In the midst of a nationwide staffing shortage in the healthcare industry, Warren General Hospital is transitioning where staff work and what duties they perform.

While the hospital has implemented a slew of initiatives to recruit and retain staff, it is also transitioning the roles of certified nursing assistants and licensed practical nurses throughout its service sectors.

“We are currently transitioning from CNAs that take care of patients’ daily activities to PCTs,” Director of Marketing and Communication Mary Ridout said. “They have experience, education and skills to include more patient care interventions (such as) EKG (cardiac monitoring) and phlebotomy to support the nursing team and allow them to practice to the top of their license.”

The hospital is providing customized training based on a CNAs existing skill set to broaden what they can do.

In his annual report to the hospital boards, CEO Rick Allen said the initiative would “consolidate roles to provide more efficient support in the patient care team” and create redundancy in skill sets to support patient care needs.”

At the same time, the hospital is introducing LPNs to the cancer care center. LPNs are being introduced to medical and radiation oncology practices and as support for registered nurses in infusion services.

“Our cancer care center has introduced LPNs to support the daily practice and physician office component to enable RNs to be more available for chemotherapy and advanced oncology care,” Ridout said.

RECRUITMENT/RETENTION STRATEGIES

In an effort to retain and recruit staff, the hospital has implemented the following initiatives:

Up to $15,000 sign-on bonus (or tuition reimbursement paid directly to the school) based on position,

Up to $5,000 referral bonus for current employees, amounts set for different positions,

Annual continuing education reimbursement credit for current employees,

Tuition loan repayment via the Federal PSFL program,

Tuition assistance,

Onsite college visits at Jamestown Community College, JCC Olean, Gannon, Mercyhurst, Edinboro, Penn State Behrend, Pitt Bradford, and Clarion,

Attending October job fairs in Warren, Erie, and Jamestown, New York,

Social media advertisements targeting students in local nursing schools via geofencing campaigns,

Advertisement on job boards,

Targeted postcard mailings,

Billboard advertisement,

Participation in the Warren County Career Center Advisory Board,

Fun Committee events,

“Appreciograms,”

Service awards,

Employee surveys.