By Jodi Lamborn
In October 2023, CHOP and Clínica Alemana de Santiago in Chile celebrated an outstanding 22 years of institutional relationship and professional development. Global Pediatric Education (GPE) leaders Steve Ludwig, MD, Jim Callahan, MD, and Nancy Etzel, CRNP traveled to Santiago de Chile to meet with Clínica Alemana leaders, present their work to doctors and nurses there, and strengthen the connection between the two institutions. In the months before and after that visit, Clínica Alemana leadership visited CHOP and GPE facilitated observerships for seven Clínica Alemana clinicians. Among them was Ms. Andrea Ibarra, a clinical nurse who actively participates in the Magnet Recognition program at Clínica Alemana. She leads a component of a Nursing structural empowerment project for the adoption of Magnet, including professional development for her fellow nurses who are adapting to the new program. Andrea also serves as a clinical mentor for new nurses at Clínica Alemana.
Andrea participated in a month-long observership in the Divisions of Nursing and Neonatology at CHOP from November to December 2023. Her goal while participating in CHOP’s International Visiting Provider Program was to witness CHOP’s process of obtaining their 5th Magnet certification. Clínica Alemana, Ms. Ibarra’s home institution, is on track to obtain their first Magnet accreditation, a rarity in Latin America. Ms. Ibarra was drawn to CHOP’s Neonatology unit based on the descriptions of other observers from Clínica Alemana who previously participated in observerships. During her time at CHOP, Ms. Ibarra was struck by CHOP’s innovation in interdisciplinary collaboration and the way that everyone on staff included parents in the entire care process.
“I had an amazing experience, I learned very much about the NICU and how the hospital works in general, both inpatient care and being a Magnet hospital.”
Throughout her observership, Ms. Ibarra spent time with Patient and Family Experience, learning under the mentorship of Meghan Nghe. She learned more about the barcode scanning system, interdisciplinary rounds, and psychological and documentation tools CHOP staff uses to support patient families. She highlighted the deep understanding of the importance of positive reinforcement for colleagues, managers, and families through professional development projects such as Good Catch, Star of the Month, and Daisy Awards. In the future, Ms. Ibarra has hopes to become a teacher for nursing students in Chile and continue to learn how her institution can continue to innovate, establish well-documented policies, and continue quality improvement. She plans to begin her master’s in health management to become a part of the change that occurs behind the scenes. “Nursing is an incredible job; you can help people and be a part of their history. You can make a difference at a very vulnerable time in [patient’s] lives.”
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By Jodi Lamborn
In October 2023, CHOP and Clínica Alemana de Santiago in Chile celebrated an outstanding 22 years of institutional relationship and professional development. Global Pediatric Education (GPE) leaders Steve Ludwig, MD, Jim Callahan, MD, and Nancy Etzel, CRNP traveled to Santiago de Chile to meet with Clínica Alemana leaders, present their work to doctors and nurses there, and strengthen the connection between the two institutions. In the months before and after that visit, Clínica Alemana leadership visited CHOP and GPE facilitated observerships for seven Clínica Alemana clinicians. Among them was Ms. Andrea Ibarra, a clinical nurse who actively participates in the Magnet Recognition program at Clínica Alemana. She leads a component of a Nursing structural empowerment project for the adoption of Magnet, including professional development for her fellow nurses who are adapting to the new program. Andrea also serves as a clinical mentor for new nurses at Clínica Alemana.
Andrea participated in a month-long observership in the Divisions of Nursing and Neonatology at CHOP from November to December 2023. Her goal while participating in CHOP’s International Visiting Provider Program was to witness CHOP’s process of obtaining their 5th Magnet certification. Clínica Alemana, Ms. Ibarra’s home institution, is on track to obtain their first Magnet accreditation, a rarity in Latin America. Ms. Ibarra was drawn to CHOP’s Neonatology unit based on the descriptions of other observers from Clínica Alemana who previously participated in observerships. During her time at CHOP, Ms. Ibarra was struck by CHOP’s innovation in interdisciplinary collaboration and the way that everyone on staff included parents in the entire care process.
“I had an amazing experience, I learned very much about the NICU and how the hospital works in general, both inpatient care and being a Magnet hospital.”
Throughout her observership, Ms. Ibarra spent time with Patient and Family Experience, learning under the mentorship of Meghan Nghe. She learned more about the barcode scanning system, interdisciplinary rounds, and psychological and documentation tools CHOP staff uses to support patient families. She highlighted the deep understanding of the importance of positive reinforcement for colleagues, managers, and families through professional development projects such as Good Catch, Star of the Month, and Daisy Awards. In the future, Ms. Ibarra has hopes to become a teacher for nursing students in Chile and continue to learn how her institution can continue to innovate, establish well-documented policies, and continue quality improvement. She plans to begin her master’s in health management to become a part of the change that occurs behind the scenes. “Nursing is an incredible job; you can help people and be a part of their history. You can make a difference at a very vulnerable time in [patient’s] lives.”
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