AIM Magazine 2016 | Page 39

Green started at Washington Regional as a registered nurse in Labor and Delivery . While working , she attended the University of Arkansas and graduated with a Master of Science in Nursing . She worked on the floor in the hospital and then was promoted to a clinical education role . The next promotion was to Clinical Director and then to Director of Women and Infants Services .
“ There is room for growth at Washington Regional ,” Green said . “ There is great support for all . We have tuition reimbursement for employees who meet certain criteria . We offer great opportunities for employees to invest in their education .”
Washington Regional also invests in helping employees adapt to what can be a demanding career .
“ It ’ s hard for people to come into health care with no other job experience ,” Bowman said . “ The responsibilities are hard . Some people struggle through that .”
According to Bowman , a program that could help is M * A * S * H , or Medical Applications of Science for Health . The program , operated by the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences , is a two-week summer camp that introduces high school students to health careers . Participants use hands-on activities to learn medical procedures such as heart dissection and suturing .
That ’ s why Washington Regional offers an RN Residency program to help newly graduated registered nurses become confident and competent care providers in real-life situations .
“ We help them discover their own strengths and weaknesses ,” Bowman said . “ We want to keep them in nursing and give them support if they feel overwhelmed .”
“ The program helps them feel confident , competent and part of the team ,” Green added . “ They are ready and prepared as a nurse .”
Those interested in a future career in health care can prepare themselves by studying sciences such as biology and chemistry , Bowman said . High schools that offer medical classes can also give a student a foundation , she added .
“ Have a work commitment before graduation ,” Bowman said . “ Health care is unique . It ’ s very hard but very rewarding .”
Health care reflects who you are as opposed to the work you do , Percival said .
“ Coming out of high school is the time to step up your focus on how to be successful in your career ,” Percival said . “ Education is huge .”
Education can also help employees learn more about the quality patient care Washington Regional is committed to .
For example , Washington Regional provides advanced options to treat stroke and other brain disorders as the first health care provider in Benton and Washington counties to earn Advanced Certification as a Primary Stroke Center . Washington Regional ’ s Walker Heart Institute features an accredited Chest Pain Center and 11 board-certified cardiologists .
The hospital also provides advanced emergency care . Its Emergency Department is a designated Level 2 Trauma Center , providing the highest level of emergency care in Northwest Arkansas . The expert care provided by its Total Joint Center led Washington Regional to be named one of America ’ s 100 Best Hospitals for Orthopedic Surgery .
To see all current job openings at Washington Regional and apply online , visit wregional . force . com / careers .
“ Find your passion and chase it ,” Percival said . “ If your passion is health care , we can help . You can go as far as you want to in the health care professions .”
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