Strengthening Our Workforce
MHMMC care teams move patients into the new Malone Family Tower.
Strengthening Our Workforce
MHMMC care teams move patients into the new Malone Family Tower.
The Future of Nursing
With the health care landscape constantly evolving, MaineHealth stands at the forefront of empowering nurses to grow, innovate and lead in a variety of settings. Whether it’s in a bustling tertiary hospital, a rural clinic or providing compassionate care in a long-term care facility, our nurses have the unique opportunity to choose a work environment that best fits their passion and skills.
One of the hallmarks of a nursing career at MaineHealth is the wide array of opportunities for professional development. Nurses can advance their careers through leadership roles or by delving into educational support, ensuring that they are not only caregivers but also pioneers of health care excellence. The future looks particularly promising as we integrate advanced information technology to enhance bedside care, offering nurses a role in shaping the future of patient care through initiatives like shared governance and clinical ladder development.
Sharon Baughman, DNP, MSN, BSN, RN
As the Chief Nursing Officer of MaineHealth, Sharon Baughman, DNP, MSN, BSN, RN, says there is “no greater privilege than leading a dedicated and skilled nursing workforce.”
“Visiting our various sites, engaging with our nurses and collaborating with leaders through the Chief Nursing Officer Council are some of the most rewarding aspects of my role,” said Baughman. “Together, we are committed to improving and standardizing practices across our network, ensuring that every nurse at MaineHealth is equipped to deliver the highest quality of care.”
Addressing Challenges, Together
Nurses today face significant challenges, from workplace violence to the need for adequate resources in caring for an evolving patient base. Baughman said MaineHealth is proactively addressing these issues through comprehensive training, risk assessments and the standardization of policies and procedures. “By fostering open communication and providing ongoing education, we ensure that our nurses have the support they need to overcome these challenges and deliver exceptional care,” said Baughman.
The next 5-10 years promise exciting advancements for the nursing profession. With the integration of artificial intelligence and virtual care technologies, nurses will play a critical role in these emerging fields while continuing to provide indispensable bedside care.
Collaboration is key to delivering comprehensive patient care. MaineHealth’s multidisciplinary committees and groups exemplify this spirit of teamwork, with nurses working alongside other health care professionals to reduce variations in patient care and standardize practices across its network.
“Whether it’s through multidisciplinary rounding or the harmonization of care protocols, the success of our interdisciplinary teams highlights the power of collaboration in achieving excellence in health care,” said Baughman.
Supporting Learning
Education is the cornerstone of excellence in nursing, and MaineHealth is deeply committed to supporting nurses in their pursuit of knowledge.
“For new nurses, the transition from academia to clinical practice can be daunting. That’s why MaineHealth has developed a comprehensive Nurse Residency Program, designed to bridge the gap between education and practice,” added Baughman. This program, tailored to each local health system, equips newly graduated registered nurses with the skills and confidence they need to thrive in their roles. From learning about resilience and safety to professional development in areas like evidence-based practice and clinical ethics, the program is dedicated to helping new nurses succeed.
Nurses aspiring to leadership roles are encouraged to take initiative by joining committees or spearheading projects in their areas of work. By pursuing advanced degrees like a Bachelor of Science in Nursing or a master’s degree, nurses can further position themselves for leadership opportunities, guided by mentors who are invested in their success.
More About Workforce Development at MaineHealth
Armando Francisco
“I use my language skills with positive energy to help patients feel comfortable when they come to the clinics,” said Armando Francisco, MaineHealth patient service representative.
Armando Francisco, a MaineHealth patient service representative, is advancing his English language skills and greets and registers patients in four other languages – Portuguese, Spanish, French and Lingala. “The look on our patients faces tells the story; they light up when Armando asks them what language they prefer and then he is able to assist them,” said Debra Pyle, Practice Manager, MaineHealth Primary Care, Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Portland.
MaineHealth is committed to supporting care team members in their career growth and investing in resources to help them expand their knowledge and skills. The English Language Learner course offered through MaineHealth’s Center for Workforce Development aims to guide them into elevated positions. Giovani Yamutuale, who works in Environmental Services at MaineHealth Maine Medical Center Portland, credits the course on improving conversation skills. “I can have a conversation with the patients that I meet. Now I see myself reaching my goals.”
Many of the students take time outside of their typical work schedule to pursue this learning, according to Joe Baty, MaineHealth Workforce Development Manager. “As a learning health system, MaineHealth is actively seeking ways to help both current and future care team members grow their careers and gain the tools they need to do so.”
Comprehensive Language Access Plan Succeeds
Additionally, MaineHealth implemented a comprehensive language access plan to ensure that all patients—regardless of language or disability—can engage in patient-centered conversations and easily access services. Every patient-facing area has undergone a needs assessment, leading to the deployment of additional resources across the system.
These resources include transparent masks, interpreter iPads, dry erase boards, magnifying glasses, videophones and personal assistive listening devices. Additionally, MaineHealth Translation has translated over 645 documents into the patient population’s top five languages, covering essential materials such as consent forms, patient education materials and discharge instructions.
Margie Placides
Margie Placides is the first RN in this international program to join MaineHealth full-time.
April 7, 2024, was a memorable date in the nursing career of Margie Placides. On this day she officially became a MaineHealth care team member at Quarry Hill Retirement Community, upon completing a three-year assignment in Health Carousel’s PassportUSA program, which brought her from her home in Catanduenes, Philippines to Camden, Maine in April 2021.
MaineHealth has been seeking to attract nurses internationally to address staffing shortages across all platforms within the system since 2019. The system has RNs on assignment with additional candidates set to arrive in the next 12 months.
“I appreciate the incredible camaraderie amongst my colleagues who make each day enjoyable. Our teamwork is impeccable, and we all share a common goal: providing top-notch care to our residents,” said Margie Placides, RN.
According to Quarry Hill Executive Director/Administrator Loriman Looke, the international program is a win-win solution. Not only does it provide nurses the opportunity to achieve their dreams, but it allows residents of communities like Quarry Hill to expand their horizons.
As the BIOLAB’s work continues, MaineHealth’s Workforce Development team is looking into opportunities for care team members to get involved by leading lessons in the lab either in-person or remotely in the coming year.
In the spring of 2024, MaineHealth partnered with Educate Maine on a new initiative investing in the future of our health care workforce. The Maine Mobile BIOLAB is a state-of-the-art science lab on wheels, bringing hands-on educational experiences to middle school students (grades 5-8), focusing on rural and under-resourced communities. The BIOLAB visited 12 schools, worked with 51 teachers and connected over 2,750 students with state-of-the art equipment and hands-on life science curriculum in the first half of 2024.
Lucy Liaw, Faculty Scientist and Professor, MaineHealth Institute for Research, has been key in supporting the project. Liaw is excited about bringing STEMM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics, medicine) education to a younger audience—especially young girls. “It’s been noted that girls can lose interest in STEMM at a young age due to a lack of role models, exposure, or confidence, and this lab shows them that they can do this work and pursue a STEMM-related career in the future,” remarked Liaw.