2008 NursiNg ANNuAl report - Catholic Health System

2008 Nursing Annual Report

We believe in our nurses,
making a difference…
everyday.

Message From The CNO
Dear Nursing Colleagues,
2008 was another busy year and we saw much progress in our
journey of nursing excellence at Sisters of Charity Hospital. We were
very proud to be represented at the 2008 National Nursing Congress in
Las Vegas by Marilyn Boehler, Director of Emergency and Critical Care
Nursing and Terry Finiki, Nurse Manager of 4 North Telemetry unit.
Terry and Marilyn presented a poster on our Remote Monitoring program
which has been very successful and is now in its second year. We
have seen growth in our shared decision making model with increased
participation by our staff nurses. Unit Practice Councils are active on
most nursing units and they continue to mature and produce results to
improve the practice of professional nursing and collaborative patient
care.
We have added two nursing committees with strong representation by staff nurses from various
units-the Nurse Recognition and Retention Committee and the Results Council. The Nurse Recognition and
Retention Committee assists in planning our annual Nurses Week celebration, and also generates and works
on ideas that contribute to the many reasons Sisters of Charity Hospital is a great place to work. The Results
Council is the interdisciplinary part of our Relationship-Based Care initiative and helps to foster communication
and cooperation among the various disciplines involved in the planning and delivery of care to our
patients.
We once again honored and recognized our registered nurses during Nurses Week. Our 2008 Nurse
of Distinction was Lynette Wryk from the Emergency Department and our Outstanding Staff Nurses were
Mary Miller from the NICU and Sandra Nagro from 4 North Telemetry. Sandra Nagro was also chosen as the
Outstanding Staff Nurse for Western New York by the WNY Professional Nurses Association, District 1.
In July, I was joined by our Nurse Managers and Directors for a Nursing Management Retreat to review
the vision for nursing and further define the structure it represents.
In 2008, we also developed an education program for senior level nursing students that provides instruction
in patient care skills such as 12 lead EKG, phlebotomy, and BGT’s; as well as unit secretary and nursing
assistant functions. This training leads to employment as a PCA III where the students provide needed
support to nursing staff on a variety of patient care units. The goal is to provide these students with real time
exposure to patients and bedside care, while adding to the care delivered by the unit staff. We have eight nursing
students working as PCA IIIs and hope to offer them permanent nursing positions in the spring when they
graduate
I would like to thank each of your for your professional work and dedication to the patients and families
in our care.
Sincerely,
Mary E. Dillon
Vice President & CNO
Sisters of Charity Hospital
1

Philosophy of Patient Care
Patient Care
Nursing at Sisters Hospital is committed to the delivery of cost-effective patient care in a holistic
framework that addresses and provides for the physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs of
each patient. We believe that patient care should be individualized in a manner that takes into consideration
the unique experiences and characteristics of each patient, and that also addresses the role
the individual occupies in a family unit.
We believe that patient care should be based on identified desirable outcomes not only during the
hospital stay, but through the life continuum. These outcomes should be collaboratively defined by
the registered nurse, medical staff and other healthcare professionals based on the patient’s needs,
diagnosis and family situation. We further believe the outcomes should be based on current
scientific knowledge as well as pertinent research findings.
We believe that the professional nurse is a patient advocate and
in that role has the responsibility of informing and protecting the
rights of each patient under his or her care.
We believe that desirable patient outcomes are more readily attainable
in a collegial environment where the knowledge and skills
of all healthcare providers are respected and routinely and consistently
shared.
Nursing Management
The philosophy of nursing management is based on the belief that
we share responsibility for the development and maintenance of a
professional practice setting that encourages professional growth
through nursing research, education and practice. Each nursing
staff member is encouraged to continually strive to maximize his or her potential. Each practitioner
has responsibility and accountability for their individual professional growth within an environment
that fosters learning, stimulates creativity, and facilitates communication, including the expression of
differing opinions.
We believe that department nurse managers are ultimately responsible for the management of the
nursing staff. In addition, the nurse manager is responsible and accountable for ensuring safe and
cost-effective quality care.
We also believe that the department nurse manager delegates responsibility and accountability to the
registered professional nurse for decisions related to the care of each individual patient. Each professional
nurse, in conjunction with the patient/significant other, has the responsibility to make patient
care decisions using the nursing process.
2

