TL5a
Advocacy and Influence TL5
Provide one example, with supporting evidence, of the CNO’s advocacy for and acquisition of organizational resources specific to nurses’ well-being.
Example a: Pet Therapy
CNO Advocacy for Resources Related to Health and Safety
In August 2021, during the COVID pandemic, nurses at Catholic Health Initiatives (CHI) St. Vincent Hot Springs (SVHS) were struggling with their well-being. The father of Clinical Nurse Jeri Lyn Crain, BSN, RN, Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU), became very ill with COVID. Crain was caring for a COVID patient who reminded her of her father, as he was the same age and had the same mannerisms.
When this patient went into cardiac arrest, the MICU team attempted to resuscitate him but there was nothing left that anyone could do. However, Crain would not stop doing chest compressions; she was tearful and determined because she saw the patient as her father. The other nurses had to physically keep her from continuing chest compressions and assist her out of the room.
Meeting with Clinical Nurse
MICU Nurse Manager Sheila Clemens, BSN, RN was made aware of the situation and brought it to the attention of Teresa Lambert, MBA, BSN, RN, Vice President Patient Care Services/Assistant Chief Nursing Officer (role of CNO). Lambert spoke with Crain, who shared what had transpired. As they talked through the situation, Lambert asked Crain questions to better understand what could prevent similar situations and ensure nurses are encouraged and supported to make healthy behavior choices. Crain eventually said that seeing her dog would have helped console her.
Creating SBAR Proposal
Lambert recalled that Arkansas Hospice (AH), a contracted service in the hospital, had pet therapy prior to COVID. The purpose of pet therapy is to help people cope with health or emotional problems and make them feel good (Buzhardt L. Therapy Pets. VCA Hospitals. 2016. https//vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/therapy-pets). Lambert identified this as a great opportunity to advocate for health resources for CHI SVHS nurses by bringing in pet therapy. Lambert created a Situation, Background, Assessment and Recommendation (SBAR). (Evidence TL5a-1, Pet Therapy SBAR)
Obtaining Administration Support
Lambert took the SBAR to the Administration Council on September 6, 2021 to advocate for bringing pet therapy to CHI SVHS to help with the nurses’ well-being. The council discussed the idea, and all members embraced it.
Connecting with Arkansas Hospice Pet Therapy Services
Lambert contacted AH and acquired the contact information for Diane Masingill, the pet owner providing pet therapy for AH. Lambert scheduled a call with Masingill on September 8, 2021, during which Masingill said she was unable to assist with providing pet therapy but referred Lambert to pet owner Kathy Danley. Lambert called Danley to discuss the logistics of providing pet therapy to the hospital. Danley agreed to provide complimentary pet therapy, bringing one or two dogs to CHI SVHS weekly. The designated area for the pet therapy would be the Relaxation Station. (Evidence TL5a-2, Calendar Invite and Notes with Masingill)
CNO Acquisition of Resources for Organization’s Nurses
Lambert announced at Leadership Forum on September 15, 2021 that pet therapy was going to start weekly, with the first session on September 28, 2021. (Evidence TL5a-3, Leadership Forum Minutes and Roster) Flyers were handed out to kick off the newly acquired resource for CHI SVHS nurses’ well-being. (Evidence TL5a-4, Pet Therapy Flyer)
Lambert’s advocacy for pet therapy resulted in the addition of a successful well-being resource for CHI SVHS nurses’ health and safety. Pet therapy sessions, led by Danley, have been well-attended by many clinical nurses. (Evidence TL5a-5, Sample Pet Therapy Rosters) Pet therapy supports a healthy emotional lifestyle and may prevent other nurses from experiencing a situation such as Crain’s.