Retention can be improved!

A unique program has been developed to encourage retention of nurses who prefer to remain in direct patient care roles. Both recognition and monetary reward are available to nurses who join the "Professional Excellence in Nursing" (PEN) program. The underlying philosophy is that stable employment, clearly defined and attainable goals and recognition for a higher level of performance are keys to job satisfaction--and thus to retention. Evaluative data on this young program are not available but informal surveys indicate a positive outcome.