Thanks to the efforts of our dedicated staff, NHRMC cared for an elevated number of patients on Thursday. Staff members adjusted their schedules to help with the workload and the collaboration across the system was evident in Thursday’s success.
Moving patients earlier in the day was one of the key methods incorporated. With more than 70 patients awaiting beds, NHRMC staff and physicians completed 25 discharges by 11 a.m. and moved seven other patients to the SNF Discharge (BZ) lobby, where they were cared for until their transportation arrived.
Those were just two of many tools NHRMC used to care for an influx of patients. Some other successful tactics included:
- With the help of additional staffing, Dr. Mary Rudyk was able to admit six patients at the NHRMC Orthopedic Hospital, freeing up those beds at NHRMC.
- Incident commander David Long rounded on patient care areas, helping to procure equipment and addressing any barriers to patient flow and throughput.
- Pender Memorial Hospital accepted two patients.
- Case management facilitated on some complicated discharges.
- Environmental Services and Patient Transport shifted their work schedules to ensure ample staff was available during the busiest times of day.
- Nurses in the Emergency Department triaged patients in the lobby when all beds and exam rooms were in use.
- Nurse managers canceled meetings to they could stay on their floors to help with patient care and staff management.
“We appreciate the collaboration across the system,” said Lynn Gordon, Vice President of Legal Affairs and Administrator on Call. “Your dedication to our patients is evident in the teamwork displayed today.”
Chief Nursing Executive Mary Ellen Bonczek echoed those thoughts.
“Thank you to everyone involved for delivering patient-centered care efficiently without sacrificing quality and patient safety,” Bonczek said. “We must harness our successes from today and re-apply them tomorrow and in the future.”