In 1903, Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health launched the nurses’ training school to help fulfill the hospital’s demand for professionally trained staff. Since then, LG Health has been committed to supporting nurse development. This year, three nurses represent LG Health in the Penn Medicine Distinguished Nurse Clinician Academy (DNCA).
The DNCA is a highly selective academy for nurses who exemplify excellence in the clinical setting. The academy recognizes nurses who have demonstrated mastery in clinical practice and represent the gold standard in collegiality within the inter-professional team. The academy provides opportunities for these selected nurses to enhance their professional development.
In January, Lindsey Herr, BSN, was inducted into the academy, joining two other LG Health nurses, Laura Connell, BSN, and Nay Saechao, BSN. The DNCA provides opportunities for members to advance professionally through networking, collaboration and group discussions.
“Much of what we do in the DNCA is focused on improving our leadership at the bedside, serving as a liaison between the executive team and clinical staff while serving in a consultative role,” said Connell, who was inducted into the academy in 2017. “We have discussions on hot topics, like how to support colleagues in the workplace, and share different solutions that have worked for us.”
As members of the DNCA, nurses receive a financial award, opportunities for professional development, and the chance to represent their hospital or entity.
“Being a part of the academy has been an incredibly rewarding experience,” said Saechao, inducted in 2018. “It’s been invaluable to meet other nurses throughout the Penn Medicine system who are leaders and drivers of positive change in their units. The opportunity to collaborate on such a large scale is exciting and rejuvenating.”
Nurses who have worked in the health system for more than three years and have consistently exemplified clinical excellence are eligible to be nominated for the academy. The application must include letters from the nominator, two other colleagues, direct managers and the director of nursing. Look for more information in the fall on how to nominate a nurse for the academy.