Comprehensive ambulatory resource list improves care coordination, access to services
The Nursing Ambulatory Community Council identified the need for a centralized ambulatory resource list and collaborated to compile system-wide information into one easy-to-use document. The Ambulatory Resource List is a directory of outpatient services to support providers, nurses, medical assistants, and clinical assistants in ambulatory settings, as well as patients and caregivers beyond the hospital or clinic.
The benefits of the Ambulatory Resource List include:
- Improving care coordination
- Increasing access to services
- Supporting chronic disease management
- Preparing for emergencies
- Enhancing patient independence
- Helping address social determinants of health
The list is updated quarterly and is made available to families through their care team.
New Sunflower Award recognizes compassion, thoughtfulness
In 2025, the Nurse Recognition and Retention Council launched the Sunflower Award, a new recognition for any Children’s Minnesota staff or volunteer who demonstrates devotion to providing the most specialized, compassionate, made-just-for-kids care and patient experiences. Like sunflowers that symbolize joy, positivity, and hope, the recipients of the Sunflower Award share these attributes.
The Sunflower Award was inspired by the success of the beloved international DAISY Award for nurses, which celebrates extraordinary nurses and the skillful, compassionate care they provide patients and families every day. Criteria to receive the Sunflower Award includes:
- The person goes above and beyond to care for the needs of the patient and family.
- They have a positive attitude.
- Their job performance exemplifies the mission and values of Children’s Minnesota.
- They are thoughtful, compassionate and caring in all situations.
- They demonstrate how a clinical partner, technician or other colleague provides compassionate care and shows thoughtfulness that has made a meaningful difference to patients.
Members of the Nurse Recognition and Retention Council review nominations and score them based on an award criteria rubric. Nominees with the highest scores receive the award. Three recipients are chosen every quarter, totaling 12 for the year. Winners receive a handmade sculpture, a certificate, a pin and the appreciation of their colleagues. Submit a nomination.
“Everybody’s Work” film screenings spark vital conversations about antiracism in nursing
The film “Everybody’s Work” was the focus of two events sponsored by the Nursing Diversity Council, the Healthy Work Environment Council, the Nurses of Color employee resource group and the health equity team to examine racism and discrimination within health care. The issues discussed in the film ultimately have a negative effect on health outcomes, and a high emotional and psychological toll on patients and nurses.
After viewing the film, participants listened to a panel discussion featuring our own experts: James Burroughs, senior vice president of government and community relations, and chief equity and inclusion officer; La’Anna Johnson, BSN, RN, PHN, CCRN, QA, clinical equity education specialist; Rosa Ruiz Mendez, BSN, RN, float team clinical educator; Caroline Njau, MBA, BSN, RN, NEA-BC,
senior vice president of patient care services and chief nursing officer; and Ian Wolfe, PhD, MA, RN, HEC-C, director of ethics. Their insights, drawn from their unique experiences, prompted an enlightening conversation and provided invaluable guidance for all attendees. Participants were then invited to have their own conversations with each other after the panel discussion.
The event served as a powerful reminder that while health care is meant to heal, systemic issues can inadvertently cause harm. It also reinforced the foundational principles of nursing – addressing human suffering and advocating for the voiceless – and emphasized that achieving health justice requires everyone to stand up and speak out. Events like these are crucial as Children’s Minnesota continues our journey to create a more equitable and inclusive environment for our patients, their families and each other.
Visual communication tool for overnight care improves patient and family experience
At Children’s Minnesota, we are continuously seeking ways to enhance the patient and family experience across all care settings. Our commitment to kid-centered, specialized, and innovative care sets us apart. So, in 2025, when the Patient Experience Council identified a need to improve communication between families and care teams—especially during overnight hours when rest was frequently disrupted—the Night Shift Council stepped up to address the challenge.
The Night Shift Council created a visual communication tool to display in patient rooms. The tool features a clock that clearly outlines scheduled care activities, such as vital sign checks, medication administration, and other tasks, allowing families and caregivers to see what to expect and when. Nurses update the clock and notes as shifts change to ensure information remains accurate.
The shift plan posters have been hung in all patient rooms on the sixth-floor unit of the St. Paul campus for a pilot program. This initiative demonstrates the impact of clinical nurse–led continuous improvement and the power of collaboration.
