LEADERSHIP LIBRARY
Submissions
We welcome all writers. Before submitting your article, please click on the link below and read the simple guidelines. All approved articles will be listed here in an abstract form and sent out on demand. When your article is approved, we will send you an email with a link to your article in our library.
Welcome to the KNL Leadership Library, the first and only online educational resource dedicated to maternal/child and women's health leaders. Our goal is to provide an avenue for communication, education, and encouragement among all levels of leadership.
Disclaimer: Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in an article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Key Nurse Leaders.
Available Documents
A Wellness Model for Obstetrics
Judith Smith, MHA; Judith Hager, RN, MSN, FHIMSS; Kathleen Bajo, MHALearn how one hospital used process management to enhance their clinical path efforts and redesign their care delivery system for obstetric mothers and their newborns. The outcome of their analysis led to the development of a Wellness Model.™
Abdominal & Pelvic Core Training for OB Programs
Janet A. Hulme, MA, PTThe emphasis on women's health, fitness and wellness has brought forward the need for women to pay attention to their bodies during recreation, work, and throughout their life spans. This article focuses on incorporating physical therapy modalities into prenatal and pre-discharge programs.
Transitioning the MCH Unit from Paper to Computer
Kim Zimmerman, RNC-OB, BSN, CNML & Colleen Rodriguez, RNC-NIC, BSN, MHSAAlthough charting forms have evolved over time to meet the changing needs in healthcare, little has changed in the process of documentation until the introduction of computers in healthcare in the late 20th century. The authors describe their experience in moving a maternal/child unit from paper documentation to a computerized process. One of the important lessons learned about the move from paper to computerized charting is that the process is not automatic.
Nursing in a Hard Hat
Diane Koneschusky, RN, BS, MPAFollow one nurses' journey as she manages a construction project to renovate the labor and delivery department. She shares guidelines, lessons learned, and the challenges along the way resulting in one of the most rewarding experiences of her life.
I'm a New Nurse Manager...Now What?
Brandi H. Newman, RN, MSN, NEA-BCNurse Managers face tremendous challenges as front-line leaders in a tumultuous health care environment. The first year as a new nurse manager is critical to long-term success in the role. A step-by-step guide for a new nurse manager's first year can facilitate their success.
Designing Babies
Lauren E. Griffin, BSN, RNC-OBThe prospect of designer babies, like many of the ethical issues posed by the genetic revolution, is confronting the world so rapidly that doctors, nurses, ethicists, religious leaders and politicians are just starting to grapple with the implications-and trying to decide how they feel about it. This article explores the dynamic world of genetic/sex selection and addresses the ethical issues surrounding the technology of today and the possibilities of tomorrow!
VIP Packages for OB Patients
Carie Lawrence, RN, BSNHospitals in all communities differ greatly due to patient populations. Offering a "VIP" package for patients helps to create an experience, regardless of the location of the hospital -- rural, metropolitan, inner city. The goal was to provide services that parallel that of the hotel industry for every hospital and every budget. Focusing on women and embracing their new life and new beginning.
Budget Tools
Deborah L. Block, MHA, BSN, RNC-OB, C-EFMNurses in management positions typically don't have an accounting or financial background. So, where do they begin when asked to develop a budget? A budget is a plan, roadmap, or a tool used to ensure that quality and cost-effective services are provided to patients. Specifically, nurse managers use budgets to monitor personnel and supply costs. Nurse Managers need to be familiar with various types of budgets, particularly the operating budget because the nurse manager works closest to the patient and knows exactly what is needed to provide care and services. (Finkler, 2001.)
Aromatherapy for the Birth Experience
Diana Wigham, RNC-OB, MSNThe use of essential oils and aromatherapy for therapeutic and medical purposes has been used for thousands of years, and is now being revived in holistic healthcare, with one use as a non-pharmacologic alternative for pregnancy and childbirth. Aromatherapy takes into account the entire person, both physically and mentally. Each woman is an individual and so, too, will be the essential oil mixture for her.
Self Scheduling
Maria MacKeil, RNC-OB, BSN, CCESHow can a department create a work schedule that staff and management are happy with, while minimizing the number of management hours involved in creating the schedule? The nightmare of creating a staffing schedule has touched every nursing leader at some point in their career. Organizations spend millions of dollars on computer software systems in an attempt to simplify this task, with the hope of gaining back work force hours. Engaging staff in the self-scheduling process will minimize management involvement, increase productivity and increase staff satisfaction. (May request in article or poster form)
Orientation to the Charge Role
Maria MacKeil, RNC-OB, BSN, CCES; Marge Bradley, RNC, BSN; Patricia Urbinati, RNHow can healthcare providers faced with multiple challenges every day find time to communicate efficiently and effectively in meeting and managing staffing/patient needs? Focused training using a "Team Training" model to educate all RN staff to the charge role in decreasing safety variances and increasing customer satisfaction. (May request in article or poster form)
Issues/Trends Facing Healthcare Leaders
Peggy Murray, MS, BSNRegardless of the size or location of the service line, hospital or health care system, managers/directors work in a complex, challenging, yet very rewarding position in healthcare. They are given opportunities each day to connect with physicians, nurses, patients, families, support personnel, peers and team members. They truly can make a difference in a career field filled with growth potential.