Nursing Committees/Councils
Patient Care Executive
This is the committee with final approval for Nursing Division policies, procedures and practices.
This committee has high level oversight for Quality and Patient Safety initiatives within the Nursing
Division, as well as oversight for the practice of professional nursing within the organization. Membership
is made up of the chief nursing officer, nursing directors, nurse managers, advanced practice
nurses, Care Management, staff educators, and staff nurses.
Administrative nursing supervisor/nurse manager
A monthly meeting of administrative nursing supervisors and nurse managers which serves to
facilitate communication and shared decision making for staffing and administrative procedures. It
allows for the exchange of ideas and information related to clinical services on all shifts and supports
consistency for frontline staff. This meeting provides a regularly scheduled opportunity for communication
between nursing supervisors and managers, as well as the chief nursing officer.
Policy and Procedure
This hospital-wide committee reviews policies on a rotating basis every two years, and revises or
updates as necessary based on current evidence and best practice research. This team has worked
on converting to online software implemented by Catholic Health, allowing for a more streamlined
structure for day-to-day operations. The committee has also collaborated with St. Joseph Hospital
to combine policies between the two hospitals in preparation for the anticipated merger on April 1,
2009.
Magnet Champions
The team continues to educate and increase awareness of our nurses’ pursuit of recognition for
excellence here at Sisters Hospital. Mary Jane Abrams, Toni Goodman, and Mary D’Angelo attended
the National Magnet Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah. At the conference, the Magnet Champions
team learned more about another opportunity for recognition as a provider of excellence in nursing.
The Pathways to Excellence program is another ANCC recognition option that Sisters Hospital is
pursuing in conjunction with the Journey to Magnet status.
Recognition and Retention
Started as a group of nurses planning activities for Nurses Week in May, the Nurses Recognition and
Retention Council has evolved into a year-round work group dedicated to increasing recognition of
nurses for the work they do everyday for our patients. By involving staff nurses and organizational
leadership, the team develops recognition ideas for things such as length of service, professional
accomplishment, quality care, and patient safety. These ideas are then studied and developed into
policy and practice to the extent allowed by circumstances and available resources.
Skin Integrity Team
This committee continues to meet monthly to discuss pressure ulcer surveillance, and opportunities
for changes in practice or product that will improve overall skin health among our patients. Members
consist of the site enterostomal and skin care nurse specialist, staff nurses from the medicalsurgical
units and critical care, and a representative from nutritional support services.
3

Nursing Committees/Councils
Preceptor
This work group continues to work on the orientation program for new nurses in order to alleviate
the confusion and frustration that many graduate nurses experience while adapting to independence
in the practice of nursing. In addition, the committee also looks at the requirements for participation
as a preceptor to ensure a high quality orientation program for new nurses.
Soarian Clinical Team
The Soarian electronic documentation team began to develop work flows designed to electronically
produce nursing orders and referrals based on what is documented on the medical records. The team
meets monthly with nurse managers and staff nurses from around the system to gain input from the
end users making for a more effective tool.
Results Council
Part of our Relationship-Based Care initiative is a multidisciplinary team that meets monthly to discuss
the initiatives under way on specific units to improve the delivery of care to patients and their
families. The team reviews initiatives, offers suggestions and asks if the unit needs help from any
other departments. The team is charged with facilitating the efforts of unit level practice councils in
all areas, not just nursing.
Unit practice
Each clinical nursing unit is expected to convene a Unit Practice Council meeting monthly to review
patient outcome data for their unit. These councils include staff nurses and support team members.
As opportunities for improvement are identified, the council members are charged with implementing
action plans based on best practice or current available evidence. Literature research is encouraged
with support from the librarian as practice guidelines are reviewed and revised.
4

Nursing Initiatives
Promoting Relationship-Based Care
2008 saw the beginnings of the implementation process of this model, which focuses on our relationships
with patients as well as patient’s families, relationships with each other and with other departments
that support work of nursing at the bedside. By grouping nursing units into individual Waves,
we are able to provide guidance to staff members as they form Unit Practice Councils and work on
projects related to improving patient care and nursing practice. These councils are formed to provide
an environment for examining nursing practice as it relates to patient outcomes as well as patient
and nursing satisfaction, and to determine where specific improvements should occur. Members
of the Wave I unit practice councils have already begun presenting on the Relationship-Based Care
drive projects.
ICU/CCU orientation
Sisters Hospital hired four GNs to become part of the ICU team, including Robert Underwood,
Madison Ringer, Rachel Brill, and Meg Bucello. The program consisted of several phases, beginning
with an overall hospital orientation, as well as a meeting with the ICU nurse manager to define
specific goals the new nurses should strive to achieve. Along with completing the ECCO Program,
the new nurses shadowed their individual preceptors to fully understand the specific requirements
of ICU/CCU nursing. Periodically, the new nurses underwent critical thinking sessions and competency
testing headed by their preceptors. While the program was originally estimated to last 8-12
months, all four nurses completed the training in less than 6 months. Madison and Rachel remain
full-time in the ICU, Robert has transferred to the ED, and Meg resigned to pursue graduate school.
We also used this training program with a nurse who had not practiced nursing in 14 years. Denise
Scoccia started orientation in early September 2008 and completed the program at the end of December
2008. She remains employed in the ICU as a weekend-only nurse. The program is slated to
become available system-wide in 2009.
5

