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Excellence in practice

Our nurses are leaders and decision makers with ideas worth sharing. Organized into three centers, PeaceHealth St. Joseph’s Institute for Nursing Excellence exists to help them practice at the highest level possible. 

We invest in our nurses' innovative ideas, professional development and clinical expertise because it benefits not just our caregivers and patients, but also our wider Whatcom County community.

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Center for Research and Innovation

The St. Joseph Center for Research and Innovation helps nurses apply their creativity, energy and talent to improving clinical care. Through this program, nurses influence decisions that affect their work environment and explore new ways to advance care. The center offers nurses:

  • A platform for sharing ideas
  • A strong voice in clinical decision-making
  • Resources to take ideas from concept to practice
  • Funding to attend conferences
  • Help conducting and sharing research
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Center for Professional Growth and Development

The Center for Professional Growth and Development helps our nurses grow and transform their clinical and leadership skills. Its programs allow nurses to achieve new levels of excellence, engagement and leadership. The center offers:

  • Guided explorations of nursing career paths
  • Access to our Professional Nurse Advancement Program
  • Programs to earn additional certifications
  • Support to gain advanced degrees while working full time
  • Leadership training and certification
  • On-site learning opportunities
  • Mentoring programs
  • Leadership development
  • Scholarships and tuition reimbursement 
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Center for Clinical Expertise

The Center for Clinical Expertise brings new nurses into our community and helps current nurses find their next opportunity within PeaceHealth. The center also tends to our workplace culture, ensuring that nurses are part of a diverse and inclusive clinical community. Its programs include:

  • A nursing residency for new graduates transitioning into their careers
  • A nurse technician program that connects students and recent grads to work opportunities
  • Nursing fellowships to help current St. Joseph nurses transition into new fields
  • Sponsorship for presenting at professional conferences

Led by experienced nurses
 

Melissa Laitsch

Melissa Laitsch, MFA, MSN, RN, CCRN 
Director of Nursing and Clinical Excellence

Melissa (she/her/hers) has leadership experience across the fields of nursing, healthcare, communications, business management and higher education. She holds a master’s degree in nursing from Western Governors University and an MFA from Vermont College of Norwich University. Melissa began her nursing career as an intensive care nurse and has spent more than a decade at PeaceHealth St. Joseph in various roles.

 

Carrie Kronberg

Carrie Kronberg, MN, RN, CCRN, NPD-BC 
Professional Practice Leader

Carrie (she/her) has 12 years of experience in clinical education, intensive care and medical surgical nursing. Throughout her career, she has been recognized for her ability to foster collaboration and drive innovation within her teams. Carrie holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Northern Michigan University and a master’s degree in nursing education from Oregon Health & Science University.

 

Support Our Work

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Make your gift in support of nursing excellence through the PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center Foundation.

 Donate now 

Come Care With Us

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Find career advancement opportunities, a nurse-friendly culture and work-life balance at PeaceHealth St. Joseph.

Get Involved

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Request resources, explore programs, and learn more about our career development opportunities.

Our location

 

 

St. Joseph Medical Center

St. Joseph Medical Center

2980 Squalicum Pkwy
Marble Building, Suite 102
Bellingham, WA 98225