You At Your Best

www.wRegiOnAL.COm spONsOr cONteNt Washington Regional nurses play a vital role in our mission to improve the health of people in communities we serve through compassionate, high quality care, prevention and wellness education. Washington Regional Medical Center offers its nurses a unique in-house nursing education department, including an American Heart Association Training Center, scholarship and tuition assistance programs and opportunities to participate in various nurse leadership groups. Washington Regional's RN Residency program, the first in Northwest Arkansas, provides newly graduated registered nurses with a focused orientation program that includes interdepartmental education and training as well as unit-specific, focused content for RNs in the cardiology, critical care, neurology, medical/surgical and emergency departments. More information about Washington Regional's RN Residency program is available by contacting: Samantha Bowman, PhD, CHES RN Residency Program Manager 479-463-6815 Sbowman1@wregional.com Visit www.wregional.com/jobs for more information about Washington Regional and to browse current job opportunities. Grow your nursing career at Washington Regional When the COVID-19 pandemic began, it coincided with the Year of The Nurse – a year-long celebration honoring Florence Nightingale's 200th birthday. The Year of The Nurse quickly took on new meaning as nurses emerged as health care heroes on the front lines of the pandemic in Northwest Arkansas and communities around the world. At Washington Regional Medical Center in Fayetteville, nurses are the heartbeat of the hospital. "We pride ourselves on being the best place to receive care, and the best place to give care," says Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer Meredith Green. "We are always looking for skilled, compassionate nurses who can help us achieve that vision. Washington Regional recognizes that without our team of dedicated nurses, we would not be able to care for our community. We respect their hard work and dedication to our patients. At no time has that dedication been more apparent than during the pandemic, as we see many of our nursing team members find solutions to challenges we face." One of those team members is Brandy Kruse, a hospice and palliative care RN. When the hospital had to restrict visitors due to the pandemic, Brandy sent a proposal to administration making the case for creating a communication nurse role. These nurses were designated to facilitate video chats and phone calls between patients, their families and care teams. "Brandy helped oversee the communication nurse program, which was a huge benefit to our patients, their loved ones and bedside nurses," says Green. "Brandy did all this while also doing what she does every day for our patients with advanced serious illnesses, things like washing their hair and other little extras that provide comfort and care." Clinical Outcomes Coordinator Jessica Miller ensures Washington Regional's standards of high quality care are upheld at all times. When the pandemic was declared, Jessica was tasked with making sure every unit in the hospital was appropriately staffed and implemented the necessary safety precautions. "She met the challenge head on and holds meetings with leadership to continuously improve our processes and patient care," Green explains. "Jessica has been instrumental during the pandemic and we are grateful for all she does for our team members and patients." Other nurses, including Critical Care Coordinator Kelly Demay, not only care for some of the most acutely ill patients, but also support fellow team members at the bedside. "When Northwest Arkansas experienced a surge in COVID-19 hospitalizations, we were prepared thanks in part to Kelly's clinical expertise and skill. She is a leader not only in caring for critical care patients, but in nursing at Washington Regional Medical Center," says Green. For new graduate registered nurses beginning their career during one of the most challenging times in health care, Washington Regional's RN Residency Program offers support. "Our RN Residency Program is in partnership with the Vizient Nurse Residency Program™ (NRP), endorsed by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. It is currently implemented in some of the nation's most respected hospitals such as Duke Health System, Johns Hopkins Hospital and UCLA Medical Center," says Green. "Washington Regional Medical Center understands the needs of the new graduate RN and we are excited to provide the skills needed for success." As part of the program, more experienced RNs, including Cardiology Clinical Coordinator Michelle Bell, mentor new graduates. "Mentors like Michelle take the time to help new nursing team members learn as much as possible, and they advocate for them and really encourage them on those difficult days," explains Green. "One recent graduate said having a mentor helped her survive the beginning of her nursing career during the pandemic." "We often say the difference at Washington Regional is our people, and that is especially true of our nurses," Green says. "It's why I've spent my entire nursing career at Washington Regional. There is a spirit here of a community caring for each other. We are excited to help more skilled nurses build their careers and become nursing leaders." To learn more about Washington Regional's RN Residency Program, visit www.wregional.com/rnresidency. Washington Regional prepares new RNs for success suNday, april 25, 2021 | Best Nurses - May yOuatyOurBest.NWaONliNe.cOM | yOu at yOur Best | 9

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