Nursing Initiatives
Nursing Grand Rounds Continue
Reinstated on November 1, 2007, this program enlists various nursing units monthly to discuss how
to better serve their respective patient population. Nursing Grand Rounds provides an opportunity
for nurses to share their knowledge and skills with their colleagues. Nurses were surveyed to discover
which topics or nursing units they would like to learn more about. Each nursing area decides what
to present and works with an advanced practice nurse in applying for continuing education credit for
the presentation. Each month, Nursing Grand Rounds is attended by 30-40 nurses, physicians, and
other healthcare professionals.
Rapid Response Team (RRT)
In partnership with the Institute for Healthcare Improvement 100,000 Lives Campaign, Sisters Hospital
continues this program of advancing the level of care when a patient’s clinical condition begins
to deteriorate. With nurses working as part of an interdisciplinary team, the overall goal of the RRT
is to provide swift assessment of at-risk patients and to reduce patient mortality. In April 2008, a
Code 10 review process was developed for completion at the unit level, allowing for earlier identification
of opportunities for RRT intervention.
Patient Care assistant III program
Senior level nursing students are receiving a more detailed education on the clinical aspect of nursing
care working at the bedside. By learning different procedures such as phlebotomy and EKG’s,
future nurses gain greater hands-on experience, which translates into better care for our patients and
a better educational experience for our nurses.
Third Annual Nursing
Satisfaction Survey
Nurses at Sisters Hospital completed an
online survey to determine their job satisfaction
and their level of participation in
decision making over the last three years.
Notably, both professional development
and contribution to decision making have
shown a cumulative rise.
46.00
45.50
45.00
44.50
44.00
43.50
43.00
Overall Work Satisfaction
42.50
Overall Work Satisfaction
42.00
SOC OVERALL 2006 SOC OVERALL 2007 SOC OVERALL 2008
PARTICIPATE IN DECISION MAKING
64.00
63.50
63.50
63.00
62.50
62.45
62.00
61.50
61.32
61.00
6
60.50
60.00
2006 2007 2008
SATISFIED WITH MY JOB

Nursing Initiatives
Remote Cardiac Monitoring
Remote cardiac monitoring is a tool used to effectively monitor the cardiac status of patients whose
primary diagnosis for admission to the hospital is not cardiac. Multiple patients with non-cardiac diagnoses
require cardiac monitoring due to a cardiac history. The greatest need came from our postoperative
population. Due to their cardiac history the need for cardiac monitoring was necessary
and these patients routinely came to the telemetry unit or ICU post-operatively when the surgeons
would have preferred their patients be on the surgical floor.
Since the implementation of remote cardiac monitoring, we have expanded our coverage area to
include Labor and Delivery and Mother/Baby areas where we monitor mom. At this time we can remotely
monitor eight patients throughout the hospital. Each patient needs to meet certain inclusion
criteria. Once the patient is on monitor, telemetry nurses assess that patient every eight hours, document
rhythm and place a strip in the chart for the doctor to review. The patient’s cardiac rhythm is
being monitored 24 hours a day from the telemetry unit. If the monitor technician sees a change in
rhythm or that patient’s primary floor nurse notices a physical change in the patient, we communicate
with a direct phone line. Nursing staff has coined this two-way direct communication phone the
“Bat Phone.” When the phone at either end rings, there is immediate connection after the handset is
picked up. Along with the patient care provided, there is education related to cardiac disease and disease
management provided by the telemetry staff to the patient, their family and nurses on the floor.
In 2008 we cared for 433 patients which totaled 1217 days. From January to July of 2009, we have
cared for 428 patients which totaled 1364 patient days. Remote monitoring has been used as a patient
and physician satisfier as well as a patient safety tool.
4 North Telemetry ADC
40
30
20
10
0
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul
Remote Utilization
250
200
150
100
50
0
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul
# Patient
# Remote Days
7

