Registered Nursing Position Indiana

There’s No Charge to Check Ethics Baggage

Tuesday, August 17, 2010 by Lucia D. Wocial, PhD, RN, CCNS, Clarian Nurse Ethicist

I am an ethics geek. I believe consulting with someone who is an expert in identifying ethical issues in complex patient situations and who has negotiation skills helps patients and helps the people who care for patients. So why is it so hard for people to ask for help in ethically challenging situations?

“Ethics” comes with baggage. In the old days, people would call ethics when someone was behaving badly. Physicians in particular were naturally defensive when they would hear “We’ve called ethics” because that translated into “You are behaving badly” or worse “You are unethical.”

Ethics is personal and when someone says, “We need help from ethics” it feels like hearing someone say, “Your morals are not good enough!” Ethics may be personal, but ethics consultation is professional. So how does one overcome this attitude on top of so much baggage from the past?

At Clarian, we’ve adopted a policy for ethics consultation. It describes what an ethics consultation is, namely a service meant to help patients, families and health care providers address ethical dilemmas. The goal of an ethics consultation is to promote and support sound ethical reasoning and thoughtful problem-solving in clinical practice.

Perhaps the most significant challenge to requesting an ethics consultation is the fear that asking for help will get someone in trouble. Intimidation and or reprisals (retaliation) for seeking help are inconsistent with Clarian’s core value of a community of trust and respect. Retaliation comes in many forms: cold shoulder, questioning judgment, changing an assignment, even yelling at someone. None of these responses, from anyone, is appropriate when an ethics consultation has been requested.

Clarian has an open access ethics consultation policy, meaning anyone involved in the care of a patient may request assistance from ethics. It takes a great deal of courage to seek help in a situation where you feel more than one choice may be right, and it is unclear what is best for a patient.

Lucia D. Wocial, PhD, RN
Clarian Health Nurse Ethicist

To be a registered nurse at Clarian, visit Registered Nursing Position Indiana.

Teamwork Promotes Safe and Ethical Behavior

Saturday, July 17, 2010 by Lucia D. Wocial, PhD, RN, CCNS, Clarian Nurse Ethicist

When was the last time you tried to name Disney’s Seven Dwarfs? (Doc, Grumpy, Dopey, Sneezy, Sleepy, Bashful and Happy.) It’s a safe bet the Seven Dwarfs knew each other’s names, and Snow White learned them pretty quickly. The dwarfs had to rely on each other, and Snow White had to rely on them. They were, in essence, a team, in part because of established obligations of fidelity.

Like the fictional world of Disney, our very real world of health care involves obligations of fidelity. These obligations arise whenever a health care professional establishes a significant relationship with someone else, usually a patient. Fidelity establishes a commitment to another person, a promise to be faithful and loyal. Obviously we need to establish this relationship with patients, but what about establishing one with our teammates?

We all know that our teams look different this time of year. July is a difficult time. The hospital is flooded with new interns and residents typically just after an influx of newly graduated nurses. We haven’t had a chance to get to know each other or establish relationships. A recent study reviewed deaths from medication errors and found a 10 percent spike in these events in teaching hospitals in July. The authors of the study hypothesized that part of the explanation for this was that medical residents operate more independently than on a team.

Anyone who has ever been involved in a medication error knows that an entire team is involved in the administration of medication, not just the physician. An intervention to improve patient safety offers a simple, reasonable opportunity for us to address the “July effect.” It’s called the activation phenomenon.

Better teamwork is observed when people on a team take the time to introduce themselves to each other. When people know the names of others on the team, they are more likely to speak up if they see a problem.

Take the time to establish a relationship with members of your new team. Introduce yourself and make sure your teammates know you are committed not just to patients, but also to the success of the team. Formally establishing fiduciary relationships with each other in support of safe, quality patient care promotes ethical practice.

Lucia D. Wocial, PhD, RN
Clarian Health Nurse Ethicist

To be a registered nurse at Clarian, visit Registered Nursing Position Indiana.

Perpetual Students

Thursday, June 24, 2010 by Gwenn Christianson, MSN, RN, CSPI

The first week in May is the week of the American Association of Poison Control Center’s national examination for Certified Specialists in Poison Information. As employees of Indiana Poison Center, passing this examination is central to our continued careers – we all must be certified to work at the Center. Certification involves passing the exam the initial time and then re-certifying every 7 years.

Four of my colleagues are taking the exam this year, 2 re-certifying and 2 certifying for the first time. Naturally the anxiety level around the center has been high. People are constantly quizzing each other, researching answers on-line, even digging out textbooks to confirm their conclusions.

