Activity Summary
Turnover in the CICU was a problem for our hospital prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, which placed staff at risk for dissatisfaction and burnout. Burnout has been associated with lower patient satisfaction, reduced patient outcomes and higher healthcare costs. Based on the AACN Healthy Work Environment Assessment Tool results for the CICU, our CSI team focused on improving team communication and recognition. We instituted the slogan “Caring Is Critical to Us” throughout the unit to remind staff that not only do we care for patients, we must also care for each other. Our belief was that a focus on communication and recognition would reduce overall turnover in the unit. The CSI team also implemented staff engagement boards to encourage team members to recognize each other.
Objectives
- Discuss key concepts of a direct care nurse unit change project
- Apply tools and methods shared in their own unit
Continuing Education Disclosure Statement
Continuing Education Recognition Points (CERPs) are recognized by the AACN Certification Corporation, our credentialing arm, to encompass a wide spectrum of continuing education activities performed by nurses in high acuity and critical care and fulfill educational requirements for certification. Synergy CERP is a program exclusive to AACN for nurses wishing to recertify through AACN.
State boards of nursing and other certification organizations may recognize CERPs as meeting CE Contact Hour requirements. We recommend consulting with the state board or credentialing organization before submitting CERPs to fulfill CEContact Hour requirements.