Proof of the Promise: Nurse receives POP of the Year for Patient Safety
By: Arianna Flores
The Risk Management department celebrates our staff reporting safety concerns by awarding Proof of Promise (POP) awards. These awards are dedicated to highlighting team members who go above and beyond to ensure the safety of our patient, family and employees.
Megan Atwood, Clinical Risk Coordinator, said the Risk Management team is trying to increase the reporting of near misses and then recognize those who promote patient and employee safety.
At the end of the month the POP Committee looks at each report and determines a ‘POP of the Month’. A winner and honorable mentions are determined and gifted a t-shirt and recognition.
POP of the Year
At the end of the year, all the ‘POP of the Month’ award winners are reviewed, and one is voted as the ‘POP of the Year.’ This year the award was given to Jamie Gomez, BSN, RN, in Surgery, for going the extra mile to ensure the safety of a patient.
Jamie's winning safety story:
During preparation for a case, it was discovered that the patient could have metal fragments in their hands due to their occupation. This staff member stopped the line and notified their management. After discussion with the imaging department, options were given on how to safely proceed. The staff member discussed with the care team and shared the new findings and options available. Knowing that patient safety came first, the staff member persisted with the options and had to escalate again to her leadership. While discussing the situation again with additional providers, this staff member thought of an alternative measure that would keep the patient safe but also support the team. A decision was made to utilize their recommendation, the patient’s surgery was successful, and their safety was maintained.
This staff member went above and beyond to follow procedures, maintain patient safety and stop the line when something was not right. If you look at our Zero Harm tools, it appears the staff member was able to use the ARCC method…they asked a question, requested a change, voiced their concern and utilized their chain of command.
Megan said Surgery is a busy area and it can be hard to stop and ask questions. Not only did Jamie ask questions but she continued to press when she knew there was a concern.
“(Jamie) did not give up. She knew that we had to keep the patient safe,” Megan said. “She kept asking questions, raising concerns. She even made an alternative solution that they implemented, that helped everyone come together and proceed safely with the procedure. I think her persistence for us was a big key, and feeling safe and empowered enough to stop that line in such a busy area.”
Jamie has worked in the Cook Children’s OR for five years and said she was not expecting this award, but the recognition reminded her why she became a nurse in the first place. 
“One of the biggest reasons why I became an OR nurse is to be the advocate for the child when the family and the parents can't be there,” Jamie said. “Going to surgery can be frightening for not only the patient, but for their parents. So, I take pride in being that person that gets to assure the family that we're going to do the best that we can do to keep their child safe during surgery.”
Jamie added being aware of what is right and following your gut is an important part of patient and employee safety.
“Speaking up or just stopping for a second and say, ‘Let me look into this. Let me ask some questions.’ Because I'd rather be cautious before we have a serious injury happen from something that could have been avoided,” Jamie said.
For more information about the Risk Management department visit their CookNet page here.
If you have any questions about when and how to report, visit their Event Reporting FAQs or to ask a non-urgent question email the Risk Management team at RiskMgmt-All@CookChildrens.org.