While I appreciate the natural nervousness that comes with taking exams, especially exams upon which one’s job is dependent, I am always glad to see exam time come around each year. It does wonders for the level of intellectual stimulation in the center! Instead of approaching days as routine, RNs are starting each day looking for new and different things “that might be on the test.” “Old” topics are reviewed and novel themes are discovered. Fresh approaches to known subjects are suddenly found, resulting in new knowledge.

It would be delightful if we could each find it within ourselves to keep that “study” mindset available year round. If we were always open and ready to learn, actively seeking knowledge, not just waiting for it to be fed to us, think what a difference it would make in our careers and our enjoyment of them!

Gwenn

Gwenn Christianson, MSN, RN, CSPI
Senior Partner and Team Leader
Indiana Poison Center, Methodist Hospital

To be a registered nurse at Clarian, visit Registered Nursing Position Indiana.

A Compliment in Disguise

Friday, May 28, 2010 by Lucia D. Wocial, PhD, RN, CCNS, Clarian Nurse Ethicist

Skilled communication demonstrates authentic leadership; respect for others.

A colleague recently paid me a huge compliment. She was direct, professional and clear. We had a conversation and she was trying to tell me some important information, but she told me that I had cut her off. How in the world is this sort of feedback a compliment?

My colleague was demonstrating behavior consistent with an organizational culture that fosters respect for individuals. She demonstrated skilled communication when it was difficult and by doing so, showed what authentic leadership is all about (AACN Standard for a Healthy Work Environment). She maintained a duty to herself by keeping her dignity intact and letting me know that my actions were not respectful (ANA Code of Ethics). She focused on the professional and did not make it personal.

She believed enough in an ethical climate at work – one that respects open honest communication – that she took a chance and called me on my behavior. To me, this feedback is an enormous compliment. My colleague trusted me and valued my role on the team enough to give me feedback that could help me in the future.

At the time of our conversation, I thought I was skillfully keeping her focused, but I was wrong. I didn’t mean to be, but clearly I was rude. Thankfully she had enough courage to help me see what I had done.

May is a busy time at Clarian. We are preparing for a large influx of newly graduating nurses. My recent experience made me think about what impact each of us will have on our new colleagues.

Will we embrace them and be intentional about our healthy work environment? Can we count on each other to be accountable when our behavior is not consistent with an ethical climate at work? I for one am grateful to colleagues who believe enough in me to give me opportunities to grow.

Lucia D. Wocial, PhD, RN
Clarian Health Nurse Ethicist

To be a registered nurse at Clarian, visit Registered Nursing Position Indiana.

Enjoy Nurses Month; Eat Some Ice Cream

Monday, May 3, 2010 by Sherry Holden, BSN, RN, Associate Partner

Get ready, set, go…it’s May! From the first to the last day, there will be some type of race: horse races, people races, cars races. We will move from inside to outside and begin grilling, gardening, biking, hiking-it seems endless. Add an ING to just about any word and we will do it in May. I’m a bit weary thinking about all of the possibilities and the month is only a few days old!

May is also “Nurses Month” at Clarian. It is really supposed to be Nurses Week, but Clarian always goes above and beyond. This year’s agenda is no exception. There is certainly something for everyone. Several awards are bestowed to highlight excellence in practice, banquets are held and a few lucky people get to spend a day at the track. I personally enjoy the Nursing 2000 Scholarship Banquet. It is a great cause for nursing and a great venue for networking. Sherry G., the person who hires me 17 years ago, is usually there. I consider her one of the greatest nurses I have known over a long career and a wonderful human being. Colleagues are the greatest! I also like the concept of “Nurses Helping Nurses”. While nurse gifts in the past were appreciated, I think it’s much more appropriate to make a donation to a nurse-inspired charitable program. I like to see the innovative contributions nurses are making. Most of the time, I am oblivious to these programs but May brings them to the forefront. I like the traditions that surround the festivities and I like the improvisation: last year on 4-Medicine we had a surprise birthday party for Florence Nightingale!

I have concluded that one of my favorite traditions of Nurses Month is Ice Cream Day. Sure, some nurses would prefer a healthy alternative, and that is fine. But me, I really like ice cream! I think in moderation it is a good thing. I also really like the concept of administrators coming to MY space to serve me ice cream and say “thank you” for a job well done. It would be great if Ms. Lydia O. would bring my ice cream this year. How fun would that be? Ice cream is such a good celebration treat: versus broccoli, for example.

I am also a person that needs a little recognition and appreciation now and then, which is another reason I find Nurses Month so fitting. Fifty years ago, my grandfather gifted me with a simple work ethic I have carried all my life: if someone is willing to hire you, you owe that person 100% effort for a day’s pay. I strive to reach that mark everyday. I have also learned over time that the reward of nursing is much more than the pay we earn. It is in the work of our hands and hearts and it returns to us through the lives we have touched.

