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New Nursing Chief Drawn by Tradition of ExcellenceKathleen Bechtel, MSN, RN, grew up on a dairy farm in Ozaukee County. Following a 30-year career in clinical nursing, nursing education and progressive nursing leadership positions in Minnesota, she recently returned to Wisconsin to take on the role of chief nursing officer at Froedtert Hospital.
According to Bechtel, Froedtert Hospital’s unique 7/70 nursing schedule is a key ingredient of quality care. “Our nurses work 10 hours a day for seven days in a row. That facilitates continuity and helps nurses detect subtle changes in how a patient is coping, healing and responding to treatment,” she said. “Patients say they love it, because they don’t start over with a new nurse every day.”
Froedtert Hospital is also recognized on the national level for its high-quality nursing services, having earned the “Magnet” designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center, an accomplishment fewer than 6.5 percent of hospitals obtain.
“Magnet organizations truly lead and advance the profession of nursing,” Bechtel said. “That’s one reason I wanted to be here, and it is very much aligned with the mission of Froedtert & The Medical College of Wisconsin, which includes providing high-quality patient care, advancing scientific discovery and technology and teaching the next generation of health professionals.”
Source: Froedtert Today Date: May 2010 Online Editor(s): Robin Schultz |