Mitigating the effects of COVID-19 on nurse recruitment and retention in a hospital setting

Abstract

Providing inpatient treatment to those with COVID-19 requires both a sufficient number of nurses and nurses who are highly skilled and clinically competent to provide complex care. The result of an increase in both demand and acuity of patient care needs has highlighted the awareness and urgency of the ongoing nursing shortage. Reviewing the challenges of recruitment and retention identified interventions appropriate for this new healthcare environment and provided the opportunity to implement novel ones. This article describes the experience and interventions implemented at a Magnet® designated acute care facility located in Midwestern United States. Viewing this crisis as an opportunity to assess, develop, and be innovative allows hospitals to continue to provide exemplary care, even when non-modifiable conditions exist.