The General Medicine unit on the third floor of the Round Wing of Medical Center North is celebrating more than four years without a catheter-associated urinary tract infection.
Ed Land, R.N., a clinical staff leader for the 14-bed unit, said the accomplishment is the result of a team effort between nurses and care partners.
“It’s basic nursing,” he said. “I can’t say enough about the efforts of the staff.”
The inpatient medical unit provides care for patients with nonsurgical acute medical conditions who are admitted by hospitalists.
Robin Steaban, MSN, R.N., Chief Nursing Officer for Vanderbilt University Adult Hospital and Clinics, said the unit has a culture of patient safety that is passed on as new staff members join the team and others depart.
“I just want to thank you for this accomplishment,” she said. “This accomplishment is not accidental but the result of meticulously delivered care. There is a culture of excellence that depends on precision in implementing best practices. That culture of excellence is noted in the work of all team members including nurses, care partners, physicians and all those who care for patients. Your commitment to doing the right thing for every patient, every time, delivered these results.”
Their accomplishment has caught the attention of doctors and Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) leadership as an example of best practices.
“It is amazing,” said Allen Kaiser, M.D., professor of Medicine and Associate Chief of Staff for the Vanderbilt Health System. “It’s the most common hospital-acquired infection, and the care of the bedside nurse is the single most important element in the prevention of this infection. It’s just hard work.”
Marilyn Dubree, MSN, R.N., Executive Chief Nursing Officer, said the accomplishment shows great intentionality.
“Sometimes it’s the little things we do every day that add up to a great accomplishment,” she said. “This accomplishment belongs to every nurse and staff member who contributes to a culture of safety for every patient.”
Mitch Edgeworth, MBA, CEO of Vanderbilt University Adult Hospital and Clinics, added his congratulations.
“We need units just like this one to be leaders, and that’s what you are,” he said. “You have led the way to some amazing things.”
Also offering his thanks was C. Wright Pinson, MBA, M.D., Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Chief Health System Officer for VUMC.
“Thank you very much for your attention to detail,” he said. “This happened because you have great process. It takes people to carry great process and that’s you.”
