November 2012
Luz
Avalos
,
RN
Skilled Nursing
St. Francis Medical Center (CA)
Lynwood
,
CA
United States

 

 

 

Luz has demostrated leadership in professional practice on the Skilled Nursing Unit at SFMC. She is an excellent charge nurse, setting high standards for performance from her team of co-workers. During a transition period between management, Luz identified several areas where gaps in care would have been detrimental to patients and the units regulatory requirements. Patients on SNF need weekly weights taken to prevent deleterious weight loss during their long length of stay, so she initiated a list to ensure the team knew which patients needed weights and when.
She suggested a rotation for POC (plan of care) updates split between the day and night RN's, where previously the MDS nurse ensured the plan of care updates were made. Theses interventions ensured there was a continuity for patient care process and prevention of negative outcomes. Luz has also signed up to participate in the upcoming research/evidence based project so she can improve care more on SNF.