Stepping into a new year, the idea of transition may be at the forefront of many of our minds. Change can provide the opportunity for growth, allowing us to pursue new interests and ideas, discard old habits, or pause to critically evaluate our current situation and map a journey to our ideal future. In healthcare, change is an inevitable and omnipresent variable. As healthcare consumers, we have all experienced transitions, and as nurses and healthcare providers, transition is a key aspect of our daily work. Although transition is not only common but expected, our healthcare systems and structures are often not optimally created to support patients and providers during these times.
When envisioning an ideal transition in healthcare, several factors are critical: Is clear and concise communication present? Is education being delivered in an accessible and understandable way? Is access to resources available for all? Are human factors understood to be integral to transition? Is supportive follow-up care and connection post-transition provided? Unfortunately, these crucial factors are often lacking from transitions, leading to frustration, poor outcomes, and increased costs.
The authors highlighted in this issue have all thought deeply about the concept of transition and have applied novel approaches to address the challenges they’ve observed and experienced. The first article, authored by Rachel Vitola BSN, RN, CPN and colleagues from Nemours Children’s Hospital, focuses on supporting parents of medically complex children during transition. The second article, led by Sarah L. Beebe, PhD, APRN, CNM, WHNPr, CHSE, highlights Bayhealth’s innovative use of simulation to support the transition of new to practice nurses as they enter the clinical space. The final three articles, led by Katie Muther, MSN, RN, CCM, Tammy Brown, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, OCN, and Michelle Passaretti, MSN, RN, CCM, delve into creative approaches used at ChristianaCare to improve the hospital to home transition, provide virtual nursing care in the home, and develop interprofessional teams with the goal of optimizing transitions. Nurses’ innovative spirit and clinical expertise are showcased in these articles.
I invite you to read about the work of your fellow Delaware nurses and feel pride. Yes, change is inevitable, and transitions may be inherently challenging. However, those challenges can also provide the impetus to think differently and be bold. As we begin a new year, my hope is that you will feel inspired by the articles in this issue and the amazing work that nurses do every day.
