Nurses Care 2024

NURSES CARE

This year’s theme is “Nurses Make the Difference,” honoring the incredible nurses who embody the spirit of compassion and care in every health care setting, according to the American Nurses Association.

This year and every year, we celebrate the important work nurses do and the bravery they show each and every day.

Thank you!

Celebrating National Nurses Week

National Nurses Week is celebrated each year in the United States. The American Nurses Association notes that the week begins each year on May 6 and ends on May 12, which coincides with International Nurses Day, a global celebration designed to highlight and celebrate the contributions nurses make to society. May 12 also marks the birthday of Florence Nightingale, an influential 19th century British nurse who many consider the founder of modern nursing.

UMFK’s Doctor of Nursing Practice program is 100% Online

COURTESY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MAINE AT FORT KENT

In September 2024, the University of Maine at Fort Kent Division of Nursing will add its first doctoral degree to the program roster with a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. This latest addition will expand the university’s ongoing efforts in supporting workforce development in this high-demand field.

“This is a historic moment for UMFK. We are happy to continue the long tradition of excellence that UMFK has had in educating nurses at every level,” said UMFK President Deb Hedeen. “With a robust group of highly qualified doctorate-level faculty, this next level of degree advancement is an obvious fit for our campus.”

Maine has demonstrated a need for individuals with graduate-level nursing education and due to the online format, the program will support needs beyond the state borders as well.

“The opportunities at UMFK are boundless. Educating nurses with doctoral level knowledge and skill impacts our profession, but, most importantly, creates opportunities for improved patient care outcomes and innovation,” said UMFK’s Associate Provost of Academic Affairs and Dean of Nursing, Dr. Erin Soucy.

As a terminal degree in nursing, the new DNP represents the highest level of clinical nursing education. Students will gain advanced practice and leadership

skills to manage the healthcare team, effectively utilize evidence-based practice, improve healthcare outcomes, and influence healthcare policy.

The new program is 100% online, offered in an accelerated 7-week format, to provide working nurses the flexibility they need to manage their home and work life while progressing toward their advanced degree. Students will have the opportunity to choose between Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Administration, and Nursing Education tracks.

Applications are currently open and it is free to apply For more information about the DNP program at the University of Maine at Fort Kent, please visit us online at umfk.edu/academics/programs/nursing or call 207-834-7600

A Baby Boom in Bangor

BY SARAH COTTRELL

The 2023 American national birth rate was approximately 12 live births per 1,000 people. According to the March of Dimes, Maine saw a birth rate of 32.8 live births per 1,000 people in 2023. But after what happened in Bangor this past March, some wonder if 2024 will see a baby boom that could nudge those state numbers even higher.

In a delightful plot twist that no one saw coming, Bangor saw an unprecedented flurry of births this past March when the maternity ward at Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center helped usher in 20 babies within a jaw-dropping span of only 36 hours.

“I have worked in women’s health for 16 years, and specifically in Labor and Delivery for more than a decade with nearly nine of those years at Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center,” said Cindy Bishop, RN. “We recently experienced an unusually busy 36 hours here at Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center.”

Bishop explains that the hospital typically averages 135 deliveries monthly or four to five deliveries daily. According to the Cleveland Clinic, the average time during labor for natural childbirth can be from 12 to 24 hours for the first child and 8 to 12 for subsequent babies. A cesarean section typically takes about 45 minutes from start to finish.

So, with so many babies on the way simultaneously, how many available beds did the hospital have?

“Grant 7 has seven labor rooms, two triage rooms, two operating rooms, and 25 private postpartum rooms. During times of increased census, we do utilize rooms and staff from the postpartum unit for deliveries,” Bishop said. “The entire staff on Grant 7, including leadership, pulled together to welcome 20 babies over a 36-hour period.”

Of the 20 births, five were cesarean deliveries. The Grant 7 staff received additional support from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Supplemental Staffing department to help care for parents and newborns.

“We are a major referral center, so in addition to those deliveries, we continued to accept transfers from the region, triage patients 24 hours a day, and care for high-risk antepartum patients as well,” Bishop said.

