By Karen Hendrickson, EdD, RN, NEA-BC
Vice President/Chief Nursing Officer

I am proud to share with you that patient care continues to be the center of nursing at Southeast Missouri Hospital.

Successful nursing does not happen by accident. Southeast Missouri Hospital has refined its leadership and team building skills. We have learned the value of including those closest to the patient in the decision making process, and we will continue to seek their input.

Our plan for nursing care reflects a true professional nursing practice environment at Southeast Hospital. It includes encouraging and supporting education and experiential learning for our nurses. We underscore that belief by making excellent scholarship and loan programs available to our staff. We are proud of the academic credentials and the professional certifications that our nurses have earned. One in three nurses are certified. Fifty percent are BSN prepared.

Karen Hendrickson, EdD, RN, NEA-BC

Our nurse-patient ratios reflect our strong commitment to quality patient care and a supportive clinical environment for the practice of professional nurses. Patients are the reason we exist as a profession and at Southeast.

To address future healthcare needs, Southeast offers programs for nursing students; a Transitions to Professional Practice Program for new nurses; and a strong orientation program for newly-employed nurses. We have enhanced our loan study/work program; student externship program; and a residency program designed for new graduates, nurses in need of a refresher program and nurses who wish to work at Southeast when a position in their specialty is not immediately available.

We also know that it takes a collaborative, collegial effort with physicians and ancillary personnel to maintain the highest levels of patient satisfaction. We know that patient care does not occur in a vacuum.

In 2004 Southeast was designated a Magnet Hospital for Nursing Excellence, a national honor, a rewarding tribute to the quality of professionals who serve our patients. In 2008 we will again submit an application for re-designation for this prestigious honor as we showcase our passion and pursuit of nursing excellence.

Learn more about our Magnet Award

Click here for nursing openings at Southeast