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Retention rates soar due to Wisconsin Residency Program

Nurse Leader Weekly, October 26, 2007

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According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 40 Wisconsin hospitals are making significant strides in their effort to combat the national nursing shortage, boasting a novice nurse retention rate of 90% due to the creation of a nurse residency program. Devised in collaboration with Marquette University and funded by nearly $2 million in federal grants, the program aims to advance best practices for helping new nurses adapt to their environment, manage their workloads, and develop clinical judgment.

By supporting nurses in their transition from student to professional, the residency program establishes a friendlier environment, pairing novice nurses with veteran mentors and offering specialized training in the form of monthly group sessions. Alongside high retention rates and the successful acclimation of new hires, the program also cuts down on hospital expenses. Since the cost of running the residency program for 10 new nurses ($52,000) is significantly lower than the cost of replacing one nurse ($65,000), the program will pay for itself if it prevents just one out of 10 nurses from quitting.

Sources: The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

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