Health systems launch retention programs tailored for advanced degree nurses

Pittsburgh-based UPMC implemented a career-ladder structure to retain advanced degree nurses, who are more likely to leave their roles. One program, launched 18 months ago, enables a group of high-performing individuals to attend workshops, educational sessions and panels of nurse leaders in various roles, including informatics, advanced practice and health planning. AONL member and CNE Maribeth McLaughlin, MPM, RN, says UPMC identifies talent and nurtures leaders. Its turnover rates for doctorate-level nurses and master’s-level nurses are 0.3% and 4.3%, respectively. Intermountain Health in Salt Lake City offers a program to help nurses with advanced degrees grow at the bedside, resulting in a 7.7 percentage-point improvement in turnover compared with non-participants. It also provides a Nurse Leader Academy to prepare nurses for their first manager roles. (Becker’s Hospital Review article, 7/29/26)