“When it is this busy, it is all hands on deck, and everyone works together. What was amazing to me was that although all beds were full, we never had to refuse patients from referring facilities. We took care of everyone who came in, and all staff rallied to make it work,” said Tricia Sennett, BSN, RNC-MNN, nurse manager for

“I have worked in women’s health for 16 years, and specifically in Labor and Delivery for more than a decade with nearly nine of those years at Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center.”

-Cindy Bishop, RN

Labor and Delivery and OB/GYN. “Many staff who were called came in to help even if they could only work a partial shift to help with the influx of patients. It is no secret that we have a high-functioning team here on Grant 7, both days and nights, and this truly proves that point. We are very lucky.”

So, what may have inspired the sudden baby boom?

“We can only speculate the cause of this baby boom. Many think that a rainy June in 2023 contributed to this busy time,” said Bishop. “The teamwork witnessed was a reminder of how fortunate I feel to be a part of such an amazing team and organization.”

Local Universities Try New Tactics to Recruit and Retain Nursing Students

BY CASEY BERNARD

With Maine facing a nursing shortage, local universities with nursing programs are implementing new approaches to recruit and educate the future nursing workforce. From starting recruiting efforts as young as middle school to focusing on mental health and wellness, local colleges know that creating the next generation of nurses will take much more than teaching the fundamentals of healthcare science.

Increasing enrollment is only part of the solution for providing Maine with more nurses. A national survey of nurses in 2024 showed more than one in four nurses planned to leave the profession or retire due to burnout and mental health challenges. Burnout was a challenge before 2020, but the stress of the COVID pandemic created an epidemic of healthcare professionals leaving the career at a much higher rate. Armed with this data, The University of Maine has redesigned the nursing program to focus on overall wellness for their nursing students in an effort to increase nurse retention.

Husson University is also focused on preparing nursing students for the healthcare jobs of the future with cutting-edge technology like a new AI manikin, as well as encouraging interprofessional learning and development. Valerie C. Sauda, Chief Nurse Administrator and Undergraduate Director for Husson explained, “A nurse today requires diverse skills and knowledge including algebra, biology, chemistry, microbiology, pathophysiology, and psychology, as well as leadership, management, communication, patient teaching, care coordination, and care management.”

“We’ve got to focus on the mental health and well being of nurses. The goal is to help students learn to manage stress and burnout before they graduate,” said Kelley Strout, Director of the School of Nursing. “We want to produce more resilient nursing students in order to create more resilient nurses.” Students in the in-person program live together in dedicated dorms and receive additional support beyond academic training during the full time four-year undergraduate program. The program incorporates classes and offerings like yoga and meditation, in an effort to help students manage their own mental and physical wellness. Significant financial aid and additional support is available for minority and first-generation students to allow them to focus completely on their education. Retention rate for students who receive financial aid is as high as 93%, Strout said.

An additional piece of the nursing shortage puzzle is a lack of nursing educators, explained Strout. Without enough professionals to teach the next generation, universities can’t educate the future workforce at a rate necessary to keep up with demand. To combat this shortage, the program also offers an online MS in Nursing leadership program. As well, the school recently received a grant to help grow the Family Nurse Practitioner program that focuses on current issues they are most likely to see, such as substance abuse and obesity.

Recruiting future nurses starts early at Husson University. Outreach efforts have expanded to high school and middle school students who have expressed an interest in a career in healthcare. Each summer, Husson hosts a Health Professions Day Camp for high school students that provides a hands-on introduction to a range of career options within the field.

Flexibility is key at Beal University with an accelerated hybrid online and inperson program. With programs in both Bangor and Wilton, students complete the first four months of instruction online and can complete the RN Associates degree within 18 months. After completing foundational courses, students learn through hands-on instruction in year-round clinical rotations. From there, a student wishing to receive a bachelor’s degree can complete the remaining coursework online. With funding from the Maine Department of Education, Beal’s year-round nursing program allows students to finish the program faster.

While the student services office assists alumni with career changes if needed, “most of our students are hired right out of their clinical rotations,” said Joseph Amoral, Beal’s Program Director of Nursing.

