Contents of Clinical Ladder Portfolio - Chester County … · Web viewContents of Clinical Ladder...

701 East Marshall StreetWest Chester, Pennsylvania 19380610.431.5000ChesterCountyHospital.org

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Contents of Clinical Ladder Application Welcome Letter..........................................................................................................................4

Eligibility and Application Process................................................................................................62015 Application Timeline.........................................................................................................7Eligibility Requirements............................................................................................................8Continuing Education Requirement...........................................................................................8Criteria for Clinical Ladder Levels............................................................................................9Application Process for............................................................................................................11CCH Clinical Ladder Applicants.............................................................................................11Responsibility of Applicant......................................................................................................13Role of the Mentor...................................................................................................................14PRISM Compensation..............................................................................................................15

Application Completion Instructions...........................................................................................16Tips for Success.......................................................................................................................17Binder/Portfolio Requirements................................................................................................19Instructions on how to Complete Forms..................................................................................20Instructions on completing the Professional Practice Grid......................................................21Frequently asked questions on navigating the grid..................................................................21Professional Contributions Guidelines.....................................................................................23Guidelines for the Letters of Recommendation.......................................................................25Requirements for Clinical Practice Exemplars........................................................................26Requirements for Clinical Practice Exemplars (Continued)....................................................27Description of Professional Practice Model.............................................................................29Overview of Kristen Swanson’s Caring Theory......................................................................31And the Five Caring Processes.................................................................................................31Example 1 of Nursing Exemplar..............................................................................................32Example 2 of Nursing Exemplar..............................................................................................36

Application Forms........................................................................................................................392015 PRISM Letter Of Intent...................................................................................................40Clinical Ladder Application form............................................................................................41Checklist for All Documents to be included in the Portfolio...................................................41The Binder Order and What Documents go under each Tab...................................................41Clinical Ladder Application- Signature Page...........................................................................42Director/Manager Checklist.....................................................................................................43Professional Practice Grid........................................................................................................44Exemplar Release Form...........................................................................................................45Continuing Education Documentation Log..............................................................................46Letter of Recommendation Form.............................................................................................47

Evidence/Verification Logs..........................................................................................................48Generic PRISM Certificate of Participation.............................................................................49Preceptor and Leadership Verification Form...........................................................................50Volunteer and Community Service Verification Form............................................................51Committee Log.........................................................................................................................52

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Presentations Log.....................................................................................................................53Research/Publications Log.......................................................................................................54PRISM Mentor Log..................................................................................................................55Mentoring Checklist.................................................................................................................55

Useful Information.......................................................................................................................56Professional Development Council Members..........................................................................57Interview Panel/Selection Committee......................................................................................58Appeals Process........................................................................................................................59Frequently Asked Questions....................................................................................................60

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Welcome Letter

Greetings!

Penn Medicine Chester County Hospital has a history of excellence in nursing practice. This has been established over the years as a result of the hospital’s ongoing support of the nursing profession. In an effort to continue the advancement of nursing and support of frontline staff, in 2010 the Professional Development Council instituted PRISM (Professional Recognition of Initiative, Skill, and Merit) a clinical ladder for nursing, with the first recipients designated in December of 2011.

As a result of input received from successful applicants in the past, changes have been made to the application process. A “PRISM” section now resides under the Nursing tab on the hospital team website. This section will include an electronic copy of the application, instructions, new announcements and communication during the application period, frequently asked questions and logs that you can use to evidence your individual accomplishments. These forms can be downloaded and completed on your personal computer. While the use of the online forms is encouraged, a hardcopy application packet will be provided by the PDC, upon request.

Regardless of how the forms are accessed, an official PRISM binder and dividers can be purchased from the Chester County Hospital’s gift shop or you may purchase your own. Please ensure you obtain the correct colored binder as it becomes extremely difficult for PDC to identify “interview” binders versus “non-interview” binders when we are sorting through hundreds of binders.

Blue Binder = Year you will be interviewed (First time applicants and applicants in their third year of reapplication only)

Red Binder = Year you will not be interviewed (Applicants that are not initial applicants or third year re-applicants)

To successfully start your PRISM Clinical Ladder application, you must submit a Letter of Intent on or prior to the deadline - March 9th, 2015. For your convenience, a letter of intent form and an application timeline are included in this packet. Your completed binder and interview will be weighted in determining successful clinical ladder attainment.

ALL initial year applicants MUST select a mentor from the PDC approved 2015 mentor list, and work closely with him/her throughout the application process. The mentor list will be available on the PRISM website once the mentors have attended the 2015 mentoring class which will be offered in the winter/early spring of 2015. The mentor’s

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role is critical to the applicant’s success. All re-applicants are encouraged to work with a mentor but this is not required.

Thank you for your interest in PRISM!

The members of the Professional Development Council

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Eligibility and Application Process

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2015 Application Timeline

January 29th, 2015 PRISM Application Available for download onlineFebruary 1st, 2015 Letter of Intent Submission period begins

Complete the ‘Intent to Apply’ form and email to Debbie Hetrick and Linda Sullivan

February 23rd, 2015OrFebruary 26th, 20158:00am-9:00am1:30pm-2:30pm6:00pm-7:00pm(6 classes to choose from)(606 Training Room A, E. Marshall Street)

Mentor Class/Information SessionAll applicants welcome to attendYou must register for this class if you plan to attend by calling Adriana Cecco at x2493

March 9th, 2015 Deadline to submit Intent to Apply Complete the ‘Intent to Apply’ form and email to Debbie Hetrick and Linda SullivanLetter of Intent Submission period ends at midnight EST

September 4th, 2015 Completed PRISM binders dueSeptember 21st-September 28th, 2015

Schedule your interview (Contact Adriana Cecco at x2493)(Initial and third year applicants only, all other years exempt)

October 5ththroughNovember 16th, 2015

Interviews performed (Initial and third year applicants only, all other years exempt)

December 18th, 2015 Notification of awardsJanuary 2016 Pinning Ceremony for Clinical Ladder Designation

Implementation of financial incentive associated with PRISM

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Eligibility Requirements While the hospital recognizes the contributions of nursing across the spectrum of healthcare, PRISM was developed to provide recognition and retention of the nurse at the bedside in an acute care setting. Therefore, basic eligibility criteria to apply for PRISM include:

Position title of Staff RN or Charge RN in an acute care setting 936 hours of actual time worked in an acute care setting (From 9/1/2014 to

8/31/2015). For those on an approved Leave of Absence, you must have minimum worked hours of: Your hired FTE minus 12 weeks of an approved Leave of Absence in the PRISM year.

Be in good standing; free of disciplinary actions Minimum annual evaluation score of 3.00

For further details, please refer to the “Criteria for Clinical Ladder Levels”

Continuing Education Requirement

Applicants must have a minimum of 15 Continuing Education credits in the area of the applicant’s clinical specialty. Continuing Education must be within the 12 months before the application deadline.

