Hospital improves new nurse retention from 35% to 91%

Los Angeles General Medical Center CNO Nancy Blake, PhD, RN, worked to improve nurse retention through a number of initiatives.  After assuming leadership at the public hospital in 2021, AONL member Blake implemented a shared governance model and promoted servant leadership to improve engagement with front-line nurses. She implemented the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses’ Healthy Work Standards and added a new nurse residency program, training program and leadership development program. Blake permitted nurses to manage their schedules. In addition, she ensured nurses were aware of potential career pathways within the hospital. Her efforts resulted in the retention rate of nurses two years after graduation improving from 35% to 91%. The 22% nurse turnover rate in 2021 fell to under 10%. This year, the medical center achieved Magnet status, one of few public hospitals to do so. (Chief Healthcare Executive article, 12/10/25)