Nursing Initiatives
Remote Cardiac Monitoring (continued)
Remote Patient Location
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul
M/S/Neuro
Gen. Surg.
Vascular
OB
Six Month Associate Satisfaction Survey
Patients managed "properly"
Good Communication Between Units
Feel Free to Voice Concerns
Telemetry Staff Supportive
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
% Positive Responses
Case Reviews
Patient Education Documented
Documentation Complete per policy
Code Ten Activated While on Remote
RRT Activated While on Remote
Change in Condition
Dysrhythmias Observed
Remote Inclusion Criteria Met
0 20 40 60 80 100 120
8
%

Oral Presentations
National
Implementing Remote Cardiac Monitoring
Marilyn Boehler, MS, RN and Terry Finiki, BSN, RN - Held at the Nursing Management
Congress in Las Vegas from September 28 to October 2. Discussed employing Remote
Cardiac Monitoring from January-July 2008, and how it improves and streamlines the
patient care process.
Regional
Perinatal Bereavement
Fran Kane, RNC - July 2008 at Stanley Medical Center in Alba Marle, NC.
Ventilator Management & Prevention of Chronic Lung Disease in the NICU
Susan Pfalzer, MSN, NNPC - October 20, 2008 Delivered at the 4th Annual Perinatal &
Neonatal Care Seminar at the Baptist Health Medical Center in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Nursing Leadership Workshop
Mary D’Angelo, MS, RN - October/November 2008 - Rural AHEC in Wellsville, NY.
Local
What’s the “Skinny” on Cholesterol
Deborah Lawler, MS, RN, CCRN - November 2008 - AppleTree Business Park, Cheektowaga,
NY.
Medical-Surgical Nursing Certification Review Class
April 22-23, 2008 - Held at the Roswell Park Cancer Institute. Consisted of a review of the
material that is tested on the Nursing Certification Exam.
Nursing Grand Rounds
January 23, 2008 – Nursing Informatics 101- Nursing IT. Nursing Informatics specialists
presented an overview and history of Nursing Informatics. They also discussed its value to
the healthcare system and identified roles for NI practice.
February 27, 2008 – Triage: The Door to the ED- Emergency Department. Members of the
Emergency Department nursing staff discussed the definition of triage, reviewed evolution
of the process, and identified the nursing skills used to perform effective patient triage.
March 26, 2008 – Special Care Nursery: One Baby’s Journey- NICU. Nurses from the Special
Care Nursery provided a historical review of the development of the SCN, concluding with a
photo tour of the entire unit. This was followed by a presentation of statistics for pre-term
infants in the SCN. One special case was documented from the date of birth to the date of
discharge, 107 days later.
April 23, 2008 – Food and Nutrition Services- Nutritional Services. This presentation included
a video on “Nutrition Support of the Critically Ill: Practical Issues.” This was well received,
as it contained information pertinent to a large multidisciplinary audience.
9

Oral Presentations
May 28, 2008 – Care of the Bariatric Surgery Patient: A Nursing Perspective- 3 North.
Developed by a staff nurse, nurse educator, and a bariatric advance practice nurse, this
presentation included both the demographics and characteristics of the Bariatric patient
population. The nurse educator also discussed how to care for a Bariatric patient both
pre-op and post-op.
June 25, 2008 – VTE Prophylaxis & Treatment: A Mandate for Patient Safety. - Dr. Rabadi
and Debbie Lawler, MS, RN, CCRN. Presented by Dr. Nashat Rabadi, this presentation featured
information for nurses concerning patient safety as a professional obligation
August 27, 2008 – Labor and Delivery – Labor and Delivery. Several staff nurses reviewed
the special skills and experience needed to work in such a high stress environment.
September 24, 2008 – Pre-Surgical Testing. Nurses shared information on the processes
involved in patient evaluation prior to pre-planned surgery. The importances of accurate
information and prompt follow-through were highlighted as essential elements of presurgical
testing.
October 22, 2008 – What Do You Know About Palliative Care: 4 South Presents Truths
and Myths. Three staff nurses, a NP, and a physician presented the facts and the myths
concerning patients with chronic, debilitating, and fatal illnesses.
10