Courses that are approved by the State Board of Nursing or the Continuing Medical Education (CME) shall be applicable. ACLS/PALS/NALS is NOT applicable. Determination of applicability to clinical specialty will be made by the Selection Committee.

Photocopies of CE’s, CME’s, college credit certification, need to be included in the portfolio when the application is submitted.

More than 15 CEU’s may be submitted with the application packet in case some of the CEU’s do not meet requirements. Candidates who have taken more CEs/CMEs will be rated higher.

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Criteria for Clinical Ladder Levels

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Clinical Level Basic Requirements Points obtained by adding all the points obtained on the Professional Practice Grid

Clinical Level One RN LicensureClinical Level Two RN Licensure

18 months of current nursing experience

1 year of employment as RN at any PENN Medicine facility

BSN or certification in specialty or actively working toward BSN with 6 credits completed

+ 75 Criteria Points

Clinical Level Three RN Licensure 3 years of current

nursing experience 1 year of employment

as RN at any PENN Medicine facility

BSN and certification in specialty

+100 Criteria Points

Clinical Level Four RN Licensure 5 years of current

nursing experience 1 year of employment

as RN at any PENN Medicine facility

BSN and certification in specialty

MSN/Masters in healthcare related field or actively pursuing with current enrollment and completion of a minimum of 6 credits

Must actively participate in promoting Evidence Based Practice in collaboration with the Evidence Based Practice Council

+125 Criteria Points

All candidates must have worked hours of 936 hours in the application year to qualify. For those on an approved Leave of Absence, you must have a minimum worked hours of: Your hired FTE minus 12 weeks of an approved Leave of Absence in the PRISM year.


Application Process for

CCH Clinical Ladder Applicants

The Application packet for PRISM’s Clinical Ladder is available on the team website under the nursing tab.

The applicant may also choose to contact a member of the Professional Development Council (PDC) to verify completeness of the application prior to submission. Upon request, a member of the PDC/mentor will review and offer suggestions to improve the application portfolio of staff prior to submission.

The applicant must:

1. Meet the Eligibility Requirements (as described on the Eligibility Requirements page)

2. Meet the Clinical Ladder Criteria (as outlined in the Criteria for Clinical Ladder Levels) for the Level being sought.

3. Meet the Continuing Education Requirements (refer to the Continuing Education Criteria page for specifics)

4. Submit a Letter of Intent (included in this packet) prior to the deadline (refer to the Application Timeline page in this packet for dates)

5. Submit a typed Completed Application portfolio containing the following by the application deadline (refer to the application Timeline document in this packet for dates)

All applicants:o Completed Clinical Ladder Application Form (part I, II and III)o Completed Director/Manager Checklisto Completed Professional Practice Grid with supporting evidence placed in clear

plastic sleeves immediately following each page of the grid.o 2 Exemplars (refer to Guidelines for Exemplars page for specifics)o Exemplar Release Form Signed o Evidence of Continuing Education (may use CE documentation log)o Résumé

o In Addition, initial year applicants ONLY 3 Letters of Recommendation (refer to Guidelines for Letters of

Recommendation page for specifics) A RN peer familiar with your practice

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A supervisor (a nursing supervisor familiar with your practice) Another health team member (MD, PT, Social Worker, etc.)

o In Addition, level 4 applicants ONLY Must actively participate in promoting Evidence Based Practice in

collaboration with the Evidence Based Practice Council

6. All Initial year and Third year re-applicants only (all other year re-applicants are exempt)Participate in a professional interview conducted by the PDC Selection Committee

Applicants will be notified of interview dates/times by the PDC within fourteen (14) days of the application submission deadline.

It is the applicant’s responsibility to schedule an interview time from the dates provided.

All Selection Committee interviews will be scheduled within sixty (60) days of the deadline.

During the interview:

1. Candidates will be asked to answer questions about any aspect of the portfolio contents in a clear, knowledgeable, and succinct fashion.

2. Candidates will be asked to clearly present either one or both exemplars.

Decisions regarding designation of Clinical Ladder status will be awarded upon completion of all interviews and portfolio evaluations.

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Responsibility of Applicant

Provide the best possible documentation of his/her clinical practice, leadership, and professionalism to the Selection Committee ahead of or before the deadline

Ask for timely assistance from a mentor or Selection Committee members. Attend workshops for applicants ( encouraged, not mandatory)

Attend a Selection Committee interview (Initial year and Third Year re-applicants only)

If needed, appeal to the Selection Committee in writing within 30 days of the original decision made by the PDC.

Successful applicants need to become familiar with requirements to maintain their new status including renewal requirements

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Role of the Mentor

The Selection Committee has found from experience that the use of a mentor directly impacts the quality of the PRISM application. The Professional Development Council has therefore decided that ALL first time applicants MUST select and work closely with a mentor. For your convenience, a list of 2015 year mentors that you can choose from will be published on the PRISM website. Mentors listed are all current PRISM clinical ladder recipients who not only have personal experience with the PRISM process, but also have successfully completed a mandatory mentoring workshop offered by the Professional Development Council. They can best guide you during the development of your application and significantly improve your chances of success.

The role of the mentor is to guide you through the entire application process and to review your application portfolio for completeness before it is submitted to the committee. It is your responsibility to engage this valuable resource in providing constructive feedback to improve your application portfolio, answer questions, provide professional guidance, support, and counsel you in preparing for the interview portion of your application process.

Apart from the professional rewards of being a mentor, the Professional Development Council recognizes this valuable contribution and awards clinical ladder points to mentors.

Attending the Mentoring Workshop offered by the Professional Development Council

1 point

Mentoring a colleague(You must provide a completed PRISM Mentoring log for each person you mentor in order to be eligible to receive credit)

2 points per colleague, for a max. of 10 points

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PRISM Compensation

Purpose: Compensation, which includes payouts and awards for attaining PRISM, is designated to align with the goal to motivate and reward exceptional performance among Registered Nurses who have met the qualifications of the PRISM program. This program has been established to recognize the frontline nurse and to attract and retain nurses with outstanding ability.

The PRISM binder and applicant interview will determine whether the nurse’s efforts met the necessary criteria during the past year.

If at any time it has been determined that a recipient/applicant has violated any policies or performance standards during the award period, the hospital in its discretion may remove the recipient/applicant from the program such that the recipient/applicant does not earn any compensation or award.

The Hospital reserves the right to deny compensation. In exercising its discretion to deny compensation, the Hospital may consider, among other things, whether a recipient/applicant has received any written corrective counseling documentation. If a recipient/applicant is placed in the Progressive Disciplinary Action Process, the Clinical Ladder designation and financial incentive will be forfeited.

