Tag: Mercy Hospital Washington


Eoloff to Address ECC Class of 2024


April 21, 2024 | Campus News ECC Rolla

Eric Eoloff, President of Mercy Washington and Lincoln communities, will deliver the commencement address at East Central College’s graduation ceremony on May 11. Since 2016, Eoloff has served in his role at Mercy Washington, the largest employer in Franklin County, overseeing the operations of Mercy’s clinics and hospital in the Four Rivers area.

ECC’s 54th Commencement ceremony will be inside the College gym in the Donald D. Shook Student Center on the Union campus, starting at noon. Attendees are urged to be in the gym by noon. There will be no entry once the processional begins.

In anticipation of the ceremony, Eoloff expressed his appreciation for ECC and its role in nurturing professionals across various career paths.

He emphasized the college’s focus on practical training and partnerships with local facilities, which not only prepare students for success but also contribute to the overall health consciousness of the community.

“I greatly appreciate East Central College in our community for its commitment to nurturing talent,” Eoloff said. “The college’s emphasis on practical training and partnerships ensures a pipeline of skilled professionals and fosters a sense of community health consciousness that aligns seamlessly with our hospital’s mission.”

Furthermore, Eoloff highlighted Mercy’s longstanding partnership with ECC, facilitating the delivery of healthcare services in Franklin County and neighboring areas. He expressed eagerness to recruit ECC graduates, citing their readiness and often, prior experience in clinical settings.

“Mercy enjoys our longstanding partnership with ECC. It allows more services to be delivered locally here in greater Franklin County and neighboring counties. We are eager to hire ECC graduates because they come to us well-prepared and, quite often, already experienced in our settings.”

Background on Eoloff

Before assuming his current position, Eoloff held various leadership positions within Mercy, including Chief Operating Officer of Mercy Hospital St. Louis and President of Mercy Laboratories. His extensive tenure at Mercy, a healthcare system spanning 45 acute care hospitals and over 1,000 physician practices across multiple states, reflects his commitment to advancing excellence.

He holds a master’s degree in healthcare administration from the University of Minnesota and a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Oregon. Eoloff is dedicated to fostering talent in the field and serves as a distinguished leader.

Originally from St. Paul, Minnesota, Eric and his wife, Gina, have six children and three grandchildren.

For more information about the commencement ceremony and East Central College, visit www.eastcentral.edu.


Nursing Grads Presented with Awards at Pinning Ceremony


May 23, 2023 | Campus News ECC Rolla Images

Six East Central College Nursing Program graduates were recognized during a pinning ceremony May 13 for their hard work in the classroom and during clinicals.

Two students, Jozlyn Bolte, ECC-Rolla; and Kelsey Blackwell, ECC in Union, were presented the Outstanding Nursing Student awards.

To be considered for the ECC Outstanding Nursing Student award, the college has had to make a difference in the life of the student.

For some cases, had ECC not been in their community, they most likely would not have realized the dream of becoming a nurse. The award winners also display success in the classroom and the clinical setting.

Jozlyn Bolte

Jozlyn Bolte is this year’s East Central College Rolla Outstanding Nursing Student. Pictured, from left, are Nancy Tappe, nursing adjunct instructor; Julie Chirban and Jon Elias, Rolla faculty members; Bolte, Jeannie Miles, Rolla faculty member; Joannie Blakely, Rolla nursing program director; and Lavonda Lawson, Rolla nursing program administrative assistant.

Kelsey Blackwell

Nursing student Kelsey Blackwell is the recipient of the Union East Central College Outstanding Nursing Student Award. Pictured, from left, are Jessica Horn, Union nursing program administrative assistant; Brittany Clark and Jessica Van Leer, Union faculty members; Blackwell, Dr. Connie Wissbaum, Union faculty member; Judy Bieker, Union nursing program director; and Julie Beck, Allied Health program assistant.

Spirit of Excellence Awards

Four nursing students — Avery Akers, Nathaniel Wissman, Kelsea Smith and Kyleigh Payne — were presented with Spirit of Clinical Excellence awards from the college’s community health care partners.

Each year, Mercy Hospital Washington, Phelps Health in Rolla and Missouri Baptist Hospital Sullivan present nursing graduates with Spirit of Clinical Excellence Awards during the pinning ceremony marking the completion of the program.

Akers received the Phelps Health award, Wissman received the Mercy award, and Smith and Payne each received a Spirit of Clinical Excellence Award from Missouri Baptist Hospital Sullivan.