Nurses in the Community
Community Cancer Screening Day
September 13, 2008 - Presented by Dr. Ernesto Diaz-Ordaz and Karen Stawiasz, NP.
Dr. Andy’s Day for Kids
February 24, 2008 - Event at the Buffalo Brew Pub. Nurses support a basket raffle to
raise funds for the event.
Making Strides for Breast Cancer
October 5, 2008 - Educational booth ran by Karen Stawiasz, NP. Funds raised were donated to
various foundations (Reach to Recovery, Look Good…Feel Better, I Can Cope and Road to
Recover). Nurses from 3N, 3W, Specialty Center for Women, EFW, ED, 4S, and ASU participated.
Vascular Screening
May 17, 2008 - Moderated by two RN’s (Colleen O’Brien and Karen Rathman) and two NP’s
(Shirley Triplet and Karen Gutierrez). Findings were as follows: 4 severe, 31 mild/moderate, and
105 normal cases
Ovarian Cancer
October 22, 2008 - Presented by Maureen McCabe, RN.
Breast Education Classes for Female Students in Area High Schools
November and December 2008 - By Barbara Lippert, RN, Maureen McCabe, RN, and
Karen Stawiasz, NP. Four high schools participated in the event with 745 participants.
UB 15th Annual Nursing Convocation
November 11, 2008 - Presentation by Carol DiBella, RN, on her area of expertise, and the career
choices nursing students have once they graduate.
Santa Claus Stops at NICU
December 18, 2008 - Allows parents to relax a little, while Santa visits the tiny babies for their
first Christmas.
11

Quality in Nursing
The nursing department tracks several nursing-sensitive quality indicators both independently and
through the National Database for Nursing Quality Indicators (NDNQI). Indicators are measured,
reported and tracked at the unit level to be used for practice and process improvements using current
evidence and best practice. Indicators that are monitored and reported on include medication
errors, patient falls, core measures for congestive heart failure and community acquired pneumonia,
restraint use, and pressure ulcer prevalence. For the pressure ulcer prevalence and restraint
use- skin rounds are done on
the same day each month and
Sisters Hospital Pressure Ulcer Prevalence Rate
any patients in restraints are
12.0%
11.0%
documented. The results are
10.2%
10.3%
graphed for reporting to the
10.0%
units and up through the hospital
quality committee. They 8.0%
7.0%
are also reported through the
6.0%
6.0%
5.7%
5.8%
National Database for Nursing
5.1%
5.0%
Quality Indicators (NDNQI)
4.4%
4.2%
3.9%
4.0%
for benchmarking nationally.
These graphs show a trend of
overall improvement for the
use of restraints and pressure
ulcer prevalence for 2008.
2.0%
0.0%
Jan-08 Feb-08 Mar-08 Apr-08 May-08 Jun-08 Jul-08 Aug-08 Sep-08 Oct-08 Nov-08 Dec-08
Rate = Patients with H.A.ulcers /Total
patients surveyed
Total Hospital Rate
Linear (Total Hospital Rate)
The individual Unit Practice
Councils are charged with
analyzing the data and determining
ways to improve
outcomes for their unit. If
successful, they will share their
processes with the other units
in the hospital. When an opportunity
exists for improvement
on all patient care units,
a more global approach to the
problem is developed with all
units implementing the same
improvement plan.
12
10
3
146
# of Restraints
8
6
4
2
0
1
140
10158
Total Restraints
The results from all units are
monitored and shared with the
nurse managers with the expectation
that results are then communicated to the staff for further analysis and idea sharing. The intent is to
continue building our culture of patient safety and nursing excellence.
4
127
130
1 1
133
3
126
2
143
139
1 1
Jan-08 Feb-08 Mar-08 Apr-08 May-08 Jun-08 Jul-08 Aug-08 Sep-08 Oct-08 Nov-08 Dec-08
Pts with Restraints Number of patietnts surveyed Linear (Pts with Restraints)
120
2
127
0
96
180
160
140
120
# of Patients
100
80
60
40
20
0
12

