JCMC Nursing Annual Report - Mountain States Health Alliance

Niswonger Children’s Hospital Opening
The dream has finally become a reality. After
nearly five years of fundraising, community support
and steady construction, Niswonger Children’s
Hospital opened March 3, 2009. The $36 million,
69-bed hospital for children admitted patients
approximately one year ago.
“This is truly a great and momentous day for our
region,” said Dennis Vonderfecht, president and
CEO of MSHA. “With the opening of Niswonger
Children’s Hospital and its associated Children’s
Emergency Department, the Tri-Cities joins the
other four metropolitan areas of Tennessee in
having a full-service children’s hospital.” Niswonger
Children’s Hospital is named after lead donors Scott
and Nikki Niswonger of Greeneville, Tenn., who
gave $10 million toward the construction.
Using natural light to provide feelings of comfort
and healing, the main entrance lobby and threestory
glass atrium-lined hallways provide bountiful
light. The stained glass kite gallery suspended from
the ceiling provides a calming environment to the
patients and families. Direct care nurses’ feedback
was crucial to the design and work flow of the patient
care provision areas in the new Niswonger Children’s
Hospital for efficient delivery of patient care. Directcare
nursing team members were involved in all of
the renovation and refurbishment projects for the
patient care units. Women’s and Children’s nursing
team members participated on multiple teams in the
design of the new Niswonger Children’s Hospital.
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