For Nurses

On-the-Job Development

Several professional growth opportunities are afforded to Highland Nurses.

ASPN Clinical Ladder

Our Advanced System for Professional Nurses (ASPN) fosters the growth and development of Highland nursing staff throughout their careers. ASPN includes a system of recognition and rewards for nurses who provide outstanding patient care and clinical and leadership expertise. It fosters empowerment and motivates nurses to achieve higher levels of excellence as they progress through their career pathway. Criteria for ASPN advancement at Highland include years of proven experience on the job and achievement of the goals below.

ASPN 1

1

GNs and RNs with no professional nursing experience are hired at Level 1. RNs may be promoted after successful completion of orientation and demonstration of clinical competency.
ASPN 2

2

RNs in this category are in charge nurse roles; precept new nursing staff; participate on unit, department, or organization-wide committees; and develop unit-based learning.
ASPN 3

3

An RN in this category can be a preceptor/education coordinator, permanent shift charge nurse, unit scheduling coordinator, and an ASPN Review Board Participant.
ASPN 4

4

RNs in this level are clinical leaders and assume leadership responsibility of the unit in the absence of the nurse manager.

Transfers

As your career progresses at Highland Hospital, you may be interested in transferring to another department. Highland offers employees this option after 12 months in a position. This allows our nurses the opportunity to experience new responsibilities and achieve new goals.

Continued Professional Growth (CPG) Program

Our Continued Professional Growth (CPG) Program provides a unique career opportunity. This is an educational program that allows a temporary "risk-free" transfer to a specialized clinical nursing area. When you complete this program, you decide if you want to stay in your new position or return to your original unit.