This month is a time for all nurses to celebrate. A line from the musical, Camelot, says, “It’s May! It’s May! The month of YES, you may!” This month, I am consciously going to say: YES to nursing, YES to appreciating my colleagues, YES to having fun and YES to ice cream! Next month….. I’ll eat broccoli!

Happy Nurses Month!

Sherry Holden, BSN, RN
Associate Partner, 4South, IU Hospital

To be a registered nurse at Clarian, visit Registered Nursing Position Indiana.

Nurses, Go for the Gold!

Wednesday, February 24, 2010 by Sherry Holden, BSN, RN, Associate Partner

Like most of you, I have been watching the Olympics. Every venue has its awe - except Curling. I don’t seem as thrilled about a broom and a stone as I do watching Shaun White fly out of the half pipe! I suppose the badgers and the Canadians would disagree. I imagine that is part of the lure of the Games - we all have our preferences. One thing I am acutely aware of is the training and commitment required of each of these athletes. It is truly amazing. I heard the interview with Apolo Anton Ohno regarding his regime and agreed with Brian Williams’ over-all assessment when he said, “These people have DNA that the rest of us do not have”! Apolo not only talked about his preparation but he talked about his goals. He has daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly goals that culminate with the ultimate prize that happens every four years.

I’ve been thinking about goals. Without them, it seems life just happens. In reality, perhaps I could be a curler in the next Olympics - if I start soon. Or, maybe, I could just get my life in order and have a goal for the day! Clarian has been presenting Forums this month about our accomplishments and goals on the road to preeminence and I have the new Joint Commission goals ever present on my name tag. Every day when I arrive at work, I set up a care of plan for each patient that contains two goals for the day. It seems everyone has goals but me.

I did a random, non-scientific pole of my peers the other day and asked the simple question, “What is your goal for today”? Responses:

Survive - be happy - keep my patient from falling.
Get through the day! Keep my sickle cell happy and my other patient’s wife from being mad at me.
To leave here and go home happy.
Get out on time.
To be organized and not become stressed-out.
Do no harm.

I guess I am a bit naïve. I thought someone would say, “I have been reviewing the Synergy Model for Patient Care and my goal for the day, probably the week, is to enhance my communication skills and become consciously aware of the manner in which I interact with people.” That didn’t happen. I didn’t even come up with that idea until right now. But, I think it is a stellar goal.

This whole goal business has me thinking, planning and pondering. For starters, I have set my retirement date. It will come before the next Winter Olympics; the next Magnet Review; and the end of the Mayan calendar. But, sadly, I will not see the day that 4-medicine has all private rooms! So, what do I want to accomplish? My time is limited. Lately, I have had goals like those above: be safe, get out on time, survive! I’m wondering if there isn’t something more? What is it that I would like to do before I end a nursing career spanning four decades?

And, my questions to you are the same, whether your career is just starting, waning, or coasting: What are your goals? What do you want to accomplish? Is there something more? What is it that you really want to do? I say, go for the Gold!

Sherry

To be a registered nurse at Clarian, visit Registered Nursing Position Indiana.

A Door is Opening: Rare Position for Registered Nurse at Indiana Poison Center

Wednesday, February 17, 2010 by Gwenn Christianson, MSN, RN, CSPI

Something unusual has happened. An ivory-billed woodpecker hasn’t landed in my backyard and howler monkeys haven’t taken over my office, but something nearly as rare has occurred - we have an open position at the Indiana Poison Center!

One of our team members, “Deb,” has decided to flee the freezing temperatures and snow, ice and slush of Indianapolis and is headed for a warmer climate. This means her position is available for interested parties to pursue. This is truly unusual – our last open position was 3 and half years ago! Our staff members, in fact, have an average tenure of 13 years – with 6 of 15 being here more than 20 years – obviously those of us who work here, love it.

What is it like to work at the Indiana Poison Center (IPC)? You have to love to be constantly challenged and be happy with a consistently unpredictable work day. Each call is different and you never know who will be there on the other end of the line …. an anxious mother, a hurried ER physician, a belligerent intoxicated person, a freaked-out father, or a harried ICU nurse. Will the substance be a mild soap or an extremely toxic cardiac drug? Will it be a garter snake bite (non-toxic) or a cobra bite (oh no, neuro toxic!) Will there only be one toddler for your patient or a whole class of high school chemistry students that just mixed up some toxic fumes? Can you care for them at home or do you need to obtain EMS and a Hazmat consult while you’re at it? Can you juggle multiple cases, prioritize them, coordinate different protocols and databases and facilitate communication amongst different health care professionals, all at the same time?

