We Have a Plan for Our Future

Discover the goals we’ve set for the future of nursing

The Future's So Bright

Nurses like surgical oncology nurse Denise Contreras, R.N., helped develop goals for the future of nursing at Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network, and then endorsed them. “Our suggestions are valued here,” she says. “When nurses have a voice in designing their ideal environment, they are happier. This means patients are more satisfied, too.”

Leadership and Planning

• We have great PRIDE in our nursing leadership. We are nationally-recognized for excellence in nursing leadership. We offer continuous opportunities to develop new and existing nurse leaders so that they have the skills to facilitate the ideal future state for nursing within LVHHN and the profession as a whole.
• We have $10 million in endowments to support professional excellence for nurses.
• We clearly define all nursing roles.

Economic Value

• We have a benefit package that allows our nursing staff to meet personal and financial needs. This includes, but is not limited to: competitive salaries; tuition reimbursement; and, rewards and bonuses.
• We compensate R.N.s for responsibilities which exceed minimal expectations, including but not limited to serving in the role of preceptor to new staff.

Delivery Systems/Nursing Models

• We ascribe to the philosophy of patient centered care, as defined by the research conducted by the Picker Foundation.
• We promote “family presence” throughout the health care continuum as vital to the well being of the patient. We believe family involvement and understanding of disease processes and the plan of care impacts patient compliance and outcomes.
• We are known for and have objective data to demonstrate we deliver quality patient care throughout our organization. Our nursing care is based upon the most recent evidence.

Work Environment

• We recognize the positive relationship between staff satisfaction and patient satisfaction. As such, to achieve and maintain optimum patient satisfaction, we continuously monitor staff satisfaction and develop and implement action plans to positively affect the same.
• We have a strong shared governance, professional practice model on all patient care units, promoting staff autonomy and authority to implement nurse driven protocols.
• We have safe nurse to patient ratios, which in turn promote nurse and patient satisfaction through quality time spent by nurses in direct patient care.
• We take responsibility to assure the development of nurses to serve in the roles of preceptors and mentors.
• We utilize advanced technology in the provision of patient care to promote patient safety, patient comfort, and staff satisfaction.
• We utilize the most recent evidence based methods to support an ergonomically safe work environment to prevent staff injuries.

Legislation/Regulation/Policy

• We have very active nursing advocacy.

Public Relations/Communications

• We utilize varied and creative methods to communicate effectively throughout the network’s continuum of care.
• We provide a variety of community outreach programs, with particular emphasis on teaching patients about lifestyle changes and preventive measure to enhance their quality of life.

Nursing/Professional Culture

• We meet the standards to maintain our Magnet designation.
• We have an environment in which respect and recognition is paramount in everything we do.
• We designate time and compensate our staff to attend inservice and continuing education programs.

Education

• We actively cultivate and promote our staff to seek advanced academic degrees to enhance their own professional development as well as the development of nursing leaders within our organization.
• We have a strong collaboration with baccalaureate and graduate nursing programs to promote and enhance advanced degrees for our staff.

Recruitment/Retention

• We have best practice nursing vacancy levels, achieved in part through programs to develop R.N.s entering the workforce.
• We provide resources and education for new staff.
• We have multiple, innovative retention strategies, with a particular focus on opportunities for experienced, senior nurses. These opportunities are made available considering demonstrated abilities and performance.

Diversity

• We ascribe to the philosophy of patient centered care, as defined by the research conducted by the Picker Foundation.
• We have an environment in which respect and recognition is paramount in everything we do.
• We have a strong collaboration with baccalaureate and graduate nursing programs to promote and enhance advanced degrees for our staff.
• We provide a variety of community outreach programs, with particular emphasis on teaching patients about lifestyle changes and preventive measure to enhance their quality of life.

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