A Word About Nurse Champions

By Susan Hecht, RN
Nursing Rehabilitation Liaison

A nurse is one who plays a role in the responsibility for treatment, safety and recovery of ill or injured people. A champion is an ardent defender or supporter of a cause. While each nurse has a unique background we share the same passion for nursing.

A Nurse Champion works usually within their unit (but not limited to) to support change. It is not always battling the odds but a superb opportunity to develop professionally. According to the Center for Studying Health System Change, “Nurses are the largest deliverer of health care in the U.S.” One of the most important outcomes in being a Nurse Champion is an increased comfort in working with projects, increasing job satisfaction and stronger team relationships.

What makes a Champion Nurse? I believe you have to like challenges. They focus on health and wellness, they advocate for their patients, they always have a mission, they consider their work to be a privilege, they are innovative and creative, they are opportunistic people always looking for a chance to improve, they take pride in their nursing, and last but not least, they support the mission of their organization.

Prior to coming to Saint Francis Hospital I worked as an LPN for 5 years in a Long Term Facility. I have been at Saint Francis for 9 years. I have been an LPN, RN, Nursing Rehabilitation Liaison and I’m currently going for my BSN. Through every turn in my 9 years I have felt the desire to take on challenges. I enjoy taking on a challenge and running with it. I enjoy teaching and advocating for my patients and the community.

According to the September 2008 American Journal of Health System Pharmacists, “More than 2 million Americans are affected by Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) annually, with 600,000 developing PE (pulmonary embolism) leading to 60,000 deaths. Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) is recognized as the most preventable cause of inpatient mortality.”

I am a Nurse Champion for DVT Prevention.

· I have arranged in-service luncheons on DVT Prevention for student nurses to promote awareness and prevention.
· I have attended health fairs for Saint Francis Hospital promoting DVT Awareness and Prevention.
· Every March (DVT Awareness month) I initiate a hospital-wide effort to raise awareness of this condition within out organization.
· I spear-headed an event in September 2007 bringing Melanie Bloom to the hospital to speak on the subject. She joined the Coalition to Prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis and became its national spokesperson following the death of her husband, David (an NBC correspondent and father of three) from PE while covering the Iraq War. The event with Melanie brought more than 250 to our Community Conference Center.
· I was recently involved in updating our Admission Nursing Assessment form to include a VTE component.
· As part of my pursuit of a BSN at SUNY New Paltz, I am engaged in an education project regarding DVT Awareness, Prevention and Prophylaxis.

I believe in my ability to take on new challenges, embrace them and grow from them, as well as continue to educate and allow experiences to open new doors for me.

I believe in the term Nurse Champion!