1st Place Winner

How My Practice Reflects the Forces of Magnetism
by
Bonnie Brennan, RN, BSN 

Just one year ago, I was finishing my final semester in nursing school, and eagerly looking forward to beginning a new chapter in my life - - the role of nurse. In my eyes, I was about to embark not only on a new profession, but a calling, and I knew that choosing the right place to work would be critical in my ability to practice the kind of quality care I intended for my patients. Many of my classmates chose to work at another local hospital which boasted "Magnet Status" - - some for that very reason. At that time, I knew very little about what was involved in such a designation, but I gathered that it somehow set that particular hospital apart from others in its quality of nursing care. I had the opportunity to spend a summer semester at that same hospital, but it wasn't until I came to CHLA that I was - - unbeknownst to me at the time - - immersed in the true spirit of magnetism wherever I turned. I knew instantly that CHLA was home, and, while participating in the RN Residency Program this past fall, I learned exactly what it meant to be recognized with Magnet Status, and the 14 Forces of Magnetism which determine such recognition. Now that I truly understand the forces, I can knowingly reflect on how my practice mirrors them.

Perhaps the thing that first strikes me about CHLA is that while I am constantly supported to be as autonomous as possible in my practice, I am ever so aware that I am a part of this incredible team - - a team where every member's voice is heard, and the leaders are there, not to dictate, but to encourage and guide. It is CHLA's unique organizational structure which creates such an environment. Where else could I feel free to knock on the Chief Nursing Officer's door (or the CEO's door, for that matter) with an idea to improve patient care, and actually be listened to? Such initiative is not only permissible, it is encouraged. It is this equality in contributions to our delivery of healthcare that serves to elevate the image of nursing... and, simply put, makes me proud to be a nurse in this organization.

Although only at CHLA for a short time, I have already been introduced to the variety of ways I can develop my professional practice, whether it be through our five-level professional ladder, or the numerous on-site classes and certifications available. In fact, new nurses are not only informed about such opportunities, but encouraged to strive to achieve them. I credit such support to CHLA's style of management and the quality of our nursing leadership - - one in which the more experienced nurtures the novice, uplifting them, mentoring them and preparing them to reach their full potential so that they, too, may one day find themselves in a position to nurture that next generation of nurses. 

My practice is often not only "my" practice, but a group practice - - as I frequently find myself consulting with other disciplines in order to provide my patients and their families with the best care possible. As an RN in the PICU, the interdisciplinary relationships I have established with the various doctors, social workers, and respiratory therapists, among others, have not only served to benefit my patients, but have enriched my scope of practice. If I don't have the answer, I can simply call upon a multitude of resources within the walls of CHLA to help me get the answer. And, I in turn have taught other disciplines about aspects of nursing with which they were unfamiliar. In fact, to be a nurse is to be a teacher, and educating my patients and their families is not only my responsibility, but their right. The patient should always be informed about their treatments and their options, and I do so whenever possible.

Finally, at the heart of CHLA's nursing practice - - the reason I chose to practice here - - is the quality of care one finds here. No where else have I encountered such caring, such warmth, such dedication, and perhaps most importantly, such commitment to the family. For who can deny that when a child suffers, the family surely suffers as well. CHLA's model of Family - Centered Care acknowledges that concept and honors it by providing care not only for the patient, but for the family as well, whether by providing a room just down the hall to sleep in, having social work assist with transportation or meal vouchers, or providing a distraught mother with the opportunity to speak with a chaplain. If I can do nothing more than simply lay my hand on a grieving parent's shoulder, I will do so to let them know I care...that we, at CHLA, care.

I understand that CHLA has applied, and is currently under consideration for Magnet Recognition based on standards of nursing practice as outlined in the 14 Forces of Magnetism. Now that I understand the forces - - that I have witnessed both management and nursing leadership uphold them, virtually every discipline I've encountered practice them, and that I, in turn, have applied them in my own practice - - I cannot imagine that in less than one year's time, Childrens Hospital Los Angeles will not be included in the prestigious company of those hospitals with Magnet Recognition Status. However, I would add this: Just as true leaders earn their respect not by virtue of their title, but by virtue of their actions, CHLA has already distinguished itself in providing the very best in nursing care through the actions of those who work for this organization. Magnet Recognition or not, we at CHLA have already elevated the reputation and standards of the nursing profession.