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WELLSPAN’S INNOVATIVE NURSING PROGRAM
STEADIES STAFFING CHALLENGES
The WellStaffed™ program places nurses at WellSpan
hospitals when and where they are needed most
YORK, Pa. (FEBRUARY 17, 2022)
– WellSpan Health today announces the
growth of its WellStaffed™ program of floating nurses across its
regional health system to address urgent patient care needs at each hospital
while also providing professional growth opportunities and expanded skill set
for the participating nurses. The program which operates across WellSpan
hospitals was born out of an approach utilized at WellSpan York Hospital
during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Based on the success of that
effort we have expanded the program to take a systemwide approach that
includes nurses from all corners of the counties we serve,” said Bob Batory,
senior vice president and chief human resources officer for WellSpan Health.
“It’s about finding a better way to attract and retain the most talented
nurses amidst a shortage that is impacting all health systems and the labor
market in general.”
WellStaffed™ is a growing pool of 52 dedicated team members. They
include both registered nurses as well as certified nursing assistants. Most
are internal hires, but 12 are new to the organization, inspired by the
opportunity to support various specialties such as behavioral health and
emergency medicine, expanding their nursing skill set.
“WellStaffed™ takes my
previous experience of a float pool to a whole other level. I love this
program because it allows you the opportunity to find out what your passion
is,” explained Ruth Brainerd, a registered nurse on the team who also is a
nurse instructor. “The flexibility in my schedule allows me to continue as a
nurse instructor and also share more ideas from my experiences with my
students.”
The program began in September
of 2021 and supports hospitals across WellSpan’s South Central Pennsylvania
footprint. These WellSpan employees receive full benefits, and the program
helps retain the talented nurses within the organization as a growth
opportunity.
“I love WellStaffed™
because it allows you to switch environments through different assignments
you take on. Each entity brings a fresh start along with its own unique and
different patient population,” said Rachel Mylin, a WellStaffed™
registered nurse.
The program does not replace
current hospital float pools, which are intended to cover daily staffing
needs as the WellStaffed™ team can cover multiweek assignments as part
of their duties.
Nurses interested in exploring
career opportunities at WellSpan Health can visit www.JoinWellSpan.org.
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