WESTFIELD-Most nurses have a calling from an early age – just like Florence Nightingale, the world’s most famous nurse who blazed a trail for health care reform during the late 19th century.
Jessica Holden, DNP, MSN, RN-BC, an assistant professor of nursing at Westfield State University, can relate to that calling. Holden is also the coordinator for the university’s RN to BSN program.
Jessica Holden, DNP, MSN, RN-BC, is an assistant professor of nursing at Westfield State University.
“I have always wanted to be a nurse,” said Holden. “I used to take care of my dolls and teddy bears. I have always been a caregiver.”
Holden is among millions in the profession who were recognized last week during National Nurses Week. The American Nurses Association theme was “Nurses Inspire, Innovate and Influence.”
Holden, who began her career as a nursing assistant on the medical surgical floor in 1995 at Noble Hospital (now Baystate Noble Hospital), said that nursing provides an “amazing venue and opportunity to explore the nature of human interaction with their world.”
Holden added that nursing offers opportunities to connect with people in a “highly therapeutic and intimate way.”
“People trust us with the most personal and vulnerable details of their lives,” said Holden. “We have the privilege to make a positive difference every single time we practice as nurses.”
During National Nurses Week at Baystate Noble Hospital, a variety of special events for nurses were conducted to observe the annual recognition, and to bring attention to a unique collaboration with Westfield State – the Student Nurse Apprenticeship Program (SNAP).
SNAP was started in 2016 between the two organizations and typically five to six students a year participate in the clinical rotation program in several hospital departments.
During a visit to Baystate Noble Hospital on Friday afternoon, Julie Racicot, RN-BC, CCRN, professional development specialist, said the collaborative program has proven to be beneficial for both organizations.
Julie Racicot, RN-BC, CCRN, is seen with Noelani Washington, RN, in Baystate Noble Hospital’s Bronson Rehabilitation Unit.
“Nurses are in high demand in all departments,” said Racicot, adding that graduating SNAP students are a perfect fit during recruitment efforts since they are already familiar with staff and hospital policies and procedures.
Both Racicot and Holden worked together at the hospital for many years in varying leadership roles and relish the time they now spend in their respective positions mentoring nursing students – including the apprenticeship program.
“I have the opportunity to work with nursing students at various points along their journey to obtain their nursing degree,” said Holden. “My work focuses on developing and engaging students in learning opportunities to help them learn how to be nurses and nurse leaders.”
Racicot echoed those sentiments.
“SNAP has been a great recruitment tool for us because the transition to full-time work is less stressful for the nurses,” said Racicot, adding that less time is needed for orientation because the nurses are already familiar with the hospital’s day-to-day operations.
Noelani Washington, RN, joined the conversation and concurred. Washington graduated from Westfield State last May and also participated in the SNAP program. She currently works in the Bronson Rehabilitation Unit at Baystate Noble Hospital.
“Participating in SNAP helped me to become comfortable with the care teams, the physicians, and patients here,” said Washington. “My peers wanted to teach me.”
The women all agreed that as the delivery of health care continues to evolve, nurses are at the forefront to adapt to changes.
“I love watching nurses grow and develop and feel pride in their ability,” said Holden. “I love that I can take some responsibility for fostering that development.”
Racicot added that in her role, a smaller hospital setting is more conducive for teaching.
“Everyone knows each other here and I hope we never lose that,” said Racicot. “We have our niche here and we do very well.”
Washington, who will soon celebrate her first full year as an employee at Baystate Noble, agreed with Racicot.
“I really like the people I work with,” said Washington, adding that the benefit of working in the Bronson unit affords the opportunity to spend more time with patients. “I like helping people and because our patients stay longer that gives me the chance to get to know them better and their families.”
