NURSING AT McLEAN
Nursing Scholarships
The Nursing Department at McLean Hospital has always supported mental health specialists who go back to school to become registered nurses. In 2002, a scholarship was created to assist mental health specialists in achieving this goal. To date, 12 clinicians have received the $1,500 scholarship, and eight have gone on to complete their nursing education. Six returned to work at McLean's as new graduate nurses.
In the winter of 2007, the scholarship was expanded to include nurses enrolled in academic programs, and we're pleased to announce that Donna Tito, RN, and Jeanne McEhlhinney, RN, have been selected to receive these scholarships.
A nurse on the Short Term Unit (STU), Tito began her nursing career after a stint as a stay-at-home mom when her children were young. She pursued her dream and enrolled in an associate degree program. While in school, she worked on the Transplant Unit at Lahey Clinic where she was assigned to a young suicidal patient. The encounter had a powerful effect, and Tito knew that night she wanted to become a psychiatric nurse. Luckily for McLean, Tito chose the STU where she has worked for the past five years.
Tito recently enrolled in the RN to BSN program at Salem State College to gain a broader base of nursing knowledge to prepare herself for the challenges of the future. As Clare Sellig, RN, nurse director, wrote, "Donna raises the clinical competence on our unit with her blend of skills, warmth, empathy, and reliability."
McEhlhinney has worked at McLean Hospital for more than 20 years (including a brief stint as a mental health specialist). During that time, McEhlhinney has been one of our most active staff members, taking the initiative to get involved in projects on her unit and hospital-wide. She has co-led patient groups, taught and oriented new staff, and participated on the Restraint and Seclusion CQI Team.
McEhlhinney's commitment to improving patient care is evident whether on the Psychotic Disorder Unit or more recently in the residential setting. Her compassionate, respectful approach to patients and staff has allowed McEhlhinney to build positive relationships throughout the McLean community. She has been recognized by the Nursing Department for her exemplary care with both the Tibbetts and Conrad awards.
McEhlhinney is attending Regis College where she is pursuing a BSN and master's degree in Nursing Leadership. We look forward to her return to McLean and her ever-expanding role in the Nursing Department.