Recruitment & Retention Remains a Priority at Oswego Health With a National Shortage of RNs, Oswego Health Offers Unique Incentives for Providing Care Locally

Posted on May 5, 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                                 Contact: Jamie Leszczynski
                                                                                                                                                (315) 349-5601
                                                                                                                                                jleszczynski@oswegohealth.org      

 

Recruitment & Retention Remains a Priority at Oswego Health   
With a National Shortage of RNs, Oswego Health Offers Unique Incentives for Providing Care Locally

(Oswego, NY – May 3, 2021) The American Association of Colleges of Nursing shared recently that “the U.S. is projected to experience a shortage of Registered Nurses (RNs) that is expected to intensify as Baby Boomers age and the need for health care grows. Compounding the problem is the fact that nursing schools across the country are struggling to expand capacity to meet the rising demand for care given the national move toward healthcare reform.” 

Ranked among the top 5% in the nation for patient safety, often a tagline used in their recruitment efforts, Oswego Health is stepping up this year in particular in their recruitment and retention efforts and thinking “outside the box” to offer unique perks to their employees to entice healthcare workers to provide care locally, including:

The RN Tuition Assistance program is offered to current employees at Oswego Health looking to advance their training as a Registered Nurse. The program will reimburse employees up to $10,000 per year as they look to earn their Advanced Degree in Nursing, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, or Master of Science in Nursing.

“We know firsthand that a highly-educated nursing workforce strengthens the quality of care provided to patients,” stated Vice President of Human Resources, Marquand Brown. “Since launching this program at the start of 2020 we’ve already had nineteen employees receive tuition assistance, totaling over $75,000 in funding towards their education.

Among those who recently graduated and participated in the program, Stacy Steven shares “when the RN Tuition Assistance program became available, I was already halfway through receiving my Associates in Nursing. Honestly, I was just going to power through, but this program gave me much-needed financial relief. I saved so much money and headache by not having to take out a personal loan. This program is such a benefit for anyone who wants to grow in their career while working.”

Another new program just recently launched at Oswego Health is an Emergency Services Residency. This program offers on-the-job training for Graduate Nurses through a 12-month residency with a 3-month critical care rotation.  Throughout the fully compensated residency, candidates will have 150+ hours of classroom education including pharmacology, IV therapy, telemetry, critical care, TNCC, and ENCP, all with Structured clinical orientation with experienced preceptors.  The program offers the opportunity to advance from a GN to RN2 at the completion of residency.

“As a small community healthcare system our employees have opportunities for advancement across varying divisions, however, we knew we needed to identify programs that would personally benefit employees,” shared Director of Nursing, Melissa Purtell. “Whether that be helping to support their continuing education through tuition assistance or the experience of a residency program right out of college.”

Oswego Health has already had five employees complete the residency program.  

Recent residency graduate, Josh Pritchard, shares "During the program, I was able to experience several areas from maternity to behavioral health. This experience was critical to understanding how the health system works and truly provides me with a unique perspective in caring for my patients in the ED.”

New employees or those interested in working for Oswego Health are eligible to apply at www.oswegohealth.org

 

Photo Captions:

{1} (Participants left to right) Paige Blum, Jennifer Fassano, Josh Pritchard, Mitchal Pettit currently work in the Emergency Department at Oswego Health and participated in the Emergency Services Residency Program.

 

# # #

 

 

Other Member News

Broadway in Syracuse
July 26, 2024

TICKETS FOR CAMERON MACKINTOSH’S ACCLAIMED PRODUCTION OF BOUBLIL AND SCHÖNBERG’S LES MISÉRABLES WILL GO ON SALE JULY 29TH AT 10AM

This reborn dream of a production looks and sounds fresher than ever. Sends shivers of excitement racing down the spine - You emerge feeling stirred and exhilarated.

Logo for Dannible & McKee, LLP
July 25, 2024

Dannible & McKee, LLP Announces the Promotion of 18 Professionals

The commitment to excellence from these 18 professionals is well demonstrated, and we congratulate them on their achievements.

Park Strategies Managing Director Featured in syracuse.com Article on New York's Cannabis Industry Rollout
July 24, 2024

Park Strategies Managing Director Featured in syracuse.com Article on New York's Cannabis Industry Rollout

His advocacy, born from an understanding of coalition-building and decision-making, has been influential amid many regulatory challenges.

Forbes Best Employers for Women logo
July 23, 2024

Excellus BlueCross BlueShield Recognized by Forbes as One of America’s Best Employers for Women 2024

This award highlights the organization’s ongoing commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where women can thrive and advance their careers.

Ashley McGraw Architects
July 23, 2024

Ashley McGraw Architects Acquires studioMLA Architects, A National Leader in Early Education Design

Founded in 2006, studioMLA Architects is recognized as a national leader in the design of early education facilities along with nature-inspired playscapes for young children.

Mike Becallo
July 23, 2024

Michael Becallo Joins Oswego Health as Community Relations Representative

Originally from Cicero, Becallo is well-routed in CNY and brings over 15 years of healthcare experience.

Kate Weidman, Deputy Executive Director, AURORA of CNY
July 19, 2024

AURORA of CNY Announces Leadership Changes

Weidman will transition into the role of Executive Director following the retirement of current Executive Director Debra Chaiken, ensuring a seamless succession in leadership.

Credit Score 101
July 17, 2024

Credit Score 101 - Everything You Need to Know

Understanding and managing your credit score is a key step towards achieving financial stability and success. 

Larry Bousquet
July 16, 2024

Crouse Health Board of Directors Welcomes Two New Members

The Crouse Health Board of Directors has appointed two new directors.