A Perioperative Clinical Advancement Program to Improve Nurse Recruitment and Retention

The United States is facing a critical nursing shortage, with an expected need for an additional 1 million nurses by 2030. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated this issue, causing significant stress and burnout among nurses, leading to high turnover rates. Perioperative nursing is challenged with recruitment and retention because of the steep learning curve and limited undergraduate training opportunities. A community teaching hospital implemented a Perioperative Clinical Advancement Program to address these challenges. The program includes components such as The Art of OR Nursing, The Science of OR Nursing, The Essence of OR Teamwork, and A Unique OR Initiative. This new ladder led to improved job satisfaction, reduced turnover rates, and enhanced professional development opportunities for nurses. The pilot program's success highlights the importance of tailored retention strategies and systematic interventions to support and retain perioperative nurses, ultimately contributing to better patient care and organizational stability.