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Organizations concerned with how to boost nurse retention frequently neglect some steps that can easily improve the retention rate that will lead to high-performing nurses. Even a brief and casual celebration or remark during a huddle at the start of each shift can reinforce a nurse's value, improving their likelihood of remaining in their role. Below are some ways to improve the nurse retention rate.
1) Create a nurse residency program.
There is a direct correlation between nurse residency programs and retention. Participants were also more satisfied with orientation/onboarding than those who did not participate in a formal nursing residency program. Organizations that offer a nursing residency program provide additional support to new nurses while also utilizing experienced nurses as preceptors, building new connections and a healthy, collaborative culture. In addition to promoting nurse retention, nurse residency programs instill a sense of community and confidence in incoming nurses.
2) Provide a flexible work schedule.
There should be a shift scheduling to promote a healthy work-life balance, which is critical to increasing nursing staff retention. Nurses work physically and emotionally exhausting shifts (usually 12 hours), leaving little extra vigor. Organizations should establish a culture that encourages time away from work and the ability to recharge, which is especially important for new nurse retention. Nurse scheduling software can be extremely beneficial in this regard to promote fairness, real-time physician scheduling, and can be used in conjunction with emergency medicine scheduling.
3) Be strategic in your recruitment efforts.
A strategic recruitment drive is the first stage in building a successful nursing retention strategy. With new graduates accounting for a major share of overall nursing turnover, attracting the best-fitting nurses from the start will increase retention significantly.
4) Make professional development a top priority.
Nursing leaders are being recognized more than ever before, and more nurses are obtaining additional degrees to take on new positions in their professions. Organizations must create a culture that encourages learning and leadership growth to help nurses on their career paths. Not only will more resources affect a nurse's capacity to care for their patients, but continued education and clinical training will also assist in equipping them as decision-makers within the larger context of the healthcare sector.
• High Achievers Should Be Rewarded.
• Longevity Should Be Recognized
5) Encourage a learning culture
It is well worth the investment to provide nurses with continual opportunities for lifelong development. Not only will they increase their general clinical practice knowledge, but an investment in learning impacts the organization's quality and demonstrates to nurses that they are appreciated beyond their immediate contributions to their unit and patients. Keeping nurses in the workplace requires making them feel appreciated.
These methods listed above are ways to retain nursing staff with a great payoff. Taking the time to recognize nurses on work anniversaries for their dedication and loyalty to the company is especially crucial for millennial nurse retention, since these nurses may be more open to change (leaving their practice or an organization).
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