You’ve undoubtedly heard the phrase “a body of work” during discussions about our Magnet application. This expression references the initiatives we highlighted in our Magnet application that demonstrate the Brigham’s exceptional patient care. Yet, this phrase encompasses so much more than its four short words might indicate.

When Brigham Health President Betsy Nabel, MD, spoke at the Dec. 1 BWH Town Meeting about how more patients are choosing to receive their medical care at the Brigham, she noted that this was a testament to our reputation for providing safe high quality care. That reputation is built upon the foundation of our body of work.

When we receive letters from patients and family members, commending our nurses, clinical care teams and patient care services staff for going above and beyond – these letters are a reflection of our body of work.

And yes, the dozens of initiatives in our Magnet application that highlight staff-driven innovations in the practice environment demonstrate our body of work.

In this issue, we feature a Magnet initiative that demonstrates how nurses helped implement a protocol to significantly reduce CAUTI rates. If we receive Magnet designation it will shine a spotlight on strategies that you implement every day for each patient as part of the Brigham’s body of work. Our body of work is dynamic and evolving, and consistently showcases our extraordinary standard of care for our patients and their families.

There is other, less visible, but meaningful work being done by our staff. In this issue, we feature how many units at BWH participated in holiday giving activities, underscoring the big and small ways that you reach out to support our patients and their families throughout the holiday season, and give back to our larger community.

I hope you share my pride in this body of work – it is yours. You and your colleagues continually add to this remarkable legacy of excellence. Collaboration and hope resonate through your daily work, giving patients the knowledge that they can count on us to open new doors to health and healing.

With warm regards,

Madelyn Pearson, DNP(c), MSN, MA, RN, NEA-BC
Chief Nursing Officer and Senior Vice President for Patient Care Services