Behavioral Health Nurse Managers
March 2019
Behavioral
System
25-2 Behavioral Health
Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System
Biloxi
,
MS
United States
LaQuisha Arbuthnot, RN and Wynter King, RN
I am writing to express my strong appreciation and admiration for the outstanding work of Nursing Service managers in the inpatient Behavioral Health unit at Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System.
Under the leadership and mentorship of Chief Nurse Romaine Hatten, who has likewise been an esteemed partner to the Patient Safety Office, Ms. LaQuisha Arbuthnot and Ms. Wynter King have demonstrated their support of patient safety values and principles and have the ideal attitudes for working with others to make care for Veterans always better.
These leaders have participated in recent Root Cause Analysis projects and benefitted from learning, understanding, and putting into practice the goals and standards of a Just Culture (not seeking individual blame but creating process improvement). They are committed to improving a culture of vigilance and safety on their units and it's evidenced in consistently improved quality witnessed during rounds in recent months.
When I began intentional efforts earlier this year to provide a greater focus on the inpatient units in preparation for the expected Joint Commission survey, there were many opportunities for improvement identified. In completing random environmental rounds with these ladies, most impressive was their teamwork spirit, appreciation for the perspectives provided, and eagerness to make prompt adjustments to make their areas safer. Rightfully so, there was never the slightest bit of apprehension or worry about my visits or concern that it meant any trouble. They have been awesome in understanding the partnership with Patient Safety and their invitations to visit are frequent as they are eager to show their improvements and welcome any further input.
This unit has been and will continue to be a challenging work area. The demands on all staff are huge and the patients cared for are in great need. I am comforted to know this team is in place which aims to always be making the environment and care for Veterans safer and higher quality. These ladies are a shining example to others, and I hope others appreciate them for the role they plan in the organization.
Under the leadership and mentorship of Chief Nurse Romaine Hatten, who has likewise been an esteemed partner to the Patient Safety Office, Ms. LaQuisha Arbuthnot and Ms. Wynter King have demonstrated their support of patient safety values and principles and have the ideal attitudes for working with others to make care for Veterans always better.
These leaders have participated in recent Root Cause Analysis projects and benefitted from learning, understanding, and putting into practice the goals and standards of a Just Culture (not seeking individual blame but creating process improvement). They are committed to improving a culture of vigilance and safety on their units and it's evidenced in consistently improved quality witnessed during rounds in recent months.
When I began intentional efforts earlier this year to provide a greater focus on the inpatient units in preparation for the expected Joint Commission survey, there were many opportunities for improvement identified. In completing random environmental rounds with these ladies, most impressive was their teamwork spirit, appreciation for the perspectives provided, and eagerness to make prompt adjustments to make their areas safer. Rightfully so, there was never the slightest bit of apprehension or worry about my visits or concern that it meant any trouble. They have been awesome in understanding the partnership with Patient Safety and their invitations to visit are frequent as they are eager to show their improvements and welcome any further input.
This unit has been and will continue to be a challenging work area. The demands on all staff are huge and the patients cared for are in great need. I am comforted to know this team is in place which aims to always be making the environment and care for Veterans safer and higher quality. These ladies are a shining example to others, and I hope others appreciate them for the role they plan in the organization.