Veronica Davis
May 2024
Veronica
Davis
,
RN-BC
Parkland Health
Dallas
,
TX
United States
By standing up to workplace violence, she prioritized ethical awareness and decision-making to address verbal abuse, while reinforcing values that rejected all forms of violence. Her efforts reignited the importance of reporting verbal and emotional abuse toward employees.
This RN has truly gone above and beyond her role this year through both academic achievements and leadership responsibilities. She dedicated herself to the preparation for and achievement of an ANCC certification, resulting in a 25% increase in certified RNs on the unit compared to last year. She demonstrated a high level of accountability by participating in the unit’s WhatsApp group, consisting of approximately 15 RNs, where she reviewed study questions and shared rationales. She exemplified strong collaboration by fostering positive interactions and offering encouragement to elevate her peers’ professional practice as lifelong learners. Through her achievements, she has become an even more effective patient advocate, exemplifying equitable and ethical principles at the highest standard as a healthcare professional.
One influential ethical example that contributed to a healthy work environment occurred in February 2024, during her tenure as charge nurse. She initiated the need for Parkland’s BERT team and, through ICARE, openly communicated with the NAO about the team’s negative perception regarding reporting workplace violence (WPV) via Parkland’s Safety Center.
Her honest feedback on the welfare of frontline nurses regarding WPV sparked a productive conversation with the NAO. As a result, the RN was able to address personal learning gaps and share valuable information with her direct team of nurses and PCAs. This conversation also led to a refresher on behavioral letters and the various initiatives Parkland’s Workforce Safety department was conducting nationally.
Armed with this newfound awareness, the RN took proactive measures to collaborate with her leader and the Workforce Safety leader, ultimately securing an invitation for the unit’s upcoming monthly meeting. She positively influenced the dignity and humanity of Parkland’s work family by encouraging the nurse manager to advocate for safety through team awareness and by promoting ethical decision-making to address inequities and reduce moral distress. The unit’s work culture significantly improved due to enhanced awareness of trauma-informed care and how to respond to behavioral patients who make conscious decisions, causing moral distress for direct care personnel.
The RN’s efforts resulted in increased utilization of the safety center, making the unit one of the top departments for WPV safety posts. These safety posts served as key evidence in the development and delivery of two behavioral warning letters, six care packages for PCAs/RNs, the delivery of Lavender and Caring Carts, and weekly SAMA tip training over two weeks. These initiatives were driven by the direct care team throughout 2024.
The RN’s determination led to a noticeable reduction in aggressive, manipulative behaviors exhibited by behavioral patients. The behavioral letters served as evidence of the unit’s commitment to upholding the team’s morals during stressful experiences. These letters not only benefited the healthcare providers but also the patients. Addressing behavioral safety events proactively resulted in improved medication compliance, ultimately increasing patients’ adherence to their care plans, and positively affecting their length of stay.
The RN’s compassionate communication empowered the unit, encouraging nurses to speak up about emotional distress through notes, emails, or in-person conversations. By standing up to workplace violence, she prioritized ethical awareness and decision-making to address verbal abuse, while reinforcing values that rejected all forms of violence. Her efforts reignited the importance of reporting verbal and emotional abuse toward employees.
Lastly, this RN stepped into the role of UBC chair in 2024, working collaboratively with the UBCC and the unit’s UBC members through unwavering professional communication. Her concerns and interests were conveyed with compassion and respect, which proved instrumental in building a network focused on systematic approaches.
One influential ethical example that contributed to a healthy work environment occurred in February 2024, during her tenure as charge nurse. She initiated the need for Parkland’s BERT team and, through ICARE, openly communicated with the NAO about the team’s negative perception regarding reporting workplace violence (WPV) via Parkland’s Safety Center.
Her honest feedback on the welfare of frontline nurses regarding WPV sparked a productive conversation with the NAO. As a result, the RN was able to address personal learning gaps and share valuable information with her direct team of nurses and PCAs. This conversation also led to a refresher on behavioral letters and the various initiatives Parkland’s Workforce Safety department was conducting nationally.
Armed with this newfound awareness, the RN took proactive measures to collaborate with her leader and the Workforce Safety leader, ultimately securing an invitation for the unit’s upcoming monthly meeting. She positively influenced the dignity and humanity of Parkland’s work family by encouraging the nurse manager to advocate for safety through team awareness and by promoting ethical decision-making to address inequities and reduce moral distress. The unit’s work culture significantly improved due to enhanced awareness of trauma-informed care and how to respond to behavioral patients who make conscious decisions, causing moral distress for direct care personnel.
The RN’s efforts resulted in increased utilization of the safety center, making the unit one of the top departments for WPV safety posts. These safety posts served as key evidence in the development and delivery of two behavioral warning letters, six care packages for PCAs/RNs, the delivery of Lavender and Caring Carts, and weekly SAMA tip training over two weeks. These initiatives were driven by the direct care team throughout 2024.
The RN’s determination led to a noticeable reduction in aggressive, manipulative behaviors exhibited by behavioral patients. The behavioral letters served as evidence of the unit’s commitment to upholding the team’s morals during stressful experiences. These letters not only benefited the healthcare providers but also the patients. Addressing behavioral safety events proactively resulted in improved medication compliance, ultimately increasing patients’ adherence to their care plans, and positively affecting their length of stay.
The RN’s compassionate communication empowered the unit, encouraging nurses to speak up about emotional distress through notes, emails, or in-person conversations. By standing up to workplace violence, she prioritized ethical awareness and decision-making to address verbal abuse, while reinforcing values that rejected all forms of violence. Her efforts reignited the importance of reporting verbal and emotional abuse toward employees.
Lastly, this RN stepped into the role of UBC chair in 2024, working collaboratively with the UBCC and the unit’s UBC members through unwavering professional communication. Her concerns and interests were conveyed with compassion and respect, which proved instrumental in building a network focused on systematic approaches.