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Frequently Asked Questions
(FAQ)
What is the Nurse-Friendly
Program for Small/Rural Hospitals?
This program is a federally-funded
initiative to assist 30 small and rural Texas hospitals improve patient care
and the nurse work environment.
What is considered a small or
rural hospital?
For this project, “small” hospitals
are those with an Average Daily Census of less than 100 beds. “Rural”
hospitals are defined as those located in non-Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA)
counties.
What is the difference between
the Nurse-Friendly Hospital Designation and the Nurse-Friendly Program for
Small/Rural Hospitals?
The Texas Nurses Association (TNA)
will invite all hospitals (regardless of size) to apply for the Nurse-Friendly
Hospital Designation. The Nurse-Friendly Program for Small/Rural Hospitals is
a grant funded initiative that will work specifically with 30 small and rural
client hospitals through the next three years as they prepare their
application to the TNA.
How is “Nurse-Friendly”
different than a “Magnet” designation?
Magnet is a special designation
given by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. We would like to see
Nurse-Friendly criteria implemented as a standard for all Texas hospitals.
Some client hospitals may see Nurse-Friendly designation as a step towards
preparing their hospital for later Magnet application.
What does Nurse-Friendly
recognition mean for my hospital?
Expected benefits include: improved
patient quality outcomes – fewer complications, fewer adverse events, shorter
lengths of stay, lower mortality; increased staff and patient satisfaction;
reinforced positive collaborative relationships; increased cost savings from
nurse retention; and recognition from a statewide nursing association.
Are hospitals charged a fee for
consultation services associated with the Nurse-Friendly Program for Small/Rural
Hospitals?
No, grant funds cover the cost of
client consultations. There is also no charge for the initial application to
TNA for Nurse-Friendly designation. Hospitals are responsible for any renewal
costs.
What factors are involved in
identifying the 30 client hospitals?
The grant program is a statewide
initiative, so geographic distribution throughout Texas is important.
Also important is the range of hospital sizes and interest in participation.
What are the application
requirements from TNA?
Please see TNA website at
www.texasnurses.org for more information on the 12 criteria. However, here is
a listing of the 12 criteria: Control of Nursing Practice; Safety of the Work
Environment; Systems Exist to Address Patient Care Concerns; Nursing
Orientation; Chief Nursing Officer; Professional Development; Competitive
Wages; Nurse Recognition; Balanced Lifestyle; Zero Tolerance Policy for Nurse
Abuse; Middle Management Accountability; and Quality Initiatives.
How long does it take to
prepare the materials?
Nurses who are going through the
process say approximately 160 hours. However, this may vary depending on your
hospital’s current policies in place related to the 12 criteria.
Does
the Nurse-Friendly designation expire?
The TNA Nurse-Friendly Hospital
status is awarded to selected hospitals for a three-year period. A renewal
application must be completed at the end of the designation period to retain
Nurse-Friendly status.
What resources are available?
The Nurse-Friendly consultation
team will visit each client hospital and review a preliminary documentation
binder prepared by the hospital CNO. They will offer constructive feedback
and resources, such as sample policies, to the hospital. Our goal is to help
hospitals successfully apply for Nurse-Friendly designation.
What does a mentor hospital
offer?
These hospitals have agreed to also
assist client hospitals participating in the Texas Nurse-Friendly Program for
Small/Rural Hospitals. They are available to answer questions and share
examples from their own hospitals.
How
long does it take to apply and receive designation?
The timeline needed for a hospital
to prepare their TNA documentation will vary depending on hospital. It may
take a few months or longer in many instances. TNA accepts applications twice
a year and designation is awarded in Spring (during Nurses Week) and Fall (at
the TNA Leadership Conference).
What
role does AHEC play in this program?
East Texas AHEC is the grant
recipient, but all 3 Texas AHEC Program Offices and their regional centers are
involved in supporting client hospitals throughout the state.
What
resources can an AHEC offer a hospital?
Local AHEC offices can support
hospitals with information about Continuing Education programs for health care
providers and other health literacy and community programs that may benefit
the hospital.
How
can I find out more information about this program?
Please call (409) 772-7884 or visit
www.etxahec.org
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