Improving nursing recruitment and retention in a sub-acute health service

Abstract

The current worldwide shortage of nurses is well-documented. This paper describes one organisation's 'back to basics' approach to nursing recruitment and the results of a vigorous recruitment program in 2001.Within 12 months, this organisation employed more than 200 new nursing staff, opened 67 beds, reduced agency use by 69%and reduced vacancies by 80%. Based on agency premium costs, there were minimum savings in the order of $800,000 per annum.