Teaching is inherent in our nursing profession. Passing on our knowledge and skills to colleagues develops a highly expert nursing team. Likewise, our interactions with patients and families offer a wide range of learning and teaching opportunities. Such hands-on clinical education produces a standard of care that benefits and is sought after by thousands of patients around the globe.

With the average tenure of a BWH nurse at 11 years, our team has a wealth of expertise to share with newly licensed nurses and those experienced nurses who join us as new employees. Our specialized tertiary care setting allows for nurses to hone their skills and talents as they develop their practice in their respective specialties.

At no time has teaching and mentoring been more beneficial. With new intensive care units slated to open up on Tower 3, experienced nurses have been influential in preparing those who will comprise the staff in these critical care settings. In particular, clinical colleagues have been instrumental as we continue to integrate newly licensed nurses into such settings. Orienting and instructing new nurses or those transferring from other institutions or BWH areas, helps them more easily transition into such a rapid, intense setting while maintaining BWH's high standards of patient safety and quality of care.

I congratulate all our nurses and particularly our nurse educators, who create and implement orientation and education programs and remain so visible in maintaining an environment of learning for our nearly 3,000 nurses. They ensure effective educational programs and work closely with staff to build skills and teamwork.

In a broader sense, I commend the office of Nursing Professional Development. Our comprehensive orientation program and professional advancement programs continue to refine our highly talented and competent Nursing team.

I encourage all of you to continue to take advantage of BWH's many educational opportunities. Passing your knowledge on to others will ensure that we fulfill our responsibility as nursing professionals and that the rich history of nursing at BWH is continued for many years to come.

Sincerely,

Nancy Kruger, DNSc, RN
Vice President, Patient Care Services
Chief Nursing Officer