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July 22, 2008

LaRose new nursing educator at HRMC

Patrick LaRose combines clinical expertise and a passion for teaching into a rewarding career. LaRose was recently hired as director of nursing education for Haywood Regional Medical Center.

He is responsible for implementing continuing education programs for nurses, as well as training mentors to strengthen the nursing workforce at Haywood Regional. That is particularly important in the ever-changing healthcare environment.

Patrick LaRose, director of nursing education at Haywood Regional Medical Center is shown with Gwen Storey, director of the Intensive Care and Definitive Observation Care units.

Originally from Averill Park, N.Y., LaRose moved to Asheville six years ago with his three children. He worked as an Intensive Care Unit nurse at Park Ridge Hospital and taught nursing at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College as an adjunct faculty member.

He completed his registered nurse training at Manatee Community College in Bradenton, Fla., and earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing through the University of Phoenix. He is currently a graduate student with Walden University and expects to complete his master’s degree in March 2009.

LaRose said his experience as an RN better prepared him for his teaching role.

“There has to be such a great parallel between relevant clinical experience and teaching. If you don’t have the experience, it’s hard to teach the skills,” LaRose said.

As director of nursing education, LaRose is charged with the responsibility of developing a master education plan that not only meets the standards set forth by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, it must also be competency-based education that meets the needs of our hospital’s service lines.

“The greatest challenge is offering a program that nurses see the value in,” LaRose said.

He is also developing an ongoing education plan that will allow nurses to pursue advanced degrees and expand their knowledge and skills.

“I will be working very closely with HRMC’s employment coordinator Julia Queen and our Human Resources department to be able to promote our nurses,” LaRose said.