Nurses in Demand

A small town atmosphere, a group of highly dedicated professional registered nurses, a mission of healthcare and healing with Christian compassion--these are the attributes that make nurses at Pella Regional the best in the region.

The future is bright for nurses at Pella Regional. We are fortunate to have a great deal of administrative support, and a keen focus on quality and a balanced work life. The implementation of our Shared Governance Model and our successful designation as a Pathways to Excellence hospital have given all of us a jolt of enthusiasm for our profession.

In collaboration with local nursing schools, we have implemented a successful nursing internship program that has led to recruitment of the best and brightest of the new nursing graduates. Pella Regional’s low vacancy and turnover rates speak to a high level of job satisfaction which leads to a stable work force.

Yvonne O'Brien, Chief Nursing Officer

Nursing Preceptorship/Mentorship

Nursing Preceptorship

The Nursing Preceptorship Program at Pella Regional enhances our integration experience for new nurses. Each new nurse is paired with an active preceptor for six weeks or more, depending on the position. The preceptor helps the new hire gain the skills they need to do the job.

The program provides the new nurse with expert guidance and support to overcome hurdles such as:

• Orientation to the unit
• Scheduling
• Gradually increasing patient care responsibility
• Completion of required paperwork

The preceptor is a positive role model who facilitates learning by providing:

• Timely feedback
• One-on-one guidance
• Instruction of new skills/reinforcement of previously mastered skills

Mentorship

The Mentorship Program at Pella Regional pairs each new nurse with an active mentor. They meet on a regular basis for six months to one year to help new nurses familiarize themselves with the facility.

A mentor helps new employees to transition to a new facility or a new position. The main focus is on interpersonal relationships and assisting the new employee in creating professional, effective work partnerships founded on trust, respect, support and effective communication.

The mentor is an experienced employee who serves as a role model, guide, supporter, and nurturer of the new nurse. Mentors coach, counsel and champion the new nurse by:

• Transmitting corporate culture
• Transmitting needed skills
• Enhancing employee career development
• Improving employee performance
• Improving lines of communication

Shared Governance

At Pella Regional Health Center we value the concept that nurses caring for patients are in the best position to make decisions related to patient care and nursing practice. Early in 2007, we launched our Shared Governance Model to provide a foundation of evidence-based practice in nursing care.

Four Councils were developed:

• Practice Council defines best clinical practices for delivery of nursing care.
• Quality Council focuses on supporting the hospital’s performance improvement plan.
• Professional Development Council promotes the professional growth, ongoing nurse competency and focuses on work environment issues.
• Management Council serves as a forum of support for the entire model.

The transition to Shared Governance has been rewarding for all involved. Our nurses and managers are enthusiastic to be a part of this culture of accountability and excited to be given a voice for hospital issues.

Professional Growth

Pella Regional strongly encourages professional growth with our nurses. Pella Regional offers many continuing education classes covering a spectrum of subject matter from specialized nursing roles to overviews on the latest in nursing and medicine.

Full- and part-time employees are also eligible for education assistance for nurses to maintain his/her licensure or professional designation.