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Application Completion Instructions

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Tips for Success

Start early, be organized and save everything! Read through the application packet so that you have an understanding of what is

expected Review the example of a completed application portfolio which will be available on

every unit Don’t wait till the last minute to get signatures. Have your mentor start reviewing your

in-progress portfolio, gather evidence, obtain your letters of recommendation (first year’s only), work on your resume, work on your exemplars, and start completing your portfolio.

Have your application packet readily available (best way to do this is to store the electronic document on a Thumb/flash drive) so that’s its portable wherever and whenever you need to access it and you will always have your latest “work in progress”.

Save a copy of your in-progress application in another location/computer, so that you always have a back-up.

Identify a mentor (especially if you are a first year applicant). He/she will be the key to your success. The mentor must be on the PDC approved mentor list. It is your responsibility to meet with your mentor throughout your application process and seek constructive feedback.

Make a copy of the Application Timeline page and put it in a place where you can readily refer to it. Add the important dates to your calendar as a reminder when deadlines are approaching

Put together a resume and have it in an electronic format so that you can easily update it periodically

Get comfortable with the computer and with completing the electronic application. o Attend the mentor class offered by the PDC in February 2015 (refer to the

application timeline for dates/times and how to register).o Refer to the instructions section of this packet on tips for how to complete forms

and tables/grids. o If you need further technical assistance, don’t be discouraged. You may contact

Athena Fernandes (x2871) [email protected] OR Mary Louise Demarco (x6724) [email protected], OR on nights, Sharon Kirkby, NICU nurse (x5394) [email protected]; all of whom are members of the PDC and would be happy to assist you with your technical issue/s.

Continually be on the lookout for exemplars you could use. When you have one, write down at least the main bullets if not the entire exemplar and stick it in your folder

First time applicants; continually be on the lookout for persons that can write you a letter of recommendation. When the opportune moment presents itself (ie: the person is commending you for something you did, etc), ask for a recommendation right then and there and when they write you one, stick it in your folder.

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mailto:[email protected]




Gather evidence for points you will be claiming and stick the evidence in a folder throughout the year. If you are not sure if you will need a particular piece of paper, stick it in your folder anyways so that it is readily available if you should need it

o How to gather evidence throughout the year: Make several copies of the generic PRISM Verification of Participation

Certificate (included in this packet and available on the PRISM website) and take a copy with you when you attend volunteer events/committee meetings/etc. so that the Chair/Co-Chair/Organizer can sign your certificate right then and there, while your contributions are fresh in their mind, instead of trying to find the person several months later.

Alternately, you can take a log and get signoff when you have completed a task you want to take credit for on the Professional Practice Grid

When you have your annual evaluation, ask your manager for a copy of the evaluation, so you have it readily available

Make a copy of presentations, letters of commendation, award certificates, etc. and stick them in your folder

Emails may also be used as sources of evidence. Print them and stick them in your folder

CEU’s – Every time you get a CEU certificate, put it in your folder. Also take a few minutes right then, to enter the CEU information on your CEU grid.

Have questions during the application process?o Refer to the FAQ section of this document o Frequently check the PRISM webpage and the FAQ’s section on the PRISM

website for updateso Consult with your mentoro Ask someone who has already attained Clinical Ladder Designationo Attend information sessions offered by the PDC and bring your questions to

these sessionso Email the PDC with your questions

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Binder/Portfolio Requirements

Please adhere to the following binder/portfolio requirements in order for your portfolio to be accepted as complete. Failure to adhere to requirements 1 through 8 will result in your binder being declined and you will not be eligible to move forward with the PRISM application review process.Requirements:

1. Binder Color It makes it difficult for the PDC to review binders and readily identify binders for “Interview Year” applicants versus “Non-Interview Year” applicants. Therefore, please adhere to this color scheme.

Blue Binder = Year you will be interviewed (First time applicants and applicants in their third year of reapplication only)

Red Binder = Year you will not be interviewed (Applicants that are not initial applicants or third year re-applicants)

2. Your Full Name and the Clinical Ladder Designation that you are applying for should be clearly visible and readable on the spine of the binder. Example: Jane Doe, RN – Level III

3. Your portfolio must be typed

4. Each page in the binder must be placed within a clear plastic sleeve.

5. Organize your binder using tabs that are labeled numerically from 1 through 8 and place documents corresponding to each tab, within that section. Please refer to Part II of the Clinical Ladder Application Form for details of Binder/Tab Order and for what documents to include within each tab section. So, for example, in section tab 1, place the completed Clinical Ladder Application Form. In section tab 2, place the completed director/manager checklist, etc. Please contact a member of the PDC if you have questions.

6. Confirm that you have included all documents that should be included in your packet by checking against Part II of the Clinical Ladder Application Form “Checklist for All Documents to be Included in the packet”

7. Provide a description and evidence for all points that you are claiming on the professional practice grid and include the evidence in your completed portfolio.

8. The exemplars must adhere to the “Guidelines for Exemplars” instructions.

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Instructions on how to Complete Forms

All PDC forms have been standardized so that you can complete them using the same processo For all grids/tables, put your cursor in the top left corner of the beginning cell and then

use your tab key to move from 1 cell to the nextExample:

o To get the X to appear in a selection box:o double click on the appropriate box o doing so will open this window

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Instructions on completing the Professional Practice Grid

The Professional Practice Grid consists of 4 components: Clinical Expertise Criteria Professional Accomplishment Criteria Education and Certification Criteria Community Development Criteria

When completing the grid, please ensure that you: Fill in the “Individual points” you are claiming (You can only put one numeric value in

the “Individual Points” column as there are formulas that will auto calculate the totals. If you are claiming points in the category that are 2+2 for example, put 4 in the box for Individual points and describe the breakdown of the points in the “Description of Activity” column)

Describe briefly the activity you are claiming points for in the “Description of Activity” column

Provide evidence for the points you are taking credit for. Evidence MUST be included in the pages immediately following each grid page. So, for example, you have grid page 1 and then the next x number of pages in your portfolio are sources of evidence for points claimed on grid page 1. This will be followed by grid page 2 and immediately following grid page 2, your next few pages will be sources of evidence for points claimed on grid page 2, and so on.

Frequently asked questions on navigating the grid

Each box on the Excel grid is call a cell How to get the cursor into a particular cell on the grid?

o Double click on the cell to get the cursor to be placed in that cell of choice. Then use your arrow keys to move the cursor to a particular place in the cell.

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How to navigate from 1 cell to the next?o Click TAB to get from 1 cell to the next cell

How to move to the next line within a cell on the grid?o Once you enter information in a cell and want to move to the next line within

that cell, do an ALT+ENTER (hold the ALT key down and click the ENTER key at the same time. Repeat this action to continue to create space between items.

