Hillary is an accomplished nurse with 16 years of experience at Maine Medical Center and a passion for creating a thriving learning environment for the next generation of nurses. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from the University of New England, she found her passion in medical-surgical nursing, with a particular focus on nephrology, urology, and renal transplantation developing a deep understanding of these specialties.
Driven by a desire to empower others and stay at the forefront of her field, Hillary pursued a Master of Science in Nursing Education (MSN-Ed) at Purdue Global University. This dedication to education fueled her transition to a Clinical Nurse Educator role at MMC five years ago.
In her current role, Hillary fosters a culture of continuous learning for all nursing staff by implementing innovative educational strategies that ensure competency and best practices. Her passion extends to supporting new graduates in their transition to practice, promoting professional development for all nurses, and implementing effective CAUTI prevention strategies. She is also serving as an instructor for the MMC SJC Nursing Program.
Recognizing the unique challenges faced by new graduates entering the workforce during the COVID-19 pandemic, Hillary spearheaded the development of an innovative orientation program. This program specifically catered to their needs, providing them with the tools and support necessary for a smooth transition to practice. Her innovative approach, informed by the latest research on COVID-era graduate needs, proved highly successful. The program is now recognized as a model, having been replicated and expanded to other medical-surgical units at Maine Medical Center.
Project Name: Transforming Renal Transplant Nursing Education