Congress Abstracts 2006

205

TREAT ME RIGHT! RETENTION STRATEGIES GIVE ONCOLOGY STAFF COMMITMENT TO UNIT. Christine Althoff, RN, MSN, OCN^®, Inova Health Systems, Falls Church, VA.

Given the critical nursing shortage, Inova Fairfax Hospital (IFH) hematology-oncology unit is focusing on efforts to retain the current nursing staff. Beyond lower recruitment and orientation costs, retaining employees helps increase staff stability. Higher retention rates on the oncology unit fostered expanding current knowledge of experienced staff and growing that knowledge base at a faster pace. A review of business research provides an understanding of why employees stay and what people need to excel in stressful work environments such as inpatient oncology units. Most often cited is recognition and respect, career advancement opportunities, decreased workload and improved work relationships.

Retention strategies were developed to cultivate a sense of commitment to the oncology unit and provide opportunities for career growth.

The retention action plan focused on team building. Education opportunities focused on educating the experienced oncology nurse through in-services and in-depth stem cell transplant classes. ONS Chemotherapy Biotherapy Course and OCN^® review course were offered as career advancement opportunities. Popular off-site retreats in a relaxed atmosphere allowed for interactive learning and forum to discuss the emotional impact of death and dying. Other retreat topics included: separate preceptor and charge nurse workshops, new grad day and clinical ladder workshops. In addition to lively discussions about process improvements, the retreats offered attendees informal time for relationship building with staff and the management team. Future topics will be determined from staff surveys. The shared governance team reinvigorated their meetings by moving offsite.

Methods to evaluate intervention included course evaluations and verbal feedback. Responses included enjoying the opportunity to discuss difficult issues such as challenging cases and the topic of death and dying in a relaxed format. Other responses included feeling more confident as a new graduate nurse, a preceptor and as a charge nurse. Management team felt the retreats contributed to a more cooperative spirit among staff. A retreat evaluation survey will be developed.

Patient satisfaction is linked to the capability of oncology nurses managing complex care issues proficiently and providing patients with education and support during the course of their disease.