Document Type
Poster
Publication Date
2025-05-05
Abstract
Hospice Preceptor Training Program
Elizabeth Draper, BSN, RN, CHPN
May 5, 2025
Abstract
A large hospice organization in the Midwest is experiencing a hospice nurse shortage that is negatively impacting patient care, operations, and financial stability. The hospice organization has lost nurses due to retirement, burnout, and heavy workloads. New hospice nurses are hired, but many are leaving the organization before their one-year anniversary. The hospice admission department has the highest new hire turnover rate in the organization. This is a problem because the admissions nurse is the first hospice team member the patient and family meet. The admissions nurse explains hospice philosophy and services, assesses the patient for hospice eligibility, and initiates the plan of care. If the admissions process does not go smoothly, it can negatively impact the patient experience. Preceptor training is a strategy that has been proven to decrease new hire turnover. The Hospice Preceptor Training Program is an educational offering that was designed with the goal of reducing turnover among new hires in the hospice admissions department, using evidence-based strategies. The program will include an initial interactive in-person class, online resources, and quarterly follow-up meetings. The expected result is that the new hire turnover rate will decrease, which will have a positive impact on staffing in the hospice admission department. Improved staffing with better prepared nurses will improve team member job satisfaction, patient care outcomes, and the financial stability of the organization.
Keywords: hospice, preceptor, preceptor training, new hire turnover rate, nurse shortage
License
1