These are just a few of the questions we deal with every day, every shift. Sound interesting? If you are an RN, preferably with ER or ICU experience, consider applying to IPC. The chance doesn’t come around too often – the next member of our team could be you!

Gwenn

To be a registered nurse at Clarian, visit Registered Nursing Opportunities Indiana.

The Clarian Nursing Application and Interview Process in a Nutshell

Thursday, January 28, 2010 by The Clarian Health Nurse Recruitment Team

Recruiting great nurses is extremely important to us. So we want the application and interview process to give us a good idea of who you are and what you expect from a nursing position. We try to keep the process as simple as possible. Below is what to expect when applying to Clarian for a nursing position.

The application process (should take no more than 15-20 min.):

Find a position(s) you want at www.calltochange.org/nursing or www.clarian.org/clarianjobs.
Click through until you reach the online application.
Complete the application and upload your resume.
Follow the instructions to complete the Health Care Selection Survey. (This is a tool we use to gauge how you will fit at Clarian – taking into account your personality, experience, etc.)
When this is done, you will receive an automated reply by e-mail, saying we’ve received your application.

The interview process:

We call ALL qualified applicants WITHIN 2 WORKING DAYS. If we don’t feel you’re a good fit at Clarian, you will receive an e-mail response.
When your recruiter calls, you will discuss career goals, experience, expectations, etc. Your recruiter might also recommend other openings that might suit you well.
Your recruiter will schedule an interview with the unit manager (usually within a couple of days). You may have two or more interviews scheduled, depending on your experience and qualifications.
Your recruiter will coordinate every aspect of the interview process. Typically, on the day of your interview, you will meet your recruiter at the Nurse Recruitment office, where you will go over general employment and benefit details. Your recruiter will then personally escort you to your interview(s).
Within a couple days (maybe sooner) you will have a response. You will either be given a formal job offer, recommended for a shadowing day, or told why you are not being offered the position.

We have some of the best recruiters in the business, and their entire job is to treat you professionally and with respect. We work hard to find and recruit the best nurses available. If you’re one of the best, we can’t wait to talk with you.

Good luck in your interviews!

By Lydia Ostermeier, MSN, RN, CHCR
Director of Nurse Recruitment, Retention, Workforce Development, Resource Allocation & Customer Service
losterme@clarian.org
317-962-1886

To be a registered nurse at Clarian, visit RN Job Opportunities Indiana.

I Wonder What the Parrot Says

Thursday, January 7, 2010 by Sherry Holden, BSN, RN, Associate Partner

Monday was a Mad-Hatter Day; a perpetual swirl of activity. I had a patient who verified throughout the day the reason I am not a psych nurse; a very bizarre admission; a very productive discharge; and one who taxed my vocal chords for twelve hours. Nonetheless, she turned out to be the highlight of my day.

Miss M. is 75 years old. She has progressive COPD and was admitted for a severe Upper Respiratory Infection - tough combination. In addition to her hearing loss, her eyesight is compromised due to cataracts and glaucoma. In this case, my Synergy mindset was thinking discharge-predictability-involvement in care. Every opportunity I had throughout the day, I asked questions that would allow me to have insight into that plan of care. I learned she has four doting daughters, two spoiled grandsons, a parrot and two dogs. She lives with one of her daughters in a situation that is very comfortable for both of them. She is tethered to oxygen but can do a few jobs at home in the course of the day, including caring for the animals. She is fiercely independent, has a wonderful sense of humor and a very realistic concept of living and dying. In time, she should be good to return home. I felt pretty smug about having a discharge plan ten minutes before it happens: one little accomplishment for me.

Per usual, at the end of my shift, I was re-hashing the day, looking for the positive, the negative, and the possibilities that could make things better for the next shift. Then, like a ton of bricks, a moment of “latent curiosity” hit me: I wonder what the parrot says? Miss M. is very attached to her parrot. She has had him for a long time. Dogs can yip and cats make a lot of weird sounds, but a parrot talks - a much better companion for a life of limitations. You can bet, if I get another opportunity, I’m going to know what the parrot knows.

Sometimes, we think we are asking all the right questions, when in reality we are missing the obvious.

Sherry

To be a registered nurse at Clarian, visit Registered Nursing Position Indiana.

Happy Holidays (When Toxic Materials Abound)

Friday, December 25, 2009 by Gwenn Christianson, MSN, RN, CSPI

Oh the joys of the holiday season! The sweet smells of baking and evergreens, the glittering lights, candles, ornaments and tinsel, the crackling of wrapping paper, the glow of a cheerful fire, the lovely sounds of voices raised in song and laughter …… and the multitude of opportunities for poisoning abounding everywhere!

