within the unit to help manage the issue. She also
of their peers. We
asked me to serve as chair.”
seek to recognize
people who do their
Today UNC Hospitals has a universal
“Our people
grow at
a pace they
set for
themselves”
dosage for epinephrine that encompasses work
jobs well — and who
practices within anesthesia, pharmacy and critical
show the ability to
care units. It’s another milestone for a health
lead.”
care institution where safeguarding the needs
of patients and fostering leadership among staff
the unit. Recently the American Association of
go hand in hand. It happened in part because
Critical Care Nurses awarded UNC Hospital’s CTICU
Stephanie had a manager who believed in her.
the prestigious Beacon Award for the second time.
Today, Stephanie Hoppin is a Clinical Nurse III;
In the seven-year history of the award, only 52 critical
now she mentors others on the CTICU team.
care units from hospitals all across the country have
received Beacon awards more than once.
“What Stephanie has accomplished is an
That recognition also comes from outside
example of the empowerment and leadership we
foster among staff nurses at the CTICU,” says
says every member of the unit is proud of the
Meghan McCann, Director, Center for Heart and
recognition, yet prouder of the work that stands
Vascular Care. Meghan should know. She was the
behind it. “We know that it’s not enough to identify
manager who gave Stephanie the green light for
problems in health care delivery. We strive to make
the epinephrine project.
it better,” says Kevin.
The CTICU is a place where nurses get
Kevin Brady, RN, Clinical Nurse IV,
Making things better in a critical care unit
the green light frequently. “Our people grow at a
pace they set for themselves,” says Meghan. “We
and professional growth at the same time, and
acknowledge their success through the recognition
8|
happens when nurses advocate for patient care
when nursing leaders reinforce that advocacy
UNC HOSPITALS Nursing Annual Repor t