As local universities continue to modify their approaches with the changing needs of the industry and state populations, Maine’s future nurses in the Bangor area have options for finding the right program to meet their needs for a successful career in modern healthcare.

St. Joseph Healthcare is proud to be your community hospital

COURTESY OF ST. JOSEPH HEALTHCARE

National Nurses Week is a special time at St. Joseph Healthcare. Each year, we work to honor and recognize the incredible work that our nurses do every day. It is a time for us all to share our gratitude for the impact that nurses have on our lives and the lives of our patients and this community. We could not think of a better way to celebrate National Nurses Week than by sharing a story from one of our nurses.

Jacki Soohey, Assistant Nurse Manager, BSN RN, CEN, ME-SAFE-A/P

I grew up in Belfast and started my first job in healthcare as a Psych Tech in Bangor. As a tech, I was fascinated by the role of nurses, inspiring me to grow my skills. Shortly thereafter, I followed my passion by attending Husson University for nursing, allowing me the opportunity to begin inspiring others.

While working at another emergency department, I met Keri Kapaldo, who showed me the impact of caring for those in need in our community. Often the emergency room sees patients on one of their worst days, but I can be there for them, with compassionate care. The atmosphere of an emergency room, although seemingly chaotic to most, was an environment I thrived in. The day is ever-changing, but you truly make a difference. The impact of the ER resonated with me and when Keri mentioned a job at St. Joe’s, I jumped!

My start at St. Joe’s was as a charge nurse on another floor, eventually moving to my home in the ER. As soon as I joined the team, I found my people. St. Joe’s is such a special place to me because you are more than just a number, you are a part of something bigger. As nurses, we are celebrated at St. Joe’s. I am often in awe of the encouragement from the top down to truly listen and collaborate. I have been able to grow and encourage my team of nurses to develop their own skills, often right out of school. Being a part of a nursing graduate’s career growth gives me such a sense of pride.

As a nurse at St. Joe’s for six years, my role has evolved from coordinating to something more. For patients, I am there to ensure they are well cared for; for my nursing team I am a mentor; for my community, I am a collaborator with local organizations to coordinate resources for patients. Of all my roles the highlight has been working with St. Joe’s Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner (SAFE) program, the only one in Maine, providing 24/7 full-time nurses for victims of sexual assault and violence. It is an honor to work at St. Joe’s and I would encourage anyone looking for a meaningful role in nursing to consider applying.

Thank you to Jacki for sharing your story, and to all the Nurses at St. Joseph Healthcare and within our community for all you do. If you are interested in exploring nursing opportunities at St. Joe’s, visit stjosephbangor.org/careers or email Starr Corcoran at scorcoran@covh.org

BY ANNE GABBIANELLI

Nurses on the Road Inside the Life of a Traveling Nurse

Traveling to care for the ill is not a new concept. During the Civil War, Maine’s own Dorothea Dix was a recruiter for the Union Army nurses. It’s written that the Hampden-born health activist set impossibly high standards for recruited nurses, yet the legion of nurses was extremely successful and crucial in advancing the role of nurses in the war and in the medical field.

Modern day travel nursing became more formalized in the 1970s in Boston with the Traveling Nurse Corps. One current ad found on the internet reads: “Travel RN Jobs Across the USA — Make Up To $6,000 per Week,” and the travel nursing agencyrecruiter business is expansive.

According to the website Zippia, an internet job finding company, there are approximately 1.7 million travel nurses currently working in the United States alone.

The Vice President of Nursing and Patient Care Services at Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center (EMMC) acknowledged a nursing shortage issue back in 2015 with COVID accelerating the shortage. “Travel nursing has always been an integral part of our staffing strategy. We partner with select travel nursing companies who understand our specific needs and standards of care,” Deb Sanford said.

“We provide them with detailed requirements for each position, and they conduct a comprehensive evaluation and compliance process to ensure that the nurses they send us are a good fit for our care needs. The compensation for travel nurses is handled by the travel nursing companies. These companies determine the compensation package for each nurse, and we, in turn, pay the company for their services,” Sanford said.

