Nurses week provides a fitting occasion for The Health Collaborative to shine the spotlight on TriState Nursing Excellence Collaborative (TNEC). Comprising Magnet Program Directors and other nursing professionals integral to the Magnet Journey, TNEC stands as a beacon of excellence and collaboration in the nursing community.
At its core, TNEC seeks to facilitate networking among organizations to enhance structures and processes crucial for obtaining or maintaining ANCC Magnet Recognition. The regional council boasts nurse leaders from Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Dayton Children’s Hospital, Mercy Health, Premier Health, St. Elizabeth Healthcare, The Christ Hospital, TriHealth, and UC Health.
A cornerstone of the council’s efforts is the biennial TNEC symposium held on April 18, 2024 at Receptions-Fairfield. The event aims to provide clinical nurses in the TriState with an opportunity to share best practices and innovations that have had positive effects on patient care and nursing environment. In addition, this symposium supports the professional development of clinical nurses through poster and podium presentations.
The 7th TriState Nursing Excellence Symposium boasted an impressive turnout, with over 150 registrants eager to engage with the diverse range of topics and presentations. Among the highlights were more than 30 original research projects, demonstrating the commitment of attendees to advancing the field of nursing.
A standout feature of the symposium was the keynote address delivered by Rachel Baker, PhD, RN, CRN-BC from TriHealth. Dr. Baker’s presentation, titled “Nurses’ Voice: Adding an Important Perspective to State Legislation and Funding Decisions,” underscored the crucial role of nurses in shaping healthcare policy and advocacy efforts.
Throughout the day, attendees had the opportunity to participate in abstract presentations, large group activities, and educational sessions, fostering meaningful discussions and knowledge exchange. The poster walk, in particular, showcased innovative projects that are driving positive change within healthcare settings.
The Health Collaborative is a proud supporter of this event and the education and support of our regional nursing workforce.
We’re delighted to congratulate the winners of the poster competition, whose outstanding contributions were recognized by their peers:
**Best Visual or Graphic Content**
“Improving First Year Student Head to Toe Assessment Skill Acquisition Through the Use of Second Year Students as Standardized Patients” By Ashlynn Mentz, Paul Adams, and Amanda Wetzel from University of Cincinnati Blue Ash
**Best Overall Quality** 
“Prison to Practice: Implementing a Restraint Chair in the Emergency Department” By Jerell Wilburn, Samantha Koeninger, and Jeannie Burne from TriHealth Good Samaritan Hospital
**Overall Best Poster**
“Improving Access to Patient-Centered Care through Remote Patient Monitoring” By Lisa Stout and Kylee Denker from Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center
Additionally, attendees had the opportunity to vote for their favorite posters, resulting in the following “Fan Favorite”:
“The Shared Governance Journey” By Sarah Kneis from UC Health University Medical Center
“Evaluation of Providing Coffee to Patients Postoperatively to Decrease Length of Stay in the PACU” By Cynthia Kennedy from TriHealth Bethesda North
“Evaluation of the Use of Leg Elevation on a Peanut Ball to Prevent Hypotension Following Epidural Anesthesia in Laboring Women” By Teresa May and Sarah Evans from TriHealth Good Samaritan Hospital
The success of the 7th TriState Nursing of Excellence Symposium is a testament to the dedication and passion of nursing professionals in our region. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all participants and look forward to continued collaboration and innovation in the field of nursing.
TriState Nursing Excellence Council Members
Tammy Casper DNP, MEd, RN, NE-BC
Annette Drake MS, RN, CRRN
Terry Faulkner DNP, RN
Mary Fillios MSN, MAT, RN, CNL
Amy Keller MSN, RN, NPD-BC, NEA-BC
Meg Lewis MSN, RN, NEA-BC
Heather Morath DNP, RN, PMH-BC, NPD-BC
Susan Powell MSN, MBA, RN
Zakiyyah Thurman MSN, RN, CMSRN
