Only the Beginning

Linda S. McCauley, Director
Clinical Informatics

We all become more savvy the more we use our cell phones, tablets, computers and DVRs. We fine-tune what we need, and ignore what we don’t want. We adapt to the new technology and enjoy the benefits of information at our fingertips. You probably “have an app for that!” … whatever that is.

 

Yet, you know there is something new/different/better just around the corner, don’t you? It seems you’ve only just gotten comfortable with that new phone when the next best thing comes along.

Even though I’ve spent months on the team developing the inpatient electronic medical records (EMR) system for MedStar Washington Hospital Center, and I seem to have worked 24/7 for the last week as we transitioned to the new system, the launch of MedConnect II, to me, is a bit like “waiting for the next best thing.” I know our journey has really just begun. We are at the beginning of a very exciting venture in health care.

As we continue on this journey, we will improve the health of the people who live in our communities. We will have solid data that will tell us where to focus our preventative programs. We will connect our patients to more efficient and timely care. We will develop ways to make care even safer.

Our electronic medical records system will always be changing, always be evolving, always improving. Even with the enormous planning efforts, the years of development, the tens of thousands of hours of classes, we are just beginning to put into action what we call the “living use” of MedConnect.

That doesn’t happen with a flip of a switch. It takes time.

Linda S. McCauley, RN

Director, Clinical Informatics

Simply Extraordinary



Janis Donnelly, BSN, MS, MBA

Senior Nursing Director Quality, Safety and Education

It’s an extraordinary nurse who volunteers to step away from the bedside for three months to thoroughly learn a new electronic medical records (EMR) system, then turn around and train other nursing colleagues.

I am proud to say that we have 18 such extraordinary nurses at MedStar Washington Hospital Center.

These patient caregivers love caring for patients, and they are great at it. Yet, they immediately understood the critical role nurses have in launching this upgraded system, aimed at enhancing efficiency, safety and the timeliness of care. They became so proficient with the ins and outs of the system that they recommended more efficient and practical ways of doing things.

They saw a need, and stepped up to meet that need.

We could not have launched this system without this team of nurses. And when they return to their units next week, they will continue their “trainer” role for several more weeks before they once again devote themselves to direct patient care.

One of our nurses, Maureen Long, works in the medical intensive care unit. She said, “We’ve been very involved.  We formulated and wrote the lectures. We developed workflow systems.” Another nurse, Megan Philbrick, who normally works on the surgical intensive care unit, said, “I’ve gotten to meet so many people from so many parts of the Hospital Center, and that’s been fun.  It’s been a nice change of pace. But after this is over I’m excited to go back to caring for patients.”

We can’t wait to have you back on the units, Megan and Maureen. All of us at the Hospital Center, and me, especially, thank you for your amazing efforts. I have learned so much from you and this terrific team of nurses who are putting their hearts and souls into making sure this important new system is the best it can be for our patients.

Janis Donnelly, BSN, MS, MBA

Senior Nursing Director Quality, Safety and Education

It's All About You



Sue Eckert, RN
Chief Nursing Executive

As a nurse of 30-plus years, I still love being on units with patients. As the chief nursing executive at MedStar Washington Hospital Center, I can tell you with great confidence that our nurses love taking care of you. We know that their compassionate care and commitment to safety comes through loud and clear, because you tell us this all the time.

As we make this transition, we are taking extra steps to help our nurses continue to provide the safe, excellent care they are committed to and that our patients have come to expect.

We are bringing in EMR experts to work around the clock to help with the new system as our nurses gain confidence and experience. We have added extra shifts to allow our nurses to spend extra time getting comfortable with the new system. We have made arrangements for additional temporary nurses to provide an extra layer of support with the system and with patient care.

Our nurse leaders will be very visible on the units, too, supporting our floor nurses. They are deeply committed to their nursing teams, just as our nurses are committed to you. 

In the coming weeks, you’ll be hearing more from me about the amazing work our nurses are doing to make this transition successful. In the end, it’s all about taking care of you.

Sue Eckert

Chief Nursing Executive