Bridgeport Hospital, Bridgeport Emergency Department
Bridgeport, Connecticut
Bridgeport Hospital, Bridgeport Emergency Department
New graduate nurses participate in a system-wide, yearlong Vizient Nurse Residency Program to support their transition into the profession. Didactic with integrated practical experience is utilized to strengthen their knowledge and skills related to nursing practice. All new graduate nurses complete the ENA Knowledge Inventory Test, which helps guide them in their areas of strength and opportunity. Participating in the nurse residency program in the ED reduces anxiety and cultivates excitement. The education and support within the nurse residency program results in inexperienced nurses becoming confident, and competent nurses who can provide safe and quality care to patients.
A clinical nurse-led initiative “Wash your paws” campaign was introduced in the 45-bed ED to increase hand-washing compliance and decrease nosocomial infections. Keeping with the theme of “paws,” staff provided photos of their pets, which were laminated with the phrase “Wash your Paws” and placed on the hand sanitizer dispensers throughout the ED. These pictures not only attract staff to the dispensers but patients and families as well. The photos of pets, including cats, dogs, and even a goat, created a fun and engaging way to promote hand hygiene. Through this initiative hand hygiene compliance improved from 60 percent to 95 percent.