University of Maine at Augusta’s Award-winning Online RN to BSN Program Ranked #1 in State for

COURTESY OF UNIVERSITY OF MAINE AT AUGUSTA

The University of Maine at Augusta (UMA) has Maine’s #1 most affordable online program for Registered Nurses (RNs) to complete their bachelor of science degree in nursing (BSN). Degree Prospects, LLC has issued the recognition through their website RNtoMSN.org, which is a comprehensive, easy-to-use website for registered nurses researching academic degree programs.

While our tuition rates are the lowest in the state, there are a number of ways to lower costs even further. The Financial Aid Office administers federal, state, and university aid programs to assist eligible students in financing their UMA education. In addition to the federal Pell Grant, UMA offers the Pine Tree State Pledge which is awarded to qualified new and transfer in-state full-time Pell recipients who have tuition and fees that are not covered by other grant aid.

“We also have merit scholarships, institutional scholarships, and a few named scholarships specifically for nursing students,” says Jamie Santiago, Director of Financial Aid at UMA. “To be considered for the maximum amount of financial aid possible, it is important to submit your FAFSA at studentaid.gov as early as you can,” recommends Santiago.

Dr. Shannon Gauvin, Director of Nursing, shares her pride in UMA’s program. “In addition to being the most affordable online RN-BSN program, we are one of only 17 programs in the US endorsed as a holistic nursing program by the American Holistic Nurses Credentialing Corporation (AHNA). Upon graduation, our nursing graduates can sit for their holistic nurse certification which offers nurses a way to

Affordability

distinguish themselves as experts in nursing practice, education, and research.”

The nursing department and its faculty have received numerous recognitions. In 2023, they were awarded the AHNA’s 2023 Institutional Excellence in Holistic Nursing Education Award. As program director, Gauvin received the 2022 Agnes E. Flaherty Nursing Leadership Award and the 2023 UMA College of Professional Studies Meritorious Award. The majority of the faculty hold certification in nursing education, holistic nursing, or other credentials to exemplify the academic and experiential qualifications of the faculty and staff and their commitment to student and program success.

The excellence of the program and hard work of the students was made evident recently when in 2023 they achieved a pass rate of 100% for first-time takers of the NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses), which is well above the 2023 average first-time pass rate of 88.56%, according to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN).

UMA’s Nursing Program, housed within the College of Professional Studies, continues its distinguished history of preparing nursing professionals who are not only skilled in clinical practice but also deeply committed to holistic and patientcentered care. This program equips students with the knowledge and skills to address the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of patients, fostering a holistic approach to healthcare. While students may choose UMA Nursing for its affordability, the quality of the education they receive has value far beyond the cost.

Maine is among 38 states enrolled in the Enhanced Nursing Licensure Compact allowing nurses to practice under one license in many states.

Olivia Foster, a registered nurse of seven years, left Bangor for a new adventure that has taken her to six different states. “My practice as a nurse really does not change, but my life has changed drastically. I have so much freedom and flexibility, and that is worth everything to me.”

The Vermont native decided to become a travel nurse along with a friend of hers almost four years ago. “We were 26 years old yet still felt like excited kids wanting to take advantage of our independence and freedom.”

While most contracts are for 13 weeks, Foster has extended her stay in a few places now and is currently in Denver, Colorado. Foster said the benefits include a high salary which she attributed to mistakes made during Covid. “I truly believe that if hospitals would have raised the salaries of their own nurses instead of throwing money at incredibly high-paid travelers that staffing shortages would not be so grave and nurses would be more satisfied across the country.”

Megan Perry of Etna took that initial leap with Foster, now traveling to four states. “You see first hand the healthcare in other areas and what the nurses there are struggling with [and] excelling at in their facilities,” Perry said.

Perry, a nurse of seven years, said, “Sometimes that means you see where Maine specifically is lacking in healthcare and other times you see where our state is doing well. Each place I worked, there were similarities showing where healthcare and specifically nurses are suffering as a whole which creates a connection and bonds us all together in this field.”

