting good health practices, identifying potential problems and preventing

further illness. The commitment is also concerned with respecting the termi-

nally ill patient’s right to die with dignity.

Here at St. Francis, nursing is at all times patient centered. Patient inde-

pendence is fostered with both the patient and family actively participating

in the planning and administration of care. This philosophy forms an ongoing

process of vital importance in the continuum of care that reaches beyond the

Hospital in restoring the patient to the community. As a member of the health

team, the professional nurse unifies and coordinates inter-departmental pa-

tient services and functions as a role model to this team in the practice of

nursing diagnosis and intervention. The nurse keeps abreast of new trends

and concepts within the profession through continuing education and is ex-

pected to innovate, initiate and effect change.

Leanna Contino, AAS, R.N., and Susan Casey-Bernstein, BSN, R.N., NE-BC,

are two veteran nurses at St. Francis who know this philosophy by heart. They

say that many of the nurses consider St. Francis their “home away from

home” and neither Leanna nor Susan can see themselves working anywhere

else. “At St. Francis, we are always asking ourselves, ‘How can we make

things better?’” says Leanna, who joined St. Francis in 1975 and then returned

in 1988 after taking a break to raise her four children. “I really believe we de-

liver the best practice, which leads to the best outcomes.”

have been to many hospitals on Long

Island and we are definitely the best.

Everyone here is treated with dignity. I could

not see myself working anywhere other than

St. Francis Hospital.”

–Susan Casey-Bernstein, BSN, R.N., NE-BC

I

Our Philosophy of Nursing


“

Susan Casey-Bernstein, BSN, R.N., NE-BC (right)

with Leanna Contino, AAS, R.N. (left)

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Among facilities both nationally and on Long Island, St. Fran-

cis Hospital consistently ranks in the 99th percentile for over-

all care giving. Patient satisfaction is paramount at St. Francis

Hospital and we believe in going the extra mile to ensure our

patients are comfortable and delighted from the moment they

walk through our doors until they are discharged.

Patient satisfaction actually starts with recruitment. It is

the reason potential candidates are asked during their inter-

view to share an example of how they’ve gone “above and

beyond” in a previous position, or as a recent student. It is

important for St. Francis Hospital to hire individuals whose

values are in alignment with ours in order to give the patient

the best possible experience during their short time with us.

“Our patients indicate a high level of satisfaction and we are

committed to continuous improvement and want our patients

to have the ideal patient experience,” said Donna Rebelo,

MS, R.N., NE-BC, Assistant Vice President of Nursing/Cardiac

Catheterization Lab.

atient satisfaction is our top priority. Our goal is to be

recognized as a provider of exceptional service. We are

continuously identifying where we are doing well and

where we have opportunities for improvement.”

–Deborah Harabedian, BSN, RN-BC

P

Patient Satisfaction

The treatment I received at St. Francis Hospital from your staff was superb. Every member of your staff was instru-mental in my recovery. They were caring, conscientious, capable and competent. The nurses would always identifythemselves and explain the purpose of their presence. As a retired administrator, it’s quite obvious that you have anexcellent selection process and training program in place to ensure such stellar employees. They are highly trained,gentle and reassuring. I came to St. Francis based on the recommendation of my wife, a physician for five decadeswho considers your facility the best in cardiac care. As usual, she was right!

With sincere gratitude,Nicholas A. Neuhaus, Howard Beach, NY

We want to express our heartfelt appreciation and sincere gratitude to you and your exceptional staff for the un-paralleled level of care provided to our father. He dedicated his entire life to his family, students and communityand is revered throughout the Jewish world as a great sage and a man of exceptional piety. It is therefore fitting thathe received his care at an institution with similar values. The kindness, skill and sensitivity exhibited by your out-standing staff was truly remarkable. It was a great source of comfort to watch the doctors, nurses and techniciansin the Critical Care Unit provide the highest level of care, for which St. Francis is deservedly famous.

Sincerely,Anonymous

I was completely delighted and pleased with my hours spent at St. Francis Hospital. Your staff proved that your hos-pital is truly a world class health institution. The staff’s professionalism allowed me to receive the best care possi-ble. From the beginning, several nurses and technicians were at my bed side. I was most impressed with how theyrepeatedly double checked my name and date of birth for accuracy while performing their required tasks. Yourstaff’s constant courtesy, sensitivity to my requests, and eagerness to answer all my questions demonstrated themeaning and importance of good bedside manner.

Sincerely,Howard Linden, Syosset, NY

What Our Patients Say

“

Deborah Harabedian (left) with patient

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In 2006, St. Francis Hospital earned the prestigious Magnet designation for excellence in nursing services, joining only 320other medical institutions across the country. Magnet designation recognizes quality patient care, nursing excellence and inno-vations in professional nursing practice. As the Hospital currently seeks redesignation, obtaining outstanding patient satisfaction

continues to be a primary goal. As you can see fromthe graphs below, our patients value the professional-ism, skill and compassion of our nurses. For each quar-ter of 2009, St. Francis nurses received high rankingsin courtesy, skill and collaboration with all members ofthe healthcare team.


Making the Grade

100

80

60

40

20

01Q09 2Q09 3Q09 4Q09

Overall Rating of Care Given

100

80

60

40

20

01Q09 2Q09 3Q09 4Q09

Overall Nursing Care

100

80

60

40

20

01Q09 2Q09 3Q09 4Q09

Friendliness/Courtesy of the Nurses

100

80

60

40

20

01Q09 2Q09 3Q09 4Q09

Skill of the Nurses

100

80

60

40

20

01Q09 2Q09 3Q09 4Q09

Staff Worked Together to Care for You

SFH Mean Score SFH LI Ref, Grp. Rank SFH Nat’l %-tile Rank

Empirical Outcomes continued

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At St Francis Hospital there is a high use of anticoagulantswhich presents a continually high risk for patient safety. TheMedication PI Team, which includes nurses at all levels, re-viewed the National Patient Safety Goal (NPSG.03.05.01: Re-duce the likelihood of patient harm associated with the use ofanticoagulant therapy) and provided evidence based researchto guide each department’s education and form changes. Staffwas educated on:1. Types of anticoagulants and their dosing, indications, pre

cautions, and side effects 2. Monitoring of therapeutic levels and recognition of under

and overdosing3. New forms and proper documentation, including admin-

istration of anticoagulants and the related dosing guidelines, laboratory tests, and patient education

Among all the anticoagulants, the Medication Safety PI Teamconsidered Heparin the most dangerous and the most com-

plicated for the nurses to administer. It took on center stage of the education for nurses. Toassure safety, weight based dosing charts on a new Heparin nomogram, along with stan-dardized Heparin drip concentration, and new nursing flow records were all implemented.These dosing charts mitigate errors in math calculations for the nurse. The Medication SafetyPI Team monitors our compliance with the safe and effective use of Heparin and has shownthe nomogram to be very successful.

