Newton-Wellesley Hospital Expands Emergency Services

State-of the-art technology, quality patient care, and a strong commitment to the community have earned Newton-Wellesley a reputation as one of the nation’s best community teaching hospitals. A member of the Partners Healthcare System, the hospital offers a full range of medical, surgical, and specialty care, including a 24-hour emergency department, a dedicated pediatric emergency department, and orthopedic, critical care, and oncology inpatient units.

Now’s the time

There’s no better time to work at Newton-Wellesley Hospital. The largest expansion project in its 125-year history is nearing completion. In January 2007, the hospital will open the new Maxwell Blum Emergency Pavilion, creating a variety of career opportunities.

“It’s an exciting time to be here,” says Beth Taylor, director of human resources, who notes that the hospital is currently hiring doctors, nurses, emergency technicians, and administrative assistants to fully staff the expanded emergency department (ED).

Increasing its treatment bays from 17 to 36, the new ED will feature a state-of-the-art trauma room, eight dedicated pediatric treatment rooms, and diagnostic imaging within the emergency department including two digital x-ray suites and a 64-slice CT scanner.

“It’s a level of technology you don’t often find at a community hospital,” says Taylor, “and it allows us to provide our patients with the highest level of care possible.”

Visits to Newton-Wellesley’s ED have grown steadily from 35,000 in 1999 to about 48,000 in 2005. By 2008, Taylor says, visits will jump to about 55,000.

People make the difference

New facilities and technology aside, it’s the people who make Newton-Wellesley the premier community teaching hospital in Massachusetts, says Taylor. “It’s a very dedicated, compassionate staff and a warm friendly environment here. In the halls, people always smile and say hello.”

“People like to work here, and they stay, ” says Rob Swann, RN, emergency department nurse manager. Swann is excited about the brand new facilities and capabilities, but can’t say enough about his staff. “They’re dedicated; they’re passionate about what they do and they’re committed to providing quality care to our patients.”

A strong sense of teamwork and collaboration among doctors and nurses makes for team players who respect each other, adds Swann, who notes that the turnover rate at Newton-Wellesley’s ED is at an industry low. “Our leadership values the contributions of all our employees,” says Taylor, which is why so many feel like they really make a difference.

Big benefits

In return, Newton-Wellesley offers a competitive benefits package with some extras you don’t often find at community hospitals. A commitment to wellness, professional advancement, and families drives the onsite fitness center, master’s degree programs, and daycare, as well as a loan forgiveness program. And don’t forget the free onsite parking, adds Taylor. Newton-Wellesley’s $70+ million capital improvement project increases the ED space from 10,500 to 35,000 square feet, but also creates plenty of additional parking. “Something you don’t always get when you work in Boston,” says Taylor.

“We’re looking for people with an excellent technical skill set, who are also very service-oriented and really care about people,” Taylor says. The fact that they get to work in brand new facilities with state-of-the-art technology is just icing on the cake.

For more information on job opportunities at Newton-Wellesley, visit www.nwh.org.