In a step toward achieving Magnet designation, BWH submitted a body of evidence in April that demonstrates how the hospital meets 49 standards within the components of the Magnet model: Transformational Leadership, Structural Empowerment, Exemplary Professional Practice, and New Knowledge, Innovations and Improvements. Empirical Outcomes are required throughout the components. The 75 initiatives selected for submission are examples of our deep commitment to quality, nursing excellence, interprofessional collaboration and innovation. Throughout the year, we will use “Magnet Matters” to share some of these examples with you. We hope you will be inspired by the broad range of initiatives and the work being done
across BWH.

TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP

Nurse leaders (exclusive of the CNO) use input from clinical nurses to influence change in the organization. (TL 9EO)

Example: Clinical Nurses’ Communication with a Nurse Leader Leads to Change in Nursing Practice

Vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE) is one antibiotic-resistant organism tracked by Infection Prevention practitioners at BWH. After noticing a higher rate of VRE in the Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU) during a two-month period in 2014, clinical nurses piloted the use of a chlorhexidine product in which to bathe patients infected with VRE, based on evidence of the product’s effectiveness.

The chlorhexidine-bathing protocol aimed to decrease the incidence of VRE transmission by reducing and inhibiting the bacteria’s ability to colonize on the skin. Following an education and in-servicing for all MICU nursing staff, the new bathing protocol was implemented. As a result of the practice change, the MICU’s VRE transmission rate decreased by more than 50 percent, and the bathing protocol is now in place for all ICU and oncology patients.

STRUCTURAL EMPOWERMENT

Nursing education opportunities are provided for those interested in a nursing career. (SE 5)

Example: Workforce Development Program Supports Non-Nurse Employees in Pursuing Career in Nursing

As one of the Brigham’s Workforce Development Programs, the Workforce Development Nursing Education Scholarship Program was created to support employees in their pursuit of a career in nursing. Each year, the program awards two employees enrolled in accredited Nursing Bachelors/BSN programs with a $2,500 scholarship to assist in completing their educational program.

A recent recipient of the scholarship was a full-time nursing student at Simmons College, who was working full time as a patient care assistant (PCA) while trying to pay for all her expenses. The $2,500 scholarship provided the recipient with additional funds to help offset the cost of her degree program. This is an example of a BWH program that helps non-nurse employees achieve their goal of obtaining a nursing degree.

All recipients of the scholarship are also matched with a nursing mentor for the duration of the program.

Visit www.BWHPikenotes.org/Magnet to access BWH’s Magnet submission website where you can read more about these examples, listed under Transformational Leadership and Structural Empowerment, TL 9EO and SE 5.