Heather Nolette

RN

When seconds count, CVPH nurses now have an effective, new tool to help detect even the smallest changes in a patient’s condition, thanks to Healther Nolette, RN, Clinical Infomatics Analyst IV. Heather was instrumental in the implementation of Peratrend, an early warning system that has demonstrated great results at the bedside. Heather says results from the surveillance monitoring application were immediate and impressive. “In 2017, rapid response calls declined an average of 6.5 calls per quarter compared to 2016. They declined by 78 calls or 24% from 2016 to 2017. In 2017, cardio-respiratory failure declined an average of 5 calls per quarter compared to 2016. They were reduced by 61 cardio-respiratory failures or 84% from 2016 to 201,“ she explained. Rapid responses are called when a patient is clinically compromised.

The seasoned professional saw that this effective tool could be even more useful to the health care team with some enhancements. She developed a track and trigger model that offers structure, sustainability and management for the surveillance warning tool. She also created inter-professional forums to promote “knowledge building” for case study review as well as streamlined and improved clinical documentation. This model, now known as “the Nolette Model,” is catching the attention of leaders across the health care industry for its ability to promote timely intervention for patients. Heather's work has even been accepted at the World Congress Clinical Nursing and Practice Conference in Switzerland where she will be a special guest speaker.

Thanks to the difference Heather makes in her work, other organizations continue to adopt her model, while patients at CVPH in Plattsburgh are already benefitting from her insight and drive to improve patient care.