At Johnson City, Tenn.-based Ballad Health, creating a better nursing work environment is top of mind. To that end, creating a more efficient workspace is a high priority. That's why nurse executives and IT leaders came together to create its "Getting Rid of Stupid Stuff" initiative.
Though the name is somewhat cheeky, its intent is quite serious, as the GRoSS program aims to eliminate redundant documentation and optimize Ballad's EHR system.
"We're looking at ways to eliminate duplication, streamline workflows, and reduce inefficiencies — especially in a resource-limited environment where vacancies are high, and patient acuity is greater than ever," Lisa Smithgall, PhD, RN, senior vice president and chief nursing executive at Johnson City, Tenn.-based Ballad Health, told Becker's.
Some already-implemented strategies include a feature that allows nurses to cut and paste assessments when no changes are needed. There's also new equipment, such as vital-sign monitors and standardized IV therapy pumps, that flow data directly into the EHR without manual entry.
"These improvements aim to reduce frustration, prevent unnecessary overtime and allow nurses to focus more on patient care," Dr. Smithgall said. "Our goal is to improve their work-life balance and overall well-being."
The changes are especially important as more hospital patients are presenting with higher acuity levels. Dr. Smithgall said the hospital is still in recovery mode after losing a significant number of nurses during the pandemic. At the pandemic's peak, nurse turnover rate reached 24%. Now, it's 13.5% — the lowest in the system's history.
"This achievement is particularly significant, given our rural location where recruiting nurses can be challenging," Dr. Smithgall said. "We've seen a 20% decline in nursing program enrollment in our region since the pandemic, dropping from 500 annual graduates to 400 between 2022 and 2024. Despite this, we've been successful in capturing more graduates each year and maintaining strong relationships with nursing programs."
The system is also implementing new workforce initiatives to help reduce strain on nurses. This includes the creation of unlicensed positions for high school students, ages 16 or 17, who can act in roles such as nursing assistants, transporters or supply technicians. The work-study opportunities allow high school students to gain firsthand experience while still in school and will hopefully create a pipeline of future nurses.
"This program is particularly important for our rural communities, where healthcare resources are limited," Dr. Smithgall said.
The system is also a recipient of the Bloomberg medical education grant and plans to open a high school nursing program in the fall.