Here’s just a smattering of common exposures & their general risks:

Bubble lights – not a problem unless you drink more than one
Tiny glass bulbs – not a problem if you crunch one
Poinsettias – NOT toxic! If you eat the entire plant, you’ll vomit
Jerusalem cherry – toxic
Christmas cactus – not toxic
Flocking – not toxic
Tinsel – a problem for cats
Chocolate – a problem for dogs
Christmas ornaments – foreign bodies / choke hazards; ancient ornaments may have lead-based paint
Candles – “dry” wax is not toxic; Liquid candles or “wet” wax are aspiration risks
Oil lamps – aspiration risks
Plug in air fresheners – aspiration risks
Left over alcoholic drinks – hypoglycemic risks for kids
Cigarettes and cigarette butts – toxic
Silica gel (the desiccant in purses, stereos, new shoes) – not toxic, choke hazard
Button or disc batteries – toxic! Child will need an immediate X-Ray to locate the battery’s position; further treatment depends upon where the battery is.

Have a wonderful, joyous holiday time! Keep those little ones – and everyone else – safe. If you think an exposure has occurred, call the Indiana Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222 – we’ll be there 24/7, just like the rest of the hospital world, ready and waiting to help you if you need us.

Gwenn

To be a registered nurse at Clarian, visit Registered Nursing Opportunities Indiana.

I Miss Your Mustache

Wednesday, December 9, 2009 by Sherry Holden, BSN, RN, Associate Partner

I find people very interesting. The big dichotomy of humanity is that we are all very different and very much the same. All one has to do to prove that theory is watch and listen. It will not require a government grant to collect a large amount of data nor a team of experts to publish the results. A few days on 4-Medicine at IU will suffice. Last week I had two fun encounters that have swirled in my head regarding people and how we relate to one another.

I had a patient who was quite ill and had no definitive diagnosis. We finally decided to put her in respiratory isolation for a few days until some things had been ruled out, or in, whatever your preference. I was in her room when she called her husband to inform him not to visit that evening for safety reasons. Her closing comment to him was, “I love you and I miss your mustache!” The other situation involved a man who was admitted for twenty-four hours with chest pain. When his wife came to take him home, her parting comment to me was, “I’m glad he is coming home. I miss his noise.”

So the question is, "What do we like about one another enough to miss?" I have been thinking about many people in this context: family, friends, colleagues, and acquaintances. I love my children and grandchildren dearly, but what is there that I really like about each of them? I have friends that I went to kindergarten with fifty years ago. Why have we maintained a life long connection? I enjoy the people I work with every day. Why? When I arrive, why am I glad to see the people of the night and always happy to work with the people of the day? I especially like the banter in the med room. Uncensored! When I gave report yesterday I told my replacement, “You will really like this patient.” What was there about that person that I liked enough to feel confident that someone else would like them too? Do I just like people who are like me or do I like people who are really different than I am? In order to answer that question, I have to know what I like about me.

The reality is this: there are many people that I genuinely like; more and more I am discerning why. And, that adds a richness to my life. However, at this moment, I am not sure what I think about mustaches and noise.

Sherry

To be a registered nurse at Clarian, visit Registered Nursing Position Indiana.

Nursing Recruitment Lesson: Don't Take Vacation When Hiring Student Nurse Externs

Tuesday, November 3, 2009 by The Clarian Health Nurse Recruitment Team

The past month has been one of the most challenging times for me since I started working in Nurse Recruitment at Clarian nearly a year ago. I’ve been given a new and amazing support specialist; and I took on responsibility for recruiting Student Nurse Externs (SNEs) in addition to Critical Care nurses, LifeLine nurses and ER or emergency nurses.

I put out a “call” for those who had been on the student nurse waiting list since Feb/Mar and contacted our Clarian nursing scholarship recipients to measure interest for 29 positions that I was asked to fill. Wow! The response was tremendous, and the candidates had to compile and provide a portfolio of four documents before we determined their availability for interview.

I took a week’s vacation while deep in the throes of this work and came back to the most stressful week I’ve had in Nurse Recruitment! Getting everything organized, setting up over 50 interviews (for student nurses alone! This did not count the RN positions!), catching up on an e-mail in box that was to its limit and voice mails that filled my box to capacity literally gave me a headache that lasted for three days!

After eight days of catching up and a couple of extra long work days that required some work at home, I finally did it! I caught up! What a sense of accomplishment as well as what fun getting to meet and help place these eager SNEs into their very first nursing positions.

