This team is comprised of 7 Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN). They are a huge part of the CVICU’s success. They work closely with the physicians, surgeons, families, and many other disciplines throughout the children’s hospital. They are a valuable resource to physicians, staff, and families. They work hard day and night to make sure that the patients in the CVICU are well cared for. From intensively following the care of a patient to soothing babies, this team always goes above and beyond. There is no job too big or small for them to do, which has impacted the team dynamics in the CVICU in such a positive way. I have personally watched this team save the lives of many patients from all age groups. I have seen them working tirelessly doing compressions on a patient until the surgeon, or family arrives at the patient’s side. I have seen them up to their elbows in blood to try to save the life of a child. These are just a few examples of the quality care they provide to the CV patients every day. Not only do they take pride in the work they provide, but they are also an integral part of the CV. They lead lectures for the education department. Sheri gave lectures at the intensive education that was provided to staff. Aline often provides “Cardiac Café” education for the night shift nurses. They present information at the case reviews regarding a patient in the CV before staff meetings. They huddle nurses in the nurse’s station when time allows to provide even more education. They provide “mock codes” to staff, so they are better equipped in a real event. The team also participates in unit council for the CV. This team is well-engaged and dedicated to the CV. These practitioners also participate in functions in and outside of the unit. They are invested in the unit and staff. CVICU appreciates our Advanced Practice Partners and thinks they are well deserving of this award.

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I nominate the Peds CVICU Nurse Practitioner group (Advanced Practice Partners—APPs) based on their ability to handle stressful situations with grace, their engagement in the unit, and the compassion they have for the patients they care for. This group takes care of some of the most critical children in Jacksonville. They are always managing patient care decisions, and they become the mediators between multiple groups of physicians and nurses, but they never let the stress overshadow their love for their patients and team. These nurse practitioners have different backgrounds in nursing, and they have brought that knowledge and passion into their work here. I frequently boast about this team when welcoming new staff to the unit or rounding on patients and families. They are a huge part of this unit’s loving, teamwork-oriented, and patient-focused culture. This team coordinates with the nursing staff to organize regular education in the Peds CVICU. Not only do they provide education, but they participate in the education offered themselves. On the unit, it is not uncommon to see a group of nurses and the APPs listening to a quick lecture before rounds together or playing active roles in monthly mock codes. This APP group attends unit council meetings, and unit social gatherings, and pitches in to help when a team member is in need. This team learns alongside their bedside nursing teammates and has a rapport with each nurse, physician, and specialty group, allowing everyone to work cooperatively for these vulnerable patients. They rarely have downtime during their shifts, but it is not uncommon to see one of these APPs holding a baby, changing diapers, helping with baths, talking to a teenage patient, sitting in a room with a grieving mother, or building up the confidence of a father who must take their baby home with a few extra devices. These are just a handful of examples I can give of the excellent work they do in addition to their day-to-day tasks. No job is too big or too small for this team. When rounding on patients during their admission or following up on them after discharge, I regularly get compliments on this team and how comfortable they made the patients and families feel about their care. They do their work with little complaint and consistently go the extra mile for their patients, their coworkers, and the whole Peds CVICU team. A day doesn’t go by where this team isn’t teaching or helping other people in the unit, this attitude and innate desire to do good work should be recognized. They are most deserving of Wolfson’s DAISY Team Award.

CONGRATULATIONS CVICU APPs! Many thanks for all you do for our patients, families & team members!