On the Pulse


During the past several years, there has been a paradigm shift in how nursing policies and procedures are developed.


In the past, we usually followed policies


that had been in place for a period of time with an attitude of “We have always done it this way.” That practice no longer is applicable or acceptable in today’s changing patient health care system. Instead, we must


McBride


adhere to an enormous number of external government regulations, accreditation by


governing surveyors, legality issues and other health care stipulations. Internally, the professional nurse is responsible for providing the health care consumer with the best possible care based on “best evidence research” and sound clinical expertise. While preparing to become certified as a


magnet hospital, Marion General Hospital developed an Artistry of Alliances Shared


Guest columnist Ruby McBride, RN, MSN, CS, Administrative Resource to Practice Alliance, Marion General Hospital


Paradigm shift in standardizing nursing policies


Governance Model. This model provides a methodology that, with the support of nursing management, results in a different nursing culture. This paradigm shift has resulted in a higher level of quality nursing practice, increased nurse retention and improved patient outcomes and satisfaction. Following this model, Marion General


Hospital initiates nursing policies and procedures at the Unit Practice Council level. Bedside nurses are on the frontline of issues they face every day and play a major role in finding solutions to those problems. They know what works and what doesn’t work. When nurses recognize that their input is essential and they have the support of managers, they become more involved and take responsibility for their own practices. The Unit Practice Council forwards their recommendations to the Practice Alliance. Practice Alliance is a multi-disciplinary


group that offers expertise and recommendations based on the complexity of the clinical process. Policies are written with specific instructions, best practice guidelines and language that is


clear and concise. Communicating policies and procedures


to nurses is essential and was addressed by the Marion General Hospital Practice Alliance committee. The committee developed an algorithm for improving the communication of policies. These practices were initiated:


■ Practice alliance minutes are distributed to committee members.


■A communication worksheet with a synopsis of approved policies is distributed to the nursing personnel.


■ Policies are posted on the hospital webpage.


Regardless of which system hospitals


have in place, it is imperative to include bedside practicing nurses in the process of developing nursing policies. The policy process in place now at Marion General Hospital is far superior to the one in place prior to implementing the aforementioned changes. It is hoped that, with continued growth and knowledge, it will continue to develop a higher level of practice. ●


They chose Witham. Our nurses could work anywhere. AND WE’RE SO GLAD THEY DID.


AND WE’RE SO GLAD THEY DID. AND WE’RE SO GLAD THEY DID.


Why do nurses love Witham? Because great things happen in smaller hospitals. Our nurses feel a truer kinship, a deeper bond — both with each other and with their patients. And that helps them do something remarkable — it helps them become the kind of nurses they always wanted to be. And to think it all starts with one simple decision. THEY CHOOSE WITHAM.


Why do nurses love Witham? Because great things happen in smaller hospitals. Our nurses feel a truer kinship, a deeper bond — both with each other and with their patients. And that helps them do something remarkable — it helps them become the kind of nurses they always wanted to be. And to think it all starts with one simple decision. THEY CHOOSE WITHAM.


Why do nurses love Witham? Because great things happen in smaller hospitals. Our nurses feel a truer kinship, a deeper bond — both with each other and with their patients. And that helps them do something remarkable — it helps them become the kind of nurses they always wanted to be. And to think it all starts with one simple decision. THEY CHOOSE WITHAM.


AND WERE SO GLAD THEY DID.


Why do nurses love Witham? Because great things happen in smaller hospitals. Our nurses feel a truer kinship, a deeper bond — both with each other and with their patients. And that helps them do something remarkable — it helps them become the kind of nurses they always wanted to be. And to think it all starts with one simple decision. THEY CHOOSE WITHAM.


IS-5875264 8 Indiana Nursing Quarterly • indystar.com/nursing • Fall 2011


To learn about current job openings visit www.witham.org.


To learn about current job openings visit www.witham.org.


To learn about current job openings visit www.witham.org.


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