A Hospital's Journey Toward a Professional Development Program

CHOC Children's at Mission Hospital is a 48-bed pediatric community hospital within a hospital. Our unique environment requires both highly skilled pediatric/neonatal nurses and nurses committed to exceptional professional behavior and professional growth. Looking toward the future, an opportunity was identified to enhance staffs evidenced based clinical practice and professionalism. With the creation of a new Leadership team, strategic goals were developed to create a culture of change. Our vision was to lead staff through motivation while inspiring them to consistently move in a forward direction. We desired to create an atmosphere where nurses were attracted to practice in our hospital because of programs providing intrinsic rewards. We wanted a culture where each nurse could be acknowledged for their own skills and talents in an atmosphere that maximized them. The Professional Development Program Team was born from our vision to set a new direction. Staff continues to identify areas for clinical and professional growth and is living the vision. The changes in staff have been dramatic.

Keywords: Clinical ladder, Professional development, Professional behaviors, Code of conduct