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Thank you for continuing to notify us in advance of funding opportunities. We look forward to partnering with you in the future. Thanks so much for all you do for the Eastern Shore community.
-- Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
» See all our testimonials
-- Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
» See all our testimonials
Press Releases
Foundation Shares Partners in Nursing Update
October 21, 2008
Wicomico County partner agencies of the Community Foundation's Partner In Nursing initiative were honored at a luncheon held recently to report on the success of the two-year pilot program. Wicomico partners at the luncheon were: (l to r) Dawn Paolone, Salisbury Genesis; Susan Battistoni, Salisbury University School of Nursing; Patti Serkes, Peninsula Regional Medical Center; Dee Marshall and Tim Sherman of Wor-Wic Community College.
The Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore (CFES) and the Partners in Nursing (PIN) Steering Committee reported the outcomes of its two-year pilot program to local healthcare partners at a luncheon on October 17, 2008.
The nursing shortage nationwide is caused by a range of issues but the local PIN program focused specifically on the retention of new nurses, the creation of a nurse leadership network and the encouragement of future nurse educators. With new nurse turnover exceeding 25% nationally and costing over $40,000 per RN, retention is a primary objective for many health agencies. The PIN program, through its two-year pilot phase, demonstrated a turnover rate of 6.25 which is far below the national average and could result in significant reductions in the recruitment costs for local healthcare agencies.
PIN was one of 10 original grantees funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Northwest Health Foundation. The PIN Steering Committee and the Community Foundation are pleased with the success of the Partners in Nursing Program and have drafted recommendations for the continuation of the program beyond the grant funding. Local healthcare partners were invited to the October 17th luncheon to learn how they could be involved in the future of this exciting program.
The goal of the PIN Program is to address the critical retention issue with first-time nurses or those returning to the profession. PIN supports the development of nurse leaders while placing current nurses and faculty in rewarding leadership roles. Through an innovative mentoring and professional development program, PIN established an active local nurse leadership network. Regular meetings of mentor and protégé pairs, complemented by monthly education programs, provided additional support for new nurses and gave experienced nurses a new leadership opportunity.
