By:  Eileen Manniste, MSN, RN and Sylvia Sloane Jones, DNP, MSN, APRN, RNC

The pandemic ushered in a new era of unprecedented challenges and transformations across various sectors, with nursing withstanding a substantial impact. We saw significant numbers of highly qualified nurses choose to leave the profession for new opportunities or to retire, while others opted to resign from established positions to accept lucrative travel nursing jobs. Without a reserve of qualified newly licensed nurses waiting in the wings to take these vacant positions, it was what many in healthcare called “the perfect storm.”

Fortunately, even in the wake of the unforeseen COVID-19 pandemic, the nursing landscape is changing in positive and exciting ways. Broward Health, for example, is developing and implementing innovative strategies that attract and retain nurses with new opportunities for career growth and development.

With so many promising nursing opportunities available for college graduates and those interested in pursuing a second career, Broward Health is reimagining the traditional pathways for nursing that are designed to reengage even more people back into healthcare professions. Today, the opportunities for professional growth in nursing are outstanding, and at Broward Health we are working closely with nursing students and novice nurses at the start of their careers to support their passions and preferred nursing career paths, which has helped to foster retention and career confidence.

Innovative Approaches to Specialty Nursing

With the workforce transitions of the past few years, there are now more specialty nursing roles that need to be filled. Recognizing the critical need for nurses in specialized areas, such as perioperative services, Broward Health has implemented creative initiatives to recruit and train nurses for these roles in collaboration with our academic partners. These innovative approaches provide exciting opportunities to specialty nursing areas that in the past were not readily available to nurses at the start of their careers.

Through our strong partnerships with academic institutions and our innovative first-year Nurse Residency Program, nurses are empowered early on to pursue their passions and chart meaningful career pathways within the Broward Health system. Broward Health’s commitment to this approach underscores its commitment to nurturing a culture of professional growth and continuous learning to equip nurses with the skills and confidence needed to excel in their chosen specialties.

Education & Transition to Practice

The positive news is that nursing student enrollment is trending upward, with Broward Health admitting dozens of new residency cohorts monthly. Broward Health has taken proactive steps to improve its collaboration with nursing academic partners, including Broward College, Kaiser University and Nova Southeastern University, by significantly enhancing clinical rotations, offering flexible scheduling options and optimizing nursing residency programs. By providing diverse pathways and support systems, Broward Health aims to attract and retain top nursing talent while ensuring a skilled and competent workforce.

At Broward Health, students, upon completion of their first year of nursing school, can apply to become a “nurse extern,” where they work part-time and one-on-one with a nurse mentor to advance their nursing skills, gain hands-on practice and experience firsthand our vibrant employee culture. This supportive program helps students to become better equipped for the transition to nursing and further elevates the quality of care patients receive in our hospital system.

To bridge the gap between academics and clinical nursing practice, Broward Health continues to invest in revolutionizing its Nurse Residency Program, which is a yearlong, evidence-based program that transitions students between nursing education and “real-life” professional nursing practice. One of the primary goals of the program is to improve the new graduate’s ability to think critically and develop the ability to manage outcomes, promote patient safety and deliver quality bedside care. To that end, Broward Health requires newly licensed nurses to engage in a unique and innovative residency program where they learn clinical competence, leadership skills, procedural policies and patient safety and quality care measures gained through hands-on skills training, virtual hospital experiences, seminars, lectures and coaching.

Broward Health is finding immense success through non-traditional learning methods, such as clinical scenario escape rooms, where nurse residents move through a three-day team experience and 15 different missions, which include diagnostic scenarios, patient communication and education situations, emergency response circumstances and more. Residents receive critical thinking clues such as rhymes, puzzles, locked boxes and invisible ink pen messages to help them complete their missions. These experiential training courses help to build confidence in new nurses, while making learning fun and engaging.

Community Engagement and Health Promotion

At the heart of Broward Health’s mission is a commitment to serving the community and promoting overall health and well-being. Now in its 86th year, the Broward Health sense of purpose is stronger than ever before. Nursing at Broward Health is not just a profession but a calling — an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and in our communities. We expect all our nurses to closely align their standards of compassionate care with Broward Health’s mission and vision for the community.

We are focused on educating the community through various programs, from stroke awareness screenings and educational events to memory disorder clinics and assessments. Broward Health nurses proactively engage with local high schools, licensed practical nurse programs and community organizations, providing educational opportunities and firsthand experiences to inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals. By fostering strong connections and delivering targeted healthcare initiatives, Broward Health empowers individuals and communities to lead healthier lives and reduce healthcare disparities.

Supporting Nurse Well-Being and Resilience

In light of the challenges posed by long hours, high workload and the potential for burnout, Broward Health places a strong emphasis on supporting the well-being and resilience of our nurses. With a central pool of 500 nurses serving all medical centers, the healthcare system ensures seamless patient care and dedicated team support. Collaboration among nursing, allied health partners and other departments creates a cohesive environment focused on exceptional patient care and compassion. This shared purpose drives Broward Health’s mission and vision, creating a welcoming and compassionate atmosphere for both colleagues and patients alike.

Looking ahead, as Broward Health continues its mission to champion a healthy community, nurses remain at the forefront of delivering compassionate and high-quality care. By embracing emerging trends, addressing workforce challenges and fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration, Broward Health is poised to lead the way in shaping the future of nursing and healthcare delivery.

Eileen Manniste, is Chief Nursing Officer, Broward Health North. Sylvia Sloane Jones is Manager of Nurse Residency Programs, Department of Learning, Broward Health.