Examples of source of evidence:o Please refer to the Professional Practice Grid with Examples document as it

clearly outlines what the source of evidence should be for each item on the grid.

Please refer to the Professional Practice Grid with Examples document (excel spreadsheet) for examples on how to complete the Professional Practice Grid as well as for clarification on what source/s of evidence is acceptable for each category.

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Professional Contributions Guidelines

Participation in two (2) of the following within the past twelve (12) months is required.

I. Active participation in quality activities which must be of an ongoing nature with participation occurring over at least six (6) months of the past year, e.g.

Patient Safety Taskforce. Committee work may be hospital or professionally based Unit Council Facilitator or member Hospital of Distinction taskforce member Professional Development Council Relationship Based Care Council Other

The applicant must document the role of the committee, meeting frequency, and your individual contribution by completing the form on committee participation documentation in the packet.

II. Teaching Activities

Community teaching must be voluntary. Teaching activities are not necessarily ongoing in nature. They may be significant one-time events.

Formal Inservice/Presentation Informal Inservice/Presentation Community Teaching (community teaching must be voluntary) Health care related research Development and/or presentation of patient education programs Precepting Orienting/cross-training Other

Examples are: teaching guidelines, new grad preceptor, assisting with a complex skill day or facility-wide training, such as MAK Superusers. Examples of health related community work are: a school demonstration project, involvement in a respite program, active participation in a health fair or health screening, teaching a first aid course. A brief narrative describing your role in the projects/programs, for example, time involved, class objectives (if appropriate), audience and results should accompany your portfolio. For publications, please enclose a copy of the article you wrote.

III. Leadership Activities

Act as a Resource nurse for staff

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Special Projects/Presentations Community Service (must be voluntary) Mentor one new graduate RN within the last twenty four (24) months Policy and Procedure activities Other

An example of policy and procedure activities would include the actual writing of a standard/policy or involvement in the annual review of the same. A sample of the policy should be included in the portfolio.

Additional Notes: Patient education must be more than that provided by most Staff Nurses on a day-to-day

basis; it requires that a patient education program, pamphlet, handout, etc., be developed, revised, and/or taught.

Candidate must be able to substantiate involvement or participation.

Descriptions of additional professional contributions may be submitted in case one or more do not meet requirements.

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Guidelines for the Letters of Recommendation (Required for Initial year applicants only)

The Staff Nurse Clinical Ladder applicant functions in the acute care clinical setting as an exemplary care-giver to patients, a model of proficiency for co-workers, and a colleague to physicians. Part of the application process requires that applicants submit letters of recommendation from peers, supervisors/managers, and other healthcare team members familiar with the applicant’s practice over the past year.

Letters should be legible, be brief, and indicate the nature and dates of your association. Please submit a letter of recommendation from each of the following parties who are familiar with your practice over the last year. All letters must be dated within 12 months of the application deadline.

A RN peer familiar with your practice A supervisor (a nursing supervisor familiar with your practice) Another health team member (MD, PT, Social Worker, etc.)

Required components of this document include:

Name of recommender Name of applicant Date of recommendation Relationship to applicant

You may use the Letter of Recommendation form included in this packet to give to the person/s recommending you.

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Requirements for Clinical Practice Exemplars

At the Chester County Hospital, we recognize the importance of our nurses knowing and being able to articulate the processes, the values and the structures that support and influence the delivery of nursing care. Therefore, all PRISM applicants are required to submit 2 exemplars that demonstrate how nursing care is practiced and delivered at CCH, under its Professional Practice Model.

Each exemplar must describe how through the use of Kristen Swanson’s Caring Theory and our Relationships with our Patients, their Families and Care Delivery Team, we are able to Innovate, Collaborate, be Accountable, show Respect and deliver Excellence in patient Care.

Therefore, each Exemplar will consist of three components:(a) Kristen Swanson’s Caring Theory (at least 3 of the 5 caring processes must be

incorporated into each exemplar), (b) The relationship between the Patient, Patient’s Family and Self (Care-Provider/s).(c) The hospital’s ICARE values (at least 1 of the 5 ICARE values must be incorporated)

Schematic Diagram of Nursing’s Professional Practice Model at CCH

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Requirements for Clinical Practice Exemplars (Continued)

The Exemplars are an important component of your completed portfolio and are weighed heavily in determining clinical ladder designation.

To assist you in writing your exemplars, the following information (pertinent to the evaluation of exemplars) is offered:

1. Two written exemplars must be submitted for review.

2. The exemplars must be reflective of events that occurred in the last twelve (12) months.

3. Clearly identify a minimum of 3 of the 5 caring processes of Kristen Swanson’s theory of caring being addressed within each of the exemplarsThe same caring processes may be used in both exemplars, or you may choose to use different caring processes for each exemplar.

4. Describe the Relationship/s formed between Patient, Family and Self

5. Demonstrate how utilizing a minimum of 1 of the 5 hospital’s ICARE values resulted in a positive outcome

6. Type the exemplars in a clear, professional, understandable manner.

7. Include a running header on each page of the exemplar with your name (please refer to the sample exemplar included in this packet for an example)You can watch this interactive video on how to create Headers/Footers and page numbers or click function key F1 on your keyboard (which will bring up help) and type in “How to create header and footer”).http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/word-help/open-the-header-and-footer-space-find-commands-and-tools-RZ102561851.aspx?CTT=1&client=1&section=2

8. Exemplars must include information about any of the following:How you felt about the situationWhy you felt that your actions were importantWhy the actions were importantWhy the actions may have been different from someone with less experienceDemonstrate how Relationship Focused Care was delivered through Primary Care Nursing

9. Describe in the exemplar a clinical situation that was positively impacted by your practice.

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http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/word-help/open-the-header-and-footer-space-find-commands-and-tools-RZ102561851.aspx?CTT=1&client=1&section=2

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10. Demonstrate/illustrate excellence in your exemplar.11. Describe in the exemplar how you personally made a difference.

12. Illustrate the use of fine discretionary judgment in the exemplar.

13. Write the exemplar in your own words. Uniqueness and individuality are important.

Included in this packet are: A description of Professional Practice Model A description of Kristen Swanson’s Theory of Caring with its 5 caring processes A sample exemplar

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Description of Professional Practice Model

Background:

In the past, according to Chamberlain et al. (2013), nurses experienced an increase in job

dissatisfaction and frustration resulting from obstacles in the delivery of nursing care. These

included the “lack of supplies, lack of ability to advocate for patients, and lack of participation

in developing care plans” (p.16).

What is a Professional Practice Model (PPM)?

A Professional Practice Model is a framework that guides professional nursing behavior and

empowers nurses to deliver a higher quality of care, thereby leading to better patient outcomes”

(Tinkham, 2013, p. 136). A PPM represents how an organization’s nursing structure, its values,

its mission and its professional practice philosophies; all contribute to nursing’s voice being

heard within the organization and the nursing care that is delivered (Berger, Conway & Beaton,

2012).

