Keith Joins BWH as Nurse Manager on 6BD
Jeannie Keith, MSN, RN, AOCN, CNAA, BC, in January began as nurse manager on Tower 6BD, in the Hematology/Bone Marrow Transplant Unit. She comes to BWH from Alaska, bringing significant clinical nursing and leadership experience.
Before moving across the country to BWH, Keith was director of nursing practice at Providence Alaska Medical Center, an academic medical center affiliated with the University of Alaska in Anchorage and the state’s main cancer center. As director of nursing practice, Keith developed a mentorship program, helped staff increase national nursing certifications and oversaw two research projects. Also, she was clinical manager of a 46-bed inpatient medical and medical oncology unit where she increased employee satisfaction, created and implemented a benchmarking staffing plan and identified data points for the development of the facility’s electronic medical record. In addition, Keith served as the assistant chief nurse executive at Alaska Regional Hospital and an adjunct faculty member at the university.
“In addition to tremendous clinical and leadership experience in a variety of health care settings, Jeannie brings an enthusiasm for nursing practice and commitment to advancing care,” said Carolyn Hayes, PhD, RN, CNAA-BC, director of Oncology Nursing and Clinical Services.
As one of three inpatient oncology nurse managers, Keith works closely with nurse manager colleagues Eileen Molina, BSN, RN, and Cindy Jodoin, BSN, MHA, in addition to colleagues throughout the Department of Nursing. On 6BD, she leads approximately 70 patient care staff while overseeing the daily operations of these two 15-bed units for bone marrow transplant and hematology patients.
“I’m here to support our staff to do the very best they can in providing care with a focus on professional practice and patient outcomes,” she said. As Keith becomes more familiar with the hospital and unit, she will begin working on pilot programs, including hourly rounding for improved outcomes, hand hygiene and patient satisfaction.
Keith said BWH has been friendly and welcoming to her. “I am amazed at the level of interaction and communication among nursing staff at this great institution,” Keith said.
Keith received her ASN from Bakersfield Community College in California, her BSN from the University of Washington and her MSN from the University of Phoenix. She remains active with the Oncology Nursing Society as coordinator of the Management and Program Development Special Interest Group.