14 South exemplifies the true meaning of teamwork and collaboration. The various staff members on the unit are constantly fostering an environment that engages in valuing and celebrating each staff member’s contributions to the unit. Every day, there is a strong sense of unity that can be easily seen, whether it is through helping each other and lending a hand or working on projects that strive for better patient care. The collaboration and teamwork that our staff possess help to promote a positive and supportive atmosphere and environment.

A powerful example of our teamwork and collaboration was seen in a recent rapid response event for one of our patients. One of the patients on the unit was clinically declining at a rapid rate. Recognizing that the primary nurse for the patient needed assistance with facilitating the rapid response event, the staff immediately jumped into action. It was not only the nurses who helped, but all staff members on 14 South. Nurses, nursing aides, leadership, and unit clerks were all present and coordinating with each other on what to do during the rapid response event. Throughout the whole process, clear goals were set forth, and open communication was maintained, allowing all of us to be on the same page. Through diligent coordination and teamwork, we were able to stabilize the patient and transfer the patient to the intensive care unit.

The 14 South team is a shining example of what it means to truly own our unit, with every member contributing to our collective success. This year, we've experienced our lowest turnover, allowing us to solidify as a family, settle in, and take immense pride in our unit. Our nurses aren't just caregivers; they are leaders—whether it's managing our Instagram account, driving engagement through our monthly newsletter, or leading the way in our unit council meetings. Everyone has a role, from those championing our quality and patient experience metrics to our patient care technicians and guest services team, who have worked together to boost our responsiveness scores by over 9 points this year. We've just celebrated over 100 days without an unassisted fall, have had zero CLABSIs or hospital-acquired C. difficile cases this year, and earned senior leader recognition for our outstanding patient experience performance—culminating in a 5-star quarter, possibly our first ever. This team has achieved remarkable outcomes: a 92% reduction in unassisted falls from 27 in 2021 to 2 in 2024 YTD, a complete resolution of C. difficile cases, and a 31% decrease in HAPIs, with continued improvement this year. With four nurses newly certified and over six more on track, and about ten nurses poised to climb the clinical ladder this year, it's clear that this team isn't just delivering world-class care—they're setting the standard.

Our team’s dedication to teamwork and collaboration extends beyond patient care. It can also be seen through our colleagues. For example, as our team onboards new members, we all work together to ensure that the newer staff feel welcomed and supported. We have monthly mentorship meetings that allow the staff nurses to nurture newer nurses and help facilitate a smooth transition to 14 South. We discuss what concerns the newer staff may have and brainstorm together on how to alleviate any potential challenges. This helps create a stronger sense of unity.

These different experiences highlight 14 South’s teamwork and collaboration, which are at the heart of our commitment to NewYork-Presbyterian’s Shared Values and Actions to Deliver Excellence. Our team embodies these values daily—whether through the teamwork that unites us, the empathy we show to each other and our patients, the respect we maintain for everyone’s contributions, the innovation that drives our quality improvements, the effective communication that keeps us all aligned, or the accountability we hold ourselves to for delivering the highest standards of care.