In the fast-paced environment of a hospital, exceptional individuals or teams often go above and beyond in ensuring safety and security for all. This year, AHHA's Front-Line Staff Outstanding Performance Award is given to Joelle Burdick, RN, for her remarkable contributions to enhancing safety and security in the obstetrics department South Peninsula Hospital (SPH).
Joelle, SPH's OB Director, spearheaded various initiatives aimed at fortifying safety measures within the hospital's obstetrics department. Her coworker Meredith Pearson, who nominated her for the award, commended Joelle's efforts, noting that she “has made SPH a safer place to deliver a baby and to work as an OB nurse, while maintaining the hometown hospital appeal that many families desire.”
One of the substantial changes implemented under Joelle's leadership involves enhancing infant security within the OB unit. She initiated measures such as locking the unit and nurses' station, implementing a badge system for entry and exit, increasing security cameras, and updating infant banding protocols. These proactive steps have significantly boosted the level of safety and security within the unit, providing peace of mind for both patients and staff.
Joelle has worked to train more Infant Car Seat Tolerance Technicians at SPH. These technicians not only conduct pre-natal classes but also ensure the proper fitting of infant car seats for newborns being discharged home. SPH is also now able to test the safety of very tiny neonates in infant car seats, significantly reducing risks.
Under Joelle's guidance, the staffing matrix at SPH has been updated to align with the Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses standards for over 90% of OB patients in triage, delivery, and post-partum care. Her dedication to improving documentation processes and enhancing staff competencies is truly commendable. Notably, Joelle collaborated with Surgical Services to ensure seamless departmental transitions during emergencies, serving as co-leader during a recent massive transfusion policy drill across four departments.
Joelle Burdick truly embodies excellence in front-line leadership by bringing innovative quality and safety practices to her role. Her proactive approach to enhancing safety standards within SPH's obstetrics department showcases her commitment to creating a secure environment for both patients and staff.
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