As nurse burnout and staffing shortages continue to challenge the healthcare sector, AdventHealth has launched an initiative aimed at alleviating these issues. The healthcare organization’s clinical ladder program, introduced in August 2023 at its Castle Rock facility, is designed to empower nurses to advance their careers while enhancing patient care.
The clinical ladder program provides bedside nurses with opportunities to engage in diverse activities beyond their daily routines. According to Ellery Reed, Chief Nursing Officer at AdventHealth Castle Rock, the program encourages nurses to participate in committees, lead improvement initiatives, and pursue further education or certifications. “When you do the same thing, day in and day out, you can get burned out as well,” Reed noted, emphasizing the need for professional growth.
By earning points through these activities, nurses can ascend various levels of the clinical ladder, each accompanied by a corresponding pay increase. “For all these points that they obtain, they go into a different level of the clinical ladder, which has a different additional payment assigned to it,” Reed explained. Additionally, AdventHealth covers the costs of certification exams, ensuring that nurses do not incur financial burdens while pursuing their professional development.
The response to the program has been overwhelmingly positive. As of now, 70% of the nursing staff at AdventHealth Castle Rock have engaged with the clinical ladder program, reaching various levels of advancement. Reed highlighted its effectiveness in combating burnout, particularly in the wake of increased pressures during the pandemic. “In some units, we’ve decreased turnover by 75% since the implementation of this program,” she said.
Nurse Nichole Searle, an acute care RN and charge nurse, shared her experience with the program, stating, “I just needed something new and something different to be more engaged with and learn more.” The initiative not only boosts morale among the nursing staff but also enhances patient care quality. “What you’re doing behind the scenes to further yourself as a nurse makes a huge difference in your patient care,” said Sarah Sachs, a nurse leader at AdventHealth Castle Rock.
The success of the clinical ladder program has prompted AdventHealth to consider extending similar initiatives to other healthcare professionals within their system. By prioritizing the development of its nursing staff, AdventHealth is setting a precedent for addressing burnout and improving the overall healthcare environment. This innovative approach underscores the growing recognition of the need for systemic changes to support healthcare workers in their demanding roles.
