Standouts Among Standouts
We care. We influence. We empower. We excel. We achieve. These five statements are the pillars of the Johns Hopkins Hospital’s Nursing Professional Practice Model, the shared values and goals that define our professional nursing practice and help us achieve excellence every day.
As a four-time Magnet-designated hospital by the American Nurse Credentialing Center, you might think excellence comes easy to Johns Hopkins Hospital nurses. On the contrary, it is something they strive for in every interaction, decision, and outcome, in every part of professional practice. They are exceptional caregivers, critical thinkers, and inspiring leaders, no matter their level of experience. They demonstrate an unwavering commitment to make their voices heard, collaborate across disciplines and roles to solve problems, and be advocates for patients, caregivers, and each other.
The Professional Practice Model, written in the words of Johns Hopkins Hospital nurses, articulates those characteristics, values, and practices that drive our nurses to achieve excellence for our patients and their families, and the organization as a whole. It is the focus on patient- and family-centered care, inquiry and interprofessional collaboration, autonomy and mutual accountability, and practice excellence that sets them apart. Given that excellence is so deeply embedded in who we are, it is especially meaningful when individuals and care teams are singled out for exceptionalism.
During our annual Nursing Scholars Day event, for instance, dozens of Johns Hopkins Hospital nurses are selected to present outstanding evidence-based practice, research, and quality improvement projects to hundreds of peers. The Johns Hopkins Medicine Clinical Awards recognize nurses across the health system for their roles on care teams that embody the best in collaboration and clinical excellence. Our JHH Nursing Facebook group highlights everyday ways nurses make a difference in the lives of patients and peers.
The recognition I often find most meaningful is that which comes from our patients and their family members. Early in 2019, we launched the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses at the Johns Hopkins Hospital. To be picked as that month’s winner, out of 50 or 60 nomination letters, is truly an honor. During each month’s surprise awards ceremony, I have the privilege of reading the winning nomination letter—sometimes the patient or family members who submitted it are there as well. It is not uncommon for many of us to be brought to tears when hearing about the extraordinary lengths to which our nurses will go to make patients feel comfortable, respected, heard and, most of all, deeply cared for. To call the experience moving doesn’t do justice to the sense of pride and awe felt throughout the room. The nurses, of course, just see it as doing their job.
Meaningful recognition contributes to job satisfaction and helps create a work environment where nurses feel valued, supported, and can excel. To work as a nurse takes great strength, teamwork, and commitment, and I am incredibly proud of all the nurses across our health system who call Johns Hopkins home.