Introduction
And to think, it started with urinary retention...
Dear UEXCEL Board Members,
My name is Raelyn Nicholson. I am a post anesthesia care nurse in the Anschutz Inpatient Pavilion.
In 2011, I began my nursing career at UCH as a new graduate in the Intermediate Care Unit (also known as Stepdown). For two years, I gained invaluable experience for treating complex patients, especially learning how to prioritize and look at the big picture. Through collaboration with interdisciplinary teams, I worked hard to improve health outcomes and prevent readmissions.
Fortuitous events led me to UCH’s Inpatient Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) in the spring of 2013. With wonderful management, a supportive environment, and significant autonomy, I quickly discovered that PACU is the hidden gem of the nursing world.
This last summer, a medical mission to the slums of Nairobi, Kenya changed my life and perspective of nursing. As a medical provider, I would see 50 to 75 patients daily, treating children and adults. Imagine an exam room, generator blasting in the background, a single lightbulb flickering on and off as anxious eyes pierce your soul searching for comfort. It was then that I discovered how I embrace Madeline Leininger's theory of Culture Care Diversity and Universality, meaning that care from the perspective of different cultures is the essence of my nursing practice (Parker & Smith, 2010). In the Mathare Valley, where health is poor and spirit is rich, I knew that not every patient could be physically cured, but the patient should always feel cared for. As I assessed in dark shadows, I fashioned my values of nursing:
Love others,
Offer support and help, as opposed to judgment,
Be understanding,
Show compassion,
Hold a hand,
For the greatest gift is love, so show it.
My time in Kenya was an epiphanous moment where I realized that nursing gives me the privilege of treating patients, therefore giving meaning to everything I do.
In July of 2013, Carolyn Dietrich (a fellow PACU nurse) and I were discussing a risk management case where a patient was sent home with severe urinary retention. On the way home, the patient had to stop in an Emergency Department to have a Foley catheter inserted. Over a couple of hours, her urine output was more than 3,000 milliliters. She was lucky her bladder did not burst. Carolyn and I talked about the lack of standardization and a need for change in PACU. In that moment, my project to prevent postoperative urinary retention (POUR) was born as well as my intent to credential.
From 2013 to 2014, I grew as a leader and participated in multiple initiatives to improve patient care. I chair the Perianesthesia Quality and Patient Safety Council; I’m a member of the Perianesthesia Competency Committee, and act as the unit representative for the UCH Stroke Champions. Through this involvement I was a part of many changes impacting patient care and safety. To advance my practice, I obtained certification in progressive care nursing and traveled to Dublin for the International Conference for Perianesthesia Nurses. Needless to say, this year has been filled with adventure, learning opportunities, and professional growth.
I must thank an incredibly supportive manager, Michelle Ballou. Through her leadership, I have had the encouragement and resources necessary to submit my portfolio. My advisor, Carolyn Dietrich, was my rock; a wellspring of advice and assistance. She led me down a successful path.
Thank you for the opportunity to present my portfolio.
Dear UEXCEL Board Members,
My name is Raelyn Nicholson. I am a post anesthesia care nurse in the Anschutz Inpatient Pavilion.
In 2011, I began my nursing career at UCH as a new graduate in the Intermediate Care Unit (also known as Stepdown). For two years, I gained invaluable experience for treating complex patients, especially learning how to prioritize and look at the big picture. Through collaboration with interdisciplinary teams, I worked hard to improve health outcomes and prevent readmissions.
Fortuitous events led me to UCH’s Inpatient Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) in the spring of 2013. With wonderful management, a supportive environment, and significant autonomy, I quickly discovered that PACU is the hidden gem of the nursing world.
This last summer, a medical mission to the slums of Nairobi, Kenya changed my life and perspective of nursing. As a medical provider, I would see 50 to 75 patients daily, treating children and adults. Imagine an exam room, generator blasting in the background, a single lightbulb flickering on and off as anxious eyes pierce your soul searching for comfort. It was then that I discovered how I embrace Madeline Leininger's theory of Culture Care Diversity and Universality, meaning that care from the perspective of different cultures is the essence of my nursing practice (Parker & Smith, 2010). In the Mathare Valley, where health is poor and spirit is rich, I knew that not every patient could be physically cured, but the patient should always feel cared for. As I assessed in dark shadows, I fashioned my values of nursing:
Love others,
Offer support and help, as opposed to judgment,
Be understanding,
Show compassion,
Hold a hand,
For the greatest gift is love, so show it.
My time in Kenya was an epiphanous moment where I realized that nursing gives me the privilege of treating patients, therefore giving meaning to everything I do.
In July of 2013, Carolyn Dietrich (a fellow PACU nurse) and I were discussing a risk management case where a patient was sent home with severe urinary retention. On the way home, the patient had to stop in an Emergency Department to have a Foley catheter inserted. Over a couple of hours, her urine output was more than 3,000 milliliters. She was lucky her bladder did not burst. Carolyn and I talked about the lack of standardization and a need for change in PACU. In that moment, my project to prevent postoperative urinary retention (POUR) was born as well as my intent to credential.
From 2013 to 2014, I grew as a leader and participated in multiple initiatives to improve patient care. I chair the Perianesthesia Quality and Patient Safety Council; I’m a member of the Perianesthesia Competency Committee, and act as the unit representative for the UCH Stroke Champions. Through this involvement I was a part of many changes impacting patient care and safety. To advance my practice, I obtained certification in progressive care nursing and traveled to Dublin for the International Conference for Perianesthesia Nurses. Needless to say, this year has been filled with adventure, learning opportunities, and professional growth.
I must thank an incredibly supportive manager, Michelle Ballou. Through her leadership, I have had the encouragement and resources necessary to submit my portfolio. My advisor, Carolyn Dietrich, was my rock; a wellspring of advice and assistance. She led me down a successful path.
Thank you for the opportunity to present my portfolio.
Advisor Carolyn Dietrich's Check-Off