Lesson learned: NO vacation during the peek SNE hiring months!! Tee hee (of course my vacation was planned well in advance of my taking on this responsibility). After six years spent as a nursing manager, I have learned to just accept that it is always hard to get away and always hard when you come back. From the recruitment perspective though, it was much more challenging because my job is customer service and many things just waited on me to return and pick up where I left off!

Julie

Julie Ruschhaupt, BS, RN, Clarian Health Nurse Recruiter
JRuschhaupt@clarian.org
317-278-7082

To be a registered nurse at Clarian, visit Registered Nursing Position Indiana.

Search for available Nursing Jobs at Clarian Health by Nurse Specialty.

Medical-Surgical Nurses Make a World of Difference

Tuesday, November 3, 2009 by Sherry Holden, BSN, RN, Associate Partner

November 1-7 is designated Medical-Surgical Nurses Week. This is a time set aside to celebrate and appreciate Med-Surg nurses. When I first became involved in the Academy of Medical Surgical Nurses and became aware of this week, I wondered why we needed another week in addition to Nurses Week in the spring. Over time I have grown to appreciate the difference.

During Nurses Week, I set aside a bit of time to reflect on why I became a nurse. During this period of time, I think about why I am a medicine nurse. Why did I choose this specialty, and why in the world have I stayed with it for forty-two years?!? Medical nursing is never really a comfort zone. Just when you think you know something, it changes. There are many specialties that are more glamorous than medicine. And there are many places in the system where people don’t have to work at such a crazy pace or have an odd appreciation for chaos.

Over the years I have done many interesting things within the framework of medical nursing, and I have had opportunities to do numerous things in other areas, but have never made the leap. Four years ago, after my round with cancer, I was sure I would never be able to keep up with 4-medicine again. I interviewed several places and was offered a couple of very interesting jobs, but I couldn’t make the move; just couldn’t imagine myself without liver patients!

Medicine is always a challenge. It is about critical thinking, honing one’s senses and developing keen assessment skills. It’s about team-work at its finest. Many years ago I referred to medicine as the “theater of dependency.” We like to think of ourselves as very independent practitioners, but in reality we rely on each other constantly. Medicine nurses have very distinctive personalities - need I say more? Let’s just consider IU 4-medicine for a brief moment... (How wild and whacky was that?!?) I guess medical nursing gets in your blood. Over the years, I have had three criteria for staying the course in any position I have held: am I learning, am I having fun, and am I making a difference. If all of those things are operational, I am pretty content. Medical nursing has been a place of satisfaction for me.

I was pleased with the slogan for this year: "Medical-Surgical Nurses: Making a World of Difference." Medicine Nurses share an umbrella with Surgical Nurses. Somewhere along the line, I have made a distinction because I am pretty much a pure medical nurse. I hope I haven’t slighted any surgical nurses in this blog, because I can tell you right now, I have a great appreciation for what you do. Actually, I pretty amazed at what you do! I think you know that as truth because when I float to your areas a lot of hand holding occurs to get me through. For some reason it is hard for me to wrap my brain around all that cutting and pasting! So, to all of my colleagues in Medical-Surgical Nursing, enjoy the week, share your stories. re-commit to your specialty and never doubt for one moment that you indeed “make a world of difference.”

And, if you are out there as an “undecided,” consider Medical-Surgical Nursing, because it could make a world of difference in your life, too.

Sherry

To be a registered nurse at Clarian, visit Registered Nursing Position Indiana.

Boom Boom... Pow!

Saturday, October 10, 2009 by Tracy Davis, BSN, RN, CCRN, Pediatric Critical Care

With all due respect to the Black Eyed Peas, that is kind of what life has felt like for me lately! My life as an Interim Clinical Manager is quite busy. As I think about it though, it is not like my previous roles left a lot of down time. This is just a very different kind of busy. I love rounding on our families. It is when I get to see all of the kids and parents at once, hear their stories, and really get to know them. It is a compelling time. Even if it is a child with a short length of stay, I know I can learn something from their story. It is what I truly love. I know that I can answer questions that will help fill in the gaps, or maybe just repeat the same information so it sinks in a little better. Each interaction means something to both of us. I think if I feel that, surely a parent does, too. I have a different role with my staff now. I would like to think it is helpful to them that someone who knows how important responsiveness is, will be “taking care of them.” They know I take the responsibility seriously. So as more things, more responsibilities come at me like they are shot out of a cannon, (hence the “boom boom pow”), I say... bring it.

Tracy

To be a registered nurse at Clarian, visit Registered Nursing Position Indiana.

Search for available Nursing Jobs at Clarian Health by Nurse Specialty.

