Nursing Staff Retention Program VA Requirements, Findings and Recommendations

VA Grant Requirements Available to CNAs and nurses Must have credible and documented evidence the facility is experiencing a nursing shortage Must develop a retention plan Must provide evidence of 50% matching funds

Challenges Inequality between job classifications Labor support 50% match funding from where?

Survey and Results Surveys sent out to homes 158 returned Priorities –Diversity recognition and celebration –Wellness events –Opportunity to Continue Education –Different work schedule –Recognition for my work Comments

Make Work Fun Generation X (born ) primary workforce members –Want to enjoy technology –Can adapt to the team concept of Millennials Millennials (born ) are upcoming workforce members –Want personal satisfaction –Want to enjoy their work –Want it to be a team effort

Diversity Recognition & Celebration Easily achievable with minimum expense Incorporate into program before applying for grant funding Involve the staff Develop fun activities e.g. ugly tie day

Wellness Events Easily achievable with minimum expense. Incorporate into program before applying for grant funding Inter-agency competitions Mini-wellness fairs

Opportunity to Continue Education Recertification training CNA to LPN or RN LPN to RN Specialty nursing classification

Different Work Schedule Number 1 comment topic Labor support and input necessary Periodic weekends off important

Recognition For My Work Lowest score Comments re: insufficient recognition for hard work, low morale, give positive feedback instead of negative

Where Do We Go From Here? Communicate the survey results to the staff Create and implement a retention program Secure the 50% matching funds Submit our program for grant funding Share results with NASVH

Proposed Timeline Feb & Mar. 2010: Develop basic program Mar. & Apr. 2010: Implement zero-to- minimal cost categories March, April, (continuous): Seek funding for fed VA matching dollars May 2010: Develop grant application July1 – Sept 30: Submit grant application for next federal fiscal year

National Model Take to NASVH for inclusion in the webpage Point out regional variation and importance of local surveys Incorporate common themes Provide cadre of options