2024 Nursing Annual Report

Innovations in Nursing

Healthcare associated infections are a persistent challenge affecting patient safety and outcomes, health care costs and prolonged hospital stays. Central line associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) occur when bacteria enter the bloodstream via a central line and are one of the most common infections seen in hospitals. Nine Harbert is an inpatient acute care unit at Children’s of Alabama. There was one reported CLABSI in 2022 with a significant increase to five reported CLABSIs in 2023. In an effort to target bundle deficiencies, the 9 Harbert unit-based shared governance team along with 9 Harbert leadership developed a plan to support this effort. Bundle reliability in 2023 was 91%. The non-compliance of daily CHG wipes contributed to 70% of CLABSI HAC deficiencies. CLABSI bundle reliability for 2024 was 92%, and only 50% of the missed interactions were due to CHG wipes not being done. Nine Harbert had 2 CLABSIs during 2024. Increasing CLABSI Bundle Reliability to Decrease CLABSI Rate on 9 Harbert

The 9 Harbert team implemented a plan to reduce CLABSIs. Key changes included: • All staff reviewed the job instruction sheets, and competency skills were required to be checked off with the unit educator or charge nurse. • Cap changes were designated to be a dayshift responsibility unless indicated otherwise. • CHG wipes were designated to be completed at a specific time (8 p.m.- 10 p.m.). By providing daily CHG wipes to patients with central venous lines, the risk for acquiring a CLABSI is reduced.