Healthcare is an Ever-Changing Domain

Thursday, August 27, 2009 by The Clarian Health Nurse Recruitment Team

This past Friday we had our bi-monthly meeting for Nurse Recruitment. It was highlighted by saying farewell to one of our best Support Specialists as she embarks for her new position as a Student Nurse Extern at University Hospital. It is a real joy to see staff with previous careers choose the nursing profession; it is like we “grow our own!”

We also received news that we are reorganizing our Service Lines. This was a little bit of a shock to some of our staff members but change is a certainty and is just part of our everyday operations. When I was in Nursing School one of the things that was constantly “drilled” in our heads is that healthcare is an ever-changing domain and you must prepare yourself for this culture. I’m glad that I have not become “entrenched” or inflexible after fifteen years of tenure. I welcome anything that makes us better and that enables us as a department or as an organization to provide better service to our internal as well as our external customers.

Julie

Julie Ruschhaupt, BS, RN, Clarian Health Nurse Recruiter
JRuschhaupt@clarian.org
317-278-7082

To be a registered nurse at Clarian, visit Registered Nursing Position Indiana.

Search for available Nursing Jobs at Clarian Health by Nurse Specialty

Join a Nursing Organization - It’s a Gift You Give Yourself

Tuesday, August 18, 2009 by Sherry Holden, BSN, RN, Associate Partner

Last week, 4-Medicine at Clarian-IU hosted the August meeting of the Central Indiana Chapter of the Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses. Our guest speaker was Dr. James Watkins, Associate Professor of Medicine at the IU School of Medicine in the Division of Gastroenterology/Hepatology. In keeping with the education tenet of the organization’s mission, the presentation was on Pancreatitis: Cause, Current Treatment and Specific Care. When one cares for this specific population on a daily basis it is interesting to note that “just when you think you know something, you don’t.” I was fascinated with treatments on the horizon for this disease and a bit surprised with what I don’t know regarding the pancreas. I guess that is the necessity of “continuing education.”

The Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses is the “only national professional nursing specialty organization dedicated to adult health medical surgical nurses.” It was formed in 1991 with the goal of nurturing medical-surgical nurses as they advance their careers. Their motto is “Nurses Nurturing Nurses” and the organization is available to assist with everything from education to research to networking to legislation. They provide a journal, newsletter and an endless resource of information on their website at AMSN.org.

There are 50 Chapters throughout the United States and local chapters are designed to provide educational meetings with CEU’s, networking opportunities, professional support, volunteer leadership opportunities and input into national issues and program planning. The Indiana Chapter includes a local charity emphasis at each meeting. Last week school supplies were given to the Riley School at the Riley Hospital for Children. Each year AMSN members convene for a national convention. This year the convention will be held in Washington D.C., September 9-14. They have also designated a time of celebration each fall as Medical-Surgical Nurse’s Week. This year it will be held November 1-7 and entitled Medical-Surgical Nurses: Making a World of Difference.

I provide this information because I am a major proponent for professional nurses aligning themselves with a professional organization in their area of specialty. These organizations are the voice of nursing and will hopefully have input in health care decisions that effect nursing in the present upheaval. Membership seems to me to be timely. I have had the privilege of attending four national conventions - I hope I can attend at least one more! I went to my first convention in Florida as a recruiter representative and enjoyed it so much I joined on the spot. I also had the privilege of doing a Synergy Poster Presentation at the Chicago Convention. Someday I would like to be a presenter, but so far they haven’t jumped at my ideas for a break-out session!

Let me encourage every nurse to join a nursing organization - it’s a gift you give yourself. The things I have learned, people I have met and places I have been have added greatly to my career and my respect for medical-surgical nursing.

Sherry

To be a registered nurse at Clarian, visit Registered Nursing Position Indiana.

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Time on the Other Side

Thursday, August 13, 2009 by Tracy Davis, BSN, RN, CCRN, Pediatric Critical Care

This past week I have had the opportunity to be “on the other side of the bed” so to speak. I have had a dear family member hospitalized in a local competitor hospital. One always goes through a variety of emotions during this time: anxiety, fear, uncertainty, sadness, and to a degree helplessness. There is also a realization that there is truly a feeling of vulnerability associated with leaving someone you love in the care of strangers.

I have been truly impressed at the customer service of the other hospital. Not only by the nursing staff, but by each person I have encountered - from housekeepers to security guards. It is such a comfort when you are having all of the emotions that I previously mentioned. They will never know how much it has meant to me. It is also a lesson reinforced. While I am so grateful for all of them, it strikes me that most of them do not know that I am watching and listening from perhaps a different point of view than most customers might be, that of another care provider.

