Over the past couple of years this team has really grown to be able to come together providing excellence in nursing care. 8R has been recognized for being a T1 team on the MOT survey for the past two years. Being a T1 team shows their ability to be a high functioning and resilient team, even during the hardest of times. Over the past couple of years 8R has come to realize the needs of the hospital and how they can help. Their staff is always willing to float to those units in need to help to provide for safe staffing ratios. The charge nurses on 8R have volunteered to float to other units to be the charge nurse when that unit did not have any for that shift. The nurses of 8R are always willing to do what it takes to staff their unit.

Nurses have changed their schedule, swapped shifts, and even come in on their days off so they do not fall into critical staffing. This unit has also formed an ambassador squad that provides team bonding activities during working hours as well as outside of work. The ambassador squad is well known for their over-the-top nurses' week, NCP week, and 12 days of Christmas. 8R’s teamwork also provides for a great learning environment for students.

It is on a rare occasion that there aren’t any nursing students or NCP students on the unit. This teamwork then leads to students wanting to complete their preceptorship on the unit and then those nurses applying for jobs on the unit, which in turn reflects on the increased staff 8R has. When it comes to new employees 8R has started a mentorship program for all new nurses (RN and LPN) and NCPs. This allows new hires to bond with staff and feel supported by their coworkers. Since 8R has blossomed, they have shown that they are able to hold each other accountable for actions taking place on the unit.

An example of this is that they are always being sure that the central line protocol is being followed. The positive outcome of their ability to hold themselves accountable is that, it has been over three years since the unit has been hit with a CLABSI. 8R’s generosity extends outside of work as well. They have participated in the Angel Tree at Christmas time. Over the summer they also filled 75 backpacks and donated them to the Seaton House which is a youth shelter based out of Virginia Beach. All in all I would just like to say this unit not only delivers exceptional patient care, it provides for a wonderful environment for staff to work in and want to work on.