Longmont United Hospital

IN MARCH 2014, the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) presented the ICU with the Silver Beacon Award for Excellence, a three-year designation recognizing the unit's adherence to high standards of care. The AACN evaluated the ICU in five categories: • Communication and staff education • Leadership structure • Outcomes • Staff expertise and engagement • Use of evidence-based practices The ICU demonstrated particular success in the "outcomes" category, the most heavily weighted criterion. The AACN assessed the unit's ability to prevent infections among patients. "Our unit had zero cases of ventilator-assisted pneumonia from 2010 to 2013, well below the national average," says Lisa Keck, RN, BSN, CCRN, ICU supervisor at the Hospital. "We try to get patients off ventilators as soon as possible. Our central line [a type of catheter used to give fluids for long periods of time] infection rate during the same period was also significantly lower than the national average, thanks to our dedicated vascular access team." When patients are most vulnerable, our ICU team is at its best. Visit luhcares.org for a list of our awards and recognitions. Way to Go, ICU− The Intensive Care Unit! Because of consistent high standards and outstanding commitment to its patients, Longmont United Hospital's intensive care unit (ICU) received accolades from a national nursing organization. GOING ABOVE AND BEYOND WITH EMOTIONAL, PHYSICAL, AND MEDICAL CARE A Planetree Healing Environment 2 LONGMONT UNITED HOSPITAL FALL 2014 For permission to reprint any portion of this magazine, to let us know that you are receiving more than one copy, or if you would prefer not to receive the publication, please write to: CIRCULATION@TRUENORTHCUSTOM.COM OR CALL 800.624.7496 The material in this publication should not be considered specific medical advice, as each individual circumstance is different. Consult your physician before undertaking any form of medical treatment or adopting any exercise program or dietary guidelines. To submit a publication idea, email klogan@luhcares.org. WHAT GUYS SHOULD KNOW Is replacing testosterone the best option for you? Testosterone Therapy: STEPHANIE KING WAS preparing for the birth of her baby and experiencing dumping syndrome—a condition where the body does not absorb fluids and nutrients normally—all while her husband Rex was stationed abroad with the United States Army. To ensure mother and baby were safe, Mrs. King visited Longmont United Hospital daily for IV fluids to get the nutrition she and the baby needed. Pregnancy in itself is stressful, but Mrs. King was under additional pressure as she faced a health condition without the in-person support of her husband. Understanding the emotional rollercoaster Mrs. King was experiencing, the nurses at this Planetree Designated ® Hospital stepped in, embracing Mrs. King. "You meet some people who touch you, and Mrs. King and her situation touched the whole unit," says Saskia Ossorio, RN, BSN, infusion lead in the day surgery unit at the Hospital. "We wanted to make her experience here as great as possible." The nurses in the unit provided Mrs. King with a support system when she needed it most, and the young mother-to-be bonded with her group of unexpected and supportive new friends at the Hospital. Because she and the staff were now so close, it was important to Mrs. King that she have her baby at the Hospital, but she knew that wasn't possible if she went into labor before reaching the 34th week of her pregnancy. On the first day of Mrs. King's 34th week of pregnancy, the Hospital staff celebrated by hosting a baby shower, complete with cupcakes, streamers, balloons, and outfits for her son—all while Mrs. King received her IV treatment. When Mrs. King's son Hunter was born, the Hospital staff was able to celebrate with the new mother—and to line the halls of the Hospital to welcome Mr. King with a salute when he arrived home several weeks after Hunter's birth. "I think of the staff as my family at this point," Mrs. King says. "They've done so much for my family and me." To learn more about the Planetree philosophy, visit luhcares.org.

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