Why is it Important?

Active nursing participation in the care of the patient results in improved quality of patient care,

superior outcomes and better patient and nurse satisfaction. A PPM increases nurse engagement,

empowerment, and autonomy. It facilitates interdisciplinary communication, fosters consistency

in high quality care delivery and improves professional practice. It nurtures nurse retention and

recruitment (Chamberlain et al, 2013).

For more information on CCH’s Professional Practice Model, please go to CCH’s intranet,

click on the “Nurses” tab and then on the right hand side, click on Professional Practice

Model (PPM). There is also a power point presentation on the PPM at this location that you can

watch.

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References:

Berger, J., Conway, S., Beaton, K. (2012). Developing and implementing a nursing professional practice model in a large health system. The Journal of Nursing Administration, 42(3): 170-175.

Chamberlain, B., Bersick, E., Cole, D., Craig, J., Cummins, K., Duffy, M., Hascup, V., Kaufmann, M., McClure, D., Skeahan, L. (2013). Practice models: A concept analysis. Nursing Management, 44(10):16-18.

Tinkham, M. (2013). Pursuing Magnet Designation: Choosing a Professional Practice Model, AORN Journal; 97(1):136-139.

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Overview of Kristen Swanson’s Caring Theory

And the Five Caring Processes

Dr. Swanson’s Caring Theory Model is based on five caring processes as well as practices for putting them into action. Although Swanson defines nursing as “informed caring for the well-being of others”, she emphasizes that the five caring processes are not isolated to the nurse patient relationship but are applicable in any caring relationship. These processes are present in all relationships and can be enacted throughout all levels of a caring and healing organization.

The five processes are listed below followed by a short description. The first two processes, Maintaining Belief and Knowing are processes internal to the nurse while the last three processes, Being with, Doing for, and Enabling/Informing involve action on the part of the caregiver. For all processes, the term “other” refers to the patient or person with whom the relationship is being developed or maintained.

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Kristen Swanson: Theory of Caring

Maintaining Belief: Maintain a fundamental belief in persons and their capacity to make it through events and transitions, and face a future with meaning. Examples of this process include having faith, maintaining a hope-filled attitude, and going the “extra mile”.

Knowing: Strive to understand an event as it has meaning in the life of the other- to understand the lived reality of those being served. Examples include avoiding assumptions, remaining neutral, centering on the patient.

Being with: Be emotionally present for the patient. Examples include listening, attending, and disclosing.

Doing for: Do for the other what they would do for themselves if it were possible. Examples include preserving dignity, protecting, comforting, and performing competently.

Enabling/Informing: Facilitate the other’s passage through life transitions and unfamiliar events. Examples include explaining, informing, supporting, advocating, and preparing for future needs.

Swanson, 1993


Exemplar 1, Jane Doe, RN, Page 33

Example 1 of Nursing Exemplar

In the summer of 2014, I met Melony, a forty-five year old woman who was admitted to Lasko

3 Tower with abdominal pain and a pelvic mass. She was admitted under the OB-GYN service

and was scheduled for surgery the next day. Melony had only started with abdominal pain

around 0100 on the day of admission, with no other symptoms until that morning. The

admitting physician informed her and her husband that there was a pelvic mass noted on her CT

scan.

Melony was admitted to the floor just before I started my shift. The dayshift nurse I was

following informed me that Melony was very worried about the mass and concerned that she

could be diagnosed with cancer. The dayshift nurse said she told Melony not to jump to those

conclusions yet, and that the mass on the CT scan could be anything.

As I started my shift, Melony’s children and husband came to visit and I allowed them

private time to deal with the unexpected admission. Once her family left I was able to assess

her and settle Melony for the evening. Melony’s night was uneventful. She ended up needing

pain medication towards the end of my shift. As I was medicating her, I noticed Melony would

not make eye contact with me and she appeared to be crying. I asked Melony, “Is it the pain, or

are you thinking about everything?” Melony replied, “It’s just everything.”

I squatted down next to Melony and held her hand as I was medicating her. I told her

not to jump to conclusions yet and I have seen some crazy miracles during my years as a nurse.

It could be anything, and it could still be anything good. Melony replied, “It just all started so

fast, that’s what scares me the most.” I continued to reassure Melony, and told her to keep a

positive attitude. I finished medicating Melony, and as I was leaving the room, I told her I

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would say a prayer for her that it was a wonderful outcome. I could almost see the relief pour

over her face as she thanked me and started to tear up again. As I closed the door to her room, I

caught myself tearing up as well. I made sure to keep my promise and said a quiet prayer right

then and there for a good outcome for this young woman.

I went home and came back to work anxious to what was found during surgery. I saw

Melony’s husband chatting with the dayshift nurse at the desk. Both of them gave me big

smiles and two thumbs up. I found out during report with the dayshift nurse that Melony had a

dermoid cyst that caused torsion of her ovary. The torsion explained the sudden onset of pain

that Melony experienced. The dayshift nurse and I entered Melony’s room during hand-off and

Melony was nothing but smiles. She gave both of hugs from her hospital bed and multiple

thanks. Melony had an uneventful evening and night with me. The relief that Melony felt was

evident every time I stepped into her room.

As I was leaving on my final morning with her, Melony thanked me again. She told me

that I had been wonderful through all of her experience in the hospital. I felt like I was able to

help Melony and her family cope through what could have been a more difficult experience.

The moment that touched me the most is when I saw the relief, vulnerability and thanks that

spread across Melony’s face when I told her I would pray for her. It made me remember how

important the power of prayer can be in these patient’s lives.

Kristen Swanson’s Theory of Caring

-Maintaining Belief

I maintained an optimistic approach to Melony’s admission and verbalized my

optimism with her. I ensured her that I had seen many positive outcomes from

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what seemed like a bad diagnosis. I spoke about my personal Christian faith

with Melony and spoke about the power of prayer.

-Knowing

I can only imagine that a forty-five year old woman, suddenly admitted to the

hospital with an unknown pelvic mass, is imagining that her world is completely

crumbling around her. Approaching Melony, knowing how scared she must feel

for herself and her young children, I made sure to share my compassion with her.

-Being With

I was emotionally available to Melony, especially during her first night as my

patient. While I medicated her, I stayed in her room longer than I normally

would, and even squatted down to her bedside and held her hand allowing her to

cry and talk about what she was feeling. I tend to keep my Christian faith to

myself as I know not everyone holds the same beliefs as me. In Melony’s case, I

felt it was important to let her know that I would be praying for her, which

seemed to ease her anxiety.

