Outstanding Nurse for Research Award
WINNER
ANNETTE MCCOY , BSN , RN , CPN Clinical Nurse IV , Gastro / Liver Clinic
Annette investigated the use of a new novel minimally invasive ambulatory device , a FibroScan , to assess pediatric liver patients ’ level of steatosis and scarring without the use of a very invasive and costly liver biopsy procedure that requires pre-procedure labs , ultrasound spot , anesthesia and a six-hour recovery with increased risk of bleeding or other serious complications . Annette also performed a literature synthesis which determined a FibroScan to be a safe , effective alternative to liver biopsy . The impact of this study demonstrates how a nurse driven FibroScan program can improve patient experience , satisfaction and outcomes without the use of an invasive method to obtain the knowledge needed to make clinical decisions regarding the level of steatosis and fibrosis in pediatric liver patients . The safety and efficacy of the use of FibroScan in a pediatric liver clinic shows how real time data impacts and improves patient care .
NOMINEE :
RACHEL CHANTALA , BSN , RN , CNRN Associate Clinical Manager , Health Pavilion , Child Health Clinic
Outstanding Partner of Nursing Award
WINNER
MORGAN ALONZO , PharmD Clinical Pharmacist Staff , Health Pavilion , Retail Specialty Pharmacy
Morgan is a pharmacist working with our medication access team , which works diligently to remove the many barriers that may prevent timely access to necessary medications . Morgan has supported this team to expedite access to medications that are often very costly yet integral to a patient ’ s plan of care . As a key example , Morgan took an integral role in the prior-authorization process and procurement of Lupron , a puberty-suppressing medication that is very costly . The burden of cost to families for this medication can be a huge barrier to care , so Morgan has worked with us to provide a process that makes this transparent to families , using the cost estimate team , as well as creating alternative processes to explore less costly options for obtaining this medication . With Morgan ’ s support , we now have a much more patient-family focused process that supports each team member involved to navigate the complexities of insurance benefits for high-cost drugs . This work has allowed nurses to provide more in-scope roles with these medications , patient education , medication monitoring and administration visits , and ensuring appropriate patient follow-up care . Even in clinics where medication access team members aren ’ t employed , Morgan ’ s supportive process mapping has decreased the time burden on nurses .
NOMINEES :
NAKISHA GRANT-PERRY Operations Supervisor , Level 9 – Medical
RACHAEL JACOBS , BS Behavioral Health Specialist , Level 8 – Medical
MEGHAN KUGLER , BS , CCLS Child Life Specialist , Anschutz
SHANNON SAWYER , MSW , LCSW Clinical Social Worker , Clinical Social Work
HILARY SCHUMACHER Clinical Assistant , Level 8 – Medical
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