Background
How long have you worked at Swedish Covenant Hospital?
26 years continuously, but started here in 1979 (took time off after the birth of my children)
Why did you choose Swedish Covenant Hospital?
Close to home
Has your position changed throughout your employment here? If yes, what positions have you held?
I was initially a staff RN on AP3 (was ortho/med-surg) and then went to float pool until it dissolved. I been on OB for the past 12 years.
Have you earned any certifications or made progress on the Clinical Ladder? If yes, how so?
I am very involved with Healing Touch and am a certified Healing Touch Practitioner. I am working on level three of the clinical ladder.
Involvement
Are you involved in any professional nursing organizations or activities? If so, are they at the local, state, national or international levels?
Healing Touch International and Healing Touch Program.
Are you involved in any community-based healthcare organizations?
Coordinated Healing Touch classes at SCH. Coordinated a practice session for SCH employees who have taken level one Healing Touch so they can practice on each other. I have worked with Ada Gonzalez to offer four community programs on Healing Touch.
Have you been involved in planning or administering any clinical studies at Swedish Covenant Hospital? If yes, which one(s)?
Presently, The Massage Study in SCN
Magnet
What does the Magnet Journey mean to you?
Magnet Journey - The Magnet Journey to me, is a way to improve the professionalism of our nurses and other professionals by improving education, teaching and involvement in the hospital.
Why is it important to work in a hospital that is on the Magnet Journey?
Working with a hospital on the "Magnet Journey" shows a commitment to excellence, which is important to me.
Are you a member of a Division of Nursing Team (i.e. Heart Connection, Trans4mers, Transitional Turtles, Team Spirit, The Outsiders or Team Vida)?
I am not on a specific Magnet committee, since I already serve on two others for Planetree. I am a member of the CAM group and I run the OB Planetree meetings.
For Fun
Is there anywhere on campus you go to relax? Where?
I like to go to the Healing Garden before work to meditate and relax and walk the labyrinth.
What do you like best about working at Swedish Covenant Hospital?
The best part of working at SCH is my co-workers and I have been here so long that it is very familiar to me. I also love all the new improvements since Planetree came to SCH. Planetree transformed us into an institution that shows it truly cares about its employees (which was lacking before Planetree). Planetree has made a tremendous difference to me, since I love doing Healing Touch and I actually work somewhere that is allowing me to practice Healing Touch, even if it is in the early stages. I envision one day when any MD or RN can order Healing Touch for a patient, and that there will be a team of Healing Touch Practitioners to work here full time to satisfy our patient needs!
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