From left to right: Martha Lusk, R.N. and Jennifer Do, R.N.

“Getting to Know You” Project

Nurses in the Liver Transplant Surgical ICU connect with patients by “getting to know” them through table-top frames. Martha Lusk, R.N., initiated this project through the Frontline Nursing Leadership Seminar and the Unit Practice Council (Melanie Donovan, Mark Dunn, Alison Flynn, Krystle Guillermo, Jennifer Honrado, Katrina Kuizon, Alice Lee, Michelle Rahmani and Tristie Yumul) as a leadership initiative to improve patient experience. A photo of the patient — along with personal information, such as what name they would like to be called, where they grew up, types of TV shows they enjoy, occupation and personal interests — is posted on a sheet of paper and displayed in each patient’s room so the nurses and staff can connect with patients on a personal level. “It’s been quite a conversation piece. Staff and patients have responded really well to this project,” says Jennifer Do, R.N. “It’s really important not only to provide patients medical care, but to be able to get to know them on a personal level and provide them holistic, compassionate care. It’s been a team effort.”