Nursing
at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton
Magnet® Recognized for Excellence in Nursing
A Greeting From Our Nursing Leadership
Dear Nursing Colleagues:
One of the best parts of my job is hearing from our stakeholders – patients, community members, employees, physicians, and regulatory bodies – about the quality of the nursing care at RWJUH Hamilton. The Magnet® designation we have received validates the incredible work of our nurses and identified opportunities for improvement in the nursing practice environment. This continued focus on nursing excellence and delivering high-quality patient care provides a safer environment and promotes better patient outcomes. In June 2022, RWJUH Hamilton transitioned to a new electronic monitoring system, EPIC. The nursing department in addition to the entire hospital team were trained to become proficient EPIC users. Extensive support was provided to all our employees to ensure a smooth transition.
There are many accomplishments our nursing staff should be proud of over the past year. These include a reduction in our CAUTI rates and C. Diff rates, maintaining a zero ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) rate, decreased surgical site infections, significant improvement in our communication with nurses’ scores, presentations at national conferences, participation in research and publishing articles in journals, to name a few. Bedside shift reports have also been hardwired, resulting in an improved patient experience in communication with the nurses. We have implemented Huron Rounding to capture real-time patient experiences. Investing in the professional development of our nurses with a clinical ladder, implementation of a BSN differential, and national certification differential are just some of the ways we reward our nurses’ continued advancement. Some of our units have had very active unit-based shared governance committees working on issues pertinent to their areas, such as supplies, staffing and workflow issues. In addition, we have local RN representation on the system-level professional practice committee working on nursing policies and practices that drive nursing excellence. We are excited that nurses are empowered to drive their practice. It is also important to note that while Magnet® recognition is about nursing excellence and is nursing-led, the process to earn this designation engages everyone across our organization.
As a community hospital, Magnet® designation shows that we really value each other, collaborate with each other and help each other in the practice of safe patient care. We know that when interdisciplinary teams collaborate well together, the finest quality patient care occurs. Thank you to all of our nurses, physicians, advance practice providers and support staff for your dedication to instilling a culture that supports exceptional nursing practices and strategies; promotes excellence, evidence-based practice and innovation; and establishes ways to achieve new heights in quality and service.
Respectfully,
Dawn Hutchinson, MSN, RN, PCCN-K, NEA-BC
Chief Nursing Officer
