FARMINGTON – Registered nurse Nancy Smith has attained the status of Clinical Ladder II in Franklin Memorial Hospital’s Clinical Ladders program.

Clinical Ladders provides opportunities for nurses to advance in status and in salary through recognition of the highest standards of professionalism and excellence.

Smith works on the third floor medical/surgical unit and has worked at Franklin Memorial Hospital for two years.

The Clinical Ladders program was designed to allow registered nurses to advance within the profession without leaving patient care. There are educational requirements, peer and administrative recommendations, and a working status of at least one year at FMH.

“Historically, the only advancement registered nurses had was through an administrative route, so this program gives nurses a way for advancement while they remain doing what they love most: caring for their patients,” said Tracy Harty, FMH director of nursing.

“The essence of professional nursing is clinical practice,” Harty added. “It is only natural that nurses who continue to practice in a clinical setting and who continue to advance in clinical knowledge and expertise should receive recognition and rewards.”

In order to achieve the Clinical Ladder II status, the nurse must also write a letter of their impact over the past year specifically citing a positive patient, peer, clinical department, or community outcome. Smith’s letter described working with fellow nurse, Kim Erdman, as her preceptor (clinical teacher) in training her for the unit’s busy night shift.

The Clinical Ladder’s program at Franklin Memorial has three levels for clinical nurses, levels one through three. Currently, 15 registered nurses are at the Clinical Ladder II level.

“The nurses can look at the expectations for each level and compare themselves to see how they measure up or what they can aspire to,” said Harty. “The ladder benefits everyone involved, from the patients to the nurses to the hospital. And that translates into better patient care.”