As part of St. Francis and Catholic Health Systems commitment to quality and patient safety,St. Francis is entering the final stages in the implementation of bar code medication admin-istration, known as Admin Rx. Bar code technology is a wireless point-of-care applicationthat improves medication safety through scanning bar-coded medications and intravenousfluids at the point of administration, automating the documentation process and ensuringthe “7 rights” are followed. The nursing staff has been involved in all phases of this project. Asmembers of the Shared Governance Admin Rx Group, nurses accompanied the team onsite visits to hospitals which have implemented this system. They also participated in the de-sign sessions and assisted in the decisions made regarding the type of computers and carts topurchase. The implementation of Admin Rx will begin on 1 West, following training ses-sions for the clinical nurses and managers. It is anticipated the pilot on 1 West will be suc-cessful, leading to full implementation of this system throughout the patient care areas.


At St. Francis Hospital, Quality Outcomes are measured and compared to

national benchmarks in many areas, including central-line infections and

pressure ulcers. Following the protocols established in 2008 to reduce

central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLAB), all patient care

units are monitoring results closely. Through these efforts, MICU 2 has

demonstrated a significant reduction in CLAB rates that have been sus-

tained over successive quarters. In 2008, MICU 2’s baseline was 6.6 with

a target of 1.9. At the end of 2009, this was achieved with an annual rate

of 1.1. These results are a reflection of our nurses’ tireless commitment to pa-

tient safety and quality outcomes.

Prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers is a key performance improve-

ment effort. St. Francis Hospital utilizes Hillrom’s benchmark for evaluating over-

all hospital acquired pressure ulcer rates in comparison to like acute care

facilities. Hillrom’s data base includes data collected from over 700 facilities in

the United States and abroad on an annual basis. Analysis of St. Francis’ over-

all hospital acquired pressure ulcer rates from the first quarter of 2009 through

the fourth quarter of 2009 shows a steady linear decline in hospital acquired

pressure ulcer rates. Quarterly data demonstrates that St. Francis has achieved

a steady linear decline to 0.73 percent of patients surveyed with a hospital ac-

quired pressure ulcer in the fourth quarter of 2009. The Hospital attributes the

success in achieving these results with the process change in our pressure ulcer

prevention program. The program was overhauled and redesigned with use of

evidence based practice. Staff education, systematic data collection process,

and changes in policy and procedure have contributed to the great success we

have achieved and are managing to sustain.

Quality Outcomes

Quality Initiatives

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In the fall of 2008, St. Francis Hospital proudly introduced the S.K.I.N. Champion Program. This new program utilizes both ancil-

lary staff and clinical nurses to conduct a monthly prevalence study for pressure ulcers, which are an established indicator used

to measure the quality of nursing care delivered. St. Francis nurses have made combating pressure ulcers a top priority.

Nurses participating in the program undergo intensive training to develop the skills necessary to differentiate multiple types

of skin impairments. Proper identification leads to proper

course of care, resulting in positive outcomes for patients.

Characteristics of the program are spelled out using the

S.K.I.N. acronym: Support surface; Keep turning and reposi-

tioning; Incontinence and moisture management; Nutrition

and hydration. The S.K.I.N. Champion Program is connected

to a wider research project conducted by the National Data

Base of Nursing Quality Indicators.

On each prevalence day, approximately 300 patients partic-

ipate in the study. There are 10 teams conducting the S.K.I.N.

Champion study. Each team is comprised of a Clinical Nurse

Specialist, an R.N., and a PCA or CCP. A data-collection work

sheet is utilized to provide a systematic gathering of clinical in-

formation while nurses are evaluating patients for pressure

ulcers. The team also looks at the patient’s environment to

ensure their overall safety as part of the prevalence day sur-

veillance. When a problem is identified, there is an immediate

assessment of severity and nurses evaluate the interventions

which were in place and the effectiveness of those interven-

tions. “On the day of the study, we carefully look at every pa-

tient from head to toe,” says Chenel Trevellini, BSN, R.N.,

CWOCN. “The S.K.I.N. Champion Program is adding to the pro-

fessional development of the nursing staff, resulting in im-

proved patient outcomes.”

K.I.N. Champions is a fantastic program that

allows us to bring to our nurses the best practices for

reducing pressure ulcers. As a result, we have already

seen a steady decline in our incidence rates, putting us

well below the national benchmark. When I came to St.

Francis, I felt Santa Claus had given me a big present.

Here there is a sense of professionalism, ownership and

accountability at all levels.”

–Chenel Trevellini, BSN, R.N., CWOCN

S.

S.K.I.N. ChampionsEmpirical Outcomes continued

“

Chenel Trevellini, BSN, R.N. CWOCN (right) with Theresa Orecchio, BSN, R.N. (left)

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Transformational LeadershipNursing leaders at St. Francis Hospital recognize the importance of providing an environment that blends time-tested standards, with the values, beliefs and behaviors required to move our staff forward.

During the fall semester of 2009, St. Francis teamed with Adelphi University to launch a Dedicated Education Unit (DEU), an exciting and inno-

vative approach to teaching tomorrow’s nurses. The program was implemented to provide students with a clear picture of what a nurse does,

day in and day out. Training with the DEU has been shown to boost confidence for the students, as well as enhance communication with pa-

tients, and provide professional skills as they make their transition to the workforce.

St. Francis, one of the first hospitals in the United States to establish a DEU, now has eight students per semester study on-site on 2 West, a 35-

bed medical/surgical and cardiac telemetry unit. Two students are paired with one St. Francis nurse, who is known as an Education Ambassador,

and assigned to four patients. The intense and consistent learning relationship between the student and his/her ambassador gives students the

opportunity to experience the practical realities of a nursing career early on.

The students’ first two shifts are eight hours long, followed by six 12-hour

shifts. In their first weeks on the unit, student nurses care for a patient first-

hand while learning about different disease processes and medication

management. The program has garnered much enthusiasm from the nurs-

ing department and the students.

Dedicated Education Unit

he students in DEU are getting a leg up on

students who are being trained in the classroom with

traditional clinicals. As a nurse, I would have loved an

opportunity like this. The students become more

confident in caring for and interacting with the patients.”

–Jean Braegelmann, BSN, R.N.

T“Joint CommissionNurses at St. Francis Hospital always strive for excellence, which is why

the Hospital has received glowing results by the Joint Commission in the

last few accreditation cycles. Though accreditation is tri-annual, meet-

ing performance standards is a daily requirement at St. Francis Hospital.

The Joint Commission is an independent, not-for-profit group that ac-

credits and certifies more than 17,000 health care organizations and pro-

grams in the United States. Joint Commission accreditation and

certification is recognized nationwide as a symbol of quality that reflects

an organization’s commitment to meeting certain performance standards.

