Join the team Interested in a role at CMH? Visit columbiamemorial.org/ apply to learn how to join our team. Other community efforts In addition to the on-the-job training programs, CMH offers several full scholarships for medical assistant and certified nursing assistant students who attend Clatsop Community College programs. CMH plays a big part in the college’s Nursing Program, as well, covering the annual salary for an instructor and welcoming students for clinical rotations. In addition, in 2024, the hospital began offering scholarships to students in each of four local high schools who are interested in health care careers. CMH now employs more than 925 caregivers, and the growth continues. of the training occurs on the job, some additional studying must be completed independently. “At least 50% of the caregivers who [have gone] through this program were already working at CMH, so this provides a stepping stone for caregivers and the opportunity to advance their career and improve their life situations,” Chow says. “Especially with everything costing more, we need to offer advancement every chance we can.” Nurse Residency Program supports new nurses Leah Allen, RN, remembers feeling overwhelmed with everything she had yet to learn when she started her nursing journey. “Learning the ins and outs of the unit, trying to find my own nursing flow, and getting in the habit of working 12-hour shifts was a lot for me,” Allen says. “Working in a profession and specialty that I was passionate about, with patients who were so kind and patient with me during the beginning stages of my learning process, made it so worth it.” During this time, Allen found support from her co-workers and fellow nurses in the Nurse Residency Program at CMH. The program, now in its third year, offers newly graduated nurses a comprehensive, one-year journey designed to ease their transition from student to professional. The residency begins with intensive sessions, where participants meet twice a month for the first three months and once a month for the remaining nine. This structure creates a collaborative atmosphere where nurses can discuss shared experiences and challenges. “I owe a lot to my co-workers who trained me and took me under their wings to mentor and support me,” Allen says. “The Nurse Residency Program was also a great resource for support, education and comradery amongst my fellow recent graduates who were going through the same ups and downs I was. The program helped me further gain the tools necessary for being a safe and supportive nurse.” Newly graduated nurses are encouraged to apply for any nursing position at CMH. If selected, they are automatically enrolled in the residency program, ensuring a smooth transition into their new roles. Emily Collins (second from left), clinical education coordinator, leads trainings for new nurses in the Nurse Residency Program. Jeff Chow, PharmD, is the manager of the Outpatient Pharmacy at CMH. COLUMBIAMEMORIAL.ORG Late Spring 2025 5
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