Elizabeth Owens of Bangor enjoyed being on the road from Baltimore to Santa Fe and acknowledged the “unknowns” of being a traveling nurse.

“The downside was always the risk of being canceled and having to possibly relocate at any time,” Owens said. “Finding housing in the locations you’re traveling to can be a big challenge as well, with not knowing the location well, being misled by a renter, and the cost alone. However, I found navigating in most unknown places more of an adventure than a stressor.”

Last year Owens came back home to Bangor. “The decision to stop traveling was very bittersweet, but missing the milestones of life back home was becoming more and more difficult.”

With her return she brought more experience. “My travel nurse journey helped me grow not only professionally, but as an individual navigating my own path in the world. Though there were many challenges to overcome and adapt to along the way, it was well worth the uncertainty.”

Ashley Kruger of Michigan, a registered nurse of four years, has decided to stay on in Bangor. Of her journeys thus far she said, “In three short years, I have been able to see more of the U.S. than I probably would have in 20 years. The downside though is you essentially live out of your car and move every three months. It’s hard to have a sense of home.”

Sanford said the traveling nurse program has been beneficial for EMMC because “travel nursing ensures that we can continue to provide high-quality care to our patients while helping out our employed nurses. Many travel nurses who come to our hospital choose to stay, bringing with them valuable experiences and perspectives that enrich our culture.”

“There is a knowledge gained that can only be achieved by having new experiences and being put in completely different scenery,” Perry said. “The opportunity to work while you travel is such a life changing way to grow as a nurse and as a person.”

A Beacon of Compassionate, Community Healthcare

COURTESY OF MDI HOSPITAL

Nestled in downtown Bar Harbor, MDI Hospital stands as a beacon of compassionate, community healthcare, where dedication to patients transcends the ordinary. The stories of nurses like Lily Sweeney, RN and Vicky Eaton, RN, BSN-SANE, exemplify the unwavering commitment and deep-rooted sense of community that define the institution. The two of them were recognized for 30 years of service each to MDI Hospital, 60 years of combined service to their beloved community.

Lily Sweeney’s journey began as a tourist enchanted by the charm of Bar Harbor over three decades ago. Little did she know that her visit would mark the beginning of a lifelong bond with MDI and the hospital. Through years of evolution in healthcare, from technological advancements to shifting protocols, Lily found solace in the enduring spirit of community and family at the hospital.

Reflecting on her experiences, Lily reminisces about the countless lives she’s touched and the bonds she’s forged with patients turned family. For her, every smile, every handshake, and every word of gratitude from those she’s cared for reaffirms the profound impact of compassionate nursing.

Similarly, Vicky Eaton’s story is one of devotion to her island community. Beginning as a candy striper and transitioning through various roles within the hospital, Vicky’s journey encapsulates the essence of dedication and growth. With each step, she embraced the evolving landscape of healthcare, witnessing firsthand the transformative power of personalized care and patient empowerment.

In Vicky’s eyes, MDI Hospital is more than a healthcare institution — it’s a sanctuary where patients find not only medical expertise but also unwavering support and compassion. As a clinical nursing supervisor, Vicky embodies the hospital’s mission to strengthen community health, fostering a culture of dignity and respect for every patient.

Both Lily and Vicky embody the mission and vision of MDI Hospital, where every staff member — from registration clerks and security staff, to doctors and surgeons — contributes to a collective effort of exceptional care. Their stories and impressive years of combined service, underscore the profound impact of our entire united healthcare team dedicated to the well-being of their community.

At MDI Hospital, patients aren’t just recipients of medical treatment: they’re welcomed into a family bound by compassion and commitment. It’s a place where the spirit of caregiving transcends boundaries, enriching the lives of patients and caregivers alike.

As Lily and Vicky attest, nursing isn’t merely a profession — it’s a calling, a vocation rooted in the profound privilege of making a difference in someone’s life. Their dedication serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of MDI Hospital and all our nurses and healthcare staff, where the spirit of community care continues to thrive.

Lily Sweeney, RN

Vicky Eaton, RN, BSN-SANE