Nursing at Rush-Copley

Philosophy

The nursing philosophy at Rush-Copley is based on Dr. Jean Watson's theory of human caring.  Dr.  Watson is  a Distinguished Professor of Nursing and holds an endowed Chair in Caring Science at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center.  

Her theories on caring speak to the relationship nurses develop with their patients through their actions.  Our nurses seek to not only provide care, but establish a compassionate trusting relationship with their patients.

Nursing Leadership

Nursing at Rush-Copley subscribes to a very simple philosophy. We foster an environment that nurtures our nurses. Quite simply, we care for nurses so they can care for patients. The nursing community is guided by six principles that support this simple belief: shared decision-making, collaborative communication, advancement and recognition, education and academic pursuits, staffing and scheduling, and clinical and non-clinical support systems.

Shared Decision-Making

Through an organizational structure known as "Partnership," Rush-Copley encourages nurses to be involved in all aspects of decision-making. Staff members participate on councils devoted to the practice, research, education, problem solving and improvement of patient care. These councils ensure that the nursing voice contributes to the best outcomes possible on behalf of nurses and patients.

Collaborative Communication

Teamwork is a term often given much attention but not enough action. At Rush-Copley, nurses are supported and respected as vital colleagues whose opinions matter and whose contributions are recognized. Collaborative communication is a Rush-Copley hallmark and includes coworkers, physicians and other professionals working toward a common goal. As a result of these efforts, nurses rate coworkers at the 95th percentile for teamwork. In addition, nurses also rate physicians respect for their contributions at the 99th percentile based on annual employee engagement research.

Advancement and Recognition

While those called to serve others in the healthcare profession are among the most compassionate and dedicated you’ll find, Rush-Copley believes that recognizing and rewarding top talent is a must for both retention and satisfaction. Here, nurses are recognized and rewarded through a variety of means, using both formal and informal methods. From events and contests to financial incentives, peers and supervisors alike routinely single out nurses for the enormous contributions they make to the medical center.

Advancement opportunities abound at Rush-Copley for the nurse who strives to take their talent to the next level. While keeping bedside patient care at the forefront, Rush-Copley’s clinical advancement program elevates nurses who choose to expand their scope and influence.

Education and Academic Pursuits

Many a mature individual has credited the pursuit of knowledge as the key to happiness and fulfillment. At Rush-Copley, nurses and encouraged to engage in continued educational achievement. Nurses are offered the option of completing their baccalaureate and/or master's degrees while employed at the medical center. Further, nurses receive continuing education that is recognized by the State of Illinois. These programs are offered free of charge to nurses. In addition, many nursing professionals have achieved clinical specialty certification at the highest levels available. These achievements increase the clinical knowledge of staff nurses with a dual outcome: nurses receive financial incentives for completing advanced degrees and certifications, and patients benefit from heightened expertise.

Staffing and Scheduling

Balance is essential to high quality, whether related to patient to nurse ratios or scheduling to meet the work/life needs of employees. At Rush-Copley, staffing levels support appropriate workloads to ensure safe levels of care. Patient ratios are monitored every four hours to make certain that staffing levels are adequate.

Juggling the demands of career and home life can be a challenge. Rush-Copley provides flexible schedules, many self-designed, to avoid fatigue and to aid nurses in their pursuit of work/home/life balance.

Clinical and Non-Clinical Support Systems

More than 500 professionals make up the nursing community at Rush-Copley. While a force within the medical center, nurses are supported by a variety of resources. With a wide range of systems, nurses are provided with electronic communication, medication safety devices and well as access to clinical specialists. Clearly, nurses at Rush-Copley enjoy a highly supportive practice environment.