Study: More bachelor’s degrees among nurses could help close quality gaps

Nurse Watch is compiled in conjunction with the AHA’s American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE) and highlights articles of interest to nurse leaders, nursing professionals and other health care leaders. For more about AONE, visit aone.org.

Nurse comes to aid of choking man on flight

Last week, Crystal Gaddo of Bozeman, Mont., an Army-medic-turned-nurse, saved a choking passenger on her flight, reports NBC Montana. Gaddo noticed the man in the row behind her was under duress so she sprang to help him, crawling over her seat to get to him quickly. Gaddo performed the Heimlich maneuver until the man recovered. 

Study: BSN graduates more prepared on quality and safety

Bachelor’s degree nurse graduates reported better preparedness on quality and safety competencies than nurses with associate degrees, a study in the Joint Commission Journal on Quality and Patient Safety finds. Researchers concluded that requiring baccalaureate education for all nurses could close quality and safety education gaps and ultimately protect the quality of patient care. AONE has more.

Executive moves in the field

Tuscaloosa, Ala.-based DCH Health System has appointed Marsha White to the role of chief nursing officer, the organization announced. Previously, White was chief nurse executive at Christus St. Patrick Health System in Lake Charles, La. She is a member of the American Organization of Nurse Executives.

OSF St. Joseph Medical Center in Bloomington, Ill., appointed Toni Bishop-McWain, to the role of vice president and chief nursing officer, the organization announced. Previously, Bishop-McWain was vice president of clinical excellence at OSF St. Joseph.

Port Townsend, Wash.-based Jefferson Healthcare named Tina Toner chief nursing officer, the Peninsula Daily News reports. Toner was previously CNO of a critical access hospital in Lovell, Wyo.