TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP focuses on nursing’s involvement in strategic planning, advocacy, influence, visibility, accessibility, and communication.
Valley Medical Group Launches First Advanced Practice Provider Fellowship Program
In July 2024, Valley Medical Group commenced its first Advanced Practice Provider Fellowship Program.
An advanced practice provider (APP) fellowship is a one-year specialized training program designed for nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and midwives seeking to enhance their skills and knowledge in a specific area of healthcare. This fellowship is designed to successfully transition the licensed APP from new graduate to skilled provider by arranging structured learning experiences, mentorship, and hands-on training in their field of practice. In the first class, there was a total of four fellows, two fellows in primary/walk-in care and two in the Rapid Response Team/hospitalist program.
One of the key benefits of an APP fellowship is the opportunity for providers to gain specialized knowledge and skills that they may not have acquired during their formal education. Our fellowship will focus on two key areas—primary/ walk-in care and hospitalist medicine—and offer in-depth training in both specialties. This will help new APPs develop a deeper understanding of complex medical conditions, diagnostic procedures, treatment options, and patient care techniques that Valley Medical Group’s first Advanced Practice Provider Fellowship Program are specific to those areas. The fellowship will also allow the APPs to rotate through specialized areas.
In addition to specialized training, our APP fellowship provides valuable mentorship and networking opportunities, emphasizing interprofessional communication and team-based care models that are essential for creating well-functioning teams. Fellows work closely with experienced APPs and physicians, who serve as mentors, providing guidance, feedback, and support as they navigate their training program. The mentorship helps providers build confidence in their abilities and learn from the experiences of seasoned professionals. Additionally, the APP fellowship program has partnered with our General Medical Education (GME) program, allowing physician residents and APP fellows to learn side by side within their clinical teams.
Emmanuel Abanes, APN, Hospitalist
Kristina Woo, PA, Hospitalist
Jeane Anthony, APN, Walk-in Care
Natalie Della Croce, APN, Walk-in Care
Staff Education Plan Created to Prepare for Move to New Hospital
In preparation for the move to the new hospital, a four-step employee training plan was created. Employees that were moving to the new hospital in Paramus were required to complete the training and recommended training steps were based on roles and departments. Nurses were included in all phases.
The first step was an equipment fair, where employees and members of the Medical Staff learned more about the new technology and equipment that would be at the new hospital.
The second step included a hospital tour, where staff was guided through key areas of the hospital, as well as an inpatient room tour. This training also provided training on the digital screens in the rooms.
The third step was clinical competencies, which included cardiac telemetry monitoring, basic arrhythmia recognition exams for nurses, lifts with the new ceiling lifts in the patient rooms, restraints application, and more.
The final step was department tours and department-specific training. These tours were led by department managers, and specific technology and equipment training was provided.
Due to these trainings, nurses and other staff were prepared for move day on April 14.
Valley Medical Group Opens Comprehensive LGBTQ+ Care Center
In March of 2024, Valley Medical Group opened Valley’s Center for LGBTQ+ Care, which provides comprehensive healthcare services for the LBGTQ+ community in an inviting and safe space.
Raffaele M. Bernardo, DO, FACP, AAHIVS, was announced as the Medical Director of LGBTQ+ Services for Valley Medical Group. Dr. Bernardo oversees the operations of the Center and sees patients as a primary care physician.
In addition to primary care services, the Center offers HIV prevention services and treatment; transgender care, including gender-affirming hormone therapy; gynecologic services; sexual health services; referrals to fertility services; and more. Should a patient require a visit with a specialist, staff at the Center will refer them to an LGBTQ+-affirming Valley specialist. All members of the Center’s staff have received both cultural and sensitivity training to provide LGBTQ+ care.
Increasing Cultural Competence for LGBTQ+ Care: Using Simulation-Based Education and Community Partnerships
In our continued efforts to provide the highest quality, most inclusive care to all of our patients, Valley Medical Group has leveraged a $130,000 grant from the Women for Health Group at The Valley Hospital Foundation to develop a comprehensive educational program focused on improving LGBTQ+ cultural competency among our healthcare providers and staff.
Through a partnership with Genius Academy, we have implemented a simulation-based training curriculum that allows our clinicians to practice critical skills for providing affirming care to LGBTQ+ patients. Using artificial intelligence-powered standardized patient scenarios, our staff can engage in lower-stakes role-playing exercises, receive detailed feedback on their performance, and refine their approach to delivering inclusive, person-centered care.
