Institute for Nursing Excellence: a retention model

In 1989, the General Assembly funded initiatives for the recruitment and retention of nurses, including two pilot "Institutes for Nursing Excellence" designed to develop, recognize, and reward excellent staff nurses. The Wake Area Health Education Center (AHEC) implemented the pilot projects. In 1991, additional funding was obtained to replicate the pilot projects. The grant was awarded to the Wake AHEC from the General Assembly, through the newly established Center for Nursing. This cooperative effort between the legislature and nursing is considered a model of its kind in this state and possibly the nation. The purpose of the Institute was to develop mentoring, role-modeling, change, and lifelong learning skills in an atmosphere of renewal, rejuvenation, and trust.