In this section
Dismiss Modal

In our unwavering pursuit of nursing excellence at GBMC, we continually explore innovative ways to empower our nursing staff, deliver top-notch patient care, and cultivate a culture of inquiry and constant improvement. Playing a pivotal role in these transformative initiatives is Ashley Bandurchin, MSN, RN, CCRN, CSSGB, EBP-C, CENP, our Assistant Director of Professional Practice, Education, & Research.

Nurse Residency Program: Cultivating Nursing Leaders

Our Nurse Residency Program, accredited as a Practice Transition Accreditation Program (PTAP) by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), stands as a cornerstone of our commitment to nurturing nursing talent. This 1-year program primarily emphasizes professionalism, aiming to produce well-rounded, clinically competent, and confident nurses.

Ashley highlights the program's focus on equipping nurses to navigate the ever-evolving non-clinical challenges in healthcare, including new staffing models, rising patient acuity, and the post-pandemic healthcare landscape. "We also seize this opportunity to introduce incoming nurses to the concept of evidence-based practice," Ashley adds.

Throughout their residency year at GBMC, nurses are encouraged to foster a "spirit of inquiry." This mindset encourages continuous improvement, where their fresh perspectives may trigger positive change on our units. Ashley elaborates, "We inspire them to ask questions like 'why are we doing this?' and 'is this best practice?'"

An exciting change in the program is the appointment of Michelle Hopson, MSN, RN, NPD-BC, as the new Nurse Residency Clinical Program Manager. Michelle plays a pivotal role in ensuring the curriculum remains relevant to the unique challenges new graduate nurses face today. New nurses also have opportunities to engage with Angie Feurer, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, Chief Nursing Officer, to provide candid feedback about their GBMC experience. Furthermore, a formal mentorship program is being piloted with nurse residency cohorts, a part of the Doctor of Nursing Practice work led by Kate Jones, MSN, RNC, Assistant Director of Perioperative, Endoscopy, & Interventional Radiology Nursing Services.

Nursing Onboarding: An Immersive Journey

In January 2023, we introduced a significant overhaul of our nursing and nursing support orientation. "We streamlined all aspects of nursing and nursing support orientation into one comprehensive process," Ashley explains. This change ensures that as nurses transition roles at GBMC, they no longer need to repeat steps, making orientation a seamless one-stop-shop experience that fully immerses new nurses in our organization.

But this isn't just about administrative processes. Orientation now incorporates interactive learning activities such as icebreakers and an innovative Escape Room experience, fostering teamwork, communication, and professionalism.

"Our participants have overwhelmingly praised these changes," Ashley notes. "The Escape Room, in particular, has been a tremendous success, offering a fun and interactive lesson on the significance of teamwork."

Nurse Practice Council: Advocating for Nursing Excellence

Recently revitalized with representation from every inpatient area at GBMC, the Nurse Practice Council serves as the unified voice of nursing. It tackles clinical issues faced by bedside nurses, drives evidence-based changes, and enhances joy among our frontline staff.

The council plays a vital role in evaluating changes, including Epic updates, new products, and organizational rollouts. It also focuses on identifying practice issues and concerns throughout the organization, employing evidence-based methodologies to propose recommendations.

Beyond addressing concerns and considering proposed changes, the council is committed to enhancing the joy of our nursing teams and boosting employee engagement. Recent activities like "Crazy Sock Day" and the Back-to-School Supplies Drive illustrate this commitment.

"We're excited to keep propelling positive changes that pave the way for an even brighter future for nursing at GBMC," Ashley says.

Related Articles
Read article
Colleen’s Journey: “Literally Everything About My Life Is Better”

Colleen Darney worked hard to manage her weight on her own. From 2009 to 2012, she came close to reaching...

Read article
GBMC Rx: Healthcare Access

 Wayman Scott, Associate Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Community Relations at GBMC Health...

Read article
Demystifying Seed Oils: Separating Fact from Fiction

Seed oils or vegetable oils, such as those made from sunflower, canola, and soybean, are common kitchen s...

Read article
Practical Parenting: Navigating Teen Dating and Relationships

As parents, guiding our teens through the complexities of relationships is no small task. From navigating...