Publisher’s note: RNAO’s Best Practice Champions Network enlists thousands of nurses and other health professionals across the province to share their passion for evidence-based practice and RNAO best practice guidelines (BPG). These “champions” participate in virtual workshops and e-learning to acquire the tools and strategies to implement BPGs in their organizations. The program – which was created by RNAO and has been growing and thriving for almost two decades – is funded by the Ontario government. Find out more online or by contacting champions@RNAO.ca.
Just like David, we all face Goliath. Not just once, but many times in some cases. Health care is not immune to the giants, many of which may seem unconquerable. I have learned that little is unattainable when you think, act and have the faith of a champion.
Our community hospital in Chatham-Kent faces its own giants, specifically related to pressure injuries. In 2018-2019, there were 86 pressure injuries reported, which cost our organization nearly $3.2 million.
Not only do pressure injuries drain an organization fiscally, they also have a negative impact on the quality of life for patients and their loved ones, and they increase nursing time drastically. It goes without saying this is a Goliath in our organization, and one we must face immediately.
As an RNAO Best Practice Spotlight Organization (BPSO), Chatham-Kent Health Alliance is gearing up. The rocks in our slings are our best practice champions. These bedside nurses receive additional time to engage in discussion and training on pressure injury prevention as outlined in RNAO’s best practice guideline, Assessment and Management of Pressure Injuries for the Interprofessional Team, Third Edition. They lead other nurses on their team in the evidence-based best practices aimed at preventing, assessing and managing pressure injuries.
When reflecting on the best known champions of our time, they have the spirit-filled characteristics that have enabled their victory. They have the mentality, motivation and momentum that any organization should look for when establishing and growing the champions for health care tomorrow.
Mentality
Our thoughts about our abilities will ultimately dictate our success. Quality champions allow their minds to be governed only by that which is good. Negative attitudes negate positive change. When we believe we cannot achieve our goals or reach our targets, we’ve lost before we’ve even started. True champions have a champion mindset. Their knowledge of the latest evidence and best practices is a powerful weapon. But like David’s slingshot, the appropriate tools must be used over and over again in order to win. Champions thirst for knowledge. They know or have a desire to know what the evidence is and what other organizations are doing to meet their goals. Knowledge is a powerful weapon when facing a giant, and champions aren’t afraid to take hold of it. Measurable success begins with mentality.
Motivation
Champions pursue what motivates them and what is meaningful to them. When a group of people share a common purpose, they can move mountains. An army of people, who are united in spirit and goals, will always win over the army that is divided. People are easily motivated by things that are meaningful to them, and they can get behind a leader who shows courage and confidence. When champions need buy-in from others to make a change – no matter how small it may seem – they advocate in such a way that is meaningful and draws others in. They speak and act in such a way that is inspiring and relatable to those whose practice they are trying to change. Champions beget champions.
Momentum
Champions start. And they keep going. Sometimes they are the visionaries. Sometimes they follow other visionaries. Either way, they are not afraid of the unknown. They persevere through adversity. Champions may tire, but their tenacity sees them through. When others observe a champion in action, they will see traction. That motion offers the inspiration and confidence they need to join the effort. Momentum begins and grows. Battling Goliath is hard, and nurses working on the frontline require support, or a team of sideline champions who will help from a distance. With others providing the resources – financial or human – and addressing administrative roadblocks, or simply offering an encouraging word, that momentum will continue.
As we suit up to fight the pressure injury battle, we have gathered the Davids among us and are building our army. I hold tight to the same faith as David, and believe that together we will be more than conquerors.