Nursing Professional Development
We are pleased to offer our clinical team ongoing professional development opportunities within Tufts Medicine Lowell General Hospital. This includes defining, implementing and maintaining educational standards that promote professional growth and ongoing clinical competencies for the nursing staff to support career advancement.
The Preceptor Recognition Program

This program supports and recognizes the nursing preceptor, provides formal structured support for preceptee, and fosters an environment that supports nursing retention for all nursing staff. 
Professional Excellence in Nursing “PEN” Program

The PEN Program is guided by our mission, vision, core values and promise to our community; our Professional Practice Model and the ANCC Magnet® recognition program. This program seeks to recognize our direct patient care nurses seeking advancement opportunities within their current role.
Graduate RN Residency Program

This is a full year, immersive experience that challenges our residents to be the best version of themselves. Learn more about this program. 
Shared Governance Councils

Our Shared Governance Model is built on the premise of teams coming together to create and implement actions that result in superior patient experiences and outcomes. Nurses from all areas expand their awareness, broaden their knowledge and enhance their ability to make the best decisions for their patients and their families.

The councils identified within the shared governance structure are accountable for the operations and collaboration of all nursing staff in all areas where nursing care is practiced. The councils are a forum for decision making within the nursing organization and are accountable for the process and outcome of all issues related to nursing practice, management, quality, research and education.

Our councils include:

  • Coordinating Council
  • Nursing Practice Council
  • Professional Development Council
  • Retention and Recognition Council
  • Nursing Informatics Council
  • Evidence-Based Practice and Research Council
  • Clinical Manager Council


The shared governance structure and process has improved professional collaboration and collegiality. It has brought forth autonomy, empowerment, retention, and satisfaction. At Lowell General Hospital we believe that shared governance is a journey, not a destination, as is evidenced by our continued growth as we evolve to a process that serves as a renewal and revitalization for the nursing profession.