The awards were presented to the graduates by ECC Nursing faculty from Union and Rolla.

To be consider for the Spirit of Clinical Excellence Awards, the graduate nurse must demonstrate: characteristics of caring and compassion; the spirit of inquiry; exceptional critical thinking and decision making; and superior organizational skills and the ability to effectively prioritize.

Avery Akers

East Central College nursing Avery Akers received the Phelps Health Spirit of Clinical Excellence in Nursing award this year. She is pictured with, from left, Nancy Tappe, nursing adjunct instructor; Julie Chirban and Jon Elias, Rolla faculty members; Kait Roy, Phelps Health nurse recruiter; Akers, Jeannie Miles, Rolla faculty member; Joannie Blakely, Rolla nursing program director; and Lavonda Lawson, Rolla nursing program administrative assistant.

Kelsea Smith

The Missouri Baptist Sullivan Spirit of Clinical Excellence in Nursing Award was presented to East Central College Rolla nursing student Kelsea Smith. Pictured, from left, are Nancy Tappe, nursing adjunct instructor; Julie Chirban and Jon Elias, Rolla faculty members; Cassie Friday, Missouri Baptist nurse manager; Heather Sluis, Missouri Baptist clinical educator; Smith, Jeannie Miles, Rolla faculty member; Tiffanie Alfermann, Missouri Baptist assistant nurse manager; Joannie Blakely, Rolla nursing program director; and Lavonda Lawson, Rolla nursing program administrative assistant.

Nathaniel Wissman

Nathaniel Wissman received the Mercy Spirit of Clinical Excellence in Nursing. Pictured, from left, are Jessica Horn, Union nursing program administrative assistant; Brittany Clark and Jessica Van Leer, Union faculty members; Wissman, Dr. Connie Wissbaum, Union faculty member; Judy Bieker, Union nursing program director; and Julie Beck, Allied Health program assistant.

Kyleigh Payne

East Central College Union nursing student Kyleigh Payne is the Missouri Baptist Sullivan Spirit of Clinical Excellence in Nursing Award recipient. Pictured, from left, are Jessica Horn, Union nursing program administrative assistant; Tiffanie Alfermann, Missouri Baptist assistant nurse manager; Brittany Clark and Jessica Van Leer, Union faculty members; Cassie Friday, Missouri Baptist nurse manager; Payne, Dr. Connie Wissbaum, Union faculty member; Judy Bieker, Union nursing program director; Julie Beck, Allied Health program assistant; and Heather Sluis, Missouri Baptist clinical educator.


ECC Nursing Grads Recognized for Classroom Work and Clinicals


December 16, 2022 | Campus News ECC Rolla

Four East Central College Rolla nursing graduates were recognized for outstanding work in clinicals and in the classroom.

Lauren Pilkington, Tiffany Rademacher, Leslie Crabtree and Carli Nesheim each were recognized Dec. 13 during a pinning ceremony for LPN to RN Bridge graduates.

There were 16 nursing graduates taking part in the pinning ceremony, which is held to recognize Licensed Practical Nurses who continue their education to become Registered Nurses.

ECC Outstanding Student Nurse

Lauren Pilkington received the ECC Outstanding Student Nurse award. Pilkington is an excellent student in the classroom and clinical arena.

To be considered for the Outstanding Nursing Student award, ECC has had to make a difference in the life of the student.

For the Outstanding Student Nurse award recipients, had ECC not been in their community, they most likely would not have realized the dream of becoming a registered nurse.

Joannie Blakely, Julie Chirban, and Lauren Pilkington posing with plaque.
Pictured, from left, are Joannie Blakely, Nursing Coordinator–ECC Rolla; Julie Chirban, Nursing Instructor–Rolla; Lauren Pilkington and Elisha Chaney, guest speaker and Nursing Adjunct at ECC.

Spirit of Clinical Excellence

The awards for Spirit of Clinical Excellence in Nursing are presented to graduating nurses who demonstrate characteristics of caring and compassion, the spirit of inquiry, exceptional critical thinking and decision making and have superior organizational skills and the ability to effectively prioritize.

There were three awards presented to students who work with ECC’s clinical partners.