The organization’s objective is to evaluate health care organizations and

inspire excellence in providing safe and effective care of the highest qual-

ity and value. Our nurses are one of the main reasons that St. Francis Hos-

pital consistently receives excellent reviews from the Joint Commission.

Because they touch every facet of the Hospital, from the accounting and

admissions to pharmacy and discharge,

they are continuously striving for excellence

and improvement. “Performance improve-

ment is the backbone of our hospital,” says

Anna Baracchini, MA, R.N., CPHQ, who

leads the team responsible for preparing

the hospital for Joint Commission evalua-

tions. “If you rest on your laurels, you are

not going to achieve future success.”

(From l to r) Genevieve Higgins, BSN, R.N.; Jean Bragelmann, BSN, R.N.;

and Ildiko Kutasi, BSN, R.N., CMSRN

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St. Francis Hospital’s mission includes providing an environment

where excellence of patient care in its totality is emphasized. One

measurement of our efforts to uphold this mission is our level of

patient satisfaction, reflected by our Press Ganey scores. Press

Ganey provides patient satisfaction surveys, management reports,

and national comparative databases for the integrated health care

delivery system. These scores (along with the HCAHPS scores),

provide vital feedback regarding experiences and areas needing

improvement. For the Emergency Department, these surveys re-

flect responses of patients that were treated and released. Patient

satisfaction in the Emergency Department is directly impacted by

the effectiveness and efficiency of the care delivered.

An estimated 21,000 people are seen in the Emergency De-

partment at St. Francis Hospital annually. Patient arrival concerns

were identified during several staff and leadership meetings

where it was decided that there was not a consistent process of

acknowledging, greeting and triaging patients. Many activities

occurring in triage were also competing with efficient and effec-

tive patient flow. This included: 12 lead EKG, medication reconcil-

iation, booking, and labeling of charts. Several changes needed

to occur in order to improve patient safety and patient flow.

Ann Cella, MA, MEd, R.N., NEA-BC, Chief Nursing Officer (CNO),

championed the use of hospital security guards to serve as formal

greeters in the Emergency Department. These greeters would doc-

ument the accurate arrival time for all Emergency Department patients 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This innovative initiative ensured that each

patient be seen and greeted upon entrance into the department. The CNO collaborated with the director of the Security Department, and along

with the Executive Leadership Team, approved allocation of this full time position. In August 2009, St. Francis introduced this redesign initiative in

which security guards were asked to partner with the Emergency Department staff to improve the arrival experience of the patient. The purpose

of this initiative was to expedite patient access and to support St. Francis’ goal of getting emergency patients from door to stretcher in 20 minutes.

This program addresses a key element of concern for patient safety and satisfaction as well as assists with providing efficient triage.

Currently, the arrival process includes identifying and welcoming the patient, stamping arrival time and having the patient document name and

reason for visit (on a temporary form). The security guard then passes the stamped triage record and the temporary form to the triage nurse. Both

the Emergency Department and security staffs have expressed how much the program has successfully benefited the patient and triage nurse.

The following Press Ganey data further validates the success of this program.


Greeter Initiative in the Emergency Department

ne of the biggest developments in the Emergency

Department redesign is the involvement of security guards at

the ED entrance. As triage nurses, we are so appreciative of

security being here. They greet the patients and punch in the

patients’ arrival time. To me, it makes a big difference. Patients

feel that they are immediately being taken care of.”

–Christine Pinto, AAS, R.N.

O

Waiting time beforenoticed arrival

Helpfulness of thefirst person

1Q & 2Q 2009 3Q 2009 4Q 2009

MeanScore

86.8% 45% tile 86.2% 35% tile 94% 95% tile

“

LargePG DBRank

MeanScore

LargePG DBRank

MeanScore

LargePG DBRank

89.4% 86% tile 89% 78% tile 92.2% 97% tile

(From l to r) Catherine Vicari, AAS, R.N.; Christine Pinto, AAS, R.N.; and Gerard Urick

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Structural EmpowermentAt St. Francis Hospital, proven structures and processes are combined every day with strong leadership, resultingin professional partnerships at every level that aim to improve patient health outcomes and community rela-tions. It is called the St. Francis Hospital Professional Nursing Shared Governance Model. At St. Francis, SharedGovernance provides a structure that supports decentralized decision-making and encourages collaboration onclinical outcomes, professional practice, performance improvement, education, and evidenced-based practice.

Responsible spending is a component of the Shared Governance Model and is taken very

seriously at every level at St. Francis Hospital. The Financial Accountability Council mem-

bers are committed to cost-saving initiatives and promoting staff education on effective

cost-reduction, as well effective resource utilization. We believe improved awareness leads

to an improved bottom line.

Our diligent nurse leaders continuously maintain a healthy work environment at St. Fran-

cis Hospital. Ann Cella, MA, MEd, R.N., NEA-BC, the Chief Nursing Officer (CNO), seeks

constant feedback from the staff in many forums. One popular forum for the nurses is the

R.N. Advisory Council, the essence of the Nursing Shared Governance Model and the in-

terchange of information to and from the other Shared Governance Councils.

These meetings are structured to generate the opportunity for open constructive ex-

changes among nurses and the CNO about decisions impacting their work environment,

and patient care. The monthly meetings, which are consistently well-attended, are con-

ducted by members and focus on several important topics that keep nurses informed

and allows them to actively participate in decision-making at St. Francis.

Financial Accountability Council

The Professional Development Council’s mission is to

promote and support the personal and professional

growth and development of the registered professional

nurses at St. Francis Hospital. The council members

work hard to recognize and celebrate the nursing pro-

fession and create an energetic, compassionate work-

place where everyone is committed to providing

quality patient care.

Professional Development Council

From L to R: Stephanie Ajudua, BSN, R.N., CCRN; Patricia O’Connor, AAS, R.N., CCRN; Frances Breeze, BSN, R.N.;

Patricia Lupski, MSN, R.N., NE-BC; Kathleen Peppard, BSN, R.N., CMSRN; Marilyn Piliere, AAS, R.N.;

Karen Prashad, BSN, R.N.; Kathleen Gilligan-Steiner, MA, R.N., NE-BC; and Tanya Louis, BSN, R.N.

his council is a group of dedicated

members that work together to recognize

the achievements of the professional nurse

and create an environment that supports

professional growth.”

–Christine Spitz, BSN, R.N.

T R.N. Advisory Council“

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Clinical nurses practicing on each patient care unit at St. Francis Hos-

pital are represented by individual unit councils. Nurses volunteer

to represent their colleagues through active participation on the

councils. The common goal of each unit based council is to provide

an avenue where information and suggestions can be discussed,

promote a positive work experience, as well improve clinical out-

comes and R.N. satisfaction through active decision making at the

unit level. The concept of unit based councils empowers the clinical

nurses’ ability to participate in decision making, provide them with

authority, enhance collaborative skills and autonomy to problem

solve, and create a healthy work environment.

