Nurses complete at least one research project annually. In 2019, the Research Council conducted a research project titled “The Effect of Earplug Use on Patient Satisfaction Related to Quietness of Their Environment for Inpatients in the Acute Setting of a Community Hospital.
Susan BSN, RN, CGRN a clinical nurse in the Endoscopy Department served as the principal investigator. The study demonstrated patients younger than 65 years of age were significantly more likely to use earplugs, were more satisfied with the quietness of their environment, and demonstrated a higher degree of satisfaction with the sleep they got. The study was presented at the 2019 Research Day hosted by the University of Kentucky.
In 2020, Lisa DNP, RNC-OB, NE-BC, a Center for Women’s Health nurse completed a research project “The Impact of Nursing Staff Responsiveness on Patient Satisfaction: A Pilot Project”.
The study examined the impact of a responsiveness bundle including implementation of a no-pass zone and hourly rounding on an acute care medical unit. Results indicated consistent use of the responsiveness bundle resulted in decreased call light use and increased patient satisfaction.
Excellence and quality
FRMC nurses provide their patients and families with excellent, evidence-based care. As a result, several departments have received the HCA Unit of Distinction Awards.
To receive a Unit of Distinction Award, unit-specific data must demonstrate outcomes including nurse satisfaction, hospital-acquired conditions, nurse certification rates, patient satisfaction scores, and other specialty-specific outcomes are within the top 5% of the corporation comprised of 163 acute care hospitals.
Here are some awards we received:
- In 2019, several FRMC departments received the Unit of Distinction Awards.
- The PACU was awarded first place Unit of Distinction honors in the corporation.
- The Outpatient Surgery Area received fifth place Unit of Distinction honors in the corporation.
- The OR was awarded the seventh place Unit of Distinction honors in the corporation.
- The Behavioral Health Unit received an 18th place designation in the corporation.
Nurses provide patients with excellent care in the inpatient care areas of PCU, ICU, Third Floor, and Fourth Floor.
For example, in 2020, ZERO patients have experienced hospital-acquired central line, urinary catheter, or C-Difficile infections.
Autonomy and accountability
FRMC nurses coordinate patient care. Nurse-driven protocols ensure patients receive timely care based upon nurse assessment of patient condition.
Sepsis Protocol
Nurses assess patients for the signs and symptoms of sepsis and order labs and medications based upon an evidence-based protocol if the possibility of sepsis is identified. This autonomy has resulted in timely intervention and reduced a decreased mortality rate for patients diagnosed with sepsis.
Stroke Protocol
When a patient demonstrates the signs and symptoms of a stroke at the time of admission or during a change of shift assessment, the nurses will activate a stroke alert and initiates evidence-based interventions designed to maximize patient recovery.
As a result, the results of CT scans are available within 45 minutes, and the mortality rate for ischemic stroke was decreased.
Total Joint Boot Camp
Surgery Department nurses coordinate a boot camp attended by patients scheduled for a total joint procedure prior to surgery. During the boot camp, patients are educated regarding the procedure, anesthesia, pain management, postoperative care, mobility, and care post-discharge.
As a result, the length of stay for total joint patients has decreased by over two days.