Meet the Clinician – Don Pearce

I joined Ascom this year as a Clinical Application Specialist and have found a new passion for healthcare. I bring more than a decade of experience working as an emergency room nurse to my new role. My five years dedicated to travel nursing, where I honed my skills in diverse healthcare settings, and my experienced working as a charge nurse, helping with daily workflow situations in an emergency department, I’ve cultivated a deep understanding of patient care dynamics. 

April 30, 2024

Introduction

I joined Ascom this year as a Clinical Application Specialist and have found a new passion for healthcare. I bring more than a decade of experience working as an emergency room nurse to my new role. My five years dedicated to travel nursing, where I honed my skills in diverse healthcare settings, and my experienced working as a charge nurse, helping with daily workflow situations in an emergency department, I’ve cultivated a deep understanding of patient care dynamics. I’ve been an advocate for self-education and have held my Board Certification in Emergency Nursing for more than five years. My journey is fueled by a passion for education and innovation in healthcare.

What’s most satisfying about your job on the clinical team?

Being a Clinical Application Specialist at Ascom is profoundly satisfying because it allows me to bridge my background as an emergency room nurse with my passion for healthcare technology. Every day, I have the privilege of providing crucial support to fellow nurses and patients though our innovative products. Whether it’s providing consulting, conducting trainings, or optimizing workflows, I thrive on the opportunity to enhance the patient care experience. Knowing that our solutions directly impact healthcare delivery fuels my dedication to stay at the forefront of technology trends. It’s immensely rewarding to be part of a team that contributes to the broader landscape of healthcare, striving to improve outcomes and elevate standards of care across the board.

Describe your most successful project. What were the challenges in achieving it and how did you overcome them?

Successfully implementing a “Pull to Full” system in triage at an emergency department was a testament to effective planning, diligent implementation, and the resilience of the team I was helping. The project presented numerous challenges, from the staff being initially resistant to change to logistical hurdles in restructuring triage processes. However, through comprehensive planning and clear communication, we navigated these obstacles with determination. Collaborative efforts ensured that every team member understood the rationale behind the new system and felt empowered to adapt. Overcoming initial skepticism, we witnessed a transformation in triage efficiency and patient flow. We measured the success of the project in improved wait times and throughput and also in the enhanced satisfaction of patients and staff, leading to a tangible improvement in healthcare delivery.

What three things do you think will be important in changing the way nurse’s work/healthcare operates in the future?

  • ·     Technology, such as telemedicine, will continue to reshape patient care delivery, enabling nurses to access real time data to make informed decisions and provide remote assistance
  • ·     Innovations like wearable devices and predicative analytics will empower nurses to proactively manage patient health and anticipate care needs, fostering a proactive rather than reactive approach to healthcare
  • ·      Optimizing workflow processes through automation and digitalization will enhance efficiency, allowing nurses to allocate more time to direct patient care and critical tasks.

Share a fun fact about yourself. 

A fun fact about my clinical experience is I had the pleasure of previously working with Tiffany Kibbee, another wonderful clinical application specialist at Ascom, at an emergency department in Florida.

How has your clinical background helped you in your role today?

As a seasoned Emergency room Nurse with an extensive background on the frontline, my experience brings a deep understanding of healthcare challenges. My previous experience allows me to leverage our technology to enhance patient care and clinical workflows.

What do you wish you knew in your earlier career that you know now?

Reflecting on my early years as an emergency room nurse, I wish I knew the importance of self-care and establishing boundaries. The fast-paced environment and intense situations easily lead to burnout and neglecting my own well-being. Additionally, understanding the value of teamwork and effective communication would have enhanced my ability to collaborate with colleagues and provide the best care for my patients. Finally, learning to trust my instincts and seek support when needed would have helped navigate the challenging aspects of the job with resilience and confidence.

 

 

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