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July 28, 2010 | Volume 4 | Number 7
July 28, 2010
Promoting Quality Patient Care
Nursing accounts for a large segment of the staff at Memorial Hospital in York, PA, and as such, the hospital has launched a professional development program that enhances employees’ ability to provide exceptional care. The “clinical ladder” program is one example of how investing in employees can lead to better patient care.
Memorial’s clinical ladder program was started to improve nursing practices at the hospital, increase employee satisfaction and retention and, ultimately, to enhance patient care. The hospital developed criteria based on best practices research from other organizations with similar programs, and a committee of nurses from various departments manages the program. To advance from ladder I through IV, nurses submit a portfolio of their accomplishments. Points are assigned for various projects, such as teaching others, developing curriculum, participating on committees, developing patient education tools, reviewing policies and engaging in community service.
Information about how to participate in the clinical ladder program is sent to all nurses on an annual basis, and first-time applicants are assigned a mentor to help them through the process. News about the program is communicated to employees through direct mail, presentations at staff meetings and articles in a weekly newsletter.
In addition to recognition and opportunities for advancement, nurses receive pay increases as they move up the clinical ladder. A celebration hosted by the CEO is held each year to congratulate nurses on their achievements and encourage others to pursue their own development. The nurses also receive a clinical ladder pin as a reminder of their accomplishments and are pictured and listed in the newsletter.
The clinical ladder program exemplifies how Memorial Hospital invests in its employees so they can take excellent care of patients. Memorial Hospital has been recognized as a Best Place to Work in Pennsylvania for the past eight years and in 2008 and 2009 was named by the American Alliance of Healthcare Providers as one of the top hospitals in America for customer service.
Memorial Hospital received a 2010 Best Practices Honor from the American Psychological Association.
Reprinted with permission from the American Psychological Association.
