Geisinger Health system unveils Geisinger Nursing Institute aimed at governing, advocacy
Goal is to align nursing practice, career advancement and education, clinical excellence and recruitment and retention.
In an effort to provide resources and support for its nursing workforce, Geisinger Health System has created the Geisinger Nursing Institute, catering to the nearly 6,000 nurses spread throughout its health system.
The Geisinger Nursing Institute will serve as a governing body with an advocacy component, overseeing the practice and education of nurses to ensure they are adequately represented across the organization and in leadership positions. Its goal is to align nursing practice, career advancement and education, clinical excellence and recruitment and retention.
"The new Geisinger Nursing Institute will build upon our existing benchmarks and investments," said Susan Robel, RN, BSN, MHA, Geisinger's chief nursing officer and executive vice president, in a statement. Robel, who is also the system's chief patient experience officer, is leading the endeavor.
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"By providing our nurses more support, tools and skills they need to do their jobs, we can enhance job satisfaction all while improving patient outcomes, reducing healthcare costs and expanding the nursing profession to better serve our patients now and in the future," she said.
The implementation and evolution of the Geisinger Nursing Institute will include input and collaboration from nurses and nurse leaders across the health system.
For nearly 10 years, the health system's flagship hospital, Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, Pennsylvania, has been designated a Magnet hospital, an award given to less than 9 percent of U.S. hospitals based on strength and quality of their nursing programs.
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