Twenty-four percent said they would not remain in nursing, up from 14 percent the previous year. An AONE nursing staffing survey published in February shows it's taking much longer than two or three years ago for executives to fill positions. Making it work St. John's Regional Medical Center in Oxnard uses several strategies to create a more pleasant work environment for nurses. The efforts have kept retention rates high, said Vickie Lemmon, MSN, RN, St. John's chief nursing executive. It's important to establish relationships that are based on win-win solutions to problems.
Salaries are a big factor in retaining staff, experts say.
St. John's did a salary review last year and adjusted salaries throughout the organization. The facility found turnover decreased substantially, Lemmon said. St. John's also sponsors staff development days. The efforts seem to be working. The medical center has seen an increase in applicants in recent months, Lemmon said.