National Magnet Nurse of the Year Nominee: Andrea Felder
Andrea Felder truly encompasses all aspects of the Magnet Model. She excels in Exemplary Professional Practice. Andrea goes beyond her daily duties as a nurse to care for patients and families, and is an essential resource and mentor. Although I am one year senior to Andrea on 4 East, I find myself asking her questions regarding policy or practice, as she is a reliable and knowledgeable source. She is often seen collaborating with the interdisciplinary teams to advocate for her patients. Andrea thinks outside the box, and goes above and beyond in all aspects of her nursing career as a Magnet RN on 4 East (Intermediate Vascular and Medical/Surgical Unit).
Andrea currently holds the prestigious position of leader of the MedStar Georgetown University Hospital (MGUH) Nursing Practice Council. As leader, Andrea is always suggesting improvements, and has led several innovations on the hospital and unit-based level including a computer based-charge report sheet, implementation of modular nursing, bedside report, multi-disciplinary rounds, and implementation of patient call system to nurse phones. Andrea is an influential leader on the unit, and also in the hospital. She encourages others to excel by seeking certifications and applying for clinical advancement projects. Andrea maintains her Progressive Care Certification (PCCN) and has accomplished clinical advancement projects over the years. Her clinical ladder project from 2012 and 2013 proved effective in preventing central line associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) on 4 East through many educational interventions and dedicated time to promote unit change. 4 East achieved CLABSI free for 1 year! Andrea’s project this year focuses on reducing unit waste and increasing awareness of various hospital material prices, in an effort to reduce overall cost and waste. 4 East recently achieved the Beacon Gold Award for Excellence in 2013, and Andrea in collaboration with several peers spearheaded the application, which involved writing many excerpts describing in detail the aspects of excellence on the unit including staffing, evidence-based practice, communication, leadership and best practices.Andrea undertook the position of being the primary coordinator, compiler and editor for the lengthy application, and promoted involvement of all unit nurses. Since then, she has collaborated with MGUH’s intermediate and critical care nursing units in offering assistance to achieve their Beacon Award for excellence.
Andrea personally assisted in the recent unveiling of the new professional practice model in 2013. She encompasses all aspects of the model, as Andrea is a role model in communication, innovation, commitment and teamwork. Andrea is in constant communication with both the unit manager and educator regarding methods for improvement. She is extremely proactive in assessing for ways to improve workflow and enhance efficiency, which demonstrate innovation. Andrea has assisted tremendously in guiding the new graduate nurses on the unit and serves as an active preceptor. When Andrea is serving as charge nurse, she ensures a safe and secure work environment. Above all, her commitment to 4 East and Medstar Georgetown University Hospital is astonishing and an inspiration for those that work amongst her.
Nominator: Christina Schrack
MedStar Georgetown University Hospital-4 East
3800 Reservoir Rd., NW
Washington, DC 20007
202-444-2181