Magnet Recognition Program® Request for Additional Documentation
Homestead Hospital
Homestead, FL
SE9 The organization supports nurses’ participation in community healthcare outreach.
SE9b Provide one example, with supporting evidence, of organizational support for nurse leader involvement in community healthcare outreach.
SE9b Provide one example, with supporting evidence, of organizational support for nurse leader involvement in community healthcare outreach.
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A new example is provided below.
Example 2 – Nurse Leader Involvement in Community Healthcare Outreach
BACKGROUND & PURPOSE
Hand-in-hand with clinical nurses, Homestead Hospital nurse leaders are also involved in community healthcare outreach in order to realize the organizational mission. As a community hospital, giving back to the community, locally and internationally, is a thrust that nurse leaders promote among themselves to serve as role models for the staff.
METHODS AND APPROACH
Organizational Support
To increase community involvement, Homestead Hospital’s leadership has set an expectation for all leaders to participate in at least 2 Baptist Health South Florida (BHSF) approved community outreach programs. These events included participation in medical and humanitarian missions. Assistant Vice President of Nursing Ann Marie Allen, RN (nurse leader), has been volunteering, every 2 years, since 2009, in an international medical and humanitarian mission. Allen has been able to provide care to those in need because of the support she received from Homestead Hospital. Chief Nursing Officer and Vice President Gail Gordon, RN, supported her community involvement by providing flexibility with request for time off and paid time while on the mission. (SE9 06a Schedule Request & Kronos Time Sheet) Gordon also supported Allen’s mission through donations of medical supplies and equipment. (SE9 07a Nursing Operations Meeting Minutes 2/14/15)
Allen became connected with the mission through her affiliation with a professional nursing organization, Jamaican Nurses Association of Florida (JNAF). In conjunction with JNAF, the Kiwanis of Kendall/South Dade and the support of Homestead Hospital, Allen was able to travel to Jamaica in June 2013. To prepare for the trip, she obtained Gordon’s approval and collaborated with Surgical Services Director Carmen Bouchard RN, in getting outdated colonoscopy, gastroscopy and bronchoscopy equipment (valued at $11, 750) donated to May Pen Hospital in Clarendon, Jamaica. (SE9 08a Kiwanis Newsletter and Disposition of Capital Equipment) During the 7-day mission, Allen, together with an interprofessional delegation, provided care packages; fed the homeless; and offered medical and dental services to adults and children at Missionaries of the Poor and various churches and community centers throughout the island. As a registered nurse, she was able to use her skills in assessing, triaging, and providing education on diseases and medications prescribed by the physician team members.
Allen continued to be a part of the mission as it gave her a chance to give back to the community and those less fortunate. In June 2015, she again embarked on the same humanitarian/health mission to Jamaica. Although a visit to May Pen Hospital was not part of the mission’s itinerary, Allen still made arrangements to deliver supplies needed for the endoscopy machines donated 2 years prior.
Exhibit SE9aa: Allen providing healthcare services to Missionaries of the Poor Center during a missionary humanitarian/health mission to Jamaica in June 2015.
PARTICIPANTS
Name/Credentials |
Title |
Department |
Role in the Team |
Ann Marie Allen, MSN, PH.D(c), RN, NEA-BC |
Assistant Vice President of Nursing |
Nursing Administration |
Volunteered at medical and humanitarian missions to Jamaica |
Gail Gordon, MSN, RN, NEA-BC |
Chief Nursing Officer and Vice President |
Nursing Administration |
Supported nurse leaders in community outreach activities |
Carmen Bouchard, MSN, RN, CNOR |
Director |
Surgical Services |
Provided support in securing supplies and equipment for donation |
OUTCOMES
Due to organizational support for nurse leaders’ involvement in community healthcare outreach, Allen was able to travel; provide community outreach; volunteer her services; and donate supplies and equipment to the indigent areas of Jamaica. Because of equipment and supply donations received from Homestead Hospital, about 200 patients have received endoscopy procedures in May Pen Hospital. This made a tremendous impact to that community, which would otherwise not have access to these procedures. To recognize Allen’s contribution and establish a legacy, May Pen Hospital’s Senior Medical Officer Brad Edwards, MD wanted to establish an Endoscopy Center of Excellence and name it in honor of Allen’s grandfather. (SE9 09a Email from Dr. Brad Edwards and Nursing Operation Meeting Minutes 4/3/15)
Summary Attachments/Hyperlinks/Evidences
SE9 06a Schedule Request & Kronos Time Sheet
SE9 07a Nursing Operations Meeting Minutes 2/14/15
SE9 08a Kiwanis Newsletter and Disposition of Capital Equipment
SE9 09a Email from Dr. Brad Edwards and Nursing Operation Meeting Minutes 4/3/15
Exhibit SE9aa: Allen providing healthcare services to Missionaries of the Poor Center during a missionary humanitarian/health mission to Jamaica in June 2015.