Professional Development and Recognition Opportunities for West Penn Nurses
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On December 7, 2006, The Western Pennsylvania Hospital achieved Magnet Recognition status from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
West Penn Hospital is the first hospital in Pittsburgh and western Pennsylvania to receive this prestigious recognition, which has been achieved by only about 5% of all healthcare facilities in the nation. Read more
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The Western Pennsylvania Hospital offers staff nurses many opportunities for professional development, education, and recognition.
Professional Development Programs
Professional development programs include the following:
- Professional Recognition Program – Through this mentored clinical ladder program, nurses may submit a portfolio of professional achievements to advance to a higher level of clinical practice.
- Academy of Excellence - Nurses who excel in demonstrating leadership abilities may apply for appointment to West Penn's Academy of Excellence.
- Specialty Certification/Recertification Examination Reimbursement Program – Professional nurses can be reimbursed for the examination fee for certification or recertification in their nursing specialty according to the policy.
- Tuition Reimbursement – West Penn Hospital promotes and supports higher education for all employees by offering annual tuition reimbursement for approved programs.
- On-site Higher Education Programs – A program for registered nurses to earn the bachelor of science in nursing degree is offered on-site through Clarion University of Pennsylvania. On-site/on-line RN-to-MSN or BSN-to-MSN programs are offered by a Clarion – Edinboro – Slippery Rock universities program.
All nurses can keep abreast of professional issues and fulfill criteria for professional advancement by participation in regularly scheduled education and development opportunities such as Nursing Grand Rounds and other Hospital-wide or department-based professional education programs.
West Penn offers the expertise of numerous nurse researchers and a variety of programs to enhance evidence-based practice. These include a Nursing Research Internship Program that provides mentoring and funding for staff nurses to plan, implement and disseminate the results of nursing research.
Registered nurses in any department are welcome to write articles for or serve on the editorial board of the Nursing Division's peer-reviewed journal, Professional Paradigms.
Professional Recognitions for West Penn Nurses
Staff nurses are recognized for their professional achievements in many ways. The annual "Celebration of Excellence in Nursing" event recognizes those who have achieved professional recognitions, including clinical ladder advancement, appointment to the Academy of Excellence, or certification in a nursing specialty, and those who have represented West Penn in the Cameos of Caring award program.
West Penn nurses' academic and clinical advancements are recognized and reported in Professional Paradigms, Hospital publications, and often in the media.
"West Penn Hospital has an excellent reputation for patient care and I see this among my co-workers every day."
Professional Paradigms.
ANCC Web site
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