Integrity is demonstrated by this candidate on a daily basis, not only in her role in clinical nurse education, but also as she serves on the Institutional Review Board (IRB).  During IRB meetings, research studies are scrutinized for clear judgment, and appropriate steps are taken to protect the rights and welfare of humans participating as subjects in the research.

Additionally, this nurse’s ability to communicate honestly in difficult situations is paramount.  In her role with the Women’s Service Line, she helps train nurses to have difficult conversations with families of patients.  The loss of a baby can be hard to understand.  This RN realized the difficulties nurses had when working with families experiencing a loss.  To build the nurses’ confidence and increase their skills, this candidate worked with a small group to develop a toolkit with multiple items to assist the nurses, as well as resources to share with the families.

This nurse is committed to the profession of nursing and holds herself to the highest standards.  She has received her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from UNC Charlotte in leadership, she has a Master’s degree in Nursing Education and Public Health, and her BSN.  This nurse is involved in Life Support training at Duke Health, serving as an instructor for PALS, BLS and STABLE.  She is actively involved in committees across the organization, health system and community.  She serves on the IRB for Duke University Health System (DUHS), and is a member of:  Nurse Family Partnership Wake County Community Advisory Board, Duke Regional Hospital (DRH) Magnet Writing Team, DUHS Frontline Leadership Committee, Duke AHEC Planning Committee, DRH and DUHS Education Councils, DUHS Professional Development Council, DUHS Nursing Research and EBP Council.  And, she is a Research Coach for the DUHS EBP Fellows.

Perhaps one of the greatest testaments to this nurse’s innovation is her commitment to birth equity, to address disparities and inequities in birth outcomes.  She helped initiate and facilitate a Birth Equity Program for Labor & Delivery and Mother/Baby.  This training is a one-year-long series for staff to learn about cultural competency and caring for maternity patients at high risk.  She is a leader in diversity, equity and inclusion, and her commitment to this program promotes more equitable birth outcomes.

This nurse is astute in recognizing family needs and is committed to patients’ and families’ having what they need when discharged from the hospital.  She noticed families’ being insecure about the growth and development items for their baby, such as books, toys and playsets.  With some creative thinking and reaching out to community connections, the insecurities were gone.  This RN created a beginner kit with common household items that can be used as educational and stimulating toys for babies.  Also, families were able to receive book donations for their baby.

This nurse ensured that, despite COVID, staff nurses had the resources they need to enhance their professional development.  She developed a monthly newsletter with detailed information about seminars and conferences all in one place.  Since launching the newsletter, more staff nurses are able to attend these events and share their knowledge with other nurses.

This RN took it upon herself to become a Child Passenger Safety Technician and provides individual education to parents, grandparents and health care professionals.  She volunteers at community car seat events, where anyone can bring a car seat and child, and receive education on how to install and make alterations as the child grows.  She created a car seat program with Case Management for families in need, and provides car seat education here within the hospital.  She is listed on the National Child Passenger Safety registry; when community members call, they meet and she installs the car seat and provides education.

This nurse embodies Swanson’s Theory of Caring.  Patients experiencing birth have cultural norms that are needed to welcome this new life.  This nurse was working with a client with unique needs and requests during the labor and delivery process.  This RN worked with the patient to creatively accomplish her requests.  The staff were grateful that the patient’s requests could be managed, and the delivery was to the satisfaction of the patient.  Since this situation, the nurse has worked with the staff to learn about different cultural beliefs during the birthing process.

This nurse embodies the spirit of Duke Friends of Nursing in her commitment to her patients, their families and her colleagues; and her commitment to the nursing profession ensures our patients have the best outcomes.