Datascope AACN Excellence in Collaboration Nurse to Family Award.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Sherry (Sharon) Ninni, RN, BSN, CCRN 

Morristown Memorial Hospital, Morristown, N.J.

I have worked to improve family satisfaction in our ICU. Changes were made in our visiting hours based on literature that states families need to be close to their loved ones. The nurses expressed concern about the impact on patient care resulting from the additional needs of families. Our open visiting hours now include short, nonvisiting periods in an effort to enhance patient healing and provide privacy during report. To address the needs of the family during these times, a formal volunteer program was initiated. I developed a unit orientation and collaborated with Volunteer Services to ensure compassionate and diplomatic representatives prepared to deal with family members in crisis. A research study of improved satisfaction levels related to our volunteer program was presented at the Sigma Theta Tau International Conference in July 2006. I send surveys to the families of our patients, tabulate the results and suggest improvements. Based on returns, I collaborated with the Pastoral Care Department and implemented a well-used prayer box in our family waiting room. I wrote a successful grant proposal to the hospital foundation for funding of the Critical Care Family Enhancement Program. Money is being used to provide complementary therapies in the family waiting room. This includes massage therapy, meditation, relaxation, guided imagery, music and support groups. A computerized kiosk provides information specific to the hospital, as well as access to information about healthcare problems, equipment and testing. In addition, there are Web sites that simplify the family's ability to communicate with other family members and friends regarding the patient's condition. A family liaison position was created to provide additional support and guidance to our family members.

I am committed to providing patients with the strength that loving relationships with family members supply and supporting family participation in care and decisions.