New Quality Development Team leaders are committed to making the formula work
NORFOLK, Va. – Lake Taylor Transitional Care Hospital’s formula for achieving the highest level of patient care and desirable patient outcomes is expressed through simple arithmetic:
The formula stands for Committed Staff + Quality Education and Training = Optimal Quality Patient Care.
Leading the hospital’s Quality Development Team are the newly appointed Director, Stephanie Russell, and Lead Nurse Educator, Stephanin “Tracey” Rice, who ironically were long-time friends before arriving at Lake Taylor.
For Stephanie Russell, her interest in nursing began as a candy striper during her high school years in her hometown of Waynesboro, Va. More than 30 years later, her nursing career has not only been a rewarding one but also truly diverse and educational. As a registered nurse, she served in a variety of areas including surgical and case management; she has also been a Medical Facilities Inspector. Her extensive experience combined over a three-decade career makes Stephanie a perfect fit for the position of Quality Development Director.
Stephanin “Tracey” Rice has over 25 years’ experience as a nurse, which started out in London, England, stationed in a nursery where she focused on teaching and child development. Back in the United States, Tracey also practiced in Florida, New York, and Virginia and is now wound certified.
In her new position, she aims deliver on the department’s mission to provide the education programs that will enable Lake Taylor employees to reach their full potential. “We believe quality training and education results in excellent care to our patients/residents.”
To aid in meeting its mission, Quality Development just launched SNFClinic™, an electronic learning management system, which provides skilled nursing facilities with the most up-to-date educational and training (basic to advanced), and compliance resources. Along with a wealth of nursing resources, customized education and training resources will also benefit non-nursing employees and affiliated Lake Taylor staff (e.g., agency, contracted staff, volunteers).
Since their arrival over the winter, Russell, Rice and the QD team have tallied some quality outcome accomplishments already. Forty-seven nurses completed their VOHRA wound certification program worth 26 CEU’s and all Hospitality Aides have completed an 8-hour, state-approved feeding plan training program.
