Nurse retention

Sounds like home work.

I'm doing my own research, for my own curiosity! I believe in the theory that "the grass isn't always greener on the other side", but I wonder what makes it appear greener!!

I believe the biggest incentive most have would be the steady paycheck! I don't believe it's commonplace anymore to find incentives and bonuses for retention; when employers know they can hire two new nurses for the cost of replacing one nurse with seniority, well.....not much incentive to keep on the seniors!

It's true that there's a recognized cost-of-hire (orientation, precepting, learning curve time) BUT, by and large, employers aren't killing themselves to retain current staff when they know replacements are waiting in the parking lot.

I don't work for a hospital but aside from logistics, my admin treats me with respect and high regard. I have some hard days but they give as much in different forms of support as possible.

If you are a regular reader here, you might notice that when people are talking about "should I leave, or should I stay" the most often cited reason for wanting to "get out" is the quality of both the management and peers. I don't see too many threads talking about wanting to move because of pay. Personally, I have never changed jobs simply for pay. There has always been another fundamental reason for me to start looking, such as fears for patient safety, problems with co-workers, problems with management, etc.

I talked to enough travelers and nurses who have worked elsewhere who say where I work is a very good facility. Many travelers take staff positions if available. Staffing is good, willing to pay OT to meet staffing numbers but not mandated. We get our breaks and meals. Good reputation in the community. Low staff turn over which speaks volumes. Seniority. I will not work at another hospital unless I move out of the area. Even then I might not work at another hospital.

Better pay and adequate staffing are two major factors in nurse retention, imho

I've been working at my current hospital for 3 months and I have seen so many people quit already. We are always short staffed. But they do offer some incentives.

$150 to $200 if you come in when they call you on your day off.

Bonuses ($1000) for not calling off on the busy season (December to May I believe) and they give others bonuses too. It doesn't seem to work to well though.

Mostly because I am anal and hate change.

To retain nurses, consider the following:

Lunch breaks are key.

So are days off. Let us use our PTO for the love of G.

Don't micromanage me.

Let us know our work schedule far in advance.

Don't "spy" on us.

Don't make the nurses "police" the doctors.

Supportive charge nurses and managers are required.

Reasons I would stay at a facility:

1) decent pay

2) decent benefits

3) management with a brain

4) support for education and career advancement (I'm a nurse

My current job has good benefits (I learned they were going to stay matching retirement contributions), my coworkers are awesome, and our new DON is out to expand nurse education. My manager does not have a nursing background, so she can be squirrelly at times when it comes to patients, but overall she does as best she can with staffing, hiring and training.