Ramonita Jiménez, DNP, MPA, RN, NEA-BC, Chief Nursing Officer with Hackensack University Medical Center joins our Healthcare Experience Matters Podcast this week.

We are honored to have Dr. Jiménez join our weekly program to discuss the variety of innovative ways medical institutions of all scopes and sizes can effectively address nurse retention challenges.

Dr. Jiménez discusses an array of innovative strategies that can be applied to address nurse retention challenges effectively in medical institutions of all sizes. She highlights the importance of nurse engagement, shared governance models, and the power of listening to the front-line team members.

Moreover, Dr. Jiménez unveils a groundbreaking initiative, the four-day workweek.

When it comes to retaining nurses, she emphasizes the impact of advocating for resources and getting creative to make positive changes. The beauty of today’s conversation is that it can be applied to larger institutions, like Hackensack University Medical Center, and much smaller-scale healthcare settings alike.

Dr. Jiménez’s Journey

As she shared her background, it was clear that Dr. Jiménez’s journey to becoming a chief nursing officer was driven by her passion for caring and helping others.

From her early days as a nursing assistant to her role as a senior executive, her commitment to the profession and patient care was unwavering. Her inspiring story serves as a testament to the possibilities and opportunities within the healthcare field for those who are dedicated and driven.

A Multifaceted Solution

Dr. Jiménez emphasized that nurse retention is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s a multifaceted challenge that requires a combination of strategies and creative problem-solving. She highlighted some of the key elements that contribute to nurse retention, including providing nurses with the necessary tools, equipment, and skill sets to excel in their roles.

Moreover, a supportive and empowering work environment, like the shared governance model they have in place at Hackensack, enables nurses to be active contributors and decision-makers.

One of the standout initiatives discussed was the four-day workweek. This innovative approach aimed to provide a better work-life balance for nurses who had been working tirelessly during the pandemic. The results of the pilot program were encouraging, with higher team member engagement and patient satisfaction scores.

This initiative not only serves as an example of creative thinking but also emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and supporting nursing leaders who have dedicated themselves to their teams and patients.

Stay Connected

Furthermore, Dr. Jiménez discussed the importance of leveraging technology, such as virtual nursing, to support nurse retention. In today’s rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, adopting innovative tools and practices can have a substantial impact.

Another noteworthy aspect of Dr. Jiménez’s approach is her commitment to staying connected with the front-line teams. She practices what she preaches by participating in daily rounds on nursing units and hosting regular town hall meetings to ensure she hears from the nurses directly. This close and attentive leadership style creates an atmosphere of trust and collaboration, which are vital for retaining nursing staff.

Dr. Jiménez recognizes that working in a large, academic, and well-resourced hospital like Hackensack University Medical Center can present different challenges compared to smaller community hospitals.

Driving Positive Changes

However, her message to leaders in smaller institutions is clear: don’t be discouraged by the differences in scale. Creative solutions, effective budget management, and strong advocacy can drive positive changes in any healthcare setting.

Dr. Jiménez’s innovative strategies, dedication to nurse well-being, and her inspiring journey from a young nurse’s dream to becoming a CNO offer valuable guidance to healthcare leaders striving to retain their nursing teams and provide exceptional patient care.

Her closing quote by Dr. John C. Maxwell left us inspired. She reminds us that leadership is about adapting to challenges and staying the course, no matter the circumstances.

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Nursing, PRC