Tiffany Rademacher — Missouri Baptist Spirit of Clinical Excellence in Nursing

Joannie Blakely, Julie Chirban, Rademacher and Elisha Chaney posing with plaque.
Pictured, from left, are Joannie Blakely, Nursing Coordinator-ECC Rolla; Julie Chirban, Nursing Instructor–Rolla; Rademacher and Elisha Chaney, guest speaker and Nursing Adjunct at ECC.

Leslie Crabtree — Mercy Spirit of Clinical Excellence in Nursing

Joannie Blakely, Julie Chirban, 
 Crabtree and April Lueckenhoff posing with plaque.
Pictured, from left, are Joannie Blakely, Nursing Coordinator–ECC Rolla; Julie Chirban, Nursing Instructor–Rolla; Crabtree and April Lueckenhoff, Mercy Hospital Washington.

Carli Nesheim — Phelps Health Spirit of Clinical Excellence in Nursing  

Joannie Blakely, Julie Chirban, Nesheim, and Kate Roy, posing with plaque.
Pictured, from left, are Joannie Blakely, Nursing Coordinator-ECC Rolla; Julie Chirban, Nursing Instructor–Rolla; Nesheim, Kate Roy, Phelps Health.

All Four Award Recipients

Nursing instructors posing with plaques.
Front row, from left, are Tiffany Rademacher, Missouri Baptist Spirit of Clinical Excellence in Nursing;  Leslie Crabtree, Mercy Spirit of Clinical Excellence in Nursing; Lauren Pilkington, Outstanding Nursing Student; and Carli Nesheim, Phelps Health Spirit of Clinical Excellence in Nursing.  
Back row, from left, are Joannie Blakely, Nursing Coordinator-ECC Rolla; Julie Chirban, Nursing Instructor–Rolla; and Elisha Chaney, guest speaker and Nursing Adjunct at ECC.

Learn more about the ECC Nursing and Allied Health program, or contact Nancy Mitchell at Nancy.Mitchell@eastcentral.edu.


ECC Nursing Graduates Presented with Awards


May 19, 2022 | Campus News ECC Rolla

Five East Central College Nursing Program graduates were recognized during a pinning ceremony May 14 prior to the college’s commencement ceremony.

Two students, Tela Connors, ECC-Rolla; and Charlena Borges, ECC in Union, were presented the Outstanding Nursing Student awards.

To be considered for the ECC Outstanding Nursing Student award, the college has had to make a difference in the life of the student.

For some cases, had ECC not been in their community, they most likely would not have realized the dream of becoming a nurse. The award winners also display success in the classroom and the clinical setting.

Tela Connors

Tela Connors

East Central College-Rolla Nursing program graduate Tela Connors was named an Outstanding Nursing Student for 2022. Pictured, from left, are nursing instructors Julie Chirban and Jonathan Elias; Connors and nursing instructor and Rolla program coordinator Joannie Blakely. The award was presented at the Nursing program’s pinning ceremony.

 

Charlena Borges

 

Charlena Borges

East Central College Union Nursing program graduate Charlena Borges is the recipient of an Outstanding Nursing Student award for 2022. Pictured, from left, are nursing instructors Dr. Connie Wissbaum and Brittany Yoakum; Borges, and nursing instructor and Union program coordinator Judy Bieker and nursing instructor Jessica Van Leer. Borges’ award was presented at the Nursing program’s pinning ceremony.

Spirit of Excellence Awards

Three nursing students — Kayce Boeding, Lyndsey Graczyk and James Johnson — were presented with Spirit of Clinical Excellence awards from the college’s community health care partners.

Each year, Mercy Hospital Washington, Phelps Health in Rolla and Missouri Baptist Hospital Sullivan present nursing graduates with Spirit of Clinical Excellence Awards during the pinning ceremony marking the completion of the program.

Boeding received the Phelps Health award, Graczyk received the Mercy award and Johnson received the Missouri Baptist Sullivan award.

The awards were presented to the graduates by ECC Nursing faculty from Union and Rolla.

To be consider for the Spirit of Clinical Excellence Awards, the graduate nurse must demonstrate: characteristics of caring and compassion; the spirit of inquiry; exceptional critical thinking and decision making; and superior organizational skills and the ability to effectively prioritize.

Lyndsey Graczyk

Lyndsey Graczyk

The Mercy Spirit of Clinical Excellence in Nursing Award was presented to East Central College Union nursing graduate Lyndsey Graczyk. From left, are ECC Union nursing instructors Dr. Connie Wissbaum and Brittany Yoakum; Graczyk, nursing instructor and Union Nursing program coordinator Judy Bieker; nursing instructor Jessica Van Leer; and Bethany Westlake, chief nurse officer at Mercy Washington.

