By Darline Brown, BSN,RN
As the baby boomers age and the need for health
care grows, the United States nursing shortage
is expected to intensify. According to projections
from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics published
in the November 2001 Monthly Labor Review, more
than one million new and replacement nurses will
be needed by 2010.
Unaffected at present by the nursing shortage,
Southeast Missouri Hospital endeavors to maintain
a proactive approach in recruiting and retaining
professional nurses. The newest program implemented
in this effort is the 2003 Residency Program
for Nurses.
The program benefits nurses at various stages
of their career including new graduates, those
re-entering the workforce, individuals seeking
a practice environment change, and nurses waiting
for a permanent unit assignment. Residency provides
participants the opportunity to continue their
professional development through a sheltered
mentoring curriculum including classroom learning
as well as clinical experiences.
Four residency tracks are available and include
emphasis in critical, medical-surgical, maternal-child,
and operative care. The Critical Care Track provides
opportunities in the Cardiothoracic Unit, Intensive
Care Unit, Emergency Department, and Cardiovascular
Services.
Medical-Surgical Track participants experience
Surgical Progressive Care, Medical Progressive
Care, Oncology, Neurology, and Surgery.
The nurse choosing the Maternal-Child Track
develops an understanding of Pediatrics, Neonatal
Intensive Care, as well as Labor, Delivery, and
Postpartum care.
The Peri-Operative Track focuses on care issues
in Recovery, Surgery, Pre-Operative as well as
Pre-Admitting areas.
Southeast is proud to offer such an outstanding program in our commitment to
recruit and retain professional nurses. Individuals interested in additional
information should contact Nancy Johnson, BSN,RN, in the Education Department
at 331-6322.
|
