In March, we had the opportunity to host United States Senator John Kerry, who has been working to address the issues around nurse recruitment and retention. At a luncheon at BWH, the Senator met with nurses from hospitals in Boston, as well as representatives from Brigham and Women's. At the event, the Senator outlined his commitment to focus attention on the needs of the nursing community, including the encouragement of more young people to enter nursing.
Earlier in the month, I had the additional opportunity to testify at the State House in Boston, along with my MGH colleague, Jeanette Ives Erickson, about legislation being proposed by State Senator Richard Moore. We are very supportive of the efforts of Senator Moore at crafting initiatives designed to entice people to consider this important profession.
While these efforts are welcome, we need to recognize that there is much we can do within our own institutions to foster the right opportunities and climate for our nurses. We have been successful at attracting new nurses to BWH, even in this most difficult environment. Yet, our efforts cannot end there.
In this issue of BWH Nurse you will read about nurses who have taken that extra effort to serve as preceptors, mentors who will guide nurses beginning their careers at BWH. Their work on behalf of our nursing community is essential.
BWH is an enormous academic medical center and it can be extremely intimidating for new nurses who have joined us. I ask each of you to commit to take a few moments to assist our new nurses in becoming acclimated. Think back to the day that you first entered this hospital and how many challenges you faced. Then place yourself in the shoes of the new nurse, reach out and assist them. Even in these small ways, we can do a great deal to ensure that our environment will meet the needs of those we welcome to this fine organization.
Sincerely,
Nancy Kruger, DNSc, RN
Vice President, Patient Care Services
Chief Nursing Officer