Melody Walblay
July 2024
Melody
Walblay
,
RN, BSN, CCRN
CVICU
Atrium Health, Levine Childrens Hospital, cardiovascular intensive care unit peds.
Charlotte
,
NC
United States
Melody exemplifies what it means to be a true advocate for patients and their families.
I humbly nominate Melody Walblay for the DAISY Nurse Leader Award.
Melody has been an instrumental figure in caring for and advocating for patients, families, and staff in the pediatric cardiac intensive care unit for the past 25 years. Her dedication and passion for infection control, particularly in relation to central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI), have made a significant impact on patient safety and outcomes.
In 2022, Melody noticed an alarming increase in line infection rates within our unit. With a sharp eye for detail, she identified that the standardized infection ratio (SIR) was at 3.071, the standardized utilization ratio (SUR) was 2.213, and there were a total of 8 infections throughout the year. Recognizing the severity of these numbers, Melody took immediate action. Together with her CLABSI team, Melody devised a series of interventions aimed at reducing infection rates. One of the key initiatives was implementing chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) application for all patients, regardless of whether they had a central line. This practice was closely monitored through daily unit audits, with a goal of achieving a compliance rate of over 90%.
Additionally, Melody emphasized the importance of hand hygiene by establishing a "speak up" culture and regular audits, aiming for a compliance rate of over 90%. During rounds, the team thoroughly discussed the necessity of central venous lines (CVL), peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC), and umbilical venous catheters (UVC), assessing the possibility of discontinuation and replacement with midline or peripheral intravenous (PIV) lines. Rewiring of existing PICC lines was discontinued, and femoral PICC lines were strategically placed away from the groin site. A "danger zone" was implemented to prevent contamination, prohibiting the placement of lines or medications below the patient's abdomen/waist where accidental contact with soiled items such as dirty diapers or linen could occur. However, the most significant and impactful initiative was the introduction of High Touch cleaning. This practice, which has become a house-wide initiative, involves thoroughly cleaning high-touch areas, including computers, keyboards, bed rails, monitors, bedside carts, doors, chairs, and recliners. The implementation of High Touch cleaning resulted in a significant decrease in infection rates throughout the unit. Thanks to the tireless efforts of Melody and her CLABSI team, the number of infections dropped from 8 to 2, the SIR reduced to 0.71, and the SUR decreased to 2.223.
These remarkable achievements are a testament to Melody's unwavering dedication and her team's tenacity. Melody exemplifies what it means to be a true advocate for patients and their families. Her commitment to ensuring the highest standards of care and infection control is commendable. The impact of her work extends far beyond the pediatric cardiac intensive care unit, positively influencing the entire healthcare organization. In conclusion, Melody Walblay deserves the highest recognition for her outstanding leadership and contributions to patient care. She has demonstrated exceptional skill, compassion, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
It is with great honor and respect that I nominate Melody for The DAISY Nurse Leader Award.
Melody has been an instrumental figure in caring for and advocating for patients, families, and staff in the pediatric cardiac intensive care unit for the past 25 years. Her dedication and passion for infection control, particularly in relation to central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI), have made a significant impact on patient safety and outcomes.
In 2022, Melody noticed an alarming increase in line infection rates within our unit. With a sharp eye for detail, she identified that the standardized infection ratio (SIR) was at 3.071, the standardized utilization ratio (SUR) was 2.213, and there were a total of 8 infections throughout the year. Recognizing the severity of these numbers, Melody took immediate action. Together with her CLABSI team, Melody devised a series of interventions aimed at reducing infection rates. One of the key initiatives was implementing chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) application for all patients, regardless of whether they had a central line. This practice was closely monitored through daily unit audits, with a goal of achieving a compliance rate of over 90%.
Additionally, Melody emphasized the importance of hand hygiene by establishing a "speak up" culture and regular audits, aiming for a compliance rate of over 90%. During rounds, the team thoroughly discussed the necessity of central venous lines (CVL), peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC), and umbilical venous catheters (UVC), assessing the possibility of discontinuation and replacement with midline or peripheral intravenous (PIV) lines. Rewiring of existing PICC lines was discontinued, and femoral PICC lines were strategically placed away from the groin site. A "danger zone" was implemented to prevent contamination, prohibiting the placement of lines or medications below the patient's abdomen/waist where accidental contact with soiled items such as dirty diapers or linen could occur. However, the most significant and impactful initiative was the introduction of High Touch cleaning. This practice, which has become a house-wide initiative, involves thoroughly cleaning high-touch areas, including computers, keyboards, bed rails, monitors, bedside carts, doors, chairs, and recliners. The implementation of High Touch cleaning resulted in a significant decrease in infection rates throughout the unit. Thanks to the tireless efforts of Melody and her CLABSI team, the number of infections dropped from 8 to 2, the SIR reduced to 0.71, and the SUR decreased to 2.223.
These remarkable achievements are a testament to Melody's unwavering dedication and her team's tenacity. Melody exemplifies what it means to be a true advocate for patients and their families. Her commitment to ensuring the highest standards of care and infection control is commendable. The impact of her work extends far beyond the pediatric cardiac intensive care unit, positively influencing the entire healthcare organization. In conclusion, Melody Walblay deserves the highest recognition for her outstanding leadership and contributions to patient care. She has demonstrated exceptional skill, compassion, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
It is with great honor and respect that I nominate Melody for The DAISY Nurse Leader Award.