Kayce Boeding

Kayce Boeding

East Central College Rolla Nursing program graduate Kayce Boeding was presented the Phelps Health Spirit of Clinical Excellence in Nursing. From left, are ECC Rolla nursing faculty member Julie Chirban; Boeding; ECC Rolla nursing faculty member Jonathan Elias and nursing instructor and Rolla program coordinator Joannie Blakely.

James Johnson

James Johnson

A Missouri Baptist Sullivan Spirit of Clinical Excellence in Nursing was given to East Central College Union Nursing program graduate James Johnson. From left are ECC Union nursing instructor Jessica Van Leer and nursing adjunct Heather Sluis, Johnson, Union nursing instructors Brittany Yoakum and Dr. Connie Wissbaum; and nursing instructor and Union nursing program coordinator Judy Bieker.


‘Earn While You Learn’ Nursing Program Expanding


August 9, 2021 | Campus News

The East Central College Nursing Program’s “Earn While You Learn” (EWYL) initiative has been leading the way in Missouri as a successful partnership among the college and its health care partners.

EWYL allows for ECC nursing students to earn a paycheck from local hospitals while they are conducting clinicals as part of the nursing program. In return, the students sign on to work at the hospitals after they graduate.

What began as a pilot program, Earn While You Learn just recently was fully approved by the Missouri State Board of Nursing, which will allow for ECC’s program to expand and other colleges to follow suit.

The nursing board’s decision came after Nancy Mitchell, director of nursing and dean of health science at ECC, and Heather Sluis, clinical educator at Missouri Baptist Sullivan Hospital (MBSH), presented at the Missouri Hospital Association “Innovations in Student Nurse Clinical Education Partnerships” event held in June.

The pair presented details to attendees about ECC’s successful partnership program, which benefits nursing students and two of ECC’s health care partners — MBSH and Mercy Hospital Washington.

EWYL Details

The students must be in their fourth, and final, semester of the associate degree in nursing (ADN) to participate in the program.

During their last semester, student nurses will earn a wage while learning hands-on, real-world practices, all while being immersed in the culture of nursing and the health care institution, Mitchell said.

In return, the students sign a contract to work after they graduate with the hospital where they are conducting clinical training.

Growing Program

In 2020, ECC first placed students in MBSH and Mercy Hospital Washington as part of the Earn While You Learn program.

While approving the curricular change, the state nursing board gave the ECC Nursing program approval to partner with Phelps Health in Rolla to offer the same clinical partnership.

The partnership is much more than providing nursing students an income and getting them accustomed to a hospital culture, it also greatly benefits the health care partners.

“This allows the students to become embedded in the culture early on, and it will decrease the cost to orientate them later,” Mitchell said.

Mitchell noted that MBHS saved about $50,000 in training and orientation costs with three student apprentices.

There has been an increased interest statewide, and beyond, in the EWYL initiative to combat nursing shortages and reduce new nurse turnover rates. Most recently, Washington School of Practical Nursing and Mercy Washington have developed a partnership mirroring ECC’s to offer the EWYL to practical nursing students.

“Our goal is to provide our students the best educational experience possible as well as keep these great nurses in our community caring for our community members,” Mitchell said.

“One does this by building relationships and partnerships with your community and your partner hospitals. We invest in one another, to invest in our community,” she added.

Learn more about the nursing degree options at ECC.


ECC Nursing Grads Presented With Clinical Excellence Awards


May 28, 2021 | Campus News

Four East Central College Nursing Program graduates were honored May 15 with Spirit of Clinical Excellence awards from the college’s community health care partners.

Each year, Mercy Hospital Washington, Phelps Health in Rolla and Missouri Baptist Hospital Sullivan present nursing graduates with Spirit of Clinical Excellence Awards during the pinning ceremony marking the completion of the program.

The award recipients are Lilli-Anne Mantle, Mercy Spirit of Clinical Excellence in Nursing Award recipient; Karlie Peth and Jennifer Eaton, Missouri Baptist Sullivan Spirit of Clinical Excellence in Nursing award recipients; and Brittany Smith, Phelps Health Spirit of Clinical Excellence in Nursing Award recipient.

The awards were presented to the graduates by ECC Nursing faculty from Union and Rolla.