Relationships

I was able to develop a relationship with Melony, as well as her husband. Melony was

in a vulnerable state during her admission because of her potential diagnosis. We were

able to develop a trusting relationship beginning quickly over her first night as my

patient. She was emotional and I was able to encourage her to talk about her feelings

and thoughts so that I could determine the cause of her anxiety. Melony’s husband and

myself developed a relationship more on the second night of Melony’s hospitalization.

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The dayshift nurse and Melony’s husband were the ones to give me the “thumbs up” at

the nurse’s station regarding Melony’s surgery. With the positive diagnosis revealed,

Melony’s husband was at her bedside providing Melony support and having a small

“celebration.” His presence lightened Melony’s mood and him and I were able to chat

and joke freely at the bedside with Melony.

ICARE Values

Excellence

I believe that the Chester County Hospital, including myself, provided excellent

care throughout Melony’s hospitalization. Her physician and nurses went over

and beyond in caring for Melony’s sudden abdominal pain and keeping her calm

while offering all of the possibilities of her diagnosis. She was admitted quickly

to an inpatient unit and kept comfortable until surgery. While Melony’s

diagnosis ended up being a positive one, I am confident that her hospital team

would have continued their excellence even if her diagnosis was different.

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Example 2 of Nursing Exemplar

Last winter, there was a patient admitted here at the hospital, who is also a member of

our church. We have been assisting him through our Tend the Sheep Faith Community Nurse

ministry that I coordinate. This individual has a large number of complex health issues which

started at a relatively young age. He had been recently discharged from chemotherapy at a

teaching hospital in Philadelphia and was having abdominal pain. Because of the complexity of

his medical issues, it was difficult to get to the origin of the persistent and debilitating

abdominal pain. He had been hospitalized for a large percentage of the past year and was very

frustrated. Understandably the medical staff was proceeding with caution due to his recent bone

marrow transplant and fragile condition. His interpretation was that they were not working fast

enough to diagnose and treat his pain, and not taking him seriously.

After signing out from my work shift in the OR, I make my Faith Community Nurse

visits to inpatients, so I went to visit him. He was very agitated in addition to experiencing

severe pain. During his encounter with the surgeon, he felt insulted, which further exacerbated

his stress. We talked through the surgeon’s perspective, but clearly that relationship was not

therapeutic. Later, when I saw the surgical PA, I mentioned the patient’s experience. I also

explained with his extensive health history, and how he was feeling disrespected. This was an

example of doing for the patient what he could not do for himself, by speaking to staff and

serving as a liaison and an advocate for him. I utilized Swanson’s caring process of knowing,

by striving to understand the event as the patient was experiencing it, and not forming my own

judgments, but remaining neutral. They came up with a mutually agreeable solution to have

the surgeon who was on call the next day see the patient, and consequently that surgeon

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performed the surgery. This was a much better match for the patient and his family, as they

naturally clicked personalities and established trust. The patient begged me to accompany him

for his surgery. He had been through so much that he was seeking comfort and reassurance

from someone he knew and trusted.

Since the surgery was occurring after my shift, I got permission to attend and assist the

staff working in the room. This example of maintaining belief demonstrated “going the extra

mile” for the patient and his family. I did not assume the direct care of the patient, but served

as a facilitator to run for the things that they needed during the surgery, so that they could fully

focus on the patient. I was able to be with him before he fell asleep and as he woke up to

provide reassurance. Indeed the patient was quite ill, as it turned out his gall bladder was

infected and necrotic. Once he was safely in the PACU, I went down and sat with his wife until

the surgeon was able to come and talk to her, again, just being with her as she waited for news.

This caring process of enabling and informing through unfamiliar life events is at the heart of

my passion for a role as perioperative nurse liaison. My strength as both a perioperative nurse,

who has an understanding of the surgeries and a good report with the surgeons, and a faith

community nurse, who enjoys connecting with, informing, supporting, advocating and

preparing for future needs, embodies this aspect of Swanson’s theory. Being with this family,

and serving as that liaison, made a difference in the patient’s experience during that

hospitalization. This patient and his wife went from frustration and despair at not feeling

validated during his health crisis, to feeling supported, comforted, and cared about during a

stressful surgical experience.

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This is truly at the heart of why I feel that a perioperative nurse liaison role would be so

beneficial to supporting our ICARE values. First of all, I feel it would be very innovative to

have a registered nurse available to keep track of the status of the surgeries, interface with the

operating room staff, and relay messages that the surgeons wished to communicate, by sharing

the burden on them to keep families updated. It would utilize someone who was accountable

to communicate between the operating room, ACC, PACU and the Family lounge; a central

person who was putting all the pieces together and making sure nobody fell through the cracks

and was left waiting without communication and explanation. If the family members had a

professional nurse, who had lain eyes on their loved one, and could report where the patient is

in the perioperative flow, it would facilitate excellence, as well as their perception and

validation of our excellent care. This would demonstrate collaboration among the OR, PACU,

ACC and the family lounge, which is an area that would benefit from improvement. The

clinical nurses in those departments are often busy with direct patient care, and they do not

always have the time to call another department about delays or schedule updates. Lastly, but

certainly not least, a perioperative nurse liaison would promote respect. The respect we have

for our surgical patients and their loved ones waiting for them would be more evident. This role

would also foster respect among the staff in the surgical services departments, as someone

would be responsible to communicate information between those departments to avoid

misunderstandings and keep all patients and their nurses in the loop with the surgical schedule

as the day progresses.

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Application Forms

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2015 PRISM Letter Of Intent

Email the following completed form to: Debbie Hetrick and Linda Sullivan during the 2015 PRISM Letter of Intent period (February 1st 2015 to March 9th, 2015)Deadline for submittal: March 9th, 2015

DateI am submitting my intent to Promote

MaintainClinical Ladder Level Designation

Level II

Level III

Level IVFull Name Employee #Classification Full Time

Part Time

Per DiemUsual ShiftUnitUnit Phone #Email AddressPreferred Phone #Clinical ManagerUnitI understand it is my responsibility to copy my clinical manager and mentor on this intent.

By marking this box with an X, I provide my electronic signature

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Clinical Ladder Application form

Part I

NameCurrent Position UnitDirectorName of MentorI am applying for Clinical Ladder Level Designation

Level II

Level III

Level IVPRISM Application Year Initial Year

2nd Year

3rd Year

4th Year

5th YearMeet minimum Hours Worked criteria

I have worked the minimum required 936 hours during the time period of 9/1/2014 – 8/31/2015)For those on an approved Leave of Absence, you must have a minimum worked hours of: Your hired FTE minus 12 weeks of an approved Leave of Absence in the PRISM year.(Please note: The PDC will obtain a record of official hours worked from payroll on your behalf)

Total Cumulative Points from All sections of the Professional Practice Model Grid

Part II

Checklist for All Documents to be included in the Portfolio&

The Binder Order and What Documents go under each TabBinder Tab Section

Please mark an “X” to indicate the item is included

Documents to include within the tab section of the binder

1 Completed Clinical Ladder Application Form2 Completed Director/Manager Checklist

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3 Completed Professional Practice Grid with supporting evidence immediately following each grid page

4 2 Exemplars 5 Exemplar Release Form Signed6 Evidence of Continuing Education (Completed CE Log

or CEU Certificates)7 Résumé8 Yes

No (Not Initial Year applicant)

3 letters of recommendation (Initial year applicants ONLY)

Part III

Clinical Ladder Application- Signature Page

Date Application Submitted

Time Application Received

Application Received By

Note: please provide applicant with a signed copy of this page as verification of receipt.

