Leadership and Professional Development
Concurrent Education Session - 60 minutes
Amanda Gartner, MSN, RN, CPHQ
Assistant Director of Nursing, Quality, Infection Prevention and Control, and Magnet
The University of Kansas Health System
Overland Park, Kansas
Nothing to disclose
Ann Marie Pettis, RN,BSN,CIC,FAPIC
Director of Infection Prevention
UR Medicine
Pittsford, New York
Nothing to disclose
This session focuses on the lessons learned from the complete transformation of an IPC department at a large academic medical center. A team that was once merely surviving the day to day tasks of the department is now thriving, achieving organizational goals, and serving as an effective team of skilled and gracious partners in the health system's pursuit of zero patient harm.
In the beginning, staff morale was at an all-time low. The team did not trust one another, they were not seen as credible resources, they were unable to participate in quality improvement work to reduce HAIs, and they felt overworked and undervalued. Over the past five years, a new vision was established, and a strategic plan was developed with short and long-term goals. Team members were provided with professional development opportunities focused on collaboration, conflict management, communication, and resiliency. The team has since developed meaningful relationships with partners throughout the health system and are now seen as credible experts. The team is actively involved in over 15 interdisciplinary patient safety improvement teams and successfully supports over 85 departments in the inpatient and outpatient setting. All seven of the eligible nurses are now certified in infection prevention and control. Employee engagement scores are incredibly high, ranking in the top decile on all but three survey questions.
This session will highlight the building blocks of a transformational leadership style, examine the value of developing trust and displaying vulnerability to inspire others, and provide learners with practical strategies for meaningful collaboration, team building, effective communication, self-awareness, and influencing others. Whether you are a member of a small infection control department or participating in an interdisciplinary team focused on reducing HAIs, this presentation will help you become a great team member.