BWFH’s Unit Based Councils fall summit goes virtual

Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital’s Department of Nursing recently gathered representatives from each of the Unit Based Councils and Nursing Shared Governance Committees. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the spring summit was canceled, and the fall summit was held virtually for the first time. Over 30 nurses from across the nursing department still attended, however, and it provided a space to share best practices and discuss various ideas with colleagues, such as:

• The Nursing Strategic Plan
• Evidence Based Practice
• Engagement Strategies
• Individual Unit Based Council Project Updates

Participants of the summit had an opportunity to provide feedback on the nursing strategic goals and learn how their unit or committee work supports and advances the strategic goals of the nursing department and BWFH. Individual units and committees share project updates so that participants can gain a deeper understanding of the work being conducted throughout the nursing department.

Colleen West, DNP, MBA, RN, CPHQ, Executive Director, Nursing Professional Development, Practice & Innovation, had only positive things to say. “Every single one of the clinical nurses that presented their projects were extremely well polished and professional, and it really was remarkable in terms of hearing the different projects,” said West. “I’ve had the privilege of attending a summit since 2017 and again, every time, even in the virtual format, the energy, engagement, and enthusiasm of the nurses is amazing to see.”

Helene Bowen Brady, DNP, MEd, RN-BC, Nurse Scientist, appreciates the feedback she received from attendees. One participant stated that the summit “always energizes me to return to my unit with new ideas” while another said the summit “inspires me to keep pushing forward and advance the profession for optimal patient and nurse outcomes.”

ICU Nurse Meigan Young Amaral, RN shared: “Though the in-person summits are so fun to see people you haven’t seen in a while and meet new faces you may not know from around the hospital, I really enjoyed the virtual summit as well! I felt like I was able to focus a bit more in the comfort of my own home. I felt that virtual was more productive too…quicker, but still filled with productive info.”

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 said.