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Director/Manager Checklist

Name of ApplicantName of Director/Manager Date:I have reviewed the Clinical Ladder Application

Yes

No

I have validated the eligibility criteria for the applicant as indicated in the packet

Yes

No

Applicant has an overall performance rating of “Meets Expectations” or above

Yes

No

Applicant is free from corrective action as per Clinical Ladder prerequisites

Yes

NoDirector’s/Manager’s Signature

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Professional Practice Grid

(Please download the Professional Practice Grid Excel Spreadsheet from the PRISM Website)

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Exemplar Release Form

I hereby release my written Exemplars, submitted with the PRISM Clinical Ladder Application, for the use by The Chester County Hospital, in whole or in part, to appear in publications, articles, promotions, advertisements, booklets, the hospital’s intranet website, or as part of the documentation submitted for Magnet designation.

I agree that:

My consent has been given freely, without coercion or duress No monetary compensation shall be paid for the exemplars

This agreement is legal and binding to my heirs and/or future legal representatives

My exemplars may be used in future years

If I wish to withdraw this consent, I can do so in writing, at any time.

Effective Date of Agreement

Name of Employee

Signature of Employee By marking this box with an X, I provide my electronic

signature

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Continuing Education Documentation Log

Due to challenges reported with using the word version of the CE Documentation log, we have created an excel version that you can download from our PRISM Website. You are welcome to use your own documentation log if you prefer.

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Letter of Recommendation Form

The Clinical Ladder applicant functions in the clinical setting as an exemplary care giver to patients. She/he is a model of proficiency for co-workers and a colleague to physicians. Part of the application process requires that applicants submit letters of recommendation from peers, supervisors/managers, and other health team members familiar with the applicant’s practice over the past year.

Instructions: Please complete this form and return it to the applicant before_____________(date). Use additional pages if needed or replicate this format in a separate document. Letters should be legible, brief, and indicate the nature and dates of your association. All letters must be dated within 12 months of the application deadline.

Your Name

Date Of Recommendation

Applicant’s Name

Relationship to Applicant RN Peer

Supervisor/Manager

Healthcare Team Member (MD, PT, Social Worker, etc)

Brief description of relationship to applicant/Recommendation:

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Evidence/Verification Logs(This section includes documents that you could use as supporting evidence

for points claimed on the Professional Practice Grid)

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Generic PRISM Certificate of Participation

(Verification form you can use for an activityYou can print more of these from the PRISM webpage)

PRISM Certificate of Participation

This certifies that

has met the requirements for successful participation in

Name of Activity

Held on (Event Date or Start and End Dates)

Number of Participation hours

Signature of Activity Provider/Representative

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Preceptor and Leadership Verification Form

Preceptor NameEmployee NumberDepartmentPhone ExtensionDepartment Manager

Dates of Activity Activity ( e.g. , preceptor or leadership role) Total Hours

Hours must be verified by Clinical Manager/Director

Clinical Manager/Director SignaturePhone Extension

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Volunteer and Community Service Verification FormVolunteer’s NameEmployee NumberDepartmentPhone ExtensionDepartment Manager

Dates Volunteered

Organization Volunteer Activity/Description of Activity

Total Hours

Signature and Date of Contact Person

Name of Contact & Telephone Number

**Volunteer hours must be unpaid and form must be signed by Chair /Co-Chair /Activity Sponsor of the Volunteer Activity

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Committee Log Applicant’s NameEmployee NumberDepartmentPhone ExtensionDepartment Manager

Date(s) of active membership

Name of Committee Goal of Committee

Chairperson signature verifying active participation*

* Active participation is defined as attending 75% of all scheduled meetings and activities

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Presentations LogPresenter’s NameEmployee NumberDepartmentPhone ExtensionDepartment Manager

Date(s) of Presentation

Title of Presentation Audience Length of presentation or CE awarded for your part

Must submit copy of objectives and agenda for each presentation

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Research/Publications LogApplicant’s NameEmployee NumberDepartmentPhone ExtensionDepartment Manager

Date(s) of Publication

Title of Work/Title of Publication

Type of Work (e.g., book, chapter, journal, research)

Indicate if Lead Author/Editor; or number or Co-Authors

Number of Pages or Words (for newsletter articles)

Must submit copy of work or publication

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PRISM Mentor Log Mentor’s NameMentee’s Name***Completed a log for each menteeDate(s) of Activity

Description of Activity Number of Hours

Signature of Mentee

Signature of Mentor

Initial Meeting - Review of PRISM process and Binder Completion PlanMid-way – Status Meeting/Checkpoint/Binder ProgressFinal Meeting - Binder Review and Signoff

Mentoring ChecklistItem Reviewed with Mentee Initial

MeetingStatus Meeting

Final Meeting

Review of application processTips on gathering sources of evidencePreparing for the interview (odd year applicants)Binder Color and OrderHow to put binder together

Check items discussed at each meeting

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Useful Information

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Professional Development Council Members

Patrice Arrell ACCMarianne Casale WWIIMary Louise Demarco Nursing InformaticsAthena Fernandes ITAyesha Gonsalves Nursing InformaticsSuzanne Henrick Critical CareDebbie Hetrick 3LASKOLinda Kelnock 3LASKO Sharon Kirkby NICU Margaret Krameric CVUMary Kretschmar MaternityTheresa Moore EDJean O’Brien ACCAnnette Pappas Labor & DeliveryPatty Paulley NursingLinda Sullivan SAMCathy Weidman Med/Surg

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Interview Panel/Selection Committee

The Selection Committee is comprised of:

2 Nursing Directors (appointed by the CNO/Sr. Vice President)2 RNs from the Professional Development Council2 Current PRISM clinical ladder designees1 Advanced Practice Nurse/Clinical Specialist1 Clinical Manager

Alternates: a substitute in the same category to be made as needed. Applicants may request a committee member be replaced by an alternate.

Content experts may be called if the committee has limited knowledge in a specialty area.

Selection committee vacancies are to be publicized by Nursing Administration and the Professional Development Council.

Nominations to the committee to fill vacancies will be made by the Clinical Ladder II, III, and IV peers.

