Issue link: https://beckershealthcare.uberflip.com/i/1414493
45 NURSING SPOTLIGHT 4 incentives an Oklahoma system is using to attract, retain nurses By Gabrielle Masson O klahoma City-based OU Health is launching several new incentives to address an ongoing nurse shortage, report- ed NBC affiliate KFOR-TV. The organization currently has a 19 percent vacancy rate for nursing positions and a 47 percent turnover rate, reported KFOR-TV. Below are four initiatives the Oklahoma health system is imple- menting to retain and recruit nurses: 1. OU Health is providing retention bonuses to current nurses. 2. The system is launching the "Travel at Home" program, which gives current nurses the option to be paid a traveling nurse rate instead of receiving a benefits package, unless legally mandated. 3. The "Weekend Program" gives nurses 72 hours of pay for 48 hours of work if they complete four 12-hour weekend shifts every two week pay period. 4. The system will give nurses a tuition reimbursement of $5,250 per year for any accredited nursing program, or they can apply for scholarships in three different degree programs. n 37 states where nurses can earn a multistate license By Mackenzie Bean T hirty-seven states have joined the Nurse Li- censure Compact, which allows registered nurses and licensed practical/vocational nurses to practice in person or via telehealth in all participating states under one multistate license. e compact aims to improve access to care by making it easier for nurses to work across state lines, according to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. States that have implemented the compact as of July 28: • Alabama • Arizona • Arkansas • Colorado • Delaware • Florida • Georgia • Idaho • Indiana • Iowa • Kansas • Kentucky • Louisiana • Maine • Maryland • Mississippi • Missouri • Montana • Nebraska • New Hampshire • New Mexico • North Carolina • North Dakota • Oklahoma • South Carolina • South Dakota • Tennessee • Texas • Utah • Virginia • West Virginia • Wisconsin • Wyoming States that signed the compact into law, but have not implemented it: • New Jersey (date to be determined) • Ohio (implementation set for Jan. 1, 2023) • Pennsylvania (date to be determined) • Vermont (implementation set for Feb. 1, 2022) n CoxHealth creates new nurse position: 4 notes on the role of support RNs By Gabrielle Masson S pringfield, Mo.-based CoxHealth has created a new nursing position as nursing demand rises. Four things to know: 1. e role, dubbed "support RNs" is open to nurses who will assist floor nurses in managing the care of medical and surgical patients, according to a July 21 press release. 2. e support RNs will help other nurses assess patient conditions, administer medications, change dressings, monitor vital signs, keep records and provide patients and families with support and education. 3. "ese positions are good for any RNs, but may be perfect for some- one who is retired and looking for a way to give back to the community," said Celeste Cramer, system director of recruitment and retention at CoxHealth. "We are looking for people who want to come in and make a difference, particularly during this time, but on a flexible schedule." 4. Support RN positions are available at all of CoxHealth's hospital campuses in Springfield, Branson, Monett and Lamar. n