The voice of the nursing staff can be heard through the unit based

council members who are comprised of both day and night nurses

from different levels of nursing experiences. Each unit based coun-

cil member has their finger on the pulse of the unit and are the pri-

mary decision makers responsible for bringing positive outcomes to

their units.

Last year, each unit council addressed nursing concerns such as se-

lecting a unit-specific scrub uniform for the clinical nurses, acquiring

equipment/supplies to enhance patient care, and improving

nurse/physician collaboration. Additional examples of the impact

the unit based councils have had include:

• SICU developed a plan for caring for the neurosurgery (a new

service at St. Francis) patient population

• MICU 2, in conjunction with the Emergency Department, devel-

oped the plan for use of emergency cooling therapy

• K1 introduced a program to support new nurses

• K2 developed a new peer review process

• 1 West significantly reduced the number of falls in their unit in

2009 through their “I Make a Difference Program”

Unit Based Councils


nit Based Councils make a big difference. It gives

nurses a voice and make the unit more effective. It also shows

how much our opinion counts and how much respect we get.

St. Francis nurses always offer a helping hand to each other –

you are never alone. And that translates into better care for

our patients.”

–LaToya Bucknor, BSN, R.N.

Whether it’s a discussion about the color of nursing uniforms, nursing certifications, or locating lost telemetry

monitors, St. Francis Hospital is now utilizing information technology to engage more nurses in decision mak-

ing. Created in 2009, this initiative is an opportunity for all clinical nurses to participate in shared governance

at the Hospital. Here’s how it works: Twenty-four hours, seven days a week, for a designated period of time,

nurses can use the St. Francis intranet to access the web based survey. Here, the nurses can review a summary

of each shared governance council minutes and participate in decisions by responding to council specific ques-

tions. The results are downloaded and an analysis is provided to the leaders of each shared governance coun-

cil for review with their members.

E-Decision Making

Structural Empowerment continued

U“

Finance Accountability

Council

ProfessionalDevelopment

Council

Evidence BasedPractice Councils

Quality OutcomesCouncil

Unit Councils

Patient

Hospital PI Teams/Committees/Task Forces

Nursing Leadership Council

RN Advisory Council

Nursing Shared GovernanceOnline Survey/E-Decision Making

(From l to r) LaToya Bucknor, BSN, R.N.; Marianne Hill Day, BSN, R.N., CCRN; Antoinette Jordan, BSN,

R.N.; Richard Crudo, BSN, R.N.; Denielle Lawtum, BSN, R.N.; and Donna Rebelo, MS, R.N., NE-BC

41866r.qxp 6/16/10 6:36 PM


Congratulations to the recipients of the annual Nursing Shared Gover-

nance Awards. Four clinical nurses are recognized by staff nurses for their

achievements that reflect a positive image of nursing. Every year it is al-

ways an arduous task to select only four outstanding nurses from such

a large pool of talented and noteworthy professionals. Each specialty,

Medical-Surgical, Critical Care, Procedural and Outpatient, have the op-

portunity to showcase their accomplishments through the awardees.

Shared Governance Awards

The sharing of ideas and knowledge by committee participation

on a local or national level promotes growth among the nursing

staff – directly for the participant and indirectly for peers. In 2009,

two nurses at St. Francis Hospital, Lita Au, BSN, R.N., CCRN, and

Benzy Thomas, MSN, R.N., CCRN/ANP-C, served as “ambas-

sadors” to the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses

(AACN). Their role was to promote certification in critical-care

among their peers. Upon returning from a national conference, the

nurses shared literature and ideas with their nursing colleagues.

Bobby-Jo Ward, AAS, R.N., CMSRN, and Angela Tainter, AAS,

R.N., CMSRN, members of the Academy of Medical Surgical

Nurses’ national and Long Island chapter, attended the national

convention in September 2009. Bobby-Jo presented a poster

on S.K.I.N. Champions, while Angela presented a poster on an

Assessment for Falls Risk.

Participation on National Committees

t. Francis nurses are highly skilled and

willing to go the extra mile. It was a very proud

moment to be at a national conference with 400

other nurses making a presentation on ulcer and

falls prevention. It lets everyone know we are

proactive for our patients.”

–Bobby-Jo Ward, AAS, R.N., CMSRN

S

There are 970 registered nurses at St. Francis Hospital. Of those, 646 are

Bachelors prepared and 91 are Masters prepared, bringing the total to

737 or 76 percent of the nursing complement. Of the staff of registered

nurses, 705 are full time, 238 are part time and 27 are per diem. The av-

erage years of service are 10 years and four months.

Higher Education

Years of Service Range Total

0-5 years 356

6-10 years 206

11-15 years 134

16-20 years 109

21-25 years 81

26-30 years 48

31-35 years 26

36-40 years 8

41 or more years 2

The 2009 Shared Governance Awards winners with Ann Cella, MA, MEd, R.N., NEA-BC (cen-

ter): From L to R: Laura Costa, BSN, R.N., CMSRN; Ruth Reed, BSN, R.N., CEN; Beth Ann Grady-

Acker, BSN, R.N., CDE; and Judith Morrison, BSN, RN-BC

“

Bobby-Jo Ward, AAS, R.N., CMSRN (left) with Angela Tainter, AAS, R.N., CMSRN (right)

41866r.qxp 6/16/10 6:36 PM


With the introduction of a Document Redesign Project in 2009, a

20-person inpatient committee and 10-person procedural com-

mittee discussed ways to reduce paperwork overload. For each

one of the 18,433 patients admitted to St. Francis last year, there

is a corresponding collection of 14 required admission forms. In

addition to that, it is estimated that one inch of paperwork is col-

lected for each day a patient is hospitalized. Greeley HCPro, a

hospital consulting firm, was brought in by the nursing depart-

ment to address the issue. Clinical, education and administrative

nurses who formed the committee found their task challenging

yet creative; maintaining legal requirements while whittling down

the burden on staff. Newly designed forms will be introduced to

staff as each is completed. A complete overhaul is expected by

the summer of 2010.

t. Francis feels like a family. You are proud to be part of it

and to see your successes. I serve on a committee to revamp

medical documentation. We are focused on increasing speed and

decreasing paper so we have more time for patient care. The

committee gives us a voice to make positive changes.”

–Kim Chang, BSN, R.N.

