[tmpearso]

I'll be graduating next may (BSN, RN) and was wondering what the hospitals around the globe, ~specifically~ the US were doing for retention/recruitment .....now I know some are offering a sign on bonus.....but not all (very hospital specific in my area) but what good is a sign on bonus if you won't get a raise for ten years (I have heard some horror stories). So what I would like to ask is : what are hospitals doing for nurse retention in your area of the world? (if anything at all) I would like to go into my profession being somewhat aware of what to expect.

[sunnybrook83]

Retention? Retention!! haven't you heard-most hospitals don't need to retain nurses- there's always another one to hire

Seriously, in my neck of the world- (PA/MD border) the hospitals could care less about retaining the nurses once they get them in the door- and it shows. Nurses leaving as soon as they get basic experience, work out their recruiting bonus, etc...
I know somewhere there has to be hospitals who are willing to work to retain nurses- let me know when you find it!!
Good luck!!

[fab4fan]

Hospitals are most notorious about caring little for retention; they bring new grads in at sometimes MORE than the experienced staff nurses make. This is very frustrating to those of us who have paid our dues, and then have the resp. of helping to orient the new grads.

Don't misunderstand me...I am thankful for new nurses, and am not unwilling to train/help new grads. But I don't think a GN should be making more than me...I have 17y of experience and 2 certifications.

Things are out of kilter, here. Experienced/long term staff need to be given the respect and compensation they deserve. This is yet another reason why people don't stay in the profession.

[fedupnurse]

My hospital doesn't do squat (NJ) about retention. Recruitment is also a joke. We do not offer sign on bonuses because our Union said no. We said no because we knew it wouldn't make a difference if they don't improve working conditions and salary/retirement benefits. Most new staff stay for a year or two and then go Agency. One thing being proposed is to not allow a staff nurse who quits to do Agency work to work in our facility for 6 months. I know a lot of nurses who never would have left if this was the rule.
Your best bet is to look around and ask questions. Ask the staff who are actually working there. HR, advertisements and managers lie. They will sell you the moon and the stars and when you get in there you find out it is a pile of dirt. Nurses at the bedside will tell you the truth. Look for safe ratios, solid team type environment and a manager who won't make your life a living hell. Also find out about mandatory OT and if they are permitted to change your schedule at the last minute.
Best of luck to you!!

[cheerfuldoer]

Unfortunately, this society isn't into "retention of employees", it's into hiring at the lowest possible means necessary...if new grads are being paid more than seasoned nurses, the only irony in that is seasoned nurses cost the hospitals more money to keep rather than dragging in a bewildered bright eyed new grad who will jump hoops for the hospital to be on board, and collect a bonus and so forth. Seasoned nurses know that is all politics in disguise, and won't be played with that way.......so..........go figure.