CEO Memorandum CEO Recommendations for Middlefield Hospital

CEO Memorandum

CEO Recommendations for Middlefield Hospital

The Nursing Shortage

Nursing shortages have been a reality for much of the past three decades. It is not enough that we fill the spots that have been vacated, but that we fill them with nurses who have been specifically trained in areas of need for the hospital. This means that education is a priority, and mentoring is a large part of this.

One of the problems that studies have revealed is that the nursing shortage is also tied to a shortage of qualified instructors of nursing (Nursing School Network, 2012). We are fortunate to have a well-respected and prolific program in our region, but it is likely that this program will have to close because of the shortage of instructors. One of the methods for mitigating this issue is to find people who can instruct the next generation of nurses from this hospital. There are nurses within these walls who have been working as instructors for many years, but they are not being paid for that extra work. Since it is the goal if this hospital to continue to offer the quality service that we are famous for, it behooves the staff of this hospital to pass on its accumulated knowledge. In an effort to encourage the nursing staff to work as instructors at Essex College, we are initiating a partnership with that institution of higher learning. Nurses will be able to enhance their pay structure while teaching the next generation. This plan will be solidified and offered within the next two weeks.

Although nurses are paid relatively well, there remains a gap between the pay received and the job that they perform. Nursing is the most critical part of healthcare because nurses are tasked with assisting physicians while still maintaining close contact with their patients. Research has shown that the number one reason why people choose the nursing profession is that they believe that they will be able to make a difference in people's lives (Schwartz, 2003). Unfortunately this has become less the case since there are fewer nurses to cover more shifts. Thus, it behooves this hospital to promote nursing as a career in which an individual can make a difference. To make this promotion more attractive to the nursing staff, this hospital will encourage staff to participate in public health fairs and other public engagements to show nursing as an essential career choice. Nurses will be well compensated for their efforts. Also, high school and college students will be encouraged to shadow experienced staff to see what nursing looks like up close (Schwartz, 2003).

Employee Morale

Another problem has been brought to my attention and this has to do with employee morale. One of the issues here is retention and the fact that there is more competition for nurses in the area which increases the shortage. Of course the above directives will help in the long-term, but immediate action is needed. I have some thoughts on the matter, but it does not matter what I think, it matters what the nurses think. Therefore, I will be talking to all of the nursing staff as a critical part of my job. I need to know what the issues are so that I can fix them. It is critical for the success of this hospital and for the health of our patients that we retain the best staff possible.

Of course, some will think that this is just dressing and that nothing will change. However, I want to assure all of the staff that I will be available at any time. It is true that staff care is important so no issue is too small. I realize that some issues such as adequate staffing, desired hours and days off, and others will either take time or agreement between members of the staff, but they are goals we can work toward. It is imperative that you feel that you can tell me the issues you see with the hospital so that we can work toward solutions.