BEMC had the benefit of building a new hospital and a new care delivery model from scratch.  This created a great environment for innovation and change, and people had the mindset that they could try anything.  They were also then able to start with significant technology and begin operating from day one in the hospital in a paperless environment.

The Medical/Surgical Unit Team Nursing model initially involved a team of one RN, two LPNs and one CNA caring for 12 patients.  Following six months of operation, BEMC leaders conducted a comprehensive review of the effectiveness of and satisfaction with the model.  Based on RN concerns about being overwhelmed with managing 12 patients, the model was revised to a team of one RN, one LPN and one CNA caring for eight patients.  BEMC will continue to evolve the model based on the acuity and needs of its patients.

For BEMC, it is very important that everyone knows the responsibilities of each role on the care team.  This ensures an effective and efficient team, as well as helping other care providers know who to go to.  Often, in each shift the same staff members are playing the same roles, which provides for greater continuity of care.

A key principle at BEMC is the belief that everyone and anyone should lead, and this creates a culture of shared leadership and responsibility.  To reinforce this, BEMC holds a monthly town hall meeting to get feedback and to recognize staff.  At each meeting, BEMC recognizes a “Star of the Month” and a “Leader of the Month”.