St. Jude's: A Commitment to Excellence, hosted by Lisa Beasley, with guests Morgan Melancon, Sarah Currie, and Suzette Stone
January 28, 2026
This conversation features leaders from St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Morgan Melancon, Sarah Currie, and Suzette Stone discussing with Lisa Beasley. The group explores together the innovative approaches to nursing excellence St. Jude's is utilizing, including their Magnet designation, transition to practice programs, and strategies for retaining new nurses and advanced practice providers (APPs). The discussion highlights the importance of community, belonging, and professional identity development in fostering a supportive environment for new healthcare professionals.
Takeaways
St. Jude has achieved a 98% retention rate among new RNs.
The organization focuses on socialization and belonging for new hires.
APP recruitment is highly competitive due to their fellowship program.
There is a 0% internal turnover among first-year nurses at St. Jude.
The training emphasizes hospitality and support for new hires.
Intentional relational support is crucial for retention.
Distinction in Magnet designation reflects a commitment to excellence.
Creating a safe space for learning is essential for new nurses.
Coaching and critical thinking are prioritized over judgment.
The goal is to make programs meaningful rather than just checking boxes.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to St. Jude's Leadership
01:23 Understanding Magnet Designation
03:19 Transition to Practice Programs
06:27 Retention Strategies for New Nurses
09:04 APP Transition to Practice Outcomes
12:10 Structured Transition Programs
15:13 Building a Supportive Culture
18:04 Matching Process for New Nurses
21:17 Quarterly Educational Series for APPs
24:13 Challenges Faced by New RNs and APPs
26:02 Professional Identity Development
29:14 Leadership and Mentoring in Nursing
31:59 Creating a Sense of Belonging
34:49 Final Thoughts on Distinction
41:00 LBeasley_Outro (1).mp3
St. Jude has achieved a 98% retention rate among new RNs.
The organization focuses on socialization and belonging for new hires.
APP recruitment is highly competitive due to their fellowship program.
There is a 0% internal turnover among first-year nurses at St. Jude.
The training emphasizes hospitality and support for new hires.
Intentional relational support is crucial for retention.
Distinction in Magnet designation reflects a commitment to excellence.
Creating a safe space for learning is essential for new nurses.
Coaching and critical thinking are prioritized over judgment.
The goal is to make programs meaningful rather than just checking boxes.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to St. Jude's Leadership
01:23 Understanding Magnet Designation
03:19 Transition to Practice Programs
06:27 Retention Strategies for New Nurses
09:04 APP Transition to Practice Outcomes
12:10 Structured Transition Programs
15:13 Building a Supportive Culture
18:04 Matching Process for New Nurses
21:17 Quarterly Educational Series for APPs
24:13 Challenges Faced by New RNs and APPs
26:02 Professional Identity Development
29:14 Leadership and Mentoring in Nursing
31:59 Creating a Sense of Belonging
34:49 Final Thoughts on Distinction
41:00 LBeasley_Outro (1).mp3