A Look at the May 2025 Winner for the Excellence in Nursing Education Award
Nathan Ernst, RN, Emergency Department
(summary of her nomination) Nathan recognized a need to address patients with difficult peripheral venous access who were either experiencing delays in care or were having central lines placed, which carry greater risk for infection. He developed and implemented a formal ultrasound IV course, partnering with leadership to make it accessible to bedside nurses across all shifts. The course includes a didactic presentation using evidence-based and best practice guidelines. Following the didactic portion, nurses immediately transition into hands-on learning, guided closely by the instructor. He continues to offer these sessions on a recurring basis to accommodate staff working day, evening, and night shifts.
The impact Nathan’s role in educating RNs about ultrasound guided PIV has been remarkable. The comfort and competence in placing ultrasound-guided IVs by ED RNs has dramatically increased and has led to decreased delays in delivering IV medications and fluids, and has reduced the need for central line placement. Nathan also mentors those who are applying these new skills at the bedside and continues to guide them in real time, supporting clinical development and promoting patient and family confidence. Nathan leads by example and promotes a culture of continuous learning, often being the person who initiates meaningful conversations with stakeholders to make improvements possible.