My husband and I (also a nurse) were discussing just yesterday about how our hospital spends far more time, money, energy etc. on recruiting new staff and keeping them happy than on retaining the staff they have. Turnover is atrocious -- we're starting a new group of 7 newbies this week. In fact, for the past four years, we've always had 3 - 8 newbies in one stage or another of orientation. Most leave after 1-2 years, many after less than that.
I've been in the same job for over 14 years, and the only perk my seniority buys me is the ability to bid into a straight day slot ahead of the newer staff. Already did that. No more benefit to seniority. I still have to work as many holidays, don't get any advantage in the vacation bidding wars, don't get preference when it comes to education days, etc. So why stay?
The Christmas schedule is coming up, and most of the newbies aren't working Christmas. They aren't required to. Next year, they'll be gone.
I can't help but think that if management threw some money at retaining senior staff instead of spending it all on recruiting, the turnover wouldn't be so great.
As for us -- we're about to leave our jobs and go traveling. Preferably right before Christmas -- I'd like to have both Christmas and New Year's off this year!
Now this is sad when nurses feel they have to defend themselves to other nurses. No matter what department, level of management you're in or how long you have been a nurse,the whole reason why we started is for good safe patient care. We all are supposed to be following the same standards of care whether you are a nurse manager or nurse administrator or a staff nurse.
k-eet10
11 Posts
Now this is sad when nurses feel they have to defend themselves to other nurses. No matter what department, level of management you're in or how long you have been a nurse,the whole reason why we started is for good safe patient care. We all are supposed to be following the same standards of care whether you are a nurse manager or nurse administrator or a staff nurse.