ICU Strong - February Winners
Our ICUs remain dedicated to ICU Strong participation and commitment! The winners for February are:
Overall ICU Strong Trophy/Banner Winner - PICU
Overall ICU Strong 2nd Place - 8 MTN ICU
Overall ICU Strong 3rd Place - 9 MTN ICU
Most ICU Strong Story Submissions - PICU
Most Great Catch/Near Miss Report Submissions - 8 CST ICU
Top Quality Points Earned - 9 SICU and 9 MTN ICU
Increased ICU Strong Story Submissions, January into February - 8 MTN ICU, 9 MTN ICU, 4 CST ICU, 8 CST ICU, and PICU
We have also highlighted a few random ICU Strong Stories of the Month from each ICU unit that submitted stories - please read and enjoy!
4 CST ICU - This team is dedicated to their patients and was hit incredibly heavy for 2 weeks with acuity. One day, we had one ECMO/CRRT, 4 other CRRTs, an Impella and a 4-heart surgery case day. We wound up putting a second patient on ECMO during the chaos and matrixed for 13-14 nurses. Yes, 13-14 NURSES to safely manage all of our patients. There was an emergent issue with just about every single patient that day that I have never seen so many respiratory therapists on our unit as well (shout out to them for their teamwork). We had so many nurses pick up this week to help our unit and patients out, we had our ECMO coordinator, our Operations manager and Unit director involved in staffing as well. I just feel like you don’t see that very often in other units and felt it should be recognized that even our leadership stepped (and steps) in when our unit needs help. I’m so proud to be a part of this team and work with these people!
4 CST ICU - As I am making assignments for today, it dawns on me that we have been very "device" heavy for a few weeks. Actually maintaining 3 ECMOs (two placed emergently at bedside), multiple CRRT, Impella, managing code blues, accepting a pediatric patient for ECMO so that family can keep him at this hospital instead of transferring hours away from home. Granted, he is a tall 11-year-old but definitely has a young boy face. Most of our staff avoids pediatrics for multiple reasons. But we stepped up, picked up extra shifts, management covering overnight device needs, worked out of our comfort zone and have provided great care to this young man and his family (in addition to all the other ongoing cases and high acuity patients). I am very proud to be a part of the CSICU team including PCTs, APPs, MDs, and certainly my fellow nurses. #ICUPROUD, #ICUSTRONG
10 MTN ICU - I want to recognize everyone who was a part of the code on 2/9/26. Michelle received a patient from the OR that was unstable the moment he came to the floor. Shoutout to Alyson, Jenny, Patrick, Michelle, Kristen, Bri, Lydia, Dr. Gillen, Dr. Swaak, Dr. Thometz, Jennifer (RT) and the RT who came in behind her, Brandon (Clinical Admin), Kasi (Clinical Admin), chaplain services, and the medical student. Thank each person for their role and support during this time. Everyone respected the patient and the family that was present in the room. Great job everyone!
10 MTN ICU - Thank you to Rita from 10MICU for being a good sport about taking 3 patients when we had to triple multiple people. We appreciate the flexibility with the acuity present!
9 SICU - Eden got her intubated patient out of bed to the chair! She is also completely off sedation and able to communicate by writing :)
8 CST ICU - Despite the inclement weather that we have recently experienced, 8 ICU CST has had no weather-related call-ins!! Huge shout out to our team who has continued to put our patients first and ensure they are provided the best care, regardless of the weather!
PICU - So proud of our teamwork in PICU and taking care of our pt that ended up on ECMO. Our staff navigated issues that we have never been up against before with grace and continued to advocate for our patient. Our nurses went to a different unit, one they had never been to before and helped adult nurses take care of our patient while on ECMO. We were all able to learn from this situation and grow from it. I could not be more proud of my nursing staff.
8 MTN ICU - During leader rounding this week, I was flooded with positive feedback about the incredible knowledge and professionalism of our nursing team. I received shout-outs for Payton, Kayla, Sydney, Taylor, Emma S., and Ben— who was recognized by two different patients on the same day! Patients had nothing but glowing praise for all of you. Your dedication and compassion make a difference every single shift. 🌟
9 MTN ICU - Thank you to 9MICU for their dedication to ICU Liberation. I have been doing rounding with the CPDF Kyleigh and bedside staff. Their engagement is fantastic and is helping to keep our patients safer. I appreciate you!
9 MTN ICU - Thank you to our amazing PT and OT team! Brandon worked with 979 today and he always challenges our patients mobilize more than they think is possible. 979 was placed in the chair and cried for being able to do it.
