As BWH continues to differentiate itself not only as a world-class medical center, but also a top employer, the need to recruit and retain nurses has emerged as a top priority. In an effort to examine how BWH can succeed in recruitment and retention, the Center for Excellence in Nursing Practice is actively involved in obtaining feedback on new nurses’ experiences. In May, the Center completed analysis of their New Hire Survey, one tool being used to assess how nursing at BWH can continue to grow and advance.
The New Hire Survey, sent to BWH nurses approximately 90 days after their hire date, was administered to nurses who began their careers at BWH in 2001. After an initial mass mailing to nurses’ homes, a total of 104 surveys were returned, representing a response rate of 31 percent.
Overall, the survey demonstrated several key findings, including an 86-percent satisfaction rate with the BWH nursing orientation program. Other key indicators of satisfaction: 97.9 percent of respondents noted that they intend to remain at BWH for at least one year and 92.8 percent of those surveyed would recommend BWH as a place to work.
“We are very proud of these key indicators, as they reflect overall that a new nurses’ experience at BWH is a positive one,” said Nancy Kruger, DNSc, RN. “However, we are eager to respond by making employee-driven improvements. The survey has allowed us to pinpoint several important development opportunities, especially in the area of enhancing the relationship between preceptors and new hires.” The survey’s lowest scores were related to the lack of consistency in working with the same preceptor and inadequate understanding of available hospital resources.
Currently, a multidisciplinary task force of nursing leaders and administration are working to address these issues by making adjustments and enhancements to the design of the orientation program, through increased preceptor mentoring (clinical colleagues) and by initiating awareness of development opportunities on a local level. Look for updates on the New Hire Orientation Program in future issues of BWH Nurse.