TL5b
Advocacy and Influence TL5
Provide one example, with supporting evidence, of a nurse’s(s’) (exclusive of the CNO) advocacy for and acquisition of resources specific to nurses’ well-being at the unit or department/division level.
Example b: Emergency Department Triage Doors
Nurse’s Advocacy for Resources Related to Health and Safety
The Catholic Health Initiatives (CHI) St. Vincent Hot Springs (SVHS) emergency department (ED) strives to protect the patients and coworkers within the department. In January 2023, during Renee Fechuch, MSN, RN, Clinical Director of Nursing, rounds, Paige Whitehead, RN, brought forward a serious safety concern involving triage 1 and triage 2 rooms.
Whitehead voiced concerns for her overall safety and well-being while being assigned as the triage nurse on her shifts. She feared that her well-being was at risk in an emergency/lockdown situation, because the doors did not shut or lock. There was no barrier to protect staff while working in these areas. These doors had deadbolt locks, but due to the weight of the doors and the doors being on hollow frames, the doors would no longer close, leaving the nurses feeling unsafe.
Whitehead was a new mom, and being in a potentially unsafe environment was affecting her overall well-being. The health and safety element of well-being “focuses on prevention, assessment and treatment of potential health risks and problems and encouraging and supporting healthy lifestyle and behavior choices” (Grawitch & Ballard, 2016). On January 12, 2023, Fechuch brought this health and safety issue to the Workplace Violence Council. (Evidence TL5b-1, 1-12-23 WPV Minutes and Roster)
Fechuch then collaborated with TJ Ford, Security Supervisor, and Craig Mietzner, Maintenance Electronics Technician, to do an assessment of the ED triage doors. During that same week, both triage 1 and triage 2 doors had a temporary fix. Both doors would close with some force and manually lock. (Evidence TL5b-2, 1-18-23 WPV Minutes and Roster)
After Fechuch brought forward the safety concerns of the triage doors, the temporary fix was complete. However, a permanent solution was needed. Mietzner contacted contractor Arkansas Glass, who was to provide an estimate and timeframe for the repairs.
Mietzner continued to reach out to Arkansas Glass on multiple occasions. Fechuch continued to stay in contact with Mietzner via email to try and expedite the repairs. Mietzner reported back to Fechuch that Arkansas Glass was waiting on additional parts that were not part of the original order and it would be a few more weeks. (Evidence TL5b-3, Delay of Job)
Arkansas Glass gave no updates to CHI SVHS in July and August. It was decided by David Terry, Director of Facilities, to use a different contractor. On September 14, 2023, based on Terry’s request, Smith Glass Services assessed the doors and provided an estimate. The estimate was $514 for each door, and two doors needed an eight-foot hinge in metal trim for a total of $1,028. (Evidence TL5b-4, Smith Glass Services Estimate)
Nurse’s Acquisition of Resources for Health and Safety
On October 10, 2023, Smith Glass completed the job, placing a continuous hinge down both doors. With this reinforcement, the doors are fully aligned and can fully close and lock with ease. The acquisition of the resources was obtained, and the job was paid for in full. (Evidence TL5b-5, Paid Invoice and Completion Date Email)
Clinical nurse director Fechuch’s advocacy for resources resulted in nurses’ health and safety well-being needs being met. The nurses at the CHI SVHS report feeling safer with the triage doors closing and locking.