White Plains Hospital Emergency Department

White Plains, New York

Nurse-led improvements in STEMI care reduced delays and improved outcomes at the 46-bed White Plains Hospital ED, part of the Montefiore Health System. After experiencing a 3 percent increase in ED volume and a 28 percent rise in door-to-balloon times in the second quarter of 2024, nurses analyzed workflow and found EKG delays due to space constraints. Creating a dedicated EKG room increased door-to-EKG compliance from 71 percent to 100 percent. Standardized medication bags and universal electrodes further improved efficiency, reducing door-to-balloon times by 16.9 percent by the end of 2025. These targeted, collaborative actions show that small but strategic workflow changes can significantly enhance care quality and patient outcomes in high-pressure settings.

White Plains ED’s shared governance model empowers nurses at all levels to improve care. In 2023, ED nurses identified a need for extra support for new hires and created the Mentoring Enhanced Education Program. This three-month program pairs new nurses with mentors, strengthening clinical and professional skills. MEEP has improved teamwork, communication and confidence, as shown by positive survey results and lower turnover. By integrating MEEP into onboarding, the team fosters resilience, retention and outstanding patient care.