Yale New Haven Health Lawrence + Memorial Hospital Emergency Department
New London, Connecticut
Yale New Haven Health Lawrence + Memorial Hospital Emergency Department
The emergency department at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital initiated a buddy system to help with the transition after orientation for nurses while also helping to form friendships and connections with co-workers. Experienced nurses volunteered to participate in this program and be assigned as a buddy. When the new nurses arrive for their shifts, they can look at the assignment board to find their assigned buddy. This system has provided not only a sense of comfort for our new nurses but also strengthened the relationship between new and seasoned nurses.
Another focus within the 30-bed ED is decreasing the after-visit summary print-to-discharge times. The average turnaround time from when providers hit the discharge button to print their AVS to when the nurse discharges the patient was approximately 20 minutes. The team began allowing the provider to give paperwork directly to the patient or sending material directly
to a patient’s MyChart account. The change has already lowered the average to 18 minutes. Patients appreciate the quick discharge plan and follow-through from providers.
to a patient’s MyChart account. The change has already lowered the average to 18 minutes. Patients appreciate the quick discharge plan and follow-through from providers.