Denver Health – Perioperative New Nurse Intern Program
Denver Health, like most hospitals across Colorado and the country, experienced the effects of the health care workforce shortage issue. Denver Health also noted high vacancy rates in the operating room. In response to this challenge, Denver Health implemented the Perioperative New Nurse Intern Program (PNNIP), which was available to both experienced and new graduate nurses who had interest in pursuing a career in the OR.
The goals and objectives of this program include the following:
- Recruit, educate, and retain perioperative nurses.
- Provide students with consistent, high-quality education that prepares them to work safely and effectively in the perioperative setting.
- Educate students on team-based, patient centered care tenets.
The PNNIP program has realized many successes to date. In 2022, 10 nurses completed the program and Denver Health retained 80% of those nurses. Costs saving measures include decreasing the number of traveler positions. Staff satisfaction and morale significantly improved as this program demonstrated the investment of both time and energy in permanent staff positions. Additionally, due to the success of this program, Denver Health hired a second educator whose sole responsibility is to manage this program. In 2023, Denver Health hired 11 nurses who completed the program, and added a scrub tech component to the orientation to allow for more versality in the role.
To learn more about this program, please contact Amanda Hesemeyer, RN ([email protected]).
