Staff retention initiative reduces turnover

A staff retention quality improvement initiative resulted in an 82% decrease in the number of RNs who left their jobs on a neuroscience unit at Hartford (Conn.) Hospital, during their first year of employment. To reduce increasing turnover rates partially caused by nurses’ frustrations with a lack of milestones or achievable goals, unit leaders offered a structured pathway for professional development milestones during a nurse’s first 18 months of employment. They also modified the orientation process and organized peer- and leadership-employee support. Staff engagement increased, with more unit nurses joining hospital-based councils or committees, participating in staff meetings and engaging with nursing students who had clinical rotations. The Journal of Nursing Administration published the study in its April issue.