Clinical Ladder at a small hospital

[vic_rn]

Hello everyone! I have recently transitioned from a large, level 1 trauma hospital to a small 120 bed community hospital. I was actively involved in and very happy with the clinical ladder program at my past job. I am curious if anyone currently works for a small hospital that has a successful program or if this is something only to be expected at a larger facility. Thanks for any feedback!

[JoAnnaSkewlRN, BSN, RN]

I have worked in a smaller and and a larger hospital both with CL programs- but I will say that getting buy in from nurses who currently do not have to "prove" their nursing ability is not easy. Much resistance with the more "experienced"nurse as with any kind of change. I agree that CLs are a great way to continue life-long learning keeping up-to-date with evidenced-based practice for the bedside nurse. They are also good ways to encourage job satisfaction and recruitment for nurses who have a passion to continue their education and stay on top of the latest research. Good Luck!