In November, St. Louis Children’s Hospital (SLCH) received the McIntosh Durham Employer Award from the University of Missouri – St. Louis College of Nursing.
“SLCH deserves the employer award for fostering an incredible learning environment for current nurses, future nurses, and anyone wishing to learn the most current and efficient ways to care for patients and their families,” says Ericka Sanner-Stiehr, RN, PhD, assistant professor, University of Missouri – St. Louis (UMSL) College of Nursing.
“The surgeons, physicians, managers and others make working there a pleasure and are always willing to lend a hand in any way they can,” she continues. “There are even stat nurses for when nurses are swamped and cannot take lunch or need help starting an IV. As a nurse, there is nowhere I would like to work more than at this innovative hospital.”
“It takes everyone working together as a team to offer strong clinical experiences for students, whether they’re in nursing, respiratory therapy, therapy services or medical school,” says Cindy Vishy, RN, clinical education manager. “I think the fact that the nomination mentioned several roles that contribute to a positive student/employee experience speaks to the teamwork that is part of our hospital’s culture.”
The award is presented to a facility that has shown excellence in the following criteria:
• Sustained excellence in the environment for nursing practice, clinical education and health outcomes
• Superb clinical learning environment for students in undergraduate or graduate nursing education programs
- Opportunities for inter-professional learning
- Expanded opportunities for student learning and career development, such as seminars, shadowing, research opportunities, externships and residencies
- Potential for ongoing contributions to UMSL College of Nursing, nursing and clinical education The award was presented at the Annual Elizabeth McIntosh and Jerry Durham Endowed Alumni Lecture at the university.
Photo: The SLCH clinical education team includes, from left, Tina Klasing, RN; Cindy Vishy, RN, manager; and Rose Hansen, RN. Beth Hankamer, RN, is not pictured. Photo credit: John Twombly
