Mentorship, empowerment key to bedside nursing excellence, CNO says

Westchester Medical Center’s consistent, standardized care delivery focused on strong measurable patient outcomes and evidence-based practice resulted in nurses at the Valhalla, N.Y. hospital receiving awards from the Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses and the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses. To instill nursing excellences, CNO and AONL member Phyllis Yezzo, DNP, RN urges CNOs to create a mentorship environment and learning atmosphere that encourages and supports critical thinking. The environment also should empower nurses to work at the top of their license. Westchester provides a structured orientation, hands-on training and ongoing professional development to build clinical strength. Yezzo notes experienced unit nurses mentor novice nurses and incorporate them as team members. (HealthLeaders Media article, 5/11/26)