Each year, HUP Nursing chooses one person to receive Joan Bretschneider Shared Governance Leadership Award, named for the person whose dedication and leadership helped bring HUP’s Nursing Shared Governance Structure to fruition. Shared governance provides nurses a voice in shared decision-making that creates a positive impact on the quality of care provided. Christine Jaslar, BSN, a lactation specialist, is the 2019 winner.
According to nomination letters, Jaslar is a tremendous asset to HUP’s Shared Governance. “Her dedication in making sure her colleagues grow into their roles and are provided with tools to succeed speaks to her transformational leadership and ability to inspire those around her.”
Using evidence-based practice and research, she has driven “significant change within Women’s Health.” For example, as a leader in the HUP Baby Friendly Task force, “she led a nurse-driven, multi-hospital, interprofessional project to support and educate hospitals on the Baby-Friendly pathway.” Ten Steps Symposium: Striving for Baby-Friendly Designation brought together birthing hospitals in the region to exchange ideas, best practices, knowledge and skills.
She exhibits “exemplary leadership” by raising awareness of how to help transgender parents breastfeed. Her research on the topic at a national convention received an award for Best Case Study poster. “Her ability to inspire others can be felt on a national level,” noted her nomination.
As an advocate for the transgender community, Jaslar had provided individualized care plans related to breastfeeding and hospital stays for this patient population. She has “helped clinicians provide the best care for transgender patients by providing real-time staff education while respectfully and effectively conveying the needs of the patient.”
Her “ability to think innovatively and assert ideas speaks to her courageousness and sets her apart.”