S

2009 St. Francis Hospital StatisticsSERVICES TO PATIENTSOperating Room Procedures 16,879(Including Cardiac Surgery)• Open-Heart Surgery 1,597 • General Surgery 3,485 • Ambulatory Surgery 7,136• Other Cardiothoracic Surgery 4,674

Cardiac Catheterization Patients 12,331• Inpatient Catheterizations 5,413 • Outpatient Catheterizations 3,326 • Coronary Interventions 3,592

Non-Invasive Cardiac Lab Procedures 13,251

Cardiac Rehabilitation Visits 61,388

PATIENT CARE

Number of Beds 319

Patient Admissions 18,087

Days of Patient Care 104,295

Bed Occupancy Rate 90%

Emergency Room Visits 21,073

Structural Empowerment continued

By the Numbers

Documentation Committee

“

SFH’s Patient Care Services Leadership Team (from L to R): Donna Rebelo, MS, R.N., NE-BC;

Kathleen Gilligan-Steiner, MA, R.N., NE-BC; Ann Cella, MA, MEd, R.N., NEA-BC; Kathleen Engber,

MA, NE-BC/R.N. Informatics; Margaret Ochotorena, MSN, R.N., NE-BC; Anna Baracchini, MA,

R.N., CPHQ; and Diane Mamounis-Simmons, MSN, R.N., NEA-BC/CNOR

41866r.qxp 6/16/10 6:36 PM

While palliative care is a

relatively new term in

health care delivery at St.

Francis Hospital, we be-

lieve it reaches back to

the heart, or core, of

nursing–taking time for

each person. Not to be

confused with hospice,

palliative care focuses on

the relief of symptoms at

any stage of a disease

process. It not only ad-

dresses physical needs,

but it also considers the

spiritual, emotional and

social aspects of life for

patients and their fami-

lies. Our Palliative Care

Program offers a team

approach to communica-

tion, compassion, com-

fort and quality of life.

Since it was initiated in August 2005, the Palliative Care Program at St. Fran-

cis Hospital has seen an upward trend in referrals. In 2009, the department

received 513 referrals for palliative care, an increase from the 48 referrals in

the inaugural year. On any given day, the needs of 15 to 20 patients are ad-

dressed. The Palliative Care Nurse Practitioner often calls on peers in other

disciplines, including social work, pastoral care, dietary and medicine, to meet

individualized patient plans of care. Once involved, they meet regularly to

discuss patient needs and treatment. When patients find themselves caught

in the fast-paced world of doctors and hospitals, providers of Palliative Care

at the Hospital help slow it down for them.


Exemplary Professional PracticeIndividually and collaboratively, nurses consistently work to promote professional values and a healingenvironment aimed at meeting the exemplary standards established in the Professional Practice Model.

In October 2009, 1 East became the Intermediate Care Unit

(IMCU)/Stroke Unit. It was successfully transitioned from a

medical surgical unit to a 24-bed IMCU/Stroke Unit, with an

additional 14 medical surgical beds, under the leadership of

Barbara Colligan, AAS, R.N., CMSRN, Nurse Manager; Erin

Markey, MA, R.N., ANP-C, Clinical Nurse Specialist; and As-

sistant Nurse Managers, Linda Mendick, AAS, R.N., CMSRN;

Patricia Carroll, BSN, R.N., CMSRN; Jennifer Ryan, BSN, R.N.,

CMSRN; and Celeste Koske, BSN, R.N., CMSRN. The profes-

sional development of the staff was essential to meet the

needs of the patient population. Each nurse was required to

attend a five-hour neurosurgery class which included: the

pathophysiolgy of the brain, Massey Swallow Screen, TPA ad-

ministration, antithrombotics, NIH Stroke Scale, RRT, and DVT

prophylaxis. Twelve nurses attended the Critical Care class for

clinical development.

1 East also welcomed 23 staff nurses from P2, one nurse

from MICU 1, and one PACU nurse to the unit, in addition to hir-

ing eight new PCAs and two new CCPs. The staff is very ex-

cited about developing new clinical skills and embracing their

new patient population. They are also enjoying all of the chal-

lenges that arise in the IMCU/Stroke Unit.

Intermediate Care Unit

uring a palliative care

consultation I try to slow the pace

down for the patients and their

families. I give them time to talk,

think, and reflect not only about their

illness and hospitalization, but also

about their lives.”

–Maria Vitsentzos, MSN, R.N., ANP-C

D

Palliative Care

“

41866r.qxp 6/16/10 6:36 PM

Congestive heart failure (CHF) affects

over 6 million people in the United

States. The disease is the second

most common cardiac diagnosis re-

quiring hospitalization at St. Francis

Hospital–preceded only by coronary

artery disease. Last year, in an effort

to streamline medical care for conges-

tive heart failure patients and reduce

repeated emergency admissions, the

Hospital created a new unit dedicated to treating this chronic cardiac condition.

Located on 2 East of the DeMatteis Pavilion, the 38-bed unit has a staff specially trained

and focused on taking a multi-disciplinary approach in caring for patients whose principle

diagnosis is CHF. This highly dedicated team is comprised of nurses, MLP’s, dieticians, phar-

macists and care managers who have completed a four-hour class on CHF treatment, doc-

umentation and medication management. Upon discharge, patients are referred to the

Hospital’s CHF Outpatient Program located at the DeMatteis Center. The ultimate goal is to

keep them well balanced on a diet and medication regimen aimed at preventing episodes

of worsening CHF requiring recurrent hospitalizations.

The outpatient program had 253 unique patients participate in 2009, of which 191 (75%)

did not require any hospitalizations for CHF exacerbations throughout the year. The dedi-

cated CHF floor began its specialized focus last fall. Between October and December 2009,

79 patients with CHF were assigned to and treated on 2 East.

Hospice is the philosophy of care designed to give support to people in the final phase of a terminal illness. The focus is on comfort and qual-

ity of life, rather than cure. The goal is to maximize patient comfort and relief from pain and other distressing symptoms. Although hospice care

does not aim for cure of a terminal illness, it does treat potentially curable conditions such as pneumonia and bladder infections, with brief hos-

pital stays if necessary. In 2008, St. Francis Hospital, in collaboration with Good Shepherd Hospice (GSH) contracted for four inpatient hospice

beds on 2 West. The staff received an extensive in-service by the GSH staff on the philoso-

phy of care and symptom management in end-of-life issues. A hospice referral can be ini-

tiated by the patient and family members, as well as St. Francis Hospital’s interdisciplinary

health care team and Palliative Care Service. The GSH staff reviews the patient’s medical

record, and discusses the referral with the primary care practitioner and with the patient

and/or family. Once the criteria for admission are met, the goals of care are established. The

competent, dedicated, and compassionate staff of 2 West, with the guided support of GSH

has cared for over 85 patients and their families since the inception of the Hospice Pro-

gram. Here is our motto:

To Cure Sometimes

To Relieve Often

To Comfort Always

–Sir Walter Osler


Hospice

Heart Failure

ospice care is really

being attentive to the emotional,

spiritual and psychological needs of

patients and their families as the end

of life approaches. The staff at St.

Francis has a history of providing

compassionate and empathetic care

at this time of life, very similar to

palliative care, but more intense.”

