18 | EXEMPLARY PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE Launching a Mobility Promotion Program Enhanced mobility programs have shown to reduce hospital length-of-stay, delirium incidents, pressure injuries, and employee injuries, and eliminate unnecessary physical therapy consults. To address a gap in nursing practice related to mobility planning, an interprofessional taskforce at Sharp Memorial Hospital advocated for a comprehensive, evidence-based Johns Hopkins Activity and Mobility Promotion Program. This program promotes a collaborative and goal-oriented approach to improving assessment and planning of inpatient mobilization. Sharp HealthCare adopted two new instruments— Activity Measure for Post Acute Care (AMPAC) and Johns Hopkins Highest Level of Mobility Goal Calculator (JH-HLM) — to assess a patient’s capacity for mobilization and to set progressive goals respectively. These instruments measure and track a patient’s functional changes. Interprofessional teams now set daily goals and have improved communication and optimized patient mobility. This approach also helps staff understand barriers, prioritize resources, and promote safety for both patients and staff. Outcome: The interprofessional taskforce laid a foundation to change the culture of mobility, most recently launching a new mobility advocate nurse role to champion daily mobility planning, resource utilization and team collaboration. Expanding Sharp Memorial Acute Care Services Due to high patient volumes, Sharp Memorial faced throughput issues in early 2024. The existing overflow unit, 4 Center, was consistently full, prompting the need for additional space. A 14-bed unit, 2 North, at Sharp Mary Birch Hospital was repurposed as an acute care overflow unit and opened in February 2024. The nursing leadership team played a crucial role in addressing this challenge. They led the careful planning and resource allocation, which included assessing capacity, planning for patient and staffing needs, allocating necessary equipment, and training staff on protocols. Their interdisciplinary collaborative efforts ensured appropriate conversion of a women’s specialty care space into a medical-surgical care area that was safe and effective for both patients and staff. Outcome: The new unit has significantly contributed to alleviating throughput challenges by adding 14 acute care beds to Sharp Memorial. The 2 North unit remained full and was converted to a standalone unit in September 2024. It was renamed Sharp Memorial 2 North at Sharp Mary Birch Hospital for Women & Newborns. Collaborative, comprehensive, accountable patient care delivery by nurses who are dedicated to achieving their professional best. Exemplary Professional Practice Photo: (page 17 from left) Laura McDougall, APRN, MSN, ACCNS-AG, PCCN, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Sharp Memorial Hospital, Operational Excellence; Zane Brandt, DPT, PT, Lead Rehabilitation Therapist, Sharp Memorial Hospital, Rehab; Wendy Baggs, MSN, RN, PCCN, Clinical Nurse Manager, Sharp Memorial Hospital, 6 West
