Leadership / Success Training
Leadership training has been identified as the number one training need through focus groups and data collected and analyzed by ONW.
The nurse of the 21st century must be equipped with tools such as mentoring and coaching, multi-generational workforce issues and creating a work environment that allows nurses to take part in decision making and self governance. Leadership training and development programs to address these needs are currently available through ONW.
Mississippi Nurse Residency Program
ONW has formed partnerships with hospitals and schools of nursing in different areas of Mississippi to plan and implement a Nurse Residency Program. This program is supported by federal grant # D6HP05241 from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. ONW is in the process of developing and implementing a model internship program for the recent graduate nurse to improve education and practice and facilitate the transition from student to practicing nurse as outline in project E-2. The six month internship program will offer educational and clinical opportunities within an acute care hospital setting under the guidance of an Intern Coordinator, RN, MSN and trained preceptors. The pilot partners are: River Region Health Systems, Alcorn State University, Hinds Community College, and MS Baptist Medical Center.
The internship program will result in a replicable model to be implemented in institutions located in rural, medically underserved areas with high registered nurse vacancy rates. Grant funds will be used to provide an Intern Program Coordinator and administrative support to participating institutions in the first year of operation. Participating institutions must commit to continuing the internship program and becoming self sufficient by the third year of its operation. ONW will recruit one participating institution for each grant year.
In Mississippi, hospitals reported a nurse vacancy rate ranging from 3.2% to 19.4% and an average turnover rate of 24%. Turnover among new graduates remain higher than that of the nursing staff as a whole. Studies show that the turnover rate among new graduates is 53% within 12 months of employment (JONA, February, 2004).
Preparing the new graduate to enter the workplace is an important step in addressing retention and patient safety. Growing evidence supports competent nurses as indispensable to patient safety. Critical thinking, efficient problem-solving skills, collaboration, and excellent communicable skills are paramount to the process. (Journal of Professional Nursing, May, 2004).
Studies also show that work environment and content have a strong relationship with job satisfaction (JONA, January 2004). The program will give the new graduate an opportunity to bridge the gap between school and work which results in increased job satisfaction, retention, and better patient care.
Expected results include reduced vacancy rates, reduced turnover rates, increased patient satisfaction, and competent and prepared new graduates.
If you are interested in becoming a partner and learning more about the Nurse Residency Program, please call 601.368.3321 or e-mail us at info@monw.org.