Onboarding Experienced Non-Oncology Nurses to Address Staffing Shortages: Development of a Transitional Oncology Training Academy

I have worked for Baptist Health South Florida (BHSF) for 15 years. In 2005, I began my career at BHSF as a Clinical Partner (care tech) at Baptist Hospital’s Critical Care Unit. In 2006, I began working as a Critical Care nurse after completing an associate’s degree in Nursing. I was able to continue my education and complete a bachelor's degree in Nursing (BSN) and master's degree in Nursing (MSN) with a specialization as an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. In 2011, I began working as the Manager of Safety and Process Improvement for Critical Care, Progressive Care, and the Dialysis Unit. During that time, I completed a Doctorate Degree in Nursing Practice (DNP) in 2016. The Doctoral Capstone was a Clinical Protocol Change: Initiatives to Reduce Cather-Associated Urinary Tract Infections (CAUTI) in the Adult Critical Care Unit which decreased the CAUTI rate by 83% using an evidence-based practice prevention bundle. The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) recognized this exemplary work, and I was awarded the 2017 Certified Nurse Award, which was a true honor. I began working at the Miami Cancer Institute (MCI) in 2017 as the Director of Performance Improvement. Currently, I am working as the Director of Professional Nursing Practice Standards and Performance Improvement. This exciting role includes: all educational processes throughout the organization; oversight and development of the Transitional Academy for experienced nurses new to oncology; development of policies, procedures, and workflow processes; and all patient safety and accreditation activities.

Marguerite Rowell is the Assistant Vice President of Nursing at Miami Cancer Institute in Miami Florida. She over twenty years of experience in nursing, specifically, 10 years in neuroscience and over 6 years in oncology. She has presented on multiple occasions on a local and national level. Marguerite has a BSN from Florida International University, MSN from Nova Southeastern University and, MBA and master's in health management from St. Thomas University

Ms. Ryder’s extensive professional background encompasses over 37 years in both patient care and executive positions. She is a clinical expert in hospital operations and has been responsible for the growth of the renowned neuroscience and surgical programs at Baptist Hospital of Miami, where she began her career 29 years ago in surgery and the post-anesthesia care unit.

A member of the American College of Healthcare Executives and South Florida Organization of Healthcare Executives, Ms. Ryder also sits on the board of Living Hope Haiti. In this capacity, she has organized more than 24 Baptist Health surgical trips to the country, which provide life-changing surgery for Haitian residents in need.

Ms. Ryder holds two master's degrees in nursing and healthcare administration from the University of St. Francis.