Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/1464704
they responded to the concerns of their clinicians — which improved satisfaction for both patients and staff. RECOGNITION AND POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT Celebrating staff accomplishments — in a profession where burnout and compassion fatigue pose a real threat to healthcare systems — can go a long way toward boost- ing morale. Positive reinforcement also incentivizes and recognizes nurses who help make the organization successful, which translates to improved patient outcomes and satisfaction. One of the important ways St. Joseph's Health honors its staff is to give awards: + The DAISY Award honors nurses who go "above-and-beyond" to provide quality, compassionate care to their patients. Nurses can be nominated by patients and/or their families, and by their colleagues. + The Good Catch Award, a lapel pin featuring a baseball and catcher's mitt, gives recognition to team members who identify and bring forward issues that could risk patient safety or quality before an adverse event occurs. + The Sister Patricia Ann Award, named after one of the founding nuns at St. Joseph's Health, recognizes team members who display tremendous healthcare leadership. + The Spirit of St. Joseph's Award is given to those who exemplify the hospital's values and mission. WHEN REWARDING REAPS REWARDS Providing a consistent show of appre- ciation and respect across departments may also have something to do with the acknowledgments the hospital routinely receives for clinical excellence. " S t . Jo s eph's h a s a lw ay s b e en a leader in qua lit y a nd outcomes with Leapfrog designations, the U.S. News & World Report Best Regional Hospital designation, Magnet designation, and the Beacon awards — the highest awards for clinical excellence in critical care — for both of our critical care units," says Yuri Pa shchu k, MSN, R N, CCR N-k, Clinical Director of Medical and Surgical Services, Critical Care and Careflight at St. Joseph's Health. Pashchuk says Magnet-designated hospitals offer not only improved patient safety and lower patient mortality rates but also job satisfaction and more options for personal development and growth. "All of those [designations] translate to a culture that we have developed over the years, where we set a high bar for ourselves," Pashchuk says. "Those who have stuck with us understand that and they rise to that level and encourage others to do the same." " We were the ones who were holding this pandemic at bay. I told staff, 'One day students will read about you in their epidemiology books and learn from how we conquered and overcame — so take pride in knowing that in a way, you have sealed your identity in history." — YURI PASHCHUK, MSN, RN, CCRN-K, CLINICAL DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND SURGICAL SERVICES, CRITICAL CARE AND CAREFLIGHT AT ST. JOSEPH'S HEALTH M D N E W S . C O M /// M D N E W S C E N T R A l N E W Y O R K n 2 0 2 2 0 7