To further enhance this educational initiative, we have collaborated with the Trans Equity Coalition of New Jersey to develop a "Trans Health 101" training module. This interactive session, featuring the lived experiences of transgender and non-binary community members, provides crucial insights into the unique healthcare needs and challenges faced by this population. By elevating these important perspectives, we aim to foster greater understanding and empathy among our providers, ultimately helping to address longstanding health disparities.
To promote broad engagement and learning, Valley’s LGBTQ+ Steering Committee is hosting "movie night" style viewing parties for departments to experience the Trans Health 101 training together. These events not only create a fun, engaging environment, but also provide continuing education credits for attendees, reinforcing the importance of this crucial professional development.
Through the combined power of simulation-based learning and community partnership, Valley is steadfast in our commitment to delivering the highest quality, most culturally competent care to our LGBTQ+ patients. By investing in the growth and education of our healthcare team, we are taking meaningful steps to foster a more inclusive, affirming healthcare landscape for all.
Valley Health System's LGBTQ+ Steering Committee Advocates for Inclusive Benefits Guide
The LGBTQ+ Steering Committee at Valley Health System has been a driving force behind the creation of the comprehensive "Guide to LGBTQ+ Benefits" document. Aligned with the Human Rights Campaign's Healthcare Equality Index (HEI) exemplars, the committee worked tirelessly to ensure that this guide showcases the breadth of LGBTQ+-inclusive benefits available to Valley employees and their eligible family members.
The guide provides detailed information on gender-affirming care services, family formation support, HIV/AIDS treatment, and mental health resources - all covered under Valley's employee health plans. Importantly, the guide highlights the cost savings and convenience that come with accessing these services through Valley's own healthcare providers and facilities.
Beyond the medical benefits, the guide also outlines Valley's commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion through its Employee Assistance Program, legal services, and generous family leave policies. The steering committee ensured that these offerings are prominently featured, demonstrating Valley's holistic approach to supporting its diverse workforce.
This inclusive benefits guide is prominently displayed on Valley's HR/Benefits page on the intranet. This also serves as a powerful recruitment tool for potential employees seeking an organization that truly values and supports the LGBTQ+ community. By sharing this information widely, Valley reinforces its reputation as a leader in LGBTQ+-affirming healthcare and an employer of choice for LGBTQ+ individuals and allies.
The LGBTQ+ Steering Committee's tireless efforts in developing this comprehensive guide have solidified Valley Health System's position as a trailblazer in LGBTQ+ healthcare and workplace inclusion. This resource serves as a testament to the organization's unwavering commitment to creating a welcoming, equitable, and supportive environment for all employees and their families.
Comfort Cart at The Valley Hospital for Hospice Patients and Families
The Comfort Cart is a thoughtful resource, designed by Valley Hospice nurses and staff, to support families of hospice patients during their time at the hospital. Its purpose is to provide small items that offer comfort and convenience, helping families feel more at ease as they focus on their loved ones.
The cart includes items such as:
- Chapstick: To soothe dry lips during extended stays.
- Slippers: Providing comfort for families spending long hours at the bedside.
- Charger Wires: Ensuring phones and devices remain charged for communication and support.
- Small Stones with Loved One's Fingerprint: A meaningful keepsake to cherish the memory of their loved one.
These items, while simple, symbolize care and compassion for families during a profoundly emotional time. The Comfort Cart ensures patients have access to thoughtful touches that make their stay more manageable, allowing them to be present and supported where they are.
Valley Hospice Starts Its Own Nightingale Tribute
Originally, The Nightingale Tribute, named after Florence Nightingale (the founder of modern nursing), is a special ceremony honoring nurses who have passed away, recognizing their contributions and dedication to the nursing profession. Like Florence Nightingale, the tribute is a significant way to honor nurses' lives and their kindness, care, and unwavering dedication to their patients. It honors the nurse's lifetime of service and the influence they made on communities, families, and patients. The Nightingale Tribute is a heartfelt reminder of the lasting impact of a nurse's work and the lives they touch, leaving behind a legacy of care and compassion.
In 2024, Valley Hospice nurses started their own Nightingale Tribute, paying tribute to nurse patients. Nurse patients and their families are provided the Nightingale Pledge in a frame, a nursing hat, a ceramic oil lamp with an explanation of its significance, and a "We Honor You" ribbon.