News and Publications
President's Message
Daniel J. Woods
February 2012
Chasing Thunder
I was awakened at 3 a.m. by a recent mid-winter thunderstorm. I don’t mind watching and listening to a storm knowing my family and I are safe. I do mind that our dog doesn’t quite get that.
Our Yorkie, although she does not like water, wants to go out when a storm is upon us. She rushes outside, barking wildly at the thunder. For her, the thunder and lightning is a big distraction and with her towering six inches, she attempts to chase it away. She does not have the most effective approach.
At the hospital there has been some great work to get rid of distractions and put more effective processes in place for even better care. It is not uncommon to accept things that we get used to. The past 12 months colleagues have stepped up to identify the “noise,” or distractions and wasteful steps that tend to take us away from our priorities; that is, being with patients. LEAN projects have been successful in making it easier with quicker access to an IV pump. Hourly rounding is resulting in fewer call lights due to a proactive focus and quality time with patients.
These efforts are just the beginning of many ways colleagues will take away what’s been in our way, quieting the “nursing noise,” to focus their exceptional work. The insights and dedication of colleagues are making a difference.
While I don’t foresee us eliminating the thunder, we can be warm and dry when it comes, and I’ll keep the dog inside during the rain.