–Sr. Katherine Murphy, MSN, RN-BC/CCRN/CHPN

H

o be effective with heart failure

patients, you need collaboration be-

tween departments, so our approach is

interdisciplinary. You don’t find Conges-

tive Heart Failure Units everywhere. We

are totallyfocused on bringing together

developed expertise, with an emphasis

on quality care and patient safety.”

–Patrice Keenan, BSN, R.N., CMSRN

T

“

“

Exemplary Professional Practice continued

(From l to r) Patrice Keenan, BSN, R.N., CMSRN;

Patricia Krug, MA, R.N., RN-BC; and Mary Gallagher, MA, R.N.

41866r.qxp 6/16/10 6:37 PM


Unveiled in 2009, the Professional Nursing Practice Model is a system that depicts how nurses

practice, collaborate, communicate and develop professionally to provide the highest quality

care for those served by the organization. The model incorporates Jean Watson’s Theory of

Human Caring, which was developed in 1979 and melds human aspects of nursing with sci-

entific knowledge. By using the practice model, St. Francis ensures that its professional nurs-

ing practice is consistent, regardless of where it occurs or who is providing the application.

Applying our practice model also minimizes practice variations that can create risks, gaps in

care, missed or overlooked needs and incomplete care.

The Professional Nursing Practice Model

41866r.qxp 6/16/10 6:37 PM

Staying true to our commitment to education and research

at St. Francis, a series of workshops were held at the Hos-

pital in 2009, matching nurses with an expert in research.

Kathleen O’Connell, Ph.D., R.N., FAAN, Coordinator of the

Nursing Education Program for the Teacher’s College at Co-

lumbia University, held research workshops in August and

November. Nurses who were at various phases in research

projects at the Hospital participated, gaining valuable in-

sight during the one-on-one interactions.

The clinical environment often presents challenges when obtaining patient tempera-

ture measurement consistent with St. Francis Hospital’s policy, but the 3M TempaDOT

single-use clinical thermometer allows for proper and accurate use. Right now, St. Fran-

cis routinely employs the TempaDOT thermometer for oral temperature measurement.

St. Francis Hospital’s clinical nurses questioned whether the axillary route recom-

mended by the manufacturer was a viable option for temperature measure. As a result,

the nurses developed a research protocol to examine the mean difference between

the oral and axillary route when using the TempaDOT thermometer.

Using very controlled methods, a total of 100 healthy subjects were enrolled. The

nurse researchers designed the research questions, inclusion/exclusion criteria, and

study procedures including writing and obtaining the research consent. The excitement

was palpable as the team awaited the study results reported by the statistician. The in-

teresting results lead

to more questions

and the distinct pos-

sibly of continued

TempaDOT research.

New Knowledge and InnovationsTempaDOT

t was an honor and privilege to be a part

of the TempaDOT research team and compare

axillary and oral temperatures. As nurses, our

goal is to always ensure quality patient care

at St. Francis Hospital.”

–Judith Morrison, BSN, RN-BC

I

At St. Francis Hospital, nurses play a critical role in bringing clinical innovations and improvement to patients.

Research Boot Camp


“

Among the nurses who participated were:

• Ruth Reed, BSN, R.N., CEN; Erica Hassan, BSN, R.N.; Judith Morrison, BSN,

RN-BC; and Jeanette McLaughlin, BSN, R.N., CCRP – TempaDOT

• Karen Venice, MA, R.N., CCRN, and Bessy Abraham, BSN, R.N. – The Use of

Basic Knowledge Assessment Test in Critical Care Orientation

• Jane Billian, BSN, R.N.; Karen Venice, MA, R.N., CCRN; Sue Seiberlich, MA,

R.N., CCRN; and Joan Wallace, R.N., CCRN – Exploring Patient Interest in Pet

Therapy/Visitation

• Michele Sena, MSN, R.N. and Mary Gaglione, MSN, R.N., CPAN – Patient

Comfort Level Related to the Use of Warm Blankets in the Procedural Area

• Elizabeth Haag, MPA, R.N., CCRP and Suzanne Palo, MA, RN-BC –

Cardiovascular and Lifestyle Habit Survey

• Shoshana Scholem, BSN, R.N. and William Peabody, MSN, R.N., CCRN –

Sense of Belonging and the Process of Socialization in the Novice Nurse

• Mary Jane Glander, MSN, R.N. – Atrial Fibrillation and Blood Pressures

• Patricia Krug, MA, RN-BC – Patient Education and Heart Failure

• Elizabeth Cotter, MSN, RN-BC – Staff Satisfaction and the Dedicated

Education Unit.Judith Morrison, BSN, RN-BC (left) with Ruth Reed, BSN, CEN (right)

41866r.qxp 6/16/10 6:37 PM


One of the goals of St. Francis Hospital is to continually strive to expandand develop new and innovative initiatives and services. The expansion of theHospital’s surgical services in relation to the implementation and integrationof neurosurgical services is an example of the continued efforts to meet allthe needs of our patients and to provide them with quality care. Karen Venice,MA, R.N., CCRN, worked collaboratively with interdisciplinary teammembers to develop the educational plan, policies, standards of care andcompetencies of the expansion of the neurosurgical services for St. Francisnurses. The integration of staff nurse champions allowed the staff to partic-ipate in each step along the way. The champions agreed with the developededucational plan and encouraged their colleagues to attend educational sem-inars. In addition, two staff champions, Asha Phillips, BSN, R.N., CCRNand Maria Meyers, BSN, R.N., taught the Intracranial Pressure Monitoringportion of the classes offered. Development and implementation of the neu-rosurgery service generated effective and appropriate support and resourcesto the patients and staff, as well as development of collegiate relationshipswith neurosurgeons, MLP’s, and product representatives.

Neurosurgery

he SICU nurses were very excited to be part of the

development and implementation of the neurosurgery

service at St. Francis. The educational seminars played an

integral role in developing effective surgical policies and

procedures for our staff nurses.”

–Karen Venice, MA, R.N., CCRN

TSt. Francis was one of the first hospitals on Long Island to adopt a

new cooling technique that can revive unconscious patients who

have suffered cardiac arrest and restore their normal cerebral func-

tion. This lifesaving concept, called induced therapeutic hy-

pothermia, lowers a patient’s body temperature to 91.2 degrees.

The body’s temperature is regulated by a computerized cooling

pump which delivers water to special pads. These pads are

wrapped around a patient’s legs, arms, chest, back, and abdomen.

