Kentucky hospitals are trying to recruit and retain nurses amid the nation's impending nursing shortage, according to a report on DailyNurse.com.
Here are five things to know.
1. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment of registered nurses nationwide will grow 16 percent by 2024, more than double the average growth rate of 7 percent for all occupations.
2. To address this, Kentucky hospitals seek newly graduated nurses as well as experienced nurses, according to the report.
3. One incentive being offered by Kentucky hospitals to attract nurses is cash bonuses.
4. For instance, Louisville-based KentuckyOne Health is offering nurses a $6,000 sign-on bonus if the nurse agrees to work at the organization for at least two years; it will pay off up to $24,000 in student loans for nurses making a four-year work commitment, according to the report. The report adds, "Many nurses are also offered cash bonuses for referring nurses with experience."
5. Incentives have brought positive results for a number of hospitals. John Elliott, chief human resources officer, told The Courier-Journal University of Louisville (Ky.) Hospital hired 100 nurses in 60 days.