January, 2006

Piedmont's cardiac care unit wins prestigious award

Everyone in Piedmont Hospital's cardiac care unit is wearing a new Beacon Winner button and a beaming smile to match. The unit is the first in Georgia to win the prestigious Beacon Award for Critical Care Excellence. After a rigorous application process, the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses recognizes a small number (10 to 12) of outstanding units twice a year. Full Article

From the heart

To put a patient on an Abiomed device for eight days and have his heart recover is a positive outcome, said Marcia Bryant, RN, MSN, CAN, director of cardiovascular services at St. Joseph's.

"In the care of a cardiac patient, it takes everyone - the doctors, nurses, OTs, PTs, pharmacists, dieticians and staff - working collaboratively," she said. "A cardiac nurse has to treat her patient holistically, knowing that so many things are involved. It's critical for everyone to be on her game."

It takes a special nurse to work in cardiac care, so Bryant hires based on personal attributes such as commitment and initiative. The mechanics of the job can be taught, but the dedication required to work on her staff must be there already. Full Article