The committee will choose replacement members from the nominees by consensus. Membership will be reviewed by the Executive Coordinating Council who is charged with ensuring board-based representation over time.

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Appeals Process

Any applicant denied the Clinical Ladder designation may appeal the decision of the Selection Committee as follows:

A written appeal, clearly stating the basis for the appeal, must be submitted to the Selection Committee no later than thirty (30) days after written notification of denial. The appeal shall not contain any application information that was not submitted with the original application as a justification for the appeal.

The Selection Committee shall review the appeal and either accept the application or deny the appeal, providing a written explanation of the reasons for the denial. If the appeal is denied, the nurse may appeal the decision to the Executive Appeals Committee (EAC), no later than thirty (30) days after the denial of the appeal by the Selection Committee.

The Executive Appeals Committee will be composed of six members and (2) alternates. The members will consist of 2 Nursing Directors, 2 Clinical Managers, and 2 Nurses from either the Professional Development Council or who have attained a Clinical Ladder designation.

The Executive Appeals Committee’s review shall be limited to a consideration of the same appeal presented to the Selection Committee. In addition, the EAC may review the nurse’s original application materials and the Selection Committee’s decision, including its reasons for the denial. This decision shall be provided to the applicant within thirty (30) days after the EAC meeting.

The EAC may overturn the decision of the Selection Committee only when there is clear and convincing evidence of procedural error or bias that affected the decision to deny movement or designation of the Clinical Ladder. CNO must approve final decision of EAC committee.

If the decision is reversed, the increase in pay or bonus will be paid retroactive to the application deadline.

The decision of the Executive Appeals Committee is final and binding.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is it true that I am eligible for clinical ladder two with my CCRN, even though I haven’t achieved a BSN?Yes, you are eligible for a clinical ladder two with either a BSN or a certification in your specialty.

2. Does functioning as the Team Leader fall under the Leadership experience?Team leader should fall under leadership experience in the clinical expertise category. The amount of points received would be based on the number of hours in this role.

3. Do you get 4 points for the category of Professional Healthcare Organizations or do you get 4 points for each membership?You would receive 4 points for each membership.

4. What is the timeframe for the criteria for the PRISM application?All points accrued should represent activities that occurred from Sept 1 2014 to August 31, 2015.

5. Where does participation in the Advisory Board Frontline leadership program fit in the PRISM application?This project would be placed under Professional Accomplishment Criteria under “Participation in a hospital or unit based process improvement project”

6. Does one exemplar need to illustrate all 5 of Kristen Swanson’s Caring Processes?Not all of the caring processes need to be highlighted in the each exemplar.

7. How many points are allowed for tenure?1 point is received for every 5 years of tenure at The Chester County Hospital.

8. Who can write a letter of recommendation? Can an NP be used as a reference?Any member of the healthcare team can be used as a source for one of the three required letters of recommendation. One letter needs to be from an RN peer, one from a supervisor, and the final from a member of the healthcare team who is familiar with your practice.

9. What is the financial incentive attached to the clinical ladder?$1.00/hour worked for level 2 $2.00/hour worked for level 3 $3.00/hour worked for level 4The hours worked are calculated in ANSOS for Sept 1, 2014 to August 31st, 2015 and include only those hours actually worked. The incentive will be received as a separate bonus check semi-annually in January and July.

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10. How should continuing education be documented in the PRISM application?A log has been provided in the “Application Forms” section. All CE’s need to have the title, provider, date and number of hours listed. The Professional Development Council reserves the right to audit the form for accuracy.

11. How should involvement in projects/presentations/activities be documented in the PRISM application? In addition to documenting projects/activities/presentations on the appropriate logs (supplied in the binder), a brief summary should be written describing each activity in detail to allow for proper assessment and point value.

12. How many points will I get for being a Super-user in two areas? Twelve points are allotted for anyone acting as a Super-user in more than one area; Super-users for one area only will receive 8 points.

13. How do I distinguish between a quality improvement project (15 pt) and a unit based process improvement project? Quality improvement projects receiving 15 points must have a focus of improving patient outcomes, while a unit based process improvement project may have other goals (increased efficiency of the department, etc.).

14. Points are capped only in those areas where noted; otherwise points may be increased for each activity. For example, if you develop and present three presentations in a staff meeting (informal setting), you would receive 30 points. However, if you are an active member of three volunteer group supporting hospital related activities you will receive the maximum points allowed (6 points).

15. What is the difference between a standing committee and an ad-hoc committee?The difference between a standing committee and an ad-hoc committee is the regularity of meetings. A standing committee meets on a pre-established schedule (for example, on the third Monday of every month) whereas an ad hoc committee meets only under specific conditions (calling a meeting of the ethics committee when there is a case that requires review).

16. Should letters of recommendation be included in the application binder?Yes, all information should be included when applicants are presenting the binder for review.

17. Can my exemplar describe nursing that occurs outside of the hospital (i.e. parish nursing). Yes, you may use any example that illustrates the criteria listed in the binder.

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18. Does one exemplar have to contain all three of Kristen Swanson’s Theories of Caring?No; multiple examples may be used in order to highlight three caring processes.

19. The parameters for the points associated with the evaluation score will be changed for those staff using the new evaluation tool recently implemented by HR. For those staff with the old form, the point spread is as follows: 3.00-3.49 = 2 pt, 3.50-3.99=4pt, and 4.00-up =6pts. Managers will need to manually calculate the scores from the new evaluation tool for this purpose. 22-27 points = 4 pts; 28-31 points =6 pts

20. What category does the Frontline Leadership participation and project fall?This project would be placed under Professional Accomplishment Criteria under “Participation in a hospital or unit based process improvement project”

21. Does a Unit Based Scheduling Committee member get points for participation?Yes, it is considered a Unit based committee.

22. Will staff who reapplies for PRISM need to do the full binder and interview every other year?Staff who re-apply will complete the entire binder every other year. An interview will be required only for first time applicants and third year re-applicants.

23. Who do we hand in our binder to?You can hand in your binder to your manager or to Debbie Hetrick or Linda Sullivan.

24. Can we print the CE Log from Lawson to document the continuing education credits?Yes, but you will need to indicate the “learning format” and then provide the total number of CE’s that have been earned.

25. Can the person who has been a “Resource” and has provided on-going training for staff for Project RED be considered a “SuperUser”? Yes, this is a hospital wide initiative which qualifies the Resource person as a SuperUser. However, your role as super-user must be during the current PRISM application period (September 1, 2014 - August 31, 2015).

26. If you are a new Unit Council Facilitator, do you need to be the Facilitator for a certain amount of time?You would follow the recommendations for committee membership, which requires that you must be a committee member for at least 6 months.

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27. For course work taken in August, but not completed until December, can those credits be used this year?No, the course must be completed before September 1st.

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