CHIEF NURSING EXECUTIVE REPORT TO THE BOARD OF ...

CHIEF NURSING EXECUTIVE
REPORT TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
May 2012
Nurses Week (May 7-13, 2012)
“Nursing – The Health of Our Nation”
TBRHSC celebrates National Nursing Week! This week provides us with an
opportunity to recognize each and every one of our Nurses for their continuing
work and effort within our demanding and complex health care environment. Our
Nurses make a difference each and every day in the lives of our patients and
families. It is through this dedication and commitment that we are able to be
Healthy Together.
In honour of our TBRHSC Nurses, several celebratory events are being
planned, including our Annual Nursing Awards of Excellence Ceremony. This
ceremony profiles many of our Nurses for their valued and significant
accomplishments in the areas of Teaching, Teamwork & Collaboration,
Research & Evidence Based Practice, Patient & Family Centred Care and
Leadership. In addition, the TBRHSC Volunteer Association generously
sponsors a bursary for a deserving Nurse.
I would like to extend an invitation to the Board of Directors to join us at our
“Nursing Awards of Excellence & Appreciation Tea” on Friday, May 11 from 1400
to 1600 hours in Aud A/B
Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO) Best Practice Guidelines (BPG)
Smoking Cessation:
Nursing Practice has teamed up with Cancer Care Prevention and Screening
Services to continue work with the Smoking Cessation BPG to further roll-out to
all in-patient units, re-educate and develop a sustainability plan
Allison McMullen, Director, Prevention & Screening Services is leading a more
expansive initiative “Tobacco Control” with new key stakeholders that we are
happy to be part of
The first meeting reviewed work to date, a gap analysis and revealed potential
unrealized partnerships and synergies
Central Venous Access Devices (CVAD):
The CVAD Steering Committee has been actively meeting over the past 4 months
Evidence collected over the past year and the recent CVAD Conference evaluation
reveals a need to re-educate staff on basic maintenance care to improve patient
outcomes
The CVAD Steering Committee has developed a “re-boost”’ education plan
beginning on 1A and 3B within the next month
Healthy Work Environment
The formal evaluation and MOH final report is in progress
A presentation will be scheduled to review the 2C /Emergency Department project
outcomes and recommendations for future

A Safety Attitudes questionnaire measuring safety culture and teamwork will be
distributed to staff at three time intervals. The Project Team will continue to meet
until July to complete the project evaluation & develop a strong sustainability plan.
Virtual Nursing Unit (VNU)
The Spring Hire process is now complete with 92 new Graduate Nurses hired
The first orientation of 15 new Graduates occurred March 26 and 77 new
Graduates will attend one of three orientations during April and May
Significant coordination and teamwork was required between Human Resources,
Manager of VNU, Staffing Office, Unit Managers, CNSs and the Health Professions
Secretary. Congratulations on this successful initiative!
The communication must keep up with the flurry of hiring and orientation
activity. Communication and education of the VNU is the priority this month and
ongoing. A communication strategy has been developed and will begin the week
of April 24. A detailed discussion was held with ONA regarding the VNU impact
to the current hiring process. A formal presentation will follow to educate the
Union on the VNU concept and design.
Dr. Rhonda Crocker Ellacott, R.N., H.BSc.N., M.A.(CNS), Ed.D
Chief Nursing Executive