Just promoted to Recruitment and Retention- need some help and ideas

[ERnursegrl04]

Hey guys. I was just promoted to this position. I love it so far and think I will do great. The problem is that no one had this position before me so I am starting from scratch. I have come up with quite a few things, but still feel like I could be doing more. Is there anything that stood out to you when the hospitals came to your school that caught your attention, or is there anything your present employer does that really makes you feel special? I would appreciate any advice. Thank you

[santhony44, MSN, RN, NP]

I think most places work a lot harder on recruitment than they do on retention, which is the opposite of what it should be and, in the long run, counterproductive.

I'd suggest that you start with finding out what the nurses' frustrations are, then figuring out how those things can be fixed.

One thing I think more hospitals should consider is some flexibility in scheduling. If everybody has to work a certain number of certain shifts, you will have some nurses who can't/won't do that. I think a combination of 4, 8, and 12 hour shifts could work.

I think it's really important for the staff to see you, so be there at odd hours. The same goes for administration. I don't think the staff will believe that you are really interested in what they have to say if you don't make the time to hear them on their schedule.

Bottom line, your adminstration has to be ready and willing to make changes to encourage retention. If they aren't, not much you try to do will really help.