From theory to practice ... a career ladder that works

Frustrated with an increasing turnover rate and role ambiguity, nursing leaders at The University Hospitals sought to implement a program to enhance recruitment and retention efforts. Nursing administration members thought that a career ladder would foster continued development of the novice as well as the expert practitioner. The collaborative efforts of representatives from The University Hospitals, which is made up of Oklahoma Memorial Hospital, Children's Hospital of Oklahoma, and O'Donoghue Rehabilitation Institute, resulted in an eight-tier, four-track career ladder. After 2 years, The University Hospitals Career Ladder continues to be an effective tool for recruiting and retaining nurses.