The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #56388

Charles F. Krozek, RN, MN, RN Residency in Pediatrics, Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, 4650 Sunset Blvd. #74, Los Angeles, CA 90027, 323-669-5961, ckrozek@chla.usc.edu

RN Residency in Pediatrics: One Solution to the Nursing Shortage

A severe national shortage of experienced RNs, especially in specialty areas such as pediatrics has been identified. Increasing RN demand coupled with an aging RN workforce will, if left un-addressed, result in a projected 29% shortfall by 2020. Compounding this, entry level RNs are not adequately prepared for today’s complex work environment and represent a profound training challenge. Additionally, this poor preparation produces high stress for the new graduate RN and has resulted in a national turnover rate of 35-61% in the first year of employment. In turn, high RN turnover and vacancy rates present severe operational, financial and clinical practice challenges to our healthcare facilities.

In 1999, CHLA addressed the RN shortage by developing and implementing the innovative, 22-week, RN Residency in Pediatrics. After 3-1/2 years and with over 230 Residents graduated, the program has demonstrated profound clinical practice and financial outcomes. Rigorous evaluation is ongoing. Compared to the pre-Residency control group:

ü Turnover within the first 12-months of practice has been reduced from 36% to 8% ü Turnover within the first 24-months of practice has been reduced from 54% to 16% ü Decreased RN turnover translated into a compelling return-on-investment because of reduced RN replacement, registry RN and overtime costs. ü Skill self-confidence, critical thinking, professionalism, and leadership empowerment have significantly increased

The RN Residency has been successfully replicated at three additional children’s hospitals. The goal is to refine the program and create a best-practice community.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) will be able to:
• List 4 factors contributing to the current structural national nursing shortage.
• Describe 3 ways the current nursing shortage is negatively impacting hospital's ability to provide services to the public.
• Identify the 4 major components of the RN Residency in Pediatrics.
• Discuss 3 RN clinical practice benefits resulting from the RN Residency.
• Discuss 2 major financial benefits resulting from the RN Residency.

Keywords: Workforce, Education

Related Web page: www.chla.org

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.