Annual fall summit brings together members of BWFH's Unit Based Councils

This fall, representatives from each of the Unit Based Councils and Nursing Shared Governance Committees within the Department of Nursing at Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital gathered for a summit meeting.

The day provided the opportunity to share ideas and best practices, and hear from colleagues on topics such as:

• BWFH’s Nursing Strategic Plan
• The People Side of Change
• Locating the Best Evidence
• Experiences at the National Magnet Conference
• Individual Unit Based Council Project Updates

For participants and organizers alike, spending the day together was truly rewarding.

PACU staff nurse Virginia Ryan, MSN, RN, says it was enlightening to hear about the work being done on the other units. “We really do great things in this building!” she says. “But I was most impressed by the simple act of compassion and care provided to a 6 South ‘Butterfly’ patient and her family at the end of life. Gina Marinelli, BSN, RN, and Kate Cowden, BSN, RN, shared their extraordinary story of the bond they formed with an entire family during this difficult time and how it affected them personally. There was not a dry eye in the room. It reinforced what nursing is all about. Anyone would be lucky to have either of them as their nurse!”

7 North Clinical Leader Jessica Craver, BSN, RN, is always impressed by the energy in the room during Unit Based Council Summits, and this fall’s meeting did not disappoint. “Attending the Unit Based Council Summit continues to be one of my favorite days that fills me with renewed energy. It’s an amazing space where we collaborate, share what we are working on and gain new skills. I can see our profession grow stronger at each new summit!” she says.

Professional Development Manager for CPE, Pre-Op, the PACU and 7 South, Kathy McCarraher, MHA, BSN, RN, CPAN, ONC, helped to organize the day. For her, it was special to see everyone participate. “Staff were attentive and engaged throughout the day, passionate when sharing their Magnet Conference experiences and so proud to present their Unit Based Council projects,” she says.