I know that first impressions mean so much... both positive and negative. While we always tend to think collectively of good impressions as “those nice people at that place,” we are always left with a strong memory of a bad experience. One bad apple does indeed ruin a bunch. I always strive to treat the patients I care for as if they were my family members. I tell my orientees that they need to picture that parent or grandparent at the bedside as if they were their own, and to treat them as such. To humanize everything we do is essential. It really does come down to treating people they way we would like to be treated. Every once in a while, though perhaps not in the way we would have asked for, a lesson comes along to reinforce that.

Tracy

To be a registered nurse at Clarian, visit Registered Nursing Opportunities Indiana.

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Nurses Rounding for Outcomes... How Fun!

Monday, July 6, 2009 by Tracy Davis, BSN, RN, CCRN, Pediatric Critical Care

As part of our approach to improving patient and family satisfaction, we “round” on our families in the Pediatric Critical Care Unit daily. Every family, every day. I have found that it is one of my very favorite things to do. Anyone that knows me would not be surprised to hear this, as a part of rounding involves talking. But an even bigger part involves listening. It is really an underrated skill, and often an underused skill.

I have found with most of our families, after I introduce myself, and ask a simple question such as, “We always want to provide the very best care possible for your child. How well are we doing with that?” I just need to stop talking and start listening. I have said many times that there is no time that a parent feels more helpless than when their child is critically ill or injured.

Having a person listen to their fears, perhaps listen to the story of how their child came to be in our care, and to show the genuine care and concern that we have, is invaluable. Often there are tears shed, and a hug is needed, or perhaps an arm around a shoulder. Parents are often pleasantly surprised that we come in to round on them, to just check in on them and make sure their immediate needs are being met, as well as those of their child. They are always grateful. Even when they know we may not be able to tell them what they really want to hear….that the beautiful child lying in that bed will be fully restored to the same child they previously were. They do know that we will give every effort we have to try and make that happen, though.

After they have seen us the first day, they look forward to a return visit the next day, as I tell them I will see them tomorrow. I suppose it is the promise that not only will I keep my word, but it is the opportunity for them to tell me of their child’s progress, and share the ups and downs of this ride they did not ask for. Rounding is just one more great opportunity to make a lasting connection with our families. If by doing it we improve our patient satisfaction, what an outstanding bonus!

Tracy

To be a registered nurse at Clarian, visit Registered Nursing Position Indiana.

Julie Ruschhaupt, BS, RN, Clarian Health Nurse Recruiter

Wednesday, July 1, 2009 by The Clarian Health Nurse Recruitment Team

Julie entered nursing as a second career in search of a way to give back to the community and as a personal path to fulfillment, after having lived the glamorous but somewhat empty life as a manager in a retail jewelry store.

"Nursing has given me the opportunity to use my God given gifts to both directly help patients and their families and also to support other nurses and physicians who do. This is not a job, it is an identity and an enthusiasm for wanting to make a moment in time the best it can be for someone in need. "

Julie graduated from IUPUI, so despite the short walk to the Clarian campus, her professional path to nurse recruitment includes CV Critical Care and Manager of the Resource Pool.

To be a registered nurse at Clarian, visit Registered Nursing Position Indiana.

Riding a School Bus Again and Eating Ham & Cheese on a Cracker

Sunday, May 31, 2009 by Tracy Davis, BSN, RN, CCRN, Pediatric Critical Care

In the past two weeks I have had the pleasure of going on my children’s end-of-the-year field trips. The first was to my son’s 5th grade trip to an Indianapolis Indians baseball game. It was a positively gloriously sunny day, as if we had ordered it. About 75 degrees, blue skies, light breeze, all was right with the world. The second trip was my daughter’s 1st grade trip to the Indianapolis Zoo. This was a bit of a different trip. Overcast the whole day, light rain occasionally, cool at about 63 degrees, not a thought of sunshine.

Both trips were made on “the big Twinkie” as someone once called the school bus. When I was shorter, like under 5’ 5” I fit in those seats much better. Now at just over 6 feet it is a little different ride. But it does not matter. Because over my many years of caring for these ill and injured children that I do, I know one thing: Appreciate and treasure every moment. They come and go way too fast.

It is the precious opportunity to be with my children that matters. Not the fact that I have seen the same dolphin tricks over and over. Not that the Lunchable I am about to eat is not quite gourmet. It is the fact that it is a true gift that I get to spend the entire day with my beautiful children that counts. The looks on their faces when I arrive in their classrooms ready to board that bus is all I need. As nurses we make a difference every day. Sometimes in big ways, sometimes small. The same is true of parents, on a bus, eating ham and cheese on a cracker.

Tracy

To become a Registered Nurse at Clarian, visit Registered Nursing Position Indiana.