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July 7, 2008

HRMC Foundation approves seed money for nurses

The Haywood Regional Medical Center Foundation’s board of directors has approved $5,000 from its general endowment account to create a fund for continuing education for nurses.

“Continuing education and advanced certification increases nurses’ professional knowledge and enhances patient care,” said Royanne Schumacher, clinical coordinator for HRMC’s nursing administration department. “It also improves morale and can be a great retention tool,” she added in her recent report to the Foundation board.

Virginia Milligan, med/surg director; Royanne Schumacher, clinical coordinator for nursing administration; and Diane Lyda, director of surgical services, say they are delighted with the funds for continuing education and advanced certification for nurses.

This continuing education fund will support a myriad of educational opportunities for HRMC nurses from specialized certifications in areas like critical care, emergency care, and surgical care to participation in national conferences.  The $5,000 could provide for as many as 25 to 30 advanced certifications this year. Additional funds may be added through this year's golf tournament proceeds and are welcome through other donor support.

“The HRMC Foundation voted unanimously without hesitation to create this fund,” said Phyllis Prevost, Foundation Chair. “This seed money is a step forward in the Foundation’s efforts to help the hospital in meeting very real medical needs in our community. This is a statement of support for our nurses and in support of the hospital’s all-out effort in recruiting and retaining nurses,” she added.

Currently, HRMC is actively recruiting and hiring additional staff.Five registered nurses have  completed orientation and 19 RNs and eight CNAs are scheduled for orientation July 7. Overall, 40 nurse applications are currently in the hiring process.