Specialized training and skills enable nurses at The Barry Robinson Center (BRC) to function as a core component of the residents’ care teams.
BRC celebrated its nursing team for National Nurses Week, May 6-11, 2019. Nursing staff on all shifts received special meals, raffle drawings and roses in appreciation.
The nursing team consists of 14 RNs, five LPNs and two medication techs. Three RN nurse managers and a board-certified director lead the team.
Joanne M. Sanderson RN, MSN, PMHCNS-BC, is the nursing director. She has been serving children and teens at BRC since the mid-1990s. She is board-certified in psychiatric mental health for children and adolescents, as well as adults.
“Psychiatric nursing is best represented by ‘special people’ with a specialized skill mix that reflect our treatment approach – RICH (Respect, Information, Connection, Hope), Trauma Informed Care and Circle of Security,” Sanderson explained. “Our nurses are dedicated to keeping residents safe while the residents learn, grow and develop age-appropriate skills.”
At the center, nurses are on duty 24/7, 365 days a year. Nurses staff each of the dorms, as well as the Education building and infirmary. They work closely with the psychiatrists, therapists, residential counselors, teachers and others on each resident’s care team, attending to the residents’ mental and physical health. Nurses meet residents on their day of admission and assist them throughout their stay. Nursing duties include assessments, MD rounds, triage, medication administration, therapeutic communication and interventions as needed for anxiety, anger or other concerns.
“Among us, we represent at least two centuries of nursing experience,” Sanderson said.
Besides caring for residents, the nursing team members mentor each other, as well as nursing students who rotate through the center. BRC’s nurses value ongoing training and professional advancement. One of the RNs recently obtained his psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Certification (RN-BC). Two more RNs are actively studying for the rigorous exam.
To honor exceptional work, BRC’s nurses are eligible for Daisy Awards during the year. Determined by nursing leadership, the Daisy Award recognizes staff for: improving the lives of children via RICH communication/behaviors, exhibiting professional dress and interactions, providing education and in-service to support others, flexibility and contributing to improve the system.