The goal is to reduce the body’s metabolism for 24 hours thus de-

creasing brain damage caused by hypoxia during a cardiac arrest

and the reperfusion of oxygen which causes the brains cells to un-

dergo apoptosis, or natural cell death. The cause of apoptosis after

a brain is reperfused with oxygen is unknown. Statistics show that

as many as one in five patients or 20 percent may benefit signifi-

cantly by using this technology. Nurses in the Emergency Depart-

ment and on MICU 2 received extensive training to deliver this

therapy. When a patient meets the inclusion criteria, the physician

orders the cooling therapy to begin. St. Francis has elected to use

the Arctic Sun device to deliver this controlled cooling therapy. A

trained R.N. places the cooling pads on the patient and connects

the pads to the Arctic Sun to begin cooling. The patient is then

transferred to critical care where the cooling therapy is continued

for 24 hours. The process is then reversed to warming until the pa-

tient becomes normothermic.

Emergency Cooling Therapy

“

Karen Venice, MA, R.N., CCRN (left) with Amy Devine, AAS, R.N. (right)

41866r.qxp 6/16/10 6:37 PM

Two ventricular-assist devices, which are in current use at St. Francis, highlight the Hos-

pital’s continuing commitment to our cardiac patients. The Impella 2.5 was introduced

in late 2009, while Tandem Heart made its debut in the third-quarter.

The Tandem Heart is a percutaneous transeptal ventricular assist device, which acts

to unload the right and/or left sides of the heart. For right-sided support, the cannula

is placed via the femoral vein and is advanced to the right atrium. The blood is returned

via the pulmonary artery. For left-sided support, a transseptal cannula inserted through

the femoral vein and advanced across the intra-atrial septum into the left atrium, sup-

plies blood from the left atrium to a centrifugal pump. Oxygenated blood is then pro-

pelled by the impeller from the outflow of the pump and it is returned to the patient via

an arterial cannula placed in the femoral artery. Since oxygenated blood is withdrawn

from the left atrium, the atrium has to do less work to move the blood to the ventricle.

Also, the blood which flows through the pump, does not have to go through the left ven-

tricle; the left ventricle also has to do less work to move blood to the aorta.

The Impella 2.5 percutaneous cardiac assist device is designed to provide partial cir-

culatory support to patients requiring temporary or prolonged assistance with ven-

tricular unloading. It is indicated for any patient requiring partial circulatory support for

short term duration. Tandem Heart and the Impella allow for fewer problems post-in-

sertion than prior ventricular assisted devices. Both fill the need for a bridge from intra-

aortic balloon pump and high pressure support to allow for high-risk interventions to

be performed or allow for recovery or other long-term support.


Tandem Heart and the Impella

s an OR nurse at St. Francis for 34 years, I take great pride

in working with a top notch team and assisting with leading edge

procedures such as Tandem Heart, which supports a patient’s

circulatory system until he or she is strong enough for surgery.”

–Barbara Kendall, R.N.

A“

Tandem Heart patient Alice Wallice (center) with Harold Fernandez,

M.D., who implanted the pump, and Joan Wallace, R.N., CCRN.

New Knowledge and Innovations continued

Cindy Sukhoo, BSN, R.N., CNOR (left) with Barbara Kendall, R.N. (right)

41866r.qxp 6/16/10 6:37 PM


Stephanie Ajudua, R.N., CCRNBernadeth Alcott, R.N., ANP-CMeulan Amen, R.N., CCRNKathleen Anderson-Arnopp, R.N., CPHQRoslynn Aquino, R.N., ANP-CJuliette Arrastia, R.N., CCRNWarlita Au, R.N., CCRNRegina Bakota, R.N., CMSRNJoana Balsamo, R.N., CMSRNAnna Baracchini, MA, R.N., CPHQSandra Bastidas, R.N., CENKara Benneche, R.N., CENMaria Benner, R.N., CCRN/ANP-CCarol Bertone, R.N., CMSRNHelen Birdsong-Abate, R.N., CCRNKelly Bitran, R.N., FNP-CSuzanne Bove-Bast, RN-BCErina Boyle, R.N., CCRNMary Brady-Costello, R.N., CNORLori Brush, R.N., CCRNElizabeth Busi, R.N., CENLaura Buszko, RN-BC

Maryann Cacace, R.N., CENLara Caniano, R.N., CCRNEvelyn Capriotti, R.N., CNORTheresa Caputo, R.N., CMSRNLaurence Carlin, R.N., CCRNRosario Carlin, R.N., CCRNChristine Carman, RN-BCLenore Carroll, R.N., ANP-CMary Carroll, R.N., CNORPatricia Carroll, R.N., CMSRNSusan Casey-Bernstein, R.N., NE-BCJoanne Catapano, R.N., CRNAnn Cella, R.N., NEA-BCTiffany Chaffee, RN-BCDebra Chalmers, R.N., ANP-CDorothy Ciano, R.N., CCRNDanielle Cincinelli, R.N., ANP-CBarbara Colligan, R.N., CMSRNPaul Conlin, R.N., CNORNatalia Constantino, R.N., ANP-CLaura Costa, R.N., CMSRNElizabeth Cotter, RN-BC

Rachel Cowan, R.N., CMSRNNicole Cregan, R.N., CCRNEllen Cummings, R.N., CNORNovlet Davis, R.N., ANP-CGina DePietro, R.N., CNORJohn DePietro, R.N., ANP-CJohn Devins, R.N., CCRNGirannie Dilchand, R.N., CNORChristine Dougherty, R.N., CCRNMiroslawa Drozdzik, R.N., ANP-CKathleen Engber, R.N., NE-BC/RN-InformaticsDeborah Feil, R.N., CMSRNAnne Fioresi, R.N., ANP-CDawn Focazio, R.N., FNP-CMitzi Forman, R.N., CCRNJanice Francis, R.N., ANP-CRosalia Francucci, R.N., CCRNMary Gaglione, R.N., CPANColleen Garr, R.N., CCRNRosemary Gilligan-Holmes, R.N., CMSRNKathleen Gilligan-Steiner, R.N., NE-BCKimberly Go, R.N., ANP-C

St. Francis Hospital 2009 Certified Nurses

41866r.qxp 6/16/10 6:37 PM


Jennifer Gomez, R.N., CNORSharon Gordon, R.N., CNORBeth Ann Grady-Acker, R.N., CDELaura Gregorovic, R.N., CCRNJill Grimaldi, R.N., CCRNMichelle Grippo, R.N., CENPhilomena Grossmann, R.N., CCRNRose Guerin, R.N., CCMSusan Gunaydin, R.N., CMSRNElizabeth Haag, R.N., CCRPEileen Hague, RN-BCDonna Handle, R.N., CNORDeborah Harabedian, RN-BCAnne Marie Helmke, R.N., CMSRNPatricia Hendershot, R.N., CMSRNArlene Hilado, R.N., CCRNMarianne Hill Day, R.N., CCRNDonna Hobbs, R.N., CNORTina Hong, R.N., CCRNLinda Hosford, R.N., ANP-CHolly Hynes-Morales, R.N., CNORCarla Intrabartola, R.N., CNORMarcia Irving, R.N., CNORJoan Jablonski, R.N., CCRNLisa Jahrsdoerfer, R.N., CCRNJan James, R.N., CCRNBarbara Johnson, R.N., ANP-CCatherine Kaestel, R.N., CPAN