To be consider for the Spirit of Clinical Excellence Awards, the graduate nurse must:

  • Demonstrate characteristics of caring and compassion.
  • Demonstrate the spirit of inquiry.
  • Demonstrate exceptional critical thinking and decision making.
  • Demonstrate superior organizational skills and the ability to effectively prioritize.

To learn more about the ECC Nursing and Allied Health program, visit https://www.eastcentral.edu/nursing/, or contact Nancy Mitchell at Nancy.Mitchell@eastcentral.edu.

Mercy Clinical Excellence Award

The Mercy Spirit of Clinical Excellence in Nursing Award was presented to ECC Union nursing graduate Lilli-Anne Mantle. From left, are, ECC Union nursing faculty members Jessica Van Leer and Dr. Connie Wissbaum; Mantle; and Union nursing faculty members Judy Bieker and Brittany Yoakum.

Missouri Baptist Clinical Excellence Award

A Missouri Baptist Sullivan Spirit of Clinical Excellence Award was given to Karlie Peth. From left are ECC Union nursing faculty members Jessica Van Leer and Dr. Connie Wissbaum; Peth; and Union nursing faculty members Judy Bieker and Brittany Yoakum.

 

A Missouri Baptist Sullivan Spirit of Clinical Excellence in Nursing was presented to ECC Rolla nursing graduate Jennifer Eaton. From left are ECC Rolla nursing faculty member Joannie Blakely, Eaton; and Rolla nursing faculty members Courtney Brandt and Julie Chirban.

Phelps Health Spirit of Clinical Excellence

Brittany Smith was presented the Phelps Health Spirit of Clinical Excellence in Nursing. From left are ECC Rolla nursing faculty member Joannie Blakely; Smith; and Rolla nursing faculty members Courtney Brandt and Julie Chirban.


College Association Recognizes Mercy with Distinguished Industry Award


February 9, 2021 | Campus News

Mercy Hospital Washington has been recognized for its outstanding commitment to the community and continued support to East Central College.

Mercy was the recipient of the Missouri Community College Association (MCCA) Distinguished Business/Industry Award, which was presented at the organization’s annual convention in November.

The hospital was nominated by ECC for its leadership within the Franklin County area, and throughout the region.

On Feb. 5, ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer presented Mercy Hospital Washington President and CEO Eric Eoloff with a plaque recognizing the institution for the award.

“For over 30 years, Mercy Hospital Washington has supported health care programming at ECC, including sharing qualified staff to serve as adjunct faculty,” Dr. Bauer said.

“While Eric Eoloff and his leadership team have led the hospital, ECC has expanded the scope of support and partnerships through the shared common vision of the college and hospital for healthcare in the community.”

Mercy Hospital is committed to quality health care for its service area of more than 150,000 residents. More than 800 employees and 233 physicians serve the Washington hospital.

Eoloff, began his career with Mercy Health Systems over 15 years ago and has been in his current role since August of 2016.

“East Central College is proud to nominate Mercy Hospital for the Distinguished Business/Industry Award,” Dr. Bauer added. “Mercy is an outstanding example of a corporation on a regional stage while providing outstanding local community leadership.”

Mercy Hospital Washington, founded in 1926, is an acute care hospital offering comprehensive medical, surgical, obstetric and pediatric services.

The ECC Nursing program continues to grow by sharing scarce human resources, such as adjunct instructors, with the hospital.  In addition, Mercy has made great strides in creating a student-centered approach during clinical education and externships.

Mercy has initiated a summer student nurse extern program in which nursing students can work flexible hours to maintain school, home and work balance. This paid externship program provides ECC students with additional opportunities to learn skills and excellent mentorship provided by professional nurse role models.

In the spring of 2020, Mercy Hospital Washington collaborated with ECC on the “Earn While You Learn to be a RN” model. The model is an avenue to combat the nursing shortage and new nurse turnover rates. Real world clinical immersion is the first step in this pathway.

These partnerships offer the student the opportunity to be fully immersed in the nursing culture earning full-time wages while they learn. ECC and the hospital are leaders in innovation. Mercy Hospital Washington welcomes all ECC students from a variety of health care programs.

In addition to health care programming partnerships, Eoloff and his team are truly interested in the success of the community and in ways in which the College contributes to the community.  The hospital administrative team has actively participated on advisory boards and, most recently, in ECC’s strategic planning initiative.