This nurse-led team exemplifies University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics' mission and values. They are role models of collaboration and teamwork that made a difference in the lives of patients, families, employees, and their community. 6RC/7RCN was nominated by a member of the team, who wrote:
"As a result of sustained high patient volumes and in an attempt to improve the patient experience at UIHC, the 6 RC team was asked to open an additional 18 inpatient beds in two months' time. The unit's assistant nurse managers led the charge to transform an old NICU into an adult unit. The team collaborated to ensure that the transformed space would support safe, high-quality patient care.
While the project had a short timeframe and tight budgets, the nurse-led team advocated for essential changes to the space and equipment so this new unit would support world-class care. Front-line nurses, nursing assistants, and unit clerks spent time on the unit during "construction" phase to provide feedback to the nursing leadership team. These suggestions were communicated with the Capital Management team and most were incorporated into the final design.
The 6 RC staff rose to the challenge when asked to be flexible and adaptable to the new unit, located one floor above the current unit. All staff agreed to practice on 7 RCN and do so without complaints or pushback. Responses were all along the lines of, "I'll do whatever the team needs to care for our patients." This can-do attitude is what makes the 6 RC team special.
While already the largest unit in the hospital with 48 beds, the expansion now puts 6RC/7RCN at 66 patient beds. The assistant nurse managers, charge nurses, support staff, social workers, navigators, and therapy staff were all asked to "do more with less" and have done so with dignity, class, and professionalism.
The DAISY Award typically recognizes special individuals who make a profound difference in the patient's life; I believe that the nurse-led 6 RC/7 RCN team is making a positive difference on the UIHC system. By expanding to 66 beds in such a short time, opportunities have opened on all inpatient units, the OR/PACU, the Emergency Department, and our partnering hospitals across the state. The nurse-led 6RC/7RCN team embodies and exemplifies the ICARE values each and every day; the recent expansion has provided a chance for the organization to see that on display over the course of the past couple of months. Having nursing leadership and front-line staff at the decision-making table maximized the potential of this project."