Beth has been with Mercy for 3 years now, and she has had a significant impact at this campus, as well as across CHI Health. She is a hard worker. Beth came to Mercy without any infection control background, and now 3 years later, is one of the go-to IP's in the system. Beth has done a great job in educating herself on the NHSN guidelines, the CDC guidelines, as well as guidelines/regs with many public health agencies.
Beth is an EPIC expert- she knows where to find things, and she scours the chart looking for appropriate documentation to tell the story. Beth is currently preparing to take the CIC certification exam. Beth does IP surveillance at Mercy, probably better than it has ever been done before. Mercy's infection rates have decreased over the 3 years that Beth has been at Mercy. Her work includes doing a full chart review, communicating findings to the IP team, the HAI team, as well as the surgeons. She welcomes comments, suggestions on opportunities for Mercy to improve. She is always willing to do what is asked of her to continue to reduce infections. She continues to educate herself on staying up to date on appropriate antibiotic usage, new standards, etc.
Beth also reaches out to Pharmacy with questions on improving processes as well. She is a team player and so supportive of others. Beth has partnered with the system to promote a HH campaign that will take our campuses to the next level with the HH program. Beth continues to further her knowledge and education to staff regarding Joint Commission mock tracers. She continues to identify opportunities for the hospital and works to improve IP practices. Beth takes questions from staff, physicians, regulatory agencies, and always researches possible recommendations.
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Beth is very proud of her nursing experience and uses that in her practice and to relate directly with nursing.
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Beth is a content expert in the IP field.
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Beth communicates well with a multi-disciplinary team.
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Beth stays well informed and current with all IP education updates.
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Beth has worked well with and offered leadership with the division team to advocate for patient and employee safety with the PAPR's program.
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Beth is a team player with the IP division and within the metro area to assist hospitals when needed. Beth recently covered IP duties at LKS for 3 weeks of the LKS IP in addition to maintaining coverage at Mercy.
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Beth continues to do daily audits of central lines/and does 1:1 with staff as needed.
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Beth has advocated and educated about decreasing the frequency of central line access lab draws to decrease CLABSI rates.
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Beth assists with Skills Day yearly. She is there to instruct and ensure each and every nurse is prepared and capable with the right instruction and skill with Foley catheterization. This is no doubt why Mercy has such a low rate for CAUTI. Beth expertly explains the indication for Foley catheters and when the nurse can safely discontinue the Foley, lessening the patient's exposure to infections. Beth also empowers the nurse to know when the best time is to collect cultures and advocate for the patient 'not' to collect for a culture.
Beth also assists with instruction of New Nurse Orientation Classes. In this class she provides the information on Infection Prevention using the five moments for proper hand hygiene, instruction regarding CAUTI, CLABSI, C Difficile, Isolation Measures, Infection Prevention Guides, what to do when exposed to blood or body fluids, how to reduce risk of needle sticks, how to report employee illness, and resources for all of the above. She works quietly and efficiently ensuring that processes go smoothly while collecting information to keep Mercy compliant and keep our patients safe while in our care.
Besides being a vigilant Infection Prevention Nurse, Beth is an integral member of the Joint Commission Readiness Rounding Team at Mercy. Her scope goes beyond all of the IP mock tracers, she has a keen eye for any of the areas and assesses them with expertise. She plays a valued role in the Joint Commission Readiness work that is performed by the team on a weekly basis. Beth articulates well to the staff about concerns, solutions and why the audits and rounding are so important. Beth is proactive and does a great job of offering solutions when opportunities are found. She is the IP resource/expert for directors and staff.
In summary, the Quality Department feels that Beth has gone above and beyond in her role to impact outcomes for our patients. Beth is an integral team member!