Empowering Nurses with Innovative Solutions for Enhanced Patient Care

In a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, the role of nurses is pivotal, yet often fraught with challenges. Across hospitals nationwide, nurses face the pressing issue of being expected to do more with limited resources. At Mercy, however, the conversation is shifting towards finding ways to enhance the nursing experience. Mercy’s leadership is committed to delivering the necessary tools, support, and time to empower nurses effectively.

Mercy has recognized that creating an environment where nurses feel supported is crucial, especially in light of the decreased recruitment and retention rates seen in the nursing profession over recent years. Their mission is straightforward: eliminate the barriers that prevent nurses from focusing on patient care. This includes introducing modern technologies like voice-to-text transcription tools, designed to streamline documentation, and Bluetooth stethoscopes, which aid nurses with hearing impairments.

As Tracy Breece, Mercy's executive director of nursing informatics, articulates, "We're creating an environment where Mercy nurses feel seen, supported, and empowered." The impact of these innovations is palpable. One returning nurse remarked that she had sought Mercy specifically for the technology that would allow her to perform her duties more efficiently and with greater satisfaction.

Mercy’s approach places nurses at the forefront of innovation, engaging them in the development of new practices and technologies. By continuously gathering feedback, Mercy has been able to pinpoint areas of inefficiency, such as repetitive documentation and excessive alerts, that detract from patient interaction. The result is a documented reduction in redundant clicks and tasks that free nurses for approximately 32 additional minutes of patient contact per shift.

"Most people with loved ones in hospitals have probably seen the agitation caused by constant beeping or flashing lights," comments Stephanie Clements, Mercy's chief nurse executive. By prioritizing alerts, Mercy has taken steps to reduce this noise, easing the mental strain nurses often bear.

Additionally, leveraging AI technology specifically designed for nurses has transformed the admission process. In a survey involving 450 nurses, 80% indicated that the information provided through this AI-assisted handoff was clearer and more comprehensive. This innovation fosters quicker admissions and improved communication between healthcare staff—ultimately enriching the patient experience.

Angela Novak, Mercy’s director of nursing excellence, emphasizes the core mission of nurses: to care for patients. She states, "When you have tools that actually help you do that, it not only enhances your experience at work but also significantly improves how patients feel." Such sentiments highlight the need for ongoing dialogue and input from nursing professionals regarding technological adoption and process changes.

As Breece points out, genuine transformation becomes achievable when nurses feel heard and empowered. This immensely beneficial shift is not just advantageous for nurses but also crucial for patients who depend on exemplary healthcare services.

Mercy, which ranks among the largest healthcare systems in the United States, continually sets higher standards in patient care. They are recognized for maintaining one of the highest-performing Accountable Care Organizations in operation.

Comprising 50 hospitals across various specialties, alongside numerous outpatient facilities, Mercy employs over 50,000 staff members dedicated to improving healthcare delivery throughout several states, including Arkansas, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. In their mission to serve the community, Mercy provided over half a billion dollars in free care and community benefits in fiscal year 2023 alone, a testament to their commitment to accessible healthcare.

In summary, Mercy exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to nursing that enhances the work environment for nurses while ensuring that patients receive the compassionate care they deserve. As this healthcare system leads the way in combining modern technology with nursing best practices, it paves a hopeful future for both nursing professionals and their patients alike.