Ashtabula County Medical Center | ACMC Pulse | Summer 2020

is the Year 2020 ASHTABULA COUNTY MEDICAL CENTER (ACMC) nurses have been at the forefront of ACMC’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. To encourage and support the nursing staff, Chief Nursing Officer Jacquelyn DiFiore, DNP, MHA, RN, NEA-BC, reminded them that the World Health Organization had named 2020 the International Year of the Nurse to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing. No matter the clinical setting or specialty, all nurses use the same scientific method, designed to deliver the very best in patient care, through five steps. “I have always been interested in being a nurse, even as a young, 7- to 8-year-old girl. My father became ill when I was in my 20s. I helped him when he was at the hospital and took care of him when he came home. I always felt like this is where I belonged. This is what I was meant to do; called to do this.” —Josette Brickman, RN 1. Assessment: Nurses assess patients on an in- depth physiological, economic, social and lifestyle basis. 2. Diagnosis: Through careful consideration of both physical symptoms and patient behavior, the nurse forms a diagnosis. 3. Outcomes and planning: Nurses use their exper- tise to set realistic goals for the patient’s recovery. These objectives are then closely monitored. 4. Implementation: By accurately implementing the care plan, nurses guarantee consistency of care for the patient while meticulously documenting their progress. 5. Evaluation: By closely analyzing the effectiveness of the care plan and studying patient response, the nurse hones the plan to achieve the best outcome for the patient. “I wanted to be challenged daily and have a positive impact on the community I worked in.” —Kalee Peterson, RN “I never really wanted to be a nurse until my mom died of a heart attack. After that happened, I wanted to do something to help people.” —Betty Rose, RN “I’ve always had a strong interest in human health sciences. And when I had an opportunity to go to college, it seemed like a good opportunity. I have always enjoyed working with people, and nursing gives me a great opportunity to do that. It’s been rewarding and challenging at times, but it ultimately has been a good experience.” —Scott Woitella, RN Here are our nurses’ stories: 10 ACMC Pulse • acmchealth.org