Katherine Katz, R.N., CNORPatrice Keenan, R.N., CMSRNPatricia Keller, R.N., ANP-CEileen Kenney, R.N., ANP-CAlan Kiernan, R.N., CCRNCeleste Koske, R.N., CMSRNNancy Kostel-Donlon, RN-BC/

CEN/CPAN/CCRNPatricia Krug, RN-BCBarbara Kunz, R.N., CNORJoanne Kuplicki, RN-BCIldiko Kutasi, R.N., CMSRNDanielle Lafont, R.N., CMSRNMary Ellen Lagnese, R.N., CPANDakota Lawtum, RN-BCPatricia Lee, R.N., CCMYoung Joo Lee, R.N., CNORKathy Ann Lobmeyer, R.N., CNORPatricia Lupski, R.N., NE-BCKathleen Lynch, R.N., CMSRNDanielle Mahon, RN-BCJacqueline Maloney, R.N., CENDiane Mamounis-Simmons, R.N.,

NEA-BC/CNORMarand Manieram-Arjune, R.N., ANP-CRosauro Maray, R.N., CNORJamie Marcello, R.N., CCRNErin Markey, R.N., ANP-C

Jerrold Marshall, R.N., CCRNBarbara Martino, RN-BCPamela Mason, R.N., CENKaren Maul, R.N., CNORTara Mautner, R.N., CMSRNMary Anne McCoy, R.N., ANP-CJaime McDermott, R.N., CCRNKathleen McGarry, R.N., CNORKatherine McGrath, R.N., CCRPJeannette McLaughlin, R.N., CCRPMary Ann McNamara, R.N., CPHQCheryl Meddles-Torres, R.N., FNP-CLinda Mendick, R.N., CMSRNKirsten Minerva, R.N., CCRNDonna Mohr, RN-BCMaureen Mondics, R.N., CNORCristi Moravec-Kossegi, R.N., CENDalia Mordekai, R.N., FNP-CJudith Morrison, RN-BCIrene Moser, R.N., CNORElaine Munoz, R.N., CNORKathy Muratore, R.N., ANP-CDeborah Murawski, R.N., AMSNSr. Katherine Murphy, RN-BC/CCRN/CHPNMaria Jose Nappo, R.N., ANP-CBrenda Nickens, R.N., CNORTheresa Nicosia, R.N., FNP-CMaria Nuzzolese, R.N., CMSRN

Certified Nurses continued

41866r.qxp 6/16/10 6:37 PM


Margaret Ochotorena, R.N., NE-BCHannah O'Connor, R.N., CMSRNPatricia O'Connor, R.N., CCRNElma Ortiz, R.N., CCRNAnn O'Shea, R.N., CCRNLauren Ostuni, R.N., CMSRNJillian Oswald, R.N., ANP-CSuzanne Palo, RN-BCPatricia Pane, RN-BCLorraine Panella, R.N., CCRNWilliam Peabody, R.N., CCRNLaura Penfold, R.N., CAPA/CNORKathleen Peppard, R.N., CMSRNBarbara Petrosino, R.N., CCRNCasey Pettersen, R.N., CCRNAsha Phillips, R.N., CCRNCatherine Pirolo, R.N., NE-BC/CMSRNIrene Poulimas, R.N., NE-BCMeredith Pujdak, R.N., CCRNDonna Ramharrack, R.N., ANP-CMargaret Raylman, R.N., CCRNBliss Rayo-Taranto, RN-BCDonna Rebelo, R.N., NE-BCRuth Reed, R.N., CENKathleen Regan, R.N., CCRNChristine Rice, R.N., CMSRNElizabeth Ring, R.N., ANP-CLinda Rivenburg, R.N., CNOR

Eileen Roddy, R.N., CMCNDiane Ross, R.N., CCRNMarguerite Roth, R.N., CCRPSandra Roth, R.N., CCRNAllison Rudkin, R.N., CMSRNJennifer Ryan, R.N., CMSRNKelley Ryan, R.N., CENYasmi Sacristan-Kramer, R.N., CCRNLyn Santiago, R.N., CCRCMichelle Sayson, R.N., CCRNLinda Scharp, R.N., CCRNStacy Schnell, R.N., CMSRNSusan Seiberlich, R.N., CCRNDana Shapiro, RN-BCJeannemarie Shore, R.N., CNORBarbara Simek, R.N., CNORDolores Smoot, R.N., CNORMary Lou Solliday, R.N., CICJacquelin Squicciarini, R.N., CCRNElaine Stevens, R.N., NE-BCKatherine Stevko, R.N., CCRN/ANP-CTheresa Strain, R.N., CCRNCarol Streppel, R.N., CMSRNCindy Sukhoo, R.N., CNORTeresa Sullivan, R.N., CCRNAngela Tainter, R.N., CMSRNCarol Tambasco, R.N., OCNRemedios Teston, R.N., CCRN

Benzy Thomas, R.N., CCRN/ANP-CMaureen Torpey, R.N., CCRN/ANP-CAllison Trevellini, R.N., CWOCNPatricia Trimboli, R.N., CCRNElizabeth Vaas, RN-BCSloan Vahldieck, R.N., ANP-CNancy Vannostrand, R.N., CMSRNMaria Vega, R.N., ANP-CKaren Venice, R.N., CCRNDoris Villagonzalo, R.N., CNORMaria Vitsentzos, R.N., ANP-CJoan Wallace, R.N., CCRNAnne Walsh, R.N., CENBobby Jo Ward, R.N., CMSRNLinda Weiner, R.N., CCM/NE-BCChristine West, RN-BCElizabeth White, R.N., CAPARoman Yagudayev, R.N., CCRNMarina Yusupova, R.N., CMSRNDawn Zioba, RN-BC

Certified Nurses continued

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St. Francis HospitalThe Heart Center ®

100 Port Washington BoulevardRoslyn, New York 11576Tel: (516) 562-6000www.stfrancisheartcenter.com

The 2009 Nursing Annual Report is published by St. Francis Hospital, The Heart Center®. Questions or comments can be directed to St. Francis Hospital, Patient Care Services, 100 Port Wash-

ington Blvd., Roslyn, NY 11576 or (516)562-6060. Copyright © 2010. All Rights Reserved. St. Francis Hospital is a member of the Catholic Health Services of Long Island, the healthcare min-

istry of the Diocese of Rockville Centre.

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saint francis hospital - 2009 nursing annual report

Documents

francis hospital

nursing services

entire nursing staff

francis staff

francis nursing annual

nursing annual reportst

heart surgery

success ofthe hospital