“Work smarter, not harder” is a mantra Kiyonna Tyus, Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Southwest Fort Worth, lives by both personally and professionally. With 11 children to help manage at home and a full plate of leadership activities at work, Tyus said structure is key.
“I love being involved, but I have to have a lot of structure and stay organized,” said Tyus, M.S.N., MBA, R.N., CCRN, ONS.
Working smarter has motivated this Level V Nursing Career Advancement Program (NCAP) nurse to get involved beyond her work on the intensive care unit (ICU). Tyus is chair of her Unit-Based Council, chair of the Torchbearer Magnet® Committee and a member of the hospital’s RINK Council. She will chair the hospital’s Professional Governance Council next year, and recently completed a TCU Evidence-Based Practice Fellowship.
“I like behind-the-scenes work — process improvement and developing things that can help nurses and improve patient outcomes,” she said.
Tyus’ leadership is making an impact.
“Kiyonna manages to balance so much in her life with such grace and grit,” said Lori Donovan, M.S.N., R.N., CNOR, NEA-BC, Texas Health Southwest, chief nursing officer. “Her work is making a difference in our nursing environment and the lives of our patients.”
From inspiration in the NICU to caring for patients in the ICU
Tyus was inspired to become a nurse by her sons’ hospital experiences.
“Two of my boys were preemies, and I really connected with their nurses while they were in the NICU [neonatal intensive care unit],” she said. “Their kindness was so touching and inspiring for a new mom, and I decided I wanted to be that for someone else.”
As an ICU nurse, Tyus says she enjoys comforting family members and advocating for patients. She also enjoys lifting patients’ spirits.
“I love to make my patients smile, and I love a challenge,” she said. “With some patients, I let them know, ‘I’m going to make you give me a smile before you leave this unit.’”
Opening eyes and broadening horizons
Tyus joined NCAP soon after she joined Texas Health Southwest in 2021 and appreciates how the program supports professional growth.
“Participating in NCAP can help you open your eyes and broaden your horizons,” she said. “You can learn more about things you might want to further pursue.”
She encourages other nurses to not be intimidated by the program and get involved.
“You can start small, moving from Level II to Level III, trying some activities and seeing how you like it,” she said. “You’d be surprised how many things you are already doing that can be applied to NCAP.”
Published by Laura Johnson on 12.12.2024
