Randolph Hospital was honored this week with the Hallmarks of Healthy Workplaces Award from the North Carolina Nursing Association (NCNA) for creating a positive work environment for its nurses. The Hallmarks program recognizes health-related agencies that develop strong work environments for nurses. Agencies that win this award promote open communication, respect and solution-focused actions to increase quality care and professionalism. They also show strong recruitment and retention of nurses. Randolph Hospital was one of seven facilities in the region awarded this mark of excellence.
After application to the program and the submission of all required documentation late last year, surveyors from the NCNA conducted an on-site review of Randolph Hospital on April 28th. During their review of the facility, three basic criteria were judged: support of nursing professional development, overall system support for nurses and integration of nursing into operations and governance. Randolph Hospital met and exceeded each of these categories.
Randolph Hospital’s dedication to education and support can be seen through their popular continuing education program offered through Winston-Salem State University. Through their partnership, area nurses can learn through a unique and comprehensive on-site experience. Successful graduates receive their Bachelor of Science degree upon completion. Many nurses are supported through tuition reimbursement and flexible scheduling to meet their personal and professional needs. Additionally, new nursing staff members are assigned mentors to ensure full support. Education continues throughout each nurses’ tenure at Randolph Hospital in an effort to provide quality care to patients.
Nurses are integrated into Randolph Hospital’s operations and governance as well. Chief Nursing Officer, Tremonteo Crawford states, “Randolph Hospital offers nurses several ways to climb their professional ladder to reach a higher position, or share their ideas with senior leadership.” Crawford continues, “The NCNA Hallmarks of Healthy Workplaces Award means a lot to each and every nurse at Randolph Hospital. This award is truly a result of our outstanding and dedicated staff. It is an indication of the positive work environment that they create. I feel very privileged and proud to work with nurses that take ownership and accountability for creating a caring environment that extends to our patients, families and colleagues.”
Among the notes taken by the surveyors during their review were:
“Randolph Hospital is a close knit, family-oriented facility that values its employees and especially the nursing staff. They receive ongoing support from their peers and the leadership staff all the way up to the CEO level.”
“It is evident by the staff interviewed that interdisciplinary care and communication between the registered nurses and other healthcare professionals is valued, utilized and a strong component of the care that they provide. “
The Hallmarks logo design symbolizes the combination of foundational workplace factors including education, support and operational involvement. The arch represents the umbrella of a healthy workplace for all employees. The award program is a special project of the NCNA and a result of a Duke Endowment grant. For more information about the program, visit www.ncnurses.org and click on ‘Hallmarks’.