Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/934743
3 CRHEALTHCARE.ORG More an a Hpital ADVOCATING f PATIENTS THANKS TO A NEWLY ESTABLISHED COUNCIL, ADVANCED PRACTICE NURSES CAN SHARE THEIR FRONTLINE EXPERIENCES TO IMPROVE CARE. Nurse practitioners, physician assistants and other advanced practice nurses witness the patient experience firsthand and serve as advocates for the people they treat. The new Advanced Clinical Practitioner (ACP) Council at Columbus Regional Healthcare System brings these providers together so they can share information and increase communication and collaboration among colleagues and administrators. Marie Campbell, DNP, family nurse practitioner at Columbus Regional Healthcare System and the developer of the council, first recognized the opportunity for such a project while participating in the Duke–Johnson & Johnson Nurse Leadership Program. She saw it as a means to unite ACPs throughout CRHS to improve the quality of care and outcomes for residents throughout the community. "Councils within other organizations have proven to be beneficial to ACPs and the administration," Campbell says. "I wanted to create a council for ACPs within our organization to discuss issues that affect ACP practice, professional development and quality measures within patient care, as well as to increase provider satisfaction. As a result of this council, ACPs will have a voice in administrative decision- and policy-making and provide quality care to the residents that they serve." Recovering from a stroke involves overcoming a variety of challenges that are both physical and mental. Columbus Regional Healthcare System makes sure that throughout this process, survivors never feel like they are alone. Through the Stroke Program at CRHS, a staff member monitors their recovery while they are in the hospital and collaborates with case managers and physical therapists to help navigate each patient's transition home. CRHS also hosts a monthly stroke support group. "This is a space for survivors to share stories, discuss feelings and manage expectations," says Terri Veneziano, chief nursing officer. "Together we celebrate many milestones, such as getting out of the house for the first time, returning to work, or reaching another birthday or stroke anniversary." For those who cannot make group sessions, individual support is offered over the phone. Participants are also checked on throughout the month to monitor their progress. "Recovery is a long road that depends on community support," says Veneziano. "CRHS is here to bring people together." The stroke support group is offered on the third Tuesday of every month, from 2 to 3 p.m. To learn more, call 910-640-4637. ENCOURAGEMENT AND SUPPORT WHILE ADAPTING TO LIFE AFTER A STROKE e Many Milestones of Stroke Recovery Peggy Newman, FNP; Marie Campbell, DNP; Wendy Meares, FNP; Kay Jordan, FNP; Tom Lawson, FNP; and LaShawn Howard, FNP.