Certifications
Agugliaro, Jane RN - Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing; NCC
Alessi, Jill RN - Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing; NCC
Ball, Jacqueline RN - Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing; NCC
Barnhart, Susan MSN - Neonatal NP Certification; NCC
Bartholomew, Marjorie RN – Nursing Case Management; ANCC
Baumgartner, Bridget RN - CNOR
Bohacki, Robin RN - Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing; NCC
Boctor, Michelle RN - Medical/Surgical AACN
Buckley, Maureen RN - Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing; NCC
Butler, Cindy RN - Medical/Surgical Nursing; AMSN
Caci, Nadine RN - Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing; NCC
Cirbus, Susan RN – Nursing Case Management; ANCC
Cleary, Christine RN - Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing; NCC
Collins, Patricia RN - Low Risk Neonatal Nursing; NCC
Croyle, Barbara RN - Low Risk Neonatal Nursing; NCC
Dake, Ginalyn RN - Low Risk Neonatal Nursing; NCC
Dillon, Mary MS RN – Nurse Executive Advanced; ANCC
Dollman, Jen RN – CNOR
Donofrio, Margy RN - CASC
Engl, Cindy RN - Maternal/Newborn Inpatient Obstetrics; NCC
Fahey, Gail Ann RN - PCCN; AACN
Foster, Bridget RN - Medical/Surgical Nursing; AMSN
Gajewski, Joanne RN - Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing; NCC
Goff, Robin RN - Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing; NCC
Groves, Kate RN - CNOR
Harf, Lisa RN - Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing; NCC
Hughes, Margaret RN - CRNFA; AORN
Inglut, Michelle RN - Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing; NCC
Jamil, Gamileh RN - Lactation Consultant
Jones, Maureen RN - Inpatient Obstetrics; NCC
Kane, Francine RN - Inpatient Obstetrics; NCC
Kessler, Mary RN - CNOR
Kingston, Stacey RN - Low Risk Neonatal Nursing; NCC; IBCLC
Kirkpatrick, Norine RN - IBCLC
13

Certifications
14
Knighton, Nancy RN - Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing; NCC
Koniarczyk, Maria RN - Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing; NCC
Krull, Linda RN - Nephrology; ANNA
Lawler, Deborah MS RN – CCRN; ACCN
Lewandowski, Karen RN - Medical/Surgical Nursing; AMSN
Maloney, Kathy RN - PCCN; AACN
Marciniak, David RN – CEN; ENA
May, Linda RN - CNOR; CCI
McGowan, Debra RN - Maternal Child; NCC
McGregor, Jean Ellen RN – CPAN; ABPANC
Metro, Margaret RN - Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing; NCC
Metzen, Sue RN - Inpatient Obstetric Nursing; NCC
Michalski, Valerie RN - CEN
Mihalics, Jacqueline RN - Inpatient Obstetric Nursing Certification; NCC
Miller, Judith RN - Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing; NCC
Miller, Sally RN – Nephrology; ANNA
Monaghan, Pamela RN – Nursing Case Management; ANCC
Murphy, Mary RN - PCCN; AACN
Nolder, Karen RN - IBCLC; RN
Novack, Susan RN – CPAN; ABPANC
Nowak, Lynn RN - Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing; NCC
Parise, Tina RN - Neuroscience; RN; CNRN; ABNN
Perryman, Colleen RN- Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing; NCC
Petrosky, Jennifer RN - Chemotherapy
Pfalzer, Susan MSN - Neonatal NP; NCC
Regan, Kimberly RN - Inpatient Obstetric Nursing; NCC
Roberts, Barbara RN - Inpatient Obstetric Nursing; NCC
Robey, Judy RN - Maternal Child; NCC
Robbins, Susan RN – Nursing Case Management; ANCC
Ruda, Sabra RN - Neuroscience Registered Nursing; ABNN
Rusch, Karen RN - Inpatient Obstetric Nursing; NCC
Ruschmann, Amanda RN - Medical/Surgical Nursing; ANCC
Rusinski, Sue RN - IBCLC
Rutowski, Jerome RN - PCCN; AACN

Certifications
Samra, Amandeep RN- Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing; NCC
Santana, Candace RN - Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing; NCC
Schmidt, Pamela RN - Inpatient Obstetric Nursing; NCC
Schmit, Donna RN - Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing; NCC
Simonick, Tracey RN - Medical/Surgical Nursing; AMSN
Smith, Lisa RN – Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing NCC
Smith, Lynne RN - Inpatient Obstetric Nursing; NCC
Smith, Vicki, MSN - WHNP; NCC
Sweet, Karen RN – Nursing Case Management; ANCC
Twiss, Betti Jane RN - Medical/Surgical Nursing; ANCC
Verso-Kulik, Ellen RN - Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing; NCC
WAkshull, Nancy RN - Inpatient Obstetric Nursing; NCC
Westfield, Debra RN - Certified Neuroscience Registered Nurse; ABNN
White-Thompson, Robyn RN - Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing; NCC
Wierda, Mary RN - Medical/Surgical Nursing; ANCC
Winner, Theresa MSN - Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing
Wolf, John RN - PCCN; AACN
Worden, Joanne RN - Maternal/Newborn Obstetrics; NCC
Wryk, Lynette, RN - Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner- A
Yeates, Carolyn RN – Nursing Care Management; ANCC
Zbaczyniak, Mary Jane RN - Certification in Low Risk Neonatal Nursing; NCC
Zbytek, Tina RN - IBCLC
Zybert, Lisa RN – IBCLC
15

