• E-mail
• Print
• RSS

In the mix: Keeping new graduate nurses at the bedside

Stressed Out Nurses Weekly, September 29, 2008

Editor's note: This excerpt is adapted from HCPro's new book "Nurse Retention Toolkit: Everyday Ways to Recognize and Reward Nurses," by Lydia Ostermeier, MSN, RN, CHCR and Bonnie Clair, BSN, RN.

Leaving nursing school to enter the workforce can be a difficult transitional period for many new nurse graduates. And literature reveals that 57% of new nurse graduates will leave their first position within two years of hire. So, why are they leaving? Like many of us, new nurses want to feel valued, be rewarded, have a strong relationship with their manager, and enjoy a work-life balance.

Managers and their organizations expend untold time and energy recruiting and hiring new nurses, and it can be disheartening when those nurses leave so quickly. Organizations work hard to get nurses in the door so it makes sense to work hard to retain them.

Healthcare organizations know the first year of employment for a new nurse is the trickiest, so it's important to let new nurse graduates know they are welcome on the unit and will be a valued part of the team.

A great way to make nurses feel appreciated and valued from the get-go is a small welcome bag. The first day is sure to be stressful, so here are some possibilities for the welcome package:

1. A small card to say "We are glad you are here"
2. A voucher for a free cafeteria lunch
3. An organizational logo pen
4. A lapel badge holder
5. A pack of gum or candy
6. A mini bottle of hand sanitizer

It's always nice to add other interesting items and anything that pertains to an individual unit.

Visit StressedOutNurses.com for the rest of the article.

• Comment
• E-mail to a Colleague
• Print
• RSS
• Archive

Comments