Leadership for relationship-based care.

Good morning. It is my pleasure to introduce the distinguished nurse who developed the concept of Primary Nursing, Marie Manthey. Marie is founder and President Emeritus of Creative Health Care Management, a full-service consultation company specializing in professional practice, management training, staff empowerment, and work redesign. Marie's interest in the delivery of hospital services began in the1960s, when she developed the concept of Primary Nursing. Since that time she has designed and implemented Primary Nursing programs for numerous hospitals. Prior to consulting, Marie held positions at every level of nursing, from staff nurse to vice president for patient services. Marie received her nursing diploma from Saint Elizabeth's Hospital in Chicago, and both her bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Minnesota. In 1994 Marie was elected to the Royal College of Nursing in the United Kingdom, at the time one of only four American nurses to be so honored. In May 1998 she was selected for fellowship in the American Academy of Nursing. Marie has written many articles on timely nursing topics, in addition to the book The Practice of Primary Nursing. It is truly a pleasure to have such a nursing icon among us. Please welcome Marie Manthey. (applause)