Awards and Recognitions
Nurse of Distinction and Outstanding Staff Nurses
We are proud to present Lynette WRYk as Sisters Hospital Nurse
of Distinction for 2008. Lynette has been a member of the Emergency
Department for over twenty years, specializing as a Sexual Assault
Nurse Examiner. While providing other valuable expertise in areas
such as HIV counseling and implementing the SANE program in
Western New York, Lynette has influenced policies and procedures
that are still used today. Outside of the ED, Lynette participates in
many hospital-wide programs, such as sitting on the ER Quality
Council, participating on the Preceptor Committee, and leading the
Grand Rounds presentation on Triage.
In addition to her service to Sisters Hospital, Lynette has also been a
pillar in her community, serving such worthy endeavors as the Emergency Nurses Association, the
Rape Advisory Council for Buffalo and Erie County, the International Association of Forensic Nursing,
and the NYS Coalition Against Sexual Assault. In addition to her community activities, Lynette
has succeeded in being an inspiration to all nurses, as she personifies what it means to truly practice
what you preach.
As a member of the Sisters Hospital nursing team for twenty two
years, Mary Miller was recognized as one of our Outstanding
Staff Nurses for 2008. Currently working in the NICU, Mary has
also worked in 3 South and the ICU. Mary makes a special effort to
include family members of each patient in her care plans, ensuring
that they all feel included and respected. She also is active in many
professional development programs and special projects, such as the
development of Soarian, co-presenting the Nursing Grand Rounds,
and applying the principles of Performance Improvement to nurse
managers and charge nurses. Overall, Mary demonstrates exemplary
professional nursing practice.
16

Awards and Recognitions
Congratulations to Sandra Nagro, 4 North, who was
named a Sisters Hospital 2008 Outstanding Staff Nurse AND
the Western New York Professional Nurses Association District
1 Outstanding Staff Nurse.
Sandra’s clinical patient care skills as a registered nurse on the
telemetry unit at Sisters Hospital are impeccable. While specializing
in wound and skin care, Sandra excels at teaching patients
and their families in preparation for discharge and care at home.
She serves as a role model for nurses particularly on her floor,
4 North, as she always holds herself personally accountable for
any needs patients may have.
Congratulations to the recipients of the 2008 Love Award
Sharon Wicks, rn, 3rd quarter and Eileen Fabiano, rn, 4th quarter.
Congratulations to the 2008 Community Wellness Champion
Maureen McCabe, RN – recognized for exemplary leadership in the promotion of Healthy
Communities and Healthy Personal Behaviors. Presented by Regional Prevention Initiatives.
17

Opportunities For Professional Development
Opportunities for professional development are provided through:
Pearl’s Review – An online program for continuing education in a variety of specialty
subjects, with free CEU’s available for those who need to maintain certification.
CHS University – Classroom and online courses available to all CHS associates in various
areas of leadership development.
Nursing Reference Center – An online resource for nurses to keep up on patient education
and earn free CEU’s.
Certification Achievement Award – Designed to encourage and recognize RN’s for
enhancing their knowledge and skills through attainment of professional certification or
acknowledgment.
Tuition Reimbursement – Provided for courses and training which further the RN’s
education, background, and clinical expertise.
Enhanced Tuition Reimbursement –
Catholic Health’s Enhanced Tuition Reimbursement
Program can help pay up to 100%
of your tuition costs if you are attending an accredited
school for a degree in a high-demand
position (such as Nursing, Pharmacy, Laboratory
Sciences, Physical/Occupational Therapy,
and several other clinical areas). Eligibility for
both tuition reimbursement programs start
after one year of employment with Catholic
Health. Regular part time associates are eligible
to receive prorated benefits. Sixteen nurses received funds from this program to assist
with their career continuing education in 2008.
ECCO Program – Since 2004, ECCO (Essentials of Critical Care Orientation) has been the
AACN’s (American Association of Critical Care Nurses) standard education program for
nurses new to critical care. It is a combination of web based learning and didactics with case
studies. Interested nurses should contact the nurse manager of the Critical Care Unit to register
for the course.
18
Fund for Nursing Excellence - Thanks to a generous gift from the medical staff, the Fund
for Nursing Excellence has been established as a continuing education endowment.
The purpose of the fund is to enable RN’s to maintain and enhance their professional skills,
helping them to meet professional certification and recertification requirements. Scholarships
are awarded to those applicants who have demonstrated a commitment and
made contributions to Sisters Hospital.

Educational Accomplishments
Pamela Schmidt – Bachelor of Science, Nursing
Katie Steg – Master of Science, Nursing; Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner
Sharon Manning – Master of Science, Nursing
Jennifer Scarpena – Bachelor of Science, Nursing
Angela Locke – Bachelor of Science, Nursing
Amanda Karus – Master of Science, Nurse Practitioner
Welcome New RNs/GNs Hired in 2008
Name Unit Start Date
Fetzer, Nicole ICU 1/7/2008
Yost, Catherine 4 South 1/7/2008
Gunning, Kathryn 4 South 1/7/2008
Dantzler, Tamika 3 South 1/7/2008
Horey, Nicole 3 West 1/7/2008
Cummings, Kathleen Newborn Nursery 1/21/2008
Lavis, Karen Newborn Nursery 2/4/2008
Hazel, James 4 North 2/11/2008
Snyder, Karen 2 North 2/18/2008
Brill, Rachel ICU 7/7/2008
Daniel, Patricia 4 North 3/3/2008
Gangarossa, Nellie OR 3/17/2008
Murali, Sagari 4 North 6/2/2008
Zbock, Colleen 4 North 6/2/2008
Ringer, Madison ICU 7/7/2008
Samra, Amandeep NICU 3/10/2008
Sykes, Cheneen 3 West 4/7/2008
Kennelly, Kelly Newborn Nursery 6/2/2008
Bellino, Kristyn 4 North 7/7/2008
Pugliese, Sarah 3 West 6/2/2008
Underwood, Robert ICU 6/2/2008
Keicher, Tina 3 West 7/7/2008
Sardina, Sarah Newborn Nursery 5/5/2008
White, Alyssa OR 6/2/2008
Greenwood, Susan NICU 4/21/2008
Stitt, Loren 3 North 7/7/2008
Harbridge, Maria 3 South 6/2/2008
Lengen, Renae 3 South 6/2/2008
Dewolfe, Julie 3 North 6/2/2008
19

Welcome New RNs/GNs Hired in 2008
20
Name Unit Start Date
Lannen, Erik 4 South 6/2/2008
King, Indea 3 South 6/2/2008
Dukarm, Laura 3 South 6/2/2008
Leppard, Jamie 3 South 7/7/2008
Kibler, Kelly 2 North 6/2/2008
Andrie, Jennifer 4 South 6/2/2008
Hamilton, Paula ICU 6/2/2008
Feger, Amy L & D 7/7/2008
Lynch, Alexis 3 North 7/7/2008
Merlino, Leanne 3 North 7/6/2008
Chapman, Sigrid Newborn Nursery 6/9/2008
Dobie, Diane NICU 7/7/2008
Goodwin, Christine Newborn Nursery 7/7/2008
Bearss, Roselyn L & D 7/7/2008
Henderson, Ykeeta 3 North 7/7/2008
Wood, Mary NICU 7/7/2008
Sokolski, Nancy Endoscopy 8/18/2008
Minyard, Kathleen 4 North 8/4/2008
Groves, Kathleen Windsong 8/4/2008
Morlock, Danielle Nursing Floats 8/19/2008
Payne, Angela Nursing Floats 9/8/2008
Ward, Kelley L & D 10/6/2008
Kelchlin, Sharon 4 South 10/6/2008
Bucello, Margaret ICU 9/8/2008
Scoccia, Denise ICU 10/6/2008
Corriere, Carlene 3 West 10/6/2008
Felder, Cynthia Flex Staff 11/3/2008
Kammerer, Sally NICU 10/6/2008
Sweeney, Sarah L & D 10/13/2008
Kruszka, Jessica 3 North 10/6/2008
Scales, Deborah 3 South 12/1/2008
Edmonson, Lisa NICU 10/13/2008
Conorozzo, Danielle 3 North 12/1/2008
Czachorowski, Teresa 4 South 11/4/2008
Kling, Patricia L & D 11/3/2008
Weibel, Charlene L & D 11/3/2008
Coleman, Dawn 3 South 12/1/2008
Ziemann, Kristine NICU 12/1/2008
Washington, Gayle Dialysis 12/15/2008

Hospitals are held together,
glued together, enabled to
function ... by the Nurses
-Lewis Thomas

Sisters of Charity Hospital
2157 Main Street
Buffalo, NY 14214
(716) 862-1000
www.chsbuffalo.org
Our Mission
We are called to reveal the healing love
of Jesus to those in need.
Our 2020 Vision
Inspired by faith and committed to
excellence, we will lead the transformation of
healthcare in our communities.