As good as it gets
A 20-year member of the nursing profession, Laura Grill, RN, BSN, MBA, began her career as a nursing assistant while in college and then assumed various critical care and cardiology positions before embracing nursing administration.
As Vice-President of Patient Care Services at East Alabama Medical Center, Opelika, Ala., Grill works in an environment that she characterizes as "a culture of challenge and risk-taking without fear of failure," which she believes is key to professional development. "Our CEO encourages a very informal structure with a simple mission and philosophy of 'do the right thing.'" says Grill. "It just doesn't get any better than that."
A well-rounded perspective
"During my 32-year career, I've had the privilege of viewing nursing from various perspectives-first as a staff nurse, then as an educator and administrator," says Ellen Hamilton, RN, MSN, CNA, CHE.
As Vice-President of Nursing at Halifax Regional Medical Center, Roanoke Rapids, N.C., Hamilton strives to bring about positive change that simplifies processes while easing nurses' workloads and enhancing patient outcomes. Says Hamilton, "Our profession has gone through revolutionary changes during my career, yet we still face major issues. I look forward to navigating nursing through the white water of health care economy into a smooth, successful future."
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