VITAS Healthcare attributes its success in great measure to its highly trained, caring, compassionate nurses. During National Nurses Week, and every week of the year, VITAS recognizes the important role that nurses play in the delivery of quality end-of-life care.With more than 4,000 registered nurses and licensed practical nurses/licensed vocational nurses who work as part of interdisciplinary teams that include physicians, social workers, chaplains, aides, volunteers, and other specially trained individuals, VITAS is able to provide quality care for more than 14,000 patients daily. Several VITAS nurses are Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Nurses who dedicate themselves to caring for critically ill and dying patients and are uniquely qualified to handle the physical, emotional, and spiritual issues that usually surround death and dying.
Some highlights of how VITAS actively supports the continued education and advancement of nurses in South Florida:
• Through its strong 10-plus year partnership with the National Black Nurses Association, VITAS offers an End-of-Life Nursing Education Consortium continuing education training program at the NBNA’s chapter and regional meetings and at its annual national conference. This training program is designed to prepare nurses for the exam administered by City of Hope National Medical Center and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. The ELNEC project gives nurses the knowledge and skills required to provide specialized palliative care to patients with serious or life-limiting illnesses.
• VITAS maintains close relationships with several schools in South Florida, including the University of Miami School of Nursing and Health Studies in Coral Gables, Atlantic Technical Center in Margate, Sheridan Technical Center in Hollywood, Miami Dade College in Kendall and Palm Beach State College in Lake Worth. At the end of every semester/term, students are selected to receive a Compassionate Care Award. This award is presented by a VITAS employee at each school’s respective bi-annual pinning ceremonies, and is used to recognize students who have demonstrated dedication, drive and passion for nursing careers. VITAS also has established a partnership with Sheridan Technical Center to teach nursing students about hospice and train them as prospective employees.
• VITAS’ Nursing Scholarship Program helps high-achieving home health aides and LPNs pay for college courses that support their advancement to RN status. In addition to its clinical training programs, VITAS provides team-building training programs as well as modules on effective communication skills, time management, diversity, employee coaching and counseling, and stress management techniques for managers.
• VITAS remains actively involved as a member and supporter of notable nursing organizations that are dedicated to advance the profession, including the National Association of Hispanic Nurses and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. Moreover, VITAS has teamed up with Palm Healthcare Foundation to co-sponsor a multi-media celebration of nursing called “Thank a Nurse.” This program enables the public to share stories of outstanding nurses in the community and elevate awareness of the meaningful work they do every day.
As part of its commitment to the nurses it employs and the patients it serves, VITAS will continue to expand its nurse-focused programs and partnerships.
