As part of Nurses Week, May 6 through May 12, NLH Chief Nursing Officer Karen L. Beinhaur, MSN/Ed, RN, CEN, NEA-BC, answers a few questions about the current state of nursing at NLH and a few that might help those considering the nursing profession.
Q: As CNO, what are you most proud of in your role and with your team?
Karen: I am proudest of the resilience, dedication and compassion demonstrated by our nursing team. Our theme for Nurses Week this year is “Rising Together.” This theme reflects the strength and resilience of our nurses at NLH and Newport Health Center (NHC) and the ability to overcome challenges with grace and perseverance. The talent and commitment of our nursing team is truly inspiring and I feel blessed to serve as a nursing leader at NLH. In the words of Maya Angelou: “As a nurse, we have the opportunity to heal the heart, mind, soul and body of our patients, their families and ourselves.”
Q: NLH has an exceptional nursing staff. What do you attribute this to?
Karen: The exceptional nursing staff at NLH and NHC is a result of several factors. We prioritize hiring skilled and compassionate individuals, provide ongoing training and professional development opportunities and foster a supportive and collaborative work environment. Our nursing staff have shared that they feel a sense of family when they are here and are committed to supporting one another and, most importantly, the patients we serve. It is this combination of factors that contributes to the excellence of our nursing team.
I am proud of the advancements we have made in nursing education and the positive impact it has had on our nurses and patient care. We are committed to our continued investment in our staff through the recruitment of clinical educators to help support our teams in various departments across the organization.
Q: There have been some huge leaps in our nursing education at NLH. Can you expand on this and what this means to our staff?
Karen: Absolutely, we have made significant advancements in nursing education. We have introduced new training programs, provided opportunities for continuous learning and incorporated the latest medical technologies. This means our staff is better equipped, more confident and able to provide the highest level of care to our patients.
Q: For those considering getting into the field of nursing and may be on the fence, what advice would you give them?
Karen: I would advise them to pursue their passion for helping others. It is a rewarding career but also challenging, so be prepared for both the highs and the lows. Connecting with current nurses and gaining firsthand experience can also help in making an informed decision.
Q: Where can someone get more information about becoming a nurse at NLH or within the Dartmouth Health system?
Karen: If someone is looking for current openings at NLH and NHC, they can visit our career page on the NLH website. If they want to explore opportunities within the system, they can visit the system career page.
Q: You mentioned that you and your leadership colleagues wanted to extend thanks to beyond our nurses.
Karen: We extend our deepest gratitude to all individuals at NLH and NHC. Each individual plays a vital role in the care of patients, whether it’s providing direct patient care, supporting administrative tasks or ensuring a clean and safe environment. Rising together, your collective efforts create a seamless and compassionate healthcare experience for those we serve. Thank